Christian rappers speak out on gun control laws and violence

In the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary and other areas of the United States, the debate over gun control is perhaps more heated than ever.

Some blame assault weapons or violent content in video games for the violence in our culture.

But others, like Thi’sl, argue more gun restrictions are not the answer. Here’s what he said about the issue in a recent appearance on the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Other Christian rappers have also responded to this issue. Shortly after the Sandy Hook shooting, Houston’s Bizzle pushed his song “Better Way – Part 2″ online.

Lines include:

“They like ‘Where is your God?’ / I’m like ‘I don’t know
When you kicked Him out of your schools / where’d you tell Him to go?’”

and in reference to the Sandy Hook shooter:

“Maybe he misunderstood / maybe he thought what he was doing was all good
Maybe what he heard was ‘School – and kill ‘em in the room’ / When you really said ‘It’s cool to kill ‘em in the womb”

And Cincinnati rapper D-MAUB released “Calm Down” as a reminder that outside pressures should never lead to a violent response.

Remembering MLK with I.D.O.L. King’s “Dr. King” from 1991

Today is the day America celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Christian rap pioneers also honored him with the song “Dr. King” from their debut album Explosion 2.0.0.0. that was released in 1991.

Enjoy.



To find out why it was important to include this song and others about black history alongside the message of the gospel in their music, check out my interview with I.D.O.L. King founding member C.O.

(The discussion about this song and black pride in the church starts around the 4:30 mark.)

Christian rapper Brinson interviewed on National Public Radio

Christian rapper Brinson was recently interviewed on National Public Radio.

The owner/CEO of GodChasez Entertainment has over a decade of experience and training as an ordained minister and was invited to the station by Melissa Ross, the producer/host of the First Coast Connect show on WJCT FM/TV.

The nearly five-minute segment covered:

• His role as an independent hip hop artist/entrepreneur
• His ministry work in the Jacksonville, Florida community, and
• The ways he is helping others duplicate his success.

“Brinson is a fresh exciting voice on the First Coast,” Ross said. “I enjoyed meeting him!”

Brinson brought along Juice 20/20 of Space Cherry Films along to document the media session and was even able to perform an acapella of his track “Hit the Floor.”

“NPR offers a great service to the community and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share with their audience what God is doing through me and hip hop music,” Brinson said.

First Coast Connect is described as a show covering the issues, trends and newsmakers that have people talking. This one hour program airs Monday to Friday at 9am EST on WJCT FM/TV and is available as a podcast on NPR’s website.

INTERVIEW: Authentik talks about prison ministry, putting Bible stories into rap form, and unique band names

I recently caught up with Serge from the group Authentik via e-mail to ask about prison ministry, putting Bible stories into rap form, and unique band names.

Sketch: The guys in your group are from Florida but some of them spent time in Texas and the South basically being homeless evangelists after some training by the Global Gospel Movement. 

How did that experience impact the music? 

Serge: While on the mission trip, we saw the effects of sin on mankind first hand and they’re total and absolute hopelessness without Him. We ran into thousands of people, lost and found, who DESPERATELY needed the Gospel, so as we minister through music, we want to ALWAYS relay to the listener whether lost or found, we never graduate or go away from the Gospel, but instead we go deeper into the Gospel, as it is our only hope.

 

Sketch: You also told me this album, Groans Before Glory, is somewhat based on a pamphlet called “No Cross, No Crown” that was written by a Quaker named William Penn. 

That’s got to be a first for a rap album, right? How did you guys run across that piece of work that ultimately inspired your rhymes?

Serge: We actually heard about it from Gus Cruz (our manager). Somewhere in the pamphlet the writer mentioned groaning before glory and that just stuck with us. We decided to study more on that topic and what it means, so after searching through the scriptures we just found that that theme was all throughout the Bible, so we ran with it!

 

Sketch: Your group is working a series of songs/videos that illustrate famous Bible stories including like Abraham and Isaac and the Fall in the Garden of Eden. 

Which one has been the most challenging so far? Which story are you most looking forward to fleshing out via hip hop? 

Serge: Both stories we’ve done so far actually came pretty easy, however we have a list of Bible stories that the ministry wants us to do for them and it looks like the story of Joseph in Genesis will be the toughest. Its such a long and

interesting story so its going to be a challenge trying to pack all of that into one song!

The story that we’re looking most forward to doing has already been done, The Fall of Man, we’re most excited about that one because we felt it came out pretty good!

Sketch: You guys do a fair amount of prison ministry as well. How well would you say that hip hop is accepted in that environment? Why is that? 

