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.”