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Trip lee reveals why he quit being a pastor: 'trying to be faithful looks different in different seasons'.

Christian minister and recording artist Trip Lee, whose birth name is William Lee Barefield III, revealed that he recently “stepped away” from pastoring due to an incurable illness.

During a recent interview with Faithfully Magazine , the 33-year-old artist disclosed that his 12-year battle with chronic fatigue syndrome has made it too difficult for him to continue serving as a pastor. 

"When I think of calling, I think of desire, gifting, and opportunity, basically. I had the desire to want to do it. When I would preach and serve and help people, I see the Lord using this and the Lord opened doors for me to do it,” Lee explained.

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"I think [my] calling has been affected by my own health and things that seemed good and that I feel called to, they don't work out the way I expect because I have an illness that is the hardest part of every part of my life and things don't always work out the way that I think they supposed to or I felt they would, but nevertheless, I'm just trying to be faithful in the season,” he added.

The husband and father-of-three released his debut album in 2005 and quickly became a household name in Christian hip-hop. He stepped away from music in 2012 to pursue training as a pastor. 

He went on to preach at several Christian conferences and pastor local congregations. He led Cornerstone Church West End in Atlanta for four years, and in 2019 became a young adult pastor at Concord Church in Dallas, Texas. During that time he authored two books, The Good Life and Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story, and also released two albums, Rise and The Waiting Room.

Lee said he's thankful for the opportunities he's had to serve as a pastor, adding: "I love the Church."

"For many years, it was me trying to pastor in this season," he said. "I'm actually not pastoring anymore. I've actually stepped away in the past few months because of my health. It's made it hard, It doesn't seem like the most faithful way for me to serve the Church in the season. ... But yeah, trying to be faithful looks different in different seasons."

Lee now has a new single titled, “You Got It." He told Faithfully Magazine he plans to keep creating music. 

At the Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference,  the artist preached on Matthew 8:1-13 , a passage in which Jesus heals a leper.

“To read passages like these, if I’m honest, can be difficult for a sick person,” he reflected. “Because it just seems so easy. It seems like ‘just believe and you’re healed.’ … It seems like faith just takes care of it. So what can happen — and I know I’m not the only one who has an illness or who has friends and family who have illnesses — the question can be, ‘Why isn’t God willing to heal me?’ It can be confusing, especially when you have false teaching that’ll say, ‘Look, if you’re sick, it’s a lack of faith. Faith always leads to healing.'” 

Nevertheless, the artist affirmed his faith in Christ and His ability to heal.

“If we want to present our brokenness to Jesus … the question is never about God’s ability,” Lee said. “It’s a question of whether or not it’s in His will. That’s how we should bring our brokenness to a Savior as amazing as ours — with an open hand, saying, ‘I know you can. I’m asking if You will.’"

Jeannie Ortega Law is a reporter for The Christian Post. Reach her at: [email protected] She's also the author of the book, What Is Happening to Me? How to Defeat Your Unseen Enemy   Follow her on Twitter: @jlawcp  Facebook: JeannieOMusic

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Trip Lee on Being a Pastor; New Music in 'The Waiting Room' (Interview)

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Trip Lee Discusses "Rise", His Faith & T.I.'s Role In Promoting Fatherhood in Hip Hop

Coming off the success of Lecrae having the number one album in the country, Reach Records has another bomb to drop on the music industry: Trip Lee’s album Rise.

In April 2012, the Dallas-bred rapper released The Good Life , his fourth studio album. It peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. Soon after, Trip became uncertain about his future and announced in September that he was taking a leave from making music. And he did, sort of. In December of that same year he returned, claiming he never formally used the “R” word: “retirement.” He then kept his loyal 116 fan base in suspense for a year and a half before announcing Rise in August.. 

“There’s stuff I wanna say,” he says. “I listen to good music whether it’s Hip Hop or whatever, really inspired by it and wanna make good stuff. There’s a burden in me to make new music.” 

So he got back in the studio with Reach’s own Gawvi, who’s responsible for creating Lecrae’s hit single “Nuthin” from his chart-topping album Anomaly . But he doesn’t want to be compared to any other artist. As a man who is very open about his faith, he has garnered the sometimes-dreaded label of “Christian rapper,” but he doesn’t want people to have preconceptions about his music and he insists  Rise won’t disappoint.

Trip Lee Explains His Return To The Spotlight 

DX: What made you decide to make a new album and come out of what people thought was your retirement? 

Trip Lee: Just the love for music is a huge part of it. I’ve loved music my entire life. Music is, I think for some people music is like something you like play in the background while you’re washing dishes. Music is like if you’re in the car and you’ve got nothing else to do, turn it on. For me, music is much more than that. The way people might sit down and watch a movie, I sit down and listen to an album, my favorite album top to bottom, record music. I love music to a degree that I feel so grateful that I get to create music and it’s a burden in me to create stuff. There’s stuff I wanna say. I listen to good music whether it’s Hip Hop or whatever, really inspired by it and wanna keep doing stuff. There’s a burden in me to make new music. I was, I’d been on staff at my church in DC and I just thought, “Man, I think I can do another record if I just go really slow working on it.” Instead of like a quick burst, I was just kinda chipping away at it slowly for a little over a year and I think that actually ended up working better for me in some ways because I was able to perfect it over the year. 

DX: We know your song with Sho Baraka you did, “I Love Music”, that’s definitely something that’s stood out to us about you, and your love for the artform is evident…

Trip Lee: Yeah, I do. Hip Hop, I think a lot of people sleep on how beautiful the artform of Hip Hop is. I think Hip Hop has unique ways that we use words, unique ways that we use metaphors. We have more words, so we’re able to communicate more stuff whether that’s for good or for bad. There’s an aggressiveness to it that I think is unique about Hip Hop. There’s a way that it connects with your soul and makes you dance. There’s so many unique things about the artform of Hip Hop, man. I hope as Hip Hop continues to mature, the more and more people continue to see the beauty of the artform. That’s why I appreciate artists like a Kanye who is so meticulous about his art that it’s hard to sleep on it like some random jumbled words over drums. He’s inspired me a lot over the years in the way he’s approached his music and his production, very artful and I appreciate that about him. 

DX: Even though you never explicitly used the word retirement, was there ever a time when you thought you were done with Rap? 

Trip Lee: Yeah, so in 2012, a little bit after my fourth album The Good Life came out, I did say, “Hey I’m gonna step away from music.” And the main reason was that I wanted to be a pastor. I wanted to give my time to doing that, which I know a lot of people say I was crazy like, “You’re a rapper and you want to be a pastor. What in the world? You’ve had some success.  The Good Life was number three Rap album in the Billboard charts the week it came out. Why in the world?” And people especially can’t put together a dude who’s a pastor and rapper. That seems so absurd ‘cause when people think pastor they think he’s like dude in the robe, real churchy, screaming in the mic, or they think like whatever pastor or preacher they’ve seen on TV. And so people can’t really put those two things together, but for me, I’ve always had a passion for helping people to see the truth, helping people to see the truth of God and I wanted to use my life to do that as a pastor. When I did that, when I stepped away, for that, for 2013 I almost didn’t do much of anything. I wasn’t writing much, anything like that. It was a huge shift for me. I thought maybe it could be my last album. I thought it was a very real possibility, but I didn’t know for sure. So that’s why I never said I was retiring. I was like, “I don’t know. It could be, but I wanna see how stuff kinda shakes out.” So, I am happy to be making another record. People are happy about it, so I’m glad for that. 

