Reach Records' Andy Mineo Prepares for Release of Debut Album, "Heroes for Sale"

Reach Records rapper Andy Mineo is ready to shine.

Mineo's lent his lyrical prowess to tracks from some the biggest stars including Tedashii, Ambassador and Flame. On "Background," from Grammy-winning Lecrae's 2010 album Rehab, he even had the nerve to sing the hook. Yes, sing.

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But don't get it twisted: Mineo spits rhymes. Hard.

Mineo's highly anticipated debut project, Heroes for Sale, is due April 16. It's a funky concoction of all of his musical influences, including hymns, heavy metal, hip-hop and classical. It's an autobiographical work that reveals an in-depth look into the heart and soul of a true Christ-lover who has faced the challenges of a fallen world head-on.

As a teenager, Mineo was a successful music entrepreneur, selling studio time out of his mother's house, recording and producing hundreds of artists in upstate New York. He was introduced to Christ as a troubled middle schooler, but the lack of a mentor to guide him on his walk caused him to veer off the righteous path.

A prosperous career in the music business beckoned, but Mineo acknowledges that he was likely headed for further rebellion. Fortunately, a chance meeting with producer Alex Medina during Mineo's freshman piano class in college changed everything.

Medina, who produced "Background," ultimately introduced Mineo to T.R.U.C.E., an urban, performing arts-based ministry. Mineo saw first-hand that his love of music could be utilized for a greater purpose, and after hearing Da Truth's "Price Tag," he vowed to shut down his recording studio and never use his gifts to help record music that did not honor God.

As a Reach Records artist and a member of the group 116 Clique (based on the scripture Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile"), Mineo certainly has the backing and support to make an incredible impact.

See the video for Heroes For Sale's lead single, "Ayo!," below.

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