Serge: Hip hop is very well accepted in the prisons! People just in general love stories, so when we go into the prisons we try to do some Bible stories to get them to reflect on scripture and then we like to turn it up after that, the inmates love loud bass and dope lyrics.

Sketch: The record company you formed for this release is called CTF or “Conformed to Facts.”
However, I can’t help but notice you didn’t conform to the fact that the word “authentic” is spelled with a “c” at the end and not a “k.”What happened there when it came to naming the group?

Serge: Haha! We just wanted our name to be easier to find when people search for us! SO many different bands and random videos pop up when you search “Authentic” with a “c” so we wanted to better serve the people while they search.

To learn more about Authentik visit: http://ctfrecords.org/

Titans’ linebacker sets record with two pick-6 TD’s while wearing #IMONFIRE wristbands from Christian rapper Rawsrvnt

It appears that Tennessee Titans’ rookie linebacker Zach Brown truly is “on fire.”

After achieving two sacks in a recent Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets (where he was seen sporting the #IMONFIRE wristbands from hip hop worship artist Rawsrvnt) he followed it up with a record-tying two interceptions for touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 30.

“It’s awesome to see an athlete like Zach who is so upfront about his faith do so well on the football field,” Rawsrvnt said.

“His passion for the game is evident and even though I’m from Miami, it feels like I’m starting to become a Tennessee Titan fan,” the rapper joked.

Fans wanting to get their own #IMONFIRE apparel can order them online here or ReTweet this story (including tags for @Rawsrvnt, @ZachBrown_55, and #IMONFIRE) for a chance to receive a wristband or two from the artist himself.

INTERVIEW: Brinson on “No Other Heroes” and what to think when God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers

I recently caught up with GodChaserz Entertainment CEO/producer/rapper Brinson via e-mail to discuss his new album, what to think when God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers, and which film made the best superhero movie this summer.

Sketch: No Other Heroes marks your third solo album and 22nd release from the GodChaserz record label you founded and own.

After so much time and effort spent in music ministry, I imagine that things can occasionally get boring, frustrating, or just routine. So what motivates you to press on and move forward these days?

Brinson: A couple of things really.

First and foremost, I believe I am called to do GodChaserz. If I didn’t believe God sent me to do this I would have quit a million times.

The second reason is all the testimonies, they really help me stick it out in the hard times. That being said, I quit at least 20 times while making NOH. Then the Lord would have people from all over the country send me emails, texts, tweets about how my music has impacted their kids, youth ministry, or changed the culture of their church, etc. That is one of the biggest things.

Also, I think I have had that “I’m being slept on” mentality for so long that I still work extra hard like I have something to prove. Every album it feels like I (or any of the guys on the label) have to reprove that GodChaserz is a force in Christian Hip Hop.

Other than that, I’m still having fun. I love to be on stage, I love meeting people. And I want to make sure I’m clearing a path for other GodChaserz artists.

Sketch: Your song “Gold” unfolds a pretty interesting story. What inspired it?

Brinson: I was inspired by watching numerous artist on TV. We see the same story all the time. From KC and Jo Jo, to the late, great Whitney Houston – the list goes on and on. They all come up in church, God gives them a gift, then they leave the church and blow up. Drugs and all sorts of crazy things come into play when money is involved. It always leads to emptiness.

Sketch: Your song “Hit the Floor” is a bit of a departure from your typical sound but may be my favorite track on the album. What made you want to spazz out on the song and in the video?

Brinson: On every album I always have some sort of hybrid song (ex. “Green Grass Theory,” “80/20″, “Hello”). This time around it’s “Hit the Floor.” I’m big on pushing the envelope with fusing styles on my albums.

As far as spazzing out, while Juice2020 (co-producer) and I were going over the project, we kept pushing hard for lyrics, harder lyrics. I just had fun with “Hit the Floor” and it came out great. I never thought it would be the first video but God brought it all together; the concept, look, everything. I think everyone is going to enjoy this one.

Sketch: You attempted to fund the production and promotion of this album using the popular crowd-sourcing site Indiegogo.com. With it you set, but did not reach, a goal of $50,000. What made you post such a lofty target figure and what does it say about faith and God’s willingness to financially bless or not bless your work here?

Brinson: Man Sketch…. this is a hard thing to talk about.

I wasn’t going to do it at all. As you know, I’ve been doing this for so long without any big label push behind me. I’ve been relying on favor and faith in God’s provision. Many doors have opened that way, so I was just going to stick to the formula.

But I know the message has to reach more people. So I prayed on it and believed the Lord said “Go.” I still fought with it too. But, I know an obedient and willing heart will always win with the Lord. So I stepped out on faith and went for it.

