Markeise Wright aka 47th Disciple is an artist on the rise in the gospel hip hop world. 47th Disciple was born in Charlotte, NC where he grew up listening to gospel music, from the spiritual melodies of Kirk Franklin to the hardcore lyrics of T-Bone and Gospel Gangstas. One of seven, 47th Disciple, was well acquainted with the existential reality of poverty. It seem as if he lived in two worlds, one consisting of low income communities roaming from one place where poverty and crime affected his family; the other, with his grandmother, aunt and elder brother in a small house in the inner city of Charlotte. As a youth and young adult, 47th Disciple found himself dealing with the pressures of our society. Having to develop emotions and shape realities that seemed to be circumstances of adulthood, he found himself drowning in the mistakes of adulthood. Sports became a distraction from all of the negativity that surrounded him and academics would prove to be his way out. Playing football, basketball and boxing occupied most of his time after school, keeping him out of trouble and off the streets. He found salvation and spirituality at the age of twelve after joining Community Outreach Christian Ministries with his family. This new family brought with it great opportunity and also one of his greatest challenges. Opportunity 47th Disciple was given the chance to attend Charlotte Christian School. Predominately Caucasian and a school for the social elite, this new environment was a culture shock. Overcoming cultural barriers, 47th Disciple received an education second to none while excelling at football. His love for football led to a scholarship at Mars Hill College, becoming the first individual in his family to attend and graduate college. Challenge At the age of sixteen he found himself the father of a beautiful baby girl. Excited and confused, he begin to sacrifice his childhood in order to be provide. Leaving CCS after football season his sophomore year, he ended up at night school. But God was always looking out and providing. God opened another door and he was able to return the following year and complete his high school education at CCS.