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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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?
Bun B with the TWEF Eagle Scholars - Photo by Sketch the Journalist
Last night on the north side of Houston in a chilly room filled with satellite jazz and hardwood floors, rapper Bernard “Bun B” Freeman spoke to a group of teens and pre-teens excited to go on an all-expenses paid, weekend trip to the nation’s capital.
The students are a part of the Eagle Scholars - a free youth mentorship program run by the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation. Bun B was invited to speak to the group by gangsta-rapper turned-inspirational-artist Andre “007” Barnes from Rap-A-Lot Records’ 5th Ward Boyz.
Barnes has been working with the group of 20 boys (ages 8-18) twice a week since February alongside motivational speaker Christopher L. Williams. This weekend Barnes, Williams, and other chaperones will accompany about half of that group to Washington, D.C. to tour the White House, Congress, and Howard University. They’ll also be meeting with noted comedian/civil rights activist Dick Gregory.
Both Bun B and 007 said they wished that, when they were growing up, they had the type of positive male role models and involvement the Eagle Scholars program provides to young men from low to moderate income neighborhoods.
The Eagle Scholars program is in its first year and seeks to build character and personal development by offering class sessions dedicated to etiquette, professionalism, computer training, and dream casting.
Previous guest lecturers have included corporate executives, civil servants, and local leaders. Bun B’s message followed along those lines and encouraged the kids to seize the opportunities granted to them, pursue higher education, and to give back to their communities once they achieved success.
“You don’t have to be on TV to be somebody,” he noted during the interview-style discussion hosted by TWEF youth leader Cecily Gomez.
Bun B is interviewed by TWEF mentor Cecily Gomez- Photo by Sketch the Journalist
Sixth grader Brealon Berguin said he was most looking forward to the Pentagon visit portion of the D.C. trip and took away from Bun B’s speech the importance representing where you’re from.
“But not in the bad way, in the good way,” Berguin said.
007 said he plans to continue his mentorship efforts and pursue ways to use the highs and lows of his experience (which includes performances alongside Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. as well as several years in prison) to benefit others in his city – a pattern he’s already developed as a Christian rapper through events like his Bless Fest and Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays.
TWEF's Christopher L. Williams (left) and 007 (right) present Bun B (center) with an Honorary Eagle Scholar award - Photo by Sketch the Journalist
After his speech, Bun B was presented with an award that made him an Honorary Eagle Scholar. He stuck around to take photos with the kids, sign autographs, and listen to their stories. Just a few hours later, Bun B appeared on stage at Warehouse Live freestyling with actor/rapper Donald Glover.
As one might gleam, Bun B is all about “community.”
For more information on the Eagle Scholars program and the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation visitwww.twef.org.
Tre9, Malice, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, Trae tha Truth, and Bun B
As noted last week, Bun B brought out the big guns of thoughtful hip hop for a second, free public panel discussion as part of the "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class he's co-teaching at Rice University in Houston.
Initially, the only announced guests were Talib Kweli and Malice from The Clipse. That alone would have been a blockbuster. Then he went and added Houston's Trae tha Truth and Tre9 along with "Mr. Lasers" Lupe Fiasco.
The topic was supposed to be about the ethics of hip hop. It touched on that, but naturally drifted in other directions - obviously venturing into a discussion about faith, literature, and social responsibility.
Talib Kweli & Tre9
The easiest way to recap is to simply let you see and hear some clips for yourself. So, sit back, buffer your browsers, and soak it all in. I've done my best to assemble them in chronological order but they may be off here and there.
I really hope the Rice University students, Houston, and Hip Hop at-large appreciate the contribution Bun B has made to the culture with this class and these events.
I'm also told that Talib Kweli and Malice from The Clipse will be there and play a part.
Talib is a well-respected conscious MC known for his solo and side work with guys like Mos Def and DJ Hi-Tek.
