Notes from the Sketch Pad

Grammy performance reminds us to pray for Nicki Minaj

2012-02-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the evening Nicki's "priest" appeared to be her red carpet date and dressed as the Pope
- Photo via Billboard.com

I hesitate to post anything about the horrid performance piece by Nicki Minaj on last night's Grammy Awards telecast since it's simply giving her/it the publicity it so desperately attempted to capture.

Still, if anything needs to be said about the talented rapper's cheesy, offensive, and sad stage "exorcism" of Roman Zolanski (the gay male/demon alter ego subject of her upcoming album) it's that we need to remember to pray for entertainers like her.

In fact, Houston Christian rapper Bizzle reminded of this months ago when he penned "Plead With You (Letter to Nicki)" about the influence he saw her peddling to young children like his niece.

Israel Houghton talks about working on T-Bone's new album, adds different rapper to New Breed

2012-02-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

Cross-cultural worship leader Israel Houghton recently traded services with Christian rap veteran T-Bone where each will perform on the other artist's upcoming album.

Just last week T-Bone was in Houston to record with Houghton at Lakewood Church for New Breed's Jesus At The Center live DVD/album. Here, Houghton discusses that event and returning the favor for Bone's Return of the Bionic Man project.

And in other hip hop/Houghton related news, the group recently added Christian rapper/singer Ryan Horton from La Familia Muzik.

Bizzle's 2nd album hits #5 on iTunes Rap chart

2012-02-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Bizzle, the Houston Christian rapper whose debut album hit #7 on iTunes Hip Hop/Rap charts last June, has done it again. This time around it's a collaboration album with St. Louis hip hop singer Pretty Willie (aka P-Dub.)

At the time of this post (on its drop day at 3pm) the album currently sits in the #5 position of Hip Hop/Rap chart of Apple's digital music store.

The project is titled Best of Both Worlds: The Album and is a follow-up to their Best of Both Worlds free mixtape that also blended rap with R&B.

Interestingly enough, it's a setup that brought similar success to R. Kelly and Jay-Z (Bizzle's previously verbal target) with their own Best of Both Worlds and Unfinished Business collaboration albums in the early 2000's.

Christian hip hop returns to SXSW in 2012 - Reach Records & DaSouth.com have showcases

2012-02-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

Reach Records will host its own showcase at SXSW this year

Christian hip hop returns to SXSW in 2012.

Yesterday the world-renowned Austin-based music and arts festival announced that gospel rap’s top label, Reach Records, will have their own showcase featuring the likes of Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii*, PRo, Andy Mineo, and KB.

Their event will take place on Saturday, March 17 from 9:30-12:30am at La Zona Rosa located at 612 W 4th Street, Austin, TX 78701.

Christian rappers have been a part of DaSouth.com's SXSW stage since 2009

This will follow the DaSouth.com Hip Hop Hope Unity Conference and CityTakers Weekend held earlier in the day at the Carver Cultural Center (1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78702) from 10am to 4pm.

As it has in years past, the DaSouth.com stage will feature workshop sessions and panel discussions related to the functional realities of urban music ministry. And this year, instead of a mega-concert, the event will also contain a skills exhibition between MCs and DJs who will engage one another in friendly freestyle competitions for regional bragging rights.

Artists lined up for that event include Saul Paul, Gifted da Flamethrowa, J Kwest, Jerrell Johnson, Omega Sparx, Enlitenment, Too Phliy, and theBREAX. DJs include DJ Promote, DJ Wade-O, DJ Aslan, DJ Efechto, DJ Dort Vader, and DJ Stibs. Other special guests are also expected.

Finally, I’m told there will be a kickoff concert at a local church (Horizon Worship Center 1006 E. Yager Ln. Suite 115-A Austin, Texas 78753) on Friday, March 16 and that guys like J’son, Canon, High Society, and Thi’sl will be in town for performances before the Reach Records event.

Here's a sample of the panel discussion that took place at last year's event. Will you be there this year?

* UPDATE (02/07/12 - 2pm): This post originally reported that Tedashii would not be a part of the Reach showcase due to a prior commitment. I've since learned that the label is planning for him to be able to make this event.

Acoustic hip hop "musician with a message" from Houston performs at official Super Bowl event

2012-02-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

SaulPaul presents his acoustic hip hop "music with a message"

On Thursday, February 2 SaulPaul, an acoustic hip hop “musician with a message,” participated and performed at the NFL PREP: Sports Career Expo, an official Super Bowl XLVI event held in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The native Houstonian shared his “Tower to Tower” story of being locked away in a state prison in Huntsville, Texas (with a view of the guard tower) to changing his life and graduating from the University of Texas (which is known for its iconic clock tower.)

The expo was part of the NFL’s community outreach program and enlists professionals from all aspects of the sports industry to inform, educate, and enlighten over 1,300 high school student athletes about a myriad of career opportunities available within the professional sports industry. James Brown, the sportscaster from CBS Sports as well as Troy Vincent, Vice President of the NFL Player Engagement Organization, were in attendance.

SaulPaul, who currently resides in Atlanta, is no stranger to the sports world having previously performed at events around Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 and by offering his daily freestyle recaps of sports new for ESPN Radio in Austin.

His next project, #ShineRightNow, will be released this spring on ReRoute Records. Watch the video below for footage from yesterday's Super Bowl event with SaulPaul.

Tre9 & Scott Free create 11-city tour to train other gospel MCs how to make disciples

2012-02-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

Bobby "Tre9" Herring ministers at a local prison

Houston Christian rapper Bobby “Tre9” Herring and Scott Free, founder of the Atlanta-based Freestyle Missions, are planning an 11-city tour designed to strengthen the gospel hip hop community in 2012. Beginning in Nashville, TN this weekend and ending in Chicago, IL mid-December, this tour aims to unite more than just the music artists it serves.

The Hip Hop Hope Unity Conference and City Takers event will travel through Nashville, Austin, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Alaska, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, New York, Oklahoma City and Chicago. Its mission is to unite, serve, train, and equip Christian hip hop artists in daytime workshops, then to minister to the lost and saved in the evening City Takers services.

“This is a tour that will multiply disciples into disciple makers, taking the focus back to the Great Commission. It is often difficult in the Christian hip hop music industry to promote your music and avoid losing sight of the mission. We address this issue and give artists the tools necessary to build the Kingdom of God,” Tre9 explained.

Two Christian hip hop websites, DaSouth.com (co-owned by Tre9) and HolyCulture.net, are both working together to push the vision. Artists such as Donny “D-MAUB” Harper, one of the main Christian rappers slotted for the City Takers evening service portion of the tour, were quick to respond to this unified effort.

“I am 100 percent behind Scott and Tre9 who have been instrumental in directing me towards a more mission-minded mentality. As a result, I’ve seen God bring an increase in opportunities for me to serve and grow,” said the 2011 KCA Award Winner D-MAUB.

Scott Free preaches on Atlanta's streets

City Takers services in Atlanta, GA and Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays in Houston, TX have both been around for well over two years, serving faithfully in their communities.

“For us this is more than rapping on the mic. It stretches into feeding the homeless, looking after orphans, mentoring at-risk youth, visiting those in prison, providing toys or school supplies to under-served families, being active in schools with positive assemblies, remodeling homes for the elderly and more," Scott Free said.

"Tre and I have been fortunate enough to establish non-profit organizations that keep us in full time ministry. We want to share that with our fellow brothers who we know have a calling of their own."

Charity Christian rap compilation album hits #10 on iTunes Hip Hop charts

2012-01-31T14:31:00.001-08:00

Walking what they talk, a collective of Christian MCs and producers will be using profits from their new compilation album to raise funds for an African school. At the time of this post, it is ranked #10 on iTunes' Hip Hop/Rap Albums sales chart.

The project, titled King Kulture, contains never-before heard tracks from artists like Lecrae, theBREAX, Braille, Sho Baraka, and GRITS. It was organized by the popular gospel rap hub Rapzilla.com and will benefit Ecole de la Borne, a school started by the site founder’s missionary grandparents.

“The literacy rate in the Congo is 66% versus 99% in the United States,” Rapzilla co-owner and editor-in-chief Chad Horton said. “We’re doing a project that is going to benefit people there who haven’t been afforded the same opportunities that we have.”

Track Listing:
1. Welcome to the Kulture – George Moss (produced by Tony Stone)
2. Beautiful Thing – GRITS (produced by Mo Henderson and Michael Millionz)
3. Lift Up – Braille (produced by Theory Hazit)
4. Faith – Dezcry (produced by C-Life)
5. Get Wise – Sho Baraka (produced by Swoope)
6. Breaking Out the Box – theBREAX (produced by Jruckers)
7. It’s Going Down – Benjah ft. Watchman, and Stefan Otto (produced by Benjah & Sky)
8. Drop It On Em – KJ-52 ft. Japhia Life and Kelly Kelz (produced by Tony Stone)
9. Nothing For Us – Eshon Burgundy ft. HotHandz (produced by HotHandz)
10. Fight On – Young Joshua (produced by Chrys Beats)
11. Beautiful Struggle – Yaves The Street Pastor ft. Ron Riley (produced by Cephas)
12. Don’t Leave the Dash Out – K-Drama (produced by GeeDa)
13. Stop – Jeremiah Bonds (produced by @rocdomz)
14. King Kulture – Beautiful Eulogy (Braille, Odd Thomas, Courtland Urbano) ft. Theory Hazit and Lee Green (produced by Courtland Urbano)
15. Bars – T-Word (produced by D-Hood)
16. New Shalom (Dubstep Remix) – Lecrae ft. PRo (produced by Karac)

2011 Thanksgiving and Christmas revisited: My interview on Yadah Da King Radio & Thi'sl brings gifts and hope to his hood

2012-01-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

From the Better-Late-Than-Never Department: A few items related to our recent holidays have just hit the web.

The first includes my interview with Yadah Da King Radio from Thanksgiving.

I always feel odd when I'm asked to be on the other end of interview questions, but I appreciate the good folks at YDK Radio and decided to play ball. The piece aired live in November and is now posted for your on-demand listening pleasure.

During the course of our convo we discussed how I became a follower of Jesus, how I got involved in writing about Christian hip hop, and about where I think the movement is headed.

Click here to stream or download the show.

The second is this nice video of Thi'sl spreading joy, hope, and Christmas gifts to members of his St. Louis community.

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt performs at Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade’s 30th birthday brunch

2012-01-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade

This past Saturday Houston gospel singer Yolanda Adams and Christian rapper Rawsrvnt were invited to perform at a surprise brunch to celebrate the 30th birthday of Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade. The event kicked off what is said to be a week-long celebration for the former NBA champ and gold Olympian whose actual "born-on" anniversary is Tuesday, January 17.

South Florida native Rawsrvnt, who is known offstage as Eddy Puyol, said the opportunity came about when Wade’s mother, Jolinda, saw him perform at an event for the Tree of Life non-profit organization.

Without knowing she was in the audience, Puyol rapped his song “On Fire” which includes a reference to Dwyane Wade. He said that Ms. Wade, who is a pastor at a Chicago church her son purchased for her, made it a point to meet Puyol afterward and share a word of encouragement.

“She told me she loved the song and thought it should be played in the Miami Heat’s arena as the team’s new anthem,” Puyol said. “She also talked about raising Dwyane to be a man in the physical sense and wanting to continue to pour into his life in the spiritual sense. Months later, I received the invitation to perform at his birthday party.”

Rawsrvnt and Jolinda Wade

Saturday’s intimate affair was attended by a select group of Wade’s family and friends and held at the W South Beach Hotel and Residences. A healthy buffet was served alongside chicken and waffles inspired by Los Angeles’ famous Roscoe’s restaurant.

Rawsrvnt said he opened the party with a performance of his “I Gotta Feeling/Take It All” mashup of the Black Eyed Peas and Hillsong United hits and then turned the stage over to Adams who sang the Marvin Sapp chart-topper “Never Would Have Made It.”

“The party was full of surprises," Puyol said. "Dwyane didn’t even know it was going down. It was real cool to hear some of the childhood stories shared by family members and see his reaction when his 91-year-old grandmother showed up just to love on the boy.”

Rawsrvnt on stage at Dwyane Wade's 30th birthday party

Puyol said he closed his second set with a performance of “On Fire” after Pastor Wade led the audience in a group prayer for the quick healing of Dwyane’s recently injured ankle.

No stranger to the mainstream entertainment scene (Puyol appeared as a bachelor on the reality dating show Donald J. Trump presents The Ultimate Merger and led a pre-race NASCAR chapel event after “On Fire” was selected as the intro theme for driver Michael McDowell), Rawsrvnt said he believes the party invite was a divine call to his specific mission field.

“People just want to enjoy life. But unfortunately they often believe there is no joy in Jesus,” Puyol said. “Hopefully my music and lifestyle can help change that misconception.”

“We simply can't afford to keep the world's greatest message trapped inside the four walls of the church,” Puyol said.

Christian rapper Gifted da Flamethrowa explains his 'response record' to Rick Ross' 'Holy Ghost'

2012-01-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

When I saw that popular secular rapper Rick Ross dropped a free mixtape last week with the first song’s title being “Holy Ghost” I knew a vocal member of our Christian hip hop community would probably respond.

Houston’s Gifted da Flamethrowa didn’t let me down.

Late Monday, January 9 he released his own version of the song on YouTube – something he calls a “response record” and not a “diss.”

Gifted’s “Holy Ghost” uses the same backbeat but attempts to take the song’s original artists (which includes Sean “Diddy” Combs) to task for their public “disrespect of God.”

Ross’ version contains lyrics like:

They say I’m gettin’ money, must be illuminati
Talking to the Holy Ghost, in my Bugatti
He knockin’ on the do’, don’t let the devil in
He knockin’ on the do’, don’t let the devil in

And

You talkin’ to the Holy Ghost
I’m smokin’ ’til I overdose
When I **** she let the ***** soak
Even my lawyer be askin, "Is it dope?"
Never break the code, shock me with a million votes
I’m forever dope, touched by the Holy Ghost

“It’s obvious he [Ross] is going out of his way to disrespect God. We can't say he is doing it for pub because he is already a top seller. So what he is doing is from his heart,” Gifted explained to me via a Facebook chat on Monday night. “When I heard that song it immediately sparked my brain to reach out.”

The tactic of using a rapper’s own song/lyrics against him is a time-honored tradition within hip hop. In fact, Monday was also the day that Chicago artist Common raised the stakes in his beef with Toronto’s Drake when his version of “Stay Schemin” from Ross’ same Rich Forever mixtape hit the Internet. However, Gifted denies such retaliation and battle rap actions inspired him to rework “Holy Ghost.”

“I've been aware of Common and Drake's beef for a while. On top of that I don't consider what I did a diss. I consider it more of a rebuttal. That’s why I was careful with the wording,” Gifted said.

He said he created the song to hopefully let Rick Ross hear a different point of view and create a dialogue.

“Everything in that song is what I would say if I were ministering to him face-to-face,” Gifted said.

In the YouTube clip, Gifted also includes footage from the unreleased documentary The Fence* which interviewed Rick Ross when he was in Houston for the 2008 Ozone Awards about his faith and responsibility as a rapper.

“I am a proud Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ. So if you say you are too but the character or action you display is against the belief, then you open yourself up to be questioned and corrected by other Christians,” Gifted said.

Gifted said the same thought goes for Diddy who has publicly professed to be a Christian. During our online chat, Gifted pointed to Matthew 12:31-32 from the Holy Bible which states:

31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

I told him I knew that passage had varying interpretations among Christians and asked if Gifted believed that with this song Ross and Diddy committed the "unforgivable sin" and will therefore go to hell because of this track.

Gifted replied: “Well, blasphemy is defined as ‘A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity,’ so yes, the things said in the song are blasphemous.

“Will this song send them to hell? No, I wouldn't make that broad generalization. I truly believe as long as there is breath in their bodies they can repent. God judges the heart of man.”

The episode recalls another Houston Christian rapper (Bizzle) who jumped to prominence a few years ago by recording and releasing “Explaining to Do: Jay-Z Expose” after the questions arose about the New York MC’s imagery and lyrics concerning Jesus Christ.

I know that Gifted has spoken and worked with Bizzle on several different occasions and asked if he believed these type of response records were an effective form of hip hop ministry.

“Our battle is not against flesh and blood. So it’s our job to keep dialogue open. I can't minister to a person by disrespecting them,” Gifted said.

“So no, I don't suggest for us to look at these cats like our enemies. I do suggest for everyone to do what God has called them to do. Don't start jumping in this type of stuff if you are not led. If you are going to rebuke, do according to how the Bible says do it.”

Your thoughts?

* Full disclosure: I was a part of The Fence's editing and production team.

Dallas filmmaker documents “Unashamed” Christian hip hop movement

2012-01-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

I recently caught up with Dallas filmmaker Art Hooker via e-mail to discuss the Unashamed documentary he’s working on about the Christian hip hop movement and why he decided to use a crowd-sourcing model to help fund it.

