A Year Later - Remembering the Life of Juan "Enock" James

Normally I take pride in breaking news stories. October 17, 2009 was not one of those days.

That was when I had to tell the world my friend died unexpectedly.

You may know him as Enock - a member of Christian hip hop’s flagship group The Cross Movement. He helped found and, in fact, gave them that title.

That seems like a lifetime ago. Another name, another city.

On this day, he was simply Juan James – husband to Natalie and father to then 4-year-old Jana.

The word I received was that, despite his youthful 35 years, Juan had an apparent heart attack at his overnight job. I was on the road at the time – traveling through the winding mountain roads of Arkansas to visit family.

Well, Enock was my family, too.

With spotty cell reception, Twitter seemed the best way to let the largest number of people know about our loss in the quickest way possible. One hundred forty characters and 30 tear-shedding seconds later, the word was spreading as well as prayers for his surviving family.

How I wished it were a mistake; a terrible, gossipy rumor that we are known for all too often.

When I arrived at my destination I was finally able to muster up the courage to call his wife. Unfortunately, Natalie’s sobs told me I had been a faithful journalist.

*****

Houston got to know Enock at the turn of the millennium. In 1999 my man s/ave was running ONEMIND Magazine out of his apartment. When he found Enock through an instant messenger search they became kindred friends, chatting freely, sharing stories, and talking about the sacredness of music and life.

At this time Enock had been asked to/decided to step away from the mic after dealing with sexual addiction and divorce – two seemingly “Scarlet Letter” sins for anyone involved in gospel music ministry.

A year later OM’s operations were moved to the offices of Much Luvv Records, where s/ave worked closely with Tre9. There, he established long distance ties between Nock and Tre and the trio built with one another through several late-night phone conversations. Seeking friendship, accountability, and a fresh start - Enock then decided to move from Philadelphia to Houston.

To me, as Sketch, I saw Enock as a rock star during our first face-to-face meeting. After all, this was THE Enock from THE Cross Movement. He deflected the admiration. Even though we knew him as the booming voice from “Introducin’” his own self introduction was always just “Juan” and usually not even audible. A man of considerable size and build, (CM members remember calling him “Cell Block ‘Nock”) he still seemed shy, contrite, and gentle.

*****

Part of Enock’s healing process came through the helping of others. Here in Houston, he started what were called R.A.M. Sessions – monthly Bible study and accountability meetings designed to “Restore All Men.”

Approximately a dozen guys devoted themselves to this group – praying for one another, asking tough questions, and allowing themselves to be vulnerable.

At Enock’s memorial service, these gatherings garnered nearly as many mentions as his song titles. Years later the legacy and impact of those studies survive its founder.

*****

Imagine if Trip Lee, the talented young bol from Reach Records’ 116 Clique, decided to switch camps, move to Florida, and make music for the independent, less lyrical theology-driven GodChaserz Entertainment label.

That’s akin to what took place when it was announced that Enock’s next project would be released on Much Luvv Records.

And it was bound to happen. Several months of living with and working for Tre9 had surely stoked his creative fires. With a renewed confidence, Enock expressed a desire to “take off the mask” of a professional Christian and share his story. His next album would honestly discuss his failures as well as the battle and temptations that plague full time music ministers.

The result was AWEthentic – a meaningful collection of tracks some deemed too raw for release. Enough that, a few short weeks before the project was scheduled to be the first title submitted to a new distributor, a key studio technician decided it best to pull his music off of the unconventional record.

Thankfully, the selfless Stephan “Stikk” Oran came to the artist’s aid, producing the perfect backdrop for Enock’s truth tales. The deadline was met and the Christian hip hop community got a peek behind the curtain they thought they’d never see.

AWEthentic illuminated imperfections, challenged co-laborers, and shouted warnings of similar, sin-inviting situations. Too bad not everyone took notice.

In the wake of last year’s public admissions of “moral failings” by Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. (two artists at the heart of The Cross Movement collective and its associated record label), the album seems eerily prophetic.

