Since his toddler years, Russell Hickman a.k.a Raptillion has always been
fascinated with rap music. For self entertainment, Russell would rap for hours
at a time to himself making up song after song. Although Russell was eager to
explore his talent, he didn’t really take his gift seriously until one Sunday
afternoon when he gave his life to the Lord. Russell spent a lot of time
reading and memorizing bible verses to strengthen his relationship with the Lord
and also help equip his lyrics with more biblical terminology. After 6 months
of seeking God and asking him what his divine will was, Russell knew that his
God given calling was to use his gift to win souls. Although he faced much
opposition from what he calls “traditional church members” and family, Russell
kept pressing on determined to do what God had called him to do. In
1991 he founded his first group called Eternal Crew. His mission for the group
was to take a message of hope and love to communities up and down the Eastern
Shore. The members of the group at the time it was founded were Terry Henry,
his brother, Trisha Henry, his sister-in-law, Renee Hickman, his wife, and a
family cousin, George Davis. The group did many shows and events
together where the watched souls come to Christ and families be restored.
Although the group enjoyed ministering together, the members of the group
decided to pursue other interests and callings. They went there separate ways
in 1995. Russell did not loose his focus for using his gift and continued to
look for other ministers to join his group. In the same year that
the original group went their separate ways, Russell met several new rappers who
joined his group and performed at concerts and other events over the next
several years. In 1998, the crew was offered a record contract from M.O.M.R.I
Records of Beltsville, MD. The group only consisted of Russell and another
member but God was truly opening doors for “the crew.” The crew was invited to
Christian Coffee Houses, Youth Detention Centers, Churches, and other events
where they ministered the gospel and saved souls. It wasn’t an easy road for
Russell but it was one that he was willing to travel if it meant being obedient
to God’s perfect will. Russell went on from his founding of Eternal
Crew to establish a new group after the other member in Eternal Crew went off to
attend Bible College in another state. Russell continued to pursue his calling
and founded the group Damascus Click. Although he was excited about the new
ministry opportunity, the group was short lived due to “personality conflicts.”
Russell wants it to be clear that,” Christians have personality conflicts just
like anyone else.” Although Russell now operates as a solo artist, he is still
inspired and collaborates with many other Christian Rappers.
www.soundclick.com/raptillion