to our 16th year of our Flavor Fest Conference! We live in a crazy culture that seems to be spiraling out of control. But, we believe this could be the church’s finest hour as we RISE above the noise and LEAD HIGHER! We can be the agents of change, justice, empowerment and reconciliation. Get ready for an amazing weekend! Check out all the details over the next several pages with workshops, speakers, general sessions, rise groups, concerts and more! You don’t want to miss out on a single moment of this weekend’s big family reunion!
1:00pm • Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . .Served outside in Tent/indoor seating in Gym 1:30pm • Rise Groups- Devotionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 1 & Classroom 2 2:30pm • Breakout Sessions B Church Planting Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 1 Church Leadership Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 2 Community Empowerment Track. . . . . . . . . . Kidz Vibe Marriage & Family Track . . . . . . . . . . Da Crib Classroom UYWI Youth Ministry Track . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium Syntax Creative Music Business Track. . . . . . . . . . Gym
If you haven’t already heard... there won’t be a Flavor Fest in 2017! Why? We are going deeper and launching our new Flavor Fest Urban Church Network. There will be an on going opportunity for training, resources, coaching, community and more. Go to flavorfest.org to get the details and get your ministry signed up! And mark your calendars as you don’t want to miss the next Flavor Fest October 4th - 7th of 2018!
4:00pm • General Session III. . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 5:30pm • Syntax Creative Music Business Track 7:00pm • Concert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 7:30pm • Poetry Jam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gym
Here to help you RISE,
Flavor Fest Director
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Main entrance Registration/Information Restrooms Hip-Hop Shop Vending Machines Food Services Main Auditorium (UYWI Youth Track) Da Crib (Marriage & Family Track) Kidz Wing Kidz Vibe Auditorium (Community Empowerment Track) Gym (Music Business Track/Poetry Jam/B-Boy Battle) Activate Central (Crossover Volunteer Lounge) Classroom 1 (Church Planting Track) Classroom 2 (Church Leadership Track) Prayer Room Office Complex Outdoor Seating (Tent)
Thursday October 6, 2016 Conference Registration Opens @ 12:00 Noon Pre-Conference: 12:30pm • Lunch & Crossover Panel 2:00pm • Networking Cafe (Free Coffee & Desserts ) 3:00pm • Pre Conference Labs Branding & Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 1 Marriage & Family Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kidz Vibe Vision Mapping & Forecasting. . . . . . DaCrib Classroom Speed Networking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 2 5:30pm • Pastor’s Welcome Dinner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gym 7:00pm • General Session I. . . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 9:30pm • Late night options Lip Sync Battle with 3in1 Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium Networking Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cafe
Friday October 7th, 2016 9:00am • Rise Groups - Morning Devotionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 1 & Classroom 2 9:30am • Morning Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 10:00am • General Session II . . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 12:00pm • Breakout Sessions A Church Planting Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 1 Church Leadership Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 2 Community Empowerment Track. . . . . . . . . . Kidz Vibe Marriage & Family Track. . . . . . . . . . Da Crib Classroom UYWI Youth Ministry Track. . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium Syntax Creative Music Business Track. . . . . . . . . . Gym
Saturday October 8th, 2016 9:00am • Rise Groups. . . . . . . . . Classroom 1 & 2, Da Crib 9:30am • Morning Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 10:00am • General Session IV. . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 12:00pm • Breakout Sessions C Church Planting Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 1 Church Leadership Track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classroom 2 Community Empowerment Track. . . . . . . . . . Kidz Vibe Marriage & Family Track . . . . . . . . . . Da Crib Classroom UYWI Youth Ministry Track . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium Syntax Creative Music Business Track. . . . . . . . . . Gym 1:00pm • Lunch & General Session V . . . Main Auditorium 3:00pm • Crossover’s Block Party. . . . . . . . Front Parking Lot 5:30pm • Syntax Creative Music Business Track 7:00pm • Concert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Auditorium 7:30pm • Breakdancing Expo and Battle. . . . . . . . . . . Gym
Sunday October 9th, 2016 Flavor Fest Sunday w/3 Services to choose from @ Crossover
9:00am • 10:30am • 12:30pm All services will feature Crossover’s “Remix” Worship Team, Flavor Fest Highlights, A Surprise guest artist and a message from Lead Pastor Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen. All services have children’s ministry from infants up to 5th grade in our Kidz Wing.
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The Ambassador @ambassador215
DJ Morphiziz @DJMorph
Billy Johnson, Jr. @billyjohnsonjr
Connie S. Falls @MsConnieSFalls
The Ambassador is a founding member of the critically acclaimed group The Cross Movement. The Ambassador began studies at Philadelphia Biblical University (formerly Philadelphia College of Bible), eventually graduating from Lancaster Bible College and then went on to receive his Masters in Theology from the prestigious Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). He went on to co-plant and co-pastor an urban church in North Philadelphia and these fruitful years also brought forth his marriage to Michelle Branch and five children. He has toured globally as a solo artist and with The Cross Movement, and he has been covered by Christian and mainstream media outlets. Billy Johnson, Jr., a former senior editor for Yahoo Music for 17 years, has been covering hip-hop, R&B and pop music since 1991 and has interviewed the likes of Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Quincy Jones, Kanye West, Eminem and Mary J. Blige. His work has additionally been featured in Vibe, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, The Source, Upscale and more. Billy has appeared as a music expert on CNN.com, Tavis Smiley, E!, The Insider, BET, VH-1, ABC, FOX, AXS-TV, TV Guide, NPR, KNX, KFI, WCAP, WBZ, among others.
