Gio remembers vividly the moment music changed for him—it was the first time he encountered Christian hip-hop, a genre he never knew existed. At thirteen, his world shifted dramatically when the honest, raw lyricism of Lecrae and Andy Mineo pierced through his teenage confusion and sparked something deep inside him. Suddenly, music wasn’t just background noise; it was a lifeline, a powerful connection to faith and authenticity that he hadn’t realized he was desperately craving.
“I just remember feeling so deeply intrigued by it,” Gio recalls. “It was like someone finally said what I was thinking.”
Fast forward just a few short years, and Gio himself has become a lifeline for others. From quietly scribbling lyrics and recording tracks in his bedroom closet at sixteen, terrified anyone would actually hear them, to commanding attention with viral hits that resonate with millions, his ascent has been swift and surreal. But Gio isn’t interested in becoming just another viral star—he’s here to provoke deeper conversations through his music, exploring questions and doubts about faith with unflinching honesty.
His sound is intentionally boundary-breaking, blending melodic pop hooks with gritty rap verses in a style reminiscent of Post Malone and NF yet unmistakably his own. Initially, he wrestled with fear and uncertainty about pushing musical limits.
“At first, I stuck with what I knew people liked,” he admits candidly. “But once I stepped out and experimented, everything changed.”
Taking a risk with his breakout track “Mess It Up” showed him the power of creative bravery, leading him to confidently embrace an experimental approach that now defines his music.
“‘Mess It Up’ showed me the power of stepping outside my comfort zone,” he says. “It’s still my biggest song, and it’s because I wasn’t afraid to try something new.”
Community and collaboration played a critical role in Gio’s evolution. In the tight-knit circles of Christian hip-hop, he found encouragement and mentorship. He vividly recalls early days spent at concerts and industry events, soaking in wisdom and advice from more experienced artists.
“I wasn’t the biggest networker at first,” Gio reflects, “but I just loved being in the room with people I looked up to.”
Those formative moments shaped not just his music but also his understanding of the role artists play in fostering spiritual growth and authenticity in their communities.
His next project, Jericho, is a reflection of Gio’s commitment to musical innovation and spiritual honesty. Created alongside collaborators like Del Mac—a former secular artist who dramatically reinvented himself after experiencing profound spiritual transformation—Jericho explores diverse sounds and themes that break the conventional mold of Christian music.
“Each song has its own sound,” Gio says excitedly, highlighting the EP’s stylistic diversity—from worship-inspired melodies to energetic rap tracks, each song crafted to stand distinctively on its own.
Gio’s willingness to challenge norms is not limited to his musical style; it extends to his entire approach as an artist navigating the complexities of the music industry. Despite signing with a label, he maintains significant control over his music, strategically releasing singles every three weeks—a bold move that keeps him closely connected to his audience and consistently at the forefront of their minds.
“Three weeks just felt right,” Gio explains. “It’s a perfect balance—fans have enough time to digest the music, but there’s always something new on the horizon.”
Yet beyond strategy and style, at the heart of Gio’s music is a relentless pursuit of authenticity. He writes for the kid he used to be—the one wrestling quietly with anxiety and doubt, looking desperately for someone to voice the struggles he felt too afraid to speak aloud. When Gio speaks about the messages he receives from fans, from devout churchgoers to curious secular listeners, his voice softens with genuine awe and humility. These connections aren’t just career milestones; they are profound affirmations of his mission.
“It’s incredible,” Gio says quietly. “Music impacted me so much when I needed it, and now hearing from fans about how my music helps them…it’s hard to describe.”
Looking forward, Gio shows no signs of settling. His creative curiosity propels him toward a future filled with artistic experimentation—dabbling in nostalgic early 2000s influences and incorporating live sessions that flirt with jazz and band arrangements. Each step is guided by his core belief that music must be a space of honesty, risk-taking, and above all, meaningful reflection on life’s biggest questions.
Gio’s journey, marked by quiet beginnings and explosive growth, is a compelling reminder that authenticity resonates more powerfully than imitation. For him, every lyric, every beat, is an invitation—to question, to explore, to connect deeply with faith, doubt, and everything that makes us unmistakably human.
“Don’t let fear of other people’s opinions stop you,” Gio advises passionately. “Whatever you do, do it boldly and for the glory of God.”