We didn’t reach our goal, and naturally a man will question if he obeyed God. The “Where did I go wrong?” question came up. Ultimately, I just chalk it up to God having a greater purpose, maybe to just kill my pride of not wanting to ask for help.

I set the target so high because I know what good can be done with that amount of money. I could reach more people – especially orphans and kids in group homes. As far as God’s willingness to bless, I still believe He’ll do it. God is able.

Would I do it again? Probably not. But, if I feel the Lord is saying do it, I’m not dumb enough to tell God “No”. Those things never work out.

Sketch: Since the new album is called No Other Heroes and I know you’re a film fan which made the better movie this summer: The Avengers, The Dark Knight Returns, or the Spiderman reboot? Why?

Brinson: The Dark Knight Returns was the best movie of this year – hands down. It was more than a comic book movie, it had everything: suspense, great acting, a plot twist, drama, great fights, shoot’em up, bang bang… it was a great story all around. I thought the acting was at a high level. They nailed every scene. I had to go back and watch The Dark Knight. So yeah, Dark Knight Returns.

The Avengers was a close second. It was a GREAT comic book action movie. Robert Downey Jr. really did a great job acting. He was very impressive, better than all of his Iron Man movies.(I thought Iron Man 2 was horrible.) The dude who played the Hulk was great. I really like him. I appreciated that Samuel L. Jackson didn’t ruin the movie. He isn’t good in sci-fi movies.

Spiderman was an epic fail. I thought the story told was good, but the dude who replaced Toby Mcguire was thumbs down. But hey, you can’t win ‘em all Hollywood.

That was a great question man. You know I’m a big movie buff. I’ve seen at least 20 movies in the theater this year. SMH I need to repent, LOL.

BONUS QUESTION:

Sketch: What song(s) have you’ve made that you think got overlooked, but you thought it was special?

Brinson: On my first album it would be a song called “I Remember.” I thought it was a great song. We talked about so many things about the 80′s (toys, candy, TV shows etc). It was overshadowed by “Solar Powered” that was a big song.

Then on OMG i would say it would be “Breaking Down.” It was a great storytelling/fantasy song. I think my flow and voice tone was great and the third verse was very good.

No Other Heroes releases today at all major digital download stores including iTunes and Amazon.com.

Hip hop missionary releases mini-documentary about work in Brookshire, Texas

Houston hip hop missionary Bobby “Tre9” Herring has released a mini-documentary about the work being done in Brookshire, Texas, a town just west of Houston.

The 14-minute-long movie incorporates performance footage, background information, and interviews with Herring, partner pastors, Christian rappers, and students about how Eyes On Me Incorporated’s Hip Hop Hope Missions program has become a part of their lives.

“To often, those of us involved in the Christian hip hop scene get wrapped up in the industry-side of our calling and unfortunately let the ministry-side slide down our priority list,” Herring said.

“Hopefully this documentary will expose the general public to what we believe is our most important job and inspire other urban ministers to pursue their primary mission with even greater passion.”

The short film was shot and edited by Christian rapper Ronnie “Reconcile” Lillard for Frontline Media.

Other gospel-based hip hop artists who appear on screen include:

• Von Won
• Corey Paul
• Colcutz

To learn more about Hip Hop Hope Missions visit alleyesonmeinc.com.

Lecrae’s “Gravity” hits #1 on iTunes

At the time of this post Gravity, the new album from Lecrae, is currently at the #1 position of iTunes’ overall sales chart.

The Houston-born Christian rapper’s project went on sale today and has received a significant mainstream push due to his recent appearances on the BET Awards, his free Church Clothes mixtape, and collaboration songs with secular rappers such as No Malice and Big K.R.I.T.

Houston will get one of only three Gravity release concerts at Warehouse Live on September 28. Tickets can be purchased online here.

INTERVIEW: Houston rap legend DJ DMD speaks on his Christian conversion and remaking “25 Lighters” into “25 Bibles”

I’ve heard about Houston rap legend DJ DMD‘s religious conversion for a little while now as well as the Christian reworking of his flagship hit “25 Lighters” into “25 Bibles.” I’d been meaning to catch up with him about it and it worked out that I was able to get a little bit of his time when the MOVE Tour hit our city last month.

We’ve had longer conversations that I’ll write about later, but here you can hear him tell his story in his own words and talk about how the remake came about.

