Lil Capo has gone from a fledgling rapper to “one to watch” in just four years. His flow, content, and delivery make him stand out from an overcrowded rap genre. But under that same umbrella, a burgeoning class of Christian rappers is on the rise and changing the game by redirecting their aggressive lyrics from those who threaten bodily harm to those who threaten spiritual harm. Armed with a freestyle approach and a deeply held faith, he’s prioritized providing hope through his music and reaching those who are struggling.
Against All Odds is the eighth album by Lil Capo and showcases his best work to date. The 11-track album puts his artistic value and musical versatility on full display. Performed mostly with autotune, the effect of his visceral lyrics goes unchanged.
Taking a different step forward than with other projects, the album kicks off with “Rockstar Capo”, a quick introduction to prepare the ears for the auxiliary journey that’s about to take place. Substituting sounds traditionally found in trap music for percussion and electric guitars, he continues to spur inspiration while simultaneously experimenting with a different sound. “Lord I lost some battles but I had to stand my ground. Thankful for the Lord cuz he kept me when I was down, and now I’m singing praises to God cuz he turned my life around. Now Satan he’s defeated, now he’s looking like a clown.”
“Gaurdian” is one of my favorite tracks, not just because of the message, but because of the music. The lyrics are set upon a backdrop that audibly sings to the soul. In the same way the sound of a harp can whisk the mind away to a place of rest, the strings and synths that make up this three-minute track bring a sense of calm and positivity that can’t help but be amplified by the spirit-led lyrics that follow. Instead of the cache of terms that typically accompany rap music that degrades women, Capo instead delivers true “relationship goals” by painting visuals of Godly women. “See a P31 she my wife”, for example, refers to how Solomon detailed a wife of noble character in the Bible in the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 31. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Aside from the feel-good tone of the track, it’s also the first on the album to be done with a fellow artist and classmate who he credits his entry into music.
Early in my conversation with Lil Capo, he noted he was introduced to music creation by KOU!!! (pronounced “koo”) in eighth grade. “So I sat beside him in class one day and he showed me stuff on Spotify and Apple Music. I’m like, ‘How’d you get up there? You’re in eighth grade?’ So he started teaching me how to do the music and how to upload it.” The frequency in which he mentioned KOU!!! during our talk showed a deep appreciation and respect for the rapper and producer. Other collaborators include BTB Jxsh, KidTrills, VVS Big Rock, Prxdigy, Enzii2k, King Chai, Kempton Zalen, and Godxfearin. In the future, he aims to collaborate with artists like Hulvey, Emanueldaprophet, Caleb Gordon, Alex Jean, and Torey D’Shaun.
Singing songs and hymns, Lord keep us filled. Lord got my life, protect our souls, you keep us tight, through the night.”
The chorus from the track, “Gaurdian”.
You would never know that he was hesitant about releasing his music when he first began. Like any young teen, the pressures of acceptance were swirling in his mind. But over time, he overcame those fears and gained confidence in his music, recounting times like this on his track, “Made It This Far“. For three straight minutes, this young man bares his soul in a bold, transparent track of thanksgiving. “All those nights I sinned, I was doing wrong. I was lost up in the world it felt like I was gone. But it was cuz the enemy was all up in my dome. He made me feel so dark Lord, like I was all alone. Like I didn’t have a home. Lord I knew you, but I was doing wrong.” The chorus rang a simple message, “I can’t believe I made it this far Lord,” giving God sole credit for changing his life. The song gradually shifts from lamentation to appreciation, thanking God profusely for patience and grace.
“Destiny” is a song that serves as both an end game and a byte of advice. Testimonies, bold statements, and warnings are riddled throughout the track. Multiple times he brought up the temptress Jezebel and rejected her firmly, effectively stiff-arming the thought of someone so vile. A common theme in Christian Hip-Hop (which is a welcome change) is that the title of “opp” (an opponent or someone you take exception to) has been placed on Satan and his demons. “Yeah I’m talkin bout God is you hearin me? Yeah I’m talkin bout God is you listenin? If I see a demon yeah we killin it.”
Lil Capo, just 17 years old, is at an exciting crossroads in his life. Just months away from his high school graduation, the über-talented wordsmith has the option of pursuing a college degree, taking a gap year, or focusing 100% on his music career. He’s indicated that whatever he does, it will be outside of his home state of Virginia.
With 300 songs in his vault and a ninth album on the way (his graduation gift to fans coming this June), his talent cannot be understated. He makes at least one track every single day, taking no more than 20 minutes to complete, he scrutinizes his music more than anyone, serving as his own greatest critic, and believe it or not, he’s never written a song. Not one. “I don’t write my lyrics or nothing”, he said confidently. “Like, all my songs are a straight punch in freestyle.”
Yeah I got a Lord for the rest of eternity, Satan he talkin but it’s no concern to me.”
Lil Capo on the track, “Destiny”
With his Class of 2025 album set for a June release and a live performance scheduled for July 19 in Portsmouth, VA, the year is looking bright for Lil Capo. Still just a teenager, he ended 2024 with over 500k streams sharing his faith through music. A promising artist in the Christian Hip-Hop scene, his dedication to his faith, unique freestyle approach, and focus on impacting lives positions him as a significant voice in the genre. His prolific output, paired with his genuine desire to help others, makes him a compelling artist with a bright future.
You can follow Lil Capo on YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify. Hear from Lil Capo himself and more of my favorite tracks from our interview.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Provided by Lil Capo
Artist: Lil Capo
Album Title: Against All Odds
Genre: Christian Hip-Hop
Length: 11 songs, 29 mins.
Release Date: December 20, 2024