That’s a rap: Aaron Cole at Gardner-Webb University

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

Dove Award-winning Christian rap artist Aaron Cole will headline Gardner-Webb University’s “Summer in the Springs” concert series on Aug. 24.

Chart-topping Christian rapper Aaron Cole will perform at Gardner-Webb University’s inaugural “Summer in the Springs” series on Aug. 24.

The show at Brinkley Amphitheater will welcome GWU students back to campus. All seats are general admission, and you’re encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets are free for Gardner-Webb students and $15 for everyone else and can be bought in advance or at the door. Go online at ie1.glitnirticketing.com/ieticket2025/web/stadiumg.php?event_id=399&status_id=2
Cole, who was 3 years old when he started to rap, has a professional portfolio that includes the 2019 Dove for New Artist of the Year and three straight No. 1 singles on the Billboard Christian Hot Adult Contemporary/Christian chart.

Born and raised in Bristol, Virginia, a small town on the Tennessee border, Cole grew up in a home where music was an outlet to express his emotions. His dad had a recording studio in their apartment and his uncle was a Christian rapper and young Cole would sit in on the sessions and rap verses back to him.

“No matter what your story is, we are all called to be something great,” Cole said. “So, go after your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem. Work hard, stay true to who you are, don’t compromise your faith, and let God lead. After all, if God can make a poor kid from Bristol’s wildest dreams come true, He can do it for you too.”

Cole caught Grammy winner and chart-topping artist TobyMac’s attention when he was just 15 and signed to his Gotee Records label shortly thereafter. In 2017, Cole’s debut single, “Right On Time” – featuring his mentor – rose to the top of Billboard’s Christian Hot AC while the companion music video racked up over 8 million views on YouTube.

“My dude Aaron Cole is about to take it all somewhere special,” TobyMac said. “This is the tip of the iceberg, and it just goes deeper and wider from here on out.”

Cole followed with “One More Day” which also rose to No. 1 on the Christian Hot AC chart, which led to stage time with national recording artists like Lecrae, Andy Mineo, KB, and Trip Lee, as well as performing on national tours with TobyMac, Torian Wells and Mandisa.