Meanwhile, Malice (previously known for his coke raps with brother Pusha T as part of The Clipse) has been making waves as an author of Wretched, Pitiful, Poor, Blind and Naked - his musical and spiritual life story. (Read my interview with Malice about that here.)
Details on the event:
Tuesday, April 127pm - 10pm
Club Venue 719 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002 venuehouston.com
If you're interested in how the last session went down you can read my recap posted here.
With Talib & Malice in the mix, it should be a great discussion.
UPDATE: According to the course's Facebook page, the topic will be "The Ethics of Hip Hop."
One of the great things about Twitter is that if you follow the right combination of people you can see their back and forth conversations in real time.
Like this exchange yesterday when Bun B recommended Lecrae's music to his 197,000 Twitter followers.
He's already had Houstonians Tre9 and 007 (of the 5th Ward Boyz) there as a guest lecturer to discuss Christian hip hop. Maybe Lecrae (who was born here) will be next?
Here's some more video I shot from last week's "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" panel discussion from Rice University that was moderated by that course's co-teacher Bun B.
Bun B moderates the "Should Rap Be In Church?" panel discussion Photo by Sketch the Journalist
On Tuesday night, February 22 several hundred people gathered at St. John’s United Methodist Church to hear a panel discussion based on the “Religion and Hip Hop Culture” course currently being co-taught by rapper Bernard “Bun B” Freeman (of the group UGK) at Rice University.
The class session was free and open to the public as part of The Houston Enriches Rice Education (H.E.R.E.) Project and sought to answer the question: “Should Rap Be In The Church?”
Invited participants included:
• Rudy Rasmus – Pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church and Houston Belief blogger • Marlon Hall – Co-author of Wake Up: Hip Hop Christianity and the Black Church and “Cultural Provocateur/Pastor” of Houston’s non-denominational fellowship The Awakenings Movement • Crazy C/DJ Revelation – Hip-hop producer (for notable rappers like Scarface, The Wu-Tang Clan, and Outkast) and current on-air gospel radio personality for Houston’s Praise 92.1 FM • Von Won – Rice University alumnus and local inspirational rapper
"Professor Trill," as some have called him, using a play off of Bun B’s frequently used hip-hop slang for "authenticity," moderated the discussion and asked each panelist pointed, thoughtful questions about the role of rap music within the Christian church. Often his inquiries were better than the answers he received.
For the most part, all of the participants agreed that hip hop culture and its members are already in the church at-large. They also felt that most congregations would be wise to acknowledge and embrace the movement as a way of maintaining relevance with an increasingly disinterested audience.
The panel was often critical of Christianity as it is currently expressed in America. Rudy Rasmus said that many pastors are simply “would-be car salesman” and that most are “breaking Jesus’ heart.” Such statements drew cheers and agreement “amens” from an audience mostly comprised of students and St. John’s parishioners.
Bun B asked if the hip hop generation was leaving the church to simply find a different path to Christ or if they were leaving Christ all together.
In response, Marlon Hall noted that many people in that target demographic are seeking answers and direction from other cultural leaders like Oprah Winfrey, Malcolm Gladwell, or Kanye West. However, he concluded that most are not leaving Jesus, but a “stanky Christianity that only seeks to make them comfortable” instead.
Bun B speaks with audience members after the panel discussion Photo by Sketch the Journalist
Von Won was asked if he views himself as a hip hop artist who creates gospel music or a Christian who raps.
“I’m just speak truth and about my life circumstances through hip hop,” he said. He also noted that MCs who share his faith are often labeled “Christian rappers” and, while perhaps less visible than their secular counterparts on mass media scale, are often more active in their communities doing things like ministering in prisons, feeding the homeless, and mentoring at-risk youth.
In the third hour the event livened up when the conversation turned to what type of language and subject matter is acceptable in rap music – particularly from those that claim to be Christians and members of the Church.
