Between his solo career and his DC Talk days, he has sold more than ten million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Christian artists. He has spawned six number one CHR singles and has had five number one singles on the Billboard Christian songs chart.
DC Talk:
DC Talk, Toby’s first band, was formed in 1987 by him and Michael Tait. The duo released their first album Christian Rhymes to a Rhythm in 1989 and recruited Kevin Max Smith as their third member. The trio released their self titled debut album in 1989, which gave them a solid launching pad as reviews were favorable.
The group released their first certified gold album Nu Thang in 1990. They followed their successful album with another hit album, the certified platinum Free at Last. Their supporting tour for the album was a huge success for the group and they started getting mainstream attention, playing on live television shows like the Jay Leno show.
Now that they were established, DC Talk had more freedom to experiment with their music. They released their first single from their upcoming album Jesus Freak, and it was a huge hit. The album went multi platinum, and led to the hugely successful and popular Jesus Freak World Tour. The group recorded their last album Supernatural, in 1998, which also went on to be certified platinum.
The Grammy Award winning group then went on a hiatus with the three members deciding to pursue solo careers. They still however sometimes collaborate with each other.
Solo Career:
As a solo artist, TobyMac has focused mostly on the hip hop and pop genres. He released his first solo studio album in 2001. Titled “Momentum”, the Grammy nominated album contained the hit tracks, Irene and Get this Party Started. His second album “Welcome to Diverse City” was a bigger hit and featured the hit track The Slam. The song was used in the film Never Back Down and a variety of other television shows as well.
His next album, “Portable Sounds” released in 2007 was a bigger success, and debuted at the number ten on the Billboard 200 chart. It was received well and got critical acclaim and nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. The songs I’m For You and Made to Love from the album, both climbed the charts to number one.
After releasing two more albums, Alive and Transported and Tonight, both of which were commercially successful albums, TobyMac released his most critically acclaimed album “Eye on It” in 2012. The album was only the third Christian album to debut at number one of the Billboard 200 chart and TobyMac’s first. Reviews for the albums were positive, and the album went on to win Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards.
One of the most well known, respected and established Christian artists, TobyMac is a force to be reckoned with in his chosen genre. Having sold more than ten million records, he is also one of the best selling Christian artists around.