Trip Lee Explains The Meaning Of The Album Title 

DX: Why the album title Rise ?

Trip Lee: I wanted this album to in a lot of ways just kind of a challenge and a call to action. When I say Rise , it kind of has three meanings. One is to rise from your slumber and live, get up the dead and live and rise above low expectations people have for us. So, especially in Hip Hop, if I was to make a record about hitting the strip clubs and making as much money as I can and cars, well that’s fine. People, that’s what people expect from rappers often. So one of the meanings of Rise is rise above low expectations. I want to say, instead of just what people expect and what’s accepted, I want to say what are things supposed to be like. Not that my music is like the best and how everything’s supposed to be. What I’m saying, I’m trying to think carefully about, ok, what is life really about? How can I stay true to that? How can I point to help people value the right things? And how can I do it with extremely dope music?

So Rise is kind of a challenge and a call to live the way we were made to live. To put, to talk about things that matter, in the context of really dope music, I think is a powerful thing. So that’s why I worked so hard on this album to make sure the music is dope. People are gonna count us out like, “Ah, you talk about God sometimes. It’s corny and it’s a couple strikes and it’s out.” So people sometimes are being more and more open. It’s something about being a Christian or being a strong Christian or even [having] some of the Christianity comes through in your music, it makes people automatically think it’s corny. So I feel like I’ve gotta work even harder than your average artist to make sure the music is dope from the second you hear it so that you’ll give it a chance. And I think once people hear it, I think they do say, “Oh, this is dope.” And I think at the end of the day, I want to make music, not just for a little segment of people, I want my music to be for everybody. I try to do my music in a way that connects with everyone. I’m always working to make sure it’s dope and I’m also working to make sure that the things I say on the album are true. 

DX: Do you think the power of the message is just as important as the music? 

Trip Lee: Yeah. If I just wanted to say true things, I could be just a public speaker or a pastor. But if I want to do music, I want to do art, that’s what I’m doing. I want to do incredible music. I want to do incredible art. I don’t expect people to care about my music just ‘cause of the message. I don’t expect to like put out an ok album and send it to HipHopDX to review and they give me amazing reviews ‘cause the stuff I said was true. This is music. It’s an artform. Especially Hip Hop. Hip Hop is competitive. So I expect if people are gonna pay attention to the music, the music has to be dope. 

Trip Lee Illustrates Why Hip Hop Needs More Examples Of Family Like T.I. 

DX: We got to listen to Rise . What made you decide to do “Beautiful Life”?

Trip Lee: The first song, “Beautiful Life” was on the very weighty topic of unwanted pregnancies and abortion. On that song, the main message I was trying to get across was, how beautiful the life that God gives is, how beautiful a gift that is and to cherish that beautiful life. Since that album came out, there’s a song on there where I talk about my wife being pregnant, but since that album has come out, I have two kids now. I have a two-year old and a two-month old. So I wanted to just talk about in my life, the beautiful life that I’ve seen in them. On that song, producer Gawvi is playing some chords in the studio. I was like, “Ooo, I like that.” It just made you feel happy. You know when you heard Pharrell “Happy” the first time? It just made you feel good. These were just some happy sounding chords and the beat felt good, so I thought that was the perfect one to write the song to my kids and just talk about how grateful I am for them, the joy they bring to my life. I think that’s a good thing to talk about in Hip Hop, too. There’s more sides and one of the sides is I’m glad to be a father of two kids that I love very much and I’m glad to be married.

DX: How has fatherhood been for you?

Trip Lee: Fatherhood has been amazing and hard (laughs). I’ve been married for five years. I’m very grateful for my wife Jessica. She’s an amazing mom and that’s been obviously the biggest thing me and her have done together which is raise little people. I think probably every day, ‘til the sun goes down in my home, every day the most frustrating part of my day is something that my kids did and probably the most joyous thing, the happiest moment, the thing that makes me smile or laugh the most is something my kids did. It’s very interesting because there’s some really hard things about parenthood, but most of the smiles and laughs and joy in my life right now are from my kids and my wife and I’m so grateful for ‘em. It was hard for me to grasp the kind of love that a father can have for his kids until I was really there and they just have my heart. I just want to be a good dad and love on ‘em and that’s an area for me to grow in, but I’m so grateful for my kids and my wife raising ‘em with me. 

DX: You started to touch on this a little bit, but those are themes that are kind of aren’t really present in Hip Hop. Why is that important to you to bring that message? 

Trip Lee: Yeah, I think we see very few pictures in Hip Hop of the man who’s committed to his wife and parents and children. You got like a T.I. who you see some good images there just to see “Hey, this is a rapper. Here’s his wife and his kids on a reality show.” I think that’s a dope image to see. I don’t watch the show, so I don’t know what the show is like, but I think that in itself is dope. But I think it’s really important because I think so many of our communities are suffering from a lack of fathers in the home. So many of us have daddy issues because our dads weren’t around and that’s impacted our lives. Many of us, now I did have my dad around, but I’m a rarity. Even I sit around the table with my friends, these are the dudes I rap with, and I’m like “Oh, I’m the only dude whose dad was around.” It’s so rare and I think it’s so important for young men to have their fathers in their lives, young women have their fathers in their lives and so if I can paint this picture like, “Hey this isn’t some weird thing, this isn’t some rare thing. This is how it should be.” Then, that’s a way that I can encourage fathers to be in their children’s lives and show them the joy of fatherhood. It’s hard but it’s very joyful. And it’s also for those of us who didn’t have fathers, I can paint a new picture by saying here’s something that we cans strive towards together.

Trip Lee Explains Why Artists Like To Incorporate Texan Influences 

DX: “Shweet” was the first single from the album. Why did you choose that one to be the first of your new music? 

Trip Lee: “Shweet” that was a joint that I thought was a cool one to come back on. Content-wise it fits in with kinda a lot of what I talk about, bragging, not bragging on myself and then it was just kinda fun and playful. It feels like right now, like how the track is and the track was just a good one to kick the door out with “Shweet.” People have loved it. It’s really caught on “Shweet” I think that’s kinda catchy and people enjoy it, so I was excited about that particular song and that people have responded to it in a great way.

DX: Why do you think the Texas vibe is really popular and how do you represent that?