NOTES: 

He humbly downplays highlights like, you know, working with DJ Screw, Bun B, Pimp C, Lil Keke and Fat Pat. Oh yeah, there’s also a small comment about the fact that this track was also reinterpreted by Rick Rubin and ZZ Top for this summer’s “Battleship” movie. There’s a great piece about that in this month’s Texas Monthly magazine if you missed it.

Also, DJ DMD will be shooting a video for this track in Port Arthur this Saturday, August 25 with noted hip hop cinematographer Mr. Boomtown. For details on how to participate, click here.

INTERVIEW: Sean Simmonds talks about making Xist Music a label of 2nd chances

During the MOVE Tour stop in Houston last month I got the chance to sit down with Sean Simmonds to discuss his art and the process of building Xist Music into a label of second chances for guys like Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and The Ambassador.

Hip-Hop Worship artist Rawsrvnt teams with Jamaican reggae star St. Matthew for ‘Soul Deep’ hybrid EP

These days, some of the most popular music is built upon “dream team” collaborations of artists from different genres, geographies, or camps.

So it is with much delight that Soul Deep and Readyback Records, in association with Lion of Judah Sounds (DJ Frost/Monty G), announce that Hip-Hop Worship artist Rawsrvnt has teamed with Jamaican reggae star St. Matthew for a hybrid EP called Soul Deep that fuses both of their individual sounds.

The project also carries the momentum of one of its key tracks, “The Almighty,” winning the 2012 En Sound Music Award for Best Gospel Reggae Song.


Rawsrvnt met St. Matthew in 2011 while visiting Jamaica on a missions trip. The two instantly clicked and linked up soon after to record the song “The Almighty” for Rawsrvnt’s Love Deluxe album. Shortly after that release the duo reunited in Kingston, JA to film a music video for the cut.

“Part of my goal as an entertainer and music missionary has been to create great music that appeals to the masses and shares the love of Jesus,” Rawsrvnt said. “By partnering with St. Matthew we can add an international, island vibe to that mix and attract even more people to this life-changing message.”

Soul Deep will be available worldwide through all major digital outlets (iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, etc.) on Tuesday, August 7.

Both artists believe that if at least 1,000 fans download the EP on its release date they will make a Top 10 chart ranking on iTunes which can ultimately lead to new listeners experiencing this life-changing message through music.

“I would definitely love to see Soul Deep hit that goal and make Christ famous in a genre that, while spiritual and substantive, often pushes King Jesus to the background,” Rawsrvnt said.

The project can be purchased through most digital download sits including iTunes and Amazon.com.

Fans who wish to support the project are urged to use the #SoulDeep hashtag on social media networks and visit Rawsrvnt.com/SoulDeep for FREE electronic wallpapers and other goodies.

INTERVIEW: Lil Dre talks about his new album, Houston-ties, and how starting out as a Christian rapper has impacted his ministry

Lil Dre performs in Houston last year.

Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Under Construction, the second album from Oklahoma City-based Christian rap artist Lil Dre, was released July 31. I recently caught up with him via e-mail to discuss the project, his Houston ties, and how starting out Christian rapper has impacted his ministry.

Sketch: You were born in South Park and raised in Bryan, Texas. What is it about this part of the Lone Star State that fosters so many Christian rappers? 

Lil Dre: From what I’ve experienced, this part of the south is open to the diversity of individuals being themselves. The times I did hear cats like Bun B (a rapper from the mainstream group UGK) at school, they seemed to push the issue of “trill” which is all about being who you are. So it always seemed that as long as you kept it real, with who you are and what you spit…people would support you. Recognizing that really allowed me to confidently stay in my lane and try to represent Christ in all I do. In music, basketball, and just everyday life my friends would say I acted different but I was just trying to keep it “100” since our parents raised us in the word of God.

Sketch: You told me before that, unlike many in this genre, you actually started out as Christian rapper and didn’t attempt a secular music career before this. How do you think that has impacted your art and ministry?

Lil Dre: Honestly, I think it’s bittersweet because there was a negative and positive impact for me.

Knowing and accepting who I am in Christ at an early age allowed me to build the foundation I’d need later in life. So regardless of my shortcomings, I have no shame of sharing them with my friends and family to assist me with accountability and as a testimony to those in similar situations.

On the flip side I believe my craft could be that much better if I were to use multiple styles and genres of music to study. For instance, when I wanted to get better at basketball, I went to the hoods where I knew the ballers were…not just my church camps.

Sketch: Under Construction is your second album on Church Boy Entertainment. What’s changed since you dropped Strapped Up?

Lil Dre: Musically: my knowledge of the business. Being able to share with a broader audience has brought some joyous adventures and some situations I’d like to forget. Unfortunately it comes with the territory so it has grown me. Ced [Church Boy’s CEO], Aslan [the label’s resident DJ] and the older men on the team have always been there to teach and guide.

Personally: EVERYTHING! Ha! A new position on my job, marriage, new roles as a man (husband/father), and another baby girl due September 8.That’s what took so long from the last project, I was (still am) doing so much adjusting I had to lighten my load for a while until I learned how to properly balance.

Sketch: What’s your take on recently-revived “Christian rapper/rapper who is a Christian” label debate?

Lil Dre: On the cool I don’t have much of an opinion on the matter. I think there are more important issues to be tackled – like potty training my daughter! Help!

In all seriousness though, I say “to each his own.” It’s cliché, I know. Personally I just don’t want to try and determine what kind of tree it is without checking out its contents (or fruit). I’ve just always used the “Christian rapper” label because, no matter who hears my music, they can hold me accountable to it. I’ve been “called out” a few times.

Sketch: Be real, how hard did you pray for the OKC Thunder to win the NBA Championship and how hard did you cry afterward?

Lil Dre: Haha! Let me first say I love Oklahoma. They are amazing here. With that said, I’m a proud Miami Heat fan since 2004 when I left high school and D. Wade left Marquette.

Did I mention how much I LOVE Oklahoma? #HeatNation

To learn more about Lil Dre and Under Construction visit churchboy.com.

The math behind Lecrae’s “Gravity” imagery

I’ve studied and think I have it figured out.


Lecrae’s Gravity drops September 4.

Houston will get one of only three Gravity release concerts at Warehouse Live on September 28. Tickets can be purchased online here.

—————————————————————————————————–

* Think being the key word. After I initially published this post my man Jaap pointed out that De La Soul‘s Art Official Intelligence: Bionix should be added to the formula. He’s dead on, so I adjusted.

Also, Illuminati conspiracy lovers will probably point out that, similar to Trip Lee‘s The Good Life artwork, only one of Lecrae’s eyes is visible in the promo shot. Now run along to YouTube to post your pontifications.

INTERVIEW: Ambassador speaks on the Meek Mill / “Amen” / Pastor Jomo situation

During a tour stop in Houston this past weekend, I sat down with one of Christian hip hop’s elite (The Ambassador’s Christology is often cited at the G.O.A.T. album within the genre) to discuss the recent dustup over “Amen.”

For those who may need a refresher, Meek Mill’s “Amen” song and video uses a traditional black church organ riff and lots of religious language praising the pleasures of women and liquor. Pastor Jomo K. Johnson led a public campaign against the track and the two had a conversation joint phone call about the topic on Philly’s Hot 107.9.

Meek later offered an apology on BET’s “106 & Park” and Jomo dropped his boycott. But since Mill, Jomo, and The Ambassador all hail from the “City of Brotherly Love” I figured this might contribute to the ongoing discussion about what type of content defines sacred, secular, or blasphemous hip hop music.

You may have also seen my interview with Da’ T.R.U.T.H. about the same topic. It’s interesting how similar their responses are given that these conversations were recorded at separate times without the other one in the room. They weren’t given any sort of heads up on what questions I would be asking either.

Saturday’s MOVE Tour brings nationally-known gospel rap, pop, and R&B acts to Houston

Saturday’s MOVE Tour will bring nationally-known gospel rap, pop, and R&B acts to Houston. Names on the bill include Jessica Reedy (BET’s “Sunday Best”), The Ambassador, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Sean Simmonds, B.Reith, and emcee/producer/recording artist DJ MaL-Ski.

Like last year’s Misfit Tour, the event was organized by Xist Music and UpLift! Group. Compassion International ministry and Houston’s G.O.A.T. Radio are also listed as sponsors who helped bring the concert to our city.

In a recent interview with DJ Wade-O, The Ambassador discussed the “MOVE” theme and said “Because God is always moving, we should be too. Some people need to ‘move’ out the way, some need to ‘move’ forward because they’re standing still, and others need to ‘move’ back because they’re off track.”

On July 17, the event released its official theme song. “MOVE (Chasing You)” features all tour members in a hip hop-style “cypha” and will be performed each night of the tour.

The MOVE Tour will take place at Christian Life Church, 6650 Rankin Rd. Houston, TX 77393 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online at http://tickets.movetour.com/houston-tx.

Rawsrvnt’s Fallin’ In Love?!? Is new song about God, a girl, or both?

“Fallin’ In Love” is the new summer jam from Florida hip hop worship artist Rawsrvnt. The track’s high-energy, electropop beat and vocal stylings are tailor-made for beach parties and radio requests, but its ambiguous lyrics may cause some fans to ask whether the song is about God, a girl, or both.

