His father was born in 1924 on the land his family farmed and owned slaves, he later became a traveling pastor and Christian apologist, during the Great Migration.
His mother Patricia Ann Harris, is a transatlantic missionary from roots of Sierra Leone who served communities in 17 countries with Baptist as he toured America and Europe.
[11] After a dispute over the ownership to his publishing rights with the agency, he became homeless, and drove for Lyft until he signed a deal with Atlantic Records/Warner Music Group in New York City with Craig Kallman, Julie Greenwald and Michael Kyser.
Baptist has collaborated with musical artists Anthony Hamilton,[15] Donald Lawrence,[4][5][16] Kierra Sheard,[17] Killer Mike,[16] Twista,[16] Michelle Williams,[16] Tony Bennett, Pharrell Williams, Musiq Soulchild,[16] Brandy Norwood,[16] Estelle,[16] Tori Kelly, Elle Varner, D.C. Young Fly.
[16] Baptist has partnered with companies, agencies, and lifestyle brands Facebook, Apple, Google, Lexus,[18] Glenfiddich, Samsung,[19] McDonald's,[20] W Hotels, Lyft,[21] WeWork, Toyota,[22] Tidal, Yeti, Converse, Vans, Macy's, The Chicago Bears, The Recording Academy, VH1 Save the Music Foundation,[22] Fat Tire and Pandora.