You may have heard of famous rappers Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Drake or Common, but now a local artist desires to change the face of music in a positive way, and lead others to Christ.

Dallas County High graduate and independent artist Felix “Fee-Lo” D. Baker II will host a free gospel hip hop concert for his second album release titled “Searching” on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m., inside the Larry D. Striplin Performing Arts Center.

Baker said his “love for music” and “lack of good music” made him want to release his own music. A graduate of Full Sail University in Orlando, Baker writes, records, mixes, masters and produces his own music.

“I’m just trying to bring hope back to the city,” Baker said, who has been working on the album for about one year. “’Searching’ — it’s truly been my testimony.”

The “testimony,” Baker said, was the result of finding himself and his purpose in life.

“After graduating high school till now, (I was) trying to figure out what it is I wanted to do,” Baker said. “I had a lot of skills — basketball, working with computers (and) electronics, being able to speak, drama; knowing I had all these skills, I had to pick one.

“Nonbelievers miss out on their purpose,” Baker said. “As believers, we have to let people know they do have a purpose.”

Back in 2009, when Baker was a freshman attending Alabama State University, Baker’s father Felix Sr., suffered a heart attack. Baker, who was at his father’s bedside the entire time, said it was a turning point.

“I had to sit back and do fasting and praying to figure out what God wanted me to do,” Baker said. “It was music.”

After being ‘obedient’, ‘transparent’ and “led” by God, Baker said he believes the ‘search is over,’ and that he now has peace.

“I’m glad I’m doing what God wants me to do,” Baker said.

The purpose of Sunday’s concert, Baker said, is to enlighten young and old.

“I want people to be exposed to a new era of music — a new way of preaching the gospel,” Baker said.

Felix Sr., who is awaiting a heart transplant, said he’s pleased with his son’s career.

“It’s a way of reaching these young people and to give people the gospel,’ Felix said. “It’s a God-given gift and that’s what he’s trying to do; I’m extremely proud of him. To know you have a child that’s pleasing God — that’s the most pleasing thing.”

Felix said though the concert is free, donations are welcome.

Baker is also the son of Sherry Baker and sibling of DeAndre and Brittney.