MAHOGANY JONES • LEGACY & LEG UP MUSIC • IOMOS MARAD
THE
CROSS MOVEMENT & THEIR WALK THRU HIS.TORY [+]
• Crossover Graffiti • The Waiting Room • Your Move
& more... pg.12
www.thesoulmag.com Issue #10 // US $3.95 • Can. $4.95
November 6th-9th
9th annual
Hip-Hop/Emerging Ministries Conference Hosted @ Crossover Church in Tampa, Fla.
Purpose Statement:
“Fla.vor Fest exists to train, network, and resource emerging leaders to effectively impact the hip-hop culture for CHRIST.” Come join hundreds of leaders from around the planet at the 9th annual Fla.vor Fest as you’ll engage in workshops and general sessions led by visionaries that are impacting the culture. The event is hosted by Crossover Church which was voted the 13th most innovative church in America by Outreach Magazine. You’ll learn from top leaders and artists in the movement as you also network and fellowship with people just like you! This event is for pastors, youth pastors, youth leaders, church workers, artists, church planters, and more! If you have a desire to reach the multi-cultural hip-hop generations (45 and under) - this conference is NOT to be missed!
The 2008 Fest will feature five workshop tracks: • Emerging Urban Church • Hip-Hop Youth Ministry • Artist in Ministry and Industry • Outreach • Specialty
Evening Concerts will feature 2 stages featuring close to 50 artists along with a Break Dancing Expo, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, Graffiti expo, Skateboarding expo, over 35 vendors, and lots of great food... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Here’s what some conference attendees said about their experience: “Fla.vor Fest inspired me to pursue my vision. It also gave me some meat to feast on. I am so thankful for the depth of content that was presented. The atmosphere and the facility was so dope, but so was all the substance.” - Anonymous from Fla.vor Fest Feedback Form “Wow! The whole conference has been phenomenal! I especially liked the sessions: “Get your weight up!”, “Being a leader who remains solid”, and “Sexploitation!”. “The workshops were relevant and informative, the hospitality made me feel at home, and the concerts were off the chain!” - Anonymous from Fla.vor Fest Feedback Form “I’d say that Crossover does a great job strategizing, organizing, and executing the hardest part of a Christian Hip-Hop weekend - getting people to attend the workshops, and making sure that once they attend, the workshops don’t disappoint in importance and impact.” - The Phanatik of The Cross Movement.
Register today @ www.flavorfest.org Early registratio
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June 1st, 2008
Fla.vor F est Mid-W est Summ Friday Ju it ne 13th & Saturday Ju
ne 14th, 2008
Fla.vor Fest will host it’s 2nd annual summit in the mid-west as they partner with Pastor Phil Jackson and “The House” in Chicago. The Summit expands the vision of Fla.vor Fest to equip leaders in the mid-west that can’t make it all the way down to Fla. It will jump off with a Friday Night Concert, continue with workshops on Saturday, and end off with a Hip-Hop flavored Church service at “The House” on Saturday Night. • Register today for the summit at the website.
>> There are no artist submissions for the summit. • Registration opens in January of 2008. • There is NO artist submission for the summit.
The Fest will expand and add another summit location in March of 2009 @ GMZ in Austin, Texas with Pastor Kevin White. Stay tuned to the website for other Summit locations that will be added.
Fla.vor F est Natio nal Conf. Novembe r 6th-9th , 2008
Unexpected. That’s the word that best sums up this past year at Crossover. There were several events that came up that weren’t in the original plans that seemed to quickly spoil the atmosphere. Ministry isn’t always easy and May and June were some rough months that really had us looking to God. July came around and it was the total opposite as it was an incredible time where we saw God do some huge miracles. As we came into August things were continuing along that path as we saw many new people come to Christ, several others commit to start serving, and it just seemed so many things were really coming together. You could feel that momentum in the air.
Then we walked in the offices on Friday morning to discover we had been robbed! A thief in the night stole over $7,000 of equipment. What? How could they? I’d been at Crossover for nearly 12 years and we had been broken into a few times years ago, (each time they were caught) but never like this! Yes, we have an alarm system, motion sensors, and sirens. But, at the time (notice I say at the time – not now) – we didn’t have any sensors or protection on the upstairs second story windows. We did have motion sensors in the hallway, but they never stepped into the hallway because they knew the layout. They carefully broke into each office window individually only in the back of the building. Our team had a good idea of the person who did it, but we weren’t totally positive. The police came and of course found no fingerprints or evidence. The thief knew exactly what he was doing.
We were numb. There was this anger... this holy anger that was brewing inside of us. Some of our staff went out to lunch and just wallowed in the impact of the loss. We expressed the victim mentality of all the struggles our urban ministry already goes through with resources and now more was just stripped away. What’s the deal? When I got back to the office that afternoon I continued studying for the message that weekend. We were in the middle of a series on the book of Philippians entitled “A Letter From Lockdown”. As I re-looked at where we were at in the text
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God really used Paul’s words to mess me up! Chapter 4, verse 4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Even in a break in, even in a car accident, even when you lose your job... it says always. Paul even said it twice to make sure we didn’t miss it. Then that next part in verse 8 where it says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (TNIV) Even though God was doing all these great things at the ministry this break in seemed to be all I was focusing on that afternoon until I read these words and God basically shut me down and brought me back to reality. The stuff didn’t matter – its just stuff. It’s replaceable. God rocked me with it and I even got real transparent that Sunday and shared it with the congregation. He rocked our church family with it. We can read that script and say word, but when it really hits us, will we still say word? We did.
This story does have a very unexpected ending though. Since we knew the police wouldn’t be able to do anything else we began an investigation of our own. MySpace can be a beautiful thing... sometimes. In this case it led us to pictures of some of our stuff! We ended up getting most of our stuff back and also had mercy on the thief to not have him arrested as we began to realize this was much bigger than our stuff. Although we had many previous conversations with him about faith and Christ it was this act of grace that seemed to have the greatest impact, as it was so unexpected. If it takes a theft to get a thief to see God’s grace... then that’s something we can rejoice in! Taping up the window,
Tommy Kyllonen aka Urban D. Editor-In-Chief
Table of Contents: Pg. 08: Editorial – A Thief in the Night? Pg. 12-21: Fla.vor Fest Content Pg. 24: You’ve Got Mail Pg. 26: Don’t Let The Music Pimp You! Pg. 31: Flame Pt. 2 Pg. 33: Reload NYC Pg. 36: Leaving a Legacy Pg. 38: Respect Due: Iomos Marad Pg. 42: Street Stories: Becoming a Treasure Pg. 44: Mahogany Jones Pg. 46: Veteran Spotlight Pg. 48: Crossover Graffiti Pg. 52: The Waiting Room Pg. 56: State of the Industry Pg. 58: Chopp it up w/ DJ Primo Pg. 60: Your Move Pg. 64: CM’s Walk Through HIStory Pg. 70: Internet Spotlight Pg. 71: Hip-Hop Legends: Icey Ice Pg. 74: Street Stories: Porn-NO! Pg. 76: Reasonable Doubt Pg. 82: Leadership Spotlight Pg. 86: Resource Reviews Pg. 88: Music Reviews Pg. 92: Movies That Teach Pg. 96: Final Thoughts
The S.O.U.L Team
Publisher: Tommy Kyllonen Creative Director: SPE© Contributing Editors: Jonny Ratke, Tony Bruno, Janine Carrero, Duane Custer Contributing Writers: Mike Estep, Tony Bruno, Sketch The Journalist, Jonny Ratke, Derrick Colon, Janine Carrero, Mario Armstrong, Lucy Kyllonen, Concept, Phil Jackson, Susan Kauffman, Josie Thomas, and Rico James, Duane “Swingman” Custer, Bert Tinsley Review Team: Swingman, Mario, Brother Greg, Marz, Rodd, Papa Rafa, Spyvey, El Joel, & Janine Contributing Designers: Josie Thomas Design Department: spec@flavoralliance.com Photographers: Carlos Espinel & SPE© For information on Advertising visit www.thesoulmag.com and check out the press kit for detailed demographics, ad rates, specs, and deadlines. Printed in Canada by: Premier Printing - www.premierprinting.ca S.O.U.LMAG is published bi-annually by Fla.vor Alliance Media Group and is a ministry of Crossover Church. Crossover Church is a non-profit 501©3. Crossover’s mission is: “To Relevantly introduce the truth of Christ to the hip-hop culture, as we develop worship, purpose, unity, and leadership in their lives.” S.O.U.LMAG exists to build on this mission as we take it to a national platform through print. S.O.U.LMAG / Crossover Church / Fla.vor Alliance Media Group 7809 N. Orleans Ave. Tampa, Fla. 33604 office: (813) 935-8887 fax: (813) 935-0535 thesoulmag.com • crossoverchurch.org • flavoralliance.com
S.O.U.L Mag is the official magazine for the annual Fla.vor Fest conference. These next 10 pages are dedicated to all the events going down at this year’s Fest. If you’re reading this and your at the Fest our team would like to give you a huge WELCOME (bienviendos) to Crossover in Sunny FLA! We’re excited that you came down to join us for a HOT weekend jam packed with some inspiring workshops, innovative church services, dope concerts, and some fellowship that none of us will ever forget. Check out the campus map so you can know exactly where everything is located. Check out the following pages that contain the general schedule, a detailed workshop schedule, workshop presenters biographies, and the concert line up for both stages for both nights. If you need more information you can stop at the info. Both on the patio and one of our Crossover volunteers will be happy to serve you.. available across the entire campus
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Thursday Nov. 1st 6:00pm 7:30pm – 9:00pm 11:00pm
Friday Nov. 2nd 9:00am 9:30am 10:15am 10:30am 11:30am 11:45am 1:00pm 2:30pm 3:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:15pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am
Saturday Nov. 3rd 9:00am 9:30am 10:15am 10:30am 11:30am 11:45am 1:00pm 2:30pm 3:30pm 5:30pm 5:30pm 7:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am
Registration Opens on patio (stays open throughout night) Crossover’s 3rd Rail hip-hop teen service (Main Auditorium). This is our service geared towards high school and junior high students. * Seating is limited in the main auditorium, but additional seating will be available in the Video Café and the Turnstyle room. Campus Closes
Registration opens – doors open – prayer in main auditorium Opening General Session worship/welcome Break into workshops that are split to 5 different tracks First workshop session in separate tracks Break Second workshop session in separate tracks Lunch on patios (conference registrants only) General session in main auditorium Basketball Game – pastors vs. artists (optional) Inside areas CLOSED – Mandatory Artists meeting in main auditorium for those performing on Friday Night. Vendors area opens for set up Tickets go on sale at gate to the public for evening concert / Food goes on sale on patio. Doors open for evening concert Concert ends Vendors area closes 12:00am – Campus Closes
Doors open – Prayer in main auditorium General Session in main auditorium Break into workshops that are split into 5 different tracks First workshop session in separate tracks Break Second workshop session in separate tracks Lunch on patios (conference registrants only) General session in main auditorium 3:30pm – Free Time until 7pm concert Inside areas are CLOSED – Mandatory Artists meeting in main auditorium for Saturday Night Artists Vendors area opens for set up Doors open for evening concert Concert ends Vendor’s area closes Campus Closes
Sunday Nov. 4th (Three Services to choose from) 10:00am 11:45am 7:00pm
1st Sunday Vibe Service including hip-hop styled praise and worship with Harmony, special music, and a message with Pastor Tommy. (We suggest this service for seating purposes) 2nd Sunday Vibe Service – same format as first service. Seating in the main auditorium is limited. *Additional seating will be available in our video venue once the main room is filled. 3rd Service – Sunday Night Vibe. This will be the same format as the other services but there will be an added “Open Mic” – this is open for Fla.vor Fest participants! Children’s programming is available in all three services.
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Friday Nov. 2nd – Workshop Schedule 9:30am
General Session (Main Auditorium) Worship with Harmony Welcome video intro. To the fest, and message with Tone Bruno – associate pastor @ Crossover. “Think Small...” - The world of Christian hip-hop has grown far beyond what many of us thought or expected. In this session we’ll celebrate this growth, and at the same time be challenged to not let some of the subtle dynamics of “bigness” interfere with what’s really important.
Split into 5 separate workshop tracks around the campus: Track 1 – Emerging Urban Church (Main Auditorium) 10:30am
“Taking it back to the LAB: Creating relevant worship together.” with Josie Thomas aka Symalee - worship director @ Crossover in Tampa, FL This session will be a hands on creative worship experience. Together we will pick a beat, a contemporary or modern song chorus and transform it into worship relevant to reach our culture. Using Hip Hop and R&B we will share the techniques used at Crossover to relevantly worship God in their own form. Together we will share a worship experience and bring a new meaning to the phrase “Taking it back to the LAB”.
11:45am
“Who is on the mic?” with Phil Jackson - Pastor of The House in Chicago, IL Why is there a need to reach this generation through hip-hop? Come understand the dynamics of hip-hop and it’s impact on the church holistically. Are you starting a church or hosting a youth hip-hop service? You’ll leave this workshop understanding the difference.
Track 2 – Hip-Hop Youth Ministry (In The Skate Park)
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10:30am
“Funding your ministry” with Micah Espinoza - Youth Pastor from Praise Center Church and LDI in Denver, Co. Life Development institute has an incredible after school program/academy that trains students in graphic design, music production, website building, and more. Micah has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money to run this program and help empower others to do the same. In this session that’s exactly what he’ll do... give you some tools to make some moves on grants to fund your programs.
11:45am
“Will the real Jesus please stand up?” with Ralph Castillo - Associate director of Youth Explosion Ministries in Queens, NYC. Today’s youth culture is bombarded with a Jesus that comes in many shapes and sizes. With shirts like Jesus is my homeboy and a Jesus figurine that replies “Yes” to anything asked... how do we decipher which portrayal is accurate? Is the genuine Christ getting lost in popular and convenient variations? In this session, we’ll clarify our focus based on the words of Jesus himself... will the real Jesus please stand up?!
Track 3 – The Artist in Ministry and Industry (Video Venue) 10:30am
“iTunes = Compact Death?” with Tim Trudeau of Syntax Records and Braille of Hip-Hop is Music Recordings The record industry is hurting. Sales are slipping in every genre... and hip-hop sales have slipped over 33% the first half of 2007. Record companies and distributors are closing or laying loads of people off left and right. What’s next? How can we continue to get our message out in the midst of this industry downturn? Tim Trudeau will talk details about the digital revolution, as their company has become the leader in digital distro in our movement. Braille will share how his label has still found success in the underground and overseas markets... even with CD’s!
11:45am
“Porn – NO!” – with Minister RMB of dontbepimped.com - California An in-depth look at the dangers of pornography, how it affects your ministry, and how it steals intimacy from your relationship with God and others. Discussion will include how to overcome porn and sexual addiction, as well as how to maintain sexual purity and integrity. (This will be a great & informative class for both men & women of ALL ages.)
Track 4 – Outreach (Turnstyle Room) 10:30am
“Reppin’ Christ on the block, the job, and the net” with Bradey Goodwin aka Phanatik of CM and Christianhiphopper.com – Philly, Pa. We are called to be the church everywhere we go... not just in the 4 walls on Sunday. Phanatik will share some incredible insights on reppin’ Christ all day every day as he also shares his outreach vision for Christianhiphopper.com and how we all can get involved in the movement.
11:45am
“Developing a Hip-Hop Shop at your spot!” with Brother Greg and Urban D. of Crossover. Crossover has had a hip-hop shop since 2000 in our lobby. It has served as a great resource for our people to connect with Christ centered music and change their music buying habits. It also has served as a great fundraiser that has injected thousands of dollars into our budget each year. In 2006 we launched a second hip-hop shop in a local urban flea market – it’s goal really isn’t to sell CD’s although we do that – it’s to reach out to the community as we share Christ and let them know about the church. In this workshop we’ll share the nuts and bolts of getting a shop off the ground as we share some great testimonies of its impact!
Track 5 – Specialty Track (Prayer Patio) 10:30am
“A sit down with: SPE© & Friends” with Edward Bayonet aka Spec - Media Director of Crossover Church in Tampa, FL An open forum discussion of sharing ideas, concepts, web sites and anything graphic/media related. Earlier this year, Ben Eash (Director of UYWI’s Specialized Resources - uywi.org) sparked a sit down of graphic designers & media driven individuals at the UYWI national conf. in Azusa, CA. This “round table” discussion helped & resourced those of us who strive to better communicate to our culture. We @ Fla.vor Fest/Crossover want to continue in the same direction. If you have ideas, questions, or willing to share techniques... bring it to the table!
