CY returns to original stage name

Tweaking a trend of Christian rappers reverting to their birth names for recordings and stage performances, the MC formerly known as CY will now go by CYclone – the hip hop identity he assumed shortly after his encounter with Jesus at the age of 17.

“I believe my art is like a furious funnel cloud that packs in a variety of styles and ultimately spins out something unique,” Timothy “CYclone” Gross explained.

As he began to incorporate his faith into hip hop Gross adopted the moniker CYclone but noticed it would often get abbreviated as his music began to receive nationwide attention.

After launching the Circus World Event…The Ringleader album at the 2007 Texas Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards (where MTV personality Sway was a presenter) to critical acclaim, CYclone began to pray about the direction of its much anticipated follow-up.

Whereas The Ringleader’s concept envisioned our world as a circus with one true ringleader (God) and an imposter (Satan) who plots and schemes for the same position, High Wire Act plays off a tight rope metaphor that represents the narrow road believers in Christ must walk in order to receive eternal life. That project also carries other messages about the humility that must be maintained by those placed in lofty positions.

CYclone’s High Wire Act employed a gloomier carnival sound and explosive energy. Each song was painstakingly crafted to embody a singular theme where both the music and lyrics meld together to transport audiences to a specific time and place. A perfect example is the song “Ice Cream Truck” which takes the listener back to the youthful days of chasing after their neighborhood’s mobile, sweet treat shop. Here, CYclone is handing out a variety of lyrical ice cream bars.

It’s versatile and accessible to all listeners with guest artists like Young Joshua, Von Won, Gifted, FireJaws, D. Steele, One Dose, Kent & Shellee Coley, and tracks produced by himself, Phillip Moore, Tony Stone, Vohn Beats/Symbolyc One, Jimmy Natural and others.

So far, CYclone has four albums to his credit and has established his own Complex Melodies production company and record label.

To learn more about the artist visit dasouth.com/complex.

The Whole World is a Circus

Well, another day, another artist in a circus outfit.

This time it’s Gotee Records’ John Reuben filling out the red coattails and top hat. The new single and video, “Town Folk,” hit the web on July 14.

You might remember gospel rapper CY’s statements almost a year ago regarding his own “Circus World Event” album and stage show theme.

His “Ringleader” project has been produced and packaged for a while but just received national, in-store servicing through Infinity Distribution this week – the same day as “Town Folk” in fact.

Since then, he’s seen T-Pain, Britney Spears, and now John Reuben adopt a similar concept. Obviously it’s a popular idea.

John Reuben "Town Folk" from Gotee Records on Vimeo.

P.S. I became a JReu fan after his last album when he picked up the Beck-like experimental folk rock instead of the pure hip hop. Still, I feel for my man CY.

CY recalls old school CHH roots

When I discovered CY was an old school Christian Hip Hop head like me I knew we had to do a story. My man Zee has it up on DaSouth.com now.

Here's your tease and link.

The Son of the Ringleader knows his history. Despite being a somewhat new school
voice, CY is well versed in old school gospel rap.

“Both of my parents were pastors and growing up we couldn’t listen to rap. But the first Christian hip hop song I ever heard was Jon Gibson and MC Hammer. I think I was 11 or 12 years old and I heard it on the radio and was like ‘Wow!’,” CY said.

Continue reading

KJ-52 features CY’s remix of “I Got It Got”

Best-selling Christian rapper KJ-52 recently selected CY’s remix of “I Got It Got” to be the third song offered to his fans in the Freestyle Friday Free Download part of his “Remix the Remix” contest.

CY’s remake, dubbed “Bottom of the Charts,” is an audio lesson in humility and was recorded on Sunday, February 8, 2009. KJ-52 posted it to his website on just five days later and mentioned it in his weekly video podcast the day after he received it.



“I’m honored to have someone of KJ’s caliber offer my remix to his broad and dedicated audience,” CY said. “When I went through the tracks he offered for the contest ‘I Got Got It’ really grabbed me. It’s a monstrous beat I really enjoyed rapping over.”

KJ-52’s most recent album (titled “The Missing Pages”) is, in itself, a remix of his previous work – “The Yearbook.” As an artist with deep connections to his fan base, he released several instrumental and vocal tracks from that album as free downloads and is currently holding a contest for his supporters to re-interpret the songs for themselves.

In addition, KJ has sought out remixes from other established Christian hip hop artists and promoted those versions via his website. The two previous remixes in this vein have come from R-Swift and Everyday Processes’ Mac the Doulos of Cross Movement Records and Pettidee of Soldier Sound Records.

The first round of KJ’s remix contest ended on February 13 with a second round commencing right after. There will be three rounds total and KJ plans to offer an additional six instrumentals and vocal tracks for fans.

