Melodic, meaningful, hard-hitting rap bars and unrivaled musical acumen are attributes that aren’t often found in modern-day hip hop. Torrance Mackins Jr., who goes by the moniker of Mistah Mackins, is a Christian hip hop artist. But he’s not only a CHH artist—he is the embodiment of hip hop’s ever-evolving facets. The witty rapper, who was born in Waukegan and raised in North Chicago, Illinois, is already making waves, establishing himself as an authentic voice and the next worldwide phenomenon. 
 Born on February 5, 1987, Mistah Mackins cites Twista, Jada Kiss, Jay-Z, and Nas, as well as Murda Mook, Loaded Lux, and Jae Mills, as pivotal influences in his music. He has faced hardship and adversity, but music has been his solace and has pulled him out of many negative situations. He has an acute affinity with the facets of wordplay and lyricism. Taking a hard look at hip hop, he realized how much negativity there was in rap lyrics, with very little truth being spoken and an astounding amount of imitation and pretending. And so, he made it his mission to spread a true and positive message.