Beautiful Eulogy on their unique sound and recent collaboration with Lecrae

Beautiful Eulogy performed at Sam Houston State University on October 11 - Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Last week when the Beautiful Eulogy boys were in town I had a chance to sit down with them after a show and ask about a wide variety of topics. Here, we discuss their unique sound and recent collaboration with Lecrae on the song "Misconception" for the Church Clothes mixtape hosted by DJ Don Cannon.

Recap: Gravity album release concert – Warehouse Live Houston (09/28/12)

 

Lecrae takes center stage at the Gravity album release concert – Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Last Friday, September 28 Reach Records brought the Gravity album release concert to Houston to celebrate the chart-topping new project from Lecrae. This recap is already tardy so I’ll just hit you with a few quick notebook dumps, photos, and videos.

 

J.R. sings “Gravity” with Lecrae – Photo by Sketch the Journalist

On stage:

• A large video wall flashing various animations throughout the show. Some were lyrics, others were simply logos
• Opening acts included Derek Minor (fka PRo) and Canon
• Sho Baraka acted as host with DJ Official manning the turntables and Houstonian Nate Robinson on the drums
• Song features and added hypemen included: Sho Baraka, Swoope*, Andy Mineo, Von Won, J.R., and former American Idol contestant Ashton Jones

* Swoope’s appearance on stage for “Fallin’ Down” seemed to particularly animate both Lecrae and the crowd who might have let their energy levels slip during the more ballad type songs

 

Swoope performs “Fallin’ Down” with Lecrae – Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Biggest crowd pleasers:

• “Go Hard”
• “Welcome to H-town”
• “Jesus Muzik”
• “Dum Dum”
• “Violence”
• “Gravity”
• “Mayday”*

* Vocalist Ashton Jones took the crowd to “church” with her soulful singing. Mainstream rapper/producer Big K.R.I.T. appears on the recorded version but was not in town for this concert. However, that didn’t stop Sho Baraka from volunteering to be announced as K.R.I.T. during the performance just to see if anybody would notice.

The setlist appeared to go from songs that celebrate with believers to ones that can speak to non Christians – something that mat have simply been a factor of Lecrae parading through his back catalog of hits before moving on to his newer, Gravity material.

 

Backstage: Tre9, Canon, Lecrae, Von Won, and Gifted da Flamethrowa – Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Houston represented

• From the stage, host Sho Baraka gave respectful recognition to the recently departed DJ Primo (who chopped and screwed the initial 116 Clique compilation album that helped launch Reach Records)
• As predicted, the Von Won-assisted performance of “Welcome to H-town” was very well received. Check my video of this performance below and be sure to stick around for the end credits.

 

Derek Minor, Canon, Andy Mineo, and Sho Baraka came out to perform “Power Trip” with Lecrae – Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Quote of the night:

“Regardless of the genre, I still have that same call we all do: to tell the world about Him” – Lecrae

 

Andy Mineo posted this photo on his Instagram account hanging out backstage with the High Society crew (top), Houston Rocket Jeremy Lin (left) and Houston Texan running back Justin Forsett (right)

Spotted backstage or in the crowd:

• Houston Rockets star Jeremy Lin
• Houston Texans’ running back Justin Forsett
• Active By Faith founder and former Houston Couger basketball star Lanny Smith
• “25 Lighters/25 Bibles” producer/rapper DJ DMD
• Gifted da Flamethrowa
• Corey Paul
• Tre9 & D. Davis (who brought 30-plus kids from their Hip Hop Hope Missions efforts with them)
• DJ Chill
• Lita Rodi
• World Rejects
• DJ Millhouse
• Hilary Jane
• Trevor Lee
• Lil Sizzle

5 Things You Can Expect to See at Lecrae’s Warehouse Live Concert this Friday

Christian rapper Lecrae returns home to Houston on September 28 for the last of only three release concerts in support of his new album, Gravity, that landed at #3 on Billboard’s overall sales chart the week it debuted.

Here are five things you’re bound to see at Warehouse Live this Friday night.

1. Snapbacks, tank tops, and homemade Lecrae t-shirts

Fashion statements from the 1990’s made a comeback this summer. And despite almost being October, it’s still hot and muggy in Houston so look for hats and upper body gear that appears to be missing all of its pieces.

