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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


To learn more about Rawsrvnt visit: rawsrvnt.com

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

2012 Tour Dates

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

Florida rapper Rawsrvnt releases Miami Heat anthem video (“Watch Out Boy”) before pivotal NBA Playoff Game 5

As the Miami Heat draw closer to another NBA Finals appearance (and hopeful championship), Florida rapper Rawsrvnt has released the official video for “Watch Out Boy (Can You Feel the Heat?)” – his theme song for the pro basketball team.

With a decade of music ministry under his belt, Rawsrvnt, also known as Eddy Puyol from the reality TV Show Donald J. Trump presents The Ultimate Merger, is just as outspoken about his love for Jesus as he is his passion for the Miami Heat.

In January Rawsrvnt was invited to perform at a surprise brunch to celebrate the 30th birthday of Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade. The following month he released a video for “On Fire” remixed as a tribute to the team with additional vocals from Richie Righteous.

Now, as a preview to Tuesday night’s pivotal Playoff Game 5 in Miami, Rawsrvnt is asking the world “Can You Feel the Heat?” with his new video for the song “Watch Out Boy.”

“I’ve been a huge Heat fan ever since they landed in my part of the state,” said Rawsrvnt. “I hope this anthem fires up not only the team, but Heat fans all over to rally our boys home toward another ring.”

The video was directed by Rawsrvnt, filmed by Leo Gomez of CBS Sports Miami, and edited by Nomar Rosa of Seventhwire Films.

View the video for “Watch Out Boy (Can You Feel the Heat?)” at the link below:



Fans and supporters can also follow Rawsrvnt online through Facebook and Twitter.

To purchase the song from iTunes, click here.

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

Rawsrvnt to perform at 2012 Dove Awards

Hip hop worship artist Rawsrvnt will join Lecrae in representing Christian rap as a performer at the 2012 Dove Awards. Rawsrvnt’s segment will be part of The Story Tour montage.

Last December Rawsrvnt joined the tour which was billed as a Christmas spectacular with carols and a musical journey from Genesis to Revelation. It featured Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Natalie Grant, Selah, Anthem Lights, and special guests Max Lucado and Randy Frazee.

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta and be nationally televised on GMC TV on April 24 at 8:00PM Eastern.

Rawsrvnt teams with 69 Boyz member Thrill da Playa for “El Shaddai” bass worship record

“Bass Ain’t Dead.” At least that’s the message you get when you talk to Thrill Da Playa. As a member of the multi-platinum secular group 69 Boyz, Thrill helped pen and release Florida bass records like “Tootsee Roll,” “Come On Ride It (The Train),” and even the Grammy-nominated “Space Jam” movie theme.

Now, as a rededicated Christian who is making music for the mainstream market, he’s hoping to revitalize the fun, party-atmosphere his style of hip hop always hoped to foster – just now with a clean, positive edge.

That comes in the form of his recently released Bass Ain’t Dead mixtape and the new single “El Shaddai.”

The track features hip hop worship artist Rawsrvnt using both his pop and regional sensibilities to create one of the most interesting Christian rap songs you’re bound to ever hear.

“I believe ‘El Shaddai’ is gonna have some people worshiping God in a real Florida way,” Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol said.



The two initially connected after Thrill invited Rawsrvnt to come out to his User Friendly album release party and support the positive direction he was moving toward with his new music.

“He came down and we just bonded and clicked automatically,” Thrill said. “He’s been able to help me navigate some things without even preaching or saying it. I just watch his walk and lifestyle and that’s helped me a lot.”

While “El Shaddai” is intended for listeners who are already believers to use in vertical worship of God the Father, Thrill’s other music, like the songs heard on Bass Ain’t Dead, are designed to simply offer a positive form of expression for a mainstream audience.

Thrill said that after his rededication to follow Jesus he was tempted to only create and release for the Christian market.

“I’m thankful for some things I went through because it became very clear to me, almost like His voice was in the room with me, that God was saying ‘If you go over there then who is going to be here [in the secular market]?’”

He said that listening to mainstream radio revealed to him how little programming is dedicated to offering a positive message. By his count it’s less than 30 minutes in a 24 hour day – a number he desperately wants to change and with a method that has the full support of Rawsrvnt.

“I love what Thrill’s doing,” Rawsrvnt said.