The following video clip illustrates the heart of that back and forth:
After this debate, the event was opened for a freestyle question and answer session. Its less structured style led to several audience members taking the mic to simply share the story of the intersection of faith and hip hop in their own lives. However, a few solid questions were directed toward Bun B (regarding accountability for his lyrics) and toward Rudy Rasmus (requesting his opinion on a rap-in-the-church-is-no-different-than-Michelangelo’s-Sistine Chapel-paintings analogy.)
St. John’s pastor seemed weary at the end though, concluding that the night’s discussion may have unproductively dissolved into a “Who’s In? / Who’s Out?” argument akin to talk radio. He reminded the crowd that Christians should instead be known for their selfless concern for others.
As Rasmus told a TV station interviewer before the event began: “God loves you and I love you and there’s nothing you can do about that!”
********************
This week the “Religion and Hip Hop Culture” class at Rice University completed mid-term exams and will hold a second public session later this semester. The date and location have yet to be announced.
In an article in Friday's Houston Chronicle, mainstream rapper Bun B (of UGK) spoke to meabout his faith and teaching "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" at Rice University.
The article also looks at how Christian hip hop is being researched at another college within the city and how that subject was sparked by CHH veteran Lil Raskull.
Topics discussed:
How Bun B defines his faith
The impact that UGK partner Pimp C's incarceration and death had on his life
Why he considers some of his music to be spiritual
Whether or not some of his lyrics align with his faith
How the Rice University class defines "religion"
What messages hip hop offers
How Houston's Christian hip hop scene is drawing additional academic interest
Click here to read the full piece on the Houston Chronicle's website.
I recently caught up with Houston-based Christian rapper Von Won via e-mail to discuss his new album, that Bun B "Hip Hop and Religion" class at his alma mater, and the city's secular and faith-based hip hop scenes.
Sketch: What's with the All American Felon album title? Are you saying you're an All-Star Thug?
Von Won: Ha! No sir...no All-American Thug. If I was any good at being a criminal or gangsta I wouldn't have a felony on my record, I'd have a huge house and a million people wondering what I do for a living.
For the people who are unaware of my story, I gained the "All-American" portion of the title while attending Rice University from 1999-2004. While earning my bachelor's degree in history I also found time to win the WAC conference twice and leaped 26 feet /1 inch at an NCAA indoor national meet becoming an All-American Long Jumper. During college I was ranked as high as #1 in the NCAA and #15 amongst professionals around the world.
The "Felon" part of the title I earned after college. Dealing with depression from my father passing from AIDS, I started smoking marijuana heavily, doing Ecstasy, and cocaine. Coming home from a secular concert I was stopped by police, tased multiple times, and later convicted on drug possession charges and evading with a vehicle.
So I brought together the thing I was most proud of and most ashamed of and created "All-American Felon." I can do all things through Christ! If you know the full context of this scripture you will understand that these titles have prepared me to handle everything life may bring.
Sketch: You recently left Houston to take on a full-time youth pastor role at a church in Roswell, New Mexico but have since moved back home. How would you describe that experience?
Von Won: I will describe the "Roswell Experience" as a serious eye opener. My wife and I made the decision to pack up our life in the city that we loved dearly to be obedient to the Lord and go minister in New Mexico. The church there asked for a verbal three to five year commitment and I gave it to them. They even mentioned that down the line, there existed the possibility of me becoming senior pastor of the church.
When we got there the youth group had about 15 kids and in less than three months some services would have over 60 in attendance. My wife, who is usually quiet, stepped up big and helped me lead the youth group. She prayed with the teens and was a positive female example for the girls to look up to. I was able to focus on Christ and my family without all the distractions that I was faced with as a Houstonian.
I visited Houston for Thanksgiving and shot the "High Beams On" music video. On the drive back to Roswell the next day my phone rang and the senior pastor said the church could not continue to pay my salary and I could only continue to work another week.
I was shocked! I gave them a three to five year commitment and was then let go after just three months! Families from the church were offering to pay my salary to keep me there, but we were unable to reconcile the situation.