D.A. Horton @da_horton
D.A. Horton relocated his family to Los Angeles this past spring to plant Reach Fellowship. His book “Bound to Be Free” was his 3rd book to be released through NavPress. He currently serves as the Chief Evangelist for Urban Youth Workers Institute. Previously D.A. served as the Executive Director of Reach Life Ministries, the non-profit ministry of Reach Records and as an urban church planter/pastor in Kansas City, MO for nearly 6 years. He and his wife Elicia have 3 beautiful children.
Elicia Horton @elicia.horton.3
Elicia Horton holds a B.S. in Bible & Theology and Organizational Leadership and an M.S. in Religious Studies as well as an M.S. in Organizational Development from Calvary Theological Seminary. She currently serves as her husband’s (D.A. Horton) road manager and has enjoyed homeschooling her kids while being able to travel and speak at conferences.
Betty Flores @missbettyflores
Betty Flores speaks and trains on how to live life fearlessly because this is the one thing degrees and certifications fail to teach. She actively coaches church leaders as a speaker, facilitator and consultant and coaches entrepreneurs, artists and businesses the art of executing their lifelong dreams by overcoming setbacks. Her most recent status as a successful business owner has her in the world of branding, marketing and building teams that successfully execute marketing plans, App development and client retention through AT Studios.
Canton Cajo Jones @thecantonjones
Canton Cajo Jones is a singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, vocal arranger, pastor and entrepreneur, as well as a dedicated husband and father of 4. Canton Jones is a Deerfield Beach, Florida native, currently residing in Atlanta, GA. He has ministered to and performed in front of millions of people during his career as a music artist. Since beginning his career and ministry, he has released numerous albums, has featured on many projects by top recording artists and has many awards and accolades.
Christopher J. Harris @cjharrisone
Christopher J. Harris is the Executive Pastor at Crossover Church of Tampa, Florida. Previously, he served as Director of Ministry Operations and also a member of the pastoral team at Fellowship Church of Chicago. He transitioned into this role after serving as Chief of Staff at Fellowship. He also currently serves as an International Leader within Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. An alumnus of Florida State University and University of South Carolina, he is also a member of a number of national Boards and community groups. He has previously served in ministries in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Illinois. He recently completed a special Certificate in Ministry & Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Living in Tampa, he shares his life work and purpose to Inspire Wisdom with his wife, Carmen and their three children.
Christopher “Play” Martin @ItzBrandnewz
Connie S. Falls graduated from Paine College earning a B.S. with an emphasis in Business Management. Three years later, she earned a M.A. in Organizational Management. In 2007, she started Precise Business Solutions, which grew to be a consulting agency that focused primarily on business management and development as well as consulting. Over the years, she expanded into the federal sector with a Government Contracting division. In 2012, she was honored by Dell with the position of the 1st National Director of the Regional Ambassadors Program. In 2014, she accepted the position of Director of Global Ambassadors for EBW2020. In 2016, she became the host of “Love & Money”, a radio show on the Melting Pot Radio Network. She is also the Founder and President of We Are Global Champions, Inc.
Dustin Pearce @dustinpearce
Dustin Pearce is the Student Pastor at Stonegate Fellowship Church in Midland, Texas. He started at Stonegate as the Director of Junior High Ministries in 2010 and transitioned into his new role in 2014. Stonegate Youth is growing rapidly and features a vibrant mid-week program, intentional “learn by doing” opportunities for service and discipleship, and a life-changing summer Camp. Dustin graduated with his Masters of Divinity from Southern Seminary in 2016. He and his wife Alye have been married for 2 years.
Harmony Dust @harmonydust
Harmony Dust founded Treasures Ministries in 2003. Treasures is a faith-based, survivor-led outreach and support group for women in the sex industry and victims of sex trafficking. Her goal is to train, disciple and mobilize outreach leaders in every major city on the globe where the commercial sex industry is operating. She completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at UCLA before going on to work as a Children’s Social Worker at the Department of Children Services. She has been featured in various media sources and is a sought after speaker.
Jerome Vierling @rootedjerome
Jerome Vierling has been serving the Lord since 2002. After living a life of drugs, anger, partying, and much more God transformed his life. After making music for the world for 7+ years, the Holy Spirit began to show him how he could use music to reach people for Christ and build the church. He started Soundsgood in 2003 and serves the local church as Team Lead at City Life Lansing where he pastors and developed the discipleship method called Get Rooted. The current hip-hop project Jerome has released is the “Second Coming”.
Lisa McClendon @LisaMcClendon
Lisa McClendon is a preacher’s daughter who was groomed for gospel while having a secret affair with jazz and big band music. With the support of her mom, Lisa continued throughout the years to embrace both the gospel world and the jazz world. Lisa has headlined several tours within the US and abroad. With 6 releases under her belt, this Dove and Stellar award nominee continues to expand her brand and her fan base within the jazz, soul and gospel community.
Loriana De Paz @lorianadp
Loriana De Paz and her husband moved from Rhode Island to Florida in 2002. In 2012 Loriana graduated with an Associates in Business Administration and is finishing up her B.S. in Business Management. In 2014, Loriana joined the staff at Crossover Church in Tampa, FL as a STEPS for Success Navigator. When she isn’t working on her school work, teaching or meeting with families, you can usually find Loriana having fun with her favorite people in the world, her amazing husband Anthony and two daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia.
Christopher “Play” Martin is half of the Hip Hop duo “Kid ‘n’ Play”. He is a documentarian, and founder of production company Playground Solutionz. He recently served as a professional in residence at Florida A&M University in the Music Industry & Hip Hop Institute. He previously served in this role at Miles College, North Carolina Central University and Healthy Start Academy Charter School. In addition, schools, churches, community organizations, and groups from around the nation have called upon him to deliver keynote addresses and presentations. He is a recipient of the 2007 New York International Film Festival Award and has received Grammy and Stellar Award nominations. In 2006, after a life-changing incident, he was inspired to create the multimedia news company Brand Newz.
Lucy Kyllonen @lucyk813
Chris Brooks @cbb1974
Mark Sharpe @MarkSharpeFL
Chris Brooks is the son of a Jamaican mother and an American father. He is a leader who is living his life according to his faith in Jesus Christ. He is an ordained pastor whose passions are biblical justice and the wellbeing of children, youth and families. He has had a diverse career, serving in leadership roles within the Minneapolis Public Schools, the Willow Creek Association, World Vision and in various churches, as well as teaching full-time on the faculty of a Christian University. He currently serves as the Midwest Regional Executive with Stadia. Chris has been married to Bobbi since 1996, and they have four beautiful children. 8
DJ Morphiziz has remained a staple in the genre for over a decade and is commonly regarded as one of the premier Dj’s of our market. With five nationally distributed albums, a Dove award nomination and extensive travels both nationally and internationally DJ Morph has shown no signs of slowing down. He has toured across Latin America, Europe, and Asia several times over, and has been privileged to communicate his passion for God and for his artistry with thousands. His global mindset is what made his 2008 release, International, the breakaway success that it was. With five critically acclaimed releases under his belt, he is currently hard at work on his next major release, appropriately entitled, i2.
Lucy Kyllonen is not only the Lead Pastor’s wife at Crossover Church in Tampa, FL, but she currently works in the Administrative Department assisting with the day-to-day operations of managing a church. She graduated from Southeastern University with a BA in Psychology and went on to complete her Master’s in Mental Health counseling at USF. Lucy leads C.H.O.S.E.N. Women’s Ministry and served in ministry as a speaker, alongside her husband Pastor Tommy. She also contributes articles to the S.O.U.LMag you are holding. Her favorite thing and what she enjoys most is spending time with her best friend (her husband) and being a mother, teacher and role-model to her two growing and curious daughters, Deyana and Sophia. Mark Sharpe is the executive director for the Tampa Innovation Alliance. He retired after two decades of service in the U.S. Navy. He was elected to the County Commission Countywide District 7 seat in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2010. He was elected chairman of the County Commission in November 2013. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in multinational business from Florida State University, he earned a master’s degree in strategic studies from the University of South Florida. In 2013, Sharpe championed the development of the Economic Development Innovation Initiative and led efforts to form the Transportation Economic Development Policy Group. He is chairman of the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization and is an active member of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. 9
James E. Cole @mediasharpusa
James Cole graduated from Florida A&M University with his Bachelors in Public Relations and Journalism and minor in Criminal Justice. While serving as Branding and Visual Solution Consultant for Media Sharp USA, he would soon become the VP of Development for the 100 Black Men of Tampa and create the Date With the Doctor Program with his wife Dr. Jawan Ayer-Cole. He is the past President of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Black Advisory Council and newly appointed Youth Works Chair for the Hillsborough County NAACP. He is co-host of radio program Cole and the Cure and is on the leadership and creative team of Crossover Church in Tampa, FL.
Gus Cruz @guscruz305
Nicola Menzie @NAMenzie
Jeremy Anderson @1JeremyAnderson
Nicola A. Menzie is an independent reporter, entrepreneur and podcaster living in New York City. She has written for ReligionNews.com, CBSNews. com and Vibe.com. Between 2011 and 2015, Nicola was a staff reporter for top religion news site ChristianPost.com, where she interviewed ministers such as Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Tim Keller, Tony Evans, Bobbie Houston and Priscilla Shirer, as well as recording artists such as MC Jin, Thi’sl and Trip Lee. Menzie is currently the lead host for Faithfully Podcast, a show centering conversations with academics, pastors, activists, artists and others about the intersection of race, culture and Christianity.
