Recap: Gifted release party (11/20/09)

It's anutha belated photo recap post. This time from Gifted da Flamethrowa's release party for the excellent Street Symphony - an album that was one of my top 5 faves from 2009.

Here's the rundown:
All photos by Sketch the Journalist


DJ Primo kicked things off with a spin set that included video mixes and kept the crowed entertained while we waited. (Has a Christian hip hop concert EVER started on time?)


Trevor Lee was MVP of the night - running sound, performing, and acting as a hype man for everybody.


Here's a still shot of the dope Street Symphony video that Primo hooked up to run in the background of the event.


Von Won and the Sheep in Wolves Clothing fam rocked a set with some ski masks. Tracks included "Bow Down," "Jesus Lives" (peep the official video here), and "Game Time."


Von addressed the crowd and informed us that Gifted and his fam were on the way. Apparently Gifted caught a legit flat tire during his travels that delayed him for about two hours.


Gifted's son, Young Anointed aka Y.A., flexed his freestyle skills upon arrival. Kid can flow.


Gifted da Flamethrowa finally hit the stage to perform some new tracks (like "Free Us" feat. Bishop Lester Love) and a few throwbacks including his "66 Ways" jawn.


And of course, he had to bring up Denzil for that dancehall-tinged "Hands Up" jam. (Peep the official video for that here.)


Gifted also gave props to Pastor Mukes who helped him grow spiritually and as an artist with Bound 4 Glory Records.

Through gold teeth and a think New Orleans accent, Mukes gave a message about that value of Christian hip hop and said that if God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through rap music. After all, the Enemy uses it. We just have to take it back and speak life.


Afterward, Gifted kicked with friends, family, and fans.


And showed off the new CD with his beautiful bride (and femcee) Zeeda.

Broadway Block Party (07/12/08)

I happened to be out and about on Saturday and figured I'd swing by the Broadway Block Party outreach to check out some of our local artists in action. Here's a quick photo recap for those that couldn't do the same.


The locale


Bound 4 Glory's Zeeda takes the stage.


TruVine and his lovely wife


The PHF Family representing (yes, that's Enock in the background)


CRS told me about a ministry they have with a community in Corsicana, TX where they buy new Starbury basketball shoes from Steve & Barry's and tag them up with some paint and Scripture verses and give them out to kids for free.


More work from CRS - what a dope concept.


Barbie and Lita Rodi from Vertical 713 who helped organize the event


DJ Ovadose attempts to cool off from the near triple-digit heat.


Enock (who was celebrating his birthday) with daughter Jana (pronounced Ya-Na)

I didn't stay for the whole event and know there were a lot more guys that performed and volunteered that I didn't hit. Hope this gives you some idea of what went on though.

Keep and eye out for the Enock comeback too.