5th Ward Boyz rappers reunite and organize a Stop the Violence Unity Concert in their old neighborhood

The three founding members of the 5th Ward Boyz, a group whose hardcore gangsta raps helped make Houston’s Rap-A-Lot Records a nationwide brand, will reunite on Sunday, December 23 from 2pm – 6pm for a “Stop the Violence Unity Concert” at Brewster Park in their old neighborhood.

The free event will feature music, a memorial time for victims of violent deaths, and “empowerment moments” of inspiration from community leaders including Houston City Councilman Jerry Davis who represents 5th Ward’s district B.

 

Andre “007″ Barnes

5th Ward Boyz member Andre “007″ Barnes said he organized the affair in response to a rash of violence in the area – a reported eight murders in a two-month span, including four that took place back-to-back.
“When we were releasing records the 5th Ward used to be unified. But now, there’s some Hatfield and McCoy stuff going on with retaliatory shootings and killings,” Barnes said. “We just felt the need to talk to the brothers in our community and tell them there’s a better way.”

For many of the members of the 5th Ward Boyz that way includes a 180 degree life change through a faith in Jesus Christ. Barnes, who once served felony time for a bank robbery, now owns a Christian bookstore, serves as a youth mentor, and records and performs gospel rap music. Richard “Lo Life” Nash and Eric “E-Rock” Taylor‘s lives and music appear to be following similar paths.

Barnes said that on Sunday he anticipates appearances and/or musical contributions from artists such as Bun B, Gifted da Flamethrowa, and Derrick Chism. The day will also serve as a toy drive for underprivileged youth.

Here’s an example of what the 5th Ward Boyz are about these days:

Former Houston gangsta rapper hosts Father's Day weekend event to honor and educate men about finances, family, and faith

On Saturday, June 16 Andre “007” Barnes, a former member of the gangsta rap group the 5th Ward Boyz, will hold the M.E.N. (Mentoring Educating Networking) Mentor Celebration in north Houston. The event is designed to honor and educate males of all ages in matters of finances, family, and faith.

“Double 0”, who is now a business owner and dedicated Christian rapper, claims he didn’t know his own father until the age of 22 after he had already achieved a criminal record and success as a recording artist on Rap-A-Lot Records. He said he was driven to organize the affair after seeing alarming statistics about the often negative fate (incarceration/homelessness, etc.) of children who grow up without a dad.

“Too often it seems like Christians only speak to the spiritual side of things,” Barnes said. “I wanted to take a holistic approach and offer people something besides advice to ‘just pray about it.’

“Don’t get me wrong, I love and value the power of prayer, but we can also offer some practical solutions to issues that face men and their families.”

Barnes enlisted speakers and sponsors from Comercia Bank and other local businesses, former Houston City Councilmember Jarvis Johnson, and Christian rappers Bobby “Tre9” Herring and Gifted da Flamethrowa to play a part in the day of workshops and celebration.

007 has also been involved with The Empowerment Community Center’s young male mentorship program over the last year and guided members of its Eagle Scholars Student program through an 18 week course that ended with them taking an all-expenses paid field trip to Washington, D.C. to further their education.

Click here to find out more about the free event and register to attend.

Recap: Holy Hip Hop for Hunger 2011

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:

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

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.

Bun B speaks to youth mentorship group led by former 5th Ward Boy Andre "007" Barnes

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 visit www.twef.org.

Bun B recommends Lecrae to this Twitter followers

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.

As you may remember, "Professor Trill" is co-teaching a "Religion and Hip Hop Culture" class at Rice University this semester.

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?

VID: Dre Murray & 007 (5th Ward Boyz) Break Down the Realness of "Good Times"

Backstage at SXSW I had the opportunity to return the "Good Times" Season 1 DVDs that Dre Murray loaned me after I tweeted that I had never watched the show. (Shocking, I know.)

That encounter led to this riff from Dre and 007 (formerly of the 5th Ward Boyz) who wanted to let me know how GT kept it 'trill.

“Youth Can Lead” Movement Against Explicit Radio Rap Continues At This Weekend’s Real Talk Teen Conference in Missouri City

Soliders On a Mission (S.O.M.) perform at last month's Youth Can Lead event

The “Youth Can Lead” movement that began last month will continue to try and motivate teens to rebel against explicit rap music played on the radio at this Saturday’s “Real Talk Teen Conference” in Missouri City.

Pastor Craig D. Hayes organized the effort in partnership with his CrossingPoint Christian Church and Hightower High School in Fort Bend ISD (where he also sits on the board of their campus-based leadership team.) Part of the event will include performances from positive hip hop artists and a panel discussion about the variety of messages contained in rap lyrics.

“Not all elements of hip hop are bad,” Hayes said. “But with our conference we want give students and parents a deeper perspective on the music that’s such a large part of their lives.”

The “Youth Can Lead” movement’s current focus is to gather over 1,000 FCC complaint letters against the “Let’s Make a Movie” song by Chicago rapper Twista and R&B artist Chris Brown.

The track, which is currently in rotation at both 97.9 KBXX and Hot 95.7, is about the narrators' attempts to persuade a female to make a pornographic film.

Sample lyrics:

"And you know I think you a hell of an actress
Especially when I'm shooting you on a mattress

Shawty, straight to the top, that's where we headed
And I'ma see my name in the credits
and be the sh-t if you let it"

Attendees signed formal FCC complaint letters at last month's Youth Can Lead rally

The panel discussion will touch on that song, others like it, and also ask questions about the hip hop lifestyle image that is mass marketed versus the actual reality of musicians in that industry. Participants will include Pastor Hayes, Bobby “Tre9” Herring, Andre “007” Barnes (from the 5th Ward Boyz), Pyrexx (an affiliate of the mainstream rap group ABN), and a few selected students.

