Editing DC Talk

{{Short description|American Christian rap band}}
{{For|the album|DC Talk (album)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = DC Talk
| image             = DC Talk.png
| landscape         = yes
| image_size        = 
| caption           = DC Talk members left to right: [[TobyMac|Toby McKeehan]], [[Michael Tait]], [[Kevin Max|Kevin Max Smith]]
| origin            = [[Liberty University]], [[Lynchburg, Virginia]], U.S.
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Christian hip hop]]
* [[Christian rock]]
* [[rap rock]]
* [[pop rock]]
* [[alternative rock]]
* [[Christian R&B]]
}}
| occupation        = 
| years_active      = {{flatlist|
* 1987–2002
* 2015
* 2017–2019
* 2022
}}
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[ForeFront Records|ForeFront]]
* [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
* [[Capitol CMG]]
* [[Sparrow Records|Sparrow]]
}}
| website           = {{URL|dctalk.com}}
| past_members      = * [[TobyMac|Toby McKeehan]]
* [[Michael Tait]]
* [[Kevin Max]]
}}

'''DC Talk''' (stylized as '''dc Talk''') is a [[Christian hip hop|Christian rap]] and [[Christian rock|rock]] trio. The group was formed at [[Liberty University]] in [[Lynchburg, Virginia]] in 1987 by [[tobyMac|Toby McKeehan]], [[Michael Tait]], and [[Kevin Max|Kevin Max Smith]]. They released five major studio albums together: ''[[DC Talk (album)|dc Talk]]'' (1989), ''[[Nu Thang]]'' (1990), ''[[Free at Last (DC Talk album)|Free at Last]]'' (1992), ''[[Jesus Freak (album)|Jesus Freak]]'' (1995), and ''[[Supernatural (DC Talk album)|Supernatural]]'' (1998). In 2002, the ''Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music'' called dc Talk "the most popular overtly Christian act of all time."<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM">{{cite book |last = Powell |first = Mark Allan |title = Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music |publisher = Hendrickson Publishers |year = 2002 |location = Peabody, Massachusetts |pages = [https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofco00mark/page/239 239–42] |isbn = 1-56563-679-1 |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofco00mark/page/239 }}</ref>

In 2001, the group released an EP, ''[[Solo (dc Talk album)|Solo]]'', which contained two solo songs from each member. Since that time, DC Talk has been on an indefinite hiatus, and the three band members all have led solo careers and two have joined other groups. They performed and recorded individual songs together several times during the 2000s and 2010s, although the group never officially reunited or disbanded.

The group's musical style evolved significantly throughout its career. Its first two releases, ''DC Talk'' and ''Nu Thang'', were predominantly [[hip hop music|hip hop]]. Their third album, ''Free at Last'', also mainly took influence from hip hop while the group's music began to incorporate [[rock music|rock]] and other influences. The trio's last two albums, ''Jesus Freak'' and ''Supernatural'', were predominantly [[pop rock]]. They are currently on hiatus and no announcements of new albums have been made. In 2017, the band reunited for a cruise, and did so again in 2019.

==History==

===Formation===
While attending [[Liberty University]], Toby McKeehan met Michael Tait, and the two began to perform together. Tait had previously been featured on [[Jerry Falwell]]'s ''[[The Old Time Gospel Hour]]'' and with the Falwell Singers.<ref name="Rap Finds God">{{cite journal|last=Dougherty|first=Steve|date=January 24, 1994|title=Rap Finds God|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20107361,00.html|journal=[[People Magazine]]|access-date=June 21, 2009}}</ref> He also performed solo, what McKeehan later described as a "kind of an R&B/church-oriented music".<ref name="CCM_12_10">{{cite journal |last=Newcomb |first=Brian Quincy |date=April 1990 |title=Rhythm, Rhyme, & The New World Music |journal=[[CCM Magazine]] |issn=1524-7848 |volume=12 |issue=10 |pages=38, 40–41}}</ref>

The two joined forces to record a song that McKeehan had written, "Heavenbound".<ref name="Rap Finds God" /> They performed the song before an audience of 8,000 [[Liberty University]] students with McKeehan rapping and Tait singing the chorus.<ref name="Rap Finds God"/> The song was well received, selling out the approximately 3,000 copies<ref name="Rap Finds God"/> of their demo tape, ''Christian Rhymes to a Rhythm''. The tape included "Heavenbound" and was distributed by the group in the [[Washington, D.C.]] area.<ref name="Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music">{{cite encyclopedia|year=2005|title=DC Talk|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music|publisher=[[Routledge]]|last=Gersztyn|first=Bob|edition=1|volume=1|pages=97–98|isbn=0-415-94179-2}}</ref>

Kevin Max Smith came from a campus rock band to join the group.<ref name="CCM_12_10" /> Max was approached by Tait after performing [[The Imperials]]'s "Lord of the Harvest" during a chapel session. The two became friends and Max was introduced to McKeehan. All three moved off campus to live together.<ref name="auto">{{Citation|title=DC Talk - Narrow Is The Road|url=http://archive.org/details/DCTalkNarrowIsTheRoad|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> 

In 1988, the group independently released their self-titled album, a cassette-only release. This album would be re-released by [[ForeFront Records]] the following year.<ref name="Discogs">{{Citation|title=Discogs|year=1988 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/25287166-DC-Talk-DC-Talk-And-The-One-Way-Crew}} </ref>

The success of the group's demo tape eventually led to a recording contract with [[Forefront Records|ForeFront Records]] in January 1989.<ref name="Rap Finds God" /><ref name="auto"/> Shortly after signing the recording contract the trio moved to Nashville, Tennessee,<ref name="auto"/> and called themselves "DC Talk and the One Way Crew".<ref name="Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music" /> The name was later simplified to "DC Talk", which came to stand for "decent Christian talk", though originally "DC" was taken from [[Washington, D.C.]], where Toby McKeehan had formerly been rapping.<ref name="Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music" />

===''DC Talk'' (1989)===
After signing the recording contract with ForeFront, the trio released their self-titled debut album, ''[[DC Talk (album)|DC Talk]]'', in 1989 with Mike Valliere and [[Vic Mignogna]]. The music video for their first single, "Heavenbound", received airplay on the [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]] network.<ref name="DC TALK-Def, Not Dumb">{{cite journal|title=DC TALK-Def, Not Dumb |journal=[[CCM Magazine]] |url=http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11534591/page2/dc%20talk/ |access-date=June 21, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720203050/http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11534591/page2/dc%20talk/ |archive-date=July 20, 2010 }}</ref>

===''Nu Thang'' (1990–1992)===
Their follow-up full-length release, ''[[Nu Thang]]'', and a Christmas three-song EP titled ''Yo! Ho! Ho!'', were both released in 1990. ''Nu Thang'' had two successful singles: "[[I Luv Rap Music]]" and "[[Nu Thang|Can I Get a Witness]]".<ref name="Group_site" /> Apart from dealing with sctrictly Christian themes, the band incorporated songs addressing social issues, such as [[racism]] in the song "Walls" and abortion in "Children Can Live Without It".<ref name="DC TALK-Def, Not Dumb"/> The hip hop/pop styling of the album earned the band attention, expanding the group's audience, and by 1991, ''Nu Thang'' had sold 200,000 copies.<ref name="Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music"/> The band became an opening act for [[Michael W. Smith]] and received a [[GMA Dove Awards|Dove Award]].<ref name="Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music"/><ref name="Soupernatural">{{cite web|url=http://www.soupernaturalmovie.com/soundtrack.html#04 |title=Soupernatural Movie Soundtrack - dc Talk Bio |publisher=Soupernaturalmovie.com |access-date=September 21, 2011}}</ref> The release of their ''Rap, Rock, n' Soul ''video garnered a wider audience for the group, being certified gold for long form video.<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM"/><ref name="Soupernatural" />

In 1992, a year after its release, ''Nu Thang'' sold more than 300,000 copies and gave the trio two more Dove Awards.<ref name="Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music"/> In addition to the increasing attention that the group began to receive, DC Talk appeared on ''[[The Arsenio Hall Show]]'' that same year.<ref name="Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music"/> "Nu Thang" was eventually certified gold, selling over 500,000 copies, an impressive feat for a Christian artist at that time.<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM"/>

===''Free at Last'' (1992–1994)===
In November 1992, the group released their third album, ''[[Free at Last (DC Talk album)|Free at Last]]'', which was eventually certified platinum by the [[RIAA]] in 1995.<ref name="riaa">{{cite web|title=RIAA - Gold & Platinum Searchable Database |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626050454/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |archive-date=June 26, 2007}}</ref> In 2001, CCM ranked "Free at Last" as the ninth best album in Christian music.<ref>{{cite book
 | last = Granger | first = Thom
 | title = The 100 Greatest Albums n Christian Music
 | publisher = Harvest House Publishers
 | year = 2001
 | location = Eugene, Oregon
 | pages = 44–47
 | isbn = 0-7369-0281-3 }}
</ref> The album included a cover version of the [[Bill Withers]] song "[[Lean on Me (song)|Lean on Me]]" and a remake of "[[Jesus Is Just Alright]]", originally recorded by the Art Reynolds Singers.<ref name="Group_site" /> ''Free at Last'' stayed at the No.&nbsp;1 spot on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' CCM sales chart for 34 weeks and was the band's first album to top the [[List of number-one Billboard Christian Albums|Christian Albums chart]].<ref name="Group_site" /><ref name="Soupernatural" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/dc-talk|title=dc Talk Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref> DC Talk became one of the first contemporary Christian groups to perform on late-night television{{Citation needed|date=December 2018}} when, on November 12, 1993, the band performed "Jesus Is Just Alright" on ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno|The Tonight Show]]'' with [[Jay Leno]].<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/BPoR6DoW7RI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170213131043/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPoR6DoW7RI Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|title=Jesus Is Just Alright (Live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno) 1993|publisher=dc Talk|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPoR6DoW7RI|access-date=February 9, 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''Free at Last'' also garnered the group's first [[Grammy Award]] for ''Best Rock Gospel Album'' in 1994.<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM"/><ref name="Group_site">{{cite web|url=http://www.dctalk.com/dctalk.html |title=dc Talk homepage |publisher=Dctalk.com |access-date=September 21, 2011}}</ref> The success of the album is attributed to the group moving away from a rap sound to a blend of [[hip hop music|hip hop]] and [[pop music|pop]].<ref name="Soupernatural" /> The album also prompted the filming of a documentary film with the same name. In 1994, the band released a Christmas single, "[[We Three Kings]]", on the album "[[Joyful Christmas]]".

====''Free at Last: The Movie''====
{{Main|Free at Last: The Movie}}
During the ''Free at Last'' tour, the band was followed around by camera crews to film a documentary. The documentary was planned to be released as a theatrical film, ''[[Free at Last: The Movie]]'', and was heavily promoted on Lightmusic TV, a Christian music video show. After months of teaser trailers, they abruptly stopped, because the movie could not find a distributor.<ref name="uas">{{cite web|url=http://uashome.alaska.edu/~dfgriffin/website/dctalk.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111215021/http://uashome.alaska.edu/~dfgriffin/website/dctalk.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 11, 2009|title=Film as Art: Danél Griffin's Guide to Cinema:DC Talk: Free at Last|publisher=University of Alaska Southeast|access-date=August 18, 2009|author=Danél Griffin}}</ref> Eight years after the film was to be released theatrically, the movie was finally released on DVD in unfinished form. Some of the footage used for the movie was shown in the music video for "The Hardway".

===''Jesus Freak'' (1995–1997)===
''[[Jesus Freak (album)|Jesus Freak]]'' was released in 1995, and it achieved the highest first-week sales of any Christian release at the time,<ref name="Group_site" />{{Citation needed|date=December 2018}} reaching No.&nbsp;16 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name="Artist Chart History-dc talk">{{cite web
|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=dc talk|chart=all}}| title=dc talk: Chart History| publisher=billboard.com | access-date=August 18, 2009}}</ref> The album, which was ultimately certified double platinum,<ref name="riaa"/> was certified gold within 30 days of its release.<ref>{{cite journal | last =Herman | first =Michael | title =Expect the Supernatural... | journal =[[Christianity Today]] | year=2000|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2000/tait-0100.html| access-date =July 21, 2009}}</ref> This album was a fusion of musical stylings, with a more [[pop music|pop]]-[[rock music|rock]] oriented sound combined with [[hip hop music|hip hop]].

''Jesus Freak'' marked a milestone in the group's commercial career, as they signed a deal with [[Virgin Records]] in 1996 to distribute their music to the mainstream market.<ref name="Soupernatural" /><ref>{{cite journal|title=Supermen |journal=[[CCM Magazine]] |date=October 2000 |url=http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11535356/dc%20talk/ |access-date=July 21, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720203120/http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11535356/dc%20talk/ |archive-date=July 20, 2010 }}</ref> It also earned DC Talk their second [[Grammy]].<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM"/>

[[Jesus Freak (song)|The title track]] is also of historical importance. It is believed to be the first link between grunge and rapcore in Contemporary Christian music, and was the first non–Adult Contemporary song to win the Dove Award for Song of the Year. The song was also played on some secular stations.<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM"/><ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p27907|pure_url=yes}}|title=dc Talk: Biography|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 18, 2009 |author=John Bush}}</ref> "[[Between You and Me (DC Talk song)|Between You and Me]]" was a successful single, reaching No.&nbsp;24 and No.&nbsp;29 respectively on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s Adult Contemporary and [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]]<ref name="Artist Chart History-dc talk" /> and No.&nbsp;12 on [[Casey's Top 40]], while the video received regular airtime on [[MTV]] and [[VH1]].<ref name="Group_site" />

With the release of the album, the group launched a massive tour titled the ''Freakshow Tour'',<ref name="Group_site" /> which took the trio across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The group released a live video titled ''Live in Concert: Welcome To The Freak Show'' which contained footage from the tour.<ref name="Soupernatural" /> An audio CD of the soundtrack from the video was also released under the same title, reaching No.&nbsp;109 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Artist Chart History-dc talk" /> The CD ''Welcome to the Freakshow'' was certified gold and won dc Talk another Grammy award.<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM" />

The album is looked at by many as one of the greatest and most important albums to be released in Christian music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/breathecast-throwback-thursday-dc-talk-s-jesus-freak-changes-christian-music-forever-14002/ |title=BreatheCast Throwback Thursday: DC Talk's 'Jesus Freak' Changes Christian Music Forever with Most 'Overtly Christian Act' of All Time (VIDEO) |date=February 13, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006082556/http://www.breathecast.com/articles/breathecast-throwback-thursday-dc-talk-s-jesus-freak-changes-christian-music-forever-14002/ |archive-date=October 6, 2016}}</ref>

===''Supernatural'' (1998–2000)===
''[[Supernatural (DC Talk album)|Supernatural]]'', released in 1998, was their last all-new studio album. Upon release, the album overtook ''Jesus Freak'' to set a new record for the highest first week sales for a Christian release.<ref name="Group_site" /> It debuted at No.&nbsp;4 on the ''Billboard'' 200 charts, an unprecedented feat for a [[Christian rock]] album.<ref name="Soupernatural" /> ''Supernatural'' abandoned the hip hop/rap style found on the group's earlier releases to settle for the pop/rock sound.<ref name="Soupernatural" /> The group has stated in ''The Supernatural Experience'' video that this album was different; it was a collaborative effort of all three members.<ref name="Soupernatural" /> The singles for the album received their fair share of radio play on modern rock, [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]], and alternative outlets. The group then embarked on a 60-city tour across the United States titled, ''The Supernatural Experience''. Footage from the tour was combined with interviews and released as ''The Supernatural Experience'' video and was certified gold for long form video.<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM"/>

In addition to touring and recording ''[[Supernatural (dc Talk album)|Supernatural]]'', the members of the group went on to co-author a book titled ''[[Jesus Freaks (book)|Jesus Freaks]]'' in collaboration with [[Voice of the Martyrs|The Voice of the Martyrs]] in 1999. The book contains the shortened biographies and incidents in the lives of famous and lesser-known Christians who stood up for their faith. Since then, the group has co-authored a series of other books.{{Citation needed|date=December 2018}}

In 2000, DC Talk hosted a show titled Intermission: A Decade of DC Talk.<ref name="Timeline">{{cite web|url=http://dctalkunite.com/dc_talk/dctalk_timeline.html|title=dc Talk Timeline|publisher=Dctalkunite.com|access-date=September 21, 2011}}</ref> A compilation album titled ''[[Intermission: The Greatest Hits]]'' was then released, containing many of their previously recorded songs either remixed or in their original formats. Two new songs, "Chance" and "Sugar Coat It", were recorded for the album. ''Intermission'' reached No.&nbsp;81 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Artist Chart History-dc talk"/>

=== Continued success (2000–present) ===
In 2000, the members announced that they would be taking a break from the group to pursue solo efforts. They released ''Solo: Special Edition EP'', which contained two new songs from each member's solo ventures and a live version of the [[U2]] song "[[40 (song)|40]]" performed by all three members. The EP reached No.&nbsp;142 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and won DC Talk their fourth Grammy award.<ref name="EncyclopediaofCCM"/><ref name="Artist Chart History-dc talk"/>

During their hiatus, DC Talk has continued to sporadically release singles together, including "Let's Roll" (2002), which was about the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/song/lets-roll-mt0009338463|title=Let's Roll - dc Talk {{!}} Song Info|website=AllMusic|language=en-us|access-date=December 22, 2018}}</ref> Multiple compilation albums have been released during their hiatus, including the 10th anniversary versions of their albums ''Free at Last'' (2002) and ''Jesus Freak'' (2006), as well as ''8 Great Hits'' (2004), ''[[Freaked!]]'' (2006), ''The Early Years'' (2006), ''[[Greatest Hits (DC Talk album)|Greatest Hits]]'' (2007), and ''Back 2 Back Hits'' (2011).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/dc_talk/albums.jhtml?albumId=2691337|title=Back 2 Back Hits: Supernatural/Jesus Freak &#124; dc Talk &#124; Album|publisher=MTV|access-date=September 21, 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The three members still frequently show up at each other's shows and cover DC Talk songs.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/ps1YV6F2458 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20151017023655/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1YV6F2458 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1YV6F2458|title=TobyMac and Michael Tait are freaks...Jesus Freaks|date=February 21, 2010|publisher=YouTube|access-date=September 21, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/kevinmax/status/15221835335|title=Twitter / kevinmax: Trying to get a dct tour h|author=kevinmax|date=June 1, 2010|publisher=Twitter.com|access-date=September 21, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.louderthanthemusic.com/document.php?id=2282|title=News - TobyMac & Michael Tait Reunited On Stage At BigChurchDayOut|date=May 31, 2011|publisher=Louder Than The Music|access-date=September 21, 2011}}</ref> The band has also continued to help each other in their respective solo careers, including "Atmosphere" by tobyMac (2004), a cover of "[[The Cross (Prince song)|The Cross]]" by Kevin Max (2007), and "Love Feels Like" by tobyMac (2015).<ref>{{Cite web|title = DC Talk's 'Love Feels Like' Reunion Makes Long Awaited Debut on TobyMac's 'This is Not a Test' [LISTEN HERE]|url = http://www.breathecast.com/articles/dc-talks-love-feels-like-reunion-makes-long-awaited-debut-on-tobymacs-this-is-not-a-test-listen-here-30363/|website = BREATHEcast|date = August 7, 2015|access-date = February 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title = TobyMac - Love Feels Like (Lyric Video) ft. dc Talk|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reWLIs51e2Y|date = August 7, 2015|access-date = February 7, 2016|last = TobyMacVEVO}}</ref> Most recently, the band was featured on tobyMac's single "Space" (2022).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarachik |first=Justin |date=2022-08-21 |title=TobyMac Reunites DC Talk for the Song ‘Space’ on ‘Life After Death’ |url=https://rapzilla.com/2022-08-tobymac-reunites-dc-talk-for-the-song-space-on-life-after-death/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Rapzilla |language=en-US}}</ref>

Group members [[TobyMac]] and [[Michael Tait]], with assistance from Christian organization [[WallBuilders]], collaborated on two books: ''Under God'', published in 2004, and ''Living Under God: Discovering Your Part in God's Plan'', published in 2005. Both books are collections of American history-inspired inspirational stories with a Christian perspective.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7642-0008-3 |website=[[Publishers Weekly]] |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=1 October 2004 |title=Under God }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Miriam Ryan |title=TobyMac, Michael Tait - Living Under God |url=https://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/TobyMac_Michael_Tait/Living_Under_God/31971/ |website=[[Cross Rhythms]] |access-date=16 November 2021 |date=9 January 2007}}</ref>

In 2010, the trio performed with [[Aaron Shust]], [[Brandon Heath]], [[Matthew West]], [[Natalie Grant]], [[Steven Curtis Chapman]], [[Casting Crowns]], and some other artists to serve as the backing choir for "Come Together Now", a song about the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lancasteronline.com/blogs/crossrock/2010/01/26/come-together-now-the-christian-music-community-is-uniting-in-song-to-help-haiti/ |title="Come Together Now" … the Christian music community is uniting, in song, to help Haiti &#124; CrossRock |publisher=LancasterOnline.com |date=January 26, 2010 |access-date=September 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002211518/http://lancasteronline.com/blogs/crossrock/2010/01/26/come-together-now-the-christian-music-community-is-uniting-in-song-to-help-haiti/ |archive-date=October 2, 2011}}</ref> Later in the year, Kevin Max admitted that he would love to make more DC Talk music, but he thinks "that time has passed us by...". He then explained, "as individuals we are so different in our approaches that it might be quite a process."<ref name=":1" /> tobyMac released the song "Wonderin'" with his album ''[[Tonight (TobyMac album)|Tonight]]''; the song is "a warm look back at DC Talk" for Toby.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weekend22.com/phone.cfm?phuzzid=90|title=Weekend22|date=June 4, 2011|publisher=Weekend22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928160603/http://www.weekend22.com/phone.cfm?phuzzid=90|archive-date=September 28, 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=September 21, 2011}}</ref> On October 11, 2016, the trio came together to perform "Love Feels Like" at the [[Allen Arena|Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee]] for the 47th Annual [[GMA Dove Award]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://doveawards.com/|title=The 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards {{!}} Honoring Outstanding Achievements and Excellence in Christian Music|website=doveawards.com|access-date=October 12, 2016}}</ref>

In 2015, [[Gotee Records]] announced the issuance of ''Jesus Freak'' and ''Supernatural'' on vinyl.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=July 29, 2015 |title=First Ever Vinyl Release of dc Talk's 'Jesus Freak' and 'Supernatural' |url=http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/first-ever-vinyl-release-of-dc-talk-s-jesus-freak-and-supernatural/ |access-date=February 7, 2016 |website=CCM Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Reunion tour ====
In June 2010, Kevin Max tweeted that he was trying to arrange a reunion tour for "perhaps" 2011.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2010/10/20/kevin-max |title=Christian Pop Star Kevin Max On Wanting To Stay Close To Home |publisher=Celebrity Baby Scoop |access-date=September 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009132550/http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2010/10/20/kevin-max |archive-date=October 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2011, TobyMac stated that a reunion tour would probably happen "sooner or later", but not in the near future.<ref>[http://www.bclocalnews.com/entertainment/113632699.html]{{dead link|date=September 2011}}</ref> In January 2014, Tait indicated that he liked the sound of a "20-years-later" tour in 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/dc-talk-reunion-jesus-freak-tobymac-newsboys-audio-adrenaline-tour-13393/ |title=DC Talk Reunion 'Jesus Freak 20 Years Later Tour' Confirmed by Michael Tait? TobyMac, Audio Adrenaline, and Newsboys on the Dream Tour Bill Too : Song Stories |publisher=breathecast |date=January 2, 2014 |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref> but tobyMac commented that "nothing concrete is in the works" due to conflicting schedules.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.gcu.edu/2014/02/ageless-tobymac-talks-about-dc-talk-reunion-could-happen/ |title=Ageless TobyMac Talks about DC Talk Reunion (It Could Happen)|publisher=GCUToday|date=February 24, 2014 |access-date=January 19, 2015}}</ref>

DC Talk performed two concerts on July 13, 2017, and a third show on July 14, 2017 aboard the [[MSC Divina]] in the Bahamas on the reunion cruise. The group hinted at more reunions in the future.<ref>{{Citation|title = 7 Takeaways from the DCTalk Cruise|url = http://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=2114|access-date=July 21, 2017}}</ref>

In June 2019, the group performed on a second cruise. Michael Tait stated in an interview that DC Talk would be doing a "land cruise" starting in 2020,<ref name="Tour">{{Cite web|title = Michael Tait: dc Talk touring in 2020 and beyond|url = https://myktis.com/2019/06/michael-tait-dc-talk-touring-in-2020-and-beyond/|website=Myktis.com|access-date=June 19, 2018}}</ref> which they did not.

==Group members==
* [[TobyMac|Toby McKeehan]] – lead and backing vocals, drum programming, keyboards, samplers <small>(1987–2002; 2015; 2017–2019; 2022)</small>
* [[Michael Tait]] – lead and backing vocals <small>(1987–2002; 2015; 2017–2019; 2022)</small>
* [[Kevin Max]] – lead and backing vocals, keyboards <small>(1988–2002; 2015; 2017–2019; 2022)</small>

===Band===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Jason Halbert]] – keyboards, organ
* Brent Barcus – guitar
* Erick Cole – guitar
* [[Barry Graul]] – guitar
* [[Mark Lee Townsend]] – guitar
* Martin Upton – guitar
* Otto "Sugar Bear" Price – bass
* Will Denton – drums
* Rick Mayday May – drums
* Ric "DJ Form" Robbins – DJ
* Marvin Sims – percussion 
* [[GRITS]] – choreography
{{div col end}}

===Timeline===
<timeline>
ImageSize  = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea   = left:100 bottom:60 top:0 right:0
Alignbars  = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period     = from:01/01/1987 till:06/01/2011
TimeAxis   = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors =
 id:vocals  value:red        legend:Vocals
 id:album   value:black      legend:Album
 id:EP      value:gray(0.6)  legend:EP

Legend     = orientation:horizontal position:bottom
ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:1988
ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:3 start:1988

BarData =
 bar:TM   text:"Toby McKeehan"
 bar:MT   text:"Michael Tait"
 bar:KM   text:"Kevin Max"

PlotData=
 width:7
 color:vocals
 bar:TM    from:01/01/1987 till:01/01/2000 
 bar:TM    from:10/05/2004 till:10/05/2004
 bar:TM    from:09/12/2005 till:09/12/2005
 bar:TM    from:12/18/2007 till:12/18/2007
 bar:TM    from:02/21/2010 till:02/21/2010
 bar:TM    from:05/28/2011 till:05/29/2011

 bar:MT    from:01/01/1987 till:01/01/2000
 bar:MT    from:10/05/2004 till:10/05/2004
 bar:MT    from:09/12/2005 till:09/12/2005
 bar:MT    from:12/18/2007 till:12/18/2007
 bar:MT    from:02/21/2010 till:02/21/2010
 bar:MT    from:05/28/2011 till:05/29/2011

 bar:KM    from:01/01/1988 till:01/01/2000
 bar:KM    from:10/05/2004 till:10/05/2004
 bar:KM    from:09/12/2005 till:09/12/2005
 bar:KM    from:12/18/2007 till:12/18/2007

LineData =
 layer:back
 at:06/13/1988 color:album 
 at:01/01/1990 color:album
 at:11/01/1992 color:album
 at:08/01/1995 color:ep
 at:11/21/1995 color:album
 at:10/29/1996 color:ep
 at:12/22/1996 color:ep
 at:08/26/1997 color:album
 at:09/22/1998 color:album
 at:04/21/2001 color:ep
</timeline>

==Discography==
{{Main|DC Talk discography}}

*1989: ''[[DC Talk (album)|DC Talk]]''
*1990: ''[[Nu Thang]]''
*1992: ''[[Free at Last (DC Talk album)|Free at Last]]''
*1995: ''[[Jesus Freak (album)|Jesus Freak]]''
*1998: ''[[Supernatural (DC Talk album)|Supernatural]]''

==Bibliography==
;By DC Talk
*''[[Jesus Freaks (book)|Jesus Freaks]]'' (1999)
*''Live Like a Jesus Freak'' (2001)
*''Jesus Freaks: Promises for a Jesus Freak'' (2001)
*''Jesus Freaks Volume II: Stories of Revolutionaries Who Changed Their World Fearing God, Not Man'' (2002)
*''Jesus Freaks: Revolutionaries'' (2005)
*''Jesus Freaks: Martyrs'' (2005)
;By TobyMac and Michael Tait
* ''Under God'', [[Bethany House]], {{ISBN|0-7642-0008-9}}
* ''Living Under God: Discovering Your Part in God's Plan'', Bethany House, {{ISBN|0-7642-0142-5}}

==Awards and nominations==

===Grammy Awards===
{{awards table}}
|-
| [[1992 Grammy Awards|1992]] || ''[[Nu Thang]]'' || [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album|Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album]] || {{nom}}
|-
| [[1993 Grammy Awards|1993]] || ''[[Free at Last (dc Talk album)|Free at Last]]'' || [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album]] || {{won}} 
|-
| [[1996 Grammy Awards|1996]] || ''[[Jesus Freak (album)|Jesus Freak]]'' || [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album]] || {{won}}
|-
| [[1997 Grammy Awards|1997]] || ''[[Welcome to the Freak Show]]'' ||[[Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album]] || {{won}}
|-
| [[1999 Grammy Awards|1999]] || ''[[Supernatural (DC Talk album)|Supernatural]]'' || [[Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album]] || {{nom}}
|-
| [[2001 Grammy Awards|2001]] || ''[[Solo (DC Talk album)|Solo]]'' || [[Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album]] || {{won}}
|-
{{end}}

===Dove Awards===
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="2"|[[23rd GMA Dove Awards|1992]] || ''Rap, Rock, & Soul'' || [[GMA Dove Award#Miscellaneous|Long Form Music Video of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| "I Love Rap Music" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rap/Hip Hop & Urban|Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
|[[24th GMA Dove Awards|1993]] || "Can I Get a Witness" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rap/Hip Hop & Urban|Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Dove Awards of 1994|1994]] || "Socially Acceptable" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rap/Hip Hop & Urban|Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| "Jesus is Just Alright" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rock|Rock Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| [[Dove Awards of 1994|1994]] || "Luv is a Verb" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rap/Hip Hop & Urban|Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="3"|[[Dove Awards of 1996|1996]] || DC Talk || [[GMA Dove Award#General|Artist of the Year]] || {{won}} 
|-
| "Jesus Freak" || [[GMA Dove Award#General|Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| "Jesus Freak" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rock|Rock Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="4"| [[Dove Awards of 1997|1997]] || "[[Between You and Me (DC Talk song)|Between You and Me]]" || [[GMA Dove Award#Pop|Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| ''[[Jesus Freak (album)|Jesus Freak]]'' || [[GMA Dove Award#Rock|Rock Album of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| "Like It, Love It, Need It" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rock|Rock Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| "Jesus Freak" || [[GMA Dove Award#Miscellaneous|Short Form Music Video of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| [[Dove Awards of 1998|1998]] || "[[Colored People (song)|Colored People]]" || [[GMA Dove Award#Miscellaneous|Short Form Music Video of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| rowspan="4"|[[Dove Awards of 1999|1999]] || DC Talk || [[GMA Dove Award#General|Group of the Year]] || {{nom}}
|-
| DC Talk || [[GMA Dove Award#General|Artist of the Year]] || {{nom}}
|-
| "My Friend (So Long)" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rock|Rock Recorded Song of the Year]] || {{nom}}
|-
| ''[[Supernatural (DC Talk album)|Supernatural]] || [[GMA Dove Award#Pop|Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year]] || {{nom}}
|-
| [[Dove Awards of 2000|2000]] || ''The Supernatural Experience'' || [[GMA Dove Award#Miscellaneous|Long Form Music Video of the Year]] || {{won}}
|-
| [[Dove Awards of 2001|2001]] || "Dive" || [[GMA Dove Award#Rock|Alternative/Modern Rock Song]] || {{won}}
|-
| [[Dove Awards of 2004|2004]] || ''Free at Last: The Movie (10th Anniversary)'' || [[GMA Dove Award#Miscellaneous|Long Form Music Video of the Year]] || {{nom}}
|-
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.dctalk.com/}}

<!-- Please do not add fan pages to the External links list without discussion on the talk page and reaching a consensus among editors -->
{{dc Talk}}
{{tobyMac}}
{{Tait}}
{{Kevin Max}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dc Talk}}
[[Category:DC Talk| ]]
[[Category:1987 establishments in Virginia]]
[[Category:American hip-hop groups]]
[[Category:Christian hip-hop groups]]
[[Category:American Christian rock groups]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:ForeFront Records]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1987]]