11:45am
“Event Planning” - with Amy Williams of The House in Chicago, IL Themed services, concerts, field trips, conferences, etc... they all take some serious planning. Urban ministries are many times known for doing things at the last minute... but we must raise the bar and learn to plan ahead and do things in excellence as it’s for Christ! Come get some great tips on the nuts and bolts of putting these events together from someone who has over a decade of planning experience.
1:00pm – Lunch on patios 2:30pm
Closing General Session (Main Auditorium) “The Hustle... is it worth the grind?” - with Tommy Kyllonen aka Urban D. of Crossover Our culture is always hustling for more stuff. Hip-Hop pushes this mentality to the limit with its hyper-materialism. In this session we’ll check out some advice from the book of Ecclesiastes and we’ll look at some practical advice of how we as leaders can make sure we stay in balance and keep our own finances in order.
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Saturday Nov. 2nd – Workshop Schedule 9:30am
General Session (Main Auditorium) Worship with Rawsrvnt and a message with Da’ T.R.U.T.H. of Cross Movement Records
Split into 5 separate workshop tracks around the campus: Track 1 – Emerging Urban Church (Main Auditorium) 10:30am
“Un.orthodox Illustrations” with Tommy Kyllonen aka Urban D. and Tone Bruno – pastors @ Crossover in Tampa, FL When we are communicating with the hip-hop generation we must be open to use new methods to engage them as we illustrate the text we are speaking from. Jesus was a master at this as he was an incredible story- teller with his parables. In this session we’ll actually walk you through several out of the box illustrations we’ve used in recent message series.
11:45am
“Purpose Driven in the Urban Context” with Dave Holden of Purpose Driven in California & Carl Zalak – director of connection classes @ Crossover Structure is not an easy thing to figure out in the young urban church. The first place we have to look is the scripture. Dave will walk you through the Purpose Driven Model and its Biblical principles. Carl will share how Crossover has tweaked the PD classes and it’s model to fit our urban context.
Track 2 – Hip-Hop Youth Ministry (In The Skate Park)
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10:30am
“Dealing with Change without Changing YOU” with Chris Dorso – Youth Pastor of Christ Tabernacle’s “Youth Explosion” in NYC One of the hardest things to deal with in ministry is transition. How do you take over where someone else has left off and maintain your own authenticity? Chris speaks from experience on the challenge of building on a foundation that’s already been laid by the previous youth pastor, his brother, Adam Durso who founded Youth Explosion. He sheds light on using creative ways to be relevant by being in touch with the culture and being confidant in who you are. His vision: “To change people’s perception on life so they can see that God is freedom and not religion or law”
11:45am
“Taking Your Youth ALL-CITY” with Derrick Colon aka Dee – Youth Pastor @ Crossover Church in Tampa, FL Graffiti writers that go all city are known as kings. A king is one who gets his name up on every wall and train. His name travels beyond his immediate neighborhood. Taking your youth all city is a challenge to move your youth group from just a group to a ministry reaching the hip-hop culture by taking the KING all city! Dee will show strategic ways of using the elements of culture, talent development classes, advertising, and doing a jr. high & sr. high service, and the place where you meet... to take your youth all city.
Track 3 – The Artist in Ministry and Industry (Video Venue) 10:30am
“Should I Operate My Ministry as a Not-for- Profit Organization?” with Mike Estep – CEO of Fla.vor Alliance Media Group / Pacific Grove Productions The legal status of your ministry has huge implications from a tax stand point! This workshop provides an overview of how and IF you should organize your ministry to take full legal advantages of being a Federally approved 501(c) 3 organization.
11:45am
“CM’s journey through HIS.tory” with John Wells aka The Tonic of Cross Movement Records Tonic will share some of Cross Movement’s story of never compromising and watching God take something little and taking it to a level they would have never imagined. He’ll share some words of wisdom from what he’s learned being in the industry/ministry for over a decade.
Track 4 – Outreach (Turnstyle Room) 10:30am
“Going Global” with Verbs (aka knowdaverbs) – Nashville, Tn. Verbs has spent some serious time overseas these past few years – esp. in South Africa. He’s grown a huge heart for overseas missions. He’ll share some insight on overseas work and how to make the biggest impact when planning trips and ministering in those environments. Hip-Hop is global and Verbs will share how he’s used this pipeline to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel.
11:45am
Poverty Simulation: Understanding Power in relation to Social Justice. (Limit 35 Participants- 10 extra people can observe.) Come experience this eye opening simulation that will help uncover some of the realities of power and class in our country. Discover some underlying truths that can be translated to understand and communicate with our culture on a whole new level.
Track 5 – Specialty Track (Prayer Patio) 10:30am
“For all the Ladies...” with Lucy Kyllonen – administration and Women’s Ministry Director @ Crossover in Tampa, FL This session is strictly for the ladies at the Fest - the women in ministry. It has its different challenges and different dynamics. Lucy’s husband has been in full time ministry for over 12 years and she’s been on staff at the church for over 4 years. She’ll share some great insight on finding your place, maximizing your gifts and reaching out to hurting women in your community.
11:45am
“Worship Engaging The Culture” with Sherri Jones – worship director at Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, MN Sherri has a creative engaging worship style mixing a live band, a DJ, rappers and a team of singers into the worship services along with her pastor Efrem Smith at Sanctuary. They have monthly hip-hop services where they especially spice up the worship, while other weekends they do more of an urban gospel/R&B feel. Sherri will talk about the importance of engaging the crowd and the culture as she’ll give practical steps on how to do it. www.sanctuarycovenant.org
1:00pm – Lunch on patios 2:30pm
Closing General Session (Main Auditorium) with Larry Acosta of (UYWI) - Urban Youth Workers Intl. - uywi.org
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Braille – Record Label owner/artist - Oregon
Bryan “Braille” Winchester is a young man who wears many hats. As a husband and father, he relies on his relationship with Christ to help keep his life balanced and prioritized correctly. Braille has been making records as a solo artist for over 12 years. He is in the process of finishing his forth record titled “The IV Edition” set for 2008. He also runs an independent record label called Hip Hop IS Music. Growing up with a “do it yourself” mentality - Braille has patiently watched his passions grow. www.hiphopismusic.com
Phil Jackson- The House Church - Chicago, Ill.
Phil is founder and president of Bringn’dafunk communications Inc. He has served God full time on the front lines of urban youth ministry for nearly two decades. Each year he speaks to thousands of youth across the country and trains and consults urban leaders across the nation. In 2003 Phil partnered with Lawndale Community Church and planted the first Hip-Hop Church in the west side of Chicago – The House. www.thehouse.org
John Wells a.k.a. The Tonic – CM Records - New Jersey
John is the president and CEO of The Cross Movement Records, which was founded in 1997 and is currently distributed by Provident/ Sony/BMG. As a veteran M.C. over the past 10 years Wells has been a key writer, performer, and minister of the group The Cross Movement. John possesses a wealth of knowledge concerning trusting God to make an impact using independent music endeavors to reach Hip-Hop Culture with the message of the Cross. www.crossmovement.com
Dave Holden – Purpose Driven - California
In 1994 Dave became the pastor of Lake Gregory Church in Crestline, California. The church was struggling to reach their community as they had around 165 attending. Dave began applying Purpose Driven Principles and began to change the structure of the church to reach out to their town and their church grew to close to a thousand. Today Dave works full time for Purpose Driven as the director of training. He frequently travels overseas to train thousands of pastors. He’ll be leading a huge 40 Days of Purpose campaign with hundreds of pastors in Rwanda in early 08’ www.purposedriven.com
Larry Acosta – HMC/Urban Youth Workers Institute - Santa Ana, Ca.
Larry is the president and founder of the Hispanic Ministry Center, UYWI, and Kidsworks. Larry’s passion is to envision and shape the emerging generation of urban leadership for transformational ministry. Larry graduated from Biola University, Talbot School of Theology and completed his doctorate in Leadership Development at Fuller Theological Seminary. However, his claim to fame is that he is married to his lovely wife Jayme and they have four wonderful children. www.uywi.org
Brady Goodwin a.k.a. The Phanatik - CM - Philadelphia, PA
He is a current student at Lancaster Bible College. Brady is co-founder of The Cross Movement Ministry and a solo artist on Cross Movement Records as well as a member of the group The Cross Movement. He also is the founder of www.christianhiphopper.com, which is an outreach site connecting people to the movement of Christ affecting hip-hoppers. www.beaphanatik.com
Tommy Kyllonen a.k.a. Urban D. – Lead pastor, author, hip-hop artist - Tampa, FL
Tommy is the lead pastor at Crossover Church in Tampa, Fla. Crossover was voted the 13th most innovative church in America in 2007 by Outreach Magazine. Tommy aka Urban D. frequently travels and speaks and performs at conferences and concerts. He has released 6 solo hip-hop albums. The latest one “Un.orthodox” was released through EMI gospel and has an additional DVD disc. Urban D. is also an author as Zondervan recently released his new book “Un.orthodox.” www.urband.org
Mike Estep – Fla.vor Alliance Media Group/Pacific Grove Productions - Tn./Fla.
Mike has a long history of ministry that includes him serving as a missionary, a church planter, a pastor, and in executive positions with the church of the Nazarene. He is a partner and COO of Fla.vor Alliance Media Group as he also runs his own video production company. Working in Nashville for many years, Mike has a wealth of knowledge in ministry, marketing, the music industry, and nonprofit development. www.flavoralliance.com
Carl Zalak aka Z – Connection Classes Director @ Crossover - Tampa, FL
Z was raised in Long Island and moved with his family to Florida as he got older. He built a relationship with Christ in college and soon led his family to God. Carl started attending Crossover while still in college and quickly got involved in several ministries. He and his wife then moved an hour and a half away to Ocala for business opportunities. The past five years they have continued to make the trip to come to Crossover and serve. He and his wife have helped develop and run Crossover’s Connection Classes, which are adapted from the Purpose Driven model. www.crossoverchurch.org
Eric Iverson – Youth Works - Minneapolis, MN
Eric Iverson is a twenty-year urban youth ministry veteran, currently serving as the Multicultural Integrity Director for the short-term youth missions organization, YouthWorks. Eric teaches and trains nationally around issues of poverty, race, justice, and youth ministry. His passion for developing youth and empowering those who serve them is a calling that Eric has answered and is excited to share. www.youthworks.com
Tony Bruno a.k.a. Tone – Associate Pastor @ Crossover Church - Tampa, FL
After graduating Bible College Tony married Chelia and worked at The Cross Movement Ministry office in Philadelphia for over three years. In the summer of 2005 he joined the staff at Crossover. Tone shares pastoral responsibilities, develops curriculum, teaches Bible studies, and helps people get connected. www.myspace.com/tonebruno
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Ralph Castillo – Associate Director of Youth Explosion - Queens, NY
Ralphy has served as part of the team with Christ Tabernacle’s Youth Explosion Ministry. He’s worked closely along side of the founder Pastor Adam Dorso. Eventually he was brought on staff to assist Pastor Adam with a number of pastoral and administrative duties as their ministry grew to impact hundreds each Friday night. Working with teens and young adults in New York City has given him incredible insight in today’s youth culture. www.youthexplosion.com
Edward Bayonet a.k.a. SPE©– Media Director @ Crossover Church - Tampa, FL
SPE© built a relationship with Christ at a Fla.vor Alliance concert at Crossover in 1998. As he got discipled he eventually began to volunteer and serve in the youth ministry and various other areas. SPE© soon graduated college with an AA in advertising and design. By 2002 he came on staff full time as he now designs all the media (flyers, videos, DVD’s, cd’s, magazines, etc.). SPE© has been featured on various CD’s and recorded a solo album as he also travels speaking and performing. www.specademik.com
Michael Boyer II aka Verbs – Urban Missionary – Nashville, TN
Verbs put out three national albums through Gotee Records. He not only traveled across the U.S., but God also open up doors for him to speak and perform in South Africa. Verbs even acted as an ambassador for high school assembly programs. He recently released a brand new album “Ground Work Theory” with 1280 music. www.myspace.com/verbsinternational
Lucy Kyllonen – Administration/Women’s Director @ Crossover - Tampa, FL
Lucy has been working with teens since 1994 in various professional settings. After receiving her Master’s degree in 1998 she became one of the directors at The Center for Girls. In 2003 she had her first child Deyana. Lucy then left her job to join the Crossover staff doing administration. Lucy has been a huge asset developing more structure and systems to handle the growth. In 2007 Lucy also launched Crossover’s “C.H.O.S.E.N.”Women’s Ministry kicking it off with two retreats. www.crossoverchurch.org
Emanuel Lambert Jr. aka Da’ T.R.U.T.H. – Urban Missionary - Philadelphia, Pa.
As a graduate of the Institute of Jewish Studies and Philadelphia Biblical University, Da T.R.U.T.H. has been involved in urban ministry since he was 16 years old. He has released three albums with Cross Movement Records that has given him a large national platform. As a rapper and an urban missionary, he is on a mission to impact the Culture with Godly values. www.datruth.net
Tim Trudeau – Syntax Records - San Diego, Ca.
Born and raised in San Diego Tim grew up with a love for music. He started making hip-hop beats and even selling them before he was 15. Tim was part of the hip-hop band Sackcloth Fashion and he co-founded Syntax Records of which he is now the CEO. Syntax has become the leader in digital distribution for the Christian hip-hop market and they also have physical distribution through Koch. www.syntaxrecords.com
Josie Thomas a.k.a. Symalee – Worship/Creative Arts Director @ Crossover - Tampa, FL
Josie began attending Crossover several years ago and got involved in the youth ministry through worship and drama. In 2002 she took over as worship director at the church and further developed Crossover’s unique Hip-Hop/R&B flavored worship style. Under her direction in 2004 the team released their first album entitled “Harmony – you alone”. Harmony’s brand-new double disc CD “Reflections” just released with a music disc and an instrumental disc. Josie also is a part of Beyond Skillz with her husband Jared as they have released 2 solo albums. www.myspace.com/beyondskillz
Chris Dorso – Youth Pastor @ Youth Explosion - Queens, NY
Chris grew up a pastor’s kid. He served for many years in his church’s youth ministry under his brother Adam Dorso. Chris recently took over as the youth pastor and cast new vision. He’s known for his creativity, set design, and pulse of what’s going on in pop culture. His vision is “To change people’s perception on life so they can see that God is freedom and not religion or law.” www.youthexplosion.com
Derrick Colon – Youth Pastor @ Crossover Church - Tampa, FL
Derrick was born and raised in the South Bronx. He built a relationship with Christ and graduated from Bible College in 2001. Derrick led youth ministries a few different churches and also was a teacher in a Christian high school where he taught Bible and hip-hop history. Today he serves at Crossover as the youth pastor with the 3rd Rail hip-hop teen ministry – “One touch and the rest is HIStory.” www.myspace.com/3rdrailservice
Amy Williams – The House Church – Chicago, Ill.
Amy currently serves as the Church Administrator for The House Covenant Church and as a Youth Director/Minister at La Casa del Carpintero. She has planned events from 10 to 10,000 people, including an event with the US Surgeon General. She ran her own event planning business and was the event planner for the 1st Midwest Flavor Fest held in Chicago in June of 2007. She earned her M.S. in Corporate and Written Communications and received her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. www.thehouse.org
Greg Cowans aka Brother Greg – Hip-Hop Shop Director @Crossover - Tampa, FL
Greg is a Tampa native and grew up in and around the church and always had a love for music. In 2004 he met Pastor Tommy at the airport where he worked and he soon came and visited Crossover. It has been a life changing experience as he brought his teenagers and found himself really connecting with a deeper relationship with God. Greg soon plugged into helping out at the hip-hop shop where he soon took over the operations and helped launch the second location in the flea market. www.flavoralliance.com
Micah Espinoza – LDI - Denver, CO
For years Micah has served as the youth pastor of Praise Center Church and is also the Executive Director of the Life Development Institute a successful community based 501c3, located in one of the most impoverished communities in Denver CO. He has received federal funding for several projects aimed at engaging and effecting change in the lives of both inner-city youth and urban youth workers. He is a graduate of the Devos urban leadership initiative. He currently serves as the director of the Colorado Coalition 4 Youth Ministries. He and his wife Elizabeth have been married for 8 years and have two boys Micah JR (3) and JohnPaul (1).
Jack Nordby aka Minister RMB – Urban Missionary - California
Transparent, Relevant, and Raw best describe Minister RMB, a Rapper/International Youth Evangelist who deals with issues such as porn, sexual addiction, purity, suicide, child abuse, and divorce. RMB is one of the most edgy and controversial artists in the rap game, having penned such lines as “the devil’s a PIMP... don’t be his HO”. Aside from his music career and a successful clothing line, he has also started Don’t Be Pimped Ministries and Project 61, an inner-city outreach program that builds relationships with prostitutes, broken people, and the homeless community. www.ministerrmb.com
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TS4C
RedCloud
Tre9
ATAM
Mahogany Jones
Legacy
Rize
Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
Braille
Everyday Process
Soul P
Zulu
M.D.D.
J-Remy
Ras
Leethal
Believin’ Stephen
Lil’ Prophet
Fifty Stories
Mello-D
Iomos Marod
Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
Precise
Humble Tip
Rawsrvnt
Jus Boogie
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The Cross Movement
The Cross Movement
Urban D.
Sicily
Eric Cross
Rawsrvnt
Monte G
Soul P
Godsent
K-Drama
Verbs
Precise
Dae-Lee
Little J
Sean Slaughter
Minister RMB
Reflex.the.Son
Jabo
DJ Will
Rhema Sou
Oppose
Elijah
Syd of L.F.M.
CONCERT DETAILS: • Doors open @ 7pm (both nights) • only $10.00 @ the door • limited to the first 1,200 guests • (fest registrants get in free with badge)
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Subject: What up from New England!
I’m a rapper that goes by the name Good Friday and I live up in Mass. My church is in a small city west of Boston, but there is a lot of urban life and hip-hop heads here. Bobby Bishop, myself and some other local Christian MC’s started a community website: www.farmersmarkethiphop.com - feel free to check it out. I just wanted to let you guys know you are huge inspiration to me. I pray one day I can visit your church. God Bless. One. - Good Friday
Subject: The Magazine
Hey guys! Love the new magazine! Very hip and cool, just like you. It’s always good to hear from you. Love what your doing. Stay in touch. Your friend, - Rick Warren Pastor of Saddleback Church / Author of Purpose Driven Life
Subject: I saw you on the news!
I saw your church on channel 10 news and I am new to the area. I will tell you I’m not a churchgoer and my knowledge of the Bible is not what it should be. But, I have been feeling the voice of God for a little minute now and have been wanting to find a church that I could feel straight with. I never have wrote someone like this before, so whatever ya’ll are doing for God – keep it up, it’s working, it’s got me writing this! I can’t believe that ya’ll touched something in me this hard through the TV (smile). I look forward to coming to visit ya’ll real soon. If you can make me with my crazy tattooed, long and many issued past seek you out to find out more...God is using you! Peace, - Dee
Subject: Greetings from India
Hearty greetings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I thank you for you love, prayers and blessings. I received your magazines, Christian books, CD’s, and Bibles, which you sent to us to grow in the Lord. We do appreciate and thank you for sending us such valuable materials for us and our ministry here in the villages. We are really blessed and encouraged by it. We have been praying for you all and your church in Tampa, Florida. The gracious Lord will bless you and keep you and make his face shine on you. Distance and race makes no difference, as we are all family in Christ. Give our love to everyone at your church! Your brother in Christ, Peace, - Pastor T. Subba Rao - India
* If you’d like to give us a shout here at S.O.U.LMag / Crossover Church / Fla.vor Alliance...
hit us up at info@crossoverchurch.org
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by: Pastor Phil Jackson
My sixteen-year-old daughter came home from school one day and turned on the TV and started to screaming and shouting at what she was watching. I came in the room like “what is really good?” She said that she was “tired of seeing these lame rap videos with the same old tired rappers talking about nothing.” Then she said the line that stuck with me: “I’m tired of seeing this one chick on all the video’s she is bending over, dancing and shaking everything her momma gave her. She is like a video ho, who is trying to get boys to look at all the videos of their favorite rapper, don’t nobody want to look like her, this is why these girls out here get treated the way they do cause they are trying to look like, act like and be like this girl”. Then she left and wanted a CD with some old school music to listen to. How about you, are you like this video ho? Is the music that you listen to pimping you to believe and live in a way that is conflicting with your walk with Christ? Maybe you are not on the videos, nor are you dancing and shaking everything, everywhere for the latest video but you may be shaking at the clubs or parties just as if you were on the videos. You may not be any of that but your mind set is fixed that “this must be the way to catch this brotha”. Young men get it too; one young male in New Orleans said “if you are bumping Jaheim on your radio you can pull about four or five chicks”. Young men start looking around to see if this girl looks like, acts like what he sees on the video and then he puts the pressure on this girl or that girl. I know what some of you are saying, “Simple people think that way. Music and music videos don’t have that much influence.” But, according to the most recent information put out by the American Journal of Public Health (March 2003) low-income black teen girls who regularly watched rap videos were nearly two times more likely to have sex with multiple partners than girls who don’t watch them regularly. You have to admit that the more you are connected to something the more you are influenced by it! Motivational Educational Entertainment, an urban research organization, found that, nearly two in every five (34%) African American youth watch 3 to 4 hours of TV a day. That is 28 hours per week. That is over half of a regular 40-work week.
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The amount of images and everything that is repeated over and over starts a way of thinking that can and does shape your thinking. What is it that keeps you from being sucked into the media’s hype of looking a certain way, acting a certain way and having the potential of pushing you further away from Christ? Now don’t get it twisted I am from the Hip-Hop culture and I love rap music inside of Hip-Hop, yet I am called to go back into that culture and redeem it for Christ. I’m called to take the bogus images and messages that rap brings and to flip it where Christ is the center and bring light into this hip-hop culture. Now, the question I have to ask my self when I listen to rap is, will this song build me up in my relationship with Christ and does it degrade women, men or anyone else? This should be your standard as well. No doubt this obviously cuts down my section of rap that I could listen to but, it keeps my eyes and ears away from messages or images that hurt or hinder my walk with Christ. The lower the media goes seems people just go right along with it. I mean if you look at history you can find when people did not stand up for the things that were morally or ethically wrong the media continued to push more and more. This same process happens when people are so caught up with what the see and what they hear that they become psychologically apart of it. Think about it, you are watching on average four hours of TV a week (28 to 35 hours per week) and you listen to four hours of music from the radio per day and go to 2 to 3 movies a month but are only in church 2 hours on a Sunday and half of that time you are bored to death or not paying attention. What will balance out all the other images you are getting from the TV, movies and radio?
“
There are 168 hours in a week. What will the one to two hours a week impact do in your life at church or bible study if you are not adding more?
Simple people think that way. Music and music videos don’t have that much influence.
”
The Word says in Psalms 119:37 that we should turn our eyes away from worthless things. What are the worthless things that are pimpin you, calling your name everyday through music, videos or other media that is not helping your walk? It makes no sense to go to the gym and work out but as soon as you leave you hit Pizza Hut with six slices of pizza and 2 liters of soda! But that is how you may be living your life: hit the gym, called church, only to feed on junk food of the world the rest of the week and wonder why your walk is so lame. Here are a few alternatives for you to think about, but first let me suggest you go on a media fast, another words no TV, no radio, no movies and none of your music unless it is Christian! Now some of you are probably tripping, right? That means there is a problem. If you cannot have a media fast for a week - just 7 days then you might be getting pimped by the media and you don’t even know it. This is what you can do to replace the time: play Christian rap and R&B as the music you would listen to in order to allow this music to substitute the images and other messages that you never knew had control over you. There are plenty of quality artists out there with hot music that is uplifting. Where do you get it? This magazine is full of artists and websites you can go check out! So don’t be pimped by the media – take control of your music and what it’s feeding you! •••
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Mic Check 1,2...1,2! - The anticipation had to be killing you guys, right? Well you weren’t the only ones sitting on the edge of your seats to get a better view into the mind of Cross Movement Records veteran artist. In our last issue (S.O.U.LMAG issue #9) Flame stopped by and gave us some insight into his most recent album “Our World Fallen”. I was real honored to catch up to a VERY busy Flame and get his thoughts on school, faith, and his BRAND NEW album “Our World Redeemed”.
S.O.U.LMAG: First off I gotta thank you taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. How’s school going for you? How much longer do you have?
FLAME: School is going good, I’m working hard! I have about 1 year and
half left until I graduate. I would have been done, but putting out all these albums has been slowing me down LOL!
S.O.U.LMAG: Hey, and we love you for that LOL! For those out there that don’t know you beyond your music, what school are you attending and how long have you been there?
FLAME: I actually transferred from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis to Boyce College in Louisville, KY this year. S.O.U.LMAG: Now on “Our World Fallen” you give an all angles and realistic look at the some of the issues our world has slipped into and slept on. What aspect is “Our World Redeemed” looking at? FLAME: “Our World Redeemed” looks at the believers’ celebration of the finished work on the cross, our responsibility to respond in action through service in order to help change the world as we are affected by the redemptive work of Christ, and the final redemption of the fallen world. S.O.U.LMAG: The Cross Movement has symbolically passed the torch on to the young dudes on the label. With you going into your 4th album that sort of makes you the vet on the team. What does that mean to you? Do you adjust your leadership with that or is it business as usual? FLAME: We all learn from each other and grow together. Everyone has something unique that God has blessed them with to bring to the table. S.O.U.LMAG: I agree, I think that’s what makes each artist so popular in their own way. What are your thoughts on the state of the today’s Christians? Do you think we’ve fallen into the “Americanized Christian” mind-set that speaker Paul Washer talks about?
FLAME: I think we have fallen into the “Americanized Christian” mind-set in some ways, but not completely. I think the way we cherish security, convenience, and material possessions, and not morality, leads us towards “Americanized Christianity.” However, I don’t think we are so off that Christ couldn’t reverse it. We just need to get back to the basics of the Christian faith and have our local churches co-labor with Christ to redeem the world. S.O.U.LMAG: In your opinion, what do you think it takes to be able to defend the Christian faith? FLAME: First of all, it takes living out the Christian faith to properly defend it. And second, it takes articulating it with theological accuracy. But ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit that defends the faith and changes hearts. Be sure to pick up a copy of “Our World Redeemed” as well as his previous Cross Movement Records releases. You can also stay updated with Flame through his website: flame314.com S.O.U.L | Pg31
RELOAD NYC took place Saturday, Sept.29th, 2007. This one day training experience left you wanting more! More information, more fellowship, more worship, even more food (just kidding)! RELOAD in NYC was presented by Urban Youth Workers Institute and sponsored by The Coalition, Nyack College and C3 -Christian Cultural Center, where it was hosted in Brooklyn. I was blown away by C3’s facility and the hospitality of their staff. They have an incredible story of humble beginnings in storefront decades ago to today’s 5,000-seat auditorium where they run three Sunday services that are packed. The attendees had a chance to hear the senior pastor of C3 Dr. Bernard share in the last general session. He rocked the crowd as he spoke about true servant leadership. There were over 15 workshops to choose from that addressed more than just urban youth but also Engaging Youth and Media on-line; Sports Ministry; Girl Talk (ministry specifically for young girls); and, The Personal Life of the Urban Youth Worker. RELOAD offered a wealth of information and a variety of tools and resources by some of the best and experienced leaders in youth ministry. Do you want more too? Then check out www.uywi.org for more info on: RELOAD and the next one scheduled at a city near you! Even better – you can join them for their next national three-day conference themed “Living The Legacy” at Azusa Pacific University in Cali. From May 15th – 17th in 2008!
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“Our mission at Crossover Church is not only to reach our community here in the Tampa Bay area, but to also equip other urban ministries across the planet with some tools that have proven to work here at our spot. We’ve been here in the trenches for over a decade building this unique faith community, so we know ministry that engages the urban/hip-hop audience is not easy. Our prayer is that the church resources available here will help make your journey a little smoother so you don’t have to try to re-invent the wheel. We’d love to hear your testimonies and stories and if you have any suggestions feel free to hit us up! We’ll continue to add more resources over the upcoming months so stay tuned...
Harmony “Reflections”
The new album features a double disc cd package of R&B/Hip-Hop Worship featuring Crossover’s worship team. Disc 1 features 12 new original tracks. Disc 2 has every instrumental for your team to use + enhanced content [lyric sheets & powerpoints].
Crossover Cypha v.5
The Crossover Cypha is an evangelism CD that always contains over 20 blazing tracks that include hot new music and touching testimonials both from Crossover members. This CD has shown to be a very fruitful witnessing tool to the masses. Not only does the listener enjoy the sounds of some Christ centered hip-hop and R&B, but they also realize there are people who have been through similar hurts and pains. An invitation to accept Christ always closes out each cypha. Mixxed always by our own in-house DJ’s.
Urban D.“Un.orthodox”
The CD/DVD multi-media set contains a lot of stuff! The CD disc has 12 new tracks with enhancement featuring Urban D.’s 4 previous music videos and a tour of Crossover. The DVD disc is a full length documentary about the church along with his new music video. [see page 86 for a review on “Un.orthodox” the book]
Press Play Volumes 1 & 2
Both of these DVD’s are a collection of short films from original message series from Crossover. This DVD also includes a Crossover worship experience, commercials, intros, and music videos. These films can be used for your personal enjoyment or to be used in small group settings or in large gatherings at worship services. If you are a pastor, youth pastor, or leader and you’ve been looking for a way to visually engage people as you speak to them - this is an excellent tool.
Fla.vor Fest Volumes 1-3
These DVD’s contain some of the highlight concert footage and interviews including artists: Corey Red, Pettidee, 4th ave. Jones, New Breed, and more... over 20 artists in each set. This is a great tool for those who are unable to get Christian hip-hop videos (over 7 hours of live concert footage).
Crossover Service DVD’s
Now you can check out a Crossover worship experience at home and show it to your people! These DVD’s include the worship and the teaching along with all the unique elements that many of the services contain. You can choose from the latest series: “The Hustle... Is it worth the grind?”, “A Letter from Lockdown”, “Let’s Get up”, “Battlin’ off the mic”, and many more.
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I began to fail miserably in “school, making poor choices in life and was suicidal... ” S.O.U.L | Pg36
In our life’s journey to God’s kingdom and putting our life in his hands, it’s sufficed to say that we encounter plenty of bumps along the way. Many of times God’s love reveals itself in the most of inopportune moments although it’s been there all along. It’s like a light that shines but we chose to dim it because we believe it’s an inconvenience but God finds ways to get a hold of the dimming mechanism and show you that He’s there and He matters. Along those lines we can find Legacy aka Brandon Greene of Leg Up music, rapper, musician and producer of various Christian Hip Hop artists.
As a northern transplant from the city of Buffalo, New York, Legacy found himself in the city of Brooksville, at the tender age of 14, having to contend with the “culture shock” of living south of Mason-Dixon Line. After the move from Buffalo because of the city’s economic downturn, he initially had a hard time connecting with people. Legacy eventually hooked up with other fellow northern transplants. In order to cope with the move and fit in with friends, Legacy turned to alcohol and weed to distort his reality since his musical drive had yet to surface. The interest in music had peaked briefly while in Buffalo via his older brother’s friend, who was an up-and-coming club DJ. That interest waned during his time of conflict of adjusting to southern life via substance abuse. One day during his travels one of his friends suggested for him to apply at one of the regional AM radio stations – WWJB 1450 as a board operator basically to push buttons and read weather. Being 15, going on 16, he anticipated being turned down due to his age but he was hired because he was only needed 6 hours a week, mostly on Sunday’s to broadcast one of the church shows - “The GOD Squad”. During his tenure at the station, he made his way to the production room and took advantage of opportunity to create mix tapes and play around cutting commercials. Yet because of the drug
culture he was part of, Legacy began to fail miserably in school, making poor choices in life and was suicidal. Legacy eventually figured he’d continue to work at the radio station and at McDonald’s and get his GED, to then move on to Full Sail (a School of Film, Art, Design, Music & Media Production in Orlando), but as we all know life has its twist and turns.
ing machine), and encouraged him to attend Bible College, so his rhymes would have more content and have a better understanding of the word. Although he’s attending church and reading the Bible, he sees the need to dig deeper into the word of God, and in 1998, Leg moved to New Orleans, LA to attended The School of Urban Missions.
Normally during the airing of the church programming, he would lower the volume on the studio monitors and watch ESPN but eventually God nudged him enough into listening to the show. That’s when he became a Christ follower, at age 17, and the transition began to happen as he made the proper choices of quitting the substance abuse that had been plaguing him for the last few years. Leg soon also left the addictive relationships behind to move onto a new path with God. After failing 8th grade once and 9th grade twice, Legacy entered into a dropout prevention program at his school, only to encounter the same people he had left behind in the classes. He admits, he did not handle that stage very well since, “they’re still in it, and I’m not.” He eventually dropped out the program, only to come back a few months later to finish the program.
Once there, Legacy is working in the city and in the projects via the college and the church he’s attending. Although his focus is bible studies, he’s still involved in music production. During his years at The School of Urban Missions, Legacy expands and grows musically since he’s developed an appreciation for southern beat making techniques to go in conjunction with his east coast style beats influence. He graduates with an Associate of Arts Degree with a Concentration in Urban Missions in 2001. Leg returned to Tampa, FL to intern and serve at Crossover Church, led by Pastor Tommy Kyllonen, aka “Urban D.”
During the program, Legacy started mapping out his destiny by writing down exactly what he wanted to do in the near future. He wanted to get his Bible degree because he wanted to study the Bible and use these things to create Christian music. That list included attending Full Sail. Although he was not able to attend, he was a hands on guy and took advantage of each opportunity to learn and grow in his craft. Since he was still at the radio station, he continued to develop his talent using the production room’s equipment. It was around this same time that Legacy decided to start rapping and he’ll admit that his first attempts were “terrible” and would make you cringe. But, he uses his story to encourage and boost the confidence of new and up-and-coming rappers. In 1996, at the church he’s attending, the divine progression of his talents starts to take effect. He starts learning the soundboard, 6 months later they need a bass player and Legacy takes on that challenge. While still navigating his way through the maze of talents/gifts he’s been encouraged by the youth pastor of his church to develop making beats. A friend in New Orleans mentored him and eventually taught him to use the MPC (a beat mak-
The connection to Crossover dates back to 1998, via good promotion in the form of a well traveled flyer, which made its way up to the Brooksville/Springhill area for a concert in Tampa. Eventually via a mutual friend by the name of Imagin, Legacy met Tommy at a concert at a Brooksville area church prior to leaving to New Orleans for college. Upon returning to Florida, he immediately moved to Tampa where he attends Crossover and is part of the Fla.vor Alliance ministry group. Legacy recently also opened up his brand new studio in a storefront about 15 minutes away from Crossover. If you’re looking for some hot production and your looking for a great Christian atmosphere to record at – check out Leg Up Music... and if your from out of state, you can come down and turn it into a vacation and soak up some FLA. Sunshine! •••
For more on Legacy & Leg Up Studios:
Leg Up Music, LLC
3802 Ehrlich Rd. • Tampa, FL 33624 (813) 264-2800 • info@legupmusic.com legupmusic.com • myspace.com/legupmusic
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>>RESPECTDUE<< artist on the move::
One day he invited his mother to come watch him perform at a talent show, when he asked her opinion on what she thought she told him he looked like everyone else and he needed to be different. She suggested that he play the drums or did something while he rapped. He thought that was a dope idea and began to practice on his lap everyday and it came natural to him. Now his whole image was definitely fitting to his name.
that’s exactly what he did, he continued touring and doing music but now he was not just performing, he was ministering and doing it while opening up for acts like Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and many more. At his performances he brings Bibles and Purpose Driven Life books and hands them out to the crowd, to this day no one has declined his free gift. In his heart when his purpose changed so did his name...
“
Iomos Marad = I’m On My Own Style – I’m different! So he goes out and makes a difference. In his own words Marcus says:
Jesus didn’t come
“
G
rowing up in the South side of Chicago, Marcus Singleton began playing drums at a young age. He began playing at his church when he was in the 7th grade. As he got older he began to be curious, which caused him to question God and be influenced in the Islam and 5 Percent culture. During this time was when he fell in love with Hip-Hop music and left his drums for a season. One day a friend of his called him “Iomos”, which stood for “I’m On My Own S...”. He felt as if he most definitely was making some noise and since he was a dope lyricist and other people were taking notice this name fit his character. One day his mother saw his lyrics and began to encourage him, reminding him that only ignorant people used foul language. This caused something inside of him to click. From that moment on he did not use foul language in his lyrics and he changed the meaning of his name to “I’m On My Own Style”. Some time later he was reading a book called The 99 Attributes of Allah and he saw the name Marad, which meant different. So he decided to call himself “Iomos Marad”.
for the well people,
He came for
Several years later, he finally decided to fully dedicate his life to God. He was about to go on tour with a secular label he was signed to when the Holy Spirit led him to decline the tour. Suddenly he found himself crying all the time day and night because God was doing a work in him. That’s when he met Pastor Phil Jackson from The House church in Chicago and he began to pour into him and show him God’s love. Marcus decided he needed to change his name. Phil Jackson encouraged him and told him that God could use his name to give him glory, he just had top change the message”. So
the sick
and his mission is to take his different style to reach the sick through his style of Hip-Hop. There are many forms of music that feed your soul. Music lives in the heart of its culture, in the heart of the performer, in the heart of the musician... Music lives in the heart of Marcus Singleton and let me tell you this; he rhymes to the beat of his own drum... literally! ••• stay connected to Iomos Marad, visit: myspace.com/iomosmarad
Iomos + drums = the freshest set you ever seen!
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written by: Jonny Ratke
One of the most important things a Christian can do is help others develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul worded it well in 1 Corinthians 11:1 when he said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Paul, a former murderer of Christians laid the groundwork that we should follow in outreach and ministry. Mentors invest what they have received from God into the life of another who has not yet gained the understanding. Paul described the process in 2 Timothy 2:2 --”And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” Very few people understand this better than Harmony Star Dust, a former exotic dancer who ministers to those caught up in the sex work industry. “This sort of outreach is about relationship,” Dust said. “It’s not about getting them to change and be more like us... it’s about extending our hand in relationship and introducing them to the Lover of our Souls.” And those souls he reaches out to could not ask for a better mentor. As Dust has lived their lifestyle and conquered it, coming out on top through her faith in Christ. “My life was pretty jacked up,” she said. “I was jaded and angry. From years of sexual abuse and rape, I walked around like the living dead. I was pretty much in a state of constant numbness. It was the only way I could get through the day without killing myself.” But that all changed when she quit dancing. “It was a huge leap of faith for me, and God showed himself to be so faithful,” she said. That leap of faith turned into a walk that leads other to Jesus. Dust goes to the clubs and seedy areas she once worked as a dancer bearing gifts for the girls who work in the clubs. The gifts include pampering treats such as lip-gloss and perfume and more importantly, a message of hope to help those who want to stop stripping. “I am just the funnel,” the licensed minister said. “Any blessings people receive from my life, story, ministry, etc are just the outpouring of what God has done in me and blessed me with. I am also passionate about the local church. I want to see us rise up and become the force on this planet we are created to be. I want to see the church be a place of refuge and restoration... a place that meets the real needs of people in a real way. I think we are seeing more and more of this and it excites me.” Dust knows these changes take time though. The 31-year-old first said the sinner’s prayer at age 15, but never wound up going to church or reading the bible. “None of the circumstances in my life changed, so I didn’t change much. I first began my relationship with Jesus when I was about 20.” That was when the mentor Dust first became mentored herself. “A girl I met in ballet befriended me and invited me to church. She was kind and loving and never judged me for the life I was living. It took me a while before I took her up on her offer to go to church, but once I finally did, I felt like I was home. I never stopped going...that is when the transformation finally began. What I loved about this friend was that her relationship with me was not contingent on whether or not I went to church. She just loved me as is.” And “as is” was not a good time in the life of the young dancer.
For more information on Dust and her ministry, visit:
www.iamatreasure.com
www.myspace.com/harmonydust “I got involved in a relationship with a guy who validated every negative thing I already believed about myself. Still, I was afraid of abandonment and thought the only way to keep him from leaving me was to make him financially dependent on me. By the age of 19 I was stripping for a living to pay our bills. By the time I set foot in church, I was supporting him, his baby, his baby’s mama, and even tolerated other women sleeping in my bed. Like I said, I was in a state of numb, and there was no limit to the lows I would let myself sink to just keep him around. I didn’t think I was worth more than the life I was living. With that start of not being judged by her mentor, Harmony star began to understand Jesus loved her unconditionally as well, and soon accepted that others could love her as well. She has been married to John Dust [Pigeon John] for 5 years now. “The greatest blessing in my life has been relationship,” she said. “Relationship with God, with my husband, with family, with friends, with pastors and my church family...I am so wealthy when it comes to relationship.” Now that she has relationship wealth, Dust plans to continue to share her wealth with others by extending the hope offered by the love of Jesus Christ. “Stripping and sex work is not the problem [in the world].” she said. “It is often the symptom of larger root issues. And real change will happen when God comes in and touches and heals the roots. •••
“The revolution begins in the heart.” S.O.U.L | Pg43
Ever been caught up on the stage of life? Love poetry and music? Above all, do you love God? Then you will dig Mahogany Jones. This twenty-something year old poet and emcee has an infectious enthusiasm for representing Christ that will just blow your mind! Her lyrics will bring any circumstance to life with a dramatic narrative on the root cause, to the solution found only in the realization of God. “Get High” is one such joint... packed with lyrics that take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, all the while stressing how “God has got your back”. But don’t get it twisted ya’ll, Mo is not just for the ladies. In fact, her every line is significant and encouraging to men and women equally, to press on despite the obstacles. In choosing to keep it real, she has opened eyes to many ugly truths surrounding the gangsta life, sexism and the Christian talk vs. walk, to name a few. The Christian Hip-Hop genre is limited in female representation. So when S.O.U.L MAG got the chance to get inside the mind of Mahogany Jones, an icon for changing times, we felt it was important to introduce the art of Christian spoken word and hip hop as seen through her eyes. For without a doubt, her lyrics and character alike demonstrate inspiration and change... and this is what she had to say: S.O.U.LMAG: What is the differentiation factor between Spoken Word and Hip Hop? Mo: I feel that spoken word is more reliant on theatrics and even though rhythm, timing, word play, rhyme forms and pattern play a large part in spoken word, like they do in emceeing, the discipline and responsibility that comes with emceeing as far as “staying in the pocket”, “riding the beat” and still expressing yourself clearly and intelligently in those confines can be challenging. With emceeing you are obligated to be a verbal percussionist of sorts. Without a beat playing in the background, when an emcee drops a verse accapella one should still be able to follow the beat and it not be an off one -lol. S.O.U.LMAG: Thinking back to the first time you wrote a poetry line at the age of thirteen to now, what about your lyrics has never changed? And what has? Mo: I think that the skill level has changed (thank goodness-lol). Content wise, honestly (with the exception of my writings now being coated with the perspective of being a follower of Christ) has stayed the same. I have always been concerned with societal ills, interpersonal and family relationships and of course, matters of the heart. Ummm, also a lot of my writing back then was problem focused where as now I am more solution focused, the solution of course being Christ. Lastly, not to be all spooky, but now of course since growing in my friendship with God a lot of my writings/music is now Holy Ghost inspired and that’s a big change. S.O.U.LMAG: How did you come to represent Christ in your music?
Mo: Wow, ummm- let’s see. I had grown up a “church go-er” but had problems surrendering myself to the lifestyle of actually
being a Christian. In my early twenties (and yes I am still in my twenties-lol) I had begun to really explore what I was doing with my life and God’s role in it. I guess the word is true; Draw close to me and I will draw near to you... and that’s what God began to do. At an open mic one night I met Conquest whose poetry was about God and more specifically Christ. I remember thinking to myself “Man, I have gone to church all my life and I love God, but never once have I ever written a joint professing my faith or my love for Him”. Intrigued and convicted, I spoke to Conquest afterwards (we since have recorded at least 5 songs together and that’s my boy!), but more importantly God began to speak to me and through a series of meeting other people and life in general, shortly after I rededicated my life to Christ and of course my gift had to follow.
S.O.U.LMAG: What was your inspiration behind “Be Aggressive”?
Mo: The Holy Ghost, end of story. Any time songs come down the pipe from the Big Man, it’s for me first. And the main thing that fostered the concept was the idea of “fighting the good fight”. I realize sometimes even in my own walk how “cushiony” American Christianity can be. It’s easy to adopt the kind of walk with Christ that is self-centered and not Christ-centered. So it’s just time to self examine where we are double minded, honestly confront ourselves and our un-submitted flesh then bring it to the altar and ask God to continually, radically transform us for His kingdom’s use. S.O.U.LMAG: How have you been more “aggressive” in your Christian walk?
Mo: In my own life right now, my aggressive admonishment has been in self inspection and seeing if my life not the outward
activities, (church/ministry school/speaking engagements, etc.) but my deep seeded matters of the heart (trusting and obeying God fully/ being God-secure and thereby free from insecurities, etc.) are in alignment with the word of God. Also, in spending more time with God so that He can use me to effectively share the gospel with those He’s placed in my life on a personal level and so many others. Right now it’s gangster. We live in wicked times and God is truly coming back and I don’t wanna be that chic caught out there unprepared and faithless. More time in the word and praying/forcing myself to be still and see where God is leading me and when I miss the mark going to Him immediately, open and honest, pursuing His presence even harder. Keeping my relationships strife free and full of forgiveness and staying on my love-walk. ••• If you’re just as enthused as I was by Mahogany Jones and want to hear more, pick up a copy of Obedient Dirt Mixtape Series Vol. I “The Gathering” and get inspired to make your aggressive moves for our King!
for more on Mahogany Jones, visit: myspace.com/mahoganyjonz
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written by: Bert Tinsley
Humbly and deepest, were words that Mr. Bert Bocachica used to announce the cancellation of Rap Fest 2007.
But wait, lets back up. Who!?! What!?! No lie, I didn’t even know who this cat was or what
he did until I did this article. God has a reason for everything and everyone. Bert has been involved in Christian hip-hop since 1989. His dedication over the past years has ushered in a host of new believers to build a relationship with Christ. Only 50 people attended the very first Rap Fest in 1994, now a crowd breaking 4,000 in recent years has attended. Bert considers himself a liaison between the culture, the church leaders, as well as to people who are discovering Christian hip-hop. Journalists from Chile, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Bolivia, England, Holland and France have interviewed Bert for Rap Fest. Artists from Puerto Rico, Japan, Greece and France have performed at the now legendary event known as Rap Fest. In over 18 years of service, Bert Bocachica has been instrumental in providing a platform for Christian hip-hop artists to spread the Gospel to the world. In 2005 Bert Bocachica, now a seasoned Veteran of Christian hip-hop was honored with the “Ambassador Award” at the Holy Hip-Hop Awards.
[
Even though the city of New York denied the permits
]
Bert has been quoted, “I can’t give up on what God has called me to do. My heart is in
this beyond what people can see. I believe too many souls are engulfed by the overall negative vibe of mainstream rap music. It’s my passion to see those souls saved. They are our target audience. I can’t give up on offering them an opportunity to see the light.”
With his tireless pursuit to see souls saved and hear life-changing testimonies, Even though
the city of New York denied the permits necessary for Rap Fest 2007, Bert was still in a tireless pursuit for people to come to know Christ. Even though the concert was cancelled he lead a team at the same location that passed out an estimated 2,000 CD’s, 1,500 magazines, 500+ English Bible and 300 Spanish Bibles. Also over 4,000 people were reported to have logged on the website to see the Friday Night Before Rap Fest service. You just can’t stop him, and he’s funny to. He lovingly corrected me for misspelling Rap Fest, by saying “For the records, it’s Rap Fest as 2 words. lol.” •••
Notes for this review were taken from a 2005 Newsweek article “By H. Lee Whack Jr. S.O.U.L | Pg46
Newsweek - Updated: 8:03 a.m. ET Aug 5, 2005”
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written by Pastor Tommy Kyllonen aka Urban D.