“I love CY’s remake of ‘I Got It Got It’ and the message it holds,” KJ-52 said. “And part of my goal with the Freestyle Friday Free Downloads program was to introduce my fans to other Christian rappers whose work I respect and enjoy.”

Dove award-winning rapper KJ-52 is undoubtedly one of Christian hip hop’s most prolific artists, having sold more than 500,000 units for his career and being known for his constant tour schedule.



In addition to the KJ-52 site link, “Bottom of the Charts” has also been released to record pools and radio DJs. In 2009, CY’s album Circus World Event: The Ringleader will be distributed nationally and be on store shelves on July 14.

You can download your copy of “Bottom of the Charts” here.

To hear the original version of “I Got It Got It” and learn more about KJ-52, visit www.kj52.com

For more information on CY please visit www.dasouth.com/complex or www.myspace.com/cyofmuchluvv.

CY remakes Pro’s “Where You At?” into “Technology” for DJs and Radio

Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Adhering to a hip hop tradition of mixtape-style remakes of another artist’s work, gospel rapper CY has recorded and released his version of Pro’s “Where You At?” The new song is titled “Technology” and offers a Christian perspective on modern entertainment.

In January, rapper/producer Pro released vocal and instrumental tracks from his recent album Blackout for free to fans and independent artists. His online message specified that anyone could use them for hooks, mixtapes, and demos so long as proper credit was given and it was not for commercial gain.

“This was a phenomenal gift from Pro,” CY said. “It really speaks highly of his professionalism and provides me a great opportunity to jump on another hot track.”

Pro

CY sampled the beat offering and selected the “Where You At?” instrumental for his remix. His subject matter provides a warning for Christians and non-believers who mindlessly consume unwholesome entertainment that influences their lives.

“Technology has just made it so easy for any of us to absorb music, movies, and websites that ultimately starve our souls,” CY said. “You’ve got pornography and violent video games teaching kids how to rob and rape and many people don’t even give it a second thought because they’d rather sit in front of a computer screen than a book page.”

CY said he’s not against technological advances (which would be obviously hypocritical given the nature of this remake process), but wanted to help his audience realize how it, combined with the wrong tools, can harm their spiritual growth.

Before this project, CY was unfamiliar with Pro’s work and did not listen to any of his music until his own version was complete. Now, the two share a common piece of art.

“I really liked what CY did with my track,” Pro said. “It’s a solid message that many people need to hear and it’s always interesting to hear how another MC interprets your work.”

The song has been released to record pools and radio DJs. In 2009, CY’s album Circus World Event: The Ringleader will be distributed nationally and be on store shelves on July 14.

You can listen to “Technology” at www.myspace.com/cyofmuchluvv

To hear the original version of “Where You At?” and learn more about Pro visit www.mynameispro.com.

Flix: CY @ Fellowship of The Woodlands

Just wanted to share this pic I took with the iPhone last night of CY the Ringleader on stage at Fellowship of The Woodlands. He and the rest of the Much Luvv Fam rocked a youth retreat weekend.

Look for a recap soon.

CY encourages “Obedience” on Rap Fest Presents Vol. II feature

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”’ – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.” – Ephesians 6:1 (NIV)

When was the last time you heard a rap song encouraging you to obey a command besides “Put your hands up!” and to follow the direction and correction of your parents?

Possibly never.

To fill that void gospel emcee CY tenders his track, “Obedience - Godparents” on the Rap Fest Presents Volume II that was offered as a free download on December 23.

The song not only reinforces Biblical calls for obedience, but provides a relatable subject matter for even the youngest Christian rap fan.

“Sometimes the little kids get forgotten, even in holy hip hop,” CY said. “They often hear mature content because we’ve got guys spittin’ raw and they can get exposed to issues and topics they shouldn’t have to deal with at their age.”

He said he specifically wanted to reach out to children with this song so that when they go to concerts and buy CDs they’ll have something that speaks to them.

“The subject matter of the song also relates to adults as well,” CY said. “I was fortunate to have good parents growing up, and to this day, I can still hear their words echoing in my head about things I should and should not do.

“It's still up to me, even now, to obey what I was taught as a child and live by that wisdom. Those who had the luxury of having good parents who feared the Lord know what I'm talking about."


Photo by Sketch the Journalist

CY was invited to be on the compilation by Bert Bocachica of Rap Fest Inc. after establishing a relationship with him through the New York-based annual ministry event of the same name and follow-up contact.

Rap Fest organized this second volume of Christian rap songs with various producers and recording artists. The album has 38 tracks and received nearly 5,000 complete downloads from Illspot.net within the first two weeks.