If true art always retains its relevance, the AWEthentic album is looking ready for the Louvre.

*****

The more I hung out with Enock the more he just became Juan. And the more I just became Jason.

He always asked about things that many do not. About my family. How was the wife? How were things at home? He became a person, not a persona.

We related on several levels. Aside from a love of hip hop and Jesus, we also had our frustrations with His bride. He introduced me to The Message paraphrase translation of Scripture. I turned him on to Don Miller’s Blue Like Jazz and singer/songwriter Derek Webb. He told me several times that I needed to read Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna.

Our deconstructions of traditional church were not mean spirited or ill founded. We were simply two guys trying to reconcile the Christian life we read about in the Bible with what we saw under steeples each Sunday. It was community. It was friendship. Something I miss now.

*****

The most unforgettable part of Enock’s memorial service was indeed when Natalie James took the stage. With a strength that shielded her pain, she opened Juan’s prayer journal and began to read aloud its entries.

She shared moments of hope and joy: His 30th birthday. The birth of his new daughter. A recent job promotion.

But she also gave a voice to his frustrations and fears: How he couldn’t seem to leave hip hop alone despite the toll it took on his family. How he prayed to better manage his finances. How he questioned the quality of spiritual leadership he offered his wife and child.

It was a bit jarring. Who in their right mind would discuss such intimate details in such a public setting – especially when they might be the last words spoken or remembered about this soul?

But in hindsight, there was no better way to honor one of the realest people to ever approach a microphone.

May he rest in eternal bliss with his Father. We will see you soon my friend.

Houston rap label combats dirty dance craze with techno album

Seeking to fill a musical void, the creative forces at Houston’s Much Luvv Records have crafted Luvv to Dance – a 21 track “techno rap” dance album that features over 50 Christian hip hop and rock artists dropping street verses on top of club-friendly beats and hooks.

“We know we’re not the first to do it, but the pop/dance/rap subgenre is still not very established within our market,” Much Luvv Records CEO Bobby “Tre9” Herring said.

“Our aim with this project is to penetrate the hearts of kids and young adults who really vibe to that type of music. If you turn on the radio or MTV you’ll see that this is the style that dominates. Go to any church in the suburb and, unfortunately, you’ll see it’s not much different. So why not use that to our advantage to spread the gospel?”

Much Luvv Vice President & Executive Producer Jimmie A. McDowell managed the Luvv to Dance project, seeking track submissions from Christian hip hop’s top producers and then matching those beats to artists with established relationships with the label.

The result includes unique pairings like Gospel Gangstaz & 007 (formerly of the 5th Ward Boyz) with singer Martay on a bouncer called “Testify,” Dre' Murray and rock singer Spradley (formerly of Type Nine) going electro pop on "Move Me," and Sean Slaughter, The WARRIORS ATX, and Justin Michaels of The Access offering the upbeat “Your Chance to Dance.”

“I think people are going to be both surprised and impressed with the collaborations we’re able to offer on this album,” McDowell said. “I know we were.”

McDowell noted that several track submissions took a different turn than originally expected. For example, big AL chose to sing, instead of rap, his lyrics on “Party (Let’s Dance),” and many of the rock vocalists ended up sounding like natural born techno artists.

“I’m also excited about Whuteva and Ren Patrick’s ‘1-2-Many’ song about the negative effects of overindulging alcohol, Christafari and Von Won’s reggae track, and the fact that hip hop legend Kurtis Blow will be featured on this album,” McDowell said.



Part of the promotional efforts for the project’s release included a Create-A-Dance-Craze contest (think Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em's "Crank Dat Superman" or the GS Boyz "Stanky Leg") for the song “Keep On” from the album. Youth groups submitted their original routine to the label and the winner will be featured in the song’s music video and at the official CD release concert being held this weekend.

"Our Christian youth rarely have the opportunity to create their own dances, mainly due to Christian hip hop artists ignoring the need,” Herring said. “God created His children with talent and originality and now we will bring that out in them through this competition."