We all wait each day. We wait at traffic lights, we wait in lines, we wait for that call back or that return email. Waiting is a part of life. As a matter of fact, each of us will spend several years of our lives waiting for trivial things like those just mentioned. That type of waiting can really be frustrating, but that’s not the waiting we’re talking about here. I’m talking about the deeper more serious things that affect the direction and the path of our lives. Things like our families, our careers, our relationships, and even deeper – our destiny and our purpose. Those are some tough things to wait for. We find ourselves in the waiting room of life with people around us; our friends, our families, and even strangers... waiting is hard. Sometimes it just gets overwhelming and there is all this noise. There are times it’s so loud we can barely think. Our mind is racing, we’re distracted, there’s so many things going on around us – we feel stuck and overwhelmed in the pollution of life and we just want Silence! And many times we can get so numb that even though there are all these people around us and all this noise, we just zone out. We can’t hear anything anymore as we develop this tunnel vision. It becomes all about us and we don’t care about anyone but ourselves... until we begin to notice that people that were waiting with us or around us on our level are moving on. We sit there watching them advance in life; in their career, in their families, in their destiny and their relationship with God. And we’re still sitting here... they didn’t call our name yet. Sometimes it can feel like everyone moved on except us and it can feel lonely in the waiting room.
You’re waiting for direction, waiting for that miracle, waiting for some type of break through. There are three things that the waiting room does to us. It’s up to us if we take these things in a positive way or a negative way. The first thing it does is it will cause us to be tested! We really can see what we’re made of when we are caused to wait. Many times we can check out stories from the scripture and just breeze through them and see the final outcome. A few verses or a chapter may seem short so we don’t take into account all the time that is factored in with those verses. Look at a cat like Joseph. His story sparks off in Genesis chapter 37. He had these dreams that he would be a great leader someday. Joseph was the favorite son, so when he shared this info with his brothers they were furious, as they were already jealous. They ended up selling him into slavery. He was taken to Egypt and advanced
as he kept serving God and being a diligent servant... until his master’s wife falsely accused him of trying to rape her. Joseph then sat in the waiting room of a grimy Egyptian prison... for years! That was some nasty waiting being a slave and prisoner in a foreign country away from your family. Can you imagine the testing? Read the story and see what happened. Many times God will show us our future or our purpose and he lets us get a taste of it, but it’s not time yet. We’re not ready and we’re not equipped yet. Most of us have probably test driven a car we wanted and it felt so right. We was rolling in it like “Yeah, this is me!” But you knew it wasn’t the right time because you weren’t financially equipped yet. Well, much bigger than a car or some material thing – we’re talking about destiny. God may very well want to bless you with a better car down the road... but that’s not the real destiny. Our purpose isn’t only to get better stuff. It’s to find out what the creator really has us to do while we’re here on this earth. And when he shows us and then we have to wait, it’s some real testing. But, we look at a guy like Joseph and we see his response through it all and we see that’s the response we should all be aiming for. The second thing waiting does is cause us to look for a miracle. God told Abram in Genesis 12:12 “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing.” God was telling Abram he’d have a big family and many descendants. Cool, but here’s the part many people don’t realize when they read this. Abram was 75 was he was told this. On top of his older age his wife was also not able to have kids, but he still had faith and followed God’s direction and moved to a new land. Then his wife got pregnant, right? Nope. He had his 80th birthday, his 90th birthday, even his 99th birthday and still no kids! This brother was in the waiting room! Now at 75 that would have been a miracle to have kids, but now nearly another 25 years had passed. He’s really looking for a miracle now! Check out the chapters between Genesis 12 and 21 and you’ll see all the stuff they went through that leads up to the miraculous birth of their son Isaac. The other thing that waiting will do is it will cause you to change. This can be change for the good or for the bad. I’ve seen some people in the waiting room just throw up their hands and get up and walk out. They’ve walked out on their families, their ministries, and
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“ ”
We really can see what we’re made of when we are caused to wait. God given opportunities... because they couldn’t wait and grow. We can check out a dope example of this in the New Testament as Jesus tells Peter and his brother in Matthew 4:19 to “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Peter dropped his fishing nets and was down to take up this new type of fishing. He spent the next three years of his life under Jesus’ mentorship as he rolled with him and the rest of the disciples. He saw the miracles first hand. But, when it came down to it he denied Christ three times and then even after the resurrection he still went back to his old ways – fishing. Check out this verse from a song I recently dropped entitled “Peter”. “Now here’s Pete / He saw Christ get beat / Saw the nails driven in his hands and his feet / Taken off the cross – a lifeless piece of meat / This was the final blow of defeat / Time to retreat / Back to the old ways / No more fishing for men – cuz fishing for fish pays / And this was even after Christ was raised / Spiritually he was so dazed / Just like us / When we mess up / We go back to the familiar / Things of this world feel like familia / But Satan is stealing ya / Purpose and joy / as we blindly fall the ploy / That imitation- like milk and meat made from soy / Just like Peter who went for the decoy / But Christ came to open our eyes and make us free / John 21 – he appeared to his crew at Galilee / The sea / Also known as Tiberius / To re-instate Simon Peter – the text is so serious / Three denials is so serious / Three I Love You’s are so serious / Feed my sheep – I tell you the truth / Speak with ya life – not just from the booth / He predicted he’d die stretched out on a tree / Then he said to Peter – follow me...” - “Peter” from Urban D’s “Un.orthodox” CD/DVD Peter changed, as he couldn’t handle the waiting room. But, we see in John 21 that Christ came and re-instated him. This was a turning point in his waiting room. Peter then went on and helped build Christ’s church and really became a true fisher of men. We look at his contribution in the early church and the books he penned later in the New Testament and it’s totally a different dude. The waiting room changed him for the better. Some of you reading this may be in that waiting room right now. You’re waiting for direction, waiting for that miracle, waiting for some type of break through. Maybe God has shown you his vision for your life but it seems like nothing is happening. Don’t just sit there in your waiting room. Keep learning and progressing and be open to see what God is trying to show you and how he’s trying to grow you. I encourage you to read these stories from scripture and you’ll see that the waiting room is a necessary part of God’s process. •••
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STATE OF THE INDUSTRY
By: Mike Estep, COO Fla.vor Alliance Media Group
It’s no secret that the record industry has to look at the way business is done. While CD sales take the hit, digital downloads continue to affect every part of music business. From the way artists sell their music to the way labels promote that music to listeners, the game is changing. In spite of the entire hubbub over Kanye and 50 Cent releases in September ‘07 Billboard’s headline still read: “Album Sales Down 9% Despite Huge Kanye, 50 Tallies.” The impact of course bleeds over to the Christian music market, and each genre in the industry is looking for how best to reach the large audience that is out there. S.O.U.LMag recently talked to some of the “hip hop influencers” to get takes on how hip-hop is doing and what the future holds. Some industry leaders feel that things couldn’t be better. Several noted that like never before we are hearing from many artists who represent a wide variety of sounds. Braille from Hip-hop is Music put it like this, “We are in the ‘do-it-yourself’ era where demos are on shelves next to big budget records. Rather than a small group of artists controlling the output, we now have a seemingly unlimited supply of Christian hip-hop.” Likewise, Josh Niemyjski from Sphere of Hip-hop and Illect Recordings notes, “The indies are really hitting their stride right now, and it seems the larger labels are struggling to keep up. This forces everyone to up their game and keep improving during the process of releasing music.” But the boom of artists creates both positive and negative affects. As Tim Trudeau, President of Syntax Records commented, “There is an on-going debate of what defines ‘Christian hip-hop.’ Some people think it always has to be overtly spiritual versus positive or clean. The discussion can divide us or keep us sharp.” Syntax purposely directs attention to the general market to capitalize on how open the industry currently is to positive hip-hop. “It’s cool to be clean in hip-hop this year. We will continue to ride that wave, and then when it’s not cool, we’ll still do what we do,” said Trudeau.
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There is also general consensus among hip-hop labels that while some partnerships across the industry are occurring, there is still a long way to go. Josh Niemyjski lists some of the things he sees as problems saying, “[I see] failure to communicate, pride, bad business ethics, neglect of fundamentals. It’s no wonder we as a genre have so few opportunities. It hurts to say it, but we really don’t deserve [opportunities] until we get our act together... our scene is still in it’s infancy.”
“Album Sales Down 9% Despite Huge Kanye, 50 Tallies.”
Still with companies like Syntax celebrating 10 years of business, the future when focused looks bright. As Braille says, “We don’t need microphones and beats to fulfill the Great Commission. We can all play our role and serve our purpose without industry hype. God has already validated our movement, and He will multiply all the seeds that have been planted. We need to be in tune with where God is taking us, and accept his guidance with humility.”
These pointed comments seem to be a good word for all artists and industry types in the ever changing and growing landscape of Christian hip-hop.
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Those who know the history of hip-hop music understand the importance and role of the individual behind the turntables. Rappers in particular should thank the DJ for allowing them to comprise a quarter of the hallowed Four Elements of the culture. Who else but the DJ loaned them the house mic and played the backbeats to their “keep the party live” poetry? And aren’t DJs the ones largely responsible for introducing new music to the masses and helping make records hits? Hasn’t the recent revitalization of the DJ-hosted, blended, and exclusive “mixtape” made brand names of 50 Cent and The Game and exposed countless other underground artists to a much, much broader audience? All of the above is true in mainstream hip-hop at least. So why, quite literally for heaven’s sake, is the gospel rap community sleeping on somebody like DJ Primo? Despite being a consistent, quality source for blends, remixes, and his H-town specialty chopped and screwed street versions, only a handful of gospel rap players have fully utilized his talents on record or radio. Primo @ the HHHH Awards After Party
“Honestly, I think it’s because cats don’t see this for what it really is,” said Excelsius, probably the Christian MC who best understands working with DJ Primo. “A lot of the dudes I talk to don’t see this [ministry] beyond making a few songs here and there. Many of them don’t have a vision for themselves, thus, it goes nowhere and very few are exposed to them,” X said. Their loss, right? Not exactly. If holy hip-hop is in fact different than its cleaner counterpart, and focuses less on sales competition and more on life change, why aren’t its participants using all of the tools available to them? Especially when the methods are as proven as the DJ? “I’m really trying to help these artists and get listeners the music styles they enjoy,” Primo said. “I believe what I do, whether it’s chopped and screwed or a blend mix, can be an antidote the poison music that’s out there otherwise.”
Primo during the Gulf War years...
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So what does Carlos Avila aka DJ Primo, a Mexican immigrant, Gulf War veteran, father, and husband, have to offer? For one, mega mixes of Christian hip-hop and reggaeton to both Houston’s Street Life Worldwide Ministries podcast plus DJ D-Lite’s “3rd Coast Fiyah Mixshow.”
“To be honest, I was not a major fan of chopped and screwed music, but I knew the peeps from the Derty Derty considered it a staple. Well, Primo changed my opinion with his quality mixes,” DJ D-Lite said. “I am honored to have him as a brother and friend.”
“DJ Primo is indeed a blessing to holy hip-hop,” DJ D-Lite said. “When I was given the opportunity to host my own thing on HCR.FM, I immediately knew I wanted to team up with him. The brother has been faithful and constantly provides heat for my show.”
His Mexican heritage and bilingual tongue have also drawn his ear to the rapidly expanding reggaeton movement.
Primo has done complete chopped and screwed versions of full albums for Excelsius, Knine, Southern Gospeltality Records, and the 116 Clique. He’s also done one-off or specialty CnS slows for Urban D, S.O.M., Tre9, and Sean Slaughter. This Houston-born form of remixing hip-hop reduces its tempo and applies various DJ techniques such as skipping beats, scratching, stop-time, and sending portions of the music through stand-alone effects to make a “chopped-up” version of the original. 116 Clique member Lecrae reports that his group sold out of the Primo-produced screw alternative of their compilation album at a recent show at Baylor University. “I think Primo brings the genre a way of opening the door for even secular cats to experience our world, even if they don’t care for the words of our songs,” Excelsius said. “Chopped and screwed is so big here in Houston that even if no one knows who the artist is or what they’re saying, if they’re into that style of music, they’ll give it a listen. And since he’s doing it with God’s glory in mind, I gave him the nickname ‘The King of Christian Chop and Screw.’” Self-trained in the art of slowing and slicing, holy hip-hop’s Primo has made this style his signature. Many within the game have attempted the remix format but none have made it as clear and smooth as this DJ. Some say his slowed versions can hold their own with mainstream’s Michael “5000” Watts and he’s even converting non-Houstonians into screwheads.
This style of urban audio blends Jamaican music influences of reggae and dancehall with those of Latin America, such as bomba and plena, as well as that of hip-hop. The music is combined with rapping (generally) in Spanish. He’s also focused on balancing music with family and becoming well-rounded DJ. “I’m still learning the scratching part and would like to put out a remix/blend mixtape if artists will let me use their music,” Primo said.
It seems like everyone who has encountered DJ Primo has nothing but good things to say about him. “Beyond his skills, DJ Primo, or ‘cousin’ as the names stands for, is definitely family - not just to SGR, Knine, 116 Clique and the other labels and artists that he has served, but to the Body of Christ!” Son of Jesse said. So take note pop DJs and studio slaves: teaming up with King Primo is a complete win all the way around. Hands down. •••
For more on DJ Primo, visit:
www.djprimo.org myspace.com/djprimo777 GodAintMadAtYa.com
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written by: Tone Bruno The reality of God’s grace is truly something amazing, and I believe the greatest component toward a changed life. In God’s grace through Christ we’re “born again,” have a fresh start and a clean slate, free from our sin being held against us in eternal judgment. WHAT A DEAL! Talk about not deserving something. Even when we’re given something generous from another person, or we’ve been forgiven by someone when they should’ve brought the heat on us, we get a taste of grace. That much more with the eternal gift God offers. Yet, somehow I can slip into mistreating this life-changing concept as something that allows me to avoid what’s right. I even see how God’s grace and love has become a popular claim in pop culture, and particularly in our world of hip-hop/R&B. We can look at just about any top 10 artist who entertains and influences with content of promiscuous sexuality, violence, and illegal activity. That same artist won’t be looked at funny when he/she credits their success to God’s grace. At the risk of being called judgmental, I do not apologize for pointing out the contradiction between secular hip-hop’s content and it being credited to God’s grace. But I also catch myself being guilty of contradicting what I represent if I’m not careful. And in my temptation to handle God’s grace in too relaxed of a fashion, I’m reminded through a story in Luke 19 of how I’m expected to respond to His grace, and what that grace to me should mean in my life. In this scenario, Jesus was rollin’ thru the town of Jericho where a crowd surrounded Him and followed Him as He was movin’. On the perimeter of the crowd was the man Zaccheus, who was “a chief tax collector and was wealthy” (v 2). That’s no small detail considering what Jews were dealing with under the rule of the Roman Empire. Taxes were one of the forms of oppression upon the Jews, not only with a standard rate, but also as the soldiers would arrive to collect the tax, take more than the standard rate, and pocket that extra amount right in front of the person being taxed. So this chief tax collector became wealthy by... you guessed it – robbing the people, and being a boss in that corrupt system. What adds insult to injury is that if Zaccheus was a Jew hired by the Roman government (like Mathew was), than imagine the sense of betrayal that the people of this crowd felt toward him. It reminds me of the famous song by KRS ONE (for those of us who go back that far), “Black Cop.” He vocalized a very serious issue in that song, which is about people who came from among
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the down & out and dealt with police brutality, then became cops and, forgetting where they came from, began to power-trip in their role of authority, becoming corrupt, and were then actually guilty of police brutality themselves. What a sad and unfair reality of injustice. That’s the kind of picture to be painted if Zaccheus was a Jew. This begins the buildup toward the power of God’s grace. Now Zaccheus wants to be able to see Jesus while He was passing through Jericho, but he has a “little” problem – he’s too short to get the view that he needed. For those who know this story, you know what comes next. Zaccheus jumps onto a nearby tree and climbs it to get that clear view of Christ. I know it’s typical to read that part, find it strange, or maybe even funny, and then put all the emphasis on the conversations that follow. But I want to point out something I find interesting about this right here. I’d agree that Zaccheus being too short and climbing the tree is strange, even funny. I’ll take it at least one step further and say humbling (if not humiliating). When you think about it, this was someone of wealth and power who was used to getting his way by force, yet here he doesn’t yell, scream, and knock people over forcing his way through the crowd. He climbs the tree, perhaps reminding himself, and some in this crowd of people, about his “little” problem. This isn’t just any short dude that nobody notices. This man is a power figure who has abused his power, and we all know that human nature doesn’t let that go easily. By making this move of climbing the tree, what I see demonstrated is a desire to connect with Christ above a concern with his own reputation. Christ, surprising people like He does, didn’t hold his past against him and overlook the effort in climbing the tree. Of all the people in the crowd, Jesus says to this corrupt thief of a tax collector, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today” (v5). Of course, the on-looking crowd ain’t feelin’ that. They can’t help but point it out to each other that “He (Jesus) has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ “ (v7). As much as I’m tempted to criticize them, I shouldn’t be surprised if I would’ve reacted like they did. At least in our society if we’re being ripped off through taxes, we don’t know of a particular individual, we just mail it in to the system. Tough enough as that is, I might be skeptical of a particular government authority, who I’d have known for ripping me off, were right in front of me claiming to have now found Jesus. I’d probably want some proof, and amazingly, these people get some. Zaccheus says, “Look, Lord!
Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” WOW! How many of us would expect to hear THAT from the government ranks ANYwhere in the world!? This tells me that Zaccheus knew about Christ, and took a chance in hopes to be received by Him if he could catch Him, and he wasn’t climbing the tree to just check out some crazy situation that he knew nothing about. Zaccheus made another move and Jesus proudly gives him a shout, “...this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (v9-10). It probably doesn’t even need to be said that Jesus was not justifying Zaccheus because his good deed earned him a right standing with Christ. And if he was a Jew who obviously betrayed his people, or a corrupt Gentile who they thought was too “dirty” for them, Jesus call him a son of Abraham – a true child of God. Originally he made a move, re-positioning himself to get a clear view of Christ, and this next move of giving back what he took (and more) was in response to the grace given to him. This is so refreshing, because in a day where the popular idea of God’s grace means He’s not concerned with how I live and if my lifestyle contradicts my claims, I learn an incredible lesson from this undeserving, corrupt thief about what it means to really know God’s grace. Opposite of the popular view, His grace to me has to inspire a life-changing response with a new heart, continuing with a life-long response of growing characteristics that reflect Christ’s character in the fruit of the Spirit. That’s not law, that’s results! But sometimes it takes making a move before Christ makes His. We have to ask ourselves at this point if there’s anything crowding between us and a better view of Christ. Maybe determination to live by our own desires, and not leave behind old ways and company that keeps a worldly representation, thinking God’s grace permits it. Could it be a relationship that He wants you to let go of that’s keeping you back from serving Christ; maybe that person isn’t living for Him, or it’s just not healthy. Or, maybe motives are crowding in between. Could the request of “God, use me to reach many,” really mean, “Give me high record sales, a booked concert schedule, and a major label deal.” Could unforgiveness or bitterness be in the crowd blocking (even though He’s forgiven us), and trying to overlook it just continues to frustrate the free-flowing current of your relationship with Christ? What about pride? We may be thinking we’re above accountability to another trust-worthy believer asking us hard questions, or sharing a concern they see about us. Do we still carry the pride of the old mentality that could quote Kanye’s song, “You can’t tell me Nothin’?” Are we ready to climb a tree? Are we ready to re-position ourselves to a better vantage point for Christ to work from, even if it costs our comfort, our rights, our pride, or our rep? Will we get out of the way of what’s crowding between Christ and us by addressing it in prayer, fixing a wrong, or forgiving someone? Are we willing to do whatever we need to do, or not do, based on scripture’s perspective and how God is leading us. Are we living a life that reflects thankfulness to Him for what He first did for us? Yup, God makes the move of making us right with Him even though we don’t deserve it. And in light of His grace...it’s your move. •••
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COVERSTORY
It’s been 10 years since this crew of Philly hip-hop heads connected with “Heaven’s Mentality” in 1997. They hit us with the “Shock” by answering the question “Who’s the Man” when they reminded us that it is the “Blood Spilla”, Jesus Christ, versus every man’s killa! A year later, but not a moment too soon, they returned as Advocates of the Theocratic Rule in the “House of Representatives”. Music video footage implicates the crew as government officials on covert operations as urban street preachers. In a public statement release, one of members says, “I Am That I Am”. Another member added, “Think on These Things” besides, “What Do You See?” In October of 2000, the crew sounded the alarm warning us that there is a “Human Emergency”. They shined “The Light” on a spiritual drought in the world and helped to quench our thirst with “Live Agua”. In 2003, they implored us to “Rise Up” and become a “Holy Culture” if we ever want to “Start Somethin’ “ and live “Forever”. Then, in 2004, like an “Epiphany”, “We” saw in “Higher Definition” how “Civilian Affairs” were being “Redefined” as they now cross “The Bridge” into “HIStory”...
S.O.U.LMAG: How did the Cross Movement begin?
CM: CM came together when in the early to mid-90’s. God allowed the conditions of a two-sided cultural drought to drive a group of young urban Christians to find one another, and in one another, the strength to stand against a Godless secular culture and the strength to stand in a hip-hop-less church culture.
S.O.U.LMAG: How did the vision & focus of The Cross Movement’s mission evolve over time?
CM: Our mission has always sort of been the same, and that is, to see our generation have what the generation before has: a culturally contextualized experience with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over time, we began to believe that this mission was worthy of a full fledge missionary effort supported by the local church.
S.O.U.LMAG: Describe some of the resistance Cross Movement experienced over the years with addressing the Hip-Hop culture with the Gospel.
CM: There’s been no particular resistance from the Hip-hop culture when it comes to reaching heads with the Gospel, other than the natural resistance of the sinful heart. Though resistance, has come at times from the music industry and, even sometimes, the church that only deals with Hip-hop for its ability to entertain for as long as a concert can hold someone, as opposed to seeing Hip-hop’s ability to be the context through which the Christian life can be lived and the Great Commission fulfilled. And, I should say, it’s been less like resistance and more like really, really s-l-o-w acceptance.
S.O.U.LMAG: Describe how in times of adversity the group was able to persevere?
CM: It would be inconceivable to think that you could have a group of two or more human beings together for over ten years, trying to accomplish something that is, humanly speaking, “impossible” and think that there won’t be any trials to overcome. One of the things that has guided us in those times is having the sense of a mission that was bigger than any one individual. It is because of a commitment to what God is doing overall that makes a person say, “the business, the tiredness, the frustration, the heartache, the obstacles, etc. is all worth it. As long as I can see how God is still pulling off His grand plan in the midst of it all.”
S.O.U.LMAG: Was there ever a push for or pressure to achieve “secular” recognition? Why or why not?
CM: Secular recognition is a phrase that means many things to many different people. Most often, people say it and mean to convey the idea of comparable success to what is happening to our contemporaries in the secular world. We’ve never pushed for that. But we have at times, wondered if and even asked that God would allow us to
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have the ability to impact the world at a level that would be comparable. This might be seen through having a name that is recognized in secular circles instead of “Cross Movement? Who’s that?” It seems that if we have God’s prescribed remedy for man’s sin, then it would be ideal for people know where to turn when they’ve come to the end of themselves and their own efforts. But it appears that to some degree, God is pleased to let our stay in Christian Hip-hop be like the analogy Christ gave of the kingdom of God. That it is not like a towering palace but more like a treasure buried in a field. When people find it, they go rejoice and sell all they have to purchase that field. But, I think the media is not the best barometer of “secular recognition.” What God does behind the scenes and off camera may not be revealed until God tells the story of HIStory from His vantage point. When it comes to secular recognition, who knows ‘who knows’?
S.O.U.LMAG: Any words of encouragement for others following in The Cross Movement’s footsteps.
CM: To up and coming Christian Hip-hop artists, can I encourage you against not to do something, and then let me encourage you to do something. Don’t let your culture’s ways and aims determine how much of God’s ways and aims you can pursue. Rather, dig up in the Scriptures and let God’s ways and aims determine for you how much of your culture’s ways and aim you can include into your mix. Long considered by many as icons in the Christian hip-hop industry, the Cross Movement bids farewell. For Tonic, The Ambassador, Phanatik, and T.R.U.-L.i.f.e., a place in HIStory will be marked by their ever reaching efforts with the Gospel to impact the culture in which they were influenced . They’ve done it by “understanding the times & knowing what to do” (I Chronicles 12:32).
Stay connected with CMR: crossmovementrecords.com
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We just want the world to know that God is into self glorification. He wants people to put Him on a pedestal. He wants to be “Prime Time,” the center of attention, the main attraction. So one of the things that we wanna to do is to promote this Lord and this God, because most people today, they... they’d rather do without Him. So we’re bringing it back to how it should be. Prelude: “Cypha Time” Heaven’s Mentality - 1997
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<html> <head> <title>Internet Spotlight: Christ In A Hip-Hopper</title> <meta http-equiv=”Content-Type” content=”text/html; charset=iso-8859-1”> </head>
>> Description website: http://www.christianhiphopper.com Owner/Creator: Brady Goodwin aka The Phanatik logo design: Anthony Riley - arileyinc1@mac.com website services: http://www.jdwebdesign.biz
>> Vision and Mission The vision of ChristIaN Hip-hopper.com is to see the Christian in Hip-hop community become an unavoidable, uncompromising demonstration of what it looks like to see Christ in a Hip-hopper
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<body> <p></p> <p></p> <p> “What you are about to witness/ is one of the most mind-blowing sites to see upon entrance!” I could not have said it better myself. That is exactly the phrase that fits this website from the introduction, in which Phanatik is giving you the understanding of this phenomenal site, until you are logging out. After the intro makes you feel like you are being welcomed to your new e-home, as soon as you enter the actual site, you get another greeting from Da Truth, “Welcome to Our World”, and a medley of brothers in Christ, expressing God’s glory in rhyme form. The first page shows links and a thumbnail glimpse of some featured ministering artists’ websites, as well as links to some relevant churches, like The House and Crossover Community Church. </p> <p></p> <p> As I browse the links, I am very impressed with the ease of browsing from Phanatik’s interactive site, to registering on the mailing list. We have a Gospel Vibrations site that reps a radio station broadcasting over the East Coast and beyond, to a page that allows us to become partners with the website (only after you have studied The Manual-a guide on how to serve God through hip-hop). Doing things in Excellence! There is so much to this site that I could keep going on and on, and I am still going from site to site! The site is necessary for being saved in your Favorites. God has opened the portal; will you walk through it? </p> <p></p> <p></p> </body> </html>
interviewed by: Derrick Colon
As one thinks on the elements that make up Hip-Hop culture, you can’t help but think about the dance of the culture, breaking, or as it’s known by the originators of the dance, B.Boying. Going back as far as 1973, no one really knows where this dance originated, but what we do know is it was mastered by inner city youth. One such youth was a young man by the name of Corey, aka Icey Ice, who would go on to be known as the master and originator of air moves or power moves. We had the chance to chill with Corey and discuss his contribution to the culture of B.boying. S.O.U.L: At what age did you get exposed to B.Boying? ICEY: I was born and raised in the Bronx, the birthplace of Hip-Hop. I can remember I was 11 years old, and it was the summer of 1980. At that time I was living in the Astoria section of queens N.Y. even though it started in the Bronx, by the 80’s it spread like wildfire throughout all the 5 boroughs. S.O.U.L: In the world of B.Boying who would you say were your influences? ICEY: I would definitely have to say prince Ken Swift. The reason I say Kenny was because he had the ability to take simple style and make it look complicated. B.Boy Ken Swift is a master of what original B.Boying and new school B.Boying look like, but was able to take it to a whole different level. He inspired me to be an innovator. I wanted to be different, I wanted to be original, and that’s how I was able to take simple moves like flairs and turn them into something totally crazy. S.O.U.L: Who were some early B.Boys you started dancing with? ICEY: It was Kid Freeze form the Dynamic Rockers who would teach me the essence of the dance. Much of my early influence was from Dynamic. S.O.U.L: Can you tell us of an experience that rocked your world? ICEY: I would have to say the battle between Rock Steady Crew and the Dynamic Rockers at Lincoln Center. I had only been dancing for a month and I was so intimidated by all the dancers who at that time were better than me. I can remember all the people who came from all over New York to watch this historic battle. It was one thing to watch it on T.V. but it was a whole different story to be there live. S.O.U.L: You had the awesome opportunity to be part of the Magnificent Force, at what point did you come in contact with them? ICEY: After starting with Dynamic Rockers, then I was also part of the original Floor Masters, which would later go on to become the New York City Breakers. I was with both of those crews for a sort time, and then came the Mag. Force. It was Mr. Wiggles, Popmaster Fable, Fastbreak, and Muhammad Kalimi. S.O.U.L: What were some famous spots you can remember going to? ICEY: Well of course there was the Roxy, which so many Hip-Hop groups would frequent. Then there was The Funhouse, Roseland, The Hearthrob, Danceteria, and of course Skatekey in the Bronx. S.O.U.L: When one thinks about the Hip-Hop Culture some famous movies come to mind. One of those movies is Beat Street. You had the opportunity to be in that movie as a dancer, tell us what that was like. ICEY: The way I even got the movie was due to our reputation with Magnificent Force. Because we had done so much traveling abroad, we were known as one of the premiere dance groups. Even though the movie was a great thing for the group, it seemed as though right after the movie, and all the success that came with it, things started to fall apart. The first thing that happened was the untimely death of Glidemaster Matthew. Shortly after the movie, he was killed in a motorcycle accident. The funeral was big, and so many people from the Hip-Hop community, and the neighborhood came to pay their respects. It would be in 1986 that the group would finally break up. S.O.U.L: How did Jesus come into the picture? I mean you were rolling with people who were influential players in the culture, but then something happened. ICEY: I had the opportunity to make a move to Seattle Washington, and finish my last year of high school there. It would be at this place that I would hear the gospel presented for the first time, and a seed was planted. I was a searcher, playing with Santeria, and just looking to fill a huge void in my life. I knew what it was like to have money, I was making $350.00 and hour on the set of Beat Street, and we were working 15-hour days, you do the math. But even with all the money and fame, I was still empty. After a while, God worked it out for me to move to Kansas City, and the family that would help me happened to be born again Christians, and I started to go to Bible Study, and the rest is history. Here was a youth who had it all for the taking - fame, fortune, travel, and yet he was so empty. It wasn’t until he found peace with Jesus Christ that his life would totally be transformed. Now that’s what’s up. •••
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If there was a biblical blueprint, on how to battle pornography and sexual addiction in the world today, one might turn to Psalm 1:12: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.â&#x20AC;? West Coast Rap artist Minister RMB is following the advice in scripture such as Psalms, as he uses his faith, catchy slogans, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help those caught up in the devastating addiction of sex and pornography.
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od has called me to address the hardcore and uncomfortable issues relating to porn and sexual addiction inside and outside the four walls of the church,” RMB said. “God has healed me and delivered me from so much pollution in my life, that it was due time for me to start talking about it in a truly transparent manner. I don’t believe that we should sugarcoat the truth, nor should we skirt around the issues. So many people want to complain about the divorce rate being higher among Christians, but no one wants to talk about one of the main reasons why... porn and a lack of sexual purity/integrity.”
then, I have been delivering the raw message of Don’t Be Pimped... a message that exposes Satan’s “pimp game” and how he has come to kill, steal and destroy this generation by prostituting them out to the ways of our sexually saturated society.
The 29-year-old, Christian rapper/Evangelist (born Jack Thomas Nordby, but chose the name Renewed Mind Brotha based on Romans 12:2) began an inner-city/homeless outreach ministry in California with his two best friends, called Project Sixty One.
This type ministry is so vital in today’s fast-paced, Internetdriven world. “My greatest blessing would have to be the fact that I get to travel all over the world and see God’s beautiful creation while I am delivering the Gospel of Jesus,” RMB said. “It’s such an amazing honor and blessing to be called and chosen by God for such a time as this. I love being able to meet different people from different backgrounds who all have different stories of what God has done in their lives. I love hearing people’s testimonies!”
