Early Life
Forrest Neil Frank was born in Fulshear, Texas, on April 8, 1995. He started performing music while attending Baylor University, and in 2017 he formed the pop duet Surfaces with Colin Padalecki. They are well-known for their lively fusion of pop, reggae, jazz, and hip-hop. Their single “Sunday Best” reached No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received more than 70 million Spotify plays.
Change to Christian and Solo Music
Under the moniker “Forrest,” Forrest started experimenting with solo music in 2022. His relaxed, riff-heavy sound was established by his first album, Warm (2018), and his follow-up, Effortless (2020). With the release of the viral single “No Longer Bound” featuring Hulvey, which peaked at No. 2 on Spotify’s Viral 50, he finally accepted Christian music in 2023, fusing rap, lo-fi, and uplifting gospel.
Big Releases & Success at the Top of the Chart
A series of releases occurred in 2023:
- Nostalgia Pack (May)
- California Cowboy (June)
- New Hymns (October), featuring collaborations with Lecrae and Hulvey
- A Merry Lofi Christmas (November)
Child of God, Forrest’s first Christian album released on a major label, was released on July 26th, 2024, by River House/10K Projects/Warner Music. It was the biggest Christian album debut of 2024 according to Billboard, selling 22,000 copies in its first week and spending 17–35 weeks at the top of the Top Christian Albums list. Songs such as “Good Day” achieved success on the charts and were recognized with Dove Awards.
Maintaining Momentum and Crossing Genres
Child of God II, Forrest’s second major album, was released on May 9, 2025, and it debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums list and No. 12 on the Billboard 200. One of the few Christian crossover hits of the past year, “Your Way’s Better,” peaked at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped Hot Christian Songs. In early 2025, he also released six other singles, such as “Drop!” “Sunrise,” and “Nothing Else,” and he and Elevation Rhythm embarked on a sold-out Child of God II Tour.
Impact of Style and Music
Hip-hop, lo-fi, pop, R&B, reggae, and gospel are all purposefully combined by Forrest to provide “cool” Christian music for daily listening. He now creates spiritually based music that speaks to people in everyday situations, such as at the gym or on a beach, drawing on his early frustrations with the dearth of Christian music options. His work, especially Child of God II, which introduces new, international sounds, is praised by critics for being genre-bending, uplifting, and genuine.
Personal Life
Forrest lives in Texas, where he took a break in 2021 to reestablish his spiritual connection and become a father. Married to Grace, they have a son named Bodie together, and because to COVID, they postponed their 2020 wedding reception until 2021.
Honors and Accolades
- Listed as the 2023 Top New Christian Artist by Billboard
- Child of God (Best Contemporary Christian Album) is nominated for a Grammy.
- GMA Dove Awards: Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (“Good Day”) and New Artist of the Year
Synopsis & Labels
With viral successes, chart-topping albums, and cross-genre relevance, Forrest Neil Frank is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer who has successfully transitioned from mainstream pop to Christian music. He is regarded as one of the most captivating voices in Christian music today because of his genuine faith, inventive musical fusion, and consistent drive.
