Founding Member of The Isley Bros, Creators of Music Linked to Hip-Hop Foundation -Rudolph Isley

Rudolph Isley, center, performs with fellow Isley Brothers band members Ronald Isley, left, and Ernie Isley at the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards in Hollywood. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Highlight

Hip Hop & Christian Hip Hop pre-pioneer, Holy Hip Hop Pastor & gospel singer, Rudolph Isley has moved on to the next realm at the age of 84 years old.

Context

To say that Rudolph Isley has lived his life as a Hip Hop & Christian Hip Hop pre-pioneer, Holy Hip Hop Pastor & gospel singer is genuinely an understatement. After the earthly departure of brother O'Kelly Isley's departure at the age of 48 years old in 1989, Rudolph committed his gifts and the rest of his career to Christ. Hear how uncanny similar his voice is to Ronald's here and enjoy some Isley Brothers gospel:

According to Deadline, "in 1993, their “Footsteps in the Dark” was sampled by Ice Cube for his hip-hop classic “It Was a Good Day.” The following year, their “Between the Sheets” was sampled by The Notorious B.I.G. in “Big Poppa.” “Luxurious” from Gwen Stefani’s 2004 solo debut Love. Angel. Music. Baby. also benefited from a prominent sample of “Between the Sheets.” Aaliyah included a cover version of the group’s “(At Your Best) You Are Love” on her debut album.

The group’s music has been featured endlessly in films and on tv shows, many of them classics in their own right. Some highlights: Ticket to Paradise (2022), The Tender Bar (2021), The Blacklist (2021), Uncle Drew (2018), Sausage Party (2016), Dancing With the Stars (2014), The Heat (2013), Scandal (2012), The Simpsons (2010), Superbad (2007), The Wire (2006), Wedding Crashers (2005), Anchorman (2004), Boys Don’t Cry (1999), Rush Hour (1998), Out of Sight (1998), Friday (1995), Menace II Society (1993), The Wonder Years (1990), Cheers (1986) and Animal House (1978)." the full Deadline story is available here.

On a personal note, our entire staff sends condolences to all who loved Rudolph Isley. Our CMO grew up running around the stages of Isley Brother performances with a personal familial connections, grandfather, grandmother and father - she saw some his faith-based commitment up close personally from his preferences during the BET Awards to him preaching at Friendship Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH during a visit home with family and knowing how strongly that faith loomed in every visit, more than anything we hope that Rudolph's message of love and salvation through Christ will ring louder than he could have ever imagined.

Tips / Thought-starters

• The path of Legend is a path worth gleaning from - glean insights from Rudolph Isley's path from Lincoln Heights, Ohio a village of Cincinnati, OH to R&B Music fame to the ultimate calling of dedicating his gifts to Christ in Christian ministry here.

Key Questions/Next Steps

• Core Message in Your Art: Ultimately Rudolph Isley chose to devote his gifts to Christ. What is the fundamental message or theme you aim to convey through your art? How can you authentically and effectively communicate this message to a broader audience to create a lasting impact?

• Explore origins: Have you delved into the origins and historical foundations of your favorite creative interests?

• Community and Industry Impact: How can your creativity and influence be harnessed to make a positive difference in your community or industry?

• Resource: try this today https://amzn.to/3JTaUob for more creativity within Hip Hop and your best life.