Also, Christian rap fans can sometimes be a thrifty bunch so don’t be surprised if you see a few youth group members getting their craft on.

2. Bored bartenders

A good portion of Lecrae’s fanbase would consider themselves tee-totaling churchgoers so the staff behind the bars at Warehouse Live might be equal parts bored and frustrated with the lack of drinks sold and dollar bills filling up their tip jars.

So let me speak directly to my Christian brethren and be so bold as to ask them to do Lecrae and Reach a solid and buy a few overpriced beverages while you wait for him to take the stage.

Yes, it sucks to spend $5 on a watered down Coke or drop a ten spot on two bottles of water, but it will also show this non-church performance venue that it can still be financially viable to book faith-based acts like Lecrae.

It’ll also speak well of you and your Savior if you offer a smile and generous tip to the nice folks filling up your glass.

3. Non-Christians*

But, let’s not assume that everyone standing in the general admission area in front of the microphone is a follower of Jesus.

Lecrae’s efforts to expand his “reach” outside of Christian circles (through things like his guest features for Statik Selektah, participation in the BET Cypha, commercials on MTV, and interviews with media outlets like Time Magazine, XXL, and Allhiphop.com) have actually worked. Surely some folks who bought a copy of Gravity just like the guy’s sound and positive message.

So if you happen to smell cigarette smoke on someone or hear a few four-letter words fly out of the mouth of the fella in front of you at the ticket booth, don’t go looking to report him to your pastor. Show some grace and pray that God uses that evening’s performance to stir something inside of him (or her.)

*Again, I’m speaking to my fellow believers on this one. Also, let’s not assume that a person you don’t know but happen to see smoke, drink, and/or curse isn’t a Christian.

4. Von Won performing “Welcome to H-town”

This one is a lock. Reach Records already confirmed that Von Won will be an invited guest (in addition to these other artists) and one of the biggest hits from Lecrae’s Church Clothes mixtape was his remix of this Wit & Dre Murray classic with local boy Von Won on the hook.

Get familiar with it now so you can sing along and don’t be surprised if you see some H’s in the air (I promise, they’re not gang signs or Illuminati devil horns) when hear this beat start its slow roll.

5. A good show

My first experience at a Lecrae concert wasn’t a good one. He talked more than he rapped and there wasn’t anything (or anyone) on stage besides himself and mic. Today it’s much different.

Simply put, Lecrae and Reach Records can put on a good show. It’s something they’ve studied and worked on for years (peep my interview with Lecrae at this year’s SXSW posted below) and have gotten better at.

Sure, you’ll get an uplifting, God-glorifying message, but you’ll also get a dope hip hop performance. And breaking news: it’s okay to simply enjoy that at face value.



Tickets for Friday night’s show at Warehouse Live can be purchased online here. Doors open at 6pm.

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.

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.

Is Lecrae flip-flopping on the “Christian rapper” title?

Who’s the next contestant on the “Are you a Christian rapper or a Rapper who is a Christian?” game show?

Well Bob, he’s actually someone who’s graced our stage once before. Scraping the sky at well over six feet tall, he’s the co-owner of Reach Records known for his “Jesus Muzik”… it’s the big homie Lecrae.

Yes indeed, Crayola is back in the headlines after giving a written interview with FamilyChristian.com where it appears he’s re-embracing the “Christian rapper” label.

FC: When you hear the term “Christian rap” or “Christian hip hop,” what do you think?

Lecrae: I think what people are trying to communicate is that there are redeemed individuals within hip hop culture. And I would say I’m one of them. I think that as a Christian, we’re to be a light in this world. I think it’s almost like saying “Christian American,” it doesn’t mean that I’m not American, it just means that I’m distinctly and authentically Christian as much as I am American. And so my Christianity is going to permeate throughout my American-ness. So when I think about Christian hip hop I think of an individual who is a Christian who is using hip hop to communicate things that God will endorse.

So what does this mean to the ongoing debate? Is Lecrae a flip-flopper or a man with a divided mind?

I say no. He’s probably just being strategic.

In one instance (see clip above), he’s talking to an audience who may have negative, preconceived notions about what his music sounds like and talks about. In another, he’s speaking to the website of one of the largest Christian bookstore chains in the nation – a business that still plays a key role in record sales for his label.

My guess is that, like me and several others, Lecrae believes that whether or not he puts forth the “Christian rapper” or “Rapper who is a Christian” title is inconsequential.

People are going to label him and his music regardless of his preference, the content is going to stay the same, and that, like fellow rapper NomiS said, the title doesn’t really matter as long as the “Spirit’s In It.”

So cut the dude some slack and trust that he’s being led by the Holy Spirit and considering each individual audience as he answers such pointed questions.

Lecrae responds to the “Christian rapper” vs. “Rapper who is a Christian” debate (kind of)

The “I’m-a-proud-Christian-rapper” versus the “I’d-prefer-you-just-say-I’m-a-rapper-who-is-a-Christian” debate is not a new one. However, it has been revived recently after two of the movement’s top selling artists have apparently switched strategies (at least when posed the question by secular hip hop media outlets.)

To recap:

• Trip Lee, whose album The Good Life debuted at #2 on the overall iTunes sales charts on April 10, recently told XXL magazine that “I’m a Christian within hip-hop culture, and I think you’re going to be able to see that in my music.”

In a separate interview with HipHopDx.com he seemed to connote a similar preference for the “rapper who is a Christian” label:

“I think, you know, some people think of Christian Hip Hop as its own genre. Some people don’t. You know, I think it could go either way. If you want to think of it as a genre, that’s fine. Or if you want to think of it as there’s some people within Hip Hop who are Christians, who are intentionally communicating from a Christian worldview, that’s how I would probably describe myself.”

• On April 27, without directly criticizing or downplaying the choices Trip, Lecrae, and many others have made regarding this issue, DJ Wade-O took to his podcast and e-mail newsletter to explain five reason why he prefers to call himself a “Christian DJ.” [Full disclosure: I write and record a weekly Holy Hip Hop News Blast segment for the show.]

• On May 14, gospel hip hop heavyweight Da’ T.R.U.T.H. used his Facebook page to explain his reasons for also keeping the “Christian artist” title.

• Then, days after Lecrae dropped his free Church Clothes mixtape on May 10 (which, at the time of this post, has been downloaded over 180,000 times) used similar wording when asked about his preferred title when he spoke to HardKnock.tv.

 

This afternoon, May 21, Lecrae posted a blog on the Reach Records (the label he co-owns and records for) to clear the air (somewhat.)  

There were always Christians doing hip hop but the music was usually inaccessible or unpopular. I would listen to the radio and wonder where was the Christians perspective being heard in Hip Hop culture? Not the radio. "Contemporary Christian music" had developed, "Gospel" had its lane but where was hip-hop that articulated faith in Jesus? Hard to find.  

Interestingly enough those genres are the only one's categorized based off the content and not the style of music. Though it gives people identifying marks for their music it can also in many ways limit their reach. Many people take these titles to mean this is for an exclusively Christian audience. If indeed the true Gospel is what transforms people outside the faith why should the term Gospel seem exclusively for those in the faith? Of course that's not the intention, it's just a reality that any missionary should consider.  

As far as hip hop done well by Christians, there were always a few groups & artists each year that helped ease my woes but I was not at all content. The general market was flooded with Hip Hop artists but I rarely heard anything that embodied a worldview that God would endorse.  

Trying to be a part of the solution, I took to the studio and recorded an Album. It captured my southern roots, love for lyricism, and I tried to make it as current in production as I could. (I produced most of it.) The result was a tool for my fellas at the half way house and other areas with similar struggles.  

That project opened doors for me to travel a bit, mostly prisons, churches, and inner city outreaches, and perform my songs. I found that I had a gift for catalyzing people toward truth and creating anthems for Christians to live sacrificially and unashamedly for their faith.  

Personally I couldn’t simply talk about change I had to be apart of it so I spent my life living in the inner city, doing foreign missions, and serving in the local church. All was ammunition for my Rebel album. My life bled out in that project and the result was God showing tremendous fruit and people's lives being transformed by His power.  

