Remembering Chris Chicago

The NGEN family's heart is broken over the loss of our dear friend, Chris Chicago. As a tribute to his legacy, NGEN will be airing re-runs of Chris' shows all day Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29. 

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With hearts full of love and sadness, we share that NGEN host, Chris Chicago, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning around 9am. After a brave and long battle with cancer, Chris passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Chris was the definition of warmth—a big bear hug in human form, with a heart just as huge. His presence lit up every room, and even during tough times, he never stopped caring about how you were doing.

In addition to his time on the air, Chris was a true visionary and entrepreneur. He helped shape the Christian Hip Hop scene and played a key role in the early days of NGEN Radio, and hosted an evening show for WayFM Radio.

Chris was one of those people who never seemed to meet a stranger. I remember meeting him at a ministry conference, and it was like everyone in the hotel lobby knew him personally. That was his gift—he made you feel like an old friend from the moment you met him, always genuinely interested in your life.

Today, many Christian artists and friends are mourning the loss of a man who touched so many lives. Chris called everyone his "Homie," and he will be missed deeply. But we take comfort in knowing his fight is over, and he is now at peace, home in heaven.

Tap HERE for ways to support Chris' wife Jessica and their 4 kids. 

Rajan Monroe, Chris’s coworker at NGEN – “I used to listen to Chris Chicago’s shows on Soundcloud while I was driving a hotel shuttle van. It was his voice that helped me spark the idea of radio being a possibility. I valued his pioneering force in the CHH space and for always keeping things real. I loved his love for all things Disney, the value he put on his family, and most importantly his love for Jesus. He spoke things to me that helped changed my life and I will never forget his impact.”

Obadiah Haybin, Chris’s coworker at WayFM – “I was sitting at a table feeling alone and discouraged a few years ago when Chris Chicago sat down to talk to me. We had known each other for years but we became friends that day. (“Let’s be real friends not radio friends,” we decided.) He encouraged me in a time when I needed it badly. His words meant so much to me that day that I wrote them down. Those were just the first of many words of encouragement and prayers that we shared. I mean, it wasn’t all Hallmark cards and sunshine. We traded conspiracy theories, laughed about what we were streaming, and played pool online. (I never beat him! He was ridiculously good at digital pool.) I’ll miss all those texts we traded working on breaks, afraid someone would figure out we were no good and fire us. Thanks for being my friend, Chris. I love you. I’ll miss you. I’ll see you again.”

Kathryn, WayFM listener – “So sorry for his family and loved ones. His voice was so positive and uplifting on the radio. He certainly made my day many times.”=

Scott Herrold, Chris’s coworker at Hope Media Group – “Chris was the kind of guy whose smile could light up a room. His joy was truly contagious. He’s always been an innovator as a media personality, but he was also a genuine catalyst in the growth of Christian hip hop. His fingerprints will continue to be seen in the Christian hip hop world for decades to come. We’re going to miss you Chris! You have influenced so many people through your radio shows and your relationships.”

John Butler, industry friend – “I never met anyone quite like Chris Chicago. 1st time I spoke to him, I thought his last name was something he chose for the radio or he was in witness protection. Turned out both things weren’t true! The name was real and so was Chris. His heart was boundless. His willingness to love was his default. He was always a big kid, ready to punch life in the face and full of yes. When he hugged you (and that was mandatory) it was like getting mauled by the happiest bear on earth. When Chris mentioned he was coming to Nashville to live and work, I was scared for him. Not in a cynical way as if his soul would get crushed here, but more that he might lose his sense of wonder. That didn’t happen. In fact the opposite did.

He established trust and brought the brightest colors with him and they stuck on people. I was fortunate to see how he changed people’s hearts. His enthusiasm and energy were singular and magnetic. I loved knowing that he was someone that prayed for anyone and how disarming his personality was in work and life. How much he loved Christ and how much he loved me and my family.

Chris had a personal uniform that he wore all the time. I don’t think the man owned long pants! If you were close to Chris you may not have ever seen his head without a cap or some other covering. And when I asked him to be one of my best men at my wedding, I was just curious to see him in a tuxedo as I was and if he would make it on time! Chris is a forever friend. I am so fortunate that we spent so much life together with both our families starting at the same time. I loved work travel with Chris. Whether or not it was a radio promo tour or a quick trip here or there. He was up for adventure and there usually was a great story afterwards to share. It’s hard to imagine life without him here, so I’m praying deeply and without rest for his wonderful family, both personal, industry and radio. I know first hand how much he loves Jessica and the kids and how much his love for God was imprinted on them. They’ll carry his beautiful soul within each of them to listen, serve others and love them without condition as Chris did.”