Rawsrvnt said that Thrill is uniquely sharing the love of God to the mainstream world the only way he knows how to – by simply being real and staying true to his background and talent base in the world of fun, dance style hip hop.

“I’m not only a fan, but also a friend, and I tell him all the time how important his role is in the Kingdom,” Rawsrvnt said.

“That’s what we’re both in this for – to love God and love people. And our song ‘El Shaddai’ is a way of thanking our Lord for the ways He’s worked in both of our lives.”

“El Shaddai” is available on iTunes as a joint release from both Rawsrvnt’s Soul Deep Records and Thrill Da Playa’s Responsible Recordings.

####

Soul Deep is asking fans to show support for the record by reposting the following information on their social networks:

Get @Rawsrvnt & @THRILLDAPLAYA of the 69 Boyz bass worship record "El Shaddai" on iTunes & leave your feedback! Thanx! http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shaddai-feat.-thrill-da-playa/id519245385

@Rawsrvnt & @THRILLDAPLAYA of the 69 Boyz release a bass worship record that'll have you jammin FLA style! Enjoy! http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shaddai-feat.-thrill-da-playa/id519245385

Listen to @Rawsrvnt & @THRILLDAPLAYA of the 69 Boyz bass worship record "El Shaddai" on YouTube & leave your feedback! http://youtube.com/watch?v=4uczdolAH_c

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt performs at Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade’s 30th birthday brunch

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade

This past Saturday Houston gospel singer Yolanda Adams and Christian rapper Rawsrvnt were invited to perform at a surprise brunch to celebrate the 30th birthday of Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade. The event kicked off what is said to be a week-long celebration for the former NBA champ and gold Olympian whose actual "born-on" anniversary is Tuesday, January 17.

South Florida native Rawsrvnt, who is known offstage as Eddy Puyol, said the opportunity came about when Wade’s mother, Jolinda, saw him perform at an event for the Tree of Life non-profit organization.

Without knowing she was in the audience, Puyol rapped his song “On Fire” which includes a reference to Dwyane Wade. He said that Ms. Wade, who is a pastor at a Chicago church her son purchased for her, made it a point to meet Puyol afterward and share a word of encouragement.



“She told me she loved the song and thought it should be played in the Miami Heat’s arena as the team’s new anthem,” Puyol said. “She also talked about raising Dwyane to be a man in the physical sense and wanting to continue to pour into his life in the spiritual sense. Months later, I received the invitation to perform at his birthday party.”

Rawsrvnt and Jolinda Wade

Saturday’s intimate affair was attended by a select group of Wade’s family and friends and held at the W South Beach Hotel and Residences. A healthy buffet was served alongside chicken and waffles inspired by Los Angeles’ famous Roscoe’s restaurant.

Rawsrvnt said he opened the party with a performance of his “I Gotta Feeling/Take It All” mashup of the Black Eyed Peas and Hillsong United hits and then turned the stage over to Adams who sang the Marvin Sapp chart-topper “Never Would Have Made It.”

“The party was full of surprises," Puyol said. "Dwyane didn’t even know it was going down. It was real cool to hear some of the childhood stories shared by family members and see his reaction when his 91-year-old grandmother showed up just to love on the boy.”

Rawsrvnt on stage at Dwyane Wade's 30th birthday party

Puyol said he closed his second set with a performance of “On Fire” after Pastor Wade led the audience in a group prayer for the quick healing of Dwyane’s recently injured ankle.

No stranger to the mainstream entertainment scene (Puyol appeared as a bachelor on the reality dating show Donald J. Trump presents The Ultimate Merger and led a pre-race NASCAR chapel event after “On Fire” was selected as the intro theme for driver Michael McDowell), Rawsrvnt said he believes the party invite was a divine call to his specific mission field.

“People just want to enjoy life. But unfortunately they often believe there is no joy in Jesus,” Puyol said. “Hopefully my music and lifestyle can help change that misconception.”

“We simply can't afford to keep the world's greatest message trapped inside the four walls of the church,” Puyol said.

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt rocks NASCAR

Motor Racing Outreach president Billy Mauldin, NASCAR driver Michael McDowell, and Eddy "Rawsrvnt" Puyol
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

When considering the soundtrack for a NASCAR race event, few people would mention Christian rap as the first music genre that comes to mind. But given the passionate, faithful, and youthful fanbases of each, the two growing movements were bound to eventually cross paths. And just recently - they did.

