What Frontline Records Means to Me

From the late '80s to the early '90s, Frontline Records was among the first alternative Christian labels of its kind, housing artists such as The Altar Boys, Christafari, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Jon Gibson, Christafari, Tim Miner, Nicole C. Mullen, and Tourniquet as well as founding Christian hip hop artists D-Boy, P.I.D., and Dynamic Twins (all from Texas.)

The good folks at Syntax recently inked a deal to digitally distribute that catalog and asked that I record a short video about what Frontline Records means to me.

So, here's my contribution.



For far more entertaining clips, check out Tim and Steve Trudeau's videos on the Frontline Records YouTube channel.

RedCloud torches CHH with "Evandalism"

RedCloud freestyling at the All Eyes On Me kickoff party (Houston, TX 2008)
Photo by Sketch the Journalist

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

His harshest words, however, were reserved for his former friends at Syntax Records and a lengthy checklist of well known Christian MCs and musicians.

In the song, Cloud speaks in graphic detail about what he says are the hidden sins in the lives of each of these individuals – most likely in an attempt to justify his own actions and the negative reaction people have had to his, now public, view about the use of marijuana.

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

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

Still, a lot of damage was already done. I’ll have some commentary on this issue with Wade-O on episode #153 of The Wade-O Radio Show.

Syntax Records goes to Russia

On November 16 – 23, Syntax Records is heading to Russia to serve with Youth For Christ, Youth With A Mission and The Salvation Army. They’ll also be attending and performing at the largest Christian Music festival in that country.

The label is asking fans to pray for them before and after this trip.

And should you like to also financially support their efforts, they have announced that for every $10 in donations they receive, they will send you a Syntax CD of your choice AND donate one to the ministry efforts in Russia.

Visit syntaxrecords.com for more details.

Northern California's Joshua Fest Partners with Syntax Records for 6th Straight Year

Joshua Fest, the popular three-day, camp-style rock festival, has partnered with Syntax Records for a sixth straight year. The label has been affiliated with the event since its inception.

In addition to running the official Joshua Fest merchandise booth, offering a physical version of their QualityJunk.com music store, and helping to market and promote the event, Syntax will be contributing musical talent.

Alongside a lineup of groups like Mxpx, Family Force Five, Emery, and Project 86, expect to see Kaboose, Odd Thomas, Propaganda, and Jeremiah Bonds represent the world of hip hop.

This year’s event will take place September 4 – 6 at Quincy, California’s Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds. To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.itickets.com/.

Crossing over

Several Christian rappers and labels are getting their music exposed to mainstream audiences lately.

Florida’s GodChaserz Entertainment’s track, “I Can’t Hear Y’all,” earned an appearance on the Reviewstacks.com official mixtape.

And Syntax Records’ Shane Newville’s “Samurai Showdown” is being used by the CW network to promote an upcoming show called “The Beautiful Life.” Read more here.

Also check out DJ Promote's mash-up of that track with Braille's "Double Dose" on the Wages of Syntax 2 mixtape. It's a thing of beauty.

Finally, you might also catch deepspace5 member Sintax the Terrific’s political raps on CNN.com. Using the news network’s iReport site, the MC has crafted two, rhyme commentary video summaries of the recent election in Iran and the G8 Summit. Check for “Green Out” and “The Last Shall Be G8” below.

Syntax suspends promotion of RedCloud

It is with deep sorrow that I inform you that “Syntax Records has decided to indefinitely suspend all promotion, support, and endorsement of RedCloud.”

The label made the formal announcement via their website on Thursday, July 2. In it, they break down the Biblical steps they took before coming to this point.

As we did recently with Ambassador and Cross Movement Records, I ask that you continue to lift up all parties involved and guard your heart against the temptation to elevate any man above the grace He has been given through Christ’s sacrifice.

Syntax signs Odd Thomas & Propaganda / GodChaserz Entertainment gets C-Straight

Two of Christian hip hop’s most-catalogued labels announced additions to their rosters last week.

San Diego-based Syntax Records confirmed earlier Rapzilla rumors that both Odd Thomas and Tunnel Rat MC Propaganda have joined their crew.

Syntax Records has long relationships with both artists that date back to the year 2000. Odd Thomas worked on the Fashion Expo and Night Owls compilations in addition to making beats like RedCloud’s “Tapatio.” Prop’s also known the Trudeau brothers for years and toured with Cloud in 08.

Read the full statement here.



Also, Florida’s GodChaserz Entertainment announced new artist C-Straight. He’s debuting on the Interwebs with a “D.O.A.” remake. “Death of Apathay” also features GCE member ReadyWriter calling shotgun.

Listen here.

Fred Lynch (P.I.D.) interview on the SynCast

The good folks at Syntax Records & Rapzilla.com bring you a dope interview with Christian hip hop pioneer Fred Lynch of P.I.D.

Preachas In Disguise was the lick back in the day. Solid message and music. "Born with the Gift" was one of my personal faves.

Y'all really need to hear this one and get to KNOW YOUR ROOTS!

Download and listen here.

Also, I understand you can now get their classic works via iTunes through Syntax Distribution. You can also cop hard copies of a lot of old school Christian rap through their online store: Quality Junk.com

Syntax Records partners with Ahmad

Syntax and Ahmad (4th Avenue Jones / "Back in the Day") sure seemed awfully chummy lately. Now we know why.

Dude has officially partnered with the label to launch his WE C.L.A.P. imprint and "The Death of Me" album.

Read the full presser here and enjoy a lil blast from the past below.



And this. Man I miss the Jones'.

