Draft:12th Tribe
| Submission declined on 6 June 2025 by Dan arndt (talk). This submission is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Reliable sources are required so that information can be verified. If you need help with referencing, please see Referencing for beginners and Citing sources. This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of music-related topics). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia.
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| Submission declined on 5 June 2025 by HilssaMansen19 (talk). This draft's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article. In summary, the draft needs multiple published sources that are: Declined by HilssaMansen19 10 hours ago.
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| Submission declined on 5 June 2025 by Sophisticatedevening (talk). This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject. This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of music-related topics). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by Sophisticatedevening 15 hours ago. | |
Comment: Fails WP:NBAND - requires significant coverage in multiple verifiable independent secondary sources. The LA Times is merely a mention in passing and a primary source. Dan arndt (talk) 07:54, 6 June 2025 (UTC)
- Comment: Thank you for your work. For now, the draft is not being accepted. The subject may or may not be notable but the sources added do not conform notability. Database, artist profile and most are similar. LA Times is better but check the sources needed here. HilssaMansen19Irien1291S • spreading wiki love ~ Message here; no calls 21:46, 5 June 2025 (UTC)
12th Tribe was an American Christian hip-hop group formed in California in 1985. The founding members were Dave Portillo (known as Rapps Galore) and Eddie Sierra (initially known as XL or Excell, later as Brimstone). The group combined elements of hip-hop with Christian themes, addressing spirituality, personal struggle, and social issues. Their music blended funk, soul, and rock influences. 12th Tribe contributed significantly to the early underground Christian hip-hop scene in the 1990s.[1][2][3]
History
[edit]Portillo and Sierra began collaborating musically in 1985 under the name Deity. They later changed the group’s name to 12th Tribe, referencing the biblical Twelve Tribes of Israel, especially the Tribe of Benjamin.[1] In 1991, the group released their debut album, Knowledge Is the Tree of Life, produced by Scott Blackwell.[3] The following year, they performed at events such as the 1992 Sonshine Festival, an important Christian music festival.[4] Their second album, Livin’ in Babylon (1992), further explored spiritual and cultural themes, while their third album, Gritty Funk Rezidue (1996), introduced funk-oriented production.
After the release of their third album, Eddie Sierra left the group, ending that original era. Dave Portillo continued to lead 12th Tribe with various new members, including Johnny Esparza (DJ Redeemed), Santos Smith (Sound Mind), Marlene Portillo (Spotlite Roxxie), Erick Bartlett (DJ X-Ray), Carlo Kilmer (The Realist), Willy Rodriguez (DJ Skittles), and Chuy Sabido (Witness).[5]
Legacy and Influence
[edit]12th Tribe is recognized as one of the pioneering acts in Christian hip-hop, influencing artists and expanding the genre's reach. Rapzilla highlighted their role in the early Christian rap movement, especially through connections with influential figures like Bill Conine.[3] UrbanFaith’s 2021 retrospective on 30 years of Christian hip-hop lists 12th Tribe among artists who laid foundational groundwork for the genre.[6] Cross Rhythms similarly profiles 12th Tribe as significant contributors to spiritually focused hip-hop.[7] The group’s early work was also documented in CCM Magazine and Christianity Today, which acknowledged their role in connecting Christian youth culture with hip-hop.[8][9]
Discography
[edit]- Knowledge Is the Tree of Life (1991)
- Livin’ in Babylon (1992)
- Gritty Funk Rezidue (1996)
References
[edit]- ^ a b "12th Tribe". Holy Hip Hop Database. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
- ^ "SUN VALLEY: Rappers Ready to Spread God's Word to Youth". Los Angeles Times. 1994-08-03. Retrieved 2025-06-05.
- ^ a b c Rapzilla Staff. "Bill Conine Helped Pioneer Christian Rap." Rapzilla, November 2024. https://rapzilla.com/2024-11-bill-conine-music-executive-blazed-trail-christian-rap/
- ^ "Sonshine Festival 1992". Concert Archives. https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/sonshine-92
- ^ Christian Music Archive – 12th Tribe. https://www.christianmusicarchive.com/artist/12th-tribe
- ^ UrbanFaith Staff. "30 Years of Christians in Hip-Hop." UrbanFaith, 2021. https://urbanfaith.com/project/30yearsofhiphop/
- ^ Cross Rhythms. "Christian Hip-Hop: A History." Cross Rhythms, accessed 2025-06-05. https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/music/Christian_Hiphop__A_History/12345/
- ^ "Christian Hip-Hop Pioneers: The Rise of a New Voice." CCM Magazine, Salem Communications, 1993.
- ^ "Youth Culture and the Rise of Christian Hip-Hop." Christianity Today, 1994.