Sketch: Is this a documentary about Lecrae and Reach Records or something bigger? How so?

Art: That's a great question. Although the 116 clique [the informal name for those associated with Lecrae and Reach Records] is an important element of the story, this film is about something much bigger. It will attempt to show the viewer what it looks like to live "Unashamed" within the context of real, everyday life.

In the film we explore why the language of hip hop seems to resonate with the disenfranchised and what that means within the context of the Gospel. This project is designed to inspire the believer to live out their faith in a way that will ultimately influence culture.

Sketch: Ideally, who is the audience for this film?

Art: The audience for this film is anyone in the world who has been influenced by hip hop and/or their faith.

Unashamed Film Campaign Video from Unashamed Movie on Vimeo.

Sketch: You're a Texan who knows about our state and local pride. I know that personally, I take every opportunity to tell people that Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee are all either from Houston and/or still have family here. So how does Houston's "Unashamed" scene compare to other places you've been to while working on this project?

Art: The Houston "Unashamed" scene is very similar to what we've seen in other cities. I think what sets Houston apart is their intense southern hospitality combined with an intense love of southern rap.

Sketch: You're familiar with Christian hip hop's early days, so what's been your biggest surprise or discovery during the process of making the Unashamed movie?

Art: I think one of my biggest surprises so far is that there was a Christian rap artist named MC Sweet from New York who had a record distributed by MCA in the early 80’s.

Sketch: Did you always anticipate that you would use the crowd-sourcing model to fund your endeavor or is that relatively new development? Is this the future of independent film?

Art: We always intended this film to be for the fans, by the fans. However, as production went on we realized how much it would cost to ensure the film's quality. It quickly became clear that allowing the fans to fund this film was the best and only way to go forward.

The movement is not a reality because of the artists involved, but because of the people who make up the movement. With this in mind we've decided to partner with the movement to make one of the first hip hop films made by the fans for the fans to influence the world.

The Unashamed Movie’s Indiegogo crowd-sourcing campaign ends on January 8.

To learn more about the film or contribute to its production, visit: indiegogo.com/Unashamed and follow them on Twitter @unashamedmovie.

The Wade-O Radio Show and website relaunches January 6, 2012

2012-01-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

After a three month hiatus, The Wade-O Radio Show is back! Fans of Christian hip hop music, culture, and interviews can look forward to the relaunch of the high-energy, multi-hour program and website on January 6, 2012.

Listeners can also look forward to the addition of:

• The “Going In” Mix – DJ Wade-O will be kicking off each show with a 15 minute blend of the latest and hottest Christian hip hop music designed to get listeners pumped up and locked in.

• “Wade’s World Wide Top 5 (3WT5)” – It’s called “World Wide” for the simple reason that the countdown will consist of singles from the United States as well as from places like Jamaica and the United Kingdom (or wherever musicians who love Jesus and hip hop are producing the most-notable audio art.) The votes will be listener-based via nominations and elections made at wadeoradio.com.

Additionally, Chris Belmont and JahRock'n Productions (Heesun Lee, Seda) will be joining the team to support the production process. And I'll be back with the regular Holy Hip Hop News Blast segments too.

“We’re very excited about the re-launch and expect that a lot of people will have questions about the show’s hiatus,” Wade-O said. “All of that will be explained in the return episode alongside some new segments and sounds we believe will really speak to our audience.”

Former Rice University track star Von Won releases 100-song Christian rap album

2012-01-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

I recently caught up with Houston Christian rapper Von Won via e-mail to discuss his just released 100-song album, his role as a youth minister, and whether or not he considers his "One City Under God" campaign a success.

1) Why do a 100-song album? No offense, but that’s a lot of Von Won to listen to at once.

Reason #1

When I came to the Lord in 2007 I had a couple hundred songs in my archives and I didn’t know what to do with them. I decided to pick the best 100 and call it Von Won B.C. (Before Christ). I figured everybody says they used to do secular music, but I REALLY used to do secular music (sex songs, weed songs, beef songs and more) and I wanted my new followers to have a firm understanding of where I came from.

But when I asked fellow Christians if that was a good idea to release it, they convinced me the bad language and old spirit could only hinder the walk of a Christian, so I decided to shelve it. I told myself if I ever got to the point as a Christian where I built up a catalog of 100 plus songs, I would drop it on the world all at once!

Reason #2

The Century Club is also the name of my youth group out at Calvary Worship Center in Baytown. Shout outs to Pastor Bruce Burklow. The Century Club is based on Mark 12:30. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” Give him 100% of your life! And these 100 songs are a sacrifice to the Lord of my gift and I pray he takes it and spreads amongst the multitudes.

Reason #3

Doing “Welcome To H-Town Part 2” with Lecrae has brought a ton of new listeners and some need to catch up on who Von Won has been and see the growth so they can understand where Christ is taking me next.

Reason #4

I like making history, and being that this has never been accomplished I am proud to say I was the first to do it. I will be contacting Guinness Book of World Records soon. They have been closed for the holidays.

2) Why shoot and produce so many music videos for this project? You do know MTV is only about "Teen Moms" and "Jersey Shores" this days, right?

When I look at the music industry and see how the Internet has taken over, I have seen a formula emerge… whoever has the most videos wins! (Examples include: KJ-52, Reach Records, Frontline Movement, Canton Jones) People want to see who they can see.

Viral followings are being formed online. Christian hip hop has emerged without the help of MTV, BET or VH1. It has been a solid underground movement. Music videos are the best form of expression an artist can bring to the table. It is the parallel to what kind of car you drive.

Everyone knows the guy in the Benz has had some form of success. Videos show people the stage of your career. A wack video means a wack movement. Your music wasn’t good enough to get anyone excited enough to pay for a good video or donate time to get you a quality video done for free. Wack videos also show bad decision making.

When I dropped “Jesus Lives” and “High Beams” my bookings doubled and the respect of my peers grew tremendously. Now with “Dedicated” and “Jesus Out My Music,” I pray it has a great impact on the Christian community and music listeners from all backgrounds.

3) How has your life changed since resuming a full-time ministry position here in Houston?

I will quote a line from my song “Ready For His Glory” - “Faith is my best friend / I like the suspense!”

Full time ministry makes my life a suspense movie. When I open my mailbox sometimes it’s full of bills, but sometimes there’s a random check from a ministry partner. It truly causes you to lean on our father in heaven, because He has never let me down.

I like that in Houston there is a team of 50-plus men of God always ready to do an outreach, feed the homeless, a Bible study, mentor a youth and of course hit the studio to record another Christ-centered jam. In New Mexico I was one of the only African-Americans and the only Christian rapper in the city of Roswell. It took some adjusting, but right when I got adjusted I was leaving.

Real talk though, It gave me more time to spend with my family, but now as I’ve matured I am learning to balance family time and fellowship time with Kingz Camp and the rest of the ministers here in the city of Houston. My pastor and my church family at Calvary Worship Center has really welcomed my family with open arms and me and my wife feel a sense of purpose as we lead the youth in the city of Baytown aka Praytown.

4) I see “Kingz Camp” all over your site and videos. What’s that all about?

Coming from a huge rap family, “The Playboy Click,” on the secular side, I have seen the benefits of having a group of artists representing the same vision. There is truly strength in numbers when you can make the numbers count.

When I joined Much Luvv Records, the unity was great between me and Tre9 but after that everyone was doing their own thing, getting married, having kids, and what not. I started seeing rappers all over the city doing individual movements and ministries.

A guy named RBS came to me around this time and asked me for help so at that time I reached out to 20-plus artists and formed Sheep In Wolves Clothing. We would have Bible studies and the hop in the studio. It was that umbrella that Trevor Lee, Reconcile, Corey Paul and more broke into the Houston scene.

There was always tension and negative feedback about the name and the relationships within the movement spread once Tre9 shutdown his studio. God told me to end it. I fasted for 30 days and in that time Kingz Camp was birthed. David Hatley, now President of Kingz Camp, told me he believed in what I was doing but there were some things he would tweak and would help me do it. We put together a leadership team which included Abdul “Dulo” Rasheed and Trevor Lee and gave the movement to God.

We interviewed artists to make sure they had the right hearts and to see if it was a good fit for them and for us. No one got in the studio for three months. We decided to start a Christ-centered movement built on lifting up the name of Jesus. The King of all Kings. We are his camp!

This is a ministry first with functions of a record label and clothing line. We are on TV seven nights a week on Rejoice TV Network in Houston Channel 21.3 and plan on taking on radio next. I am excited to see the success of Govenor Reiss as some exciting doors are opening in his life. Dulo, Narrow Brown, Lil Sizzle and Denzil should be releasing projects soon and I’m really looking forward to the success of Trevor Lee. Our slogan in “Faith It Till You Make It!” Kingz Camp is the brand.

5) Last year you produced a “One City Under God” song with several local mainstream rap artists and said you hoped to spark a campaign around that theme. How successful was that and what do you think it says about how God views Houston’s hip hop community’s commitment to him?

I felt that the “One City Under God” campaign was great and I think it is still relevant. Growing up in Houston and listening to [DJ] Screw tapes you always hear the sense of God-fearing men on those records even though they were rapping about popping trunks and sipping syrup.

You knew Lil Keke loved God. Lil O referenced the Lord often. It is more than obvious Z-Ro is very familiar with the call of God on his life, but he has yet to fully surrender. Look at bank robbing, ex-offender 007 from the 5th Ward Boyz, who is now fully submitting his life to Christ. Let’s not ignore the recent submission of DJ DMD changing his hit “25 Lighters” to “25 Bibles.”

Nuwine is still a Christian rap icon, Bun B professes to be a Christian and with Lecrae, Shei Atkins, Dre Murray and Yolanda Adams being Houstonians, it is evident God wants to do something major in this city. The largest church in the United States of America is in this city. Not Space City - “Faith City.”

I am just proud to be one that is uncompromised in my approach to serving my Lord. Won’t compromise, won’t apologize. They can’t shut me up about Jesus Christ.

Don’t call me positive or inspirational, I am a Christian rapper. I am here to lead people to Christ! I am truly a minister and rap is one of my main tools.

But in 2012 I am also writing the movie, “Blackout," writing a book called “Shock Therapy,” have a DVD, “The Shockumentary," on the way, and am considering running for Mayor in 2014. No limitations on God!

Von Won's 100-song The Century Club album can be purchase on his website at www.vonwon.com

Justin Bieber freestyles a quasi-Christian rap over Biggie's classic "Who Shot Ya?" beat

2011-12-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

So... the Innuhnets are goin' nuts over this freestyle Justin Bieber dropped for Las Vegas' Hot 97.5 over the "Who Shot Ya?" instrumental the Notorious B.I.G. made famous.

"Beliebers" everywhere already know the kid likes to mess around with hip hop under the nom de rap "Shawty Mane" and are surely keen to the fact that he publicly proclaims to be a Christian.

But who knew he'd be dropping quasi-gospel rap verses with a stolen Lil Wayne flow over a bona fide hip hop classic? Much less while wearing what appears to be a Christmas apron with the words "Bieber Swag" on the front?!?

Sample lyrics include:

"Life is so short but we take it for granted / hand over my life and it was a life that I was handed"

And...

"I'm tryin' to figure out what my plan is / His hand is on my life and my sin just vanished / my filth washes off like her fake tan is"

Here's the clip. What's your take?

Another (less pom-pomy) Christian hip hop Tim Tebow song

2011-12-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

While browsing sintax.the.terrific's excellent (and impressively consistent) current-events-turned-into-raps Press Junket blog I discovered yet another Christian hip hop song about Tim Tebow.

Here, sintax, aka Slangston Hughes, aka Samuel L. Rhythms, offers a less pom-pomy take on the Christian athlete phenomenon than Brinson's "Tebowin'" and provides some written commentary to go along with his music.

"I’m also a little queasy of Jesus cheerleading. Full disclosure, I wore a “Jesus is BOSS” (as in Hugo Boss) shirt in college. I have spent my entire life being roughly public with my faith. I guess in time I’ve been increasingly concerned about what those displays really say to others and about myself. Jesus himself asked us to do our praying in closets, not on corners. And, there is just something too rote about thanking God every single time you open your mouth. I wrestle with how to keep the name of God precious. The Divine is not something to hide. But, it’s also not something to parade, like a float."

Click here to read the full entry (which provides an even fuller nuance to the Christian/Tebow topic) and the Play button below to listen to "All Things."

Brinson drops "Tebowin'" tribute to Tim Tebow

2011-12-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

It was only a matter of time until a Christian rapper crafted a tribute track to Tim Tebow. First to the finish line was Jacksonville, Florida resident Brinson with "Tebowin'."

Before going on sale today, the song appeared to have tons of momentum with "The Mile-High Messiah" having four straight 4th quarter comebacks and six straight wins. Unfortunately, "Touchdown Jesus" and the Denver Broncos fell short of glory yesterday with a 41-23 loss to the New England Patriots.

"Tebowin'" is available for purchase at all of the major digital suppliers (including iTunes) with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the Tim Tebow Foundation. To hear a sample, click the Play button near Tebow's Bible-verse-laden eye black in the image below.

New Brinson "TEBOWIN" Tribute to Tim Tebow by Brinson Solar GodChaserz

And of course this begs the question: How does "Tebowin'" compare to this DJ Khaled/T-Pain remix?

VIDZ: Press conference for final Man Up Tour event in Houston

2011-12-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

My friends at Factor Effects just released this video of the press conference* from a Reach Records Man Up event.

The Houston stop was the last one on their tour and somewhat of a homecoming for participating artists Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee.

During the presser, the guys discussed:

- Their thoughts about being back in Texas (peep Crayola's entertaining, H-town-influenced flow at the intro)
- Why the Man Up message is needed
- How the tour event has been received so far
- How the Man Up campaign came about
- The budget and logistics of producing the Man Up film (including the name of the Christian rapper who was supposed to take the role of "King" - it wasn't Lecrae)
- The story behind Lecrae's BET Awards Cypher opportunity
- And more

*Full disclosure: I organized and moderated the press event as a volunteer for Eyes On Me Ministries. Click here for a photo/video recap.

FREE DL: "Mix the Groove: Interlude Edition" by DJ Sam Smite

2011-11-30T19:11:00.001-08:00

One of Christian hip hop's freshest DJ's (with a legit DMC pedigree), Sam Smite, just dropped a supa-nice tape called Mix the Groove: Interlude Edition.

I loved his Mixx-n-Match project from a few years ago and this one doesn't disappoint either.

Listen for smooth transitions from artists like Lecrae, Viktory (an artist Smite serves as a touring DJ), Mali Music, the Ambassador, and Jai among others.

If you're looking for a polished mix by a real DJ that includes beatmatching, remixes, and custom drops and sweeps, be sure to DL this (for FREE) to your hard drive from the SoundClould stream below.

Mix The Groove: Interlude Edition by Dj Sam Smite

theBREAX release "Never Arrive" cover art and tracklisting

2011-11-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

The homies in theBREAX have released the Never Arrive cover art (above) and tracklisting with some pretty impressive guests. (Lecrae AND Shad?!?)

1. Intro – produced by Jimmy Natural
2. Timeless – produced by Jruckers
3. Get Better – produced by DJ Rek
4. Welcome to the Show (feat. Blame One) – produced by Cheesebeats
5. Down (feat. Sean C Johnson) – produced by Cheesebeats
6. Never Arrive (feat. Lecrae & J.R.) – produced by DJ Rek
7. Take a Look – produced by Jimmy Natural
8. If You Knew (feat. Presto) – produced by Sound Collage Musik
9. Share Your World (feat. Chris Lee Cobbins) – produced by Sound Collage Musik
10. theBREAX (feat. Cuts by DJ Rek) -produced by DJ Rek
11. Appreciate You (feat. Shad) -produced by Exile
12. Come With Me (feat. JerVae) -produced by Hezekiah
13. Won’t Die Tonight (feat. NomiS & Drew Barragan) – produced by
Sound Collage Musik
14. Alive – produced by Jruckers
15. Up there – produced by Cheesebeats
16. Outro – produced by Jruckers

The first single is "Welcome to the Show (feat. Blame One)" with a video soon to follow. The project drops Tuesday, December 13 exclusively on iTunes.

Welcome to the Show (feat. Blame One) by theBREAX

VIDZ: "Go Girl" - Corey Paul feat. Reconcile

2011-11-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

H-town's Frontline Movement (Corey Paul and Reconcile) has a new clip, partially filmed at the University of Houston, for their song "Go Girl" which aims to uplift and encourage women - particularly those of the Christian faith.

We need more songs like this on the radio and BET.

VIDEO: Tre9's Thanksgiving memory includes adopting homeless kids

2011-11-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

Houston hip hop missionary Bobby "Tre9" Herring posted this touching Thanksgiving video yesterday that I really hope doesn't get overlooked.

A year ago this weekend, in the midst of their regular downtown feeding ministry, they came across two young boys who were homeless and needed a family.

This year he and his wife will be adopting them as their own.

I'm proud to call this dude my friend.