On the weekend of November 20, hip-hop worship artist Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol was invited to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the final race of the Sprint Cup Series where he performed and led chapel, met NASCAR driver Michael McDowell, and even got to sit in the driver’s seat of McDowell’s #66 Toyota Camry (a rare honor that was apparently the talk of the track.)

Rawsrvnt enters Michael McDowell's #66 Toyota Camry
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

It all started earlier this year, when Rawsrvnt was waiting on a flight to Jamaica to film a music video and killing time by reading his Twitter feed on his iPhone. A fan sent him an “at reply retweet” that mentioned McDowell had selected Raw’s song “On Fire” as his theme music for an upcoming race.

“I was both shocked and honored,” Puyol said. “I have to admit I hadn’t followed NASCAR that closely before, but to know that their massive audience would hear my lyrics about being ‘on fire’ for Jesus before Michael hit his gas pedal was very encouraging.”

Puyol and McDowell began to exchange notes of mutual appreciation via Twitter which eventually led to more offline conversations about faith and the fast lane. McDowell said he was an outspoken Christian who had been hipped to the “On Fire” song through Billy Mauldin, the president and CEO, of Motor Racing Outreach (MRO.)

“One evening I was home just looking around in iTunes for something new. I like cutting-edge music, stuff you usually will not hear on Christian radio. I also know when a song or a musician stirs my spirit. As soon as I heard ‘On Fire’ I was hooked,” Mauldin recalled.

“I am a 47 year-old father and still very young at heart so not only does this music appeal to me, but then I can introduce it to my children. I am always finding new stuff for them. I am also quick to share music I like with others. This is where the NASCAR connection comes in.”

Every year at the fall race at the Bristol Motor Speedway the drivers are introduced with a theme song. Fans love it and the drivers get a kick out of picking songs that reflect their personality or persona as racers.

Michael McDowell and Rawsrvnt before the Homestead-Miami race
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

About two weeks before that race, McDowell and Mauldin were flying back from Montreal with the Joe Gibbs Racing teams. Mauldin asked McDowell if he had picked his song for Bristol. He replied that he had not, but needed to.

“I told him I had a song he needed to check out,” Mauldin said. “So I handed him my headphones and started ‘On Fire.’ Immediately a great big grin came across his face and he said ‘That’s it!’ The rest is history.”

Rawsrvnt singing during the Motor Racing Outreach chapel service before the Homestead-Miami race
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

At the Miami event, Rawsrvnt participated in the MRO’s pre-race chapel service where he performed and shared his personal story of redemption through Christ. He sung his popular Black Eyed Peas/Hillsong United “I Gotta Feeling/Take It All” mashup and a remixed version of “On Fire” that included a new reference to the NASCAR community.

Afterwards, he handed out over 1,000 copies of his Grammy-nominated No Ordinary Love album and followed Michael McDowell to the track for the pre-race prayer.

“Michael leaned over to me and said this is one of the few sports where you’ll see and hear them so specifically and boldly mention Jesus’ name,” Puyol said. “I told him I thought it was cool that NASCAR is all about representing the faith, family, and pride in our country.”

Rawsrvnt pointing out Michael McDowell's car
Photo courtesy of Rawsrvnt

Looking back, Rawsrvnt said he feels like this story perfectly illustrates how God’s Kingdom operates.

“It’s really all about being faithful over the small things and allowing Him to orchestrate the meetings, events, and elevations that He wants – not us!

“Who would have imagined that one man’s random search on iTunes would lead to me being able to talk about Jesus through my music to a crowd of over 150,000 race car fans?”

Only those who believe in a God as big as ours.

Rawsrvnt to be a part of The Story Tour with Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, and others

Christian rapper Rawsrvnt (aka Eddy Puyol), who you might remember from his stint as a bachelor on Donald J. Trump presents The Ultimate Merger reality TV dating show, has been added as a performer on The Story Tour.

The event is billed as a Christmas spectacular with carols and a musical journey from Genesis to Revelation. It features Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Selah, Anthem Lights, and special guests Max Lucado and Randy Frazee.

Rawsrvnt is scheduled to perform several numbers throughout the concert including “Bring Us Home (Joshua)” with Michael Tait (formerly of the Christian rap pioneering group dc talk) & Amy Perry of Selah.