Undoubtedly, the simple fact that this project is being pushed as a “dance record” may raise a few eyebrows with conservative Christians who fear a worldly club influence on their kids. However, Tre9 offers assurances that Luvv to Dance will only do the opposite of encouraging sin.

“None of the content here will lead you to do anything foul,” Herring said. “In fact, it would be really hard to nasty dance in the midst of all our Jesus lyrics and not feel convicted.”

McDowell also points out that many Christian houses of worship have already transformed their youth areas into club-like atmospheres that offer a positive alternative space to those found outside the church.

“And even Scripture tells us there’s ‘a time to weep and a time to laugh / a time to mourn and a time to dance’” McDowell said quoting Ecclesiastes 3:4.



The official Luvv to Dance CD release concert takes place this Saturday, August 21 from 5pm to 9pm at Champions Community Center (1311 Bammel N Houston Rd). Admission is free.

Much Luvv Signs The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX

The latest addition to the growing Much Luvv Records roster is Austin-based collective The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX.

The group (whose name stands for We Are Righteous Redeemed Invaders Of Reality) has been together for about six years and comprised of Ervin Jackson (Swerv), Corey Anderson (Proof) and Ahmad Bell (Victorious).

The move comes shortly after Much Luvv Records announced the signing of former Rap-A-Lot artist 007 and released Geto Boy Bushwick Bill’s album titled, Testimony of Redemption, in a joint venture deal with G.S.P.O.T. Productions.

“We’re most excited about how this partnership exemplifies harmony within the Christian hip hop community,” Victorious said.

“Psalms 133 says: ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ Everybody talks about it, but who is really doing something to move things forward?

“We’ve released four mixtapes and two complete albums on our own. Still, we believe that both the Houston-based Much Luvv Records and our Austin connections can further benefit the Kingdom of God by working together.”

In 2004, The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX became the first Christian rap group in the central Texas area to have their music played on a secular top 40 station. They followed that up with a ministry performance at ME TV (a regional television network) that was in regular rotation.

They’ve also performed at the popular, mainstream SXSW (South by Southwest) music festival and seen their “Warriors Anthem” video receive airplay on both BET and The Gospel Music Channel.

“I’ve known the guys in The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX for over five years now and seen their servant hearts and passion for ministry. Adding them to the Much Luvv family just seemed like such a natural fit,” Much Luvv Records owner Bobby “Tre9” Herring said.

The crew is now working on their third album, All In, that is set to drop regionally in September 2010 and nationally in November 2010 through Infinity Distribution.

Here's a clip of the crew performing at this year's SXSW music festival:

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

Refuting the stereotype that all street rappers are selfish thugs, Houston’s rap community will join forces on June 8 from 7 – 9pm to kickoff the summer Hip Hop Hope Tuesday series at the Prince Complex (3000 Jensen Dr.) in the heart of the 5th Ward.

Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays (HHHT) is a weekly youth service designed to uplift, enlighten, and encourage young people entrenched in urban rap music culture.

Much Luvv Records founder Bobby “Tre9” Herring launched the first Hip Hop Hope event in partnership with Rap-a-Lot Records on Easter weekend 2009.

“A lot of rappers mention giving back to the neighborhoods they came from but very few actually do,” Herring said. “Talk is cheap, so with Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays, we want to show that the Houston rap community can make good on our word and bring positivity to the parts of our city that need it most.”

The Prince Complex was founded by J. Prince who founded and runs Rap-A-Lot Records also. Prince is from the 5th Ward and developed the non-profit youth center over a decade ago to offer a “Pathway to Empowerment.” Prince and Rap-A-Lot affiliated MCs including Willie D (Geto Boys), Bun B (UGK), and 007 (5th Ward Boys) are also scheduled to participate on the June 8 kickoff event. Many members of H-town’s Christian rap community will also be there in full force.


Andre "007" Barnes @ SXSW 2009 - Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Andre “007” Barnes is a 5th Ward native and frequent HHHT volunteer. His story is a perfect example of how positive opportunities and role models (like those found at Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays) can lead to dramatic life change.

