Bushwick Bill vs. HimSELF

Photo by JT Patton

As many of you know, for the past year or so I have attempted to document Bushwick Bill’s attempt to enter the gospel rap market.

This is an intriguing story for both the mainstream and Christian masses. As a citizen of his hometown and someone who has worked closely with Tre9 (who has in turn worked closely with Bill on this shift change), I feel a certain level of obligation to cover as much of this story as possible.

I also want to be honest – both with the facts and feelings associated with this evolution.

So here’s one of the harder pieces I’ve had to write lately.

“Bushwick Bill vs. HimSELF” is an essay that chronicles the details of Bill’s July 4 reunion concert with the Geto Boys - his previous and legendary gangsta rap group.

Although Internet publishing would have enabled a hasty recap, I wanted to really spend some time prayerfully considering my words and seeking feedback from a respected circle of friends and editors.

Now it’s your turn. Take a peek and let me know your thoughts.

As an introductory reference, here are two videos from the performances I mention in the piece (and that are roughly two weeks apart.)


Bushwick Bill freestyling “Takin’ It Back” at the All Eyes On Me Awards After Party impromptu hallway open mic session


Bushwick Bill and the Geto Boys performing “My Mind’s Playin’ Tricks On Me” at the Warehouse Live show

Geto Boys

Vidz: Bushwick Bill's gospel raps

Several of Bushwick Bill's recent g-rap performances have hit the Interwebs. Here's a sampling.

This one is his performance of "No More Child's Play" from the All Eyes On Me Awards with the band Atonement. Be sure to stick it out to the end to hear him talk.



Not sure where this one took place (I just found it on YouTube) but it has Bushwick doing the "Takin' It Back" rap acapella with his clean verse from "Mind Playin' Tricks On Me."

Opportunity: Truvine's & DJ Primo's Chopped Up Compilation Mixtape

Aiight artists, here's a chance at some excellent promo from my boys Truvine & DJ Primo. Here are the details straight from his e-mail.

We are in the process of putting together a compilation CF called "ChoppedUp Volume #1 by Out Da Box and D.J. Primo."

If you are interested in a promotional opportunity for your ministry and would like to featured on thecd along with pioneer such as Tre-9, Pettidee,Gospel Gangstaz and many others 15 slots are available now.

To reserve your slot or want more information please contact Ricky Christmas a.k.a TruVine @ 979.709.7880 or mailto:ortruvine@dasouth.com

*The main benfits to artist are simple*

1.Linking up with DJ Primo one of the most gifted DJS in the Chopped -n-Screw industry.

2.Marketing your name and music to more people.

3.Reaching a new customer base.4.5,000 CDs will be given out free to students at colleges,universities,along with teens and young adults atchurches;including well knownn events such as Flavor Fest etc.

*Details*

The cost is 175.00 per track 125.00 for a 30 second commerical spot.
5,000 Cd's will be professionall manufactured with professional art work.
Each artist will have track listing and contact information listed on CD.

*What we Need*

Orginal song
Instrumental
Acappellas
On mp3 or .wav format
Pic of artist/group

Payment must be paid in full through Pay Pal or Money Order when song is submitted.

Deadline for submission is July 28, 2008.

Out Da Box Records and D.J. Primo is committed to taking the Gospel to the Streets.
1 Cor.9:22,23

Applejaxx "Databass" release day / Sketch feature on Lil J Xavier in JUST Mag

Applejaxx's fine "Databass" mixtape releases today (Tuesday, July 15) for a mere $10 at Fadacy.com.


Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Also, my shelved profile on Lil J Xavier had new life breathed into it this week when JUST Magazine picked it up for the launch of their website.

Click here to read about Houston's HHH wunderkind.

Broadway Block Party (07/12/08)

I happened to be out and about on Saturday and figured I'd swing by the Broadway Block Party outreach to check out some of our local artists in action. Here's a quick photo recap for those that couldn't do the same.


The locale


Bound 4 Glory's Zeeda takes the stage.


TruVine and his lovely wife


The PHF Family representing (yes, that's Enock in the background)


CRS told me about a ministry they have with a community in Corsicana, TX where they buy new Starbury basketball shoes from Steve & Barry's and tag them up with some paint and Scripture verses and give them out to kids for free.