In addition exploring the influence of negative rap music on the radio, Hayes said his event will discuss dating violence, “sexting,” and bullying. All aspects of the conference are free and open to the public. It will be held from 11am until 2pm and include giveaways and sponsorship from local businesses like Chili’s, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, HEB, Pizza Hut, and Demeris Bar-B-Q.

Hayes said he understands the delicate balance his event faces in a government-funded public school and does not intend to proselytize.

“We’ll just let our light shine and show how churches and schools can partner with one another to make a positive impact on our community,” Hayes said. “All it takes is some maturity on the part of the church and some openness on behalf of the schools. Together we can provide a real service to those around us.”

The Youth Are Listening Campaign from Von Won on Vimeo.

Former 5th Ward Boyz Gangsta Rapper Gives Back to Community Through This Weekend's Bless Fest 2010

This weekend, a former gangsta rapper who served time for armed robbery will demonstrate that he is a completely new man by giving back to the community through an event called Bless Fest. The activities will commence at 3pm on Sunday, November 21 at 10009 Homestead Road, Houston, TX 77016.

Andre “007” Barnes, known for his music career as a member of Rap-A-Lot Records’ 5th Ward Boyz group, has partnered with Impact Ministries to offer an afternoon of food, music, and various “blessings.” Residents in some of the neediest parts of Houston can register to win one month’s paid rent, one month’s paid light bill, one of 25 turkey baskets, and over 100 children’s toys.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Barnes said. “Jesus met the needs of all who came in contact with him physically. So we don’t want to preach to you, we just want to bless you as God has blessed us.”

For Bless Fest 2010, Barnes has secured partners such as All Eyes On Me Inc., Fiesta, Kohl’s, Street Life Ministries, CFC Church, G Tech Solutions, and Blessings Christian Bookstore.

Andre “007” Barnes is a 5th Ward native whose story is a perfect example of how positive opportunities and role models 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.

Here's what 007 sounds like today:

Houston Rappers Give Back to 5th Ward Community through Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays

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.

Vid: 007 of the 5th Ward Boyz is dead

007 talks about his old life at the release party for his Audio Future album. Peep.

Update: CHH Kite Program

A few updates on our Christian Hip Hop Kite Program that seems to be gaining momentum.

First, thanks for all the sites and blogs that helped promote this including the Houston Chronicle's faith blog, The Wade-O Radio Show, Holy Culture.net, DaSouth.com, and others.

Second, I have a new name for us courtesy of Houston's IBC.

Pharoah is a member of Houston's underground Street Military/South Park Coalition collective. IBC tells me he's been writing Pharaoh for a minute.

You can hit him at the address below:

Pharaoh aka Mr. D.J. Burton # 1151396
Coffield unit
Rt.1 box 150
Tennessee Colony, Tx. 75884

And finally, 007 recently Tweeted that:

My homie New Life (fka Lo Life) got sentenced to 32 years in 05, the parole board will take notice [of this.]

Now go pick up a pen and pad.

Vid: 5th Ward Boyz reunion?

This weekend I had a chance to chop it up video-interview-style with E-Rock at 007's Audio Future album release concert.

In it, he talks about:

• A possible 5th Ward Boyz reunion
• His view of 007's new work
• What LoLife is up to in prison
• How God is using hip hop

Enjoy.

Much Luvv signs former Rap-A-Lot artist 007

After dropping five albums in 2009, Much Luvv Records has hit the ground running with former 5th Ward Boy, 007. It was in January of 2010 that the independently owned and operated Christian hip hop label released former Rap-A-Lot artist Bushwick Bill, album entitled, Testimony of Redemption, in a joint venture deal with G.S.P.O.T. Productions. Now they team up with 007's Judah Music Group and present Audio Future.

Andre “007” Barnes’ story is not unlike the Apostle Paul.

In the mid-90’s he gained fame and notoriety as a founding member of the hard core gangsta rap crew the 5th Ward Boyz. Signed to Houston’s infamous Rap-A-Lot label, the group had several hits that celebrated the gritty, violent, and often-profane street life in which they grew up. They recorded and performed alongside of some hip hop’s biggest names including Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., UGK, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and the Geto Boys. Just Google search the 5th Ward Boyz, the proof is there.

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.

Although he continued to see paychecks from Priority Records, Virgin Records, and Rap-A-Lot Records, 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 his release he was asked by Matthew Knowles to write and produce music at Music World Studios (home to Beyonce Knowles and Destiny’s Child). But even this second chance couldn’t keep him out of the life of crime and he was eventually forced to serve 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 the goal of using hip hop to glorify Jesus Christ. With a beat background that sounds like it was created in a time machine, Barnes adds sensible, street lyrics to what he’s calling the Audio Future. On this album, he shares his testimony and attempts to warn others of the sinful snares that robbed him of so many productive kingdom years in his past.

The debut release from Much Luvv Records/Judah Music Group, Audio Future, releases this Tuesday April 20th via Central South/Infinity Music Distribution. Pick up his new album at your favorite online retailer. You can also visit your nearest Christian retailer to cop the CD!

Join 007 at 9pm eastern time, Thursday, April 22nd for a live chat session at DaSouth.com!

Related video:

007 & the 5th Ward Boyz then:
"Thanks for the Blessin'" feat. Bushwick Bill

007 interview by Sketch the Journalist @ SXSW 2010

Vid: SXSW 2010 in 7 minutes

Here's a quick recap of some of the performances and interviews I captured from the DaSouth.com presents The Life in Hip Hop Stage at SXSW this year.

Look for spots by 007, S.O.M., Bizzle, Gifted, Von Won, Fedel, Dre Murray, k-Drama, Tedashii, and more.

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.