This Cross Makes Me Barf

A few weeks ago I noticed the "Marking Our City" billboard on my way to and from the office. Grace Community Church occupies quite a bit of real estate right on the I-45 freeway near The Woodlands so it's pretty much unavoidable.

I have to admit, my gut reaction was not pleasant.

Now my worst fears have been confirmed - with an official artist's rendering no less!


At least it's not gawdy.

The story notes:

Part building, part sculpture, each cross would include a "prayer center" about 40 feet off the ground — a "Space Needle-type place," Pastor Steve Riggle said — where Christians from all over Houston could come to pray for the city's well-being.

Please. A "Space Needle-type place?!?" The cross is now an amusement park?!?

Don't get me wrong. Praying for your city? Great. Making a huge public display of your prayer? Bad.

The words of Jesus from Matthew 6:5-6:

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

More from the Chronicle:

He hopes that other churches follow Grace's lead. "What if there was one of these at every entrance to the city?" he asks on a YouTube video. "You talk about marking our city for God!"

Ugh!

I find all of this troubling on so many levels.

Father, forgive us for trivializing and commoditizing your love and sacrifice in such superficial, stupid human ways.

Promo: Braille's NBA Live & DJ Moph's next

Syntax does it again. This time getting Braille's "IV" placed in the new promo video for EA's NBA Live 2009.



And former Beatmart mixter DJ Morphiziz has a new "tape" dropping September 16.



From the presser:

This project is a Hip Hop/Rap/R&B compilation of exclusive material with extraordinary artists from across the country. Which include artist like Sho Baraka, Japhia Life, R Swift, K Drama, The Breax, Frontlynaz, Young Joshua, & many more. This project is set apart from other compilation projects due to it being presented in a true DJ/Mixtape format showcasing remarkable scratch/cut transitions from one song to the next. The music style diversity ranges from east coast, south/crunk, R&B and electro/party, as the goal is to reach and cater to as many as possible.

Vid: Pettidee / FLAME on Albert Mohler show

Pettidee's got a semi-recent vid out with some nice on-location footage from Africa. It's also nice to hear him tackle some of these global social issues.

"All Alone"


Also, FLAME was interviewed on Albert Mohler's show late last week. Actually, Dr. Russell Moore was sitting in for the Southern Baptist talk host, but it's a pretty good discussion about hip hop's role in the faith from a source you wouldn't normally associate with this topic/genre.

Play or download the show here.

Promo: Brinson & Applejaxx newness

Newz you should know:

Brinson's soon to drop a solo jawn from the GodChaserz Camp. Peep the commercial below and you'll catch the theme.



Also, another track from the upcoming Applejaxx mixtape, Databass, has been leaked. Step on over to Illspot.net to get a listen.

The new track: "The Answer" feat. Mr. Coldstone

Look for this one to release next Tuesday, July 15.

Preview: Geto Boys Reunion Show - Warehouse Live - July 4, 2008

Well... this should be interesting.

The group, who apparently doesn't even really get along, is getting the band back together for a reunion show tomorrow night (Friday, July 4) at Warehouse Live.

This will be notable for the reason above and especially because Bushwick Bill has recently become outspoken about his Christian faith, is recording a gospel rap album, and just two weeks ago performed his new message music at the All Eyes On Me Awards (which honored holy hip hop's pioneers.)


Image by Scott Alan Photography Book him at www.scottalanphoto.com

I'll be going to observe - not judge. I'll probably even nod my head more than a few times.

Rest assured a follow-up will be written and posted after the event.

Buy your ticket here.

Venue locale.

Flix: All Eyes On Me Awards (06.21.08)

The full recap with text and more photos is coming soon. Until then, enjoy this little taste of the All Eyes On Me Awards weekend.

All photos shown below were taken by me - Sketch the Journalist. So if you swipe 'em, please give credit where it's due.

Friday Night Kick-Off Party Fellowship

San Diego's RedCloud rips it with a "pull-out-your-pockets" freestyle

NY's Whuteva (formerly of G-Unit) & Changdwumn in the house

Saturday Workshops & Panel Discussions

Panel A: How real do we have to keep it?

At the table: Sparky D (Roxanne, Roxanne Wars), Mrs. Rocc, Sean Slaughter, Pettidee, Whuteva, Chile Baby & Solo (Gospel Gangstaz), and E-Rock (5th Ward Boys)

Red Carpet

Secta7 founders: Black Seed, Rehab, Last Testament, Optix


Jacksonville, Florida's Pettidee gets an interview

Main Ceremony

Bless'T, Ganksta Loc, and 007 (5th Ward Boys) set it off


Honoring the Classic Era MCs: Ras, Pettidee, Corey Red, & Elle Roc

After Party

Bushwick Bill (Geto Boys) on the ultimate open-mic: Two turntables and a microphone in a crowded hallway before the After Party

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.