Trip Lee: I love the music, man. When I was growing up, Swisha House was a big influence on me and a lot of Texas Hip Hop. There was like a time when Houston was kinda popping. Swisha House, Paul Wall , Lil Flip, Chamillionaire was getting a little bit of love and those are dudes, I was with these dudes through middle school. They were just kinda getting going. I think there’s a lot of cool, unique things about Texas music and Texas Hip Hop. It’s really cool and you can incorporate, I think. We’ve even seen Drake incorporate some Houston-type stuff. Like you said, A$AP dudes incorporating some. I think there are really cool things to kinda bring into it. I enjoy bringing that into my music, my roots growing up in Texas and Dallas. 

Trip Lee Talks Being Open Minded; Working on “Manolo” With Lecrae 

DX: Your overall work has been pretty diverse from fast songs like “No Worries” to more reflective songs like “Fallin.” But overall this seems to be your most diverse project so far. What inspired this diversity or range on Rise ? 

Trip Lee: I wanted to do a record that didn’t sound like nothin’ else. I don’t want it to sound like, I don’t want it to be like “Aw yeah, that one sound like Drake. That one sound like Kendrick. That one sound like..” yeah. I wanted it to be kinda like it’s own sound. Me and Gawvi the producer I worked with we tried to kinda create our own sound for this one. It feels relevant. It feels like right now, but it is unique and I think we were able to accomplish that. And as we were working on it over this year, we had lots of time to sit and think, “Ok, we have these kind of joints. We’re missing more of these. We’re missing more like turn-up songs. Oh, ok we’re missing the vulnerable song. We’re missing this and this and this.” Until we were able to fill in those gaps to give kind of the full experience. So that’s what I always shoot for with a record. I’m glad that we succeeded with that this time around. 

DX: Yeah, there’s a little bit of everything. But “Manolo”, what does that mean? 

Trip Lee: Manolo means “God is with us.” The funny story with that song is we were just like mumbling stuff in the booth and it sounded dope on the track. So Gawvi was like, “nuh nuh nuh nuh Manolo.”  We were like, “dang, I wonder if Manolo’s a real place.” It sounds like an Italian city or something. So we looked it up and we found out it means “God is with us.” We were like, “Oh snap.” So we kept that “Manolo”. Then kind of the rest of the hook, the rest of the song we talk about fighting lies with truth and a lot of weapon imagery in there, talking about the truth is a weapon you fight lies with. It’s a fun joint. Lecrae killed it. Loved his verse on there and I think, we put that song out yesterday or the day before and people have been wilin so I’m glad people love it. I thought they would.

DX: Gawvi I know produced the whole album. Did you know going in that he was going to produce the whole album or how did you work that out? 

Trip Lee: I’ve always wanted to do a record with one producer. I’ve tried it in the past and it hadn’t worked out. Gawvi when I brought the idea to him, he was so excited about it and so from the beginning we were intending to do this whole record together and so we really pushed each other. He’s an incredible producer. I don’t know anybody who’s messing with him. I think he’s my favorite producer period right now. I’m privileged to work with him and I think we work really well together. We’ve been working together since like ’07. He’s done stuff on all of my albums except my very first one. So we go way back. We work well together and so I think this may not be the last record we do together because I think it worked well for us.

DX: That’s awesome. Is there anything else you want to say?

Trip Lee: I think one thing, and I touched on this some, but I think I would love Hip Hop lovers to not discredit the music because they put somebody in a box, but instead to judge music off of whether or not it’s dope. So give the music a chance, see whether it’s dope. If it’s dope, then listen to it, if not, then don’t. I do try to have truth in my music, but I think people assume it’s going to be something else and don’t give it a chance. So I would say, hey listen to the music. Give it a chance. If it’s dope, keep listening to it. If not, then move on.

RELATED:  Trip Lee Breaks Down “The Good Life,” Meeting LeCrae In 2004 [Interview]

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Trip Lee is Back to Christian Rap After Years of Pastoring [Interview]

The Christian rap world hadn’t really heard from Trip Lee in a long time…well, that’s over. The Reach Records O.G. has returned to music and he gave us two great tracks before heading into 2022.

The last time we spoke to Trip was in 2016 . We had the chance to catch up with Trip Lee and find out why he’s back and what he’s been doing.  There will be a part two that focuses on music next week.

Let’s just jump right in. The last time that we heard from you was The Waiting Room Mixtape in 2016. Then, y ou stepped away to be a full-time Pastor. What’s happened since then? 

The funny thing about The Waiting Room  is with that one, I didn’t even need to step away. The only reason I called it that was it was meant to be like, “Here, let me get you something while you wait for the next record.” I was in a good place creatively. I wanted to put something out because I put something out ’06, ’08’, 2010, ’12, ’14, so I was like ’16 about the goal I need.

It ended up being a project that I was really proud of and I saw a lot of fruit from it. And I thought I was about to follow it up with another project. Of course, we make plans, they don’t always turn out that way.

Since then, I moved to Dallas. This is where I grew up. And so, that’s been cool to be back in my hometown and pastor here at the church where I met Jesus, and my mom’s still a member. My health is always up and down. My energy has kept me from being able to get the music to the finish line like I wanted to.

I’m in a new season now, where actually I’m not pastoring anymore. Just because of my health and consistency there. I’m back giving more attention to music. It’s an interesting place to be because music is something that I’ve never lost my desire to do.

Sometimes when I drop a random song or something, even Lecrae will be like, “Oh, how you keep popping up and still being good? The flow’s current.” I’m like, “What? You all forget, but I was like 6-years-old when I met you, so absolutely, I mean I still got it.”

But I’m excited to get to give more time to it because the creative drive hasn’t changed at all. And yeah, I’m excited about the music.

I know the truth, though. You say you’re stopping being a Pastor, but you mean vocationally. Because once you’re a Pastor, you never really stop being a Pastor.

The same way with music, nothing changed. For me, nothing has changed in terms of my desire to love people, help people to grow, help people to know Jesus more. I love the church, I love the local church. It’s been important. I’ve dedicated so much of my life to it even before I was pastoring. That part of me hasn’t changed. I’m preaching at my church this Sunday, actually.

What was it like? Personally, as a Pastor, there’s just a daily grind of pastoring, working at a church, trying to meet people’s demands, being on call with life, and people relying on you for a lot of support, wisdom, prayer. There’s a lot of overextension of yourself. And so, for you specifically, you deal with fatigue. Can you talk a little bit about what that’s been like for you?

My health is the hardest part of every part of my life. You name a part of my life, work, my spiritual life, relationship with God, marriage, parenting, whatever, friendships. It’s the hardest part of every part of my life because it’s very hard to be consistent. It’s hard to plan well because my energy is so up and down and random. Doctors don’t understand my illness very well. Sometimes it’s some new thing that shows up in my blood. It is, it’s very unpredictable.

And so, that can certainly make it hard to pastor…When we’re pastoring, we want to be very reliable. We want to serve people. For me, pastoring is not just standing on the stage and saying true stuff. It is also being in people’s lives, welcoming people. It’s funerals, it’s weddings, it’s marriage counseling. It’s, “Let’s grab a coffee.”