Free DL: Kaboose "Bits & Pieces" mixtape

Syntax is celebrating Kaboose's recent success (reviews and articles in The Source & appearances on Nike.com) by offering this lil treat.

Enjoy your FREE download here.

Syntax Records sponsors UFC fighter

Syntax Records appears to be sponsoring fellow San Diegoan (?) Dan Lister in the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion. Check the flick to see the SR logo on his shorts.

Rapzilla.com says it also appeared on his entrance tee and on his banner.

Syntax Records' DJ Promote will host your New Year's Eve Party for $FREE-99

Photo by Sketch the Journalist

From the good men at Syntax Records:

Can't afford a DJ to spin at your private New Years event? Once again the innovators at Syntax Records have solved your crisis! Bring in the New Year in style by having a professional DJ mix your party!

Here are 4 easy steps!

• Make sure you have iTunes installed. If you do not it’s a free download at www.itunes.com

• Make sure you are 'subscribed' to TheSynCast through iTunes. To make sure you have subscribed properly click on the “PodCasts” link in the left area of iTunes. You’ll see it next to Music, TV, etc. The most recent episode which is the Christmas episode will should have downloaded. Congratulations you are subscribed.

• Now that we have established you are properly subscribed the next step is to just simply open iTunes on or after December 26th 2008. Doing this will ensure that the New Years Eve PodCast downloads to your local computer so you have time to get all set up for your party.

• On Wednesday December 31st 2008 at exactly 11:30PM press PLAY on your computer, iPod, or whatever device you have downloaded the PodCast to. Turn down the lights, and get your groove on. No need to keep looking at your watch cause DJ Promote has it all under control for you!

Don't forget to pick up 'Wages of Syntax 2' mixed by DJ Promote if you would like to host another private party and bypass the cost of having someone DJ the event! If you haven't already check out the trailer on YouTube!

The Syncast wants your voice

I've got mad love for the cats at Syntax Records. Some 'em some yourself by subscribing to their podcast and giving them a shoutout for the Christmas show. Details below.

Hey everyone!

It's that time of the year again! Syntax Records is compiling 'greetings' from our friends and colleagues out there in the world for our Christmas themed PodCast. It takes us a very long time to create/edit this show so get your shout-outs in right away!

Reason's why you should call:
-You've never given a shout-out before... live a little.
-The audience is listening. Tell them what you think!
-You can promote a product, service, or company.
-Even if you don't celebrate Christmas people all over the world
still enjoy listening to your warm (digital) greeting to them.
-It makes YOU cool because you are 1 out of 5 Billion people on the planet who are NOT on the PodCast...
-It makes US cool because you are a special or important person in this industry and people are impressed that we know you :)

Instructions:
Step 1: Pick up your phone and dial 619-312-4586 (no one ever answers it's just a voicemail)
Step 2: The voicemail greeting will begin yelling at you, don't let him scare you.
Step 3: Beep. Anything from this point on is being recorded. Let us know who you are, what you are, where you are, what you want the world to know.

To hear if you made it to the episode search "syntax records" in iTunes making TheSynCast.com pop up and then click 'subscribe' it's free

DJ Promote's "Wages of Syntax 2 Volume 2" for less than a Mickey D's combo

Twenty-three crushers blended by one of HHH's craziest DJs for less than Big Mac sack of carbs? Count me in.

Pre-order your copy here for just $4.98!

1. "Goin Outta Control" Kaboose feat.Royce Da 5'9"
2. "The IV" Braille feat.Rob Swift
3. "Hawthorne's Most Wanted" RedCloud feat.Kurupt & Tonex
4. "Universal" L.A. Symphony feat.Posdnuous of De La Soul
5. "Knuckle Up (Experiment X Remix)" Kaboose feat.Shane Newville, Manchild, & Playdough*
6. "I Sigh" Sackcloth Fashion
7. "Pandemonium" Luke Geraty feat.Pigeon John
8. "Traveling Circus" RedCloud feat.Sam Hart
9. "First of All (Lolly Pops Remix)" Sivion, Jeremiah Bonds, Soul P.*
10. "Heart" Othello feat.Destro of Boom Bap Projects
11. "Samurai Showdown (Double Dose Remix)" Shane Newville feat.Braille*
12. "Side By Side" Def Shepard
13. "Guns & Roses (Rising Son's Remix)" RedCloud feat.& Jayo Felony & Tonex*
14. "Hidden In The Bushes" Freddie Bruno & k-Drama
15. "Blessed Man" Braille
16. "For You (Blessed Man Remix)" Kaboose feat.Braille & Christin Hart*
17. "Season's Greetings" Othello feat.Siren's Echo
18. "Don't Wear It Out (Journey Through My Mind Remix" RedCloud feat.Grits*
19. "Follow Me Now" Kaboose
20. "Move On" Man of War
21. "Boombox Saints (Waterworld Remix)" RedCloud*
22. "Technique" Def Shepard
23. "Thank You and Good Night" DJ Promote

*Exclusive versions only available on this release.

Watch DJ Promote work on the Interwebs

Promote's hallway open mic party at the AEOM Awards - Photo by Sketch the Journalist

Well, he's not actually working ON this thing called the Internet (although it could use some improvements), but you can watch him recording and scratching stuff for the new Kaboose record.

Peep it live via the Syntax Records community site (http://www.cafesyntax.com/) and Justin.tv each day this week roughly after lunchtime Texas time.

Here's the linkage.

While you're there, do yourself a favor and download his killer "Stick This In Your Ear" mixtape for FREE from Datpiff.com.

BTW, my All Eyes On Me Awards recap (with lots of photos) is coming soon. I'm still resizing, renaming, and uploading photos in addition to catching up on a lot of lost sleep.