Christian hip-hop pioneer Eddy Puyol unveils the official music video for “Breathe Again,” a visually compelling companion to the song from his album Run tha Funk Back for a Good Time. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Will Thomas, the video embraces a worship-centered tone, inviting viewers to slow down, reflect, and recognize breath itself as a daily gift.

“Breathe Again” reimagines Puyol’s 2005 single “Breathe,” originally released as the lead track from his influential hip-hop worship album In Rare Form. The project earned worldwide distribution in 2006 and was one of the first Christian hip-hop worship albums, helping establish a new lane where rap and worship intersect. UK outlet Cross Rhythms praised the song as “a pioneering hip-hop worship turntable hit, a gem that balances R&B, rap and worship perfectly,” and the track climbed into the Top 5 on Cross Rhythms City Radio.

More than two decades later, “Breathe Again” revisits that foundation with renewed depth and perspective. Where the original leaned on raw turntable textures and hip-hop elements, the updated version layers lush R&B tones and polished pop production, featuring soulful vocals from Gospel neo-soul artist Lisa McClendon, delivering a radio-ready sound equally suited for late-night listening or intimate moments of worship.

“When I first wrote ‘Breathe,’ it was my prayer in that season,” says Puyol. “With more life lived and perspective gained, ‘Breathe Again’ reflects thankfulness—acknowledging breath as something we’re given every day.”

The video mirrors that evolution. Instead of a traditional performance, it focuses on emotionally resonant imagery—nature, prayer, and quiet moments of reflection—inviting viewers to connect with God.

With “Breathe Again,” Puyol bridges his pioneering hip-hop worship roots with a refined, modern vision, giving longtime supporters and new listeners a reminder of the sacredness in something as simple as breath.

The official “Breathe Again” music video is now available on YouTube. The single is streaming on all major digital platforms.

After making history at SunFest in 2005, Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol’s groundbreaking performance continues to resonate as a milestone in Christian Hip-Hop.

When Puyol took the stage at the Meyer Amphitheater in downtown West Palm Beach, he became the first Christian Hip-Hop solo artist to perform at the iconic waterfront festival. Following Wyclef Jean, Puyol delivered a bold, faith-filled set to nearly 1,000 festivalgoers—introducing many to “holy hip-hop” in a space where the genre had never stood alone before. The energy, the crowd, and the family-driven production made the moment unforgettable.

“It honestly feels like yesterday,” Puyol recalls. “I can still picture it—my dad managing the stage, my brother Bobby hyping the crowd, dancers moving behind me, friends and family singing along in the crowd, and my mom, sister Sofie, and friends running the merch tent. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a family mission to let my art and faith speak in a mainstream space.”

The moment reached beyond the stage and into local media. Puyol was the only artist interviewed by WPTV Channel 5, with coverage capturing both the performance and its broader cultural significance. A vivid photo by Thomas Cordy for The Palm Beach Post documented the day—preserving a lasting snapshot of Christian Hip-Hop confidently stepping onto a mainstream festival platform. Watch the full performance on YouTube and relive this landmark moment in Christian Hip-Hop.

 
Sharing a festival legacy with icons such as Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, James Brown, Santana, and The Beach Boys, Puyol’s performance remains archived among past SunFest performers—a milestone highlighting his place in the festival’s history.

What felt historic over two decades ago proved to be more than a single booking—it was a breakthrough. A door opened. A line was crossed. A statement was made that faith-driven Hip-Hop belonged on major stages, not as a novelty, but as a voice.

That moment still echoes today—not just as a milestone in Puyol’s journey, but as proof that when faith and artistry move boldly, history has no choice but to make room.

When Lecrae declined to participate in the 14-city arena run of THE STORY Tour in fall 2011, the opportunity passed to hip-hop worship artist Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol, whose preparation helped open new doors in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).

THE STORY Tour was billed as a Christmas celebration with carols and a musical journey from Genesis to Revelation, and featured a full choir and orchestra led by musical director Bernie Herms, alongside CCM artists Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, and more. At a time when rap rarely appeared on CCM arena stages, Puyol’s inclusion was bold and unconventional.

Prior to the tour’s launch, Puyol was flown to Nashville, Tennessee, for rehearsals. Surrounded by the choir, orchestra, and some of the most established names in Christian music, he approached the moment with focus and discipline. As Puyol later reflected, “It was a surreal moment, but I did what I’ve always done—prepared and executed.”

That preparation was immediately recognized. After stepping offstage following rehearsal, legendary Christian music manager Norman Miller—founder of Proper Management and part of the team producing the World Vision-sponsored tour—personally affirmed the decision. Miller reportedly repeated that Puyol was “the right man for the job.” As the only rapper involved, it was already clear—even in rehearsal—that this moment would stand apart.

Throughout the fall 2011 arena run, Puyol delivered high-energy performances each night, consistently earning standing ovations and generating palpable electricity across packed venues. “I performed like my life depended on it,” he later said. “I left everything on the stage.”

Fellow tour artist Natalie Grant would later remark that he raised the “cool factor” of the tour—an acknowledgment Puyol accepted with gratitude and pride.

In spring 2012, THE STORY album was nominated for a Dove Award. The Gospel Music Association asked THE STORY to perform a medley at the Dove Awards, held at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. From a catalog of 18 tracks, only three were chosen for the nationally televised performance—one of which featured Puyol—reflecting the undeniable impact his performances had made night after night.

THE STORY Tour ultimately ran for three consecutive years, from 2011 through 2013. While various artists expressed interest in joining the production, Puyol’s role remained constant. According to those closest to the tour, it was never a question. The Proper Management team knew exactly what he would bring to the stage every time.

Puyol’s takeaway from the experience is clear: “Always be ready. When preparation meets opportunity, the legacy takes care of itself.”

In 2011, Eddy Puyol, formerly known as Rawsrvnt, earned placement on the 54th GRAMMY official entry list with his song “On Fire” and album No Ordinary Love. The works, produced by Chuck Hemann, were considered in the categories of Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel Album, marking a significant milestone in his musical career.

Reflecting on the recognition, Puyol stated, “Seeing my name alongside artists like Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Crowder, and Switchfoot was incredible. When I started my music career, I dreamed of moments like this, so to see it come true is amazing.”

While “On Fire” and No Ordinary Love did not advance to the final nomination round, inclusion in the official GRAMMY voting process remains a noteworthy achievement. As a result, Puyol’s work is GRAMMY-recognized, reflecting its placement on the ballot and acknowledgment by the Recording Academy.

Puyol shared his appreciation for those who supported the project, saying, “I’m deeply grateful to God, my family, my friends, and longtime producer Chuck Hemann for believing in the vision and helping bring this music to life.”

Listeners can experience the GRAMMY-recognized album No Ordinary Love, featuring the song “On Fire,” on all digital streaming platforms.