Growing up in Wyandotte County (Kansas City, KS), Ryan’s parents did their best to shelter him from the drugs, crime and violence that is the typical fate of so many young black men. And they mostly succeeded. School, sports, art, and music was his escape. But while away at college on a Basketball scholarship, his parents were not there to watch his every move, and he took advantage of the freedom by pushing the boundaries of partying and night-life indulgence. However, it was also during his first year of college that the Gospel of Jesus Christ began to attack his conscience, and the Holy Spirit began to convict him of his sins. By the summer after freshman year, Ryan surrendered and placed his faith fully in Christ. Eventually, by God’s grace and a strong family support system, Ryan became more involved in church, urban youth ministry and even Gospel Rap music. Just when he thought that God wanted him to give up rap music because of its content, he was introduced to Christian rappers such as Flame, Da’ Truth and Lecrae, who remain his inspiration to this day! Ryan has since earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a master’s in Bible & Theology from Calvary University (Kansas City). He has also been married since 2011. Uptown was formerly in a rap group called God’s Anointed Soldiers, having released 3 albums, and performed and ministered in countless community outreach events, juvenile detention centers, prisons, clubs, churches and even theme parks!