Von Won crafts apology song/video to other Christian rappers

As you may or may not know, my man Von Won can occasionally let his passion get the best of him. From time to time, with the zeal of an early believer, his words and actions hurt other people. (A certain sword-swinging disciple named Simon Peter was like that too.)

Recently, he's had a few run-ins with other Christian rappers (specifically Thi'sl, J'son, and Houston's Lita Rodi) over his content and approach to music ministry. Never a shy guy, Von has often publicly vocalized his frustrations with these perceived double standards, closed relationships, and misunderstandings.

And now he's done what any good artist does: he put it into his work.

Behold "Bow Down" - a melodic rap song about submission and asking for forgiveness. I love this dude.

Von Won "Bow Down" Official Music Video from Von Won on Vimeo.

This track will be a part of Von's One City Under God album releasing on Friday, June 24.

Houston Project Uses Hip Hop To Love Neighbors

When most people think about church missions they envision short term trips to Mexico or Africa. For the members of First Baptist Church it means, for this week at least, directing their attention to residents of their own city.

Known as The Houston Project, over 1,400 volunteers are challenged to share the love of Christ in 13 different locations via vacation bible schools, youth events, adult ministry, food distribution, sports ministry, evangelism, and prayer. Aside from the next-door neighbor focus, many will also find uniqueness in the large role that Christian hip hop is playing in this movement.

Malcolm “Excelsius” Marshall was tasked with coordinating those efforts and pulled from his vast network of personal relationships within the Christian rap community to incorporate urban music ministers from H-town and beyond.

This year’s roster includes:

• Knine (Florence, South Carolina)
• Mahogany Jones (Detroit, Michigan)
• Lavoisier (New York, New York)
• Lil Raskull (Houston, TX)
• Gifted da Flamethrowa (Houston, TX)
• Educator (Houston, TX)
• DJ 1 God (Houston, TX)
• IBC (Houston, TX)
• Lita Rodi (Houston, TX)

While some might assume this approach is radical for a theologically conservative congregation like First Baptist, Marshall said it wasn’t really that hard to get his team on board with the idea of using hip hop as a predominate ministry method for The Houston Project.

“I think it’s been cool to see them embrace something that maybe is a little bit uncomfortable at first,” Marshall said. “But once they see God is in it they really can’t deny it.”

Some of The Houston Project's rap staff. From left to right: Mahogany Jones, the author, Excelsius, Lavoisier, Knine, DJ 1 God, and Lita Rodi.

Lee Epston volunteered his time at the Farrington Mission site on Monday night and got to witness Lavoisier’s music ministry first hand.

Lavoisier ministers at the Farrington Mission location for The Houston Project.

“He was great,” Epston said. “I think our pastor hit the nail on the head when he said that while the vehicle to share the gospel may change, the message itself doesn’t.

“These kids may not relate to country or old school 80’s music like I used to listen to. But if you can get somebody up here who is a good rapper that can speak the truth and share Christ with them, then if one kid’s life is changed then it was worth the whole week.”

The 2010 Houston Project’s events started on Sunday, July 11 and run until Thursday, July 14. For site locations and information, visit houstonsfirst.org/houstonproject.

Recap: Alpha Project release party (12/26/09)

Here's another event photo recap from my backlog.

Up next: Joined at the Hip Ministries' Alpha Project release party from Excelsius and DJ 1 God that was held on December 26, 2009.

Rescheduled from Houston's "major" ice day earlier in the month, JATH invited friends like Lita Rodi, Gifted da Flamethrowa, DJ D-Lite, and The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. to celebrate with them.

Here's the rundown:


Lita Rodi kicked things off with some new cuts off of his "Reformation" album.


I live Tweeted the night and had just noted how hard it was to get the crowd involved in the traditional church setting when these two cats joined Gifted onstage for his rowdy "Want Some, Get Some" track.

Afterward, Gifted led us in worship via William McDowell's "Give Myself Away" song. It was wonderful.


Enock's widow Natalie and his daughter Jana were also in attendance. Natalie spoke and Jana took a nap.


The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. and DJ D-Lite (background) hit us with their anthem and "No Limits" tracks along with some of their testimony and teaching.


Finally, DJ 1-God (back) and Ex (front) hit the stage on some "Yes, Yes, Y'all" hype.


The Alpha Project's color scheme was black and gold - as represented in Ex's fresh new J's.


During the concert, Ex explained how he met DJ 1-God in his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Stephen F. Austin State University and how he helped disciple 1-God prior to them doing music together.


During the show, it struck me that these two dudes have celebrity look alikes.

Ex = NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb

DJ 1-God = Hollywood actor Jimmy Jean-Louis (aka "The Haitian" on NBC's "Heroes")



Toward the end of the night, the Alpha Project boys invited The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. on stage for their thumping "Blood Money" collab.