Scott Free @iamscottfree
Jeremy currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his beautiful wife Traci and their daughter Jewel. He graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Pastoral Studies degrees from Oakwood University. Jeremy is the published author of 6 books and has had the privilege of traveling all over the world with his motivational speaking and preaching. Jeremy is the CEO of Jeremy Anderson Ministries and his wife is the President of their nonprofit organization, Next Level Living Inc. Jeremy also holds the office as the Chief Operating Officer for Spirit Reign Communications & Publishing. One thing that Jeremy wants you to know is that he is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING without God, and he owes everything he has to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Scott Free is an evangelist and urban missionary using hip-hop in the inner city of Atlanta to reach this generation with the Gospel. In 2006, he founded “Freestyle Missions” and in 2010, he launched “City Takers”. City Takers hosts several outreach programs that continue to heavily serve outside the walls of the church, as well as a huge urban hip-hop church service, “The CityTakers Experience,” pastored by Scott, and a CHH radio show on 91.5FM in Atlanta. Scott Free has over 10 years of experience in urban ministry and believes in discipling people to have servant hearts and be ‘The Church’ 24/7 wherever God has placed them.
Josh Niemyjski @plasticman77
Scott Heuerman @SHeuerma
Chad Horton @ChadHorton
Scott Heuerman is VP Marketing at BubbleUp, a world-class digital media company with products and customers in many industries including entertainment. With over 25 years in the music industry, Heuerman has led marketing strategy, business development, online marketing and customer acquisition for industry leading organizations such as Apple, Live Nation, MusicToday and Warner Bros. Records.
Tami Free @iamtamifree
Josh Niemyjski’s involvement in Christian hip hop spans 20 years across several mediums. He founded online hip-hop magazine SphereOfHipHop. com in 1997. In 2001, he was hired to run Uprok Records, an imprint of BEC/Tooth and Nail. In 2003, he co-founded indie hip-hop record label Illect Recordings. In 2007-2009, he programmed a three-hour radio show for XM/Sirius. He currently handles PR/radio promotion duties for several top Christian hip-hop labels and many indie artists. Chad Horton has co-owned and operated Rapzilla.com with Philip Rood since 2010, bringing with him a decade of music business experience. Horton previously worked as a booking agent for Syntax Records, as well as the director of marketing at Syntax Creative, the largest independent digital distributor of Christian & Gospel music, among other genres. Originally from Northern California, he rooted himself in San Diego with his wife of nine years, as well as two beautiful daughters.
Támesis Cruz-Ballauf aka “Tami Free” currently serves as the Director of Operations for City Takers. She holds a juris doctorate from Florida A&M University, and served as an Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida for almost 6 years. Always having a heart for the arts she has had experience in theatre, tv and dance and has worked as a studio dance instructor, choreographer and performer. She has hosted and promoted dance jams including Crossover’s Flavor Fest dance battle and July 4th IndepenDANCE battle. After marrying Scott Free, founder of City Takers, she has dedicated herself to the work of urban missions.
David Daniels @DavidDaniels
Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen @urband813
Doc Watson @Docwatsonrmg
Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen has been Lead Pastor at Crossover Church in Tampa, FL since January 2002. He founded the youth ministry at Crossover in 1996 after graduating from Southeastern University with a BA in pastoral studies with a concentration in youth ministry. In 2006 he completed a master’s level Church Leadership Cohort at Southeastern University. He has written 3 books and has recorded eight Hip-Hop albums and has traveled the world performing and speaking at conferences. Tommy is the publisher/general editor for S.O.U.LMag and hosts S.O.U.L.Mag TV which airs on JUCE TV. Tommy has also coached over 75 pastors through his Urban Coaching Network. He is married to his best friend Lucy and has two daughters, Deyana and Sophia.
Troy Evans @pastorte
Pastor Troy Evans (Known as PE) is the husband of Dawn for 18 years, father of 8 children and has 7 grandchildren. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ after being indicted in a grand jury investigation at a church on the eastside of Detroit. With only a 6th grade education he became a systems engineer and business owner. Both he and Dawn walked away from their corporate jobs/businesses to serve as urban missionaries and have planted three churches in the urban context. He has become the go-to person and national speaker in the areas of church planting, urban ministry, youth engagement and urban business development. He also serves as the North American Urban Church Planting Catalyst for the Wesleyan Church. His book, The EDGE of Redemption is being used by universities and ministries.
Choco De Jesús @PastorChoco
Reverend Wilfredo De Jesús (endearingly known as Pastor Choco) has been Senior Pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Chicago, IL since July 2000. The church has a weekly attendance of 17,000 globally through church plants and more than 130 ministries reaching the most disenfranchised – the broken hearted, poor, homeless, prostitutes, drug addicts and gang members. In April 2013, he was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world and recognized for his leadership and influence with the Evangelical and Latino audiences. He resides in the Humboldt Park community of Chicago with his wife Elizabeth; they have three adult children, Alexandria, Yesenia and Wilfredo, Jr.