One problem I faced was that in my hood, only the kids in after school programs and the Christians were feeling it. Sure some were rejecting the Gospel but others didn't give it a spin at all due to the labels placed on it.

My take? 

Be led by the Holy Spirit and use your words and labels strategically. Also know that regardless of your preference, some people will label you and your music however they best see fit.

The most important album in Christian rap history ("Church Clothes") drops tomorrow

 

The more I think about it, the more I believe that Lecrae’s upcoming “Church Clothes” mixtape may be the most important Christian hip hop album in history. The free album, which drops tomorrow Thursday, May 10, is vital for a handful of reasons.

One, it’s being hosted by DJ Don Cannon aka “The Number 1 Co-signer.” When Cannon drops his seal of approval on a project people listen. Even if they aren’t already familiar with the artist, his brand carries weight that can open doors and ears for Lecrae.

 

Secondly, it has enough high profile features, on both production and the mic, to also garner interest from listeners unfamiliar with Lecrae. When you have beats from guys like S1 (Kanye's "Power"), Boi-1da (Grammy winning producer for Drake, Eminem), 9th Wonder (Jay-Z, Eminem, Drake, Destiny's Child), and Street Symphony (Gucci Mane) and guest verses from the likes of No Malice (formerly Malice from The Clipse) its yet another sign that these established hip hop heads are willing to put their name on the line for a talent like Lecrae.

Third, it’s going to be released for FREE. That means that people who may have only heard of Lecrae in passing from the BET Awards cypher, Statik Selektah’s compilation, or events like SXSW or Paid Dues may be willing to download the project and give it a spin they wouldn’t otherwise if they had to actually drop duckets on the release.

Finally, he appears to be taking a more "relational" approach to his content - offering lyrics and writing songs that the non-Christian listener can probably identify with more than a sermon rap about a heavy doctrinal issue.

Exhibit A: The "Church Clothes" lead single. The song is better than the almost too-literal video below, but listen to how Lecrae takes on the voice of an unbeliever in the first verse and addresses the negative connotations many already have about hypocrisy and failings within the Church at large.




I’ve covered this movement for almost 15 years (listening even longer) but really can’t recall a single album that had this much potential for full commercial crossover. The Gospel Gangstas and GRITS came close, but for some reason “Church Clothes” just seems to have a better mix of momentum, co-signers, and circumstances that might push Lecrae into the level of all-out mainstream success and embrace.

This obviously places enormous pressure on Lecrae. He may not even want to be the face of Christianity in hip hop, but if anyone is carrying that mantle these days it’s Mr. Moore. As such, I want to encourage you to really be praying for him and this project.

Pray that God would give him the right words, attitude, and mind this opportunity affords.

Pray for Lecrae’s family. For his business partners. For his spiritual leaders and accountability teams.

Pray that ears would be open and hearts would be softened by the message of this music.

Pray that media outlets accurately cover this release and convey the truth it communicates.

“Church Clothes” – Thursday, May 10. May it be an album our God uses for His glory.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

VIDEO: American Idol finalist performs ukulele cover of Lecrae's "Background" at Dallas church

 

 Photo from AmericanIdol.com

For those of you jonesing for ukulele covers of Christian hip hop by former American Idol contestants - I got your hook up right 'chere.

According to the YouTube blurb posted with the video on March 1, 2012, Season 7 finalist (and CCM singer) Jason Castro performed the acoustic version of Lecrae and Andy Mineo’s “Background” at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX.

The original: The cover:

2012 Dove Awards air tonight, Christian rap represents with Lecrae, Rawsrvnt, & others

 

The 2012 Dove Awards air on the GMC network tonight at 8pm CST. 

Christian hip hop is represented through sets by Lecrae and Tedashii with DJ P Dogg and Rawsrvnt performing alongside Michael Tait of the Newsboys, Blanca Callahan of Group 1 Crew, Todd Smith of Selah and Natalie Grant for a special medley from THE STORY Tour.

Christian hip hop award winners include: 

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
"Hallelujah" - Rehab Deluxe Edition - Lecrae

and

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Rehab: The Overdose - Lecrae

SXSW 2012 recap

MC skills competition opening round
All photos by Sketch the Journalist unless otherwise noted

Many are saying that 2012 was the year hip hop took over the South by Southwest festival. Although predominantly geared toward independent acts, this year’s SXSW event was notable for appearances and concerts by the likes of Jay-Z, NaS, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Eminem, and Rick Ross.

It was also a monumental time for Christian hip hop with the DaSouth.com putting together an official stage for the fourth year in a row and the additions of a Reach Records showcase at La Zona Rosa and a side set organized by rhythm and praise site GroovSpot.com.

It would be next to impossible to try and catalog everything that went down, but here are a few of my personal highlights with some photo and video help from others who were kind enough to help us cover it from various angles.

Friday Night Kickoff Concert

The weekend kicked off with the DaSouth.com/CityTakers SXSW party at the Horizon Worship Center. This mega concert contained performances by theBREAX, k-Drama, bigAL, Peculiar Image, Frontline Movement, Kingz Camp and others.

theBREAX rock the set

Frontline Movement's table offered an advance copy of Reconcile's upcoming "Abandoned Hope" album from Full Ride Music Group

k-Drama performed some new music

The homie Spoken came down from Toronto to attend the event

Exodus' Lapo performed and also played camera man
throughout the weekend

It was also a good time for fellowship between fans and other artists.

D.C.'s Too Phliy and former Baltimore boy Beleaf Melanin from theBREAX
sparked a convo backstage

Cross Movement Records' Director of New Media Brandon Stubbs
and Jerrell Johnson share a word backstage

And like many a Christian rap event, it ended up at IHOP.

Saturday Morning - Carver Cultural Center

Scott Free help cats understand the missional mindset

CityTakers’ Scott Free kicked off the morning with a workshop geared toward helping rappers understand the right way to approach their ministry and music careers by being missional. DJ Wade-O even mentioned it as one of his favorite events of the entire weekend.

Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, and Von Won fielded questions
at the panel discussion
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa

Afterwards, a panel discussion was held with artists and insiders about the practicalities of full-time music ministry. I, Sketch the Journalist, moderated the conversation and the participants included Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, Von Won, k-Drama, Thi’sl, Ruslan, KB, PRo, and even a surprise appearance by Reach Records’ co-owner Ben Washer.

The full panel

Topics included the benefits of being signed to a label, whether or not to respond to online critics, and how to, after shows, identify people who are just fans and want to talk music and those who are actually seeking authentic ministry.

Aslan takes center stage at the DJ skills competition

Next, we had the first ever DJ skills competition organized and hosted by DJ Promote. The participants were DJ Vow, DJ Stibs, and DJ Aslan who competed for $300 and a DaSouth.com/CityTakers SXSW trophy.

(L to R) Tre9, DJ Wade-O, DJ Primo, DJ D-Lite, DJ Aslan,
DJ Promote, Scott Free, DJ Vow, and DJ Stibs

DJ Wade-O, DJ Primo, and DJ D-Lite judged an opening set from each entrant and decided who would go the final round. Stibs got bounced in the first round but earned props from the panel for spinning actual vinyl instead of just utilizing a computer-program based set. In the end, DJ Aslan took home the cash and bragging rights.

After that, we kicked off the bracket-style MC skills competition. You can get full details of how it was run and what the prizes were here, but basically, eight MCs from various geographic regions competed head to head for the best freestyle based on five topics presented to them just seconds before they spit their verse. Special props go to bigAL and Trevor Lee who honorably stepped in for two competitors who were unable to make the event at the last minute.

Atlanta’s Enlitement faced a tough challenge from New Orleans’ Gifted da Flamethrowa in the first round but ended up getting the crowd fully behind him with the following set.

(L to R) Chris Chicago, R-Swift, Jerrell Johnson, Tre9, and Scott Free

The finals included Enlitement and Tampa’s Jerrell Johnson. The two MCs’ sets left judges R-Swift, Tre9, and Chris Chicago feeling torn so they asked both guys to go one last round with a single topic. In the clip below, you’ll see the homie Jerrell Johnson take the title with a freestyle rap about “spare tires” that he had to use in at least three different ways. Just wait until you hear his asparagus line.



Watch the complete final round and tie-breaker sets here.