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt rocks NASCAR

2011-11-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

Motor Racing Outreach president Billy Mauldin, NASCAR driver Michael McDowell, and Eddy "Rawsrvnt" Puyol
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

When considering the soundtrack for a NASCAR race event, few people would mention Christian rap as the first music genre that comes to mind. But given the passionate, faithful, and youthful fanbases of each, the two growing movements were bound to eventually cross paths. And just recently - they did.

On the weekend of November 20, hip-hop worship artist Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol was invited to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the final race of the Sprint Cup Series where he performed and led chapel, met NASCAR driver Michael McDowell, and even got to sit in the driver’s seat of McDowell’s #66 Toyota Camry (a rare honor that was apparently the talk of the track.)

Rawsrvnt enters Michael McDowell's #66 Toyota Camry
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

It all started earlier this year, when Rawsrvnt was waiting on a flight to Jamaica to film a music video and killing time by reading his Twitter feed on his iPhone. A fan sent him an “at reply retweet” that mentioned McDowell had selected Raw’s song “On Fire” as his theme music for an upcoming race.

“I was both shocked and honored,” Puyol said. “I have to admit I hadn’t followed NASCAR that closely before, but to know that their massive audience would hear my lyrics about being ‘on fire’ for Jesus before Michael hit his gas pedal was very encouraging.”

Puyol and McDowell began to exchange notes of mutual appreciation via Twitter which eventually led to more offline conversations about faith and the fast lane. McDowell said he was an outspoken Christian who had been hipped to the “On Fire” song through Billy Mauldin, the president and CEO, of Motor Racing Outreach (MRO.)

“One evening I was home just looking around in iTunes for something new. I like cutting-edge music, stuff you usually will not hear on Christian radio. I also know when a song or a musician stirs my spirit. As soon as I heard ‘On Fire’ I was hooked,” Mauldin recalled.

“I am a 47 year-old father and still very young at heart so not only does this music appeal to me, but then I can introduce it to my children. I am always finding new stuff for them. I am also quick to share music I like with others. This is where the NASCAR connection comes in.”

Every year at the fall race at the Bristol Motor Speedway the drivers are introduced with a theme song. Fans love it and the drivers get a kick out of picking songs that reflect their personality or persona as racers.

Michael McDowell and Rawsrvnt before the Homestead-Miami race
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

About two weeks before that race, McDowell and Mauldin were flying back from Montreal with the Joe Gibbs Racing teams. Mauldin asked McDowell if he had picked his song for Bristol. He replied that he had not, but needed to.

“I told him I had a song he needed to check out,” Mauldin said. “So I handed him my headphones and started ‘On Fire.’ Immediately a great big grin came across his face and he said ‘That’s it!’ The rest is history.”

Rawsrvnt singing during the Motor Racing Outreach chapel service before the Homestead-Miami race
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

At the Miami event, Rawsrvnt participated in the MRO’s pre-race chapel service where he performed and shared his personal story of redemption through Christ. He sung his popular Black Eyed Peas/Hillsong United “I Gotta Feeling/Take It All” mashup and a remixed version of “On Fire” that included a new reference to the NASCAR community.

Afterwards, he handed out over 1,000 copies of his Grammy-nominated No Ordinary Love album and followed Michael McDowell to the track for the pre-race prayer.

“Michael leaned over to me and said this is one of the few sports where you’ll see and hear them so specifically and boldly mention Jesus’ name,” Puyol said. “I told him I thought it was cool that NASCAR is all about representing the faith, family, and pride in our country.”

Rawsrvnt pointing out Michael McDowell's car
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

Looking back, Rawsrvnt said he feels like this story perfectly illustrates how God’s Kingdom operates.

“It’s really all about being faithful over the small things and allowing Him to orchestrate the meetings, events, and elevations that He wants – not us!

“Who would have imagined that one man’s random search on iTunes would lead to me being able to talk about Jesus through my music to a crowd of over 150,000 race car fans?”

Only those who believe in a God as big as ours.

Recap: Holy Hip Hop for Hunger 2011

2011-11-17T12:38:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, November 12 members of Houston’s vibrant and active Christian rap community joined together for a concert and awards show that raised both food and awareness for Houston’s hungry.

The Holy Hip Hop for Hunger event was organized by Von Won and handed out awards to local hip hop ministries for their efforts throughout the past year. Attendees were asked to contribute 5 canned goods (or more) for entry.

The artists and staff gathered for prayer before the event

The night's music started off with a worship set

Von Won, wife, and son

Rev Rob got things going

The dynamic duo of 007 and Gifted da Flamethrowa also performed

As far as the awards go, there were over 700 online votes for a variety of categories. Nominees are listed below with the winners' names in bold.

Male Artist of the Year:

Bizzle
007
Gifted
Foe
Corey Paul
Reconcile
Von Won
Govenor
J-Flo

Female Artist of the Year:

Hilary Pradia
Christ Clear aka Rage
Zeeda
Raishein
HillaryJane
K Mor

Album of the Year:

Govenor - True Seed
F.O.E. - The Word
S.O.M. - The Next Chapter
Bizzle - Tough Love & Parables
Gifted da Flamethrowa - Bulldoze City
Von Won - One City Under God

Single of the Year:

Von Won - "Bow Down"
F.O.E. - "Which Way"
Frontline - "U Rydin"
S.O.M. - "On My J"
Corey Paul - "Go Girl"
J Flo - "Filled With Fire"
Govenor - "Another Chance"

Music Video of the Year:

Frontline - "U Rydin"
The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX - "All Good"
Bro Blessed - "It Hurts Me"
Von Won - "Bow Down"
Bless't - "Dope Tales"
Bro Joseph - "Forgive Me"
2 Crunk - "Jesus On Da Mainline"

Producer of the Year:

Bruce Bang
Sypreme
Cameron Giddings
Jimmie Natural
Josh Paul

DJ of the Year:

DJ Primo
DJ Hope
DJ 808
DJ Wiz
DJ Revelation
DJ Nonchalant

Mixtape Series of the Year:

2 Crunk - Struggle Muzik
Bizzle - The Messenger
Corey Paul - No Snooze Buttons
Gifted da Flamethrowa - Monsters Do Exist
GS - Warning Before Destruction

Group of the Year:

S.O.M.
Frontline Movement
Second Entertainment
The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX
Youth In The Booth
S.T.C.

Hunger for More Honors:
Pastor Terrence Levi

Tre9 played host

Second shows off HillaryJane's FAOY trophy

A small sampling of the canned goods that were collected

Bless't and bigAL

And here's my brief (and nowhere near exhaustive) video recap:

Rawsrvnt to be a part of The Story Tour with Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, and others

2011-11-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt (aka Eddy Puyol), who you might remember from his stint as a bachelor on Donald J. Trump presents The Ultimate Merger reality TV dating show, has been added as a performer on The Story Tour.

The event is billed as a Christmas spectacular with carols and a musical journey from Genesis to Revelation. It features Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Selah, Anthem Lights, and special guests Max Lucado and Randy Frazee.

Rawsrvnt is scheduled to perform several numbers throughout the concert including “Bring Us Home (Joshua)” with Michael Tait (formerly of the Christian rap pioneering group dc talk) & Amy Perry of Selah.

The Story Tour will be visiting Dallas on December 2 and Austin on December 4. No Houston dates have been announced. Tickets and details can be found online at thestorycd.com/tour.

Former 5th Ward Boyz gangsta rapper's "Blessfest" this Sunday pays rent and light bills for less fortunate

2011-11-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

Volunteers register Houstonians at Blessfest 2010

At Blessfest this Sunday, needy Houstonians can register to win one month’s paid rent/mortgage, one month’s paid light bill, one of 50 turkey baskets, $100 Toys-R-Us gift cards, and a laptop computer.

It will be the third annual event organized by former 5th Ward Boyz gangsta rapper Andre "007" Barnes who views the community outreach as a normal part of his life as a rededicated Christian.

Andre "007" Barnes

Over 300 people registered for the giveaways at last year’s Blessfest and Barnes expects over 500 to do so this time around. The day will also be filled with music performances from local gospel and Christian hip hop artists.

The activities will commence at 2pm on November 20 at 5800 Lyons Ave (Fiesta Food Mart), Houston, TX 77020.

INTERVIEW: Pastor Chris Durso talks about the MISFIT movment & the power of prayer

2011-11-14T08:45:00.001-08:00

Here's another interview I conducted when the MISFIT Tour was in town last month. This time I speak with pastor/author Chris Durso. Here, we discuss:

- Kicking off the MISFIT movement
- His connection to the hip hop culture
- The power of prayer during his son's recent health scare

Here’s the clip:

Saturday's Christian rap concert and awards show used to raise food and awareness for Houston's hungry

2011-11-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Houston's vibrant and active Christian rap community will join together this Saturday, November 12 for a concert and awards show that will raise both food and awareness for Houston's hungry.

The event is being organized by Von Won and will hand out awards to local hip hop ministries for their efforts throughout the past year. Attendees are asked to contribute 5 canned goods (or more) for entry.

On his personal Facebook page, event host by Bobby "Tre9" Herring recently posted:

"I can't express how proud I am of Christian hip hop artists when they put together events that serve others less fortunate. Hip Hop for Hunger is a good thing that I hope all of you make plans to attend. God Bless ya Von for keeping the faith and serving others in spite of your own needs."

A similar event was held in 2009 and included a surprise performance by former Geto Boy Bushwick Bill.

Details on Saturday's affair are below:

When:
November 12, 2011
7pm - 9pm - Preshow begins at 6pm

Location:
Park Temple Baptist Church
4027 Irvington
Houston, TX 77009

Admission:
5 canned goods or more

Performances by:

Bizzle
Corey Paul
Von Won
Gifted da Flamethrowa
Second
007
Trevor Lee
Dulo
Govenor
The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX
Jericho Falls
J-Flo
S.O.M.
Hilary Pradia
Lil Sizzle
DJ DMD

Happy Veterans Day

2011-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

On this Veterans Day, let us salute and remember those who had to offer a "Last Goodbye" so that we could enjoy our freedoms.

VIDEO: DMX performs new religious rap, "Keep Your Head Up," on "Dr. Drew's Lifechangers"

2011-11-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

"When I think I don't deserve it / I think about Jesus and the fact that He was perfect / and that He thinks that I'm worth it..."

DMX, who is no stranger to either the wrong side of the law or putting his Christian faith in his hip hop, has a new religious rap single he recently debuted on "Dr. Drew's Lifechangers."

"Keep Your Head Up" features a gospel choir, Dark Man X's trademark barks, and a confession that it's "usually around the weekend / that I get reckless and jump off the deep end."

We're praying for you Earl.

See Dr. Drew's full interview with DMX about his addictions and prisons stints here.

Rap/rock band Walk of Christianity looking for extras for Saturday's music video shoot

2011-11-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

Houston's Walk of Christianity is looking for extras for their music video shoot this Saturday, November 12.

The rap/rock band will be filming a visual treatment for the song "Get Up Again." I'll be there to report and recap afterward, but if you, your friends, or church youth group would like to be a part, please see the details listed below.

Location:
Sugar Creek Baptist Church LYF Center
13444 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77478

Time:
11:30am – 5pm … Cameras will start rolling at 12pm!

Anyone who stays from 12-5pm will receive a voucher for 3 tickets to attend the video premiere, a free dinner, and a free concert.

Please R.S.V.P. by email walkofchristianity@ymail.com

In your response please include the size of your party as space is limited.

R.I.P. Heavy D

2011-11-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

Sad news broke late yesterday afternoon about the passing of rap superstar Heavy D.

Although he never claimed to be a Christian rapper, by all accounts Dwight Myers was a picture of positivity in his music, acting roles, and life. His brand of fun-filled hip-pop created a template for Will Smith and MC Hammer while his "Overweight Lover" persona set the stage for heavy-set sex symbols like the Notorious B.I.G. and Rick Ross who followed after.

In my own life, Heavy D's raps were some of the first I memorized as a good church boy in Memphis, TN. He will be deeply missed.

In memory, the "ba-diddly-diddly-diddly-dang" of "We've Got Our Own Thang."

Recap: Man Up Tour - Houston

2011-11-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

Lecrae in worship mode
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa and used with permission

Two weeks ago the Man Up Tour wrapped its six-city jaunt with a stop in H-town. The half-day affair included a film, panel discussion, and hip hop concert focused on teaching the principles of biblical manhood to urban residents.

Top-selling Christian rappers Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee played a part and were either born or still have family in Houston. Other members of the immediate and extended Reach Records family who participated in the stop included: KB, PRo, Sho Baraka (who wrote and directed the Man Up film), DJ Official, shai linne, and spoken word artists Propaganda and Blair Linne.

Tre9 fighting a cold and getting his hustle on
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa and used with permission

The event was organized by hip hop missionary Bobby “Tre9” Herring and held at New Faith Church in South Houston. New Faith said they would be able to hold the anticipated 2,500 person crowd but that turned out not to be the case.

Pre-event waiting line in the New Faith gym

At one point, wishful attendees were stopped at the doors because there was simply no more room to sit inside the sanctuary. They were told that this would only be for the movie and panel discussion portions and that they might be able to secure a standing-room-only spot once the concert began and more people moved closer to the stage. To help keep the frustration levels at a minimum, Tedashii and PRo even came out to the waiting area to thank people for their support and patience.

Being an event volunteer (I helped coordinate a media-only press conference before the official kickoff), I missed all of the movie and panel discussion parts but did catch one or two songs from the concert. So while this isn’t a full-fledged recap, hopefully the following photos, videos, and notebook dump will give you a flavor of the day.

Crowd notes:

- Tedashii and PRo coming out to address the waiting crowd was a stand up move that exemplified one of the “real men take responsibility” themes of the Man Up campaign.

- Despite his song title to the contrary, T-dot had to ask those frustrated and waiting in line not to (wink,wink) “start a riot.”

Man Up panel discussion
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa and used with permission

Up close and personal with PRo
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa and used with permission

Blair Linne and her husband, shai, dance to "We Can Be More"
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa and used with permission

Man Up concert crowd shot from the balcony
Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Trip Lee going in
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa and used with permission

Concert notes:

- Thanks to the crowd, the Man Up tour concert auditorium fittingly smelled like a lockeroom.

- Even though the venue was at capacity, people were still able to view the show via the free stream on the DaSouth.com’s Facebook page. I even saw some people in line watching it on their smartphones.

- The audience reaction to “Dum, Dum” is simply dumb, dumb. So much energy.

- A live performance of “Go Hard” is amazing. Ours included 2,000+ people chanting “Lord, use me up!”

- After I posted that Propaganda’s spoken word slays, @pdavidy8 Tweets me back that “all announcements in heaven will be done by Prop.” Amen.

- I’m not a huge fan of Lecrae’s “Background” song, but can’t deny it leads people to worship. The crowd was simply chanting “Jesus” as it ended.

Who was in the crowd:

- Cheesebeats (producer)
- Bizzle
- GS
- Gifted da Flamethrowa
- Von Won
- Soulfruit
- Dillon Chase
- 007
- D. Davis
- Second (HillaryJane, Wretch, & Archie)
- CCM/worship artist Robbie Seay who Tweeted: "I'm jammed in a room w/ 2k students listening to @Lecrae speak on faith & manhood. Love this guy. The most important hip hop artist anywhere."

Bizzle, Cheesebeats, Gifted da Flamethrowa
Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Second served at the ticket booth
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa and used with permission

Soulfruit and DJ Wiz
Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Dillon Chase and Sketch the Journalist
Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Man Up press conference

Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Learned during our pre-event press conference:

- Lecrae turned down BET Awards Cypher invitation several times before, and this year’s was almost a “no-go” because of his recent newborn. Crayola said his wife said he could do it if it could be done on the same day and in the A-T-L where they live.

- Lecrae’s character of “King” in “Man Up” film was originally set for FLAME. Apparently he had a scheduling conflict and backed out just a few days before filming.

- Man Up’s film budget was approximately $45,000 and shot within 6 or 7 days with a crew of mostly non-actors and many non-Christians.

The night was full of interesting T-shirts, including:

- shai linne’s Martin Luther (see below)

- "Jesus loves you, but I’m his favorite” (moved by me too fast to take a photo)

- Homemade Lecrae shirts (see below)

shai linne's in his Martin Luther tee and Sketch the Journalist
Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Homemade Lecrae "Rehab" merch
Photo by Sketch the Journalist

INTERVIEW: B.Reith talks about his new album & hip hop identity

2011-11-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago when B. Reith was in town I got to sit down with him and talk about few topics including:

The MISFIT Tour
His hip hop identity, and
Going independent on his new album, How the Story Ends, which drops today (11.01.11)

Here’s the clip:

Lecrae and Reach Records bring tour to Houston to teach hip hop audience biblical manhood

2011-10-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Tedashii, Lecrae, Trip Lee, and Sho Baraka

On Saturday, top-selling Christian rapper Lecrae and artists from his Reach Records label will bring their Man Up tour event to Houston. The half day affair includes a film, panel discussion, and hip hop concert focused on teaching the principles of biblical manhood to urban residents.

Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee will all play a part and were either born or still have family in Houston. Hip hop missionary Bobby “Tre9” Herring organized the effort to bring the tour here and feels those biographical backgrounds can benefit his work.

“Houston’s hip hop community loves and supports their own, so we utilize guys with local ties any time we can because it helps form an immediate bond with our intended audience,” Herring pointed out.

He said that intended audience includes inner city kids, particularly young males, who often come from single-parent homes and are bombarded with skewed images and ideas about what it means to be a "real man" from the mainstream hip hop culture that surrounds them.

Although event tickets are being sold as a fundraiser for Herring’s 501c3 non-profit Eyes On Me Organization (which holds weekly Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays services in 5th Ward, provides meals and clothing to the homeless, and plants churches in group homes and prisons), he has received donations that will sponsor over 150 underprivileged youth to attend Man Up.

“Reach Records and their non-profit organization have done an excellent job at creating a multi-media campaign that shares this important and life-changing message in way that is relevant to the young men and women I work with every day,” Herring said.

“I’m glad we can partner with them and utilize their experience and God-given talents to bring Man Up to our city.”

Details:
Man Up Tour event
Featuring: Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, Propaganda, PRo, shai linne, Blair Linne, and KB
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Doors open at 5:45 pm / Show starts at 6:30 pm
New Faith Church – 4315 West Fuqua Street – Houston, TX 77045

For more information and ticket purchases visit www.dasouth.com/manuphouston

Below, Christian rapper KB explains what the Man Up campaign is all about:

INTERVIEW: Da' T.R.U.T.H. talks about being a MISFIT/outcast

2011-10-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago when Da' T.R.U.T.H. was in town I got to sit down with him and talk about few topics including:

The MISFIT Tour
If Xist Music is the record label for outcasts, and
Whether or not telling his story puts more focus on himself than Christ Jesus

Here's the clip:

B. Reith performs new song, "2 Steps Forward", at MISFIT Tour stop in Houston

2011-10-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Blue-eyed soul brother B. Reith unveiled a new song, "2 Steps Forward" from his upcoming How the Story Ends album, at last week's MISFIT Tour stop in Houston.

The singer/rapper, who is from Wisconsin and resides in Nashville, seems to have an affinity for the area, having filmed his "Comeback Kid" video in downtown Houston and in 5th Ward and unveiling the HTSE album name at a July "Boomin' by the Bay" concert in Kemah.

Word is that he'll be returning to H-town on November 5 for a "Rock the Night" concert for NGEN Radio.

What do you think of his more hip hop sound from the clip below?

Lecrae reps Christ (and Houston) on BET Hip Hop Awards

2011-10-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Christian hip hop's top selling artist, Lecrae, boldly represented his faith among (and to) his mainstream rap peers in a cypher session during last night's BET Hip Hop Awards.

The not-so-extemporaneous-but-still-freestyle rhyme sessions are always a highlight of the event with fans registering their favorites and "winners" online immediately after they air.

Although the network got the artist's birthplace correct (Houston), they misspelled his name. As a result, the word "Lacrae" was a Twitter Trending Topic instead of "Lecrae."

(NOTE: Dismiss anyone telling you that was an intentional, Illuminati-type slight of someone of faith. On the night the show was taped there were reports that screens inside the venue even displayed errors such as "Little Wayne" instead of "Lil Wayne.")

The MC was highly energetic, weaved hip history and sports-reference punchlines into his verses, and even spoke directly to the evening's affairs with:

"But them awards can't follow you to the grave/you livin' for them whips and chains then you a slave!"

Shortly after his segment aired he Tweeted a link to his I Am Second testimony profile and film.

It was a historic night for Christian hip hop and Lecrae represented his King well.

Sidenote: Lecrae and his team will bring their Man Up Tour event to Houston in just a few weeks on October 22. For tickets and more information visit: www.dasouth.com/manuphouston

Houston Christian hip hop group competing for an opening act slot at Friday's MISFIT Tour with Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H.

2011-10-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Second: Wretch, HillaryJane, and Archie

On Friday, October 7 the MISFIT Tour will roll into Houston. Alongside performances and messages from Christian rappers Ambassador, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Sean Simmons, Mali Music, Rhema Soul and pastor/author Chris Durso, there will be a MISFIT Search contest that will allow local groups to compete for an opening slot with the rest of the acts.

Houston rap group Second is one of the MISFIT Search finalists so I recently caught with group member Carlos “Wretch” Rebollar to get some more details.

Sketch: Tell me a little bit about your group. How long have you guys been together, how did you meet, and what sort of projects are/have you worked on as a collective?

Wretch: Second has been together officially as a group for about eight months although we've been doing music together for about two and half years now.

Archie and HillaryJane have known each other for several years since they have been a part of the same youth ministry for a long time. Archie is currently one of the youth pastors there and HillaryJane is a graduate of their Generation School of Ministries Internship Program. I came to know them because I would visit their young adult services and started to get to know some people in their ministry as well as the pastor. I eventually became friends with this pastor who went on to plant Sojourn Community Church, which is the church I am currently at and have had the privilege to be a part of since its original core team phase.

When Archie started working on his first mixtape, a mutual friend told him he should contact me and get me on a track and here we are now.

Archie has put out two mixtapes, an album demo and a full length album--all on which HillaryJane and I were consistently featured on.

We are currently working on our first project as a group titled "First and Foremost -- The Mixtape Vol. 1" which will drop December 2.

Sketch: Your group has entered the MISFIT Search contest. What made you guys decide to get involved in this event?

Wretch: We thought it'd be a fun thing to do. Plus, we thought it may help us gain exposure since we are a fairly new hip hop group. We also love the fact that the MISFITs seek to create great art that glorifies God.

Sketch: What sort of connection do you have to the music of the MISFIT Tour's headliners - Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H.?

Wretch: We can say their music has been an inspiration to us back from their Cross Movement days up until now with Xist Music. Everything from the standard of quality to the God-glorifying lyrics they seek to put out.

Sketch: Both of those guys had were seemingly at the top of their music ministry careers a few years ago when admitted acts of marital infidelity caused them to step away for a period of repentance and restoration. How did/have their stories impacted you personally and as fellow Christian hip hop artists?

Wretch: We can say that as fellow believers, we've been reminded of God's restoring work in the life of His children, and that's a beautiful thing.

As fellow Christian hip hop artists, we've know that talent does not equate to godliness. We've been reminded that even those who seem to be unshakable can be shaken and brought to the ground, and this has caused us to strive even more to be dependent upon God and ask Him to continue keeping us humble in everything we do.

As 1st Cor. 10:12 says: "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." We praise God for the restoring work He's done in Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H.. God is gracious!

Sketch: Aside from a MISFIT Search win and exposure for your group, what are most looking forward to at Friday night's event?

Wretch: We're looking forward to a great show from every performer! Considering the fact that we are a group made up of two guys and a girl, we're very interested and excited to see Rhema Soul in concert for the very first time as well!

Details on the MISFIT Tour’s Houston stop can be seen in the video commercial below:

INTERVIEW: Gifted da Flamethrowa talks about going back & graduating college while working a day job

2011-09-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Gifted da Flamethrowa - obviously!

A few weeks ago my man Gifted da Flamethrowa graduated college with a business management degree.

A few days before he crossed the stage I sat down with him in The Woodlands, Texas to discuss his return to school, balancing that with family and church obligations, and how sometimes a "day job" is the right thing to do despite a person's "full-time music minister" dream title.

See the three previous segments of this interview here.

Lecrae films testimony video for "I Am Second" organization

2011-09-27T12:24:00.001-07:00

Houston-born, top-selling Christian rapper Lecrae has filmed a testimony video for I Am Second.

The organization describes itself as "a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others" and utilizes online multimedia (including these iconic interviews with subjects - often athletes or entertainers - wearing black clothing and sitting in a white chair) to mobilize its members locally.

I Am Second is even being used by some churches, like The Loft campus of The Woodlands United Methodist Church, as a message theme series.

The short film, which was released last night (Sept 26), can be viewed at the link below.
Lecrae - I Am Second

Lecrae joins local artists for Christian rap love letter to Houston

2011-09-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lecrae, the Houston-born rapper at the top of the Christian hip hop genre, recently joined local artists Von Won and Shei Atkins for a remix of Wit & Dre Murray's (also from Houston) "Welcome to H-town" song.

The sequel is a part of the Episode 2: Welcome Home series of the duo's Hell's Paradise II: Mask Parade project.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://invisiblegorilla.net/track/welcome-to-h-town-ii-feat-lecrae-shei-atkins-von-won"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Welcome to H-Town II (feat. Lecrae, Shei Atkins, Von Won) by Wit &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Dre Murray&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Peep the lyrics below and see how many Houston-specific shoutouts and slang you can identify. There's even an audio "Easter egg" of sorts in Lecrae's verse if you catch it.

Sung refrain: Von Won
(from first version of song, with some slight changes):
Welcome to H-Town, yeah; welcome to H-Town, whoa;
Said ‘em boys ridin’ clean…but without the King, what does it really mean?
Cup full of lean, got a Sweet full of green, wake up, boy, this ain’t a dream!
Welcome to H-Town, yeah; welcome to H-Town, whoa;
I’m prayin’ for H-Town, yeah, yeah; welcome to H-Town, whoa, yeah.

Verse 1: (Dre Murray)
Roamin’ round the earth, thinkin’ bout my city, yeah, the place of my birth
Every time I hear that name, I feel this pain in my shirt
Right next to my heart, like a flame, and it hurts!
Ignored it at first, but now I think it’s something I must address

The right spot to get this thing off a my chest,
The caged bird won’t be able to sing until it rest;
You just gimme a chance to explain, I do my best;
Explain to you why I left—He orders my steps;

To expound any further would be a waste of breath.
This story’s a little bit more than it seems; it has some depth
It’s like I haven’t waken up from a dream, quiet as kept
Nevertheless, baby, I love H-Town; pray for my city when my knees hit the ground;
I pray you find a Savior like I did, H-Town, ‘cuz when He come through,
[chopped and screwed effect] man, it’s goin’ down.

Verse 2: (Lecrae)
I was born in H-town, starched down, way back,
When them slabs in the city, beat that Screw off in the back
Pokin’ out, keep them spinners, eatin’ Frenchy’s chicken dinner
Family came from 3rd ward, Scott Street on up to Ennis,

Hangin’ out in Sunnyside, with my cousin Corey,
They was on that purple Sprite, I was still sippin’ 40s,
Keke’s “Still Pimpin’” stories as I’m passing by Yates, stop and wonderin’ if I'll land at heaven’s gates,
I told my cousin D at TSU while smokin’ trees,
“I think the Lord is calling me”; both of us agree.

And man, I love the city of my birth, that’s why I plead
That God would change the “H” same way he’s changing me.

(sung, from 1st version of song):
‘Cause All I cared about was ridin’ clean, a pocket full of green,
And find a bad yella I can put up on my team,
My bros ridin’ dirty, you know your soul ain’t clean—
Go on, let the Lord intervene.

(sung refrain, from 1st version of song, Von Won w/Shei Atkins):
Welcome to H-Town, yeah [Lecrae speaks over the singing, “What up H-town? I still love you, baby”];
Welcome to H-Town, whoa, yeah;
They say them boys ridin’ clean, fresh up on the scene, but without the King, what does it really mean?
Cup full a lean, Sweet full of green, wake up, boy, this ain’t a dream!
Welcome to H-Town, yeah ; welcome to H-Town, whoa, yeah;
I’m prayin’ for H-Town, yeah, yeah; welcome to H-Town, whoa, yeah

Verse 3 (Dre Murray)
I had a dream on the plane that I was sitting in the slab
Seat back, bass up, chuckin’ deuce and giving dab
Talkin’ to my partners ‘bout these plans that I have,
When I told ‘em Oklahoma, man, dem boys just laughed, like,

“Where dat at, folk? Man, stop the joking! Yeah, you hoop, but you ain’t that dope!,”
It’s like they couldn’t understand me having that hope,
Tryin to serve God, they want me serving fiends with that dope,
A job where we flat broke. Pass the kill

And as I got higher, death is what I started to feel—“Dawg, we smokin’ kill!”
Hah. I backed away from The Killer, and as He picked up my life, and my vision got clearer
Destiny is screaming; it’s faint, but I hear her;
Things are bad right now, but the man in the mirror
Is tryin’ to make a change, rearrange some things. H-town, I still love ya, hold up mayne

(sung refrain, from 1st version of song; Shei Atkins only)
Welcome to H-Town (4x)
(sung refrain, from 1st version of song; Von Won only)
Welcome to H-Town, yeah; welcome to H-Town, whoa; yeah
Said ‘em boys ridin’ clean…but without the King, what does it really mean?
Got a cup full a lean, Sweet full of green, wake up, boy, this ain’t a dream!
Welcome to H-Town, yeah; welcome to H-Town, whoa; yeah
I’m prayin’ for H-Town, yeah, yeah; welcome to H-Town, whoa, yeah

(sung refrain, from 1st version of song; Shei Atkins only)
Welcome to H-Town (4x)

HP2 - Episode 2: Welcome Home can be purchased through iTunes or at invisiblegorilla.net.

Part 1 of my "Bulldoze City" interviews with Gifted da Flamethrowa

2011-09-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I met up with Houston's Gifted da Flamethrowa for a series of interview videos about a range of topics related to hip hop ministry.

Gifted's new album, Bulldoze City, drops tomorrow, Tuesday, September 20 on iTunes and other digital download spots.

Here's the first half.

Part 1 of 7
Gifted on:

His new album/new label and
What he's learned from other artists

Part 2 of 7
Gifted on:

Online promotion
Answering his critics and
His animated "Reaper" video

Part 3 of 7
Gifted on:

His New Orleans-to-Houston story
The Lil Wayne impact and
How he prepares to minister in hoods, prisons, and overseas

Part 2 of this series will cover Gifted speaking about going back to college, whether or not he would battle rap, what it means to be a servant, and the humble question he was asked by Malice of The Clipse.

Stay tuned.

Joey The Jerk “Dreams” of a less hip-hop, more CCM sound with new album

2011-09-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

I recently caught up with former L.A. Symphony hip hop collective member Sarpong Boateng (aka Joey Lawrence, aka Joey L, aka Joey The Jerk) via e-mail to discuss his new musical direction as Joey’s Dream, whether or not he took a “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach to the Christian Contemporary Music scene, and if he thinks he’d ever return to recording rap music.

Sketch: With the new "Joey's Dream" sound, you've also changed up your stage name. When exactly did you quit being a "Jerk?"

Joey: Honestly, I never quit being "Joey The Jerk", I just really wanted my project to sound more like a band and less like a dude. So you have examples like Owl City. That's just one guy, but it sounds like a band.

Joey’s Dream was and is my attempt to make it sound like a band, especially for people who have no concept of who I am. They don't know that Joey The Jerk existed.

And Joey The Jerk is a little harsh for the Christian market, or at least I always thought it was. I was always in fear that someone would scold me at a church event because of it.

Sketch: You mentioned in your Sphereofhiphop.com interview that you felt like there was only room for about two rappers within the CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) industry.

Given that, I find it interesting that your action as a result of that observation was more of a "if you can't beat 'em; join 'em" approach than to simply divorce the scene and keep pursuing hip hop in a more independent way. What drove you stick it out in the CCM arena? Am I even reading your reaction correctly?

Joey: Wow, that’s a big question, maybe not that big of a question, but so many things go on in my head in trying to answer it.

It wasn't “if you can’t beat em...” it was more like, umm... I was looking at it more like I loved doing Christian shows and it was so encouraging to see young Christians across the country. Living in L.A. you don't see a gang of Christians. It’s few and far between. Or you see people at your church and maybe you are too close to them, so you see all of them, their flaws, and their great character traits as well.

The culture here is far from Christian. This is not the “Bible Belt” so you have so many people who go to church and are not even halfway getting it because all of the concepts are new to them, they’re in “seeker-friendly” churches with watered down sermons, and they aren't reading theology and doctrine books. So you gotta understand that real Christianity is in the minority here. And to go on the road and see so many Christians my age or younger, that was like wow! So fresh! It was super encouraging for me.

There were the club/bar shows we would do and the underground hip hop shows we would do in L.A. and out and about, so when we were on the road there were like in two totally, completely different worlds. One night we’d be in front of a youth group with happy Christian kids putting on their best Christian face and the next night we’d be at a club show with drugs and drunk people.

I made [my solo hip hop album called] Average Joe and liked the way it came about and we as L.A. Symphony were making new music. And probably from 2003 until we stopped making songs there was an ongoing question or underlying conversation about our reinvention. We let some dudes go, so that probably had a little bit to do with it. On The End Is Now [group member] Flynn Adam Atkins did most of the production and that was a new look for us.

We were always trying to make the best albums we could collectively make, but in that context, you have to look at your capacity and say "Well, how much can we change or switch up?" And in the context of L.A.S. there wasn't much we could have done to reinvent what we did for a lot of reasons. But I knew I could as an individual. I wanted to do different things musically, but I couldn't do them in the L.A.S. machine because it looked like what it was going to look like.

I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder and New Edition as well as tons of R&B, rap, and Christian music – artists like Russ Taff, Michael W. Smith, and DC Talk. So I always loved singing, particularly extra loud in the car extra, but I wouldn't say I was a singer because I'm black and grew up listening to R&B dudes who could really sing like Luther and them. But I could maybe carry a tune so I always thought in my mind I would end up writing songs for some reason.

I remember having a conversation with Flynn in his apartment in Sherman Oaks in like 1999 about doing more than just rapping, in the long run, in the big picture, in the context of my artistry. So as a CCM fan, or an eclectic music fan, I felt like I could do this and it was time to switch it up. I had been joking since 2003 when I put out Average Joe, that my next record was going to be called Joey Sings, then [former L.A.S. group member Pigeon] John put out Pigeon John Sings the Blues and stole part of my title. So that took the wind out of my sails a little because I didn’t want to look like a John biter.

So time goes by and you get married and have kids, and you’re looking at both of these worlds saying to yourself, “Where do I want to live?” It’s funny because I think musically I still have a lot of experiments in me and you make what you make. I feel like if I am honest with myself in the process of making music and I keep honest people around me the music will never get wack.

So in saying that, I loved Disappear Here, and felt like it was a good record, but the kind of rap music I want to make, or that I make, I feel like there is no potential home for it. The CCM market doesn’t want it and can’t do anything with it. That was my take away from doing that album. And the college hip-hop or underground market was and is full of ills and lifestyles that I don’t want to be around, and take my wife around, and raise my kids around.

So taking all of that into consideration, I’m not motivated to want to make another rap album. I write raps randomly and what not, but I don’t think those worlds want what I have to offer. And it wouldn't be me doing something new, in my eyes at least, it would be me doing L.A.S. but by myself. That’s not appealing to me.

For me music has always been fun, because of the relationships and what not. So I saw this [Joey’s Dream] as a new adventure and a great opportunity to grow as an artist and work with dudes who were cool but weren’t L.A.S. dudes. This music is something I guess would have been a natural progression for L.A.S. had we had the capacity to do more than rap music.

Look at Flynn and the stuff he's done. It is what it is, but it’s not "rap" music, you know? To me this isn’t and wasn’t a new idea in my head, it was more something that I had been playing with in my mind for some time.

Sketch: When people ask you what type of music you do what do you tell them?

Joey: Honestly, I say something like, "I used to make rap music and now I do this kind of singy, rappy, I don't know, you know, rappy singy, it is what it is, I don’t know." That is literally how I answer the question.

Sketch: Who are some of the influences for "Joey's Dream?" I'm hearing a little bit of Weezer and maybe Owl City as well as your former LA Symphony bandmates Flynn Adam Atkins and Pigeon John.

Joey: I don’t know how to answer this, umm... I am not really into Weezer or Owl City. Not like a diss, just you know, I know some Weezer, and only know the “Fireflies” song from Owl City.

As far as Flynn, and John, nah, I was honestly writing singing songs before either one of them went in that direction. They just have put out more music than me and they got their stuff out before I did. And that’s not a diss or saying they bit my styles or anything, I think it was a natural progression. We all are eclectic dudes with wide ranges of influences. We all listen to different styles of music. No one would call myself, Flynn, or John a “rap head.” So when you write songs, raps, whatever, you write what you write and go where it’s going.

It's hard to say where your influence is coming from musically. I listen to all kinds of stuff from Micheal Franks to Mute Math, from Eric B and Rakim to Jennifer Knapp, from Bell Biv Devoe to Oasis, from Kanye West to Kendall Payne, from Chris Rice to Jodeci. You know the list goes on and on.

I once saw Amos Lee in an interview and he was talking about how he loved KRS One. I still think that’s weird, but you know, how can you tell? You write what you write.

I think depending on the song and the writer, most of the stuff [on this album] I wrote with Matt Dally from Superchik. So while we came out of different music scenes, we joined together in the same direction for the sake of writing songs we liked and were totally happy with. Because if we didn’t like it we were real honest with each other about that.

Joey The Jerk’s previous hip hop sound

Sketch: Do you think you'll ever return to writing and performing hip hop music - especially from a faith-based perspective? Why or why not?

Joey: I don’t know. I love rap music. Anything I do I want to do it from a faith-based perspective, so yes and no.

I still write raps, and eventually I will have enough material for an album, but that could be 6-7 years down the line at this rate. I don’t know that I will have time for an expensive, time-consuming hobby like that in the future. Part of me is convinced that I could make the best rap record that I could make and I wouldn’t know what to do with it.

I think the climate has changed a little also. In the Christian arenas the rappers are becoming more like teaching-rapper-evangelists and that’s not how I write or what I make and I would be a phony if I tried to make music that isn’t genuinely from me. I think my rap style is more braggadocios, silly, introspective, lifestyle kind of rap. I don’t know how to put it words exactly.

With a singy song I can write lyrics first. Where with a rap, I won’t write raps without a beat and the beat leads me to a topic. That’s probably why I won’t make another rap album anytime soon - I don’t get beat CDs anymore.

The Mold Me EP by Joey’s Dream can be downloaded from Illect Recordings at the following online retailers: $ 6.99 at iTunes / $6.23 at Amazon / $6.00 at Bandcamp

Joey’s Dream
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://illect.bandcamp.com/album/mold-me"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Mold Me by Joey's Dream&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Should Christians battle rap? Playdough competes in EmSee Houston - Red Bull Battle this Thursday

2011-09-06T13:42:00.002-07:00

This Thursday night rapper Playdough will compete in the EmSee Houston Red Bull Battle at Warehouse Live. I recently caught up with the MC, a 5-time winner of Dallas’ 97.9 The Beat’s Freestyle Fridays challenge, via e-mail to get his thoughts on what can be considered a controversial practice for some Christians in the hip hop culture.

Sketch: When I interviewed you last year, we discussed battle rapping and you told me that “Some Christians have made it into such a weird thing, but at the end of the day it’s about competing and wanting to win a contest.”

But these things can get pretty vulgar, pretty fast. As a Christian, do you set limits on what you will and won’t say in the heat of a battle? If so, does that handcuff or handicap your ability to win?

Playdough: I'm not a very vulgar guy so it's pretty hard for something that vulgar to come out of my mouth. I do try to represent who I am and maintain how I want to be represented. It probably doesn't help my ability to win, but it's better exercise for my brain.

While most people would just come out and say something straight to the point, I like to dance around it a little bit more and bring home the point in a more creative way. I like to leave more to the imagination of the audience and paint some imagery rather than just coming out and saying it.

It's freestyle, though. I can't predict what I'll say and sometimes in the moment only certain rhymes come to your head. Sometimes things come out and you didn't intend the line to sound the way it did.

It's all about being in the moment and it's hard to predict what will go down. I do try to stay in a place that makes me feel comfortable with who I am and how I want to be looked at.

Sketch: I’ve actually heard of Christian rappers “reverse battling” where, instead of tossing insults and verbal jabs at their opponent, they use compliments and try to build up the person holding the mic in front of them.

What’s your take on that? If it’s just a competition and about “iron sharpening iron,” could turning the negative aspects of this activity on its ear actually work?

Playdough: This has always sounded like the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. If you're talking about getting better and finding a more creative way to stay on your toes and rap about spontaneous things then I do agree that it could be an exercise to sharpen your wit.

My issue is that it's only in Christian circles because they don't want to insult someone else. At the end of the day the "building up" is just as fake as "tearing down." If you're talking about someone's shoes and flow being awful or their jeans and shirt looking really nice and very in style, it's both saying things that you probably don't think are actually true.

"Your mom is super fat" or "Those jeans look really good on you and fit your body style great" are both things that you'd say to get a response, but may or may not be true. The jab is just as false as the props. All Christians ever want to do is take something and make the "Christian" version of it. That's never creative and is embarrassing to me.

Sketch: UGK rapper Bun B will be hosting this event. As a rapper who is known in some Christian music circles, do you feel any added pressure to come correct in front of “Professor Trill” who taught a “Religion & Hip Hop Culture” class at Rice University last year?

Playdough: I want to come correct for sure, but he doesn't add any pressure to the situation for me. Game recognize game and as long as I'm doing me I'm sure I'll get respect.

As much as I'd like to kill it and impress the judges, my main goal is to impress the crowd and gain some new fans. I want people to realize I'm not just a battle rapper and that I have a catalog of good recorded music. I never look to impress one person, he's just like you and me at the end of the day.

Sketch: You appear to be the only Caucasian out of the eight contestants slotted for Thursday night’s event.

How quickly do you think your race will be referenced by an opponent as a sign of your lack of talent? Or did Eminem’s Rap Olympics showing and 8 Mile movie help shatter that perception?

He hasn't shattered a thing from what I've experienced. People won't even make fun of me being white because they actually think white people are wack. They'll say it because it's an effective way to get the crowd response.

I'd be willing to bet that something will be said about my race in the first round.

Sketch: You’re in a group called deepspace5 with a rapper named Manchild. He’s also an accomplished MC and was even asked to judge the Red Bull Battle when it made a stop in Atlanta last year.

The obvious question here is who would win if you two squared off against each other?

He's the dopest. I wouldn't want to battle him ever. He's a great friend of mine and shares in my day to day struggle more than almost anyone. He's an incredible emcee on paper and off the top. My pride would want to tell you reasons that I'm better and why I'd win against him, but if I'm being real, I don't know if I'd win.

But honestly that's how battling is. Winning one or two battles against someone doesn't necessarily mean that you're the better emcee. Not to overplay the basketball example, but freestyling is like shooting the ball. Sometimes your jumper is on and sometimes it's off. Sometimes your freestyle is rusty and sometimes it's super focused. Multiple battles on different days would probably end in different results every time.

The EmSee Houston Red Bull Battle kicks off at 9pm at Warehouse Live on Thursday, September 8, 2011. Judges/performers include: ESG, Trae tha Truth, and Alchemist. Bun B will host.

Admission is free. For more details.

Here’s a clip of one of Playdough’s less-combative raps from his new Hotdoggin’ album.

Bun B opens "Religion & Hip Hop Culture" course to the public starting September 13

2011-09-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Professor Bun B and Dr. Anthony Pinn speak to last semester's
"Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class at Rice University.
Photo by Erik Quinn from the course Facebook page

UGK rapper Bun B is full of interesting news this week.

On Tuesday, August 30 it was the proclamation of an official “Bun B Day” by Mayor Annise Parker and the City of Houston. And now, it’s the announcement that he’ll be donning his professor’s cap once again for a public session of the fascinating “Religion and Hip Hop Culture” course he taught at Rice last spring.

However, this time around, the class will be open to the general public through the university’s School of Continuing Studies.

The course will be held on eight Tuesday nights at 7pm – 8:30pm from September 13 through November 1, 2011. The cost is $170 ($150 for Rice alumni) and offers 1.2 CEUs (Continuing Education Unit credits.)

As with last semester’s session, it will be co-taught by Bernard “Bun B” Freeman and Dr. Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and professor of religious studies at Rice University.

Topics will include the following:

• What is religion? - A theoretical grounding
• What is hip hop? - Break dancing and visual art, and the look and language of hip hop
• Religious traditions and rap music: Islam, Christianity and rap
• Hip hop as a critique of religious institutions
• Hip hop and life meaning
• Hip hop, a “new” religion - Works of artists who argue hip hop is a unique religious language and experience

I’m told the classroom holds 100 student and that they’d like to, but don't yet, have every seat filled. Also, there will not be any required work to complete outside of the class which certainly makes it a more attractive opportunity for potential students who may already be managing busy day jobs and homes.

Those interested can find more details and sign up for the course online through the school’s website.

Here’s what Bun B told me about the class at the end of last semester.

UPDATE 09/07/11 (11am CST) - I'm told the class has been cancelled due to low enrollment. No word yet on whether or not it will be offered at a later date.

Houston's mayor declares official "Bun B Day"

2011-08-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

The rapper/professor posted this photograph of the official proclamation to his @BunBTrillOG account on Twitter

Bernard Freeman has done it again - making both hip hop and Houston history with yesterday's City Hall proclamation from Mayor Annise Parker of an official "Bun B Day."

The accommodation declared that August 30, 2011 would be known for the rapper/professor in recognition of his commitment to community service.

Within the last few years, the UGK rapper has served Houston both privately and publicly through efforts like:

- Co-teaching a "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class at Rice University
- Headlining 97.9 KBXX's "Hip Hop 4 HIV" concert
- Speaking to a local youth mentorship group
- Participating in Rap-A-Lot Records & All Eyes On Me Ministries' "Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day"
- Participating in a Real Talk Teen Assembly at Willowridge High School

Bun B with the TWEF Eagle Scholars in May
- Photo by Sketch the Journalist

The Houston Press reports that Bun B used the occasion to speak to and encourage a more active focus on the issues facing young people.

"I do believe that presently in Houston there is a need for more hands on attention for the youth of the city, either with after school programs or just a general need for attention to the children.
I'd like to take this opportunity to tell the City Council that I am available 24-7/365 when it comes to the children of Houston as well as the surrounding cities and communities. Whenever the city needs me, I am more than willing and able to answer the call.

I ask everyone who is here present today, as well as those who may see this on TV or the internet later, to do their part as well."

Having worked with Bun through several panel discussions and outreaches with Christian rapper Bobby "Tre9" Herring, I can confirm that he is indeed approachable, reachable, and very interested in making a positive contribution to community outside of his music.

Without a doubt it would be great to see more mainstream rappers follow his lead.

Here's a clip of the presentation from The Rap Up blog.

Houston pastor believes Friday’s rap concert will bring “Hope” to the Third Ward

2011-08-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Houston's Von Won performs at last year's "Hope for the Tre" event - photo courtesy of Von Won

Patrick Ngwolo has a bold vision that a hip hop concert this Friday night can bring hope to the Third Ward neighborhood where he is the pastor of youth and young adult ministries at Houston’s Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

The event, called “Hope for the Tre 2” (playing off a slang term for the area), will start at 7pm and feature nationally known rappers Thi’sl and PRo (whose Dying to Live album hit as high as number three on iTunes’ overall sales chart when it was released on Tuesday.)

“Through the efforts of this concert we will reach into the community-at-large with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Ngwolo said. “We believe that what we are doing is not just a concert, but a Christ-cert.”

“We can be literally new creations in Christ Jesus, living lives that reflect Him in strong families, love for our brothers (no violence) and love for our sisters (no sex without marriage, no STDs, etc). If enough people in this community hear this gospel and believe this gospel, this community will be changed. He is the hope for the Tre.”

Ngwolo said he selected the event’s rap roster (which also includes artists from Houston) based on their authenticity and passion for ministry.

“Thi'sl has a genuine, gritty sound that appeals to the streets and to who we are ultimately trying to reach. His music has a rawness that most artists do not allow to come out in their songs,” Ngwolo said. “But that alone would not have been enough. Being real without connecting people to Jesus is a fail, and we think that both PRo and Thi'sl successfully do this. They build bridges for people to cross from the messiness of the culture to the perfection of Christ.”

For more details and ticket information visit Good Hope’s website.

Malice (The Clipse) book signing this Friday, August 26 in Houston

2011-08-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Gene Elliott Thornton, Jr.'s Christian testimony is a powerful one - especially if you know his history as a member of The Clipse, a gritty rap group he founded with his brother Pusha T, who are mostly known for their witty and realistic depictions of the drug game.

Malice (his stage name) recently released an autobiography that details his renewed spiritual direction called Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked and a few months ago Relevant Magazine published portions of my interview with him about the book.

This Friday, August 26th the artist/author will be in town to sign copies and meet his readers and fans.

Details are below:

When:
Friday, August 26th

Time:
3pm to 5pm

Location:
SF2 South
7204 SW FWY
Houston, TX 77074
(713) 995 4458

If you can, definitely try and make it out to show Malice some H-town love and pick up your copy of the book. It's certainly a quick and captivating read.

The blog author and book author met in April after "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" panel discussion for Bun B's Rice University class.

PRo/Reach Records’ Video Game Promo Shows Benefit Of Signing To A Label

2011-08-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

PRo and Reach Records' killer video game promotion for Dying to Live (dropping 8/23/11) shows the benefit of signing to a label.

How?

Peep my post over at The Rap Up.

My thoughts on "Watch the Throne"

2011-08-22T18:38:00.001-07:00

Kanye West & Jay-Z's collab Watch the Throne album is one of the most-buzz about records of the year.

Wanna know my thoughts on the project? Check out my contribution to the Brain Trust group review over at The Rap Up.

S.O.M. talks about the "Next Chapter" of their group and Houston's Christian hip hop scene

2011-08-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

I recently caught up with Raymond “Chizzell” Steward of the group S.O.M. (Soldiers On a Mission) via e-mail to discuss their new album how they’ve witnessed changes in both the group and the Houston Christian hip hop scene.