Is it okay for a Christian artist to make a song about romantic love instead of godly love? What if it’s a mix of both?

Does it bleed into the “Jesus-is-my-boyfriend” territory that some believers feel is a negative trend in modern worship music? Or is it simply a strategic decision to attempt to expose and connect faith-based art to as many different people as possible?

“I wrote ‘Fallin’ In Love’ in a moment of pure passion,” Rawsrvnt cryptically stated.

“As with any piece of quality art, I think it’s up to the consumer to spend time with it and ultimately decide both what they believe the author intended and the message they’re going to take away from it.”

The song, which was produced by Crane and features Christian rapper Milliyon, is currently available for purchase from iTunes.

Fans who are “Fallin’ In Love” with the track are urged to use the #LoveStruck hashtag on social media networks and visit Rawsrvnt.com/LoveStruck for FREE electronic wallpapers and other goodies.

A full visual version of “Fallin’ In Love” is set to release on Tuesday, July 24th.

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.

Hip-Hop Worship artist Rawsrvnt rejoins THE STORY Tour with Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, Pastor Randy Frazee and others

For the second year in a row Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol will bring his unique Hip-Hop Worship style to THE STORY Tour.

Presented by World Vision, the event is billed as a Christmas celebration with carols and a musical journey from Genesis to Revelation. It features a full choir and orchestra led by musical director Bernie Herms and songs from Casting Crowns’ Mark Hall, Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, Matthew West, Nichole Nordeman, and Selah.

Renowned author and pastor Randy Frazee co-wrote THE STORY project’s book component with Max Lucado and will be on the tour each night to bring its message to life.

“My world collided with Eddy’s (Rawsrvnt) world at THE STORY Tour 2011. He introduced me to the wonderful space of hip-hop as each evening he brought the house down with his performance,” Frazee said. “But, what blew me away the most is the man I got to know off stage. Eddy Puyol is the real deal with a heart of heavenly gold.”

In addition to traveling with the group for last year’s event, Rawsrvnt also performed THE STORY medley on the 43rd Dove Awards national telecast.

“Last year I heard Natalie Grant say that I raised the ‘cool factor’ of the tour,” Rawsrvnt said with a smile.

“She’s super cool and I’m looking forward to celebrating this joyous season with the audience and some of our faith’s most talented musicians.”


To learn more about Rawsrvnt visit: rawsrvnt.com

To learn more about THE STORY Tour visit: thestorycd.com/tour/

2012 Tour Dates

11/23 Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY
11/24 Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
11/25 Gwinnett Center, Duluth, GA
11/26 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, FL
11/27 Colonial Center, Columbia, SC
11/29 Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
11/30 University of Illinois Assembly Hall, Champaign, IL
12/1 Independence Event Center, Independence, MO
12/2 Xcel Center, St. Paul, MN
12/3 Sioux Falls Arena, Sioux Falls, SD
12/4 Sears Centre Arena, Hoffman Estates, IL
12/6 Berry Center, Cypress, TX
12/7 American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
12/8 Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, TX

NomiS: If the “Spirit In It” then “Christian rapper” label doesn’t matter

As I noted back in May, the “I’m-a-proud-Christian-rapper” versus the “I’d-prefer-you-just-say-I’m-a-rapper-who-is-a-Christian” debate has been freshly revived by artists like Lecrae and Trip Lee. Former Cross Movement Records artist R-Swift also recently weighed in on Trackstarz Radio, DJ Wade-O wrote a blog about it, and now West Coast vet NomiS has released a full song communicating his take on the matter.

I recently caught up with the Gallery Drive MC via e-mail to discuss the song, why he thinks the “Christian rapper” label is a more profitable career choice, and whether or not he believes the discussion will ever go away.

Sketch: What prompted you to write and record “Spirit In It?” 

NomiS: There wasn’t one specific incident. The inspiration to write this song was a result of many repeated incidents. As an artist, when something is on my mind a lot, I write about it. Initially I didn’t want to make a song because I kind of felt like it was a “dead horse” type of topic. But then I realized that nobody had really talked about it in depth in an actual rap song. Previous to this it was seemingly just a conversation that many were having amongst their own biased circles.

I really wanted to present my opinion in a direct, yet non-confrontational manner. I actually went back and re-wrote a lot of the song because I had to check my own spirit when writing it.

Sketch: You recently got some heat from conservative Christian rap fans for allowing a non-Christian rapper, Sadat X of Brand Nubian fame, to do a guest feature on your upcoming Searching for Alpha Trion album. Did that also play a part in sparking the idea for you to write this song? What did that experience (either recording with Sadat or having to respond to critics or both) teach you?