Saturday Night – La Zona Rosa

Later that night it was time for the Reach Records official SXSW showcase at La Zona Rosa. This night club held hip hop showcases all week which included ones with performances by B.O.B., T.I., Statik Selektah, Talib Kweli, and Pharaohe Monch.

But on this Saturday, immediately following a set by the lovely Norah Jones, the entire Reach Records and Reach Booking rosters took to the stage.

DJ Wade-O manned the tables for Thi'sl's set

Highlights included Thi’sl introducing Houston’s Reconcile as the newest member of his Full Ride Music Group crew, High Society jamming their collective works, Andy Mineo controlling the crowd, and Lecrae debuting some new material from his upcoming mixtape.



Just before Lecrae hit the stage for his set, I caught up with him for a quick interview about his SXSW experience, how the BET Awards Cypher created opportunities for him in Austin, and what to look for with his new direction.



I’m told that the Reach Records showcase drew roughly the same crowd to La Zona Rosa as other hip hop concerts there that week and that, on that same night, they were invited back to perform there next year. This is definitely a good look for Christian hip hop as a whole so be praying about that opportunity for 2013.

And as the Reach concert was winding down, I headed downtown with Tre9, Scott Free, Jerrell Johnson, Enlitement, Gifted da Flamethrowa, Trevor Lee and others to talk to SXSW festival attendees, hear their stories, and pray for their lives. It was about 2:30 in the morning, but the clubs were still in full swing and, on the spur of the moment, our MC freestyle competitors decided to start a cypher.

As a crowd started to build, a few video cameras joined the circle as did a few mainstream rappers who tended to step in and spit writtens. My video clip below is a bit shaky and not the best quality audio, but at least it will give you a feel for what went down.



Like I said, it was an amazing weekend for the Christian hip hop movement. Prayerfully we’ll get to impact Austin and the music industry again there next year.

More pics:

Lecrae preps before taking the stage at the Reach Records showcase

Scott Free gets animated during his workshop

Handout from the missional mindset workshop

(L to R) R-Swift, Too Phliy, Thi'sl, and Chris Chicago

bigAL nervously awaits to hear if his freestyle skills would advance him
to the next round (it did)

Lecrae joined Trip Lee on stage for "I'm Good"

Austin's SaulPaul showed his freestyle skills in the MC competition

Backstage at the Reach Records showcase, several artists joined in a group shot for an upcoming video (L to R: Ruslan, Beleaf Melanin, KB, Andy Mineo, CheeseBeats, Swoope)
Photo by Rosalinda Chapa

La Zona Rosa - site of the official SXSW Reach Records showcase

ATL's Double freestyling on 6th Street

INTERVIEW: Lecrae at SXSW 2012

Whew! Another SXSW is in the books. Soon I'll be doing a full recap of the Christian hip hop events that took place in Austin this past weekend, but one of the highlights was definitely the Reach Records showcase that took place at La Zona Rosa on Saturday night.

The Reach team was kind enough to get me backstage just before Lecrae's set and I got to ask him about his SXSW experience this time around (a lot has changed for him since he last performed at the festival for our official SXSW Christian hip hop stage in 2009), how his BET Awards Cypher session created opportunities that came to fruition at SXSW, and what to look for with his new direction.

VIDEO: Lecrae, Canon, and DJ Official join MercyMe for cover of Justin Bieber's "Baby, Baby"

MercyMe's "2012 Rock & Worship Roadshow" stadium tour just wrapped and supporting acts Lecrae, Canon, and DJ Official joined the crew for fun cover of the Biebs' "Baby, Baby."

(Apparently this is an end-of-tour tradition for the band. Last year's tune, which also included silly mustaches, was The Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.")



As some have already pointed out, one of the video's highlights is Canon smashing his bread slice all up in Bart Millard's grill.

Enjoy a .gif of said act from the Interwebs:

"Linsanity"’s Christian rap connections

Hip hop and basketball go together like nerds and comic book conventions. So it’s no surprise that the hero of this year's biggest NBA story – Jeremy Lin, an outspoken Christian, has connections to gospel rap music.

