Catalyst

"What CW Allen has done in this book is open himself up in a way that reminds us all of our need. . . .recognize the myriad of relational experiences that have been a catalyst in our lives, yet, with equal measure to hold ourselves accountable for how we can be a catalyst for change for our children, communities, cities, countries, and entire culture." -from the foreword

Imagine God interjecting a great catalyst into our lives that makes us the people He created us to be. God doesn't allow us to be acquainted with true purpose apart from uncomfortable seasoning. And this is exactly what has happened in CW's life.

"CW is a man after God's heart. In Catalyst CW is real about his pain and the challenges of faith. He is the type of man, leader, and artist that awakens a renewed faith in Christ. CW is just as smooth with the pen as he is behind the mic. Catalyst is his fluid journey, from growing up with his mom who took him with her to buy drugs to his awaking from just knowing about God to truly knowing God. In these pages you will enter the uncut journey of a man impacted by a real God that overdoes it in this kid from Cleveland." (Pastor Phil Jackson Founder of The Fire House Community Arts Center, Pastor of The House Covenant Church.)

I was born and raised Cleveland, Ohio. There I grew up listening to Hip Hop music and falling in love with heart pounding drums and bass lines. I began rapping my senior year of high school when I was challenged to free style at an open mic. The reaction I received was very positive and that's when I began my journey as an artist penning lyrics. By that time I had already fell deeply in love with God and His word so my music was just an expression of my heart and surroundings. In 2009 I left Cleveland and moved to Chicago to attend Moody Bible Institute where I studied communications and Bible. Now in year 15 of my musical journey I'm finishing first book and latest album entitled CATALYST. I have had the privilege to share all over the country in bars, schools, camps, and conferences opening for such as Cannon, Da Truth, Sean C. Johnson, Shopé, This'l, and the Legendary Curtis Blow.