In the mid-90’s 007 gained fame and notoriety as a founding member of the hard core gangsta rap crew the 5th Ward Boyz. Unlike many of today’s street rappers, 007 was never a “studio gangsta.” His lyrics reflected his actual life. That included a murder case for shooting and killing a man trying to steal his car (later ruled a justifiable homicide) and armed robbery as well as selling and abusing drugs.

Eventually greed consumed 007. After a European tour in the year 2000, he was caught robbing three banks and sentenced to more than four years in prison. Upon release he caught another case that earned him an additional 15 months behind bars.

It was there, in jail once again, that Andre Barnes had his “Road to Damascus” experience. Finally encountering and understanding the true grace of God through the sacrifice of His one and only son, Barnes began to change.

When he walked out of the yard this time around, it was with a renewed mind. Barnes pursued ministry, established Taking Back the Streets, and opened Blessings Christian Bookstore with his wife and family.

Now a new creature, 007 has returned to the mic with a much different message.

“I’m just trying to show young people that you don’t have to let street life consume and define you,” Barnes said. “And Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays is the perfect place for me to share that with others.”

To keep up with Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays and Tre9’s other community building efforts, visit his blog at www.hiphopmissions.com.

Much Luvv signs former Rap-A-Lot artist 007

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

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

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

Unlike many of today’s street rappers, 007 was never a “studio gangsta.” His lyrics reflected his actual life. That included a murder case for shooting and killing a man trying to steal his car (later ruled a justifiable homicide) and armed robbery as well as selling and abusing drugs.

Although he continued to see paychecks from Priority Records, Virgin Records, and Rap-A-Lot Records, greed consumed 007. After a European tour in the year 2000, he was caught robbing three banks and sentenced to more than four years in prison.

Upon his release he was asked by Matthew Knowles to write and produce music at Music World Studios (home to Beyonce Knowles and Destiny’s Child). But even this second chance couldn’t keep him out of the life of crime and he was eventually forced to serve an additional 15 months behind bars.

It was there, in jail once again, that Andre Barnes had his “Road to Damascus” experience. Finally encountering and understanding the true grace of God through the sacrifice of His one and only son, Barnes began to change.

When he walked out of the yard this time around, it was with a renewed mind. Barnes pursued ministry, established Taking Back the Streets, and opened Blessings Christian Bookstore with his wife and family.

Now a new creature, 007 has returned to the mic with the goal of using hip hop to glorify Jesus Christ. With a beat background that sounds like it was created in a time machine, Barnes adds sensible, street lyrics to what he’s calling the Audio Future. On this album, he shares his testimony and attempts to warn others of the sinful snares that robbed him of so many productive kingdom years in his past.

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

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

Related video:

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

007 interview by Sketch the Journalist @ SXSW 2010

Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays - 5th Ward

I'll have to take a late pass on this blog, but think there's still value in showing you what Tre9's Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays events look like.

The relationship between Tre and Rap-A-Lot Records' Prince Complex in Houston's 5th Ward neighborhood started this spring with the Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day. From there, it blossomed into a summer-long outreach that has carried on into the school year.

So here are a few flix and videos that reflect the look and feel of the nights. You can learn more about it by visiting Tre's Hip Hop Missions blog where you'll find video clips and rundowns of his recent work.

All photos by Sketch the Journalist


Each night a Christian hip hop artist or crew will perform and share their story. On this evening it was Von Won's Sheep in Wolves Clothing crew.

There's also an intro "icebreaker" game which kids moving around, engaged, and the chance to win Christian hip hop CDs.


DJ Primo not only spins the music, but also brings the Word with a special chopped and screwed mix of audio Scripture.


Tre9 keeps things moving and will act as the night's MC.


Artists and volunteers are always down with pray with people.


On this night, mainstream hip hop video show "Street Flava with D-Solo" (in the yellow H-town cap) stopped by to film a segment for a future episode.


Special guests like Bushwick Bill will also occasionally pop-in.