Last week, Jin, the former Freestyle Friday champ, Ruff Ryder, and 2 Fast 2 Furious actor, released a Christian rap song in honor of Mr. Lincredible. (With a game-winning 3-point shot over the Toronto Raptors, the athlete surpassed Shaquille O’Neal for the most points scored in his first five professional starts.)

Jin, who now includes his faith in most of his rhymes, obviously finds kinship with Lin on a few levels given that the New York Knick phenom is being heralded as the League’s version of Tim Tebow.

And on a related note, as fans across the nation are getting hip to “Linsanity,” the FUSE music network recently caught up with the kid to ask what’s in his iPod. The two names he dropped included worship band Hillsong United and Christian hip hop chart topper Lecrae.

Time will tell if his skills can propel the team to the playoffs, but for now, don’t be surprised if you see basketball fans across the world holding up signs that say “All He Does Is Lin!”

Sidenote: Some on Twitter have joked that God seems to favor a blue and orange color combo since it is used in the Knicks uniforms and in those of both Tebow’s college and professional sports teams. Perhaps those will be our robe colors when we get to heaven?

Dallas filmmaker documents “Unashamed” Christian hip hop movement

I recently caught up with Dallas filmmaker Art Hooker via e-mail to discuss the Unashamed documentary he’s working on about the Christian hip hop movement and why he decided to use a crowd-sourcing model to help fund it.

Sketch: Is this a documentary about Lecrae and Reach Records or something bigger? How so?

Art: That's a great question. Although the 116 clique [the informal name for those associated with Lecrae and Reach Records] is an important element of the story, this film is about something much bigger. It will attempt to show the viewer what it looks like to live "Unashamed" within the context of real, everyday life.

In the film we explore why the language of hip hop seems to resonate with the disenfranchised and what that means within the context of the Gospel. This project is designed to inspire the believer to live out their faith in a way that will ultimately influence culture.

Sketch: Ideally, who is the audience for this film?

Art: The audience for this film is anyone in the world who has been influenced by hip hop and/or their faith.

Unashamed Film Campaign Video from Unashamed Movie on Vimeo.

Sketch: You're a Texan who knows about our state and local pride. I know that personally, I take every opportunity to tell people that Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee are all either from Houston and/or still have family here. So how does Houston's "Unashamed" scene compare to other places you've been to while working on this project?

Art: The Houston "Unashamed" scene is very similar to what we've seen in other cities. I think what sets Houston apart is their intense southern hospitality combined with an intense love of southern rap.

Sketch: You're familiar with Christian hip hop's early days, so what's been your biggest surprise or discovery during the process of making the Unashamed movie?

Art: I think one of my biggest surprises so far is that there was a Christian rap artist named MC Sweet from New York who had a record distributed by MCA in the early 80’s.

Sketch: Did you always anticipate that you would use the crowd-sourcing model to fund your endeavor or is that relatively new development? Is this the future of independent film?

Art: We always intended this film to be for the fans, by the fans. However, as production went on we realized how much it would cost to ensure the film's quality. It quickly became clear that allowing the fans to fund this film was the best and only way to go forward.

The movement is not a reality because of the artists involved, but because of the people who make up the movement. With this in mind we've decided to partner with the movement to make one of the first hip hop films made by the fans for the fans to influence the world.

The Unashamed Movie’s Indiegogo crowd-sourcing campaign ends on January 8.

To learn more about the film or contribute to its production, visit: indiegogo.com/Unashamed and follow them on Twitter @unashamedmovie.

VIDZ: Press conference for final Man Up Tour event in Houston

My friends at Factor Effects just released this video of the press conference* from a Reach Records Man Up event.

The Houston stop was the last one on their tour and somewhat of a homecoming for participating artists Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee.

During the presser, the guys discussed:

- Their thoughts about being back in Texas (peep Crayola's entertaining, H-town-influenced flow at the intro)
- Why the Man Up message is needed
- How the tour event has been received so far
- How the Man Up campaign came about
- The budget and logistics of producing the Man Up film (including the name of the Christian rapper who was supposed to take the role of "King" - it wasn't Lecrae)
- The story behind Lecrae's BET Awards Cypher opportunity
- And more

*Full disclosure: I organized and moderated the press event as a volunteer for Eyes On Me Ministries. Click here for a photo/video recap.

