Born: December 17, 1987
Birthplace: Dallas, TX
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
William Lee Barefield III, aka Trip Lee, is an American Christian rapper, singer, poet, and author. Signed to Reach Records, he has recorded as a solo artist and is a founding member of the 116 Clique. Originally from Dallas, Texas, he resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a teaching pastor at Cornerstone Church. He first gained recognition after appearing on the Reach Records website at 16. His third album, Between Two Worlds, was nominated for two Dove Awards and won the Stellar Award for Best Hip Hop Album in 2011.
Lee signed with Reach Records, and his debut album, If They Only Knew, was released a few days after his high school graduation. His first full-length album introduced hip-hop fans to his distinct southern sound, unique delivery, and gospel-saturated lyrics. That same year, he was also featured on the Dove Award-nominated, Jesus Muzik with label mate Lecrae.
His second album, 20/20, was released in 2008 and garnered much success, breaking into the Billboard Top 200 and reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and No. 4 on the Gospel chart. With his third studio album, Between Two Worlds, Lee offers a collection of reflections on life in a fallen world. He hopes his thoughts resonate with listeners and point to Jesus as the hero.
Since his first album release, Lee has traveled the world doing concerts for thousands of listeners, and his last three summers have been spent on national and international tours with his Reach label mates. His Christ-centered hip-hop message has also built a platform for him among churches and other Christian organizations, which has led to numerous opportunities to preach and teach at conferences and other events.
Lee released two new singles, "Brag On My Lord" and "King Like Mine", featuring Alex Medina, on March 29, 2011.
Trip Lee released his fourth full-length studio album, The Good Life, on April 9, 2012. The album featured various notable Christian artists, such as Sho Baraka (formerly signed with Reach Records), J.R., Lecrae, J.Paul, KB, Andy "C-Lite" Mineo, Jimmy Needham, V. Rose, Suzy Rock, Jai, and Leah Smith. As a continuation of the album, Lee has worked with Moody Publishers and authored The Good Life, which will be released on October 1, 2012.
On October 9, 2012, Lee announced he would be "stepping away" from music altogether. The Unashamed 2012 tour with the Reach Records roster was his final tour before pursuing a career as an author and pastor. He later clarified that while he would continue to make music, he wouldn't be touring as much. He is currently training to be a pastor at his local church while still engaging in public ministry.
On October 27, 2014, Trip Lee released his fifth studio album, Rise. On January 27, 2015, he released his second book, Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story, to accompany the album. He was part of the Winter Jam Tour 2016 along with KB and Tedashii in the central and eastern parts of the United States.
On December 9, 2016, Trip Lee released the album titled "The Waiting Room." The title was inspired by a line in the song "Take Me There" from his "The Good Life" album. He says the album highlights that, as a Christian, his life is much like sitting in a waiting room, looking for what God has ahead.
Lee attended Cairn University and Boyce College, the undergraduate school of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Lee's unending desire is to proclaim the grace and beauty of Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen.