Multi-genre recording artist Eddy Puyol’s next performance will be during Family Night at the South Florida Fair on January 28. The event, sponsored by Pulse Evangelism, will see him take the stage alongside ministers like Nick Hall and singer Ben Fuller.

All of which got Puyol thinking about his earlier “providential” meeting with Christian music legend Chris Tomlin that helped set off his own, ground-breaking Hip Hop Worship career nearly two decades ago.

The year: 2006

The location: The Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee

Back then, the GMA’s (or Dove Awards) were dominated by Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) and didn’t really embrace rap the way they do today. As a result, members of the hip hop community who were in town and still wanted to network established their own showcases to help expose their art to industry executives and gatekeepers who could bring it to new audiences.

Puyol, then known by the moniker Rawsrvnt, was on one of those showcases and nearing the end of a high-energy set of “crunk” rap records when he cut his song “Get ‘Em Up” short and told the crowd he wanted to switch things up and do something different.

As the showcase DJ followed along, Puyol transitioned into his take on the CCM hit “Holiness.”

 
Infinity Music Group President Brad Mathias was in the audience to scout new talent and told Flavor Fest founder/pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen that he heard enough hip-hop for the night and started leaving, but the minute Puyol played “Holiness” he turned around to listen. Mathias then tapped Tommy on the shoulder and said, “Who’s that guy?”

Kyllonen smiled and introduced the two as soon as the set was over. It was there that Mathias offered to distribute the In Rare Form album that Puyol’s “Holiness” cover song was on – an album that began to break open more opportunities within the genre for artists to perform this type of “hip hop / worship” hybrid for believers and non-believers alike.

The next day Puyol was at the airport waiting to fly home when he spotted Chris Tomlin sitting alone eating breakfast. He’d just won a bunch of Dove Awards and Puyol went to congratulate him.

Eddy was invited to take a seat and began telling Tomlin his vision of bridging the gap between the church and the streets and using hip hop to do it.

Tomlin told Puyol he just might be the right guy for the job.

Fast-forward to 2013 when DJ Promote was a featured part of Tomlin’s “Burning City Lights” tour and opened up every night with Puyol’s “Take It All” mashup with the Black Eyed Peas hit “I Gotta Feeling.”

When the tour came to West Palm Beach, Florida Puyol went to hang with Promote and ran into Chris Tomlin again backstage where he reminded the artist of the airport conversation they had in 2006.

Tomlin told Puyol he remembered that day and what they discussed as it seemed to be coming to fruition with the inclusion of a hip hop DJ on his team and using songs like Puyol’s to get the evening started.

“It’s crazy how God works things out,” Puyol now recalls. “I opened up for Chris Tomlin without even being on stage. Talk about the power of music and God’s faithfulness.”

 
Catch Eddy Puyol at the South Florida Fair on January 28 where he’ll perform a family-friendly mix with DJ Reflex, a longtime friend and well-known local deejay. Listen to a playlist of their set in advance so you can sing along and have a “good time.” Now available on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora and YouTube.

Pulse Evangelism is excited to announce Family Night at the South Florida Fair on Tuesday, January 28, where attendees can experience an inspiring blend of uplifting music, powerful messages and family-friendly entertainment on the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Stage. This event, which is free with the purchase of fair admission for $2, features global evangelist and Pulse Evangelism founder Nick Hall and Christian artist Ben Fuller, with special appearances by Eddy Puyol and DJ Reflex. The program will start at 6:45pm, and attendees can expect to be moved by a night of faith-filled music and good vibes.

“We’re thrilled to spend time with the South Florida community in such a vibrant and family-friendly setting,” said Hall. “Family Night at the fair is more than just an evening of fun—it’s an opportunity to remind people that everyone has an anthem, a unique story that reflects who they are and the journey they’ve been on. Grace can transform even the most challenging stories into a beautiful anthem, and through this event, we hope to share that truth and encourage others to embrace their own stories of hope and renewal.”

The Family Night at the Fair event is designed to provide a unique experience for South Floridians, combining the excitement of a county fair with the powerful impact of faith-centered entertainment. Ben Fuller will bring a set of spiritually uplifting songs that connect audiences to their faith. Known for hits like “Who I Am” and “If I Got Jesus,” Fuller’s music inspires listeners with themes of transformation and redemption.

Fuller will be joined by Eddy Puyol, a Christian hip-hop artist and motivational speaker along with DJ Reflex, a well-known South Florida DJ, to bring an upbeat, family-friendly mix that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Puyol’s art has millions of combined streams/views, earned Top 40 Billboard hits and has been used on NFL broadcasts, First Take, ESPN’s NBA Draft coverage and more. Together with Fuller, the lineup will bring diversity meant to show unity in the world of many musical genres.

“I’m excited to share the stage with Ben Fuller and DJ Reflex to bring a night filled with good vibes for all,” Puyol said. “I love what Pulse Evangelism is doing globally and look forward to the impact this event is going to have on our community.”

Family Night at the Fair is part of Pulse Evangelism’s mission to bring the Gospel to people in everyday settings, such as state and county fairs, where many attendees might not otherwise encounter a message of faith. Evangelist Nick Hall will share a powerful message about the Anthem of Grace, a global movement sharing the transformative power of grace found in Jesus. This initiative seeks to inspire and empower individuals worldwide to embrace the life-changing message of hope and grace. Events like Family Night reflect Pulse Evangelism’s commitment to meeting people where they are and creating opportunities for them to experience the Gospel in fresh and meaningful ways.

Listen to Eddy Puyol’s set list in advance so you can sing along and have a “good time.” Now available on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora and YouTube.

When it comes to having a good time, Eddy Puyol is all about it.

“I truly believe life is meant to be enjoyed and to the fullest,” Puyol said.

With the “Good Time” music video he takes what his Abuela Ally told him, “Family’s the main thing,” quite literally. Puyol even represented his grandparents in the video with their picture on his shirt.

The video features his whole family along with in-laws and partner-in-funk Doctor Dukes (with his wife LaChandra) for a household get together that resembles a typical Puyol gathering. Shot by videographer Will Thomas, this urban pop record with funk soul DNA has fans of Kool & The Gang, Drake and Lecrae wanting more.

“I’m in a funk mood so don’t be surprised if you hear Doctor Dukes and I do something again,” Puyol said.

Watch Eddy Puyol’s “Good Time” music video now on YouTube.

“Good Time” is a part of Puyol’s latest album, Nothing Changed But My Stage Name, available on your favorite digital service provider platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, etc.) and Eddy Puyol social media sites.

One of the most notable parts of Rawsrvnt’s music career is his “hip hop worship era” and a song from that time period that continues to connect with audiences is “El Shaddai.” So it makes sense the artist reworked the track for listeners who now know him as Eddy Puyol.

The song (whose title means “God Almighty” in Hebrew) still showcases Puyol’s blend of pop and regional sensibilities to create a bouncy anthem, but adds new ripples to really push the deep-bass elements fully appreciated by residents of the Sunshine State.

“Whenever I perform this record it connects with people in a real way,” Puyol said.

Find version 2.0 on your favorite digital service provider (Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, etc.) or Eddy Puyol social media sites.

Also, seek out and download Puyol’s “Hip-Hop Worship playlist” for more songs that bridge the gap between the church and streets by incorporating hip-hop into vertically-positioned music aimed for adoration of the Creator. Now available on Apple Music or Spotify.