June 27: What the classic Houston freestyle might have sounded like with Christian rappers

June 27 is a historic date in Houston hip hop.

The video above contains DJ Primo‘s tribute and imagining of what that classic DJ Screw freestyle might have sounded like if H-town connected rappers (including Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee) from the 116 Clique were a part of it.

Carlos “DJ Primo” Avila was the Houston-based DJ who perhaps best exemplified the spirit and legacy of DJ Screw within Christian hip hop. Today is also Primo’s birthday. He would have been 32 years old. #RIPDJPrimo

Hip Hop Hope Ends In 5th Ward Then Resurrects

 

Although still taking place in other formats, Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays, the 2-year-old weekly outreach of Eyes On Me Ministries that focuses on uplifting, enlightening, and encouraging young people entrenched in urban rap music culture, has come to an end in Houston’s 5th Ward.

On April 10, 2012, the night of the HHHT memorial service for frequent volunteer Carlos “DJ Primo” Avila, event founder Bobby “Tre9” Herring broke the news that The Prince Complex, a community center/gym owned by Rap-A-Lot Records founder J. Prince, had been sold and would no longer be available for regular gatherings.

In an e-mail to his ministry’s supporters this week, Herring wrote:

However, I made a commitment to every kid from 5th Ward that attends that we will not stop meeting with them. There are too many youth in inner city neighborhoods that have spiritual mentors come in and out of their lives. We will not be guilty of abandoning them while they are growing to know Jesus through us. [Go to 4:04 in the video below to see Tre9 address the HHHT youth.]


So the following week we picked up about 11 youth and took them to my mother-in-law's house to begin organic church with them. Our staff of eight faithful volunteers have stepped up to be disciple makers themselves, and we are currently rotating the weekly house fellowship with these young people. 

Now Hip Hop Hope has become what I believe God intended it, an organic church meeting in different places each week, making disciples of young people who do not go to any particular building for what we know as "church." 

Acts 17:24 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands." 

I praise God we can have church with these youth wherever someone opens their doors. I look forward to the impact Jesus will have on their lives and their communities for many years to come. 

 

Donors provided and wrapped this passenger van to help transport kids to and from events. In a sad turn of events, it debuted the night Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays ended in 5th Ward.

In addition to his regular prison and school ministry, Herring is now bringing Hip Hip Hope events to other churches. The first will be held this Friday, May 11 at Conroe Community Church. To find out more about Eyes On Me Ministries, visit alleyesonmeinc.com.

 

 

DJ Primo memorial/funeral details

From Tre9:

Dear Fellow MC's and Ministry Friends,

As it is written, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-3)

Carlos Avila died on April 3, 2012. He was a husband of 12 years, father of two small children, U.S. Army Reserve Member, Hip Hop Missionary DJ, Friend, and Christian brother to many.

He is known amongst the Christian hip hop community as DJ Primo, and the "King of Christian Hip Hop Chopped and Screwed Music." His countless Christian hip hop mixtapes inspired two generations. His mission was to honor God through hip hop music and to serve others with the best mixes a DJ could put together.

Whether Dj'ing at an outreach, a concert or simply on his laptop creating a mixtape, he always raised the standard of excellence in the art of Dj'ing. He can't be replaced and we will miss him in Houston's hip hop community.

We are asking everyone to pray for his family and to consider helping out with financial needs if you are able to do so. His wife has become a widow unexpectedly, she has several financial expenditures to carry, and we know that God looks after widows (James 1:27, I Timothy 5:3-5, Psalm 68:5).

The following is an update on DJ Primo's donation fund, Tribute event, Viewing and Funeral Services:

• To give directly to the family, you may deposit funds into Bank of America account #586027884671.

• Houston's Christian hip hop tribute: Hip Hop Hope will host a tribute to DJ Primo this Tuesday April 10, from 7:30-9pm @ The Prince Complex 3000 Jensen Dr. Houston, TX 77095.
  
  Every Tuesday night DJ Primo would serve the youth in 5th Ward and the Greater Houston area for HHH Tuesdays. This Tuesday we will honor him and serve his family by paying tribute to his legacy and collecting funds for his family.
  
  Please come prepared to be a blessing in this great time of need. We will have DJ Primo shirts for sale for $15 in which all proceeds will go to help out his wife and children. We will also take up a love offering. Military members are asked to wear their uniforms for a special military tribute.