Sketch: Your new album is titled The Next Chapter and the cover art features one less group member than before and you guys wearing coats and ties in a large library. I’m guessing those things aren’t a coincidence. Can you share a little bit more about those choices?

Chizzell: The choice on the outfits and library was actually made over a year ago. We were going through some transitions in our lives and in our group and we knew that it was time to turn the page – hence the The Next Chapter theme. The look that we wear is "us.” We wanted to reveal who we truly are and what we stand for. Everyone goes through seasons in their lives and an album cover with baggy clothes and t-shirts in front of a car we don't own doesn't represent us. In regards to having one less member that is part of The Next Chapter as well. The Next Chapter and library represents a place of much thought, planning, and prayer.

Sketch: You guy were part of what might be considered the “second generation” of Houston’s Christian hip hop scene. What sort of changes (both positive and negative) have you witnessed in our city’s gospel rap community during your time in it?

Chizzell: Positive changes would have to be the quality in beats, talent, videos, and overall presentation of the genre. It is weird that people look up to us the same way that we looked up to Nuwine and Lil Raskull back in the day. I am impressed by the reduction of "corny" Christian rappers. A lot of these guys are very great at their craft.

The negative side of Christian rap is the same struggle that those had before us and those will have after us which is support and unity! I think that the small market for Christian rap has artists focused more on competition than the call. There is definitely a spirit of "hoarding" in Christian rap that causes people to keep their talent, gifts, and connections for their crew.

Sketch: Two of your group members are twin brothers. How has that impacted group dynamics throughout the years?

Chizzell: The funny thing about that is it is a trademark of S.O.M. It allows people who may forget the name to always say "You're in that Christian group with the twins right?" Just like all brothers they give each other a hard time. However, they are in synch with ministry and that helps when it comes to the unity of the group and our decade of servanthood.

The Lord works in mysterious ways because he gave each of the twins a son and blessed me with twin boys. So, in several years you will be able to ask the next generation of S.O.M. this same question.

Sketch: What are you most proud of about your Christian hip hop ministry efforts so far?

Chizzell: The ability for people to learn from all of our mistakes. The ability to re-invent ourselves based of what God is trying to do. There is nothing great about us so I am proud/honored that the Lord has allowed us to see and do so much with this gift.

Sketch: In your opinion and experience, is Christian hip hop mostly a tool/movement of the youth or is it something that can grow with its audience? Why?

Chizzell: I think that Christian hip hop can grow with its audience. However, growth is, and I believe will continue, to be very slow. We promote an unpopular message and are competing against a formidable foe (media). People have spoken and the majority chooses to support the "popular message" (drugs, sex, alcohol, violence).

I guess the best way for me to put it is all our seeds will pay off (eventually) but I am thinking more like a 401k.

S.O.M.’s The Next Chapter can be purchased online via iTunes, Amazon.com, and other digital distribution outlets.

Christian hip hop song/video tackles gay bullying

2011-08-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

The good folks over at Illect Recordings have just released a video for “Concealed Sorrow” – one of the most heart-wrenching Christian hip hop songs I’ve ever heard and one of the reasons I nominated Theory Hazit & Toni Shift’s Modern Marvels as one of my Top 5 Albums of last year.

Inspired by a true story of pain, hate, and loss, "Concealed Sorrow" goes a little deeper than your average rap song.

The track, which is based on a real life incident witnessed as a youth by now-pastor and university professor Dr. Tony Campolo, is told from the perspective of a bullied, undefended, and forgotten gay high school student who ended up taking his life after receiving the brunt of horrible actions from his classmates.

Theory says he wrote 'Concealed Sorrow' hoping that the church would listen, watch, and perform the love of Christ to all that struggle.

“Perhaps this message is just what the culture needs – a wake up call to begin standing up for the downtrodden and outcasts of our society," Theory said. "At the very least, 'Concealed Sorrow' should serve as an eye opener for anyone who thinks that bullying and hate are minor issues. Family members, friends from high school, and co-workers also inspired the song and short film. I pray that Christians would step up and be as we are called."

To catch the clip, read the lyrics, and the full backstory from the song visit illect.com.

Photo recap: Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day 2011

2011-08-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 6 the Prince Complex (owned by Rap-A-Lot Records' J. Prince) and Eyes On Me Ministries (run by Christian rapper Bobby "Tre9" Herring) partnered together for another Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day in Houston's 5th Ward.

They expected a crowd of about 1,000 people to enjoy and receive free backpacks full of school supplies, haircuts, food, inflatable games, and positive hip hop music.

Below is a quick-hit, photo recap of some of the festivities. All photos by Sketch the Journalist.

The 100-plus degree temperatures didn't stop people from lining up at the gates early for the 2011 Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee stopped by to give an official proclamation of recognition to Tre9 for the Prince Complex mission events held on this day and every week as part of Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays.

Volunteers served cotton candy to kids and adults.

The servant D. Davis did double duty as sound/stage coordinator and performing artist.

Rappers Hillary Jane, Wretch, and Archie of the group Second came out to share music and support.

Former Houston Rocket Steve "Franchise" Francis (white tank top) greets UGK rapper Bun B (white t-shirt) after the 3-point and slam dunk contests.

Even "seasoned saints" enjoyed the day. And yes, Pops in the quad-roller skates knew how to throw down once the music started cranking.

Houston's hip hop mayor Bun B spoke, encouraged, and thanked the crowd.

Tre9, reggae artist Denzil, and 007 (5th Ward Boyz) share a smile

View from the back of the crowd

Soon-to-be-kindergartener Eleazar shows off his new backpack full of supplies

Tre9 asked the crowd to pray for Victory Prep Christian Academy (represented by the pastor on the left) and the Prince Family (represented by Mrs. Mary Prince on the right) who helped fund and organize the event.

BONUS: This dude to the right of me was an unannounced guest.

So I guess that "ALIVE! Is Michael Jackson Really Dead?" documentary I streamed on Netflix last week was legit after all.

DJ D-Lite on Christian rhythm and praise, holy hip hop, and sacred love songs

2011-08-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

I recently caught up with former Texas-city resident Damon “DJ D-lite O'Brien via e-mail to discuss his new rhythm and praise website, the difference between Christian hip hop and R&P, and whether or not the genre offers anything like the “Songs of Solomon.”

Sketch: You recently launched GroovSpot.com – an online hub for rhythm and praise (R&P) music. What differentiates that style from traditional gospel or Christian hip hop music?

DJ D-Lite: R&P is simply the R&B style or form of gospel music, surrendered to Christ. It, like the other forms you mentioned, is a sub-genre of Christian/gospel music, but much younger than the other two formats.

The term was first presented on Dawkins & Dawkins’ 1996 release Focus in which they had a song entitled "Rhythm & Praise." Then people shortened it to R&P, making it a subgenre, with many artists and groups such as Nancey Jackson, Lisa McClendon, Cam, and Canton Jones just to name a few.

Sketch: How is your site different from DaSouth.com – a Christian hip hop site you’ve been a part of in the past?

DJ D-Lite: GroovSpot is described as "R&P's Spot On The Web" so what sets us apart from Dasouth is that our focus is ENTIRELY R&P...not hip hop.

Dasouth is running in that lane of focusing on the hip hop side very well. In fact I'm glad to say that we are partners. Zee, co-owner of Dasouth.com, gave me his complete blessing and support when I shared with him the vision of GroovSpot, something I really feel God inspired me to launch. He has even referred R&P artists who come to Dasouth to contact us with their content as well.

And for the record, I am STILL very much part of Dasouth.com and will continue to serve as its radio program director and contributing staff member.

Sketch: Given that you’re a DJ, which music format do you find is more readily accepted by church folk: R&P or gospel rap? Why do you think that is the case?

DJ D-Lite: I think that R&P would be more readily accepted by church folk, just because it is singing which is what most "church folks" expect to hear in a sanctuary setting.

But I also see it as the bridge that can help hip hop be accepted by them as well. You can see several examples of R&P artists featuring Christian hip hop (CHH) artists on their songs. Both styles parallel each other in many ways and have shown that they can co-exist to reach a wider audience.

Then this makes me consider the flipside of the question. Let's exclude the "church folks" and, say, put "the world" in the equation. Then it comes down to one thing: making good music!

The world can appreciate any musical style when it's done in excellence. So as long as that is our aim, and through the music, we have an even balance of ministering in and out of the four walls of the church, God will honor and use whatever the musical style is.

Sketch: Some people might perceive R&P’s fanbase and lyrical direction to be more directed toward young adults and Christian rap’s to be more for teenagers. Is that a correct assumption or have you seen some crossover within the scene?

DJ D-Lite: I can see where some people might assume this (I must admit even I as I get older want to hear some good singing over hip hop some days), and in some ways it can be presented that R&P has a more mature sound.

But once again, you can say that about some CHH that is out today. I believe that our young people today are so bright in many ways and on top of things so fast that not too many things are outside of their grasp to comprehend. Kids can repeat lyrics to songs like it's nothing because whatever they like, they will let it in their minds and hearts.

So to answer the question, I'd say no. I think that there is definitely crossover for R&P to impact teens, young adults, and even seasoned adults, just like CHH does. Once again, people appreciate good music, so if it's done in excellence, anyone can grab it and enjoy it.

Sketch: Do you find R&P can tackle topics that Christian hip hop or gospel music cannot? It’s mainstream counterpart, R&B, often discusses romantic love and its physical expression. Does R&P have anything to say about that or is it something that they tend to shy away from?

DJ D-Lite: Whatever CHH or traditional gospel can speak, so can R&P. Once again, we are merely talking about a subgenre of Gospel/Christian music. So if anything, number one it SHOULD be set apart and have Christ in it. Second, it should clearly be represented by people who can truly SING with excellence and skill. And lastly, it has to be creative. Christ is the architect of creativity.

As I'm writing this, I'm aware of a new release by Bishop T.D. Jakes called Sacred Love Songs Part 2. So you know from the title, this is music for a man and a wife to enjoy together. And I applaud this and say we need more of it. (I'm sorry, but when I want to be romantic with my wife "riding with my top down listening to this Jesus Musik" does not help me in that moment. Hehe.)

R&P in this sense may help to present a whole new picture of what real intimacy should look like, both to the church and the world, because for many, that painting is very distorted.

At the end of the day, R&P artists and any other artists who make Christ-centered music are responsible for being true to who God called them to be and being faithful to carry out His assignments.

15 minutes of highlights from Lecrae's 10k Kemah show

2011-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a killer compilation of highlights from last week's Lecrae show in Kemah, Texas that reportedly drew 10,000 people to the boardwalk.

Video courtesy of the Frontline Movement's Ronnie "Reconcile" Lillard.

Look for cameos by DJ Promote and Cannon (the drumming/back flipping hypeman.)

Recap: Rap-A-Lot Records' J. Prince & Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays celebrate 2 years of 5th Ward ministry

2011-07-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Bobby "Tre9" and Amanda Herring hosted the Hip Hop Hop Tuesdays event

The Prince Complex gymnasium in the heart of Houston's 5th Ward that serves as the home of the weekly Hip Hop Hope Tuesday youth services was remarkably cooler than when the event celebrated its first 365 days of existence.

At last year’s affair, (with Rap-A-Lot Records and community center founder J. Prince, former Geto Boy Willie D, street king Trae tha Truth, and Street Flava TV in attendance) the heat was unbearable, the air conditioning quit working, and a fire alarm had been accidentally set off causing the crowd to disperse sooner than planned. But now, after two full years of dedication, there was more cool air and excitement than expected.

Much Luvv Records founder Bobby “Tre9″ Herring launched the first Hip Hop Hope event (before the regular Tuesday gatherings) in partnership with Rap-A-Lot on Easter weekend 2009. Now, it’s a weekly outreach of his Eyes On Me Ministries that focuses on uplifting, enlightening, and encouraging young people entrenched in urban rap music culture.

For the last two years J. Prince has offered his space to Eyes On Me for the events and made a brief appearance at Hip Hop Hope Tuesday's July 5 celebration. Speaking to and about Tre9, he said “I’m thankful to have a brother in Christ who loves the hood the way that I love the hood and loves all of Houston I believe.”

“I’d like him to know that I’m going to continue to support him. As long as God keeps blessing me, I’m going to continue to extend the love and the blessings that I have.”

Cy, Gifted, Von Won, and bigAL helped celebrate

After that, the audience was treated to some lighthearted videos, a short Bible lesson about overcoming fear, and a performance from rapper/singer bigAL from Monroe, Louisiana. It was followed by testimonies of the ministry’s impact from rappers CY, Von Won, and Gifted da Flamethrowa as well as pastor Ricky Bradshaw and J. Prince’s wife Mary.

“We hope that established churches see us as missionaries,” Tre9 said. “Instead of sending hundreds of thousands of dollars overseas to sometimes do field trips, we want them to see that we’re here, we’ve been here two years, and we need help.”

“This isn’t an operation that brings in $200 a month. We make it and God provides, but He’s the one who really does this.”

Mary Prince spoke at the Hip Hop Hop Tuesdays anniversary

The night was also a celebration of Tre9’s 30-something birthday and Eyes On Me’s recent acquisition of a pre-owned, 22-person shuttle bus for transporting kids and parents to Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays and for use with the Feed a Friend homeless ministry they run every night in downtown Houston.

“Now we can go and pick up kids who can’t get here,” Tre9 said. “We know there’s a harvest field out here in 5th Ward. There are a lot of young people.”

“And we’re not trying to save them, because we know only Jesus can do that, but we are trying to present the Gospel to them. At least they’ll have that choice.”

The evening ended, as it always does, with an open mic freestyle rap session with the house DJ (in this case, Wiz from Praise 92.1).

Lots of Christian rappers showed up for the Hip Hop Hop Tuesdays anniversary

Although it had considerably less mainstream rap star power than in 2010, Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays’ second anniversary celebration seemed to relay more of a spiritual impact and significance than the year before.

NOTE: Eyes On Me and Rap-A-Lot Records will be hosting and celebrating their Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day at the Prince Complex on Saturday, August 6.

First Baptist's Houston Project utilizes Christian rappers for city-wide ministry

2011-07-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

Some of this year's Houston Project Christian rap ministers
From left to right: 1-God, Tony Whoa, Brinson, Excelsius, Educator, Mahogany Jones

Yesterday, I blogged about a Christian rap concert by solo artist Lecrae in Kemah, Texas that reportedly drew 10,000 people.

While that’s cool and I’m very happy for both him and Reach Records - I’m equally, if not more impressed, with a guy like Educator, a rapper you probably don’t know, who was also serving my city through hip hop ministry on the same night as Crayola as part of First Baptist Church’s Houston Project.

Through that initiative, over 1,400 volunteers are challenged to share the love of Christ in 13 different locations via vacation bible schools, youth events, adult ministry, food distribution, sports ministry, evangelism, and prayer. Aside from the next-door neighbor focus, many will also find uniqueness in the large role that Christian hip hop is playing in this movement.

Coordinated by Malcolm “Excelsius” Marshall, guys like Educator, 1-God, IBC, Tony Whoa, Brinson and Mahogany Jones have hit the streets four days and nights this week to share the gospel.

They face the challenge of small crowds who don’t know them or their music or even care about their message. And yet, they’re still out loving on Houstonians and telling them about the inconceivable grace of Jesus the Christ.

H-town is blessed to have hip hop ministers of the gospel, with platforms of all sizes, serving us this way. Salute!

Thursday, July 14 marks the final day of the Houston Project. Learn more about it at houstonsfirst.org/houstonproject

Here's Excelsius telling me more about the event from last year.

Lecrae concert in Kemah reportedly draws a crowd of 10,000

2011-07-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

No, that's not a typo. I was told by someone close to the event that there were 10,000 people at Lecrae's Boomin' by the Bay show last night.

Unfortunately, I got stuck in traffic and didn't make it to the gate until it was over.

It wasn't a ticketed event and amateur crowd estimates can be dicey, but yeah, 10k to see the dude flow solo. It was a free concert put on by the local CCM outlet (89.3 KSBJ) and their digital N-GEN youth-oriented station.

Consider:

- It was just Lecrae (with DJ Promote) and opener Jamie Grace - not a festival with a ton of varied artists or some other draw. The rest of the 116 camp was not there. Crayola was THE headliner.

- It was at a public amusement center (the Kemah Boardwalk) and not a mega church.

- It was an outdoor event in the summer in Houston. (Hot and humid)

- It was on a Tuesday night.

- For many, Kemah is about an hour's drive outside of H-town.

Crazy I tell ya. I hope it helps open up some eyes about the popularity of this genre and benefits other Christian hip hop ministries around the city and country.

I didn't get any pics or video, but a few like the ones below are starting to pop up online.

If you're like me and missed out on this one, don't sweat. Lecrae and the Reach Records crew will be back in town October 22 for the Man Up tour. Given the crowd last night, you might wanna go ahead and secure those seats pronto!

This video's quality isn't that great, but it does give an indication of the crowd size.

Thoughts on Ambassador’s post-fall & restoration "Stop the Funeral" album

2011-07-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

These days I don’t really write album reviews, but occasionally there are projects I feel deserve some commentary. Xist Records sent me an advance copy of Ambassador’s Stop the Funeral record and after a few spins this weekend, here are my thoughts:

• The Scarlet Letter on the Sleeve:

After admitting a “non-sexual but very inappropriate relationship with a woman other than my wife” and stepping away from the spotlight for spiritual restoration, we’re all no doubt curious how much space that topic takes up on his first album since it all went public.

The answer is: Some, but not all.

Throughout Stop the Funeral, Ambassador often references his fall from grace. It’s not in terms as clearly muddy as his official statement from April of 2010, but those who have followed the artist know exactly what he is talking about.

And months before the release of this album, he dropped “For Your Love” that hit upon all of those topics. In my opinion, it was a great way to speak to the obvious and get it out of the way. But honestly, I’m wondering if he shouldn’t have still included it and more songs that discuss this issue on the album.

Is that my carnal nature looking to feed the flesh with music derived from pain? (Often, the most artistically satisfying sort.) Do I really need to know all the down dirty details?

Or has what William Branch II offered on Stop the Funeral more than enough to let me see him as a sinful human who, like me, doesn’t deserve the redemptive grace God offers through the sacrifice of his only son - Jesus the Christ?

I’m still wrestling with that one.

• Sonically, the project is professional. Glossy production abounds; mostly in a robot-like, radio-friendly direction. Unfortunately, there are times when that sound dominates with very little distinction. Sequenced back to back, can you really tell where “Get With Us” ends and “Mind Made Up” begins?

• Although professionally executed, it can all begin to sound pretty bland. But then you’ll stumble across the oddly compelling flow of “Pop, Pop, Pop” or “Put It Down” and be reminded that Duece can still spit.

• “Bring You Out” rings true with callbacks to both the Jay-Z-tag-turned-T.I.-hit and the Biblical story of Jesus asking the previously-dead Lazarus to come out of his tomb. (Again, another excellent employment of the Stop the Funeral theme.)

• The “controversial” Canton Jones collaboration is pretty much wasted. With so many other over-produced singers on the choruses, it’s difficult to tell the Domionaire is even riding the hook. It’s not until you hit the last few bars that CaJo’s voice actually bleeds through.

And Canton’s not doing himself any “Favors” in deflecting his he-talks-too-much-about-money critics with silly lines like: “I don’t even worry cuz I know that You are able / You even blessed my neighbor / he didn’t even have TV, but now he has cable.”

• I find it an interesting contrast (artistically, not theologically) that on Ambassador’s last album (The Chop Chop) he was screaming “Gimmie Dat” in regards to all of God’s blessings and goodness and now he’s willing to settle for just the “Crumbs” from His table. Here again, we hear the heart of a man who has been humbled before his Creator.

• “Your Love” featuring KJ-52 and Michelle Bonilla isn’t a club banger, but could certainly fit into your church’s Sunday morning worship set.

• “The Reunion Cypha” with God’s Servant, J.A.Z., shai linne, C-Lite, and Cruz Cordero will definitely get you hypa.

• In the late 90’s and early 2000’s Cross Movement (Ambassador’s former group/label) was the face of the Christian hip hop movement. They were what Reach Records is today.

So it’ll be interesting to see how this album sells now that the 116 Clique fanboys largely determine iTunes’ chart positions on drop day.

Stop the Funeral released on Tuesday, July 12 and can be purchased on iTunes, Amazon.com, or at xistmusic.com.

Chicago's Bruh Luuh on DaSouth.com, the life of a producer, and whether or not he would have voted for Rhymefest

2011-07-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

I recently caught up with Bruh Luuh via e-mail to discuss his DaSouth.com connection, his music, and his thoughts on Muslim rapper Rhymefest running for office in his Chicago hometown.

Sketch: Your connection to DaSouth.com goes back to founder Richie “s/ave” Douglas and ONEMIND Magazine/om95.com. How’d a Chicago-based MC like yourself get hooked up with s/ave and his media endeavors?

Bruh Luuh: First of all, rest in peace to my big homie, Richie a.k.a. "Slavey-Gravy Train" b.k.a. "s/ave" Douglas and my prayers are forever with his wife "Tee."

I've been accepted as a "Chicago-based MC" as of late, but a lot of people don't know that I'm from Foley/Mobile, Alabama but I was born in Pascagoula/Gautier, Mississippi.

I hooked up with s/ave back in 1999/2000-ish when I got saved and was keystyling and battling MCs on the net. It was awesome and divine intervention because he was doing all things Christian hip hop at the time. He reached out and told me, with brutal honesty, everything that he loved and hated about the music that I was putting out. I loved and appreciated that and we became instant friends.

I have a lot of respect for s/ave's vision because he wanted all Christian MCs to be of "One Mind." That's what the "O.M." stood for in "om95.com." I remember when I asked him what the name “s/ave” meant. He told me that the empathy that he had for us as black people during the period of slavery and the civil rights movement drove him to take the name, plus the fact that ALL humans are slaves to sin and only Christ makes us free. As you can see today, he was a true servant to God.

I watched the om95.com message board evolve into a place where you could get good advice, beats, or music. Before the secular industry had caught on to mp3 technology (Napster was a free song file sharing site and there was no such thing as iTunes), he and James "BL" Parry were showing me how to tag my songs with metadata. BL ran the production section of the site and had a Christian channel on mp3.com called the “Bru HA.” Those two were a dynamite team. I remember s/ave being excited about getting the Corey Red cover/interview for the magazine and 4th Avenue Jones to cover the DaSouth.com debut. I still have my OM media in mint condition. I miss my homie.

Years before s/ave’s homegoing, his obedience to God led him to a school for the deaf. He told me that a close friend of his, Bobby "Tre9" Herring, had a dope vision for DaSouth.com. Tre9 deserves a lot of credit for what he has done with the site and in the industry period. He kept the culture of the site edgy, high-tech, and competitive with any hip-hop site that you can name on the internet.

Sketch: You’ve been grinding in the Christian rap game for quite a while as both a rapper and producer. Which artistic outlet have you found most challenging? Most rewarding?

Bruh Luuh: Selling beats is rewarding. Hmmm... I've been spitting for a long time too, but I find both equally rewarding because of the final product. I love coming up with new rhyme patterns and flows in the studio, but I was forced to learn production because the price of beats were insane. Add studio rates on top of that…

There weren't any of these beat licensing sites that we have today where you can license a track for $11.00. I got serious about production and copped my first keyboard in 2002. Production was the most challenging because I actually made myself sit down and read each manual in its entirety when I bought a new piece of gear before I even turned it on.

Making beats is easy if you have the basic concept of sequencing music, but then you need to learn to track it out, mix, and then master. Learning to mix and master was a beast, but here I am.

The “producer” title also has a dual meaning in my eyes. Anybody can rap and there are a million beat makers on this planet. I can honestly say that I can take an artist and a budget from lyrics on paper to a captured sound on a professionally mastered CD in a jewel case with shrink-wrap and a barcode. That's rewarding.

Sketch: Where does your latest release, Pen to the Paper, rank in the Bruh Luuh catalog?

Bruh Luuh: I wrote, produced, mixed, mastered & released Pen to the Paper underground in 2002. This is a re-release for my new album. It's timeless in a sense. I rank it pretty high because cats are just now catching up. I'm like that cartoon kid "Dexter" formulating my next invention in my secret lab.

When you say the name Bruh Luuh, it's like you're talking about and speaking to a new artist. I have people in my fan base that have been following my music since I dropped my first project, Fresh Manna, in 2001 then The Maxi-Single then Spiritual Advisory under the handle "Brother Love." If you dig, you can find all of my underground releases. I stopped writing to learn production and now that I'm a beast on the beats, I'm back. Automaticity is the name of my next album. That’s an exclusive for you, Sketch.

Sketch: Mainstream rapper Rhymefest (a professing Muslim who won a Grammy for co-authoring Kanye West’s hit record “Jesus Walks”) recently ran for an alderman position in Chicago. As a member of both the hip hop and Christian communities in that city, what was your take on his campaign? Would you have voted for him if given the chance?

Bruh Luuh: I'm familiar. I met Rhymefest through a company here in Chicago called MidwestLive.com. He was about to go on stage for a charity benefit for the Haiti tragedy called "Every Drop Counts" when he made time for me. That was brief, but I got a chance to see 'Fest move a crowd live from behind the stage.

Outside of the music arena though, I try to govern myself as Dr. Martin Luther King did and judge people by the content of their character. As a member of the hip hop community and being a Chicago resident, yes... I would vote for Fest 100%.

Unfortunately, I don't live in the ward that he ran in so I couldn't vote for him and although I received some invites, my schedule was in conflict with his campaign outreach dates. He got a lot of media coverage, although I wish there was more.

When you live here and when you've been shot at by these little gang-bangers like I have, you realize that they need to see an ex gang-banger in a respectable position of authority. So many small children and random people here in Chicago die every year as a result of gang violence. He would have been the voice that could have changed that, but he was robbed of that chance by shady politics. He should run for office again.

Being a part of the Christian community, I must say that I try my best to pick the best candidates when dealing with politics.

Sketch: What’s your take on the current Christian hip hop scene? Does anything in particular excite or disappoint you?

I'm overwhelmed by the leaps and bounds that I've seen Christian rappers take in the last 10 years. Most Christian rappers' production is sounding better than the secular ones and that's what is needed in these last days.

The only things that disappoint me are when I see or hear a carbon copy of Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, etc. I call them "Gospel Groupies."

I love the fact that God's MCs are becoming more and more commercialized. But at the same time, I hope that "newly converted" or born-again believers get our messages in the midst of our popularity, profiles, and budgets.

Houston band goes from 'rapcore' backups of Bushwick Bill's Christian hip hop to a newfound Folk Family Revival

2011-07-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Courtesy photo - Justin Trapp

On Saturday night, Houston’s Folk Family Revival will be releasing their new album Unfolding. I recently caught up with FFR lead singer Mason Lankford via e-mail to discuss the band’s connection to Christian hip hop, how their sound has evolved, and why they weave Biblical themes into their lyrics.

Sketch: Where did the Folk Family Revival name come from?

Mason Lankford: When my brothers and I first started playing music together I was around 10 years old. And like most young musicians, we tried our hand in plenty of different styles.

When I turned 13 or 14, I started writing these kind of folky songs, and by the time I was 15 I started performing as a sort of side project.

When someone asked me what I was writing, I told them it was kind of a "folk family revival" sound or something like that. I didn't even think of using it for a band name until my brothers later decided to jump on the folk wagon. It fits very well even still.

Bushwick Bill with FFR drummer Lincoln Lankford at the 2008 All Eyes On Me Achievement Awards in Houston - Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Sketch: My first interaction with your band was seeing you support a few local Christian hip hop acts. However, your sound has changed since then.

So tell me, how do you go from recording screamo backgrounds on (former Geto Boy) Bushwick Bill’s gospel rap album to the Texas country / Americana vibe of Unfolding?

Mason Lankford: One of our former groups was a band that involved a lot of large amps and loud yelling. We were branded as a Christian heavy-rock band.

At the time, Bushwick Bill had just gone through a life-changing experience that resulted in his salvation, and he started writing Christian rap. He wanted to do a "rapcore" number, so he called me to do a screaming track. That was pretty cool. I wrote a rap too but they scratched it, which, in retrospect, was a good call.

So, on to how we switched. At this point, we had changed styles to southern rock and found Red Tree Recording Studio in Magnolia where we went in to record a single. I played some of my folk stuff for Jeffery Armstreet (our producer), and he had me come back up the next day and play him everything I had. He urged us to start playing that style. I was very happy I had someone saying that, and my brothers felt is was the better choice, so we did it… and the Folk Family was born.

Sketch: I know you’re a big fan of Bob Dylan – an enormously respected artist who had a well-publicized “Jesus Muzik” phase of his career. What about his poetry inspires or speaks to you?

Mason Lankford: That’s just it. He is a poet, and even as one of the world’s most well-rounded songwriters, he is still a poet. He is known as a poet. That’s not what I'm going for, but that’s one of the things I respect about him. His reputation is who he is, as well as how many different styles he covers. I believe "Subterranean Homesick Blues" was one of the first written rap songs.

Courtesy photo - Jonathan Barrick

Sketch: Although you’re not making music for the Christian market, your lyrics still often employ Biblical lyrics and imagery. Why have you decided to continue to weave those themes into your work?

Mason Lankford: I’m just not branded as a Christian. Mostly because I don't like the word itself. I like to sing what I believe.

Sketch: You guys are still building the “sweat equity” part of your career - hustling to get in front of as many different audiences as possible all while doing the grunt work of road travel and equipment setup and such. What’s the appeal of this as a full-time gig?

Mason Lankford: I’m sure at some point we will need some extra people to help with our stuff so we can make it to the next gig on time, but for now, it’s all good. We like to do the work, and I really have no intentions of having someone carry my stuff for me. Honestly, it was a hobby that turned into a career.

Folk Family Revival plays its CD release show this Saturday night, 7.9.11 at Dosey Doe Coffeeshop & Restaurant in The Woodlands. The band also performed Friday, 7.8.11 on FOX 26‘s morning program. The album will be available on 7.12.11.

Houston's Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays celebrates 2 year anniversary

2011-07-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Next week, Houston’s Eyes On Me ministries will celebrate its second year of Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays events at the Prince Complex in 5th Ward.

Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays (HHHT) is a weekly youth service designed to uplift, enlighten, and encourage young people entrenched in urban rap music culture. Much Luvv Records founder Bobby “Tre9″ Herring launched the first Hip Hop Hope event in partnership with Rap-a-Lot Records on Easter weekend 2009.

DJ Primo shows kids how to mix and scratch

“A lot of rappers mention giving back to the neighborhoods they came from but very few actually do,” Herring told me before last year’s anniversary event. “Talk is cheap, so with Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays, we want to show that the Houston rap community can make good on our word and bring positivity to the parts of our city that need it most.”

This year’s affair will include a performance by rapper/singer bigAL from Monroe, Louisiana along with various prizes, dancers, and food. Rap-A-Lot’s founder James “J” Prince and hip hop star/Rice University professor Bun B (UGK) have also been invited to attend.

All parts of the evening are free of charge. It takes place July 5, from 7:30 – 9pm at the Prince Complex located at 3000 Jensen Drive.

Earlier this week Eyes On Me also announced they had purchased a used, 22-passenger shuttle bus for transporting kids and parents to their Hip Hop Hope Tuesday events and for use with the Feed a Friend homeless ministry they run every night in downtown Houston.

At last year’s anniversary party Rap-A-Lot Records’ somewhat reclusive founder talked to me about why hosting Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays at his community center means so much to him. My conversation with J.Prince is posted below.

The Award Show God Shoutout Phenomenon

2011-06-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

Author's note:

I posted this online a few years ago when I was helping promote The Fence documentary I worked on with Bobby "Tre9" Herring.

Given the time that has passed and our now diverted passions, I'm honestly not sure if it will ever be completed or released. But given that last night's BET Awards had plenty of this, I figured it would be worthy of resurrection today.

It seems to happen at every award show – so much so that it’s now a frequent punch line. The rapper who rhymes about selling drugs, pulling guns, and sleeping around with your girl gets honored for his work and the first thing out of his mouth is “I want to thank God.”

Why would someone promote and sell a lifestyle that appears to be so sinful if they are really trying to follow the ways of Jesus? How do they think their God receives such words of gratitude?

Is the “spiritual/Jesus track” at the end of the album a reflection of their true relationship with the Creator or something they tack onto the record to make their momma proud?

This year, we’ve already come through the Grammys, BET, and MTV Awards where such sentiments were no doubt proclaimed from the stage. There's also been the Dove and Stellar Awards where Christian music artists most certainly did the same thing.

Watch this exclusive clip from The Fence documentary series that explores these topics through interviews with people like Houston rap figures Paul Wall and Madd Hatta (97.9 KBXX) as well as comedian D-Ray and Christian rappers R-Swift and Urban D.

How would you respond to their stories, explanations, and reasons for this “Award-Show-God-Shoutout” phenomenon if you were in front of them? Are there valid reasons behind such sentiments?

Leave your comments here and let me know what you think.

CaJo in Houston for Michael Vick football camp / DVD soundtrack

2011-06-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

This just in:

Apparently Christian rapper/singer Canton Jones is in Houston today for Michael Vick's "Change the Game" football camp.

Via Twitter, CaJo noted that he's been asked to contribute to a DVD soundtrack of Vick's post-dogfighting/prison "Redemption Story."

Michael Vick’s Change the Game Weekend, to be held at the University of Houston Practice Field, benefits the foster care system and the urgent needs of those young people. It also included a meet and greet fundraiser held at the House of Blues Foundation Room on Saturday, June 25.

More details on the camp here.

Have questions about Canton's song posted above? I did too. Read about that here.

