Toby Mac is more than just your run-of-the mill triple threat. On one perspective, he ranks among the most successful artists in Christian music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim. On the other, he is universally recognized as a creative force, an artistic maverick and a prophetic voice for racial reconciliation, social justice and a fierce devotion to faith and family. On the third, he’s the most humble and approachable merchant of cool on the scene today.

Born in Fairfax Virginia, Kevin Michael “Toby” McKeehan, professionally known as Toby Mac, is a Grammy Award winning artist, producer, and songwriter. He was first known for being a member of the Christian trio Dc Talk. The trio formed the band Dc Talk in 1987. Dc Talk’s original sound was Christian hip-hop, but in 1995 they reinvented themselves with the release of the guitar-heavy Jesus Freak. Although they’d already won a Grammy for their earlier work, this album was a significant milestone, selling over two million copies, making it a double platinum record. Toby Mac stayed with the group from 1989 until they announced hiatus in 2000.

He has since continued a successful solo career with the release of three studio albums: Momentum (2001), Welcome to Diverse City (2004), and Portable Sounds (2007), as well as two remixed albums of the first two albums titled Re:Mix Momentum and Renovating Diverse City, respectively. Toby Mac has had six #1 contemporary radio hit singles including, “Made to Love,” and “Lose My Soul.” His live concert CD+DVD combo album, Alive and Transported, was released in 2008 and received the Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009. Christianity Today called him “one of the fifty most influential evangelical leaders in America,” and NtoU Magazine calls him “one of the most diverse and hottest Christian artists in our generation.”

The Diverse City Band, also known as Diverse Citizens, is the road band for Toby Mac. In 2007, they recorded their first single as a band, “Party (Citizens Come Out).” The song is featured on the Hip Hop compilation album, “Hip Hope 2008.” Deshon “Shonlock” Bullock has become the first of the group to emerge as a prominent solo artist, signing a record deal in 2009. The Band is Diverse since most of the band members come from different backgrounds, have different styles of music, and all have a strong stance against racism. Toby has been doing run for hope ever since 2009, where people come and run miles to help the community, it is led by Toby and Amanda McKeehan. The band also does dc Talk songs in concert such as “In the Light,” and “Jesus Freak.“

Each project brings with it an increased commitment to melody and soulful singing while maintaining his now trademarked rock/funk/hip-hop side. In August 2009, his audience received a taste of new music with the single “City on Our Knees,” another chapter in his quest towards a Diverse City. “City on Our Knees” has already gone number 1 on Hot Christian Songs and 55 on Music overall.  In November, his Winter Wonder Slam tour will travel from New York to L.A. for its fifth incarnation—this time with supporting artists Relient K, Stephanie Smith and B. Reith. His fourth solo studio album is slated to release in February 2010.

When asked what drives him, Toby responds “passion for my art drives me so long as I feel the Most High breathing new songs through me. I am committed to never rely on what has worked in the past and never fear what hasn’t. The canvas is blank and the colors are endless.”