Richie Righteous: Pastor and artist in New York – Single “Good Life” (2025)
Richie Righteous, whose real name is Richard Ishmael, senior pastor of Church City USA in New York (139-35 88th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435), combines a musical career and Christian ministry. Born in Guyana, he is recognized as a pioneer of Christian hip-hop and an influential player in New York’s urban gospel community. He leads Church City USA as lead pastor, leading weekly worship services focused on discipleship and diversity.
Discography and popular tracks
Richie Righteous, active for over a decade, has a verifiable discography:
- Good Life (feat. Silas Legend) — Single, released November 5, 2025 on RICH Records. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube.
- Step Up — Single (2024)
- Still Living — Single (2023)
- Vacant Seat — Single (2022)
- Miracle Working God — Single (2020)
- Albums: “RICH (Resting in Christ Hands)” (album referenced on YouTube), “Censorship” (2007, see CrossRhythms).
His texts address faith, resilience and urban experience, illustrated in “Good Life”: a hymn to fidelity and spiritual growth, opposed to material luxury.
“Good Life”: release and message
The single “Good Life” invites us to listen to a message of perseverance, far from worldly perfection: “The good life is not perfection; It’s management. God uses every trial to transform us. » The title is available on major platforms.
Concerts and events
Richie Righteous performs regularly in New York, notably at festivals like Flavor Fest (October 2025). He hosts events and worship services in Church City USA, streamed online every Sunday. No national solo concerts or confirmed tours for “Good Life” in 2025 were found in public calendars.
Collaborations and influences
- Silas Legend collaborates on “Good Life”.
- He has worked alongside figures of urban gospel and Christian rap since the end of the 2000s (e.g. Kurtis Blow).
- Richie Righteous inspires through his dual career: artist, storyteller and pastor, uniting a multidisciplinary community in New York.
Listen to “Good Life”
The single “Good Life” is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube and Amazon Music.
Sources:
- Gospel Music Buzz: “Good Life” Announcement
- Church City USA — Official page
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