• Viewing is this Thursday 2-8pm The Leal Funeral Chapel 2200 Wilcrest Dr. Houston, TX 77042. Phone 713-532-6939.

• Funeral Services will be held Friday 13th at Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77038 9am. The chapel doors close at 9:15am and they will not allow anyone else in after that time. Please come early.
  

On behalf of his family, friends and the entire Christian Hip Hop community, your prayers and support are appreciated. May God bless you and your loved ones, keep them close, and may Jesus be your light and help in time of need.

Sincerly,
Bobby "Tre9" Herring

The following video is a song and slideshow that will be shown and performed at tonight's Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays event. Grab a tissue.

Additional benefit info for DJ Primo's family

So far, three artists/labels have offered future profits from sales of the albums that DJ Primo chopped and screwed for them to his family.

And DJ D-Lite assembled this collection of mixes Primo did for D-Lite's"3rd Coast Fiyah" radio show and will send all money derived from it to the Avila family.



A bank account has also been established for direct deposits to his wife Suhaylee and two children. That Bank of America account number is: 586027884671

Finally, this week we'll celebrate Primo's life and legacy at Hip Hop Hope Tuesday (where he was a faithful servant) at the Prince Complex at 3000 Jensen Drive.

Please contribute as you feel led.

VIDEO: Tre9 remembers DJ Primo (#RIPDJPrimo)

Yesterday, after the shocking news broke of DJ Primo's suicide, I caught up with urban missionary and DaSouth.com co-owner Bobby "Tre9" Herring to share our grief and fond memories of a friend.

Tre was gracious enough to let me capture his thoughts on video. Here, he shares why Carlos Avila was much more than just a chopped and screwed DJ and how he contributed to ministry to the hip hop community here in Houston.

R.I.P. DJ Primo

It is with a sad heart that I share the news that our brother in Christ, Carlos “DJ Primo” Avila, is no longer with us. After struggling with severe depression he took his own life yesterday. This Mexican-born US Army Reserve veteran, who served the United States in tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Known as the “King of Christian chopped and screwed” music, Primo championed both the popular Southern hip hop remix style and seamless video mixing. He chopped and screwed the 116 Clique’s first compilation album, hosted a mix show with Holy Culture Radio, and founded FreeChristianMixtapes.com for his work and that of others.

DJ Primo was a constant fixture at almost every Christian hip hop event held in Houston and, when in the country, was the regular house DJ at the Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays weekly outreach events with Bobby “Tre9” Herring in Houston’s 5th Ward.

We’ll keep you posted on memorial details, but for now, please lift up his family – wife Suhaylee Avila, and young daughter and son.

UPDATE (4/4/12 - 12:30pm)

Want to help the Avila family? The good folks at Reach Records have agreed to donate all of the proceeds from the next month of iTunes sales of their 116 Clique compilation album (one of first ever Reach Records releases) that DJ Primo chopped and screwed for them back in 2006 before Lecrae, Tedashii, Thi'sl, Sho Baraka, and J'son were well known chart toppers.

Here's a direct link to make your purchase.

UPDATE (4/5/12 - 9:35am)

Two other artists have stepped up to offer the Avila family future profits from sales of their albums that were chopped and screwed by DJ Primo. Props to both Rawsrvnt and Knine. Links for direct purchase are posted below.



Here's a direct link to make your purchase.



Here's a direct link to make your purchase.

Free DL: DJ Primo "Ain't Ridin' Slow"

My man DJ Primo has cooked up another free mixtape called Ain’t Ridin' Slow.

This blend features Dre Marshall, Bushwick Bill, Gifted, Tre9, Lecrae, Sean Slaughter and many others.

Check out his freechristianmixtapes.com site to get the files.

Vid: Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays mini doc

I ran across this promo vid Tre9 must have recently created for his Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays at Rap-A-Lot's Prince Complex in Houston's 5th Ward.

This clip gives a great overview of what it looks and sounds like along with interviews from participants and attendees.

For more on Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays check out Tre's missions blog.

Freel DL: DJ Primo's Tribute to Enock mixtape

Primo @ Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays in 5th Ward - Pic by Sketch

This weekend Houston's go-to Christian hip hop deejay, and friend of Juan James, DJ Primo just dropped his Tribute to Enock mixtape.