The Alpha Project folks know how to celebrate - with cake!


Ex with DJ D-Lite.

D likes to call Ex his "spiritual twin brother." But as you see above, I've already pointed out his physical doppelgänger.

This event definitely had a different vibe. It was an entertaining show for sure, but it was also an intimate encounter with the One True God among friends, family, and supporters.

Refreshing.

Pick up and sample The Alpha Project at Join at the Hip Ministries website right here.

Lita Rodi - "The Reform" release party - Nov 14

H-town's Lita Rodi is set to celebrate the release of his exciting new project with a blowout concert on November 14, 2009. "The Reform," Rodi's third Christian rap album (5th overall) takes on a classic old school, "early America" feel with an urgent charge of spiritual reformation.

The concert will take place at Sagemont Church (11600 Hughes Rd, Houston, TX 77089) from 5pm - 8pm. Admittance is 100% free. Additional music ministers that night include Ras (aka Lil Raskull), Inner Fire, Purposed, and the Fountain of Praise Drill Team. Pastor Sammy Lopez will also bring a message.

Be there early (doors open at 4:15pm) to pick up your copy of "The Reform."

Connect with Lita Rodi & listen to music clips at: www.myspace.com/litarodi

Watch the promo video below:

Recap: Yunek CD release party (9/28/07)

H-town's neo-soul/hip hop songstress Yunek knows how to throw a party. The event to celebrate the release of her debut CD, Exodus, was a top-notch affair. Here's the rundown.


Fly poster/banners greeted you from the jump.


Bella Aida Gardens was the spot. It's got a nice flavor inside with dance floor, lights, bars, and cozy curved booths.

Yunek did it up too with free admission and food for all the guests. How often do you get that?


Michael "Praiseman" Washington from 92.1 Praise radio was the evening's master of ceremonies.


Strill Trill Christians set off the performance sessions.


Dawn and Ed Grice were in the spot.


These krump dancers got hype early.


Zeeda and Gifted from Bound 4 Glory Records showed us how to "Rock N Roll."


B4G's Proz asked folks to "Stop Yappin."


Austin's B.L.U.E demonstrated his 8-ball skills in the VIP room.


Ace/Deuce showed love. Don't the chain look like Skittles?


Young Disciple rocked the stage.


Finally Ms. Yunek took the mic. (This would be the first of at least three great wardrobe changes. The gal's got style!)


Crowd shot.


She emotes soul, no?


After performance set #1, Yunek visited with her friends, fam, and fans. Judging by her hand motions she needs some of y'all to give her a call.


DJ Wiz manned the wheels of steel playing a lot of contemporary praise joints (think: Shei Atkins & Mary Mary) for the upscale "grown & classy" crowd. [Can we get a little more local holy hiphop though?]


Tre9 and his wife Maria were there to show support.


Praiseman and Deacon Doright (aka D-Rock) entertain with a little skit.


Even H-town's HHH vets came out to show love. Blackseed (Secta 7) and Stephen Oran (aka Stikk) were in the building.


Twin & Goldenchild of S.O.M. kick it with Much Luvv producer Sypreme.



The ladies of Blase brought their A-game of smoothed out R&B.


Paid-N-Full's Marcus with major HHH supporter Bigrims.


Philip, Lita Rodi, and Gifted chunk the deuce.


Yunek returns to the stage.


Our gal receives an honorary plaque from her big Sis(Nerd). I would've never guessed they were related...


Ms. Yunek on the m-i-c. They also shot the video for "Have You Ever" while we were there but D-Rock made sure nobody had cell phones or cameras out to leak the copyrighted material so I don't have any good shots of that stuff out of respect for their wishes. Although I could be breaking some exclusives..... LOL!


Q, J-Harrison, and B.L.U.E warn me about taking too many flix for the Internet.


Gifted was apparently in every shot of the night. Here he is again snuggling up to Lil Bleezy.


I loved this shadow shot of B.L.U.E



There he is with the wicked facials again. My pics don't always communicate their value, but this stuff really adds to his stage show.

He also had some sound problems due to a "greasy CD" he gave the man behind the boards. Nonetheless, dude KILLED it by spitting his stuff acapella. Seriously, his lyric-only performances work dope as spoken word.


Lita Rodi closed out the night with a quick, yet energetic, set.


At the end of the night Yunek signed autographs and thanked her fans for coming out and showing love.

The Exodus project is super-nice. If you're looking for a soul-bearing artistic joint on the Alicia Keys/Beyonce/Lauryn Hill vibe listen to samples and pick up a copy here.

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

And here was the commercial she ran on BET to promote the event:
Yunek's Album Release Commercial

Add to My Profile More Videos