NomiS: It actually had nothing to do with that. I wrote and recorded the “Spirit In It” track about a year ago. I cut it from this new album because I felt it didn’t fit the vibe of the record honestly. BUT, due to the recent changes happening in “Christian Hip Hop” and due to the fact that I think the song is important, I was encouraged to put it out.

As for the song with Sadat, I’m honored to have someone who’s played a role as large as his in hip hop to be on one of my songs. As for the negative response I’ve gotten from that, sadly I’ve come to expect that from the “CHH” community.

For some reason, some people just can’t fathom the idea that their conviction for how a Christ-centered artist should go about his ministry isn’t a universal one. I’m not out here saying that “my way” is “THE” way to go about it. I’m saying that “my way” is “A” way to go about it. Tedashii is going to have a different approach than I would and that’s the beauty of the body of Christ. It takes all parts to do their job for the body to function properly. In fact Tedashii and I were just talking about this about a week ago. We share a mutual respect for each other’s approach.

Sketch: You’ve told me before that although you attempt to follow the ways of Jesus, you dislike the term Christian rapper. Have you ever been called a coward or been told you’re ashamed of the Gospel (like the people you mention in this song) because you don’t identify yourself with that label? If so, what was that like?

NomiS: These days man, I gave up on that “don’t call me a Christian Rapper” battle. It really isn’t one worth fighting anymore. I would never refer to myself as that, but if someone else does, it doesn’t bother me as much as it used to.

I make honest music. I love Jesus, I carry a burden for social justice and I love hip hop. I want to focus more on always bettering my craft and living out the things I rap about. I’ll let people call it what they want.

I’ve never been called a coward or “ashamed of the Gospel” to my face, but I for sure have via message boards or in some form of online comments. When it happens I don’t get very mad, but I honestly feel pity for the people saying it. In my head it’s like, “These dudes have no idea that the fervor they’re using to insult me (they would probably call it rebuking me because that way they feel justified) is ridiculously misguided”. On another note, I find it highly comical when they “rebuke” me on Christian websites and use all sorts of profanity in the name of Jesus. For some reason, that legitimately makes me laugh out loud when I see it. Does that make me a bad person? (Laughs)

Sketch: From the song, it sounds like you believe that labeling yourself as a “Christian rapper” is an easier and more profitable career choice than being a Christian who doesn’t carry that title. Is that the case? Why?

NomiS: I definitely believe that but let me clarify something first. I don’t think there is ANY PROBLEM AT ALL with some artists taking that route. As I said before, for some people that is the way to go because they can reach and minister to a group that needs to hear it in that fashion.

But, the reality is this: Rap music is ridiculously over-saturated right now due to the overwhelmingly large amount of social media that gives any and everybody a voice. And the advancement in technology in the last six years or so has allowed home recordings with decent quality to be very easily accessible to the world.

Next I’ll use extremely large and round numbers to make my point, but you’ll understand the example. In “Christian rap music,” a new artist is like one more name amongst the million that already exist. But in the “secular” rap world, a new artist is more like one more name amongst the billion that already exist! Imagine that “secular rap music” is a pie and “Christian rap music” is a pie of the exact same size. Splitting the pie a million ways is MUCH easier to get a decent sized piece of the pie than splitting it a billion ways. You feel me? There are a large number of people that buy “Christian music” exclusively. Being that I am in fact a Christian, it would make much more sense economically to do what I can to tap into that market.

For those of you not involved in the industry outside of listening to music, please believe that “Christian music” is a legitimate business. Also, in my experience, the ratio of people who buy music instead of illegally pirating music is much higher in the Christian world. This is another reason why it makes more sense to gear what I do towards that. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but I think I’ve made my point. I could talk about this stuff forever.

Sketch: As more artists like Lecrae, Trip Lee, R-Swift, and JR are taking this stance do you think the “Christian rapper” vs. “Rapper who is a Christian” debate will ever go away? Why or why not?

NomiS: Unfortunately I’m pretty confident that it won’t ever go away. I can’t imagine what it would take for people to change their minds because they seem to feel so strongly about their stance. Maybe if Lecrae wins a Grammy and does an alter call on stage and we see Lil Wayne repent before the world – then MAYBE people will start to loosen up a little. Haha.

NomiS’ next album, Searching for Alpha Trion, drops Tuesday, July 17 at all major digital download storefronts.