So yeah, and it means a lot to me. Church means a lot to me. Pastoring does, and so it’s hard to not be able to be as consistent as I want to be.

I think in this season…it seems more faithful for me to give more of my time to music and continue to serve people creatively.

Do you find that the two worlds can meet in your artistry, when you’re around other artists, some of that Pastor side shows up?  Do people rely on you in those ways? Or do you see those people as just friends, artists at Reach, or whoever you’re working with at the time?

It’s both. I don’t like when people like, “Oh, shut up. Sorry, Pastor.” You know what I’m saying? I don’t want people to like, “Oh, I’m on a record with a minister right now, not with my homey.” You know?

So yeah, so there’s that. But also, I think being a pastor looks most faithful when it is not like professionally pursued. I love people, I love the church, I love scripture, I love walking with people and I can serve other people in this way.

I try to live my life in a way where I am encouraging and walking alongside people. It’s helpful for me to help shepherd them, and teach and learn alongside and love people, even with just more peer relationships. When your homie has a particular strength, you lean into that.

I’ve got friends who have key insight into relational things. And it’s just my friend, it’s not my counselor. But I’m like, “He gives wise advice in this area.” So I’m like, “Hey, I know you think well on this thought. Any thoughts from you?”

It means more to me when people I’m close to respect me in those ways, than the people who don’t really know me that well.

I don’t want to present myself as anything I’m not. And I don’t want to only be encouraging the people who don’t know me well. You know what I’m saying?

Do you have any inklings of writing a book again?

Yeah, man. I love to write. I have a book that is extremely overdue. My publisher’s been very gracious. It’s about identity that I’m hoping to wrap up pretty soon. So we’ll see.

But I love writing. With music and books and preaching and stuff I do, the way a lot of this happened for me is I’ve been very impacted by those things. “If I can serve people the way I’ve been served by those things, I’d like the opportunity to do it.”

I’ve tried to learn from others and figure out how to do it well. And so, I love writing. I’m a reader of all kinds of stuff. I love words. I love communicating the truth. That feels like the people who love my music, that feels like the people who are my peers. And so, if I can do it well, I’m going to try. so yeah, I have a book project in the works, and hopefully, I can finish that up soon.

Speaking of Identity, was there anything in you that whenever you said you’re quitting Hip Hop and you’re just going to be a Pastor for a minute that said, “Man, my identity is so tied to what I was in Hip Hop, it’s really hard for me to wrap my head around this journey of life, this part of my life?”

Sure. I remember one time when I was on the staff of the church…I had to say, “No,” to a lot more stuff. There was a tour that I couldn’t do, everybody else was doing. I just remember that I was looking on my socials and was like, “Dang, this looks like a blast.”

But man, we all have our own struggles with our identity. The stories we tell ourselves about who we are. And so, we’ll be like, “Oh, I am this person who does these things, at these times, in this way.” Even if we know, “I’m not what I do.” It can still be a struggle. And so, for sure, and even with not being able to pastor in the seats, the same thing.

One thing that happens for me, the Lord has worked in me with having a chronic illness is, it’s just I want to hold this up with an open hand because everything feels like mercy from God. There’s nothing that’s like, “Oh, for sure. Absolutely.”

In James, when James says, “Oh, you saying, like tomorrow, I’m going to go to the city and do A, B, C.” He’s like, “You fool. Your life is a vapor. You don’t know if you’re going to be around tomorrow. Instead, you should say, If the Lord wills, I will go and do this or that.”

And so, sometimes Christians will say, “Lord willing.” It’s a nice thing to tag on once I figured out what it means. Like, “Amen,” you just say it. But for me, that means something. “Lord willing,” is very real to me.

That’s not to say that my reality is that different from other people’s. We don’t know what’s going to happen. But because my weakness is in my face all the time, it’s clear to me, “Lord willing,” means for me is whenever I get an opportunity, what the Lord will allow me to do, I have just had to be very openhanded.

There’s been a lot of dreams that just haven’t been able to do because of my limitations, especially in the past several years.

“Here’s what I desire. Here’s what I’ll go after, and Lord, whatever You’ll do is what you’re going to do. If You allow me to do this, and I can be happy and holy and enjoy my life and be a good dad and husband, and love people, like whatever You’ll give me Lord, I’ll take, and I just want to try and be as faithful as I can.”

That’s the perspective that I want to have and that I have more of and that I want more of because I don’t want to make it seem like I’m always just like, “Yes, Lord. This is great. Trust You. Who cares if this is hard.” That’s not how it is.

I’ve got weeks where I’m better at seeing things how they are, and weeks where I struggle more with just being discouraged if everything doesn’t go right. It’s something in the way of what God wants me to do as opposed to the way that God is getting me there.

That’s good. Thank you for that perspective! Worship starts from sacrifice and surrender. So for you to arrive at that, at the end there, where you just like, “I’m just openhanded, or I’m trying in the best way I know how” that’s a good perspective to have and for people to see. Because like I said, I feel like a lot of times, people can get caught up in their identity being what they do, rather than just being in Christ.

That’s right, and the most important thing about who we are is not something that can be taken away. We are made in the image of God. That’s where our worth and value are, and literally, nothing can change that or take that away.

It’s really the most important thing about you, you’re made in the image of God, you have worth and value in that. There’s literally nothing that can change that. If we know Jesus, and we’re purchased by the King and his family, no one can snatch us.

Part 2 with Trip Lee will discuss the music that is out along with the music he has coming. He provides insight into his musical process over this last year as well.

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Feature: trip lee is rap’s risen son.

By Juan Vidal

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After an out-of-nowhere semi-retirement, Reach Records star Trip Lee is back with a new album abounding with the good word. Here, the rapper speaks on his journey back into the spotlight.