Bizzle's "Tough Love & Parables" hits #10 on iTunes Hip Hop Charts

2011-06-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Bizzle, the Christian rapper from Houston who is best known for targeting a song at Jay-Z questioning Hov's dark imagery and Jesus-related lyrics, released a new album today that is currently in the #10 position of iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts.

Since "Explaining to Do" hit WorldStarHipHop.com over a year ago, the passionate MC has developed a sizable fanbase through his free Messenger mixtape series and furious retweets (RTs) of compliments from fans including mainstream artists like Malice (from The Clipse) and MC Hammer.

Tough Love and Parables is Bizzle's first full album and includes production from Houstonians Beanz N Kornbread (who have made hits for rappers Z-Ro and Paul Wall) and Canada's Boi-1da (who recently won Grammys with Eminem and Drake.)

The album started its chart ascent earlier today despite reports from some fans about technical issues with iTunes' download service.

And interestingly enough, to hit the #1 position Bizzle's package of Christian poems will have to unseat an album titled Hell: The Sequel by Bad Meets Evil - the side project from Eminem and Royce Da 5'9".

10 great Christian hip hip songs about fatherhood

2011-06-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Cross Movement' s Enock (R.I.P.) with daughter Jayna

Earlier this week theBREAX released a free mp3 of “Fathers” which got me thinking about this weekend’s holiday and some other Christian hip hop songs about dads.

Below is a list (which is neither perfect nor exhaustive – but still intriguing and entertaining) of ten great tracks from faith-based MCs that celebrate fatherhood or provide a Godly perspective on the way this role introduces fear, fascination, and fulfillment in their lives.

“Parent Me” – J’Son featuring JR

To set the stage, let’s review the important role parents play in developing their children. This song and video dropped last year and rocked most of us with its stark illustration of that dependency. Told from the viewpoint of several different youths, it’ll certainly make you stop and think.

“Songbird Saturday” – Sivion

This is one of my all time faves. A Dallas-based MC named Sivion simply reveling in the joy of a lazy weekend with his wife and kids.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sivion.bandcamp.com/track/songbird-saturday"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Songbird Saturday by Sivion&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

“Daddy Did Me” – Thi’sl

Unfortunately, many rappers didn’t grow up with a strong paternal presence. However, most of them desperately want to change that and avoid making the same mistakes their dad did. Here, Thi’sl lays out his plan to break that sick cycle.

“Inspiration” – Von Won

I was happy to capture this video of Houston rapper/singer Von Won at a local show before he moved off to Arizona (and then back again) for a ministry job. Over a sample from the band Chicago, he raps words of love and affirmation to each of his three kids.

“You Are” – Bless’t

In a similar vein, Houston’s Bless’t lays out a love song to his two little girls with an assist from Bruce Takara.

“A Grief Observed” – Muze One

Fatherhood can also bring tears and frustration. Witness Muze One’s recount of the struggle he has with his daughter’s illness and how he personally handled it as a dad and husband.

“Unborn Child” – Willie Will

The pain can even be greater for those who never met their kids.

“Lord You” – Sean Slaughter featuring Alvin Slaughter

Father/son associations can often become strained – even if your pops is a famous gospel singer. Watch and listen to this clip as Alvin and Sean Slaughter put their relationship under the microscope for us to observe.

NOTE: The volume starts out very low at the start of this video but comes in loud and clear once the song begins. Check for the relevant verses around the 2:30 mark.

“Pops Song” – LA Symphony

The artsy Cali-collective also expounds on the ups and downs of dealings with their dads in this single from Disappear Here.

I love these lines from Joey the Jerk:

My mom at work / my father check our homework every evening
I was deceiving / F’s and D’s I was receiving
I didn’t get whippings / I got African beatings

“Domesticated” – theBREAX featuring Blame One & Braille

And just so we bring it full circle and end on a happy note: Blame One, Braille, & theBREAX rhyme about the joys of being a good dad and husband. Perhaps the only rap video you’ll ever see with a dude dancing with vacuum cleaner.

Where there any titles I missed? Let me know in the comments below.

VurseOne on graffiti, Spanish-language hip hop, and his Christian faith

2011-06-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Houston’s Jose “VurseOne” Ramirez is hosting an art show for graffiti writer Mario “MOE131” Jimenez. I caught up with him via e-mail recently to discuss that event and his own artistic expressions through aerosol and Spanish-language Christian hip hop.

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Sketch: What exactly does it mean to curate a graffiti art show?

VurseOne: To curate an art show means that a person would need to scout and secure a gallery in which to exhibit the artist’s work and cover any costs associated with the show such as promotional materials and marketing. In our case, I was able to secure a financial investor that covered the cost of the gallery to run a whole week. Also, one closely advises the artist on how to best display his work, at what prices they should sell for, etc.

Sketch: What drew you to Mario “MOE131” Jimenez's work?

VurseOne: I met Mario my sophomore year of high school in art class and we drew together, painted together, and just hung out. Since day one I have been an admirer of his work because it is a reflection of his life and the people around him. His use of mixed mediums is very impressive with acrylics, automotive paint, airbrush, aerosols, and who knows what else.

His work is a very dark and colorful world. I believe that a true artist can make art out of anything and Mario is a true artist.

Sketch: You're both a Christian rapper (bilingual even) and graf writer. How do you explain those passions to people who think they're mutually exclusive from your faith?

VurseOne: I would explain it as talent with a purpose. Talent with no direction tends to not be very effective. When I rap I do it with the purpose of trying to deliver a word - almost like a lyrical sermon or a new way to present the Word of God to new generation.

And graffiti, to me, is just another medium in which to create art. My faith is the inspiration and motivation for all of it whether expressed musically or visually.

Sketch: Which artform is more rewarding for you?

VurseOne: That’s a good question. I would say the emcee part of it. I think people can connect more with what I’m saying and how I’m saying it as compared to what I painted and what they are seeing. Graff is limited in what it can say, but rap appeals to more of our senses.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://vrsbox.bandcamp.com/album/the-vrs-box-project"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;THE VRS.BOX PROJECT by vrsbox&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Sketch: Which scene is more underdeveloped and deserves more attention and appreciation: Spanish, faith-based rap or faith-based graffiti art? Why do you think that is?

VurseOne: I think in Houston they both are. You have some really talented Spanish rappers but not enough emcees. These days anyone can rap, but not everyone raps about relevant messages.

For years Spanish Christian rap has been corny and cheesy, but The VRS.BOX Project [Vurse’s group effort with producer FXBOX] is trying to expose the listeners to a different side of that. I think it deserves more attention because of the creativity in bilingual rhyming. It’s hard to write in Spanish and still make it sound clever and witty.

Faith-based graffiti art is virtually non-existent in Houston. It’s bigger in places like San Francisco and Australia. There you have very talented individuals creating detailed and creative murals with a spray can who are well respected in the graff world. That’s the thing about hip-hop, whether Christian or not, if it’s well done it will be respected.

I think a lot of the under appreciation and lack of attention is due to the people who were doing it wrong. Hip hop is very non-discriminatory. If it’s wack, no matter who you are, it’s wack. If it’s dope, it’s dope.

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Labwerks Media & ENB Magazine present Mario "MOE131" Jimenez for his first solo show "Moe's Dark & Colorful World." It will take place Saturday, June 18, 2011 at War'Hous Gallery - 4715 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 from 7-11pm.

Favorite Christian hip hop dad-raps?

2011-06-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

This week's remixWEDNESDAYS free download from theBREAX is an appreciation song for all the dads leading their families and raising their kids.

The track is produced by Sound Collage Musik and features Shaady G. It also features vocal samples from Mark Gungor ("Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage") and pastor Paul Washer.

Given that topic and this weekend's holiday, what are some of your other favorite Christian hip hop songs that deal with fatherhood?

Listen the track below and download the mp3 here if you dig it.

My thoughts on "Hell: The Sequel" & "Goblin"

2011-06-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I was honored to join The Rap Up blog's squad of fire-spitting writers. One of the things I enjoy most about contributing to this mainstream hip hop outlet is jumping on team reviews for their Brain Trust posts.

The most recent include our takes on Hell: The Sequel from Bad Meets Evil (aka Eminem & Royce da 5'9") and Goblin from buzzworthy Odd Future frontman Tyler, the Creator.

Peep the links below to read my thoughts on each one alongside the opinions of other TRUbians.

Bad Meets Evil Brain Trust review

Goblin Brain Trust review

Von Won crafts apology song/video to other Christian rappers

2011-06-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, my man Von Won can occasionally let his passion get the best of him. From time to time, with the zeal of an early believer, his words and actions hurt other people. (A certain sword-swinging disciple named Simon Peter was like that too.)

Recently, he's had a few run-ins with other Christian rappers (specifically Thi'sl, J'son, and Houston's Lita Rodi) over his content and approach to music ministry. Never a shy guy, Von has often publicly vocalized his frustrations with these perceived double standards, closed relationships, and misunderstandings.

And now he's done what any good artist does: he put it into his work.

Behold "Bow Down" - a melodic rap song about submission and asking for forgiveness. I love this dude.

Von Won "Bow Down" Official Music Video from Von Won on Vimeo.

This track will be a part of Von's One City Under God album releasing on Friday, June 24.

How do you define a "mixtape"? - Interview with DJ Aslan

2011-06-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

A few months back my man DJ Aslan and Lil Dre from Church Boy Entertainment came to Houston for the "5,000 Tour."

It was my first time meeting either guy and gave me the opportunity to ask Aslan a question that's been buzzing lately:

With all the free/street/digital albums flooding the Internetz lately, what's the true definition of a "mixtape"?

In addition to that question, we also talked about Christian hip hop turntablism, the tour, and how he got his DJ name.

What are your thoughts? How do you define "mixtape"? Is DJ Aslan's description too restrictive or right on the money?

Ambassador & CaJo collab? "STOP THE FUNERAL" tracklisting revealed

2011-06-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

STOP THE FUNERAL, Ambassador's much-anticipated, post-fall release, just had its tracklisting revealed and has a few guest spots that are certainly interesting.

Given their perceived theological differences, can you imagine a Canton Jones/Deuce collab back in the Cross Movement era?

1. A-M

2. Get With Us ft. Sean Simmonds

3. Mind Made Up

4. Pop Pop Pop

5. Up Down ft. Charmaine

6. Favor ft. Canton Jones

7. Bring You Out ft. Melissa T

8. Talk This Way

9. Crumbs ft. Jessica Reedy

10. Trust In You ft. Mali Music

11. Nothing Like Us ft. Ryan Stevenson & Charmaine

12. Your Love ft. KJ52 & Michelle Bonilla

13. Put It Down

14. The Reunion Cypha ft. God’s servant, J.A.Z., shai linne, C-Lite, Cruz Cordero & DJ Wade-O

STOP THE FUNERAL will be Ambassador's 4th solo project and his first CD release with new joint venture Xist Music/220 Entertainment. It drops on July 12, 2011.

Which guest spot draws your eye most?

Here's a taste of one of the first singles:

7VNSEAL talks mixtapes, Wu-Tang, and sitting down before taking the mic

2011-06-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

I recently caught up with 7VN Seal a.k.a Gods Dagger (formally 80proof) via e-mail to discuss his free mixtape, his Wu-Tang influence, and coming off the mic after his Christian conversion.

Sketch: Early in your rap career you had some association with the Wu-Tang Killa Bees family. What events took you out of that world and into the church?

7VN Seal: My association with some of Wu was mostly just doing a few tracks here and there. The events leading up to my conversion were plain and simple: it was all lustful sin!

I was doing music for a while, so to finally work with guys like the Killarmy told me I was on my way to the top because they are ill artists. My main connection didn’t happen overnight, but during the time I knew them they treated me good and we heavily promoted each other on the tracks I was working on. By the time I linked up with Shyheim I wanted to start some shows out in Texas and came to San Antonio to begin to work on the P.R. side of things.

So these events in 2007-09 and prior led me to get to where I am in Christ today. In a nut shell, GOD SET ME UP! One night, on March 16th, when I was supposed to go to a publicity event for our music I spoke to a pastor. He said he had a word for me from the Lord that this was my last chance. I knew right there that I should have been dead a long time ago or in the penitentiary for a long time.

Now I truly know His mercy and grace was over my life. That night I left everything, accepted Christ, and ended up at Victory Gospel Chapel under headship with Bishop Donny Banks. I remain in Christ to this day. I mean there is way more to this story, but this is the short end of it.

Sketch: What positive or negative lessons did you learn in being around that type of environment?

7VN Seal: Shoot, what I thought was positive was really the destruction of my soul. A lot of smoke and liquor and, well, you know the rest. I was into some of that before I knew those guys but now it was just amplified ten times over. It was all sin – dirty, evil sin - nothing good was in it but Satan’s playground. But I did learn about the business.

Sketch: Wu-Tang is known for having their own philosophy/religious outlook on life. How difficult was it for you to “unlearn” that way of thinking and reconcile it with your current Christian faith?

7VN Seal: My faith then, if that, was not Godbody or 5% or Islam. I know some of them share those ideas of religion, but I was never really into all of that because I’m a very skeptical cat and very analytical. So I didn’t even agree with a lot of it but we still did music together. I had heard of Jesus then but never knew him as the Christ.

Sketch: When we first spoke, you were taking some time to sit down under the leadership of your church in San Antonio before coming back to the mic as a recording artist. What did you learn during that time and is that a process you would recommend for other rappers coming “out of the world” who might want to immediately use their musical talent for the cause of Christ?

7VN Seal: What I learned was that my life wasn’t as glamorous as I thought it was in comparison to the Word of God. I was gaining the world but my soul was lost. I learned to shut up and sit down somewhere and get Christ and stay saved.

For too many years my flesh and soul had been in charge. It was time for my spirit man to be led by the Holy Ghost. Hebrews 4:12 “…you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” says it all.

Secondly, I would recommend the process our Lord lays out in Mathew 6:33 – “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Don’t be so quick to do music. First you have to be delivered from self before you can be a leader to others. Learn to follow and serve in the kingdom, serve the body of Christ and be under headship. The bible says to be submissive to those whom God has put over you. God doesn’t need rebel rappers without headship. He needs real men and woman of God.

Better to be obedient than to sacrifice. Psalm 37:4 says “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Patience takes time to build. Take the time for the Lord to renew your mind. That doesn’t happen overnight, that takes a lot of prayer and fasting in the Lord.

Sketch: Why did you decide to link up with DJ Wade-O for the “Keep My Boots Madd Muddy” mixtape and where does that title come from?

7VN Seal: One day I was searching for Christian websites and came across wadeoradio.com. Anyhow, I call this dude up and told him my testimony and from there on we starting building and did an in-depth interview on his show. We kept building and behold, a year later we were working on a project for Christ.

Regarding the title, the bottom line is Ephesians 6:12 - “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This is everyday, not just when you feel like it. I’ve got stories that can put chills down people’s spines. I know for a fact that demons exist, that Satan exists. We had a personal relationship if you will back in the day.

So if they are real, then the word of God has to be real.

Now back to Ephesians and the weapons of war, I gots to keep my boots madd muddy, yo. If not then I can be kept off guard and I don’t like that at all!

**********

Dig in your closet for your Timberlands and chess set and download the “Keep My Boots Madd Muddy” mixtape for free right here.

Can music make you fight in a club or get closer to God in church?

2011-05-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

The panel. Left to right: Bun B, Hilary Pradia, Pyrexx, Tre9, Pastor Craig D. Hayes, Kyia Driscol, and Hector Garcia. Photo by Rosalinda Chapa.

A few weeks ago on a balmy Saturday morning, a crowd of more than 100 students gathered for a Real Talk Teen Assembly at Willowridge High School to hear Bun B (UGK), Pyrexx (of ABN), and other rappers discuss the impact hip hop culture has on their lives.

One of the more interesting conversations that took place on the stage came when audience member (and Christian rapper) Gifted da Flamethrowa said he believed music could influence behavior and used an example of a DJ playing enough rowdy rap songs in a club setting to start a fist fight.

Several of the panelists chimed in on the topic including Bun B, Pyrexx, Hilary Pradia, and Tre9.

Before the panel I caught up with Bun and 'Rexx to ask what motivated them to be involved in this event and how much power they believed their style of music had on its listeners.

Afterward, I also caught up with a Willowridge student to get his thoughts on the assembly.

What's your take? Can music make you fight in a club or get closer to God in church?

Tedashii's "Blacklight" album hits #8 on iTunes

2011-05-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

For the second time this year (and for the third release in a row) Reach Records has an album charting in iTunes' overall Top 10 list on drop day. Those earlier efforts belong to Lecrae and today's chart climber also comes from a Houston-born Christian rapper - Tedashii.

Blacklight wasn't supposed to be released until next Tuesday, but somehow (and seemingly with both the label and Apple's blessing) it is available through iTunes today for a reasonable $7.99.

As of 1pm CST, it was in the #8 overall slot and holding down the #2 position on the Hip Hop/Rap chart just behind Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group's debut collective effort.

Blacklight's excellent "Riot" track is also being offered for FREE through iTunes' "Discover Download" promotion. Sample the song in the promo clip below.