Saturday, January 31, 2009

KJ-52 rocks The Woodlands (again!)

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It's the S.O.I. / Worldwide realize

Tweezy was in town once again last night to rock The Fellowship of The Woodlands church and film concert performance footage for the video to his "Keep Shining" track off The Missing Pages album. Yep, that's the one that reunites him with former Sons of Intellect rhyme partner Goldinchild (who also does a guest feature on "I Won't Ever Stop" from the original Yearbook album.)

The event was an exclusive youth-only joint with very heavy security so I didn't get to see the show.

[Side Note #1: The security was for the kids - not KJ. He don't roll with an ego like that.]

[Side Note #2: We overheard that there were over 1,100 fifth and sixth graders there and they were trying to get a count on the number of seventh and eight graders. Sheesh!]

Still, my wife and I were able to swing by before he hit the stage to say hello and give KJ a few copies of the new Tha Message magazine with my cover story on him.

[Side Note #3: Shameless plug - Get your copy right 'chere.]

We also got an autograph for a 9-year old little girl who is enrolled in our LearningRx business and who was supposed to be headed to the show. Earlier in the day she told my wife that she was going to see "KJ-54" so Jonah indulged us with a signature and a playful shot of this new moniker.

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As always, KJ has a lot going on with some special stuff I'll detail in another post. For now, I just wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes info of one of CHH's hardest working men.

Oh yeah, and I'm kicking myself for not taking a photo of the special KJ-52 Smart car the church had on stage for him at the show. It was killer.

Let's salute DJ Primo

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Worst photo background ever? We met up halfway between each of our offices and asked a stranger to snap the flick. What can you do?

This was one of those Christian hip-hop-packed weeks for me. It's been a while, but I love it.

First up - on Monday I finally got to link up with DJ Primo to accept the war-flown flag he brought back from his last tour of duty in Afghanistan.

You might remember similar flags he's given to Tre9 and the 116 Clique.

Primo is a true blood who has proudly served this country via the United States Army Reserves. During his last TOD I tried to do my best to shoot him a care package or note every now and then.

I'm honored to accept this flag and just wanted to give him a big shout and some love here. Next time you see him, please do the same.

And if you wanna check out the King of Christian Chopped & Screw - grab his most recent efforts for Rawsrvnt or on the Chopped Up Volume 1 comp by Truvine and friends.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Vidz: Lego "White & Nerdy"

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. All week I've been deployed to a client's site for the day job and don't have web access there and very little time with it when I get home.

I went to the Canton Jones concert last night and loved it. Photos and blog to come. KJ-52 is tonight (possibly.)

Anyway, I just ran across this clip and had to share. You know how I love the Legos. Add with my favorite music parodist, hip-hop, and a Houston connection how could I NOT post this joker.

Enjoy.

The Lego Weird Al version


The original Weird Al version
White and Nerdy


The original Chamillionaire version
(WARNING: Contains some cussin')

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Why doesn't BET play Tye Tribbet's "Good in the Hood" on 106 & Park?


This is an outstanding song and video. My question is why isn't BET running it on 106 & Park?

I don't mean their Generation Gospel show either. It's already been there (well, at least the first minute a half.) I'm talking about the "real" 106 & Park.

It's professional.

It's uplifting.

It's a message that needs to reinforced.

Tye's already a part of the BET family via the GenGospel show.

And Obama is now president. (Alright, so that's not AS pertinent, but there does seem to be a general air of hope and positivity now, right?)

Here's my fear and frustration with the GenGospel show - that stuff like this will be relegated to the Christian kiddie table and never get to sit with the big boys. How do we prevent that?

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Vidz: Canton Jones "G.O.D."

CaJeezy (a name mentioned in the YouTube credits to the side and an image that immediately popped into my mind when I saw this) has released a nice looking clip for the "G.O.D." song that's been blazing on Wade-O Radio lately. Check it below.

And if you wanna see the dude live and live in the Houston-area, drive on up to Huntsville next Thursday night (January 29) for a free show. Details here.

What do you think of this video? A good representation of G.O.D. or too flashy?

Tre9 questions "Yes We Can" politics

You might have already seen this on Rapzilla.com, Dasouth.com, Illspot.net, The Christian Manifesto, Vessel Vibe or somewhere else, but since I wrote it, it ain't really late. :)
"Obama Wins!" "Things are Changing!" "Yes, We Can!" / But in God I put my trust, and not man / Gonna hold onto my God's unchanging hand / As he, as he leads me along" – "Yes We Can" (Tre9)

While the nation is justifiably excited about the inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States, gospel rapper Tre9 cautions that Barack Obama is simply a man – not a Messiah.

In "Yes We Can," a song recorded exclusively for the Beat Lab 7's free, downloadable "Music Meets the Truth 2009" album, Bobby "Tre9" Herring presents an argument for cautious support of elected officials.

"We have to remember politicians are men who fall short of God's glory, just like everyone else. And far too often, their words don't match their actions, and our expectations go unfulfilled," Herring said.

"It's especially important that Christian voters and politicians hold themselves to higher standards and value their heavenly citizenship over their national one."

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And despite the title chant and "Abomination, disregard Obama-nation" line (a phrase he remembered from a photo of a protest sign at a gay-rights rally), Tre9 says this is not an anti-Barack track or partisan in any way. It's simply a Christian song about modern government in the vein of Derek Webb's "A Savior On Capitol Hill."

"It's definitely more political than anything I've ever put on wax," Tre9 said. "But it's an honest expression of thoughts and feelings that have been marinating inside of me for several years. I hope people can really see where I'm coming from on this."

Tre9's next album, "The Farmer," is being distributed by Infinity/Central South and hits stores on March 31, 2009.

For more information on Tre9 please visit www.tre9online.com.

To listen to Yes We Can, download your FREE copy of Beat Lab 7's "Music Meets The Truth 2009" visit www.beatlab7.com.

Monday, January 19, 2009

CY encourages “Obedience” on Rap Fest Presents Vol. II feature


Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”’ – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.” – Ephesians 6:1 (NIV)

When was the last time you heard a rap song encouraging you to obey a command besides “Put your hands up!” and to follow the direction and correction of your parents?

Possibly never.

To fill that void gospel emcee CY tenders his track, “Obedience - Godparents” on the Rap Fest Presents Volume II that was offered as a free download on December 23.

The song not only reinforces Biblical calls for obedience, but provides a relatable subject matter for even the youngest Christian rap fan.

“Sometimes the little kids get forgotten, even in holy hip hop,” CY said. “They often hear mature content because we’ve got guys spittin’ raw and they can get exposed to issues and topics they shouldn’t have to deal with at their age.”

He said he specifically wanted to reach out to children with this song so that when they go to concerts and buy CDs they’ll have something that speaks to them.

“The subject matter of the song also relates to adults as well,” CY said. “I was fortunate to have good parents growing up, and to this day, I can still hear their words echoing in my head about things I should and should not do.

“It's still up to me, even now, to obey what I was taught as a child and live by that wisdom. Those who had the luxury of having good parents who feared the Lord know what I'm talking about."

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Photo by Sketch the Journalist

CY was invited to be on the compilation by Bert Bocachica of Rap Fest Inc. after establishing a relationship with him through the New York-based annual ministry event of the same name and follow-up contact.

Rap Fest organized this second volume of Christian rap songs with various producers and recording artists. The album has 38 tracks and received nearly 5,000 complete downloads from Illspot.net within the first two weeks.

Bocachica said the digital delivery method allows Rap Fest to reduce production costs and provides them with an easy way to share the Gospel free of charge. The ministry also openly encourages fans to copy and share the album with others so undoubtedly the message music is reaching more ears than can be reasonably accounted for from a single distribution outlet.

The song’s beat was produced by Rolando “3D Remedy” Remedios of Evolution Musik from Staten Island, NY. CY recorded it in Houston, Texas with featured verses from Much Luvv’s Von Won and additional vocals by his wife Gina.

Bocachica commended the song’s level of musical and spiritual integrity, saying it “can only be applauded by other ministers of the Gospel, not just in hip hop, but everywhere.” He also talked about the relevance of the subject matter.

“What if we were all obedient to our parents and, more importantly, to God? What a better world this would be. Obedience is one aspect in life ‘we’ have total control over. We either obey or not and face the consequences and or benefits accordingly,” Bocachica said.

“I can only wish and hope that everyone would take heed to the words and message of the song. Trust me, I am a parent of three teenagers… obedience is always a concern.”

CY said he also wanted to use the last verse of the song to provide evidence of God’s truth to non-believers.

Playing off the homonyms “sun” and “Son” (referring to Jesus as God’s child), CY uses an analogy of a plant that needs the sun to grow and live, much like we need the Son to do the same.

“God is truly our parent. He’s the one that created us and provided, not only His word, but means through Creation to teach us His ways,” CY said.

Download your free copy of Rap Fest Presents Volume II here.