“We go out on a consistent basis to an area of Sacramento called Del Paso Heights [DPH],” RMB said. We also spend time in a homeless community called Grey Skull. Minister RMB is well known in the area, having grown up all over Northern California, including the ghetto known as DPH. He developed a relationship with Jesus after watching his mother take her last breath from ovarian cancer at age 14. Although not an ordained minister, Jack was given the title, “minister” to add to the RMB by his friend Maximillian. “Every time I would do a concert, I’d break out into a full preaching session,” RMB said. “So Maximillian would call me ‘the minister’... since ministering God’s Word is more important to me than rapping.” RMB picked the name Project Sixty One based on the 61st chapter of Isaiah, which is relevant to today’s society and his style of ministry. According to THE VOICE Biblical and Theological Resources For Growing Christians, The essential message of Isaiah is that God is at work in the historical events of the day to bring a glorious restoration and vindication of the people of God. As God’s people are renewed and restored they would again assume their role as witnesses of God in the world. “It’s been awesome to build real friendships with people who are homeless, involved in prostitution, drug addiction, etc, and show them the love of Christ.... truly loving them like Jesus loves people... with NO AGENDA,” he said. It’s time for us to get out of our “Christian bubbles”, and recognize the desperate need to embrace the hurting, broken and lost. It’s time for us to be more concerned with “being the Church, than just “going to church”!
“It’s a message that addresses the taboo issues that are often ignored in the church, such as porn, sexual addiction and abuse, suicide, divorce, etc. All my friends wanted a t-shirt that had the slogan on it, so I started the DBP Clothing line to promote the message.”
“The Devil’s a Pimp,
Don’t Be His Ho”
RMB will get even more opportunity to meet people and share the Gospel and life experiences in 2008. “I will be unveiling the official: ‘Don’t Be Pimped-Mobile”, which will start touring from city-to-city, delivering a message of faith and redemption by giving away 100,000+ CD’s and Bibles away for FREE. “I am also teaming up with Sevin and Qheem the Redeem to release the ‘Glo In Tha Dark Projekt’ in Summer of 2008”, reveals Minister RMB. Currently, RMB is touring and promoting his latest CD “When The Storm Comes” which features major collaboration’s with Worship/Pop icon David Crowder, Antonio Neal, Pigeon John, Sevin, CROW, Stevie Scott, K2S, as well as renowned author of the “Every Man’s Battle” series, Stephen Arterburn.
for more on RMB, visit: dontbepimped.com & ministerrmb.com
In addition to Project 61, RMB is also the founder of DONTBEPIMPED.COM “Don’t Be Pimped was birthed in a verse I wrote for Sevin’s “All of None,” CD back in 1999,” RMB states. I penned the line, “The Devil’s a Pimp, Don’t Be His Ho”. Ever since
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>> Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
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aron wasn’t doing anything he hadn’t been doing all month. It had almost become habitual for him to take his lunch breaks, walk over to the nearby mall and sit in the food court and thumb through his bible as he likewise did the same with some fries. See Aaron was a new Christian and was finding comfort in the scriptures he was uncovering. His new church was a refreshing change from the theories and idealism that had cluttered his understanding of God’s word for years. Even though he was still growing in Christ, I don’t think he was prepared for what was about to happen. As Aaron was just getting into his reading he felt someone standing behind him glancing over his shoulder. It was Shawn from work. Shawn was a little different because he used to be a Christian who had now become an Atheist due to his uncomfort with the scriptures and the theories that he had been approached with. Not needing an invite, Shawn sat down across from Aaron. “Dawg, I’ma stop you right now. You’re not gonna find what you’re looking for in that book,” he said confidently. Without looking up Aaron shot back, “How do you know what I’m looking for, homie?” “You’re looking for what everybody who picks up that book thinks they’re gonna find. Hope? Passion? Something that makes you feel like you’ve got some sort of purpose here on this earth, am I right?” He spoke smugly slumping back in his chair. Aaron, finally looking up from his word with a smile, “Possibly, but there’s more to it than that. What I found is love and...,” blatantly interrupting, Shawn leaned forward, “Christ wasn’t who you think he was. You know he didn’t get crucified like you all think. It was actually Judas. People just said it was Jesus because it sounded like a hero Rabbi’s cool farewell death. You know Shakespeare actually wrote some of the New Testament that we have today, right?” without giving him a chance to respond he continues “Yeah, yeah he wrote it and put it out there and people saw it and used it as this book of morals to scare kids into living right... or God’ll get you.” Aaron was seemingly shocked by this revelation and permanently took his eyes off his book and focused more on Shawn. “Wait, you mean Shakespeare really wrote a portion of the bible? What... wait like a joke or something, right?” Feeling like he now had control Shawn leaned in for the kill. “I don’t know, homie, maybe. Dawg, check the facts man. The bible tells all these stories of how God spoke to Noah, spoke to Moses, spoke to Saul and gave all these ‘world changing’ instructions. Mmm-hmm, when was the last time you heard about somebody hearing from God who wasn’t crazy?” Aaron absorbing all this looked down at his bible and nodded. “I guess that makes some sense. I won’t say that I believe it completely but it does make sense.”
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ow many times have you been in this conversation or one similar to it and been faced with some sort of faith challenging debates? You can almost guarantee that at some point in your walk you will be challenged in your beliefs by someone who believes and doesn’t know, never believed, or used to believe. It’s natural and okay to deal with. Let’s take a closer look at some common questions and arguments. IS THE BIBLE HISTORICALLY RELIABLE? Common answers: No, it was written by MAN. It changed hands and languages so many times that it had to have changed meanings. Truth: The manuscript or the scriptures (they weren’t known as the Old & New Testament back then. Just the scriptures) have INCREDIBLE accuracy as scholars for centuries have compared all the copies and through extensive research have seen that they DO line up with their translations. Did you know that in Jewish culture, in the days after Jesus’ death, the manuscripts were written on scrolls that were kept together and transported in bags around the cities? Of course the constant opening and closing and taking them in and out of the bags cause natural wear and tear, so they carefully copied the scriptures to prevent losing these important writings. Again, due to the importance of these writings it was as important to proofread the copies to protect the integrity of the writers and the writings themselves. There was a team of scholars and transcribers that did this full time; this was their actual job – to protect the accuracy of these scrolls! Not only were the translations accurate, but we also have to take into account how many copies we have to compare with each other. In ancient literature Homer’s “The Iliad” comes in 2nd place for the most manuscripts with 643 copies, while the New Testament comes in 1st place with 24,790+ copies that are still around today and all line up!
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IS THE BIBLE REALLY FROM GOD? Common answers: “I heard Shakespeare wrote it.” “Nope, not really. It’s just a book of morals and opinions from people years back.” “The bible is not such a book a man would write if he could, or could write if he would.” -Lewis Chafer
(founder & former president of Dallas Theological Seminary)
TRUTH: The common response to this question may vary. The one thing we can definitely rule out is that God’s hand reached down from the Heavens and dropped this golden book from the clouds to an altar saying, “Reading is fundamental... pass it on!” The bible was actually written by over 40 God inspired authors from every walk of life from Kings, military leaders, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, tax collectors, poets, musicians, scholars and shepherds. It was written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia and Europe, and written in 3 different languages: Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic and has been translated into over 2,200 languages which is about 90% of the earth’s population. There are currently over 6,000 scholars working on 850 more translations that will be complete by 2025 making the Bible available to every language on the planet! The Bible has been the all time best selling book in history actually selling billions of copies! “The bible deals very frankly with the sins of its characters, even when those sins reflect badly on God’s chosen people, leaders and the biblical writers themselves. “The bible as a book focuses on reality, not fantasy. It presents the good and the bad, the right and wrong, the best and worst, the hope and the despair and the joy and pain of life.” - Josh McDowell from his book ‘The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict’ Do you ever wonder why people don’t question the history books that are passed out in school? Why they never dispute the black and white films that document past events whether good or bad? Even as far back as eighty or one hundred years back? Probably not, loosely because so much research, study, careful piecing together of events and written eye witness statements have been analyzed to see if all of the pieces actually fit together. The bible is no different. The bible is actually a compilation of incidents that were attested to by the people of that time and passed on to the next generation. Similar to the text books of today. WAS JESUS A REAL PERSON OR FICTIONAL? Common Answers: Yeah, but he wasn’t God. He was just an ordinary prophet. TRUTH: Believe it or not, that question seems to get that same response from a lot of believers and non-believers just the same. Yes, most believe he walked the earth, but the details of his purpose are usually where the similarities halt. DID HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION REALLY HAPPEN? As strange as it may sound there are some Christians who attend church don’t believe the resurrection of Jesus really happened. Some people, believers and non-believers have a few theories as to what really happened. Here are a few: The Swoon Theory: Some believe that even though he was beaten and tortured that the coolness of the tomb he was buried in helped revive him and he left his earthly tomb and lived for many years. This is impossible due to the severe beating, the blood loss, and him being stabbed in the side by the soldier making sure he was dead as he hung on the cross. The Theft Theory: Some also believe that his disciples stole his body in the middle of the night while the Roman soldiers that stood guard fell asleep. This was an excuse started by the soldiers and religious leaders to prevent an uprising and for the soldiers to keep their lives. The Substitute Theory: Some believed that Jesus wasn’t even crucified. This is apparently a theory taught in the Muslim religion. They don’t believe that Jesus was the Son of God, but simply a gift to mankind, a prophet. Yet this is a theory derived by Muhammad more than 600 years after the crucifixion and can’t be validated. There are way too many witnesses and writings about his crucifixion even from people who were not Christians. It’s a documented fact that it took place. Final Thoughts: Here are a few final thoughts to take with you. Hopefully this article will spark you up to want to go out and do more of your own research and affirm your faith or help you to seek real truth if you haven’t put your faith in Jesus yet. The absolute power and aftershock of Jesus’ death and resurrection caused the disciples to spend the rest of their lives proclaiming the message of the resurrection. Cowards turned into men of courage willing to face imprisonment and horrible deaths. Not one of them willing to disown their beliefs. Still not convinced?? How about this: Confucius’ tomb...Occupied. Buddha’s tomb...Occupied Muhammad’s tomb...Occupied Jesus’ tomb...EMPTY
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Resources: 1. Reasonable Doubt DVD Series: Pastor Tommy Kyllonen & Pastor Tone Bruno (Crossover Church) 2. The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
Larry Acosta, President and Founder of Urban Youth Workers Institute, is a true example of how God does not waste hurt in our lives. In finding a purpose within his own personal trials as a youth, Larry has become an inspiration to many like him who want to reach youth for the Kingdom of God. Thus, May of 1998 launched the first UYWI, an avant-garde annual conference in which multiethnic leaders around the country connect with one another to attend and/or lead a series of workshops to develop and enhance their initiatives and/or skills to convert their urban communities from despair to joy, in the Good News of Jesus Christ. In addition to workshops, this exciting 3-day schedule of events also features late night options such as stand up comedy and a Hip-Hop Worship Service, guaranteed to strengthen your passion for reaching the urban community for Christ in unconventional ways. UYWI is held every May in Los Angeles and offers on campus housing for its many out of state attendees. Additionally, for those who can’t make the trip to LA but want to be a part of this movement there’s RELOAD, a one day training experience held on various dates throughout the year in an assortment of cities throughout the United States. S.O.U.LMAG had the honor of interviewing Larry Acosta to gain his personal insight into this incredible initiative and here’s what he had to say: S.O.U.LMAG: How did you find yourself realizing your purpose? Larry: I discovered my purpose both through the pain from my broken background as well as a calling that I had from God to reach youth. One time as a child after my dad had raged on the entire family, in an attempt to comfort me, my mom spoke what some might call a prophetic word into my life. She told me, “One day mijo, God is going to use the pain and brokenness of our family to help you reach young people who are going through similar trials.” As a young boy I didn’t fully understand or even appreciate her words, but later would see how her words spoken into my life were instrumental in defining my purpose to reach the emerging generation for Christ. This sense of purpose was later aligned with my calling to youth ministry while I was still in High School. Right before my junior year, while at a Christian camp, the speaker challenged us to surrender our lives to God and see what He might do in and through our lives. He challenged us from Isaiah chapter 6 and I still remember responding to God’s call to reach young people by saying, “Here am I, send me.” Upon returning from camp I teamed up with one of my peers to lead our youth ministry, since we did not have a youth pastor. Each week one of us would teach the lesson and our little youth ministry began to grow in great ways. My sense of purpose was initiated by my mom’s words and aligned with my calling a few years later, and then confirmed as I stepped into that calling and led even as a young untrained youth worker. This was further developed through my college education at Biola University and through youth ministry roles that I served during that educational process and beyond. S.O.U.LMAG: What was the 1st step you took on the journey to fulfilling your vision? Larry: The first step I took toward fulfilling my vision for Urban Youth Workers Institute was to clarify and cast the vision. That means that I first had to clearly define the vision that God had birthed in my heart in such a compelling way that I could then cast or share it with others to support the vision. My encouragement to anyone to whom God gives a bold Kingdom vision is to work diligently to crystallize the vision so that it could be easily shared with others. This will mean having the courage to move beyond a good idea and doing the hard work of strategic planning in order to bring your vision to reality.
Interview by: Janine Carrero
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S.O.U.LMAG: How do you keep UYWI workshops relevant and true year after year? Larry: There’s an old axiom that says, “None of us is as good as all of us.” Here at UYWI we have a deep commitment to collaboration, and therefore, we lean on our urban ministry leaders and national advisory board for constant feedback and input. Each year we ask this multiethnic array of urban leaders to help us shape the workshop topics and titles. We are constantly looking for new young voices to showcase as trainers, speakers, artists, innovative youth workers, urban church planters and community developers. S.O.U.LMAG: Looking back to the first day the doors at UYWI opened to now, what was your greatest challenge and how did you persevere? Larry: The greatest challenge for UYWI was moving from a “Mom and Pop” founder led organization to a mid-sized decentralized organization. This transition was very challenging for me personally as it meant I had to get out of the “founder’s trap” and release the work of the ministry to the staff and in many ways move from direct ministry at a program level to a more indirect programmatic role. This meant raising more money to hire the appropriate staff to manage the move from a local to a national organization. To this day my faith continues to be stretched to maintain this growth.
S.O.U.LMAG: How did UYWI evolve into the RELOAD multi-city platform? Larry: We realized that while our National Conference was gaining momentum and actually gathering some of the top emerging ethnic leaders in the country, it was still not accessible for all because of travel constraints. While many people made the trek to join us in Los Angeles in May each year, we felt that there were still thousands of grass roots level urban leaders whom we needed to identify and meet in cities across the country. This led to the launching of our National RELOAD training tour, a one day training experience for leaders who have a passion to translate the Gospel to this generation of urban young people, looking for relevant, professional and affordable training in their own city. I hope you’ll join us at a city near you, check out www.reloadtour.org for more information! S.O.U.LMAG: Where do you see UYWI years from now? Larry: My vision is for UYWI to play a strategic role in launching an urban leadership movement where the young leaders we seek to identify and develop are leading innovative and effective ministries in the cities of the world. Our vision is to form transformational relationships with 20,000 emerging urban leaders by 2010... who will in turn reach and disciple 1,000,000 youth. We envision a future where these urban leaders are launching bold initiatives in cities to reach the last, the lost and the least from this generation. Leaders who will go into dangerous domains leading relevant youth ministries, planting multiethnic churches, launching city wide evangelistic movements, leading holistic community development corporations and the like. The urban youth workers of today are the Kingdom revolutionaries of tomorrow. It is these leaders who will help to complete the Great Commission by reaching our world, where 60% of the globe’s population now lives in cities and 60% of those are 18 years or younger. S.O.U.LMAG: How have you grown in Christ while on this mission? Larry: Probably the single greatest way I have grown is in the areas of faith and trust. With respect to faith, I have had to trust God to provide the resources it takes to run a national organization. With respect to trust, I have had to learn to empower and trust staff to effectively lead every area of our ministry. To be honest, I still feel like a neophyte on this Faith journey, but this still remains my greatest area of growth. S.O.U.LMAG: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be obedient to God’s calling on a national level? Larry: Surround yourself with people and strategic thinkers who know your character, calling and competence. Share with this group of trusted advisors your vision and ask them if they believe God to be calling you to champion this vision at a national level. If so, put your vision into print by way of mission, vision, values, and strategies and begin to share this with Christian business leaders and resource partners to see if they would be willing to invest in this Kingdom venture. Inspired? For more info on how you too can impact your urban community: check out www.uywi.org and learn how to equip yourself with a backpack of useful tools for the journey!
