Podcast Summary:

Tony Mantor’s Almost Live… Nashville
Episode: David Paul Brooks: From Church to Charts
Release Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Tony Mantor
Guest: David Paul Brooks (DPB)

Overview

In this episode, Tony Mantor sits down with David Paul Brooks, aka DPB, trailblazing gospel rap artist and former member of the Grammy and Dove-nominated group Disciples of Christ (DOC). DPB shares his journey through the music industry, from his gospel roots to the heights of musical charts, and discusses how his faith and commitment to positivity shaped his career. The conversation is rich with anecdotes, industry insights, and advice for aspiring musicians as well as anyone interested in the intersection of faith, creativity, and resilience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Musical Heritage and Early Years

[04:20–06:30]

• Family Influences:

  • DPB’s mother was a rock and roll singer who opened for Elvis Presley and James Brown before turning to gospel music, resulting in the Brooks Family Singers’ local legacy in Rockland County, NY.
  • DPB: “Music been in the history of my family forever. And when [my mom] actually gave it up to follow God, we became gospel singers – legends here in Rockland County.”

• Dual Exposure – Church & Hip Hop:

  • Raised with gospel but enticed by early New York hip-hop, DPB rapped on the side, inspired by his brother.
  • DPB: “I was probably kind of living both lives because New York is the home of hip hop… rap. Gospel wasn’t even invented yet at that moment.”

2. Integrating Hip Hop and Gospel

[06:31–10:13]

• Finding a Positive Voice:

  • DPB grappled with balancing church and street influences, always aiming to be a positive example.
  • DPB: “No matter what I did, I stuck with God… I never said nothing wrong… It was always something trying to bring them into a positive light.”

• Studio Beginnings:

  • Transitioned from home recordings to his first professional studio sessions, highlighting moments of humility and growth.

3. Evolution as an Artist & Role Model

[08:30–13:06]

• Intentional Positivity:

  • DPB realized “kids can only be what they see,” so he consciously modeled positive success and rejected glorification of negative experiences prevalent in mainstream rap.
  • DPB: “If everybody’s talking negative, why don’t I be the one talking positive? Give them a solution to how this will work.”

• Resistance Within the Church:

  • Found more opposition from the church regarding rap music than from the secular world.
  • DPB: “I have more people come against me in the church than… from outside… It was somebody secular who was really big [who said] ‘You should do the gospel stuff because nobody's doing that.’”

4. Disciples of Christ (DOC) – Pioneering Christian Hip Hop

[11:33–12:59]

• Formation & Success:
  • DOC became a groundbreaking act in Christian hip hop, earning Grammy and Dove Award nominations.
  • DPB learned the craft of songwriting, particularly the importance of hooks and bridges, allowing genre-defying crossover into Top 40, adult contemporary, and even country charts.
  • DPB: “How many rappers can get on the country charts – and the rapper write the song?”

5. Transition to Solo Career

[13:06–15:12]

• Adapting to Independence:

  • The move from a collaborative group to a solo act was challenging, leading DPB to employ dancers and family members on stage for support and to explore genre versatility in his music.

• Defining Artistic Identity:

  • Released diverse music (rock, country, pop), culminating in the song “RE Identity,” reflecting his evolving persona.

6. Navigating the Modern Industry – Independence and Recognition

[15:12–19:07]

• Staying Independent:

  • After DOC, DPB continued independently, later joining the indie label Donna Jean Records, and ultimately seeing greater success managing his own career.

• Chart Success Through Self-Belief:

  • Leveraged DIY promotion and faith, landing songs on Billboard and topping four major charts (country, pop, Christian, adult contemporary).
  • DPB: “I paid $200 for a radio promoter, and next thing you know, one of my songs is number 15 on the Billboard charts.”

• Achievements:

  • Won a Josie Award (the "Grammy" of independent music) – a milestone among 75,000 submissions.

7. Multiple Creative Ventures

[19:09–21:13]

• Books:

  • No Bad Days (how to live positively and avoid ‘bad days’)
  • DPB: Living a Life Undefeated (biographical coffee table book with a mini-movie, quotes, and a visual journey through 30+ years of his life)
  • DPB: “I haven’t had a bad day in 15 years. So I’m teaching folks why they shouldn’t have a bad day.”

• Merchandise and Media:

  • Clothing & shoe lines; music-based films and animations; active presence on platforms (see: worldofdpb.com and social media @worldofdpb).

8. Faith at the Core and Support for Others

[21:13–26:38]

• God as Foundation:

  • DPB credits his spiritual faith as sustaining both his career and personal well-being.
  • DPB: “When you don’t have nothing to go to. If every person has turned their back on you, I know God won’t.”

• Advice & Outreach:

  • Provides guidance daily via TikTok, teaching solutions to everyday problems and fostering resilience.
  • Discusses importance of “taking every thought captive” as a Biblical approach to mental health challenges.

• Direct Impact:

  • Often personally supports fans facing difficulties, offering practical and spiritual advice.

9. Looking to the Future

[21:21, 27:12, 27:50]

• Goals:
  • Hopes for a global ‘hope tour’, delivering messages of perseverance, unity, and faith.
  • Expanding outreach through songs like “American Strong”, “Undefeated”, and “Let It Go”, each aimed at empowering listeners to heal and move forward.
  • Ambition to “save 50 million souls” by spreading faith-based solutions for depression and adversity.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Gospel and Hip Hop Roots:
  “My mom was my superhero, so I knew God was the most important thing to stick with—no matter what.”
  (David Paul Brooks, 06:41)

• On Influence and Responsibility:
  “Kids can only be what they see. So, why can't I show up the right way to do it—without the drugs, without all the other things?”
  (David Paul Brooks, 08:31)

• On Challenges in the Church:
  “I have more people come against me in the church than … not in the church. … It was somebody secular who was really big that said, 'Man, you should do the gospel stuff because nobody ain't doing that.’”
  (David Paul Brooks, 10:45)

• On Evolving Musically:
  “If I'm doing a rock song, I'm going authentically rock all the way. If I'm going to do country, let's go country.”
  (David Paul Brooks, 13:40)

• On Industry Recognition:
  “In today’s age, it’s all about numbers. People don’t care if you've been Grammy-nominated back then. They want to know, what are you doing right now?”
  (David Paul Brooks, 15:54)

• On Faith as Anchor:
  “If every person has turned their back on you, I know God won’t. That’s the foundation.”
  (David Paul Brooks, 22:35)

• On Forgiveness and Freedom:
  “What cool is being free that you’re not free, you know what I'm saying? Just because you avoid something doesn’t mean you’re free from it.”
  (David Paul Brooks, 28:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:20] – DPB discusses family and early musical background
• [05:28] – Transition from gospel to hip hop
• [08:30] – Commitment to positive influence and being a role model
• [11:43] – Formation and success of Disciples of Christ
• [13:06] – Solo career adjustments and diverse artistry
• [15:12] – Building an independent brand; charting success on his own terms
• [17:56] – Winning the Josie Award
• [19:09] – Authorship and creative ventures outside music
• [21:13] – God as the foundation of his purpose and outreach
• [25:04] – Personalized support and counseling for fans
• [28:25] – Reflections on personal freedom and forgiveness

Additional Resources

• Books:

  • No Bad Days – Available on Amazon
  • Living a Life Undefeated – Available directly from DPB

• Music & Media:

  • Website & full catalog: worldofdpb.com
  • Social: @worldofdpb (all platforms)

Tone & Final Thoughts

The conversation is uplifting and candid, revealing the resilience and faith behind DPB’s artistry. Both Tony and DPB speak with mutual respect and warmth, imparting not just industry advice but universal lessons about forgiveness, determination, and the power of living with purpose.

Memorable Closing:
“Let it go. When you let it go now you can fly and your life can finally shine.”
(David Paul Brooks, 28:12)