Rapper’s “Church In The Wild” reality show asks Houstonians' thoughts on spiritual issues

“Church In The Wild” is a new, web-based interview and teaching series filmed, edited, and produced by Houston rapper Albert Archie.

I recently caught up with the Christian MC via e-mail to discuss the project, find out how much hip hop plays a part in it, and to ask about the brawling housewives missing from his reality show.

Sketch: What sparked the idea for your new “Church In the Wild” web-series? Was it the Kanye West and Jay-Z’s song of a similar name from “Watch the Throne?”

Archie: I’ve gotten a lot of questions about that. The truth is I’ve always been involved in video production and a while back I had an idea to start up a reality series that was geared around doing exactly what I’m doing right now. Though I didn’t have a creative name yet, the idea and vision has been in me for a long time. Then when I started to put the vision into motion my eyes were turned towards the Watch The Throne project and one of the songs titled “No Church In The Wild.”

That song title seems to say that the Church (meaning: Christians) aren’t in the “wild” (meaning: amongst non-believers) I saw it as an excellent opportunity to combat that and show that Christians are called to amongst non-believers, loving on them, and shining the light of Jesus to them.

Sketch: You’re calling your new “Church In the Wild” web-series a “reality show” but I didn’t see any housewives having drunken brawls or anyone getting eliminated at the end of each episode. What gives?

Archie: It’s funny you ask that, I actually had it planned in the near future to hire a couple woman I know from down the street to grab a couple of Louisville Sluggers and go at it like there’s no tomorrow. On top of that, I think on some of the episodes we can squeeze in some college people “partying like its 1999.”

Just kidding! But in all seriousness and jokes aside, reality by definition is “The state or quality of being real” and I think it’s safe to say that a lot of “reality” shows that come on TV aren’t actually reality at all.

I think there is nothing more real than going to a random place catching someone of guard and asking them their thoughts and beliefs on a specific topic and have them give you a straight up answer.

Sketch: You’re currently five episodes in, but how long do you think this will continue? Are you looking to find a way to get it on television? If so, how?

Archie: That’s a good question. I’ve been really debating on how long this will go.

I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. I figure there are always topics that people want to give their opinion about and even more so, there are always misconceptions that people have or sometimes they just don’t understand about the Bible. So with that, there is always going to be the possibility of having an episode of CITW to be able to answer that question.

As far a broadcast TV, I honestly never thought about that. I’m not necessarily shooting for that, but if the opportunity opens up, I think it would be a huge way to push the point of the series and make it more informative to people on a much larger scale.

Sketch: How does hip hop culture play a part in the show?

Archie: The hip hop culture not only plays a part in the show because I’m a hip hop artist, but also because I think that the hip hop culture can be very naive to a lot of things that take place. And then in the Christian hip hop community it can be so easy to get involved into that community and not really understand any type of theology or doctrine.

This is geared to be so informative on what scripture says about specific topics that involve the hip hop community and regular everyday life as well.

Also as Christians, we should never allow ourselves to be caught in a “Christian Bubble” to where we don’t understand anything that anyone else believes. One of the best ways to reach our culture is to know where they are at.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying know where the culture’s at in order to conform into what the culture is doing – that would be unbiblical. But, I am saying that we need to understand where the culture is coming from so that we will be enabled to reach our culture better.



Sketch: What’s been your favorite experience or response so far?

Archie: This reality series “Church In The Wild” kills about seven birds with one stone for me.
A few birds that this Goliath size stone kills are the obvious: it opens the door for people to be able to see the truth about what scripture says about Christians, Jesus, and how we are called to live as believers in Jesus.

A lot of times people can have skewed views about Jesus because they’ve only heard about him from another person and perhaps have never actually heard about him from the Bible. Also, it allows believers in Jesus to see how people who don’t believe in Jesus believe in order for Christians to be able to reach out to our culture.

Now, a couple of the feathered friends who have been hit with these stones that people don’t really get to see is the fact that I get to build and work with other believers as I prepare each episode. Talking and getting to know them is such a joy to me.

I strategically wanted to have a different person featured on each episode to illustrate that this show isn’t all about Archie and that I am not the only believer who has a heart for the world and for making clear what scripture says about certain topics. But this also really lets me put in work alongside other people that are fighting in the Kingdom as well.

Like I’ve said in some of the episodes; I am not a guru, nor do I claim to know all the answers. I just know that the Bible does. That’s why I encourage people to dive into the scripture for themselves as well.
Finally, it’s also fun to just get out and interact with people. Everyone has an opinion and its really cool seeing how they long to express their opinions.



To learn more about Archie view other episodes of the show visit www.churchinthewild.net