Primo is always down to share and show kids how he practices his craft.

Here's a video of Trevor Lee performing "Do It His Way."


And here's a clip of Zeeda giving her testimony.

A Q&A with Gifted Da Flamethrowa

I recently had a chance to do a quick e-mail Q&A with Gifted Da Flamethrowa. His heater Street Symphony drops tomorrow on Much Luvv Records.

Enjoy.

S: Can you briefly share how you came to be a follower of Jesus?

G: I was tired of me Sketch. I was living my life at 1,000 miles per second. I survived two car accidents where I was loaded and drunk and had a bullet to my face. In 1999 my brother, and now pastor, Mukes invited me to a service. The man of God spoke into my life prophetically and from that point I never left. God opened my eyes and my heart.

S: What is your history with rap music?

G: I started rapping in the 3rd grade. I was like 8 or 9. I received my first contract offer at 11 years old from a local company. It didn't work out. I was super young and unfocused. Years later, I went with the prominent local label Take Fo' Records, as a writer and choreographer.

From there I signed with Smoke 1 Records, the first label to do a joint venture with No Limit Records/Priority. In 2000, I got serious about serving Christ, we turned Smoke 1 into Bound 4 Glory Records and I have been running for God ever since.

S: What was the first Christian hip hop you heard and what did you think of it?

G: It was the early 90's and my grandma bought me a dc talk tape, no disrespect, but it was not what was popping.

S: What sparked you to rhyme for Christ?

G: Well my wife, at the time my girlfriend, Zeeda, we were in church. The pastor asked her to do a "Christian" rap for a youth event. She told me and I laughed at her, but when she spit the verse for me, it was off the chain. So I wrote one too. From there I just kept at it.


Photo by Sketch the Journalist

S: Tell us about how you came to be a part of the Houston gospel rap scene.

G: Hurricane Katrina dude. She came through and turned my life upside down. I landed in Houston and was living in a FEMA-funded hotel feeding my kids out of an ice chest. We were surviving on a faith and a prayer and God has been faithful. I give him glory for his protection and guidance.

S: What is the current status of Bound 4 Glory Records?

G: Right now we are focusing on the ministry aspect. The CEO Mukes is now an ordained pastor and our church is at 4508 Hwy 6 Houston,Tx 77084.

Prozperad has his CD out, Blood Bought, and my Queen, Zeeda, has two out: Breakthru and Destined 4 Greatness. She is presently working a book From Pain 2 Power. My son Y.A. is working on his project now.

S: Why did you decide to do a solo album with Much Luvv Records?

G: Well since I landed in Houston Tre9 just embraced us. He introduced me to his connects and even put me on shows with him. So our relationship is four years in the making. He offered me a deal, Pastor Mukes signed off on it, and that was that. Tre is 100 - his heart is for the elevation of the kingdom and people.

S: How do you respond to people to assume you’re just riding the Lil Wayne gravy train?

G: I laugh because our grind is totally opposite. We may sound alike at times because of the N.O. accent, but that's it. My style and flow is mine baby. No mimicking here!

S: I know that you’re involved in a ministry to the homeless. Tell us what that looks like and what you’ve learned from it.

G: Man that's a Von Won thing. He invited me out the first time and it was a blessing. It's no glory in that, feel me? You are looking pain eye to eye. Ain’t no superstars out there, ya heard me? That’s a true battle ground and I am honored to be apart of it.

Von really has a heart for God. We do it on Thursday nights. I’m not there every Thursday, but they hold it down.



S: You were also a part of the Hip Hop Hope UK Tour. How was your experience over there? Any specific stories/memories you care to share?

G: It was bitter sweet Sketch.

Sweet, because my ten toes stood in places where I could only dream of as a shorty. Bitter because it’s so much pain out there. The kids just walk around like zombies and most of the adults just ignore them. The church has a great work to do over there.

I can't wait to go back. I really connected with a lot of people out there Sketch. I have been ministering to a bunch of the kids via Facebook and many of them decided to join a church.

One young lady used to cut herself when she was depressed, but now she has stopped doing that. Glory to God man.


Photo by Sketch the Journalist

S: Some people might be surprised to find out that a Southern rapper like your self has also performed sets with punk rock type groups like the Shiny Darks. Why switch up your sound like that? How has it been received?

G: Because I am an artist Sketch, not a rapper. I refuse to be put in a box feel me. I love music: hip hop, opera, classical, country, rock etc.

How has it been received? Man it’s been off the chain. At our last concert people was in that joker crowd surfing!

S: Your new album has a lot of guest features and you’ve done many guest features for other artists as well. Why do you pursue such collaborative works? How has that process been for you?

G: I pursue it because I feel our greatest problem in HHH is unity. Everybody is busy building their little kingdoms and forgetting we are supposed to be one body in Christ.

I could get Lil Wayne with one phone call. I can’t afford him, but he is accessible. But there are some of my brothers in Christ that you could hit up and wouldn’t get a response.

I show love Sketch. In my portfolio I have done over 50 collabs. From the big dogs like Bushwick Bill and Bishop Lester Love to that lil cat in southside Houston that has never gotten a booking before. It’s been a blessing to me, but it irritates me when you reach out to some cats and they ignore you. That’s not a kingdom mindset, it's arrogance.

S: How do you feel that Street Symphony is different from your first album?

G: Street Symphony is deeper than And So it Begins. I was more personal on Street Symphony and I experimented more. I also added Drathoven, Doc Sizzo, k-Drama, Bruce Bang, Sypreme, Kadence of ATP and more cats to my production arsenal. This bought it home.


Photo by Sketch the Journalist

S: Your wife Zeeda is also a Christian rapper and your teenage son has skills as well. How do you deal with a family full of urban music missionaries?

G: That is honestly my secret weapon. My wife is a monster. She was rated by Murder Dog magazine as one of the top 10 female rappers of all time along with Foxy Brown and Lil Kim. So having her there to bounce ideas off of is a plus. Then my shorty Y.A keeps me current.

S: On your Twitter account, I’ve seen you discuss your schedule and really being “in the streets.” What type of things are you doing “in the streets?”

G: That’s me Sketch. I have a concrete pulpit, family. I'm hitting secular events, clubs, open mics, prisons, boot camps, and Wal-Marts etc.

On Nov.22 Much Luvv is invading the Los Magnificos car show here in Houston with Omarion, Slick Rick, Charlie Boi and more. We are taking the word of God mainstream and we're going head first, no compromise.

S: You’ve also taken other rappers (Christian and secular) to task for not doing the same. Why do you think they aren’t in the same places you are?

G: Because my walk is my walk, some are called to certain areas and I respect that. I know where God is sending me.

I feel like more HHH cats need to go mainstream, not changing content, just changing venues. As far as secular cats, it's time for someone to hold there feet to the fire. While they are saying how much cash you’ll make selling coke, I am going to tell the other side of the story. How you get years in a cage or even worse: murdered.

S: You recently attended the memorial services for Juan “Enock” James. Tell me about that experience. How would you like Gifted to be remembered?

G: It was sad man. We lost a "SOULjah" Sketch and they lost a husband, father, and a son, feel me? But when his wife started to read his journal, I really got a glimpse into his heart man. That cat was pure and really after righteousness. He is my hero. I want to be remembered as a genuine person, an honest cat who loved God, his family, his friends and his music.

S: What do you want someone to get out of your new Street Symphony album?

G: I want them to be inspired, informed, entertained, encouraged, and above all, led to the savior JESUS CHRIST.

www.flamethrowa.com
www.myspace.com/iamgifted
www.twitter.com/daflamethrowa
www.youtube.com/gifteddaflamethrowa

Former Cross Movement member Juan "Enock" James passes away suddenly

As I'm sure you've heard by now, former Cross Movement member Juan "Enock" James passed away this Saturday morning.

