KB

Kevin Elijah Burgess, better known by his stage name KB, is an American Christian hip hop artist, rapper, and music executive. Hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida, KB has established himself as one of the most prominent voices in modern Christian rap.Beyond his musical endeavors, he is also recognized as an author, podcaster, and public speaker, engaging audiences on topics ranging from faith to social issues.

Known for his fast paced lyricism and deeply theological themes, KB first gained widespread recognition as a flagship artist for Reach Records and a member of the influential 116 Clique.He later founded the hip hop collective His Glory Alone (HGA) and transitioned into a leadership role as an independent artist and label executive.

Today, KB is celebrated for bridging the gap between urban hip hop culture and Christian theology. With multiple Billboard charting albums and Dove Awards to his name, he continues to influence a global audience through his music, his writing, and his popular podcast, Southside Rabbi.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Kevin Elijah Burgess was born into a military family on July 21, 1988, in St. Petersburg, Florida.Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Southern Illinois. Following his parents’ divorce when he was eight years old, he moved back to the south side of St. Petersburg with his mother.Growing up in a challenging neighborhood, he struggled heavily with severe depression during his teenage years.Despite excelling academically and receiving an opportunity to attend college through a high school program, his battles with mental health led him to experiment with drugs, causing a downward spiral in his life where he even contemplated suicide.

Education

After graduating from high school, KB decided to pursue theological studies.He enrolled at Trinity College of Florida, a decision that would profoundly impact both his spiritual life and his future career.It was during his time at college that he began to connect deeply with his faith and cross paths with other creatives who shared his worldview.

How His Music Career Started

While attending Trinity College, KB befriended a group of Christian rappers. Together, they formed a hip hop collective called His Glory Alone, often abbreviated as HGA.The group quickly gained traction in the Christian rap community by sharing their music and videos online.Their work eventually caught the attention of prominent Christian hip hop artists, including Lecrae and DJ Official.Lecrae was particularly impressed by KB’s talent and invited him to join the “Acquire the Fire” tour, opening the door for KB to sign with Reach Records just months later in 2010.

Career and Breakthrough

KB’s official entry into the music industry began with a feature on Lecrae’s acclaimed 2010 album “Rehab”.In 2011, he released his debut mixtape, “Who Is KB?”, which generated massive interest and thousands of downloads.His highly anticipated debut studio album, “Weight & Glory,” was released in July 2012. The album was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Christian and Gospel charts and cementing his status as a leading figure in Christian hip hop.

Notable Songs and Albums

Over the years, KB has built a critically acclaimed discography.Following “Weight & Glory,” he released the EP “100” in 2014, which debuted strongly on Billboard charts.His subsequent studio albums with Reach Records included “Tomorrow We Live” in 2015 and “Today We Rebel” in 2017. His 2012 track “Church Clap,” featuring Lecrae, became one of his most recognized songs and earned a Gold certification from the RIAA.In 2020, KB departed from Reach Records to sign with Essential Sound, releasing the highly successful album “His Glory Alone,” followed by its sequel “His Glory Alone II” in 2023. In July 2026, he released his latest album project, “This Cannot Be Sold”.

Awards and Recognition

KB’s musical contributions have earned him significant industry recognition.His EP “100” earned him a Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year.He secured another major victory when his 2020 project, “His Glory Alone,” won the Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year.His releases consistently chart in the top five of Billboard’s Top Rap Albums and Top Christian Albums charts.Additionally, his work as an author earned him a nomination for the ECPA New Author Award for his book “Dangerous Jesus”.

Personal Life

Outside of his public career, KB is a dedicated family man. He is married to his wife, Michelle, and they have three children together. He continues to maintain a strong connection to his local community and occasionally guest preaches at Living Faith Bible Fellowship in Tampa, Florida.

Current Career and Recent Activities

Today, KB operates as a multifaceted creative. In addition to recording and performing music, he serves as the visionary for his clothing brand, Native Supply. He also co hosts a popular podcast called Southside Rabbi, where he discusses culture, faith, and hip hop.Most recently, in 2026, he delivered his latest studio album “This Cannot Be Sold,” continuing his legacy of pairing elite lyrical skill with uncompromising faith.