In my time there I ministered to hundreds of teens at the church and at the Job Corps. I visited inmates at the jail and even lead a young lady to Christ in Target. (I got to play golf for the first time too!) There were plenty instances that could have been the single reason God brought me out there, but I'm happy for the experience. Overall, I look at the "Roswell Experience" as a paid, three month missions trip.
Von Won: I get so much flack from Christian hip hop fans about the content about my music. The fact that I may still make references to cars, money, or jewelry really makes me a target for criticism.
"High Beams On" includes a sample from secular artist Drake and I'm talking about shining so I wanted to shine my light in a way that could display the love of Christ, not ice. If you notice, I didn't wear my earrings or [Jesus] piece and chain in this video.
My good friend Ronnie "Reconcile" Lillard, a fellow Rice University Christian rap artist, who directed and edited "Last Tear," and "Swagg Don't Matter," gave me the idea of going around and doing good deeds. My other good friend Pastor John Richardson hooked up the elderly home, limousine, and the helicopter. HD Publications did a great job of bringing the whole story together and I love this video. I've never seen anything like it. I pray I can continue to make visuals that trigger emotion. Big ups to everyone who helped out with that video, I believe it will be debuting on MTV, BET, JCTV and more in 2011!
Sketch: As a Rice University graduate, what's your take on U.G.K. rapper Bun B's role as a co-teacher in a "Hip Hop and Religion" class on campus there this semester?
Von Won: Making an "A" at Rice University was not a frequent thing for me. I believe I did it in some history classes and an anatomy class that I actually studied for. I feel that without a shadow of a doubt, if Bun B was co-teaching any of my classes I would have gotten an easy, easy, easy A!
I really wish they would have done that when I was an Owl. It goes to show that Rice is thinking outside the box these days. Back then I was a member of the Black Student Association and I'm always excited to see when the university takes strives to do something that can spark the interest of the African-American students on campus. I say next semester they bring me in to co-teach. Everybody gets an "A!"
Sketch: Given that you've been a part of both Houston's secular and Christian hip hop scenes, what differences do you see between the two?
Von Won: I am thankful that I've been a part of the secular and gospel side of the Houston hip hop scene. Working with Money Marc of Def Vibe and Kelly Cryer of Hybrid Marketing (who both seem to work with everyone in Houston,) I hear about what's going on even before it hits the radio. I know what artists are getting deals, who's making enemies, who's earning the most respect and more.
The biggest difference I see between the secular and Christian artists is grind. Christian artists refuse to get off their tails, get out of the church, and market their music to city of Houston. I still see no wrapped vehicles, posters flooding in the streets, heavy radio promo.. any of that.
Until we step up and start doing these things we will always be second rate. What the secular artists have is a 97.9 FM, once they get to that level, the entire city hears them. I thank God for DJ Revelation, DJ Wiz, Pastor Albert and DJ Wiz who gives us those once a week, one hour opportunities to get heard, but until we get an FM station that blasts our music all day long, the Christian rappers will be second rate here in the city.
I'm trying to break these secular artists down and show the city that a Christian rapper can be on top promoting music that isn't sending people to prison or Planned Parenthood - all in the name of Jesus!
To learn more about Von Won and purchase your copy of All-American Felon visit www.vonwon.com.
Author’s note: This post contains references to rap lyrics that describe sexual behavior in explicit detail and may be offensive to some readers. They have been edited as much as possible, but are presented to prove a specific point to the contrary.
On Saturday afternoon, for the fourth year in row, the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) and 97.9 KBXX will celebrate a near month-long campaign of HIV awareness with a rap concert.
Approximately 15,000 teens and young adults will get to go to the exclusive show, headlined by acts such as Plies, Paul Wall, Bun B, and Lloyd Banks, as a treat for taking part in the Fourth Annual Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Intervention, a four-day HIV and syphilis screening event.
It’s undoubtedly the right cause with a wrong reward.
Hip Hop 4 HIV’s Mixed Messages
Unfortunately, the rappers chosen to perform on Saturday will often present a message that is in direct opposition to this noble pursuit of improved community health. Many of their songs seem to celebrate and encourage the dangerous sexual and social behavior that increases the risks of contracting this deadly disease. The educational information 97.9 has published on its own website says as much.
HIV transmission can occur when blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), vaginal fluid, or breast milk from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. The virus must be present; meaning an individual must be infected with HIV in order to infect others.
HIV can enter the body through a vein (e.g., injection drug use), the lining of the anus or rectum, the lining of the vagina and/or cervix, the opening to the penis, the mouth, other mucous membranes (e.g., eyes or inside of the nose), or cuts and sores. Intact, healthy skin is an excellent barrier against HIV and other viruses and bacteria.
Can I get HIV from unprotected oral sex?
Yes, there are documented cases of HIV infection from oral sex with both men and women. Body fluids exchanged through sexual activity can enter cuts in the mouth and get into the bloodstream. Also, certain cells in the mucus lining of the mouth may carry HIV into the lymph nodes or bloodstream. Reduce the risk of HIV during oral sex by using a latex or polyurethane barrier such as a condom or dental dam.
Isn’t abstinence the only way to prevent HIV?
Abstaining from sexual activity or certain sexual behaviors can certainly eliminate risk. So can eliminating alcohol or other drug use that may impair judgment when in sexual situations. However, abstinence also has its own “failure rates.” It is equally important for people to know how to reduce risk as it is for them to know how to eliminate it.
Hip Hop 4 HIV main eventer Plies has crafted a public image that’s half goon / half nymphomaniac. It will be interesting to see if he’ll perform his song “Becky” (a slang term to describe oral sex) on Saturday.
I’m on this liquor / oh so heavy / ‘Fo we f—k. can you neck me? / A lil’ h—d and I am ready / I want yo mouth, give me that Becky
Or what about Houston-native Paul Wall? Will he perform his new hit song “I’m On Patron” that talks about him being “so gone” that he needs a ride home or “I’m a Playa” with its implications of casual sex?
If anybody need a b---h then I got one / put her in the drop and you can let her ride shot gun / she can suck your d--k while you mash on the gas / so you can take her to the crib and put some d--k in her a-- / Who need a..
If anybody need a b---h just holla / I got top notch p---y for your bottom white dolla' / we poppin our collars and dustin’ these gators off / not to mention we brushin’ these haters off / Now tell me who need a..
And the teens and young adults in the audience can expect to hear Lloyd Bank’s smash “Beamer, Benz, or Bentley” that brags about his threesomes, right?
I got a girl named Kima / and Kima like Christina / baby three don’t make a crowd, it make a sex scene meaner / I just wanna get between her / turn it over scream her / then it’s one, two, I’m through, see ya / I scoop her in my Beamer, Benz or Bentley…
It’s extremely rare to ever hear a mainstream rap song that mentions, much less encourages, the use of condoms, dental dams, or abstention from drug use and casual sex that can help curb the spread of HIV. It’s doubtful that will change at Saturday’s concert.
Again, the cause of raising awareness and mobilizing listeners to actively get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is a righteous cause. It’s the reward that’s offered as a motivation that sends a completely mixed message.
It would be like Channel 2 KPRC encouraging obesity education and diabetes testing to its viewers by promising a trip to an all-you-can eat dessert buffet sponsored by Hostess as a reciprocal prize. How does that make any sense at all?
Hip Hop 4 HIV Needs a New Voice
Using hip hop to reach young people and 97.9’s target audience is a no-brainer. But they should at least offer performers with a catalog of songs that reinforce their message, not fly in its face.
Houston has a large community of positive hip hop artists that could easily fit this bill. Two that immediately come to mind are J. Xavier and the Still Trill Christians.
They are not unknown to audiences consumed with mainstream media either. J. Xavier has had video play on BET and earned screen time in MTV’s “Super Sweet 16” movie. And earlier this year the Still Trill Christians were interviewed and asked to perform on BET’s 106 & Park video countdown show.
Contrast STC's "No Sex" lyrics to those listed above.
We can hit the mall and go shopping while we in it / and you be lookin' good girl, I must admit it / but I don't need no sex, sex, sex, sex, sex / cuz you're worth more than that, that, that, that, that
Please don't get me wrong, lil mama, you're so fly / but I listen to my Daddy / and that's the reason why / that I don't need no sex, sex, sex, sex, sex / cuz I'm worth more than that, that, that, that, that
And if 97.9 needs even more names to fill out the Hip Hop 4 HIV roster then perhaps they can pull from the list of artists they play on Praise 92.1 – the Box’s sister gospel station that is also owned by their Radio One parent company. Praise 92.1 even has its own Christian hip hop shows and on-air personalities that would certainly be willing to help and provide musical content that better supports the goal of this event.
Hip Hop 4 HIV is a worthwhile effort. But at this point, it’s diminishing its powerful message in favor of pop appeal.
Houston’s Still Trill Christians performing “No Sex” on BET’s 106 & Park
Refuting the stereotype that all street rappers are selfish thugs, Houston’s rap community will join forces on June 8 from 7 – 9pm to kickoff the summer Hip Hop Hope Tuesday series at the Prince Complex (3000 Jensen Dr.) in the heart of the 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.
“A lot of rappers mention giving back to the neighborhoods they came from but very few actually do,” Herring said. “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.”
The Prince Complex was founded by J. Prince who founded and runs Rap-A-Lot Records also. Prince is from the 5th Ward and developed the non-profit youth center over a decade ago to offer a “Pathway to Empowerment.” Prince and Rap-A-Lot affiliated MCs including Willie D (Geto Boys), Bun B (UGK), and 007 (5th Ward Boys) are also scheduled to participate on the June 8 kickoff event. Many members of H-town’s Christian rap community will also be there in full force.
Andre "007" Barnes @ SXSW 2009 - Photo by Sketch the Journalist
Andre “007” Barnes is a 5th Ward native and frequent HHHT volunteer. His story is a perfect example of how positive opportunities and role models (like those found at Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays) can lead to dramatic life change.
In the mid-90’s 007 gained fame and notoriety as a founding member of the hard core gangsta rap crew the 5th Ward Boyz. Unlike many of today’s street rappers, 007 was never a “studio gangsta.” His lyrics reflected his actual life. That included a murder case for shooting and killing a man trying to steal his car (later ruled a justifiable homicide) and armed robbery as well as selling and abusing drugs.
Eventually greed consumed 007. After a European tour in the year 2000, he was caught robbing three banks and sentenced to more than four years in prison. Upon release he caught another case that earned him an additional 15 months behind bars.
It was there, in jail once again, that Andre Barnes had his “Road to Damascus” experience. Finally encountering and understanding the true grace of God through the sacrifice of His one and only son, Barnes began to change.
When he walked out of the yard this time around, it was with a renewed mind. Barnes pursued ministry, established Taking Back the Streets, and opened Blessings Christian Bookstore with his wife and family.
Now a new creature, 007 has returned to the mic with a much different message.
“I’m just trying to show young people that you don’t have to let street life consume and define you,” Barnes said. “And Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays is the perfect place for me to share that with others.”
To keep up with Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays and Tre9’s other community building efforts, visit his blog at www.hiphopmissions.com.
Sketch the Journalist is a freelance hiphop writer living in the thriving country metropolis of Cut-N-Shoot, Texas. Down with gospel rap since Stephen Wiley’s “Bible Break” in 1986, he has chewed, reviewed, and interviewed most of Christian hiphop’s major players. Sketch holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Sam Houston State University and was once an intern at the New York Times Houston Bureau. He can be reached at sketchwrek@dasouth.com.
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