Once a recruiter for the Marines, Student Pastor Kevin White, proclaims he is now recruiting for the Master. Kevin recalled that as a recruiter for the Marines is where God first placed him in the lives of teens and began tugging on his heart which is how he became “sold out for Christ.” Kevin proceeded to share that in reading and preaching the gospel, God began showing him what He wanted him to do which was to minister and reach kids for Him. Today he resides in Austin, Texas as the Student Pastor for Greater Generations Student Ministry at Greater Mount Zion Church. Kevin gave credit to his team that he describes as a group of wonderful people who don’t mind NOT keeping God in a box. S.O.U.L MAG: How would you best describe your ministry and what differentiates it from others? Kevin: Timely. It’s timely ministry doing what God would have us to do right now which is reach out to unchurched teens in the hip hop culture. This is also what makes us unique, as we are one of the only churches in Austin that has a weekly teen service geared strictly towards the hip-hop community. Our church, GMZ along with our Lead Pastor Gaylon Clark are very unique themselves, as services include skits, drama and spoken word. So we incorporate these as well in the teen service, adding a dj, intelligent lighting, dancers and rappers doing their thing. Additionally, we relay messages in series with relevant titles that teens can relate to. S.O.U.L MAG: How has Greater Generations Student Ministry impacted all those involved? Kevin: Being that it is such a fresh, new ministry it has allowed me to love kids on a deeper level; displaying more patience and learning to slow down and reach kids from where they are at in their lives. Initially, I had not realized the different context between Dallas and Austin. But in rewinding, I have been able to creatively introduce the gospel in the simplest format. With my students, per their testimonies I believe our ministry has allowed students to have a deeper relationship with God and to realize that walking with Jesus is doable! Some students have shared that they never thought about the bible in a way that could really apply to their life. Equally as exciting for me is that it is evident in some of the gradual life changes that have taken place and they keep coming back! S.O.U.L MAG: What is your vision for the future of your ministry? Kevin: Personally, while I believe God will one day have me as a Lead Pastor somewhere, I don’t know what that looks like right now as I am so focused on what God has me doing in the present. As for the future of Greater Generations, I have a vision that God is going to have over 1500 students attending our teen worship service “Da’Cypha”. I also envision having cypha cells which are small home bible study units, in addition to campus cypha’s where we have on campus bible studies led by students who are sold out for Christ. I just really envision the kids being disciples taking over this whole city for Jesus Christ! To learn more about Student Pastor, Kevin White and the Greater Generations Student Ministry at Greater Mount Zion Church in Austin, Texas visit www.gmzaustin.org
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Nooma: Store
Rob Bell (Zondervan) - www.zondervan.com Sheep in Wolves Clothing: The Unexpected - Nooma.com presents its latest video clip: Store. Of course, the scenes include a grocery store, a parking lot, and a coffee shop. So I’m thinking: “I bet this will be about when Jesus fed the 5000”. As the familiar scenes in our western culture, continue to create a kind of comfort for the viewer, Rob Bell explains how Jesus used His anger to heal a man’s hand. Then he asks: how does your anger increase the peace? My familiar world was shattered. Where’s the comfort NOW?! My anger has motivated all types of fruits, but peace ... from anger? Now that’s being transformed! I’m happy to say, Nooma is a great bible study partner. - Spivey
Un.orthodox - Church.Hip-Hop.Culture Tommy Kyllonen aka Urban D. (Zondervan) - www.urband.org What do you get when you mix.... a struggling preacher’s kid.... a failing church in Tampa.... and rap music?
Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. In his book, Un.orthodox, Tommy Kyllonen takes you on a tour of his life and his loves. The book starts out in a predictable way as Tommy describes his upbringing as a preacher’s kid. While his parents try to bring a Christian change to the urban world around them, the hip-hop culture is bringing an ideological change to the world Tommy lives in. Both worlds seem to be at odds as he eventually makes the decision to accept Jesus Christ as Leader of his life. How a young man goes on to become Senior Pastor of Crossover Community Church, recording artist of 6 rap albums to date with featured spots in Newsweek, USA Today, the New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer along with an assortment of local newspapers and broadcasts....is worthy of a book itself. BUT...that would be missing the point. The second half of the book is a passionate plea. With a brief history lesson mixed with carefully studied points, Tommy makes a case for evangelizing a culture he loves. It’s an appeal to hear the cries of a misunderstood and often misrepresented cultural group in the church and especially outside of the church: The Hip-Hop Culture. Anyone and everyone are encouraged to hear his heart. This book is not about Tommy Kyllonen’s tribute to his accomplishments and next CD. It’s not a push for youth pastors to incorporate a little more “Rap” into their teen meetings. It’s not a re-imaging of Jesus on a graffiti stained cross wearing a do-rag. This is a cry for parents, pastors and youth alike to have Christ-like compassion on a cultural group that has “eyes but can’t see...ears but can’t hear”. It’s an awakening to a movement that seemed to have grown up and taken international dominance right under our feet. It’s an offer of practical help from an ordinary guy who dared to step out of the mold and become Un.orthodox. - Susan
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Elementz of Life (Vol. 4)
Tonya Wilder (American Bible Society) - www.elementzoflife.com The newest installment of Elementz of Life (Vol. 4) is by far the most informative and thought provoking edition. Packed with articles that deal with relevant issues such as: sex, drugs, MySpace and other hot topics that our generation deals with. The focus stays on Christ and gives each reader godly counsel and instruction. Be sure to check out the article, “Redeemed For The King.” This article will open up your eyes to the mercy and grace of God in how he worked in these three brothers lives. Instead of hustling, gun running and dope slanging, they are preaching the Word of God to the lost. Now that’s true redemption! The feature article about Kirk Franklin shows us a glimpse into his personal life, from where he came to where he is now going. He is another wonderful example of a changed person by submitting to the will of God and letting Christ live through him. Nothing but blazzin’ articles, fresh artwork and laced articles abound in this mag. Go, pick up a copy and see what you’ve been missing! -El Joel
Los-1 “Life Skills”
Carlos Ramirez (Impact/Fla.vor Alliance) - www.los1.com Through vividly detailed lyrics and fact filled website shout outs, Los-1: Life Skills has managed to reveal the truth about the physical and emotional dangers of sex outside of God’s design. One such track is Be Easy, a hypnotic beat led journey guiding its listeners through the harsh reality that even a condom is not foolproof. Questions one might not know to ask or lets keep it real, they may just be too embarrassed to ask. Answers can be found within Los-1’s lyrical truths. But wait, there’s more... in addition to the CD there’s a curriculum in which the fro wonder shares of his life experiences and engages his audience with questions on the lyrics to check for understanding. The curriculum also calls for self identifying what one enjoyed most from a given song. This is great because a hip-hop joint like They Ain’t Ready, filled with a funky jungle ride of break beats to an important message on overall self-examination and change is sure to spark emotions. “I’ve grown in so many ways, but the biggest way has to be in integrity and character”, said Los-1 when asked how he has grown in Christ while on his self-proclaimed mission to be a light of hope. The beat goes on, as Los is now married and teaching and rapping about abstinence full time in public schools and at conferences in Fla. And beyond. Los-1: Life Skills is a life changing requirement for everyone who wants to grow in integrity and character to truly walk with God despite the temptations of life! - Janine
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Christian hip-hop has truly come a long way. So many have come up in the ranks of being quality artists who flip the message of Christ and make the great commission their mission through their music. The pool of albums from these mission-minded quality artists has gotten so large in the effort to counter the norm of modern-day hip-hop content, and every year that pool is growing. Of course, time & space doesn’t allow us to review all that we would like to, but we picked a few this year that are definitely worthy of recognition... -check ‘em out... If you would like your album reviewed by S.O.U.LMAG or would like to have our Hip.Hop.Shop carry it, contact: >>hhs@flavoralliance.com<<
Legacy
“Self Titled”
- Fla.vor Alliance/Leg Up Music, LLC
legupmusic.com • myspace.com/legupmusic From Buffalo, New York, to Tampa, Florida, Legacy has hit the spot for Hip-Hop listeners. With ill beats and rhymes Legacy has become the Dr. Dre of the Flavor Alliance crew beginning with his first album “Green Light” and now his sophomore album, which is “self titled”. The beats are incredible; the lyrics are food for the soul and the feature artists hold it down with their tight flows. Check out tracks 1, 2, 5 and 7. If you need beats Legacy has got the hook up!! Holla if you hear me. -Papa Rafa
Mr. J Medeiros
“Of Gods and Girls”
- Rawkus Records
mrjmedeiros.com • myspace.com/mrjmedeiros If I could describe in one word what Mr. J Medeiros: Of Gods and Girls is to me, it would be PASSIONATE! Throughout this album Mr. J puts on display (at least in my mind), what true hip-hop could be and should be; powerful, relevant, raising awareness, the word and real... VERY REAL. The song that stands out the most on the album has to be “Constance” which is based on a true story of a 13 year-old girl from the Philippines who becomes a victim of an everyday occurring crime known as human trafficking (very deep). The hypest track has gotta be “King of Rock Bottom” featuring DJ Vajra. My personal favorite is “Keep Pace” (Stro remix). Overall, it’s an incredible album. A must buy! -Rodd
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116 Clique
“13 Letters”
- Reach Records
reachrecords.com • myspace.com/reachrecords Mic Check 1, 2...1, 2!! For years the movie sound tracks have long been a significant way to describe the feeling, understanding and depth of the story. That being said, why not have a sound track for “The Greatest Story Ever Told?” This project is the 116 Clique’s musical interpretation of the Apostle Paul’s 13 definitive letters of instruction on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to his upstart churches in Corinth, Rome, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, Thessalonica and his personalized letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Don’t be mistaken, this “sound track” is not meant to replace your study of God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16), but assist by reinforcing the truth through song. So, whether you’re letting the lower case MC shai linne feed you “Gospel Music” or following Flame as he leads you through the city of Ephesus in “My City”, you’ll be caught in the middle of each purposeful letter. To say there’s a “hottest” song on the album would take away from the strength and importance of each letter. I DEFINITELY suggest you set some time aside and as Trip Lee said on track #2, “Dig In”. -Swingman
Theory Hazit “Extra Credit”
- Hip Hop is Music
theoryhazit.com • myspace.com/theoryhazit “Extra Credit” highlights an artist’s drive and determination to put out an album that reflects where they are and how they got there. With tracks like “Lesson in Power”, the album gives credit where credit is due, to the Most High. With so much top-notch production, classic MC skills that flow so smoothly, and subject matters that are relative to many, it is hard to pick out a favorite track. Nevertheless, with a track like “Dumb Dunces” featuring K-Drama with a Scooby-Doo sample (ZOINKS!!), “Extra Credit” gets 15 points added to the final grade. -Marz
Da’ T.R.U.T.H. “Open Book”
- Cross Movement Records
datruth.net • myspace.com/truthonduty
The first time I heard this anointed brother from the city in the bible (Philly), Emanuel Lambert Jr. aka Da T.R.U.T.H., was in 2003 on his “Moment of Truth” album. Listening to the track “My Story” really spoke to me spiritually. Then I copped “The Faith” LP and the diversity of the tracks on this LP really confirmed the calling on his life to rep Christ in music. Now his latest LP “Open Book” is definitely a must have for your CD collection. The title track #12 will definitely get your attention about being mindful of the negative choices we make in life and also that our life is an open book to our Creator. Also, track #10 “That Great Day” featuring Tye Tribbett & Donnie McClurkin speaks about our rewards in Christ Jesus. A beautifully done song! -Brother Greg S.O.U.L | Pg89
This movie was based on the life of Hector Lavoe. Hector was a famous salsa singer who came to America to fulfill a dream. As he landed in the New York section of the Bronx, he began his downward spiral. It was Willie Colon who would give him the name Lavoe, because Lavoe was not his last name it was more of a title, and it means the voice. He would be the voice of his people, the voice of his neighborhood, the voice of pain. Much of his music is singing about the pain in his life, but unfortunately he had no solution. The only solution that he was offered was drugs, it would be heroin, and it was this vice that would lead to his killer, which was Aids. There was a famous salsa musician named Bobby Cruz who had already given his life to Christ and became a pastor. When Bobby learned of Hector’s drug abuse, he offered to put him in a Christian program to help him get clean and delivered. All the people around Hector encouraged him that wasn’t the way to go as it might turn him into a fanatic like Bobby Cruz. Hector would go on to write a song about Jesus Christ, and his great power, unfortunately he never really experienced it for himself. He was known as the voice (Lavoe), but he couldn’t stop listening to all the voices around him that would ultimately lead to his end. For me, this is quite close to home, though I did not know Hector, my sister did, as her husband was the lead conga player for his orchestra, and his name is Milton Cardona. Being that close to someone who knew “the singer of all singers” is quite an honor, but it is more of an honor to be close to “the king of all kings.” The language is quite graphic in some parts of the movie, but it does show the reality of the life of someone that is considered an urban legend. It shows the reality of his struggle and it can help us reflect on our own. The question is what voice are you listening to? LAVOE! - Derrick Colon
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Let’s see...we have rejection, ridicule, frustration, confusion, emptiness and hopelessness. With a little faithfulness, redemption, strength, patience, and hope sprinkled on top, the film “Facing the Giants” runs through the full gamut of emotions based around a small Texas high school football team and its coaching staff. Wait, wait, hold up! I know what you’re thinking. ‘I’ve seen every possible football movie there is and this can’t be any different from the already oversaturated industry of feel good gridiron flicks.’ You couldn’t be any more wrong on that one. Taking the vantage point of the head coach, this movie takes you on a realistic journey of a high school team and the foundation of faith that gets built, literally, from the ground up. From the obstacles of playing for a losing team to the average, everyday dilemma of having a car that doesn’t work to a couple not being able to have children; ‘Giants’ relates and revels in the joy that is understanding a growing faith and God’s wonderful will. So whether you’re watching it alone, with that special someone or with a youth group you will absolutely walk away with a refreshed blueprint of faith. -Swingman
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“Business” In our culture it’s a common phrase to hear people say, “I’m handling my business!” Business is all around us everyday. It’s usually about making money. You have the retail business, the restaurant business, the music business... and on and on. But, that’s not the type of business I’m getting at. Our creator has given each one of us a personal business. That’s right, we are all business owners in this sense. We all have our own personal business that we run. What most of us do each day from 9-5 (or whatever hours you work) is just our job, but what we do with that paycheck at the end of the week is actually our personal business. That’s what God has entrusted us with and puts us in charge of to manage. We have to understand that everything we have is a gift from him; he gave us the ability to go out and make that paycheck. He wants us to manage it correctly. So, how are we really handling our business? As a whole not too good! The average American spends $1.22 for every $1 they earn. Do the math and you’ll quickly figure out this ship can’t float too much longer. We’ve been doing this for a few years now and on average we no longer save – at all! We live in the richest country in the world, but it’s still not enough for us – is it? We have to borrow money to live a lifestyle that we can’t even really afford. It’s starting to catch up with us now too. The past few years the real estate market boomed and people took out second and third mortgages and bought houses they could never afford, but many bought them with interest only loans. They spent up the equity in their homes and ran up their credit cards more than ever. The market has now collapsed and there are foreclosures in nearly every neighborhood and they predict it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Everyone is feeling the tightening right now. The average American is over $8,100 in credit card debt, not to mention school loans, car payments, payday advances, etc. etc. The sad thing is that Christ followers are right up there in the same stats with everyone else. It’s not supposed to be like that. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” That word servant in the original language (Hebrew) actually means Bondage! God’s plan is not for his followers to be in financial bondage! This puts stress on our relationships, our marriages, our personal life and most of all our relationship with God and the purpose he has for our lives. Then we can’t live in true freedom; we can’t take care of our families the way we’d like to, we can’t give to others the way we’d like to, and we even feel we can’t give to God’s kingdom the way we should. But many of us are in this spot because we’ve been living beyond our means buying into the American mentality of “We deserve it!” We all know that hip-hop especially glorifies this materialistic lifestyle. We’re called to be different... but, are we? It all boils down to what Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” So if we looked at your lifestyle and took a look at your spending habits what would it tell us? Handle your business!
Peace and God Bless,
S.O.U.LMAG & Fla.vor Fest Staff
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