Brady Goodwin Jr. (born December 2, 1976), better known by his stage name Phanatik, is an American East Coastrapper and author who has recorded both independently and as a founding member of the two time Grammy-nominated Christian rap group The Cross Movement.
Career
His debut album, 95 Til Infinity, was released independently in 1995, after the break-up of his rap group, The Righteous Gang.[1] It was produced by future Cross Movement member Tru-Life.
His second album entitled The Incredible Walk, was released on February 22, 2005. Phanatik has since released three other solo albums (Crime & Consequences, Party Over Here and The Art of Battle Rap).[2] Phanatik is known for his creative concepts, wordplay or "witty word wizardry" and story telling. His "on beat - off beat" style has been described as a "Thinking man's flow."
In 2008, Goodwin began a 2nd career teaching Character Education in Philadelphia public schools. This led the former rapper to develop his own course and curriculum which he titled "Hip Hop & Ethics." He currently teaches this course at Gratz High School and the Community College of Philadelphia. In 2015 the former rapper expanded his professorial roster when he began teaching courses in apologetics, biblical studies and cultural engagement at C.U.T.S. (the Center for Urban Theological Studies) in Philadelphia.
As an author, his first book, The Death of Hip Hop, Marriage & Morals became available in August 2010.[3] His second and third books City of Allegory (Part 1 and Part 2) were released in November 2011 and November 2012 respectively. The author released two more books, From Hip Hop to Hollywood: The Art of Christianity and Navigating the N Word in March 2013 and December 2015 respectively. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and Christian Service from Lancaster Bible College (2009) and a master's degree from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (2015).
In January 2022, it was reported that Phanatik had renounced Christianity.[4][5]
Discography
Albums
Year
Album
1995
95 Til Infinity
First solo studio album
Released: 1995
2005
The Incredible Walk
Second solo studio album
Released: February 22, 2005
2007
Crime & Consequences
Third solo studio album
Released: November 6, 2007
2010
Party Over Here
Fourth solo studio album
Released: November 23, 2010
2014
The Art of Battle Rap
Fifth solo studio album
Released July 12, 2014
Guest appearances
"Mic Check 1 2" by shai linne featuring Stephen the Levite