Aaron Rench @AaronRench
Aaron Rench is the CEO of Canon Press, a publishing house based in Moscow, Idaho. He graduated with a master’s degree in poetry from the University of Oxford in 2009. His poems have been published by Oxford Magazine as well as Books & Culture. He is also a film producer, whose works include “Hound of Heaven” and “The River Thief”. Rench has been a literary agent for 12 years. He founded Leaptide Literary Group and has negotiated deals with Penguin Books, Random House and HarperCollins. 10
Gus Cruz works for Cross International. His passion for inner city youth helps him to connect with urban leaders to develop a Gospel-centered multimedia program designed for fatherless youth. His expertise in Outcome Based Ministry has opened doors to facilitate workshops that teach leaders how to create innovative programs to reach urban communities. Gus is also very connected with the Christian Hip-Hop Community working with artists and churches in the Miami area and around the country.
David Daniels is a reporter for Rapzilla.com. He has been published at The Washington Times, Bleacher Report, Christianity Today, HipHopDX, The Gospel Coalition, The Daily Caller and Global Grind. His writing has also been syndicated on CNN, USA Today, CBS Sports, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Houston Chronicle and the Philadelphia Inquirer. He is an alumnus of Geneva College, the Washington Journalism Center and the National Journalism Center. Doc Watson is the co-founder and CEO of Reflection Music Group, a Stellar-winning, Dove-nominated and Billboard-charting record label founded in 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. He previously worked as a program and music director in mainstream radio, as well as an in-house producer for Derek Minor and Tony Tillman. He also served in the military from 1995 to 2004, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Timothy Trudeau @rocdomz
Timothy J. Trudeau began his professional journey in the music business in 1997. Since then, he has become a GRAMMY-nominated producer, Stellar-nominated designer, Dove-nominated record label and GRAMMY, Dove, and Stellar-awarded Distributor. He has used his experience as an artist signed to a label, a label with signed artists, a distributor with signed labels to build Syntax Creative, a company that boasts the worldwide rights to over 50,000 songs through deals with Central South, Crossroads Music Group, Daywind Records, Mountain Fever Records and Pinecastle Records, among others. He has directly negotiated deals with some of the largest companies in the world — Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon.
Roger Holmes @roger.holmes.77920
Roger Holmes has spent 35 years in the music industry as a touring artist, recording engineer, publisher, producer and more. Through his company Sierra Management, he currently manages three-time Grammy Award winner Donnie McClurkin, Richard Smallwood and the Isaacs. Along with Amy Grant and Bill Gaither, Holmes is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Gospel Music Trust Fund established by the late Herman Harper of the Oak Ridge Boys. In the past, the Leadership Music alumnus has served on the board of the Gospel Music Association, won SESAC Songwriter of the Year and worked with Johnny Cash. Due to his wisdom and diverse experience, Holmes has spoken at conferences such as American Gospel Quartet Convention, Music In The Rockies and Behind The Mic, among many others.
N.D. Wilson @NDWilsonMutters
N.D. Wilson is an independent filmmaker and best-selling author. His newest series, “Outlaws of Time”, is with HarperCollins while his “100 Cupboards” trilogy (now in more than 20 languages) and the acclaimed “Ashtown Burials” series are both from Random House. He has ventured on camera for the National Geographic Channel, and his writing has been featured on media outlets ranging from NBC’s Today Show to NPR’s All Things Considered. He is currently involved in adapting C.S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” for the screen and his first feature film, “The River Thief”, will be in theaters and VOD on Oct. 14. His short film, “The Hound of Heaven”, is releasing at Flavor Fest. 11
THURSDAY October 6th Pre Conference
FRIDAY October 7th Breakout Sessions A • 12:00pm-1:00pm
The Untold Stories................................................. Gym
Church Planting Track..................................Classroom 1
12:30pm | Pre Conference Labs Coming to Crossover’s rebuilt 43,000 square foot building is amazing… but there are LOTS of stories of struggle, joy, pain and triumph that happened behind the scenes to get here. Come hear from Pastor Tommy and a few of the long time members at Crossover as they share some powerful teaching moments from the past two decades. There will be some tear jerking stories along with some ones that will have you rolling on the floor.
Branding & Marketing Your Ministry.............Classroom 1
3:00pm | Betty Flores | AT Studios Rise your Ministry and personal brand Marketing Workshop with corporate Marketer Betty Flores. You will walk away with techniques used corporately that create movements. DISCOVER - your brands Mission, Vision and Culture. DESIGN - your brand identity. DEVELOP - strategic laser focused action plan.