I was on the road to visit family in Arkansas when I heard the news. Thankfully Tre9 was able to put up a quick story on DaSouth.com to share details and information. You can read all about that here.

I got to know Enock when he relocated to Houston several years ago and considered him a friend. I've spent all weekend thinking about him, his music, and his ministry impact all while trying to help distribute information and keep people in the loop regarding the care of his wife Natalie and daughter Jana.

I spoke to Natalie this afternoon as she was making preparations for the funeral. She said she was greatly encouraged by all the calls and messages, but still dealing with it all.

She said she broke down when working on the funeral arrangements because it just didn't seem real or fair that she should have to be doing this at such a young age. She also kept their 4-year-old daughter home from school today because she was crying last night about missing her daddy.

I haven't had a chance to visit (out of town all weekend and live about an hour away from them) but know that several Houston artists and friends have stopped by to look after her. Plus, her family is close so I'm sure that has helped.

Our convo got cut short because the church beeped in during our call and she needed to talk to them.

So, I'm not aware of any immediate financial or physical needs but will try to keep folks posted. DaSouth.com will also be a great place for additional information.

Obviously please keep them in your prayers.

The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. audio interview by Sketch about Rap-A-Lot Outreach

Victorious & Sketch @ Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day

My audio interview with Victorious & Proof from Austin's The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. about the Rap-A-Lot / Much Luvv Records 5th Ward Easter outreach event is now online exclusively at DaSouth.com.

I was impressed that these fellas drove over three hours (one way) just to be a part.

Listen in here while you view a slideshow of my images from that day.

We also got some pub on Isiah Carey's (Fox 26) Insite blog. Check that here. Thanks IC.

Recap: Rap-A-Lot/Much Luvv Records Outreach

All photos and text by Sketch the Journalist

“This place used to be junkyard,” Uncle Lloyd said. “But here we are ten years later and, not only is it a place for recreation, but we also believe it is a place for re-creation.”

Lloyd Prince was talking about the Prince Complex, the non-profit youth center he co-founded over a decade ago with Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James J. Prince.


Tre9 presents Uncle Lloyd & Mrs. Prince with a token of appreciation

Located in the heart of the infamous 5th Ward Houston neighborhood he once called home, the organization is designed to be a safe haven for “at-risk” youth and offers after-school basketball and boxing activities along with various community outreach programs for students and seniors.

The complex was celebrated on April 11, 2009 with a Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day. The event was co-sponsored by Rap-A-Lot and Much Luvv Records along with Copperfield Church and several other service organizations. Its afternoon featured performances by Christian hip hop artists, grocery distribution, inflatable games, basketball skill competitions, free food, and special appearances by well known rappers Gravy (aka Jamal Woolard from the Notorious B.I.G. biopic) and Bun B (of UGK).


On stage, Gravy told the crowd he was there to hang out all day, sign autographs, take pics, and talk to people about anything


Bun B gets interviewed by former 5th Ward Boy (and new Christian MC) 007

Approximately 400 people attended the event between the hours of noon and 4pm. Five pallets of food from Target Hunger resulted in bags of groceries for more than 250 needy families and 19 people received free HIV tests from organizations like FUUSA (Families Under Urban & Social Attack.)

Christian rappers The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. drove over three hours from Austin just to perform a ten minute set and participate in the outreach.


Early morning setup for the grocery distribution


Victorious (The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S.), Gifted (Much Luvv Records), 007 (5th Ward Boyz), & DJ D-Lite (DaSouth.com Radio)

“More people need to begin to show the love of God [in ways like this],” group member Victorious said. “The simple fact of the matter is we’ve got prophesying down, we’ve got preaching down, we’ve got taking offerings down… but this love thing is something we’re really suffering with and not enough people are walking in the true ‘agape’ love of God.

“Jesus said you will know my disciples, my followers, by the love they have for one another. So that’s why when a guy like [Much Luvv CEO] Tre9 calls and invites us out, we’re there to support.”


The slam dunk contest was pretty ill.


Bun either really didn't like a dunk or saw me with the camera and decided to play along.