Bocachica said the digital delivery method allows Rap Fest to reduce production costs and provides them with an easy way to share the Gospel free of charge. The ministry also openly encourages fans to copy and share the album with others so undoubtedly the message music is reaching more ears than can be reasonably accounted for from a single distribution outlet.

The song’s beat was produced by Rolando “3D Remedy” Remedios of Evolution Musik from Staten Island, NY. CY recorded it in Houston, Texas with featured verses from Much Luvv’s Von Won and additional vocals by his wife Gina.

Bocachica commended the song’s level of musical and spiritual integrity, saying it “can only be applauded by other ministers of the Gospel, not just in hip hop, but everywhere.” He also talked about the relevance of the subject matter.

“What if we were all obedient to our parents and, more importantly, to God? What a better world this would be. Obedience is one aspect in life ‘we’ have total control over. We either obey or not and face the consequences and or benefits accordingly,” Bocachica said.

“I can only wish and hope that everyone would take heed to the words and message of the song. Trust me, I am a parent of three teenagers… obedience is always a concern.”

CY said he also wanted to use the last verse of the song to provide evidence of God’s truth to non-believers.

Playing off the homonyms “sun” and “Son” (referring to Jesus as God’s child), CY uses an analogy of a plant that needs the sun to grow and live, much like we need the Son to do the same.

“God is truly our parent. He’s the one that created us and provided, not only His word, but means through Creation to teach us His ways,” CY said.

Download your free copy of Rap Fest Presents Volume II here.

Gospel rapper CY to T-Pain: “I used the Circus Ringleader concept first”

Christian rapper CY has a message for mainstream hip hop singer T-Pain: “I used the Circus Ringleader concept first.”

T-Pain’s next project, set to drop in November, is titled Thr33 Ringz, carries a circus theme, and has been heavily promoted on music networks with the artist wearing a top hat and ringleader attire. All of this is eerily reminiscent of CY’s Circus World Event: The Ringleader concept album and stage show that has been released and publicly performed since 2006.

“I’m frustrated and concerned that people will think I’m copying T-Pain when that’s clearly not the case,” CY said. “But he has a higher profile and marketing budget than me and I’m afraid hip hop and music fans are going to assume I’m the one that’s biting.

“Our messages are completely opposite. I’ve strived to be very creative in my presentation of the redemptive power of Christ’s sacrifice and the deceptive tactics of the Enemy to unjustifiably claim the title of ‘Ringleader’ over our world. God is the only true Ringleader.

“On the other hand, T-Pain’s circus seems to mostly be about carnal living. I just hate to see similar imagery and presentation being used to spread such divergent themes,” CY said.

Documentation of CY’s “Ringleader” concept can be easily found on the Internet, including video of his eye-popping, circus-themed performance at the Texas Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards in June of 2007. The event’s packed audience included MTV journalist Sway and rap legend Special Ed.

“I’ve promoted video of that performance on my MySpace page for a while since then and interestingly enough, T-Pain is one of my ‘Friends.’

“After his circus-themed set at this year’s BET Awards show my cell phone nearly ran out of battery power with family and fans calling to tell me how much his performance looked like mine with the spotlights, mimes, and clowns. I’ve tracked down footage of it online since then and there are many similarities between the two,” CY said.

"Pain's Thr33 Ringz album artwork even uses the same yellow and red color scheme," he added.

This is also not the first time that T-Pain has been taken to task for borrowing from a gospel artist. In August it was revealed on MTV.com that Kirk Franklin had a sit-down conversation with the Auto-Tune Wonder Boy about his “tequila soaked” version of Silver and Gold that had leaked online. The song misappropriates the lyrics to Franklin’s work of the same name that proclaims the worth of the Savior. In contrast, T-Pain’s track laments the effect of mixing clear and colored Patron alcohol.

In the same article, he admits to taking other creative ideas he did not originate. The MTV.com piece states the inspiration for his “Can’t Believe It” video came from TV spots by Apple computers. “I just came up with it man. I kinda stole some stuff from the last iTunes commercial. I got the same people to direct it… I was like ‘If we can find those people to direct my next video, it will be the best video.”

UPDATE (09/30/08): We found another one. This time T-Pain is being sued for ripping off his "I'm In Luv With a Stripper" hit from another artist - TV's "Huggy Bear" of all people!

Read more here: Rappa Turnt Steala

Peep the video clips below and see if you notice any similarities.

CY @ the 2007 Texas Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards



T-Pain @ the 2008 BET Awards

Recap: Christ: That's What's Up / Sugarhill Gang feat. J Xavier & Tre9? (8/11/07)

My apologies to 007 and the rest of the crew at Greater New Vision Church for the tardiness of this recap. Two months is too long and they deserve better.

Anyway, here goes. As they say, please charge it to my head (and schedule) and not my heart.

************************************************************************


The "Christ: That's What's Up" was the first holy hip hop event for Greater New Vision Church but one that seems like it might have some legs.

Pastor Nathaniel Dugay III is a young dude who sees the value in using this music for ministry. An original screwhead who knows his Pac, has tats, and prefers to be called "100" (cuz that's the percent he keeps it real whitcha), the guy obviously understands the culture.

The idea behind the day was to explore the question "Can I live for Christ and still be Hip-Hop?" It started off with a panel discussion about the topic. Particpants included Tre9, Colcutz, Bless't, and 007.

The moderator asked the audience of teenagers and young adults about their thoughts on "Christian rap" and why, even when churches try to embrace and present it to them, it seems to be rejected.

The main thought was that it was too corny and not real enough. The panel explained that they (the audience) probably had not been exposed to quality music ministry due to a lack of knowledge and/or funds on behalf of their church leaders.

There was more meat to the discussion than I can convey in this little blog, but the dialogue between the church leaders and the kids seemed to be very earnest and heatfelt. The adults were really trying to understand how to make this work and embrace the positive, God-glorifying aspects of the hip hop culture within a sanctuary setting.

Pastor 100 even plans to have a full-out hip hop Sunday at his church once a month with everyone dressed up, spitting rhymes, and really living it out. I applaud this view and the fact that there seems to be a plan to actually put this stuff in action.

Find out more on the church at: http://greaternewvisionchurch.org/



007 & 100 greet the night's guests.



The night kicked off with some praise and worship time.



007 mean mugs with Deuce & Ace backstage.



A&D take to the platform.



Bless't & D-Cipher chop it up.



Young Disciple got an assist from the A&D boys.



Yunek and the ladies of Blase chillax.



J-Free on the m-i-c.



CY and Jon P (of S.O.M.) hang out upstairs.



D-Cipher was honored for donating his time and talent toward the graphic art needs of the event.



Von Won & Tre9 show 'em how to "Rise to the Top."



Tre9 schools 100 on how to "Put Them Hands Up."



Bless't is so throwed.



Soldiers On a Mission / betta listen.



Goldenchild (S.O.M.) warns you not to look at the http://www.realityrap.com/ address on the back of his big, black tee.



CY takes 'em to the circus (even without the top hat and tails.)



100 gets down with the crowd.



Blase'n the stage.



Double-O was feelin' it.



Yunek gives 'em a preview of her Exodous.



After the CTWU event, the Much Luvv crew bounced over to The Meridian club where Tre9 was going to open for the legendary Sugarhill Gang.

Too bad nobody showed up...



Eventually some people did make it there and the show got started with (Lil) J Xavier. Dude may only be 15 years old, but he's one of the most polished performers in the biz.



J slings his Jesus piece.



Funky stage shot.



Tre9 and S.O.M.'s Boyce get the crowd pumped...

Until it was announced that the night was going to end early. Only about 30 people were in the audience and I guess both the club owners and the Sugarhill Gang didn't feel it was worth breaking a sweat and staying up late for a show.

Talk about a buzz kill.



Here's a shot of the awkward 10 minute window of confusion where even the stage DJ didn't know what was going on.

The Meridian went as far as blasting some corny country music through the house speakers to drive people out and nobody knew if Tre's set was officially over or not.



Finally, the Farmer got to go back up and finish.



Vonster Wonster also got some mic time.



They were steadily cutting the sound and raising the house lights but Von keep it flowing until there was nothing left.

***************************************************************************

So a pretty uneven day overall. The CTWU event was nice and brought hope while the Sugarhill Gang thang disappointed.

Further illustration of our struggle for good hip hop: A lack of support.

Keep it in prayer.

Betta Photos from the Awards

More photos from the 6th Annual Texas Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards.

These are courtesy of Scott Alan Photography in Longview, TX.

As you can tell, he's much more talented than me so hit him up at http://www.scottalanphoto.com/ when you need some professional shots for your portfolio.


CY's Circus World Event


B.L.U.E's a Holy Soulja


Killer CY montage


Bless't, Enock, & Gangsta Loc before the music died


S.O.C.O.M. takes it to the dance floor


CY's circus goes wild


Tre9 & BB Jay rise to the top


Sway presents


Ras is the King of the Block


Urban D points to his power source


Gangsta Loc gets gritty


Havikoro breaks it down


It's I-C-E-C-E, 6'3" flowin'....


This chick broke it down


S.O.M. in front of the judge. I hope someone tells me the verdict.


Unknown. (Really, that's his stage name.)


DJ D-Lite takes home one of his many awards