The Story Tour will be visiting Dallas on December 2 and Austin on December 4. No Houston dates have been announced. Tickets and details can be found online at thestorycd.com/tour.

Top 10 Christian Hip Hop Stories of 2010

Y’all know how we do. The end of the year equals countdown lists and I’m teeing up the Top 10 Christian Hip Hop Stories of 2010.

Let’s go!

10. Richie “s/ave” Douglas passes

This one is deeply personal but also carries great significance for the entire faith-based genre. We entered 2010 by losing one of the greats – Richie “s/ave” Douglas. He was the man who founded DaSouth.com, was the original Christian hip hop journalist, and my dear friend.

s/ave was only 36 years old and died in his sleep as a result of an epileptic seizure. He was, and still is, sorely missed.

9. Oklahoma on the rise for Christian hip hop

As you know, I’m a Texan and we tend to have just a little bit of state pride, okay, who am I kidding? A LOT of state pride.

Still, I gotta keep it real and tip my hat to our northern border neighbors in Oklahoma. They’ve got guys like Dre’ Murray, Fedel, Kadence, Cam, and Sean C. Johnson going hard body lately.

All these cats seem to really be putting a professional shine on their art and represent well. They’ve also got the collective force of an organization like Positive Hip Hop.tv pushing them to the forefront and are hosting events like the Oklahoma Hip Hop Hope Unity Conference.

Is O-K the new Christian hip hop hot spot?

8. The Houston Chronicle covers Christian hip hop on the regular

This June, after several months of relationship building, I was invited to become a regular blogger for the Houston Chronicle’s Belief subsite. I retain full editorial control over what I cover and average about two or three posts a week about news and events in our genre.

Several of those stories get featured on the front page of the Chronicle’s main website and a handful have even made it into their weekly print edition. Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city, but only a one newspaper town. All that means is that this opportunity is definitely bringing some much needed exposure to what God is doing through hip hop as a whole and in my city in particular.

7. Rawsrvnt attempts “The Ultimate Merger”

A Donald Trump-produced reality dating show with previous Apprentice villain Omarosa as its focus doesn't seem like a place where you'd find a Christian rapper as a contestant.

Then again, it's probably the exact reason one was added to the cast. We're talking about it here, aren't we?

Yep, Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol was one of 12 eligible bachelors looking to win Omarosa’s heart on “The Ultimate Merger.”

The story goes that Trump’s people hit up Rapzilla.com looking for candidates and the Florida-based worship-hop artist was nominated.

Raw told me his goal in going on the show was to demonstrate what the walk of a true man of God looks like and to show how he treats and relates to women.

He only lasted three episodes, but anyone who saw the show can’t deny that Raw accomplished his task.

6. RedCloud torches Christian hip hop

"Evandalism," RedCloud’s firebomb diss track, hit YouTube on Good Friday. In it, he vented about his break up with his former label and his disappointment with many of the spiritual leaders within whom he had placed some trust.

What was obvious in this track was that he was hurting. The lyrics were laid over Diddy’s “Angels” beat and the original hook lines of “love don’t live here no more” and “I need someone to trust” that bled through were haunting. Cloud also screamed out “Lord, deliver me from your followers” and “Somebody feel my pain!”

His pain was indeed felt. And thankfully, after several individuals reached out to him, Cloud removed the clip from the net the next day. Still, the damage was done.

We’re still praying for you Cloud.

5. Braille’s Weapon Aid provides catharsis

Braille had spoken publicly about his father’s death, his painful divorce, moving from state to state, and caring for his young daughter. Add in the demise of his Hip Hop is Music company and the public diss from a former labelmate (see RedCloud's outburst above) and you’ve got a justifiable recipe for depression. Still, his lyrics on Weapon Aid convey an air of ultimate trust and rescue through Christ the King.

They process the concerns of a “Blessed Man,” admit periods of doubt, darkness, and defeat, but never lash out. Instead, Braille seems to seize the opportunity for self-examination.

On record, betrayal never leads to bitterness. This is the route we wish RedCloud would have taken.

Weapon Aid was heart-sleeve hip hop in the emotional vein of Kanye’s 808’s & Heartbreak. I’m guessing that five to ten years from now we’ll look back on this dark period in Christian hip hop and say that this album was a healing catharsis for us all.

