Mark Collins was born in Frankfurt, Germany and raised in Maryland. Mark is a graduate of Largo High School in Largo, Maryland. Upon graduation from high school, Mark attended Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. Part of his testimony is that he was academically dismissed from the university after just two years due to lack of focus. After a year of academic probation, God allowed Mark to return to the university, this time with more focus. Upon his return, professors and instructors noticed the change in his dedication to academics. The hard work paid off, as he made the Dean's List four consecutive semesters prior to obtaining his degree in Communications in 1997. To God be all the glory. Mark's journey in Hip-Hip began as a youth, rapping the lyrics to the songs of his favorite rappers. As a teenager, he performed throughout the D.C. Metropolitan Area with various Go-Go bands. While in college, he volunteered at the campus radio station, WBSU 1580 AM. Upon graduation from college, he worked at urban radio station WPGC 95.5 in Washington, D.C. as a production assistant and on air personality known as "Marco". Mark even attempted a career as an underground secular rap artist. As the rapper "Joe Crucial", Mark allowed the enemy to create an image that glorified sex, money and cars. The same lifestyle, that many Hip-Hop artists of the world still glorify to this day. At the time, Mark was consumed with the Hip-Hop lifestyle and he tried to find fulfillment in music. In the process, the music became his god. However, on April 22, 2001, Mark dedicated his life to Christ and soon he realized that the fulfillment that he was seeking could only come from the Almighty God. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Mark was indeed a new creature. Both "Joe Crucial" and "Marco" had to die and Mark had to become comfortable with who God had made him - Mark Collins. As Mark continued in his walk with the Lord, God began birthing songs in his spirit and preparing him for ministry. While Mark had realized that he had a calling, he had not fully accepted it. But through divine intervention, Mark met Chris Evans - Reverend, music producer and C.E.O. of upstart gospel label Edify Records - at a men's retreat in 2003. Although he enjoyed the fellowship with Reverend Chris, Mark was still fighting a battle within and ran from the calling for about a year. After finally submitting totally to God's will, he recorded his first song for Edify Records, "This is For The Savior" in the summer of 2004. Soon after, God gave Mark the vision for R.A.P. Music Ministries. Since then, the ministry has taken off, as God has allowed Mark to minister in song to both the youth and seasoned saints alike at various churches throughout D.C. and Maryland. In addition, he serves as a young men's mentor and choir member. In 2004, Edify Records released the R.A.P. Music E.P. to overwhelming response. His full length debut of the same name is slated to be released on Edify Records in the spring of 2005. Mark wants people to know that Jesus Christ is the true reason for living. Like the scripture says - Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things shall be added to you! Mark is a blessed family man with close family ties and is married to the lovely Tia Collins. He attends Cornerstone Peaceful Bible Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland under the covering of Pastors Daniel and Sabrina Mangrum.