INTERVIEW: B.Reith talks about his new album & hip hop identity

A few weeks ago when B. Reith was in town I got to sit down with him and talk about few topics including:

• The MISFIT Tour
• His hip hop identity, and
• Going independent on his new album, How the Story Ends, which drops today (11.01.11)
  

Here’s the clip:

Related: B. Reith performs new song, “2 Steps Forward”, at MISFIT Tour stop in Houston

Lecrae and Reach Records bring tour to Houston to teach hip hop audience biblical manhood

From left to right: Tedashii, Lecrae, Trip Lee, and Sho Baraka

On Saturday, top-selling Christian rapper Lecrae and artists from his Reach Records label will bring their Man Up tour event to Houston. The half day affair includes a film, panel discussion, and hip hop concert focused on teaching the principles of biblical manhood to urban residents.

Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee will all play a part and were either born or still have family in Houston. Hip hop missionary Bobby “Tre9” Herring organized the effort to bring the tour here and feels those biographical backgrounds can benefit his work.

“Houston’s hip hop community loves and supports their own, so we utilize guys with local ties any time we can because it helps form an immediate bond with our intended audience,” Herring pointed out.

He said that intended audience includes inner city kids, particularly young males, who often come from single-parent homes and are bombarded with skewed images and ideas about what it means to be a "real man" from the mainstream hip hop culture that surrounds them.

Although event tickets are being sold as a fundraiser for Herring’s 501c3 non-profit Eyes On Me Organization (which holds weekly Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays services in 5th Ward, provides meals and clothing to the homeless, and plants churches in group homes and prisons), he has received donations that will sponsor over 150 underprivileged youth to attend Man Up.

“Reach Records and their non-profit organization have done an excellent job at creating a multi-media campaign that shares this important and life-changing message in way that is relevant to the young men and women I work with every day,” Herring said.

“I’m glad we can partner with them and utilize their experience and God-given talents to bring Man Up to our city.”

Details:
Man Up Tour event
Featuring: Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, Propaganda, PRo, shai linne, Blair Linne, and KB
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Doors open at 5:45 pm / Show starts at 6:30 pm
New Faith Church – 4315 West Fuqua Street – Houston, TX 77045

For more information and ticket purchases visit www.dasouth.com/manuphouston

Below, Christian rapper KB explains what the Man Up campaign is all about:

Lecrae reps Christ (and Houston) on BET Hip Hop Awards

Christian hip hop's top selling artist, Lecrae, boldly represented his faith among (and to) his mainstream rap peers in a cypher session during last night's BET Hip Hop Awards.

The not-so-extemporaneous-but-still-freestyle rhyme sessions are always a highlight of the event with fans registering their favorites and "winners" online immediately after they air.

Although the network got the artist's birthplace correct (Houston), they misspelled his name. As a result, the word "Lacrae" was a Twitter Trending Topic instead of "Lecrae."

(NOTE: Dismiss anyone telling you that was an intentional, Illuminati-type slight of someone of faith. On the night the show was taped there were reports that screens inside the venue even displayed errors such as "Little Wayne" instead of "Lil Wayne.")

The MC was highly energetic, weaved hip history and sports-reference punchlines into his verses, and even spoke directly to the evening's affairs with:

"But them awards can't follow you to the grave/you livin' for them whips and chains then you a slave!"

Shortly after his segment aired he Tweeted a link to his I Am Second testimony profile and film.

It was a historic night for Christian hip hop and Lecrae represented his King well.

Sidenote: Lecrae and his team will bring their Man Up Tour event to Houston in just a few weeks on October 22. For tickets and more information visit: www.dasouth.com/manuphouston

Lecrae films testimony video for "I Am Second" organization

Houston-born, top-selling Christian rapper Lecrae has filmed a testimony video for I Am Second.

The organization describes itself as "a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others" and utilizes online multimedia (including these iconic interviews with subjects - often athletes or entertainers - wearing black clothing and sitting in a white chair) to mobilize its members locally.

I Am Second is even being used by some churches, like The Loft campus of The Woodlands United Methodist Church, as a message theme series.

The short film, which was released last night (Sept 26), can be viewed at the link below.
Lecrae - I Am Second