4. Bizzle goes at Jay-Z

Admit it, you weren’t aware of Bizzle before his “Explaining To Do” track directed at Jay-Z became a hip hop gossip site staple. Heck, dude lived in my own city and I didn’t even know his name before this.

What some saw as a mere publicity stunt was really just the passionate outcry from a relatively new believer. He saw the game’s top dog dissing his Savior and felt the need to vocalize his frustrations with some righteous anger.

What was great about it all was that it got a conversation started and shed light in a traditionally dark area. And if you still have doubts about Bizzle’s motives, I urge you to download his Messenger and Best of Both Worlds mixtapes and witness his expanded topical focus.

3. Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. break their silence

If 2009 was the year of shame then 2010 was the year of restoration. After publicly admitting failures in their marriage in unrelated incidents, both Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. eventually broke their silence after a period of retreat.

Ambassador opened up via a video blog, proclaimed reconciliation with his wife, and later led a weekly Bible study on DaSouth.com. Shortly after, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. renewed his wedding vows on his 8th anniversary. DJ Wade-O brought us audio from that ceremony and later sat down with the artist and his wife to share their testimony.

By all appearances, we might even see both guys return to the booth for full albums that will no doubt be dripping with stories of grace.

2. Flavor Fest celebrates 10 years and a new building

The weekend of 10/10/10 in Tampa, Florida ushered in a celebration of two great things. First, it was the 10 year anniversary of Flavor Fest – an event designed to encourage, empower, and equip churches, ministry workers, and artists to better communicate the Gospel through hip hop.

Secondly, it was the grand opening of the new building and campus for Crossover Church – largely recognized as the leading and most vibrant all-out hip hop congregation.

Although I had visited Crossover before, this was my first ever Flavor Fest. I was definitely impressed. If you consider yourself a member of the Christian hip hop community you owe it to yourself to make a trip to Tampa and witness firsthand how God is using that church and that event to make Him famous.

Congrats Urban D and the Crossover Community. We love and celebrate this milestone with you.

1. Reach Records' Unashamed Tour raises the bar for CHH events

With nearly 30 shows and 25 plus cities, the crew from Reach Records raised the bar for a traveling Christian hip hop concert. Aided by the record-setting sales success of Lecrae's Rehab album and the momentum of a handful of other releases from their flagship artists, the Unashamed Tour brought out the masses.

Attendance reports started in the 1,000 person range (as it was in Houston) and continued to grow as the tour went on. Three thousand, 3,500, then close to 5,000.

The stage was set with Reach-provided screens and lights. There were pre-song and artist transitions videos and choreographed moments that perfectly meshed with the DJ Official and a live drummer's accents. But most importantly, the message of the Gospel was expressed and reinforced throughout the event.

When I interviewed the Reach Records team at Flavor Fest, Lecrae told me that he envisioned the Unashamed Tour as a hip-hop like Passion Conference, designed to introduce people to Jesus and lead those who already follow him in worship through hip hop. What a beautiful and well-executed vision.

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

For more of my thoughts on the year in Christian hip hop (including my nominees for the best newcomer, video, interview, album, artist, and moment) check out my conversation with DJ Wade-O on Episodes 189 and 190 of the The Wade-O Radio Show.

Stream or download them for free right here.

Should Rawsrvnt get a spin-off reality show?

On last night’s episode of The Ultimate Merger, Christian rapper Rawsrvnt (aka Eddy Puyol) was told by Omarosa that he “could not close the deal” and was asked to check out of Vegas’ Trump International Hotel along with Sterling, the only other non-Black cast member. (The show’s lame visual metaphor for the dismissal: Shredding each guy’s mandatory pre-nup.) Many were surprised Raw even lasted this long.

The question now is: What’s next?

No Ordinary Contestant

As any VH1 channel lineup will reveal, it’s not uncommon for reality shows (particularly in the dating subgenre) to grant spin-offs to cast-offs like Eddy. But could or should that happen?

While The Ultimate Merger’s editing may indicate otherwise, my interactions with and research about Rawsrvnt reveal definite charisma. TV One’s website for TUM also supports this in that Eddy has been leading their “Which Bachelor is Your Ultimate Fantasy?” poll since the show premiered. I think that illustrates his popularity, draw, and audience mobilization skills.

