When Christian hip-hop and Southern gospel converge, it’s a union that could easily feel either forced or transformative. With “Moving Mountains,” the latest single from McCarty & Benge, it’s undoubtedly the latter. Ian McCarty and Jason Benge, each with deep roots in their respective genres, have crafted a track that’s not only a spiritual anthem but a rare crossover moment in Christian music. Dropping ahead of their forthcoming album Live On Faith, Moving Mountains embodies their mission to create music that speaks across genre boundaries while staying grounded in their shared faith.
The song itself was born in East Tennessee, where McCarty found inspiration in the Smoky Mountains. These towering landscapes served as a potent reminder of God’s capacity to “move mountains,” both literal and figurative. In an age where Christian music often gets segmented, “Moving Mountains” has a universal, expansive feel, merging gospel and hip-hop rhythms with heartfelt, direct lyrics. “Look, I know life got pain / Gotta look for the sun, can’t drown in the rain,” McCarty declares, distilling the core message of resilience in the face of life’s struggles.
For McCarty & Benge, this isn’t just music; it’s a calling. Their debut album, Small Town, was a grassroots success, gathering nearly 600,000 streams without major label backing—a testament to the duo’s authentic appeal. Their approach to faith-based music is refreshing; they aren’t afraid to let their lyrics grapple with real-life struggles, often addressing brokenness, redemption, and the ongoing quest for hope. As Benge puts it, “We don’t pretend to be without issues or without vices, and hopefully that comes across in the music.” That sincerity is unmistakable, and it’s the grounding force in their collaboration.
In the chorus, Benge’s Southern gospel roots shine through, adding a rich, uplifting layer to McCarty’s rhythmic verses. Singing “How Great Thou Art, my God be moving mountains,” Benge’s voice resonates like an old hymn, while McCarty’s verses keep the song modern and approachable. Together, they create something entirely new—an invitation for listeners to “count their blessings” and keep faith, regardless of the hardships.
McCarty’s production work and Benge’s musicianship complement each other seamlessly, merging to create a sound that’s as much a product of their individual strengths as it is of their shared beliefs. Where Benge brings a soulful Southern vibe, McCarty infuses the track with hip-hop rhythms, a nod to his influences like Toby Mac and 90s hip-hop.
Their upcoming album, Live On Faith, promises more of this genre-blending energy. It’s a project grounded in faith but isn’t afraid to tackle universal themes of struggle and resilience. McCarty describes it as “a fun, positive, Jesus-praising project” that’s as much about perseverance as it is about spirituality. Songs like Moving Mountains are aimed at being more than just catchy hooks; they’re modern psalms, designed to remind listeners of God’s power in everyday life.
For anyone searching for music that transcends genre while delivering a powerful, faith-driven message, Moving Mountains by McCarty & Benge is worth a listen. Their sound may be rooted in gospel and hip-hop, but their message reaches far beyond, appealing to listeners of all backgrounds with its raw, accessible message of hope.
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