Neither Gravy nor Bun B performed at the event, but both did take the microphone to encourage attendees and play “celebrity judge” during the slam dunk competition held in the Prince Complex gymnasium.

The fact that this day fell on Easter weekend held special significance for many of the Christians in attendance.


Volunteers from Copperfield Church did a variety of jobs, including face (and hand) painting.


The Prince Complex provided the chairs and venue.

“We will always recognize God’s place in our lives and that Jesus’ resurrection makes all of this possible,” Uncle Lloyd said from the stage. “Our family name of Prince may be on the building, but we set out to make an impact in the name of the Prince of Peace.”

The inaugural Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day began and ended with a group prayer led by Much Luvv’s Bobby “Tre9” Herring. He spearheaded the partnership with Rap-A-Lot and expressed his appreciation for the support of all of the event’s sponsors.


Colcutz & WE brought their "Worship Experience" to the event.


White tees for the volunteers also commemorated the day.

“I think we’ve opened a door to a great relationship with the Prince Complex and its 5th Ward community,” Herring said. “I look forward to doing more outreaches with them throughout the year and starting a weekly Bible study there this summer.”

Additional photos:


007, Von Won, & Tre9 perform "Rise to the Top"


Bun B takes in the final presentations and prayer.


J Xavier in a fresh "Run DC" Barak Obama tee.


The crowd gathers for the 3-point and slam dunk competitions. DaSouth.com was an event sponsor.


Issac White kilt (with a "t") the dunk comp. Vince Carter arm-in-the-hoop and errythang.


The M5 Mobile Ministry truck provided the stage & sound.


Houston holy hip hop mainstays Ras & Soulfruit


The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. drove down from Austin to be involved.


Videographer Orlando Briones, Gravy, & Sketch

Rapper/Singer Von Won signs with Much Luvv

Houston-based rapper/singer Von Won is now an official recording artist with Much Luvv Records. The contract signing ceremony took place alongside Von’s family after a recent ministry concert at The Fellowship of The Woodlands church.

Prior to his Christian conversion in 2007, Von Won was a member of the mainstream Playboy Click rap group with a solo album, Money Already Made, that featured high-profile guest appearances from the likes of Lil Keke and former Geto Boy Bushwick Bill. But a near-death police tazing incident shortly before that release caused him to re-evaluate his life and relationship with Jesus.

A friendship with Much Luvv CEO Bobby “Tre9” Herring eventually led to further discipleship and spots on frequent ministry stages. It later resulted in Rise to the Top, Von Won’s self-released first album as a sold-out believer, and then the recording contract with Much Luvv Records.

The journey to this point wasn’t always so smooth though. New Christians often struggle to match their heart’s desire with their attitude’s old ways. Tre9 even mentioned that the week leading up the signing ceremony was one of the hardest and most emotional he had been through with his new artist. Still, the two worked out their differences and are looking ahead to a bright partnership.

“I’m extremely grateful that Tre never shut the door on me and continued to believe in what I was doing,” Von Won said. “I’m very happy to be a member of the well-respected Much Luvv family.”

A Rice University graduate, Von Won is an entrepreneur with a label of his own. SXE (Southern Xposure Entertainment) will also produce and release street music from a Christian perspective by artists like Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing, Trevor Lee, and RBS.

But first, Von Won will focus on putting the final touches on his next album, Answering the Call, that will hit stores on September 15, 2009. The project will carry a post-tour, voice mail response concept and relate the story of Von’s experience in becoming a devoted follower of Jesus. Look for it to continue to the R&B, rap, and reggae sound Von is known for with guest features from the likes of Corey Red, Gifted, and the Much Luvv Family.

For a sneak preview, listen for Von Won’s special appearances on the songs “Movin’ Up to the Suburbs,” “Won't Stop,” and “Rise to the Top,” from Tre9’s new album The Farmer.

For more information, please visit http://www.realityrap.com/.

Listen to and watch Von Won in the “Rise to the Top” video from Tre9’s album The Farmer: