Clister T. Smith, is an independent Christian hip hop artist and poet. He has two releases, his debut album entitled “DIRECTIONS 2 REAL”  and a follow up sophomore album entitled “BEAUTY IN PAIN”.  Clister has collaborated with artist such as SEVIN, BIZZLE, the BREAX, QHEEM THE REDEEMED and many more. Co-founder of “THAT FUNKTION” ministries along side DJ Naz-e in San Diego CA. His current ministry focus is a church plant in South East San Diego.

The Church named “THE BODY”, derives from seeing a need to break church tradition and bring about the Gospel in a relevant way to the southeast community of San Diego.

Born and raised in San Diego, the second of 5 kids in a single parent household. Clister learned the struggles of life early. With his father leaving when he was 7, followed by a string of deaths in his family, one of which was the murder of his older half brother. Life to him was not a thing to be desired much less “Being a Christian”. Clister would see his mother who was a strong believer, struggle month in and month out to try and make ends meet with the little that public assistance would provide. Seeing his mother put herself through nursing school while caring for 5 kids he learn the value of preserving, but still to young to learn how to apply that lesson. With his mother having to divid her attention between all of her children, her school, and work; Clister was left with a lot of freedom to run the streets. Identifying with the stereotypes and falling into their traps Clister embraced his surroundings and the negativity that came with them. In doing so suffered many setbacks in life which he talks about very openly in his music. It wasn’t until he was nearly 21 years old that a friend witnessed to him by should him the love of Jesus through their interactions. Although he grew up in church (with little interest), Clister never experienced a true relationship with Christ. It wasn’t a until this close friend showed him the love of Jesus that he had the courage to turn away from his old self and put his trust fully in Christ.

Since that day, Clister’s life has change drastically. In 2004 he attended Horizon’s School of Evangelism and sought to know the Lord in a more intimate way. After a season of intense discipleship, Clister began ministering to his community and saw the need to bring Christ and his love to the inner city. He wanted to bridge the gap that existed between today’s church and urban youth. Thus in 2006, along with close friend DJ Naz.e, Clister co-founded “That Funktion” ministries, an urban outreach that brings Jesus to the hood’s of San Diego. “That Funktion” Ministries’ purpose is to encourage and exhort the body of Christ while also seeking to evangelize the lost through concerts, outreaches, parties, and Bible studies. Past “That Funktion” artists have included: Lecrae, Flame, Everyday Process, Trip Lee, Washington Project, K-Drama, Monty G, and many more!
In January of 2007 Clister lost his mother to a heart attack. As one can image this was a very difficult time for Clister and his family. Having two younger sister who were ages 13 and 16 at the time Clister became their legal guardian. In his mourning the death of his mother Clister used music as his form of therapy. Using the little insurance money from his mothers death he bought a computer and pro tools, and then recorded his first mixtape. Since then he has released two album as afore mentioned.

Today, Clister continues to exhort the body through music, preaching and teaching the word in high schools, bible studies, and neighboorhoods throughout San Diego. His ultimate goal is to walk in the Lord’s will and continue to bring Chirst to youth in a way that is relevant to thier lives.

Check out His NEW Music video entitled "Shatters the Walls" featuring Bizzle

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beauty-in-pain/id423343657

For more info on Clister:
Facebook “Clister Smith”
www.clistersmith.com
follow him on twitter: @clister1
619-895-1001
clistersmith@yahoo.com