Marriage & Family Panel..................................Kidz Vibe
3:00pm | Panelists include: Chris Brooks of Stadia Church Planting, Lucy Kyllonen of Crossover Church, Scott & Tami Free of City Takers Atlanta and Jeremy Anderson of The Grace Tour Our marriage and families are the foundation of our ministries. Everything rises and falls on it. We’ve seen way too many train wrecks in the church… we want to see you RISE and lead higher by having healthy marriages and families. Come check out the panel discussion led by church planter, artist and father of his own basketball team; 5 young children – Jerome Vierling of CityLife Lansing
Speed Networking.......................................Classroom 2
3:00pm | Timothy Trudeau | Syntax Creative This year Syntax Creative is offering a special workshop that will allow registrants to sit down for one-on-one conversations with music industry professionals. This is your chance to give your best pitch, or to discuss key business topics. Each mentor will have a table and an area of expertise such as distribution, management, marketing, publishing and more. Registrants will rotate tables, each time the bell rings, giving them the opportunity to ask detailed questions and learn tangible takeaways from every mentor. This kind of individual interaction is usually not possible in a large panel setting.
Vision Mapping & Forecasting.............................Da Crib
3:00pm | Pre Conference Labs Christopher Harris | Crossover Church Your community and the people in it are constantly changing. In the words of George Barna, “There are three types of people when it comes to the future: those who will watch what happens, those who will make it happen, and those who will wonder what happened.” The tools that you employ, perspectives that you take, and vision that you have will impact which of these three people you will be and therefore impact whether your church remains relevant and your influence impactful. 14
Jerome Vierling | Citylife Lansing “RISE Lead LOWER!” Too often we take the bait thinking we need to GO BIG or GO HOME. Jesus says GO LOW or GO HOME. Planting a church isn’t something about us, it’s Jesus’ bride. Obstacles we face are really His to face when it comes to the Church. We are called to love and disciple the ONE in front of us and Jesus will build His church. So let’s RISE lower than before!
Church Leadership Track...............................Classroom 2 Lucy Kyllonen | Crossover Church “Necessary Endings: Leading In The In-Between Times” Compared to the average person, leaders experience a significant amount of endings and losses, not only in ministry but in their personal lives as well. It’s a challenge to lead, let alone, lead higher when you find yourself in a tough spot - when you know you have to make a ministry or career change, end a relationship or let a staff member go. Often times we internalize these circumstances into personal failures and miss “the new” that God has for us. Join us as we take a different approach to endings and learn how to lead and transition during the in-between times into the new God had planned all along.
Community Empowerment Track......................Kidz Vibe
Loriana DePaz | Crossover Church Thrive Resource Ministry & Steps For Success “What do you Have in Your Hands?” Doing church in the urban context means you are inevitably going to be asked to fill all kinds of material needs. As a church that is greatly called to “outreach” ministry, we had to find a way to creatively and holistically meet the needs of those who live in this city. Learn how Crossover’s Thrive Team and Steps For Success Program has developed over the past 3 years to be resourceful in helping those in need, not just tangibly but spiritually as well.
Marriage & Family Track......................................Da Crib
Canton Jones | Lead Pastor of Free Life Church “The Family Business”” Balancing a growing family and a growing ministry can be a crazy task. So many ministry leaders get caught up in the business of ministry while their family business goes bankrupt. In this session Canton will share some practical steps he has learned to keep the family business thriving.
UYWI Youth Leaders Track........................... Auditorium
Community Empowerment Track................... Kidz Vibe
“Preparing Lessons With Limited Time” Life is busy and it often cuts into our time of preparing messages for our youth. In our time together, D.A. will work through practices he uses when time is short but the need for healthy bible teaching remains. He will focus on how truth, transparency, and transformation are necessary for effective communication that has life-altering impact on the young people you faithfully serve.
“Fundraising for your ministry. We want money, but God wants more!” Ministry takes money and we want to serve God and see his ministry impact people, therefore we want money to do that. Money can be a tricky thing that can play with our hearts so quick and we can easily find ourselves fundraising for success instead of painting the picture that God wants and watching how he will fund his mission. We want money, but God wants more. Come learn how to fund-raise in a way that is beyond dollars and cents!
D.A.Horton | UYWI
Syntax Creative Music Business Track Scott Heuerman | VP Marketing, Bubble Up
“Technology Changes, Marketing Doesn’t” As technology continues to change the music industry, artists can adapt in three ways. One, they can ignore the change and, as a result, be irrelevant. Two, they can over focus on technology and forget to make good music. Three is smack dab in the middle, taking advantage of new technological tools as much as possible without sacrificing artistic excellence. This session will help you find that all-important middle ground.
Breakout Sessions B • 2:30pm-3:30pm
Jerome Vierling | City Life Lansing
Marriage & Family Track...................................Da Crib Christopher Harris | Crossover Church
“Ministry & Complicated Situation-ships!” Whether you’re single, divorced, remarried, in a blended family or in a complicated relationship ‘situation-ship’, there is a way to be healthy in your relationships, honor God with your life, and cause your life to RISE to the occasion. It is no secret that relationships are complex and can be hard. This session will speak to those in ministry with these realities and provide a road map for healthy ministry and healthy relationships.
UYWI Youth Leaders Track........................... Auditorium D.A. & Elicia Horton | UYWI
Church Planting Track............................... Classroom 1 Chris Brooks | Stadia
“The Hope of the Hood: Urban Church Planting” Cities are beautiful places full of beautiful people and a variety of assets. At the same time, cities have needs that are both unique and complex. While these needs attract leaders and organizations that work to make things better, too often what’s missing from the asset mix are strong and relevant urban churches. Learn why your city (and every city) needs more urban churches, and gain some ideas on how to get started on your church planting journey!
Church Leadership Track............................ Classroom 2 Pastor Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen | Crossover Church
“Maximizing Vision” When you come to Crossover Church you can quickly see that the place has a unique vision. That doesn’t just happen – it’s very intentional. Come hear from the lead visionary that helped take Crossover from a dream to a reality. We’ll be looking at how we maximize our resources to push the vision forward with series, events, outreaches, classes, community partnerships and more. You’ll leave this workshop inspired with lots of new ideas to rise and lead higher in your city!
“Five Best Practices To Taking Your Youth Ministry to the Next Level” Do you sometimes feel like your ministry has stalled or hit a plateau? Come hear as we share 5 best practices to take your youth ministry to the next level. You’ll learn some practical steps for moving your ministry from good to great! From building your team to becoming a more relational youth ministry than you’ve ever been.
Syntax Creative Music Business Track................... Gym Roger Holmes | Sierra Management
“The Business of Music” What exactly is the business part of the music business? Is it the sale of a CD? A download? Getting as many streams as you can? Roger Holmes has been a part of the music business for 35 years. Not only has he created sustainability for his clients throughout all of the changes, but he has also created it for himself. We want to talk to him to find out exactly what is the business, and how we can adapt just like he has.
5:30pm || Bonus Breakout Session Timothy J. Trudeau and more.
“Perseverance of the Saints” God calls us to be fruitful and to multiply. The easiest part of being an entrepreneur is starting something. The hardest part is maintaining what you started. We can’t just plant something and expect it to grow while we move on to our next project. It takes thoughtful attention, deliberate action and rigorous labor to turn nothing into something. In order for Christians to persevere, there needs to be a sustainable backbone to any business or organization. During this interactive discussion, we will hear from a few successful Christian entrepreneurs 15
SAVE THE DATE FLAVOR FEST 18’ OCT. 4-7, 2018
SATURDAY October 8th Breakout Sessions C 12:00pm-1:00pm Church Planting Track.................................. Classroom 1
Troy A. Evans | The Edge Urban Fellowship “Funding Urban Work” Urban ministry is hard; to, in and of itself… Throw in the lack of funding and training in fundraising and you create a recipe for fatigue and burn out. In this workshop you will learn practical tools from 2 decades of mistakes, wins and professional experience in fund development in the urban context.
Church Leadership Track............................... Classroom 2
Pastor Christopher Harris and Outreach Leaders | Crossover Church “Engaging Your Community in Big Ways and Consistent Ways” Crossover is known for reaching it’s community. In this session you’ll hear from several outreach leaders from their big events (Back 2 School Jam, VBS, Winter Wonderland) to their weekly outreach ministries (Juvenile Detention Center Ministry, Sidewalk Sunday School). These leaders will share how these events/ ministries started, what they are learning and the incredible impact they are having. Come learn how you can begin engaging your community in new ways.
Community Empowerment.............................. Kidz Vibe
Mark Sharpe | Tampa Innovation Alliance “Funding, building and restoring your community” Cities are complex. Their problems and infrastructures are complicated. They are filled with brokenness. One organization can’t fix it by itself. It takes a community of people working together to truly rebuild. Come hear from former County Commissioner Mark Sharpe as he shares about how to engage your community leaders, faith leaders, government and business leaders to rebuild broken communities with jobs, certification trainings, start ups, entrepreneurship and churches. He will be sharing some of the exciting things happening in Crossover’s neighborhood as it has been designated an innovation district.
Marriage & Family Track...................................... Da Crib
Jeremy Anderson | Grace Tour “Love & Marriage” Whether your marriage is strong and vibrant or experiencing challenge, we will provide you with the foundational tools needed to give you the relationship that God intends for you and your spouse. These lessons are crafted to enhance the effectiveness of newlyweds and 30-year veterans alike. This workshop will offer practical exercises and take away tools that allow you to walk away with both knowledge and action items to apply immediately to your relationship.
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UYWI Youth Leaders Track.............................. Auditorium
Gus Cruz | UYWI “Discipleship Questions More Than It Answers” Ever felt like nothing you do with your youth seems to work? Ever asked yourself what changes could you make to become more effective? Have you even considered what is the best role to play in their lives? Ever questioned what outcomes you desire from your discipleship model? Are you wondering what indicators must we put in place to see if there is genuine transformation? If you’re wrestling with these questions… Congratulations! You have now joined the club where many of us realize we don’t have all the answers because we never asked the right questions. In this workshop we will look at some tools that will challenge us.
Syntax Creative Music Business Track
N.D. Wilson | Author/Filmmaker “Christian artist or artist that is Christian?” For decades, Christian music has debated whether someone is a Christian artist, an artist who’s a Christian or many other derivatives. Perhaps both sides have been looking at it wrong. We’re going to explain why that dead horse is a false choice and provide a healthier approach to think about Christians and their handiwork. To get a fresh perspective, we’re going to step outside of the music ghetto and into the book ghetto.
5:30pm || Bonus Breakout Session MEET THE PRESS
Billy Johnson Jr. | Journalist David Daniels | Journalist, Rapzilla.com Nicola Menzie | Journalist, FaithfullyMagazine.com For as long as music has existed, critics have existed. During this session, we will turn the tables and interview the folks who are normally doing the interviewing. What even is a journalist? Why do they talk about what they talk about? How do I get them to talk about me? The purpose of this workshop will be to give artists and executives the ability to see into the world of journalism and try to understand it better.
NEWS S.O.U.L.
KJ-52 DEDICATES MURAL
AT CROSSOVER CHURCH TO
DJ OFFICIAL
POWERED BY
CHRISTIAN HIP-HOP ARTISTS ON ORLANDO TRAGEDY
LECRAE
Literally praying for Orlando. Families, friends, and victims. Join us.
Chicago, Illinois-based emcee, Gemstones, shared
On June 14th, 2016, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history happened.
50 people were murdered by an armed
GEMSTONES SAYS DMX INSPIRES HIM, WORKING ON NEW MUSIC
some positive thoughts on multi-platinum rapper
DEREK INOR
Lifting up Orlando in prayer. My heart is super heavy.
DMX. Stones made it clear that he is inspired by
DMX’s relationship with Christ. “DMX inspires me!!!
gunman at a club in Orlando, Florida. Condolences to the families and friends of the victims. Read what some Christian hip-hop artists had to say about the tragedy on Twitter®.
On August 14, legendary CHH producer Nelson “DJ Official” Chu passed away from complications of a double lung transplant. Many THI’SL
mourned his passing by changing their profile avi’s in his honor, dedicating radio shows and mixes to him, and donating to the
This is the perfect opportunity for the church to love on and serve the LGTBQ community.
YouCaring Fund for his wife and two daughters.
#MournWithThoseWhoAreMourning
Like those who shared stories on social media or
of dealing with him passing and trying to honor his
is an iconic place for our movement, as we host the
decided to create a mural to pay tribute to DJ Official.
Wade-O Radio. He continued to add that Crossover
throughout the year,” he told Wade-O Radio.
#LoveThyNeighbor
changed their profile picture, veteran artist KJ-52
COLUMBIA RECORDS SIGNS LECRAE
KJ-52 has known Fish for almost 15 years, and first I’ve seen Christ in him. As far as his flesh goes, yes he
18
was where he had his last release party and his family
and see the mural on the back of the building and
lives close by.”
remember a CHH legend.”
When it comes to the mural, KJ-52 is satisfied with
first guy to connect me musically with Lecrae, when
Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen - author, artist and lead
Say what you want to say about him, but that brothers
album Entermission,” KJ-52 told Wade-O Radio.
KJ-52 when he called him about the mural. “In
Buddhist, Hindu, ANYBODY! Listen! We all fall short.
he put me on the remix for “Show Off” from his first
GRAMMY award-winning hip-hop artist, Lecrae, has inked a deal with legendary record company, Columbia
According to The Breakfast Club, the It’s Dark And Hell
Constitution. Columbia Records also has Adele, Beyonce, and Pharrell Williams, among others, on their roster.
point. In other news related to Gemstones, the windy
cementing his mainstream appeal.
He went on to add, “People will be able to stop in
in front of anybody! Muslims, Christians, gangsters,
I’ve never seen him deny Christ! That man will pray
my regular DJ was unavailable. He was actually the
Is Hot-crafter plans on releasing a Gospel EP at some
city lyricist has told his social media followers that he is in the studio and new music is on the way. So stay tuned!
He remembers Fish as being a “behind-the-scenes
type of guy who had a knack for bridge building.” KJ recently recalled how before he passed, DJ Official
did an amazing remix of “Fight Music” – a song he did with Lecrae and Propaganda. KJ had hoped to
connect with him in Columbus, Ohio, but DJ Official was too sick.
For KJ-52, the mural was an avenue to pay his
respect. “I did this mural for him as it was my way
annual Flavor Fest conference and many other events
was only fitting to do it at Crossover Church, as that
“On many occasions, I had him out to DJ for me when
to bless him in Jesus name, amen!” via Instagram
In 2014, Lecrae’s album titled ‘Anomaly’ debuted number 1 on the Billboard 200,
was the perfect place to have the mural painted. “It
looks bad! Yes, he looks tired. I’ll tell you this though..
spirit is beautiful! Lord watch over him and continue
Records. The deal is in conjunction with his own imprint, Reach Records, according to The Atlanta Journal-
heard of him back in 1997 through a mutual friend.
contribution to the culture and to my life,” KJ-52 told
pastor of Crossover Church, strongly agreed with
2010, we hosted his [DJ Official’s] release concert for
Entermission with Reach Records. When KJ called me to ask about doing the mural at Crossover, I finished his sentence for him with a YES, let’s do it!” Urban D. knew DