as the collective consists of men and women, black, whites, and Latinos, it offers a very diverse sound. On the Tunnel Rats' self-titled release, reviewers noted that producer Dert had matured in his sound, pursuing a more mainstream approach and branching out to pursue a more diverse and complex style. Influence According to Jason Bellini of Wade-O Radio, the Tunnel Rats were often distinguished by their self-proclaimed title of "rapper-who-were-Christians" as opposed to "Christian rappers", placing a strong value on quality and purity in hip hop art, and a willingness and desire to perform outside churches and compete and collaborate with non-Christians. Bellini compiled a list of seventeen artists influenced by the Tunnel Rats, either directly or indirectly, listing Christon Gray, Lecrae, TheBREAX and Dream Junkies, RedCloud, Propaganda (who even joined the group), Japhia Life, Playdough, LA Symphony and member Pigeon John, High Society (composed of Sho Baraka, Swoope, J.R., and Natalie Lauren), Heath McNease, Heesun Lee, Braille, Scribbling Idiots, Rhema Soul, Shad, and 4th Avenue Jones. Discography Experience - 1996 Tunnel Vision - 2001 Tunnel Rats - 2004 Filmography References Further reading Christian hip hop groups Hip hop groups from California Hip hop collectives Musical groups established in 1993 1993 establishments in California American Christian musical groups Tooth & Nail Records artists Underground hip hop groups Musical groups from Whittier, California Hip hop musicians from Whittier, California