Anyway, here goes. As they say, please charge it to my head (and schedule) and not my heart.
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The "Christ: That's What's Up" was the first holy hip hop event for Greater New Vision Church but one that seems like it might have some legs.
Pastor Nathaniel Dugay III is a young dude who sees the value in using this music for ministry. An original screwhead who knows his Pac, has tats, and prefers to be called "100" (cuz that's the percent he keeps it real whitcha), the guy obviously understands the culture.
The idea behind the day was to explore the question "Can I live for Christ and still be Hip-Hop?" It started off with a panel discussion about the topic. Particpants included Tre9, Colcutz, Bless't, and 007.
The moderator asked the audience of teenagers and young adults about their thoughts on "Christian rap" and why, even when churches try to embrace and present it to them, it seems to be rejected.
The main thought was that it was too corny and not real enough. The panel explained that they (the audience) probably had not been exposed to quality music ministry due to a lack of knowledge and/or funds on behalf of their church leaders.
There was more meat to the discussion than I can convey in this little blog, but the dialogue between the church leaders and the kids seemed to be very earnest and heatfelt. The adults were really trying to understand how to make this work and embrace the positive, God-glorifying aspects of the hip hop culture within a sanctuary setting.
Pastor 100 even plans to have a full-out hip hop Sunday at his church once a month with everyone dressed up, spitting rhymes, and really living it out. I applaud this view and the fact that there seems to be a plan to actually put this stuff in action.
Find out more on the church at: http://greaternewvisionchurch.org/
007 & 100 greet the night's guests.
The night kicked off with some praise and worship time.
007 mean mugs with Deuce & Ace backstage.
A&D take to the platform.
Bless't & D-Cipher chop it up.
Young Disciple got an assist from the A&D boys.
Yunek and the ladies of Blase chillax.
J-Free on the m-i-c.
CY and Jon P (of S.O.M.) hang out upstairs.
D-Cipher was honored for donating his time and talent toward the graphic art needs of the event.
Von Won & Tre9 show 'em how to "Rise to the Top."
Tre9 schools 100 on how to "Put Them Hands Up."
Bless't is so throwed.
Soldiers On a Mission / betta listen.
Goldenchild (S.O.M.) warns you not to look at the http://www.realityrap.com/ address on the back of his big, black tee.
CY takes 'em to the circus (even without the top hat and tails.)
100 gets down with the crowd.
Blase'n the stage.
Double-O was feelin' it.
Yunek gives 'em a preview of her Exodous.
After the CTWU event, the Much Luvv crew bounced over to The Meridian club where Tre9 was going to open for the legendary Sugarhill Gang.
Too bad nobody showed up...
Eventually some people did make it there and the show got started with (Lil) J Xavier. Dude may only be 15 years old, but he's one of the most polished performers in the biz.
J slings his Jesus piece.
Funky stage shot.
Tre9 and S.O.M.'s Boyce get the crowd pumped...
Until it was announced that the night was going to end early. Only about 30 people were in the audience and I guess both the club owners and the Sugarhill Gang didn't feel it was worth breaking a sweat and staying up late for a show.
Talk about a buzz kill.
Here's a shot of the awkward 10 minute window of confusion where even the stage DJ didn't know what was going on.
The Meridian went as far as blasting some corny country music through the house speakers to drive people out and nobody knew if Tre's set was officially over or not.
Finally, the Farmer got to go back up and finish.
Vonster Wonster also got some mic time.
They were steadily cutting the sound and raising the house lights but Von keep it flowing until there was nothing left.
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So a pretty uneven day overall. The CTWU event was nice and brought hope while the Sugarhill Gang thang disappointed.
Further illustration of our struggle for good hip hop: A lack of support.
Keep it in prayer.
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