And Raw didn’t disappoint his Christian fans. While skepticism greeted his initial announcement of participation in this production, most online commenters seemed to have turned a corner. Now there’s overwhelming support for Eddy representing his faith well in spite of the Sin City temptations provided by TUM’s assorted “challenges.”

His one-on-one interaction with Lady O (as the show is wont to call its headliner) earned particularly high marks from Christians who saw him proudly proclaim he was “in love with Jesus” and avoid the manufactured drama that ultimately creates memorable “characters” who receive exponentially more screen time.

Should a spin-off opportunity be presented to Raw, my suggestions would be two-fold:

1. Open up more

While he admirably proved he was serious about his goal of representing a true man of God, Eddy’s conversation with Omarosa also seemed a bit cold. Perhaps being unsure of how his character would be crafted in the editing room, Eddy chose to make sure he talked about Christ just about every time he opened his mouth so that cutting any mention of Jesus from his dialogue would be near impossible. But still, it seemed to limit the amount of his personality that could shine through.

I’d coach him to relax a bit and simply be himself. If Christ truly resides within him (which I do not doubt), then He’ll naturally reveal Himself through word and deed.

2. Try to step away from the dating sub-genre

Let’s be honest, this is not the best entertainment – morally or artistically. These type of shows seem overly dramatic with situations painfully manipulated to create conflict. Shoot, the producers might as well be shown on-screen directing the action.

But the reality television genre can work when it’s done more documentary style or as part of a legitimate search for new talent.

I think Rawsrvnt would be great hosting a Sunday’s Best type affair that looks for the next Christian hip hop star or as part of a show that explores his life as an urban music minister. This close examination of a unique personality/situation/career works very well on Discovery with Deadliest Catch and on TLC via Little People, Big World and 19 Kids and Counting.

These shows can be both interesting and uplifting and are often very open to portraying their main subjects’ personal faith. As a bonus for the networks: They also heavily draw viewers from the same sort of crowd.

The Finale

As for me and my house, I guess I’ll let my DVR catch the rest of TUM and only occasionally peep in to see one of television’s worst trainwrecks. However, I know I’d be paying much closer attention if there were more guys like Rawsrvnt on my screen.

What about you? Do you think Rawsrvnt could handle a reality show spinoff? Would you watch? Would it matter what type of show it was?

Vidz: Rawsrvnt keeps the faith vs. Omarosa

Wondering if Rawsrvnt (aka Eddy Puyol) is keeping the faith against Omarosa on that Ultimate Merger reality dating show?

Peep this clip and see what you think.



To me, if anything, the complaint would be that he's being too Christian in that he appears to be unable to talk about anything else.

Of course, this could all be editing, but from what I've seen from him on the show so far, the kid is repping well.

Any other "Ultimate Merger" watchers out there with differing opinions?

RELATED: A Reality Check for Christians: Christian Hip Hop Star to appear on Omarosa's reality show

Rawsrvnt cast on Donald Trump/Omarosa reality dating show - Premiers Thus, June 17

In a move that was bound to have message boards buzzing, Florida worship-hop star Rawsrvnt has been cast on the Donald Trump-produced Omarosa reality dating show called The Ultimate Merger that premiers on the TV One network at 9pm ET on Thursday, June 17.

I caught up with Raw recently to ask about the show and worked our conversation into an article that appeared in the Belief section of the Houston Chronicle last Friday.

Here's your teaser and link to the rest:

A Donald Trump-produced reality dating show with previous The Apprentice villain Omarosa as its focus doesn't seem like a place where you'd find a Christian rapper as a contestant.

Then again, it's probably the exact reason one was added to the cast. We're talking about it here, aren't we?

Yes indeed, 30-year-old Christian “worship-hop” artist Eddy Puyol, who raps under the name Rawsrvnt (pronounced raw servant), is one of 12 eligible bachelors looking to win Omarosa's heart in The Ultimate Merger, which begins airing Thursday on TV One Network.

The show also will feature 90's platinum R&B artist Al B. Sure and Akon protégé Ray Lavender.

Puyol was approached by the show's producers, who searched the Internet and contacted Christian hip-hop media outlet Rapzilla.com to suggest possible participants.

After initial hesitation, Puyol began to view the show as an opportunity to present a more accurate image of what it means to be a follower of Jesus than the one he believes is portrayed in mass media.

Read the rest and leave at comment here.

And here's the promo vid: