Rising Stars: Meet Isaiah “5elect” Seaborn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaiah “5elect” Seaborn.

Hi Isaiah “5elect”, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Colorado native, and I grew up in a music-oriented family. It was within that family that I accepted Jesus Christ into my life at an early age, during a puppet show. Around that time, I discovered how deeply connected my love for music and my faith in Jesus were. With a background in multiple instruments, I started producing and recording hip-hop in 2002 using a reverse-engineered headphone and a guitar pedal.

Not long after, I founded Cross Centered Records. Under the name G:enesis, I was tasked with “Bringin’ Hip-Hop back.” With updated gear, a mission to “Move The Gospel,” and a willingness to reach out to anyone who would listen, I began sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ through my music.

In early 2022, I changed my stage name to 5elect to consolidate both my Christian Hip-Hop and streaming personas. Today, I encourage those who will listen to “Choose Ur Destiny” and follow Jesus Christ.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating the independent music scene has not been an easy journey. I’ve faced numerous challenges, made mistakes, and unintentionally hurt people along the way. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of properly vetting artists before collaborating. However, through these experiences, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to help other artists grow while continuing to develop as an artist myself.

Being independent also comes with the frustration of seeing small streaming numbers. It’s tough to pour your heart into a song and have it reach only a limited audience. But I’ve learned to focus on the impact rather than the numbers. When I see how my music touches the lives of those who listen, it motivates me to keep creating for those who support me. I’ve come to value each listener, whether I have 10 streams or 2 million.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At its core, I see myself as an evangelist. I’ve always enjoyed bringing people together, and my focus has been on evangelizing outside the traditional church setting. The beauty of it is that I get to use music as a platform to remind people of their value.

What I’m most proud of is building Cross Centered Records with my family and close friends. What sets us apart is the integral role my parents play in our work. My mom, Kim Seaborn, was actually the first artist I “signed” to the label. She sings and has multiple albums available on Spotify and Apple Music. My dad, Robert Seaborn, designs our T-shirts, and my sister, Moriah, has even expanded her ministry, Moriah’s Moves, under the label. Ultimately, my wife Lindsey and I want to pass this label on to our children, who are already starting their journey in music.

Another unique aspect of our label is our willingness to go wherever doors open for us to minister. We’ve performed at juvenile detention centers, traveled to various cities, and even had opportunities to perform at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Whether the crowd is 25 or 3,000, we find joy in sharing our musical talents and our message with others, no matter the size of the audience.

Lastly, we love to support fellow artists. Whenever we attend shows, you’ll always find Cross Centered Records in the front row, vibing with other Christian artists. Whether we’re performing or not, our philosophy is to uplift other squads. A few that come to mind are 2Kool and Mama G, G-Life Outreach, and Mi Gente Crew. These teams have been a bedrock for us in collaborations and support.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In music, you’re constantly taking risks. Sharing your emotions, perspectives, and how you view the world always comes with the possibility of criticism. Over the years, I’ve had people critique my music, sometimes even questioning Christian Hip-Hop music itself as an art form. I’ve also faced criticism for the stage name I chose. But despite these risks, when I came to understand my purpose for creating music and who I’m making it for, all of that criticism pales in comparison to the larger mission I’m serving.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.crosscenteredrecords.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ive5elected/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/CrossCenteredRecords/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/weare_ccr
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/crosscenteredrecords
• Other: Www.linktr.ee/Weare_ccr

Image Credits
Kristy Logan Photography (Photos) Seaborn Productions (Graphics)