It's a straight up blend of 'Nock's classic Cross Movement/Much Luvv/PHF and guest feature rhymes mixed with memories of Juan by CM cohort Cruz Cordero. There's even a track or two on here that even I've never heard of before. (Peep: "Special Case")

Cop this FREE download as a single mp3 mix or as separated tracks (but still blended) right 'chere and show love to both E and DJ Primo.

A Tribute to Juan "Enock" James by DJ Primo

Vidz: DJ Primo's scratch records melt

DJ Primo + Texas heat = Melted scratch records

Free DL: DJ Primo's Ridin' Slow

What can I say?

Y'all already know DJ Primo is the "King of Christian Chopped and Screwed." Dude is giving y'all a fully plate of the slow funk with a quality blend here.

All for NADA.

Download this joker here right now and then act like This'l and blast it from your slab with the "Windows Down."

Free DL: Mixtapes & Mashups

Three free mixtapes I didn't get a chance to tell y'all about yet.


DJ X - "This Is the Remix Mixtape"
Download it here.

Here X (Tweezy's regular tour DJ) has collected the finalists from KJ's "Remix the Remix" contest along with some new virtual collabs. Check for his girl Jubilee on several nice cuts.


The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S - "In the Beginning Was the Mixtape"
Download it here.

NOTE: You'll need to be a member of the DaSouth.com community in order to download this mixtape. Both the membership and DL are FREE.

The fellas have been handing out this mix at shows like SXSW & the 5th Ward outreach. On it they're flippin' mainstream tracks from guys like Kanye, Lil Keke, and Luda.

I would have left those AutoTune numbers alone, but there are some decent remakes on here that I can appreciate from a free mixtape/marketing standpoint.

And really, who can front on that "Swagga Like Us" beat?


DJ Primo - "The Best Reggaeton Mash Ups - hosted by J-Blaze"
Download it here.

I actually haven't had a chance to listen to this one yet, but I ALWAYS check for Primo's stuff and know his mash-ups are some of the best in the biz.

Audio: Sketch interview on Much Luvv Radio

Last month I mentioned my trip to 4930 Studios to record an interview with Von Won & DJ Primo for Much Luvv Radio.

It's now edited and posted for all your listening glory.

Check in as we chop up my history with Christian hip hop, my beef with Tre9, how your boy got his start as a gospel rap journalist and more.

• Download it here.
• Stream it here.
• Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here.

Sketch on Much Luvv Radio

Monday night I was invited to stop by 4930 Studios to be interviewed by Von Won & DJ Primo for an upcoming episode of the Much Luvv Radio podcast.

We chatted about my history with Christian hip hop, the Fence documentary, SXSW and a lot of other stuff. The show should be up next week.

In the mean time, check out past episodes right here.

BTW, I know I look mad old in this pic. I blame the overhead lighting for making me look like Benjamin Button. Too bad I'm not aging in reverse.

Vidz: Cam "Platform" / Tre9 "Rise to the Top" video & audio mashup

My man DJ Primo (one of the better mixers in CHH) has a nifty little audio AND video mashup of Cam's "Platform" and Tre9's "Rise to the Top" lead single. Peep it below.


Tre9 - Rise To The Top Feat. Von Won **DJ Primo Platform Mahsup Video** from DJ Primo on Vimeo.

Catch the originals at the links below:

Rise to the Top

The Platform

Let's salute DJ Primo

Worst photo background ever? We met up halfway between each of our offices and asked a stranger to snap the flick. What can you do?

This was one of those Christian hip-hop-packed weeks for me. It's been a while, but I love it.

First up - on Monday I finally got to link up with DJ Primo to accept the war-flown flag he brought back from his last tour of duty in Afghanistan.

You might remember similar flags he's given to Tre9 and the 116 Clique.

Primo is a true blood who has proudly served this country via the United States Army Reserves. During his last TOD I tried to do my best to shoot him a care package or note every now and then.

I'm honored to accept this flag and just wanted to give him a big shout and some love here. Next time you see him, please do the same.

And if you wanna check out the King of Christian Chopped & Screw - grab his most recent efforts for Rawsrvnt or on the Chopped Up Volume 1 comp by Truvine and friends.

Promo: Chopped Up release party - Jan 10

Truvine and DJ Primo's "Chopped Up" album is now complete and you can get your hands on it at two release party concerts.

The first will be held on Saturday, January 10 at Life 4 Square Church in Angleton, Texas. The second will be during Von Won's 4th Fridays Fellowship in Pasadena on February 27. (Look for my photo blog recap from whichever one I can get to.)

Truvine tells me it's the spiritual successor to the Slow Lane Chronicles project that a grip of H-town boys got together on several years ago and that was chopped and screwed by Paul Wall before our city blew up nationally.

This one has contributions from cats like Vine, Tre9, and Pettidee and was throwed by CHH's top notch chop master DJ Primo.

And I know a lot of y'all have moved on to that Auto-Tune sound, but here in HustleTown we're still jammin the screw. It was never a fad to us - it's in our blood.

More remix videos from DJ Primo

DJ Primo is killing it with more remixes. Clips and details below from his post on DaSouth.com message board. My fave out of these three is the Lecrae "Praying for You" remix.

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I highly suggest that you join the Holy Culture Record Pool, that's where I get most of my acapellas and instrumentals from. If you are serious about DJin' you must consider joining, it's worth the $$$ plus you get stuff that you will not get ANYWHERE else.

OK enough on the record pool check out the videos.

Urban D. - UnOrthodox "Subelo" Reggaeton

Here I mixed UnOrthodox Acapella with Funky's (a Christian Reggaeton Artist)Instrumental "Subelo". The acapella I got from Urban D's UnOrthodox EP and the instrumental came on Funky's CD "Corriendo Para Ganar" Both songs are about the same Beats Per Minute (BPM)



Urban D. - UnOrthodox DJ Primo Reggaeton Remix from DJ Primo on Vimeo.

Urban D. - UnOrthodox "Where You From "

Same thing as the previous video, but this time I mixed the acapella with Oppose's "Where You From" Instrumental (Check out Where You From Part 2 on DJ Morph's International Album it's hot)



Urban D - Un-Orthodox DJ Primo (Where U From) Remix from DJ Primo on Vimeo.

Lecrae - Praying For You "Hands Up"

I got "Praying For You" Acapella from HC record pool, then I mixed it with Kierra "KiKi" Sheard's Instrumental of Hands Up. I believe one of the DJ's at the 1 Accord DJ alliance hooked me up with that. I'm going to say it was DJ LACE.


Lecrae - Praying For You DJ Primo (Hands Up) Remix from DJ Primo on Vimeo.

Remix vid: Jesus Music/Godly Life - DJ Primo

The king of Christian rap's chopped and screwed game has always been good at blends and remixes. Now DJ Primo's steppin' into the video mash-up biz.

Peep the hotness when Lecrae's "Jesus Muizk" meets Jacob Izreal's "Godly Life."


Jesus Musik Feat. Trip Lee DJ Primo Godly Life Remix from DJ Primo on Vimeo.

Opportunity: Truvine's & DJ Primo's Chopped Up Compilation Mixtape

Aiight artists, here's a chance at some excellent promo from my boys Truvine & DJ Primo. Here are the details straight from his e-mail.

We are in the process of putting together a compilation CF called "ChoppedUp Volume #1 by Out Da Box and D.J. Primo."

If you are interested in a promotional opportunity for your ministry and would like to featured on thecd along with pioneer such as Tre-9, Pettidee,Gospel Gangstaz and many others 15 slots are available now.

To reserve your slot or want more information please contact Ricky Christmas a.k.a TruVine @ 979.709.7880 or mailto:ortruvine@dasouth.com

*The main benfits to artist are simple*

1.Linking up with DJ Primo one of the most gifted DJS in the Chopped -n-Screw industry.

2.Marketing your name and music to more people.

3.Reaching a new customer base.4.5,000 CDs will be given out free to students at colleges,universities,along with teens and young adults atchurches;including well knownn events such as Flavor Fest etc.

*Details*

The cost is 175.00 per track 125.00 for a 30 second commerical spot.
5,000 Cd's will be professionall manufactured with professional art work.
Each artist will have track listing and contact information listed on CD.

*What we Need*

Orginal song
Instrumental
Acappellas
On mp3 or .wav format
Pic of artist/group

Payment must be paid in full through Pay Pal or Money Order when song is submitted.

Deadline for submission is July 28, 2008.

Out Da Box Records and D.J. Primo is committed to taking the Gospel to the Streets.
1 Cor.9:22,23