It was a Friday night in Miami Beach and, after a sold-out show, attendees spilled from the venue into the boisterous garages and lots in droves. Cars with rattling trunks peeled out of The Fillmore, leaving fat clouds of grey in their wake. Heavy bass echoed for blocks, stretching well past Lincoln Road. It wasn’t hard to make out Trip Lee’s voice, his deep Southern twang blaring from all directions as vehicles sped out toward I-95. The memory has stayed with me, that night in 2012 when I first heard the sounds of rap collective 116 Clique shaking the streets. Soon after—at the height of his popularity—Trip would announce a semi-retirement of sorts. And some were left confused. Trip Lee, the Dallas-born and bred wunderkind, is one of the most integral pieces of the 116 arsenal. By 16, he was already being touted by Reach Records , the label co-owned by Lecrae . In 2006, they released Trip’s debut, If They Only Knew , and he was hailed as a promising newcomer with a flow beyond his age. That he was, and more. Fast-forward some years, and there were a handful of lauded LP’s, packed-out tours, marriage, children, and, most recently, a brief hiatus. “I just want to give people what I feel, not what I think they want,” Trip says over the phone from Atlanta. “Something that challenges and pokes at emotions we all deal with.” Of course he’s referring to Rise , his much-anticipated fifth album, which is out today (October 27). Having been relatively quiet since 2012, he’s all clear on the stakes: “People might wonder, ‘Oh, does he still have it?’ But I needed to take my time.” It’s no mystery what he means, either. In a sport that is as competitive and so much about the magic of now as rap, a respite of any kind can be detrimental to a career. Artists, particularly rappers, often walk a tight line between relevance and getting dismissed as yesterday’s goods. Still, Trip’s not worried. “There are aspects to Rise that make it flawless to me. And worth the wait.” //www.youtube.com/embed/NvOBYXXUQfE Certain traits have long separated Trip from his industry peers. While a level of dexterity and confidence are necessary components in hip-hop, likability never has been. So much is true for blowhards like Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean, who command airwaves regularly with plain old conceit and their trademark indifference. It may be fun, sure, or impressive now and again. But the bulk of it is drivel for clubs and weekend binges. For Trip, it’s more about shining through with something transcendent, perhaps even a reassuring word for when you’re walking in the fire. And although he can hang lyrically with the game’s top tier, he chooses the route of humble teacher unearthing lessons. No middle fingers and gun hand gestures, just an engaged handshake and a smile. Skill, there’s plenty of it to speak of. But people also genuinely like the guy. For the last few years, Trip has been plagued by health issues that have threatened his productivity. He suffers from “chronic fatigue syndrome,” a debilitating condition that has kept him from touring as heavily as he used to. “It’s a battle for me because I’m just naturally ambitious,” he says. “I have a love/hate relationship with the road, though. As much as I enjoy traveling and being out there, I can’t stand being away from my family. And sometimes I’m just physically out of commission for days at a time. I’m reminded to be careful about how I spend my energy.” Despite having been “slowed down” by the disorder, nothing can stop Trip from offering himself up to be poured out. He’s just wrapped up his second book, aptly titled Rise , joined Lecrae for a few dates on The Anomaly Tour, and has unleashed what is arguably his most evocative musical effort to date.

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A photo posted by Trip Lee (@triplee116)  on Feb 2, 2014 at 6:17pm PST

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Award-Winning Christian Rapper Trip Lee Opens Up Journey With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Trip Lee , one of Reach Records ’ flagship rappers, opened up in detail about his journey with chronic fatigue syndrome on a recent episode of the Trevor Talks podcast.

The artist’s struggles with the incurable chronic illness inspired one of his best known songs to date, “ Sweet Victory ,” which he released in 2014 on his acclaimed album Rise . That battle with illness continues to be one that Trip faces every single day, as he details in the podcast interview.

“The truth is that life is really hard and God is really good. Both of these things are true,” the multi-talented rapper, minister, husband and father shares. “I think sometimes in Christian music, we’re not that great at holding both together.”

Trip Lee has always epitomized what it might look like to embrace the tension of those truths. It’s an approach that also informed his book Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story, as well as his two 2021 singles, “Supernatural” and “You Got It.” All of Trip’s work reflects the maturation and sanctification process he has worked through navigating the daily challenges of ministry, fatherhood and chronic illness.

This podcast episode is the latest way Trip is offering wisdom gleaned from his experiences with listeners. “Hard seasons don’t mean that God is gone,” the rapper earnestly concludes.

Hear the full, vulnerable conversation on Spotify , Apple Music and Google Podcasts . For more from Trip Lee, find him on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

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Trip Lee is a critically-acclaimed hip-hop artist whose music has topped Billboard and iTunes charts, and who has received several Dove Award nominations and a Stellar Award. He has traveled the world performing for and speaking to countless listeners with his Christ-centered message of encouragement. Trip is also a pastor in Dallas and the author of two books, The Good Life and Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story . Learn more about Trip at his website, builttobrag.com .

Being Faithful to Jesus in the World

Hip-hop artist and pastor Trip Lee offers a light-hearted and thought-provoking look at the Christian desire to withdraw from the culture, encouraging listeners to instead be the light of Christ to the world.

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Go to artist, search by typing, press enter to begin search, “we have to step up and meet people where they are. that’s how you create change.”.

Two years removed from his 5 th album Rise , which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Rap chart and #16 on the Billboard 200 , Trip sounds more focused than ever. “It’s time,” he says.

His new mixtape The Waiting Room is an exercise in power and precision. Though its title speaks to things like patience and contentment —all which are good and true and examined here with a biblical lens— the urgency is also deeply felt. “This earth is a place where all of our longings just won’t come true,” Trip says. “We’re always waiting for things to be made right.”

Throughout the 10 songs that make up The Waiting Room , Trip wrestles with joy and pain, life and death, and the realities of our current social and political climate. Since Rise , violence, injustice, and heightened levels of civil unrest have captivated our national consciousness. The example of the church, Trip argues, is needed now more than ever before. “We have to step up and meet people where they are. That’s how you create change.”

The state of our nation, and world, has caused many to look inward, including Trip — to take careful stock of our hearts and commit to destroying the things that hold us back. Naturally, as with all crucial times in human history, great art has a way of emerging from the rubble.

The first single on The Waiting Room , “Too Cold” produced by GAWVI, is a melodic and bass-heavy anthem about the importance of boldness and standing firm in one’s faith. “One time for my soldiers/Two times for y’all that got that cross on y’all shoulders/We ain’t gon’ let the world mold us.”

“Clouds,” a banger co-produced by GAWVI and Dirty Rice, is easily one of Trip’s strongest and, suffice to say, catchiest releases to date. His voice and southern drawl coast over the piano and cracking drums like a rider on a swell. “That feeling when you’re walking in your calling/Ain’t no turning back, I’m all in/I ain’t finished just watch.” Songs like this serve to re-establish Trip as a singular force in hip-hop, a rapper who is as willing to share his doubts and uncertainties as he is his assurances. One of Trip’s biggest obstacles over the last several years has been his health, specifically his battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, which he doesn’t shy away from discussing. On “Longer” he digs deep, detailing the exhaustion and physical strain that his condition continues to pose on his life and work. Despite it all, Trip takes solace in knowing that his suffering is only temporary.

Then there are gems like the infectious Alex Medina-produced “Money Up” and the second single “Billion Years,” a worshipful cut that thunders with hope and features a massive hook by Taylor Hill. “A billion years ahead, this whole world will be nothing/There’s a joy that is coming, like the morning.”

The Waiting Room is Trip at his most self-actualized. It probes and prods; it’s fun; there is measured tension. It’s an artist operating at the height of his gift. Start to finish, the project has a soulful air—moody synths and chords and interesting key changes—that match Trip’s intensity and crisp delivery. His skill as an MC shines bright as ever, and once again proves his standing as one of the best doing it today. “It’s been awhile since I put some new music out,” Trip says. “This one is special and will hold people over until the next album. Rawness, real emotion, and a fresh perspective. Here’s The Waiting Room .”

Jun 21  –  Trip Lee

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Age, Biography and Wiki

Trip Lee (William Lee Barefield III) was born on 17 December, 1987 in Dallas, Texas, United States. Discover Trip Lee's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 36 years old?

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 17 December. He is a member of famous with the age 36 years old group.

Trip Lee Height, Weight & Measurements

At 36 years old, Trip Lee height not available right now. We will update Trip Lee's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Who Is Trip Lee's Wife?

His wife is Jessica Lee (m. 2009)

Trip Lee Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. So, how much is Trip Lee worth at the age of 36 years old? Trip Lee’s income source is mostly from being a successful . He is from United States. We have estimated Trip Lee's net worth , money, salary, income, and assets.

Trip Lee Social Network

In 2019, he became young adult pastor at Concord Church Dallas, Texas.

On December 9, 2016, Trip Lee released the album titled, "The Waiting Room." The title was inspired by a line in the song, "Take Me There" from his, "The Good Life" album. He says the album highlights the fact that, as a Christian, his life is much like sitting in a waiting room, looking for what God has ahead.

In 2015, he became pastor at Cornerstone Church West End in Atlanta.

On October 27, 2014, Trip Lee released his fifth studio album, Rise. On January 27, 2015 he released his second book called Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story to accompany the album. He was part of the Winter Jam Tour 2016 along with KB and Tedashii in the central and eastern parts of the United States.

In 2014, he became pastoral assistant at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Trip Lee released his fourth full-length studio album, entitled The Good Life on April 9, 2012. The album featured various notable Christian artists, such as Sho Baraka (formerly signed with Reach Records), JR., Lecrae, J.Paul, KB, Andy "C-Lite" Mineo, Jimmy Needham , V. Rose, Suzy Rock, Jai, and Leah Smith . As a continuation to the album, Lee has worked with Moody Publishers and has authored a book titled The Good Life, to be released October 1, 2012.

On October 9, 2012 Lee announced he would be "stepping away" from music altogether. The Unashamed 2012 tour with the Reach Records roster was his final tour before pursuing a career as an author and pastor. He later clarified that while he would continue to make music, he wouldn't be touring as much. He is currently training to be a pastor at his local church, while still engaging in public ministry.

Lee released two new singles "Brag on My Lord" and "King Like Mine", the latter featuring Alex Medina , on March 29, 2011.

In early 2011, he did the pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.

Trip Lee married Jessica Barefield in 2009. The couple have two children.

His second album, 20/20, was released in 2008 and garnered much success, breaking into the Billboard Top 200 and reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Christian albums chart and No. 4 on the Gospel chart. Back with his third studio album, Between Two Worlds, Lee offers a collection of reflections on life in a fallen world. His hope is that his reflections not only resonate with listeners, but also point to Jesus as the hero.

In 2004, Lee met Lecrae at a concert; months later, after talking and building with each other, Lecrae began to disciple him. While still in high school, Lee was given the opportunity to pen a few devotionals for the Reach Records website that dealt with theological matters and showcased his spiritual maturity.

William Lee Barefield III (born December 17, 1987), better known by his stage name Trip Lee, is an American Christian rapper, singer, poet and author. Signed to Reach Records, he has recorded both as a solo artist and as a founding member of the 116 Clique. Originally from Dallas, Texas, he serves as a young adult pastor at Concord Church. His third album, Between Two Worlds, was nominated for two Dove Awards and won the Stellar Award for Best Hip Hop Album in 2011.

William Lee Barefield III was born on December 17, 1987 in Dallas, Texas. As a young boy, Lee had dreams of being a professional athlete or a famous rapper, and he began to hone his lyrical skills at the age of 12. "I rapped about random stuff… how hot I was, how many girls I could pull," Lee says. But upon giving his life to Christ, at age 14, his focus changed from fortune, fame, and women to serving and ministering the Gospel.

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Trip Lee Steps Away from Pastoral Ministry Due to Illness: ‘Faith Always Leads to Healing’

By Movieguide® Staff

Christian rapper and minister William Lee Barefield III, better known by his stage name Trip Lee, said he had to step away from preaching due to illness.

In a recent interview, the 33-year-old recording artist revealed that he had battled chronic fatigue syndrome for 12 years and is now stepping away from pastoring.

“When I think of calling, I think of desire, gifting, and opportunity, basically. I had the desire to want to do it. When I would preach and serve and help people, I see the Lord using this and the Lord opened doors for me to do it,” Lee explained .

“I think [my] calling has been affected by my own health and things that seemed good and that I feel called to, they don’t work out the way I expect because I have an illness that is the hardest part of every part of my life and things don’t always work out the way that I think they supposed to or I felt they would, but nevertheless, I’m just trying to be faithful in the season,” he added.

Lee served at Cornerstone Church West End in Atlanta for four years, and in 2019 became the young adult pastor at Concord Church in Dallas, Texas. Lee authored “The Good Life” and “Rise: Get Up and Live in God’s Great Story during his pastoral ministry.”

Lee is best known publicly for his music and released two albums, Rise and The Waiting Room, in 2014.

“For many years, it was me trying to pastor in this season,” he said. “I’m actually not pastoring anymore. I’ve actually stepped away in the past few months because of my health. It’s made it hard, It doesn’t seem like the most faithful way for me to serve the Church in the season. … But yeah, trying to be faithful looks different in different seasons.”

Lee also spoke at the Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference, where he taught out of Matthew 8:1-13, where Jesus heals the leper.

“To read passages like these, if I’m honest, can be difficult for a sick person,” he said. “Because it just seems so easy. It seems like ‘just believe and you’re healed.’… It seems like faith just takes care of it. So what can happen — and I know I’m not the only one who has an illness or who has friends and family who have illnesses — the question can be, ‘Why isn’t God willing to heal me?’ It can be confusing, especially when you have false teaching that’ll say, ‘Look, if you’re sick, it’s a lack of faith. Faith always leads to healing.'”

Despite his circumstances, Lee said that he trusts that God has a purpose for his life.

“If we want to present our brokenness to Jesus … the question is never about God’s ability,” Lee said. “It’s a question of whether or not it’s in His will. That’s how we should bring our brokenness to a Savior as amazing as ours — with an open hand, saying, ‘I know you can. I’m asking if You will.'”

Boaters describe nightmare fishing trip after engine breaks, left stranded for hours in dark

MADISON COUNTY, Fla. ( WCTV /Gray News) - Three men are home safe after they experienced a nightmare fishing trip as they got stranded off the coast of Florida for hours over the weekend.

Scott Snow, Dillon McRae and Adam Simpson left for a fishing trip Friday morning.

However, that night, their boat broke down due to an electrical issue, leaving them stuck on the water without any cell service or radio signal to call for help.

The men said the wind started blowing around 40 mph with 10 to 12-foot waves crashing into the boat.

They tried to head back to land, but the waves and wind were so strong they worried their boat would capsize. So, they stayed overnight.

Snow and McRae said they both got violently sick from the crashing of the waves.

“I was throwing up,” Snow said. “All night, all day.”

The men survived the overnight hours and the next morning they tried to start the boat’s engine, but it wouldn’t start.

And that’s when they began to fear the worst.

“We were starting to ration water,” Snow said.

Frantic messages to friends and family went unanswered as they were still in an area without any service.

Miraculously, one of their messages ended up going through and hours later a helicopter and Coast Guard boat could be seen approaching.

“They passed us three times and didn’t see us,” Snow said. “We used all our flares.”

Finally, after shooting off their last flare, rescuers saw them.

“They started coming towards us and all of a sudden they started circling us,” McRae said.

The nightmare was over.

“Relieved,” Snow and McRae said when asked how they felt. “Relieved, to say the least. We were going home.”

Copyright 2024 WCTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Election latest: Sunak not taking questions amid talk of Tory battle to succeed him - as Dragon joins Starmer at brewery

A poll has found Reform's Nigel Farage would be the favourite to take over as Tory leader if Rishi Sunak loses the election. Labour says the Conservatives are already battling over the succession. Earlier, the transport secretary denied that the PM's D-Day blunder had lost the election.

Saturday 8 June 2024 23:04, UK

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• PM not taking questions as D-Day row rumbles on
• Sir Keir joined by Dragon to launch small businesses plan
• Farage should take over from Sunak as leader of Tories, poll finds
• Tories will scrap ULEZ expansion in 'backing drivers bill'
• Sunak vows to axe stamp duty for first-time buyers
• Electoral Dysfunction:  What could be in the party manifestos?

Expert analysis

• Rob Powell: It beggars belief someone didn't sound the alarm about PM leaving D-Day events early
• Tamara Cohen: Labour can't believe their luck

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The Lib Dems have announced plans to create 1,000 new  hospital beds to end the "corridor crisis" in hospitals. 

The party is ramping up its focus on health and social care ahead of its manifesto launch next week, which will include a dedicated chapter on care.

The issue is personal to leader Sir Ed Davey, who is a carer for his son John, who has a neurological condition and learning difficulties.

On the campaign trail in Wokingham, Berkshire on Saturday, he told broadcasters: "The Liberal Democrats are putting health and care right at the centre of our election campaign, and on ambulance delays and waiting times, it's been a crisis.

"We've seen in some parts of the country people's loved ones dying before the ambulances arrive.

"We've seen queues at hospitals as ambulances are waiting to hand over their patients and something has to be done."

Sir Ed said he would "turn around this mess the Conservatives have made" by investing £400m per year to add an extra 1,000 staffed beds in hospitals.

The party says this would help end excessive handover delays and the scandal of patients waiting in corridors to be treated. 

It has also pledged an upfront capital investment of £280 million to expand urgent treatment centres and A&E wards. 

The Lib Dems did not say where the money was coming from, but insisted the the pledge is "fully funded" and more detail will be unveiled in their manifesto - which will include a chapter on care. 

Rachel Reeves has accused the Tories of acting like Jeremy Corbyn with a "fantasy manifesto". 

The shadow chancellor, who campaigned twice to be an MP under Mr Corbyn's watch, has written an op-ed in The Sun in which she said she "totally rejects" the former Labour leader's approach. 

Accusing the Tories of making unfunded promises to cut taxes, Ms Reeves said: "The approach the Conservatives are taking now is the same as the approach Jeremy Corbyn took - and I totally reject it. 

"I’m not going to offer you a fantasy manifesto that writes cheques we could never cash. I will never do this."

CCHQ were quick to point out that Ms Reeves, an MP since 2010, will have campaigned twice for Mr Corbyn's manifesto - at the 2017 and 2019 general elections. 

"Imagine her shock when she finds out she campaigned for this manifesto, and to make Jeremy Corbyn Prime Minister… twice", they said in a post on X. 

The Labour shadow cabinet have been at pains to stress how much the party has changed since its historic defeat at the 2019 election. 

Ms Reeves in particular has been painting herself as fiscally conservative, in sharp contrast to Mr Corbyn who made a number of big spending pledges such as free school meals and the abolition of tuition fees.

The latest attack could risk angering the Labour left, who are keen to see greater spending commitments. 

But Ms Reeves made clear there would be no surprise spending announcements in the party's manifesto when it launches next week, repeating her mantra: "We are a changed Labour Party. I will never play fast and loose with your money." 

Question. If a prime minister is heckled at a rally and there's no backdrop scandal to imbue it with meaning, should it still end up on the news?

I ask because so often in election campaigns, individual and often innocuous events get sucked into the black hole of a political narrative and spat out as something very different and much more dangerous.

Exhibit A - the torrid two days Rishi Sunak has had after his early departure from the D-Day commemorations.

Such was the scale of this saga that even a solitary road sign in rural Gloucestershire was transformed into a symbol of the hapless Tory campaign stumbling from one PR disaster to another - simply because it read "Veterans Way" and happened to be next to a school the prime minister was visiting.

A GP with gripes about the widening of access to medical care topped off the party's hell day after she interrupted Mr Sunak at a rally in Wiltshire.

This was inevitably seen as another blow for the embattled campaign, despite the prime minister giving a fairly convincing defence of his policy.

You wonder how such a situation would have been received had it happened to Sir Keir Starmer - the drama potentially diluted by his huge lead in the polls and polished campaign machine.

None of this is to deny the importance of the D-Day story.

As one pollster put it, the debacle seemed almost "laser guided" to inflict the maximum amount of damage on a leader leaking votes to the right and facing frequent accusations of being out of touch.

That was certainly evident in Bishop Auckland on Saturday.

The Tories took this seat for the first time ever in 2019, but metres from a Conservative campaign stop one former candidate for the party told Sky News he could "never vote for that man" after events of the past two days.

"He's leading them off the cliff like rats following the Pied Piper," he said.

So how can Rishi Sunak change the weather?

Read Rob's full analysis below... 

The polls are stubbornly refusing to move for the Conservatives.

Sky's latest average poll tracker shows Labour on 43.6% while the Conservatives trail on 22.8% - a commanding lead.

And - despite Rishi Sunak appealing to the right of his core vote with policies on immigration and national service, Nigel Farage's Reform party are nipping at the Tories' heels. 

One YouGov poll this week showed the party on 17% - just two points behind the Conservatives on 19%.

Conservative peer and poll expert Lord Hayward has said the Tories have been "flatlining" in the polls. 

"I think the polls have somewhat overestimated the Labour lead but it's still solid and it's still very substantial," he tells the Politics Hub. 

He says Reform's position is "dangerous" to all other parties. 

"What's interesting is that Reform, and other disruptor parties like the Greens, are taking away votes from the major parties," he adds. 

"It will hit all parties, not just the Conservatives, and this what people have to be aware of nbecause voter loyalty is very low." 

He adds that he believes his party's chances of achieving a majority is going to be "pretty difficult". 

Ali Fortescue is joined now by our political correspondent Tamara Cohen , and the pair are discussing whether the Conservatives can dig themselves out of the hole they've found themselves in after a bad week. 

Tamara says there is a lot of deep despair in the Tory ranks. 

"Rishi Sunak refusing to speak to journalists today and just look at the seats that they're visiting. The prime minister in Bishop Auckland, where the Conservatives have an 8,000 majority," she says. 

"Whereas Labour today is in Aldershot - a seat the Conservatives have held for 100 years. 

"Next week we have the manifestos released. Is that a moment for Rishi Sunak to regain a bit of momentum?

"We've also got more debates including our election event and the Tories are chucking out a lot of ideas here." 

Next up on the show is Labour's shadow treasury minister James Murray. 

Ali begins by asking him about Labour's plan to overhaul the business rates system if it gets into power. 

Mr Murray explains that his party wants to replace the current system with one that "rebalances the burden away from high streets and make sure that online giants pay their fair share". 

"People want high streets to thrive... but at the moment they pay a disproportionate amount of tax through business rates," he adds. 

He explains that bricks and mortar stores would be given extra support under a Labour government. 

He reiterates Labour's pledge to not rejoin the single market, the customs union and it will not have the freedom on movement again.

But he says that the party wants to "reduce friction" with the European Union to improve the economy. 

Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake is the first guest to appear on tonight's Politics Hub with Ali Fortescue. 

He is asked about the Conservatives defenders seemingly missing in action, saying everybody's time in politics eventually comes to an end, and they have their own decisions to make. 

Mr Hollinrake is among those standing again as an MP. 

"Politics isn't the only thing to do in your life," he adds. "But there are some fantastic people coming through, and we have a fantastic leader in Rishi Sunak." 

Ali pushes him on the criticism surrounding Sunak over his decision to leave D-Day commemorations early. 

"He made a mistake, and he was of course in the commemorations in the UK and in the British commemorations in France," Mr Hollinrake says, adding that the PM has apologised. 

He adds that only one person he has spoken to in his constituency have raised D-Day as an issue. 

"I think it's time now to talk about other issues," he says. 

Moving on now to the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London, he insists the Conservatives want to make sure the cost of moving to a cleaner environment is "sensible and proportionate". 

   Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been trying to move on from anger over his decision to leave D-Day commemorations early – today he refused to speak to journalists.

Last night though, a cabinet minister speaking on live TV told the country his decision was "very wrong". 

But where have all those who would be out defending the Conservatives got to? 

Boris Johnson, long-time deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid, Liz Truss, even Michael Gove, have all deserted the field.

None - apart from Liz Truss - are even standing at the election.

Here's our political correspondent Rob Powell's latest report from today's campaign trail... 

In the last few moments, Rishi Sunak has posted on X about the release of four Israeli hostages in Gaza. 

He said it was a "huge relief" to see them returned home after their "unimaginable ordeal". 

"We will continue to strive towards an end to the fighting as well as safety and security for all," he added. 

Earlier, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer reposted a message from shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, which said the hostage's rescue was a "glimmer of hope in the darkness". 

Tonight's show begins with a look at the rescue of four Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza earlier today.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his forces had acted with "creativity and boldness" and they will not relent until all hostages have been returned home. 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accused Israeli forces of a "bloody massacre". 

The Hamas-run government in the enclave has said at least 210 Palestinians were killed during the rescue mission. 

You can read all the latest updates in our dedicated Israel-Hamas war blog below...

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• Local & State

Resurgam festival, a massive yard sale and more things to do this weekend

Comedian Dave Attell is in town, Zephyr Ice is serving up cool treats and food trucks are out in force (there's an app that will tell you where).

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We’re not entirely sure how the weekend weather is going to shake out, but either way there’s a whole lot going on, so let’s get to it.

Maine Roller Derby skaters competing at Happy Wheels Skate Center in Westbrook. Photo by Jim Vernier

On Saturday and Sunday, Maine Roller Derby’s first international tournament happens at Happy Wheels Skate Center in Westbrook. There will be several exciting flat-track bouts, and if you’re a Mainer, tickets are half off.

Get a discount on tickets to Maine Roller Derby’s international tournament

Max Abraham runs through Moon Tide Park while performing with the band Corpus Chicanery at last year’s Resurgam festival. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

The Resurgam Music and Arts Festival is Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ocean Gateway marine terminal and surrounding areas. The list of performers is about 17 miles long and includes Oshima Brothers Band and professional hula hoop and circus artist Nettie Loops.

Resurgam festival returns this weekend with music, arts and more

Local musician Toby McAllister, pictured here at The Press Room in Portsmouth, would of course play at a local venue on his perfect day. Photo by Corey Fitzgerald and courtesy of Toby McAllister

Another musician you can see at Resurgam is Toby McAllister from Sparks The Rescue. McAllister unpacked his perfect Maine day for us, and it includes a hike in Grafton Notch and a stop at Puzzle Mountain Bakery in Newry for cookies.

My Perfect Day: Hiking Old Speck, eating tacos and sweets, playing a show – for musician Toby McAllister, it all strikes a chord

Comic Dave Attell plays the State Theatre in Portland, June 8. Photo courtesy of the State Theatre

There’s plenty else cooking this weekend , including Yoga in the Park on Saturday and the Walk the Working Waterfront tour. Both are in Portland. Or you can shop till you drop at Maine’s Ultimate Spring Yard Sale Saturday at Cumberland Fairgrounds. Need a few laughs? Grab a ticket to see comic Dave Attell at the State Theatre Saturday.

Waterfront tour, giant yard sale, comic Dave Attell

Zephyr proudly tells its customers that everything is made in house with real fruit and no dyes. Photo by Megan Gray

Satisfy your sweet tooth with something a little different this weekend. Zephyr Ice in Portland serves shaved ice atop a scoop of regular or vegan ice cream. Choose from a variety of syrup flavors, all made in-house with real fruit.

For cool, customizable treats, breeze on in to Zephyr Ice

Mainely Burgers food truck. Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

Should you fancy a food truck fix, check out our massive, always growing food truck guide and get busy chowing down.

A guide to 87 food trucks rolling through Maine

A Foodtruckalico Instagram post featuring the Ugly Dumpling food truck. Photo by Justin Velgos

For even more food truck fodder, we suggest heading to Food Truckalico on Instagram . A couple of times a week, the account shares details about where and when you can find trucks in the Portland area.

Follow the food trucks with Food Truckalico on Instagram

A newspaper article about a Comegato sighting from web series “Tracking the Comegato.” Photo courtesy of Kate Kaminski

If the weather does indeed relegate you to the indoors, curl up on the couch and fire up the new web series “Tracking the Comegato” about a beastly human-weasel hybrid that may or may not exist.

Could this human-weasel hybrid from Maine join the ranks of Bigfoot?

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