More work from CRS - what a dope concept.


Barbie and Lita Rodi from Vertical 713 who helped organize the event


DJ Ovadose attempts to cool off from the near triple-digit heat.


Enock (who was celebrating his birthday) with daughter Jana (pronounced Ya-Na)

I didn't stay for the whole event and know there were a lot more guys that performed and volunteered that I didn't hit. Hope this gives you some idea of what went on though.

Keep and eye out for the Enock comeback too.

This Cross Makes Me Barf

A few weeks ago I noticed the "Marking Our City" billboard on my way to and from the office. Grace Community Church occupies quite a bit of real estate right on the I-45 freeway near The Woodlands so it's pretty much unavoidable.

I have to admit, my gut reaction was not pleasant.

Now my worst fears have been confirmed - with an official artist's rendering no less!


At least it's not gawdy.

The story notes:

Part building, part sculpture, each cross would include a "prayer center" about 40 feet off the ground — a "Space Needle-type place," Pastor Steve Riggle said — where Christians from all over Houston could come to pray for the city's well-being.

Please. A "Space Needle-type place?!?" The cross is now an amusement park?!?

Don't get me wrong. Praying for your city? Great. Making a huge public display of your prayer? Bad.

The words of Jesus from Matthew 6:5-6:

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

More from the Chronicle:

He hopes that other churches follow Grace's lead. "What if there was one of these at every entrance to the city?" he asks on a YouTube video. "You talk about marking our city for God!"

Ugh!

I find all of this troubling on so many levels.

Father, forgive us for trivializing and commoditizing your love and sacrifice in such superficial, stupid human ways.

Promo: Braille's NBA Live & DJ Moph's next

Syntax does it again. This time getting Braille's "IV" placed in the new promo video for EA's NBA Live 2009.



And former Beatmart mixter DJ Morphiziz has a new "tape" dropping September 16.



From the presser:

This project is a Hip Hop/Rap/R&B compilation of exclusive material with extraordinary artists from across the country. Which include artist like Sho Baraka, Japhia Life, R Swift, K Drama, The Breax, Frontlynaz, Young Joshua, & many more. This project is set apart from other compilation projects due to it being presented in a true DJ/Mixtape format showcasing remarkable scratch/cut transitions from one song to the next. The music style diversity ranges from east coast, south/crunk, R&B and electro/party, as the goal is to reach and cater to as many as possible.

Vid: Pettidee / FLAME on Albert Mohler show

Pettidee's got a semi-recent vid out with some nice on-location footage from Africa. It's also nice to hear him tackle some of these global social issues.

"All Alone"


Also, FLAME was interviewed on Albert Mohler's show late last week. Actually, Dr. Russell Moore was sitting in for the Southern Baptist talk host, but it's a pretty good discussion about hip hop's role in the faith from a source you wouldn't normally associate with this topic/genre.

Play or download the show here.

Promo: Brinson & Applejaxx newness

Newz you should know:

Brinson's soon to drop a solo jawn from the GodChaserz Camp. Peep the commercial below and you'll catch the theme.



Also, another track from the upcoming Applejaxx mixtape, Databass, has been leaked. Step on over to Illspot.net to get a listen.

The new track: "The Answer" feat. Mr. Coldstone

Look for this one to release next Tuesday, July 15.

Preview: Geto Boys Reunion Show - Warehouse Live - July 4, 2008

Well... this should be interesting.

The group, who apparently doesn't even really get along, is getting the band back together for a reunion show tomorrow night (Friday, July 4) at Warehouse Live.

This will be notable for the reason above and especially because Bushwick Bill has recently become outspoken about his Christian faith, is recording a gospel rap album, and just two weeks ago performed his new message music at the All Eyes On Me Awards (which honored holy hip hop's pioneers.)


Image by Scott Alan Photography Book him at www.scottalanphoto.com

I'll be going to observe - not judge. I'll probably even nod my head more than a few times.

Rest assured a follow-up will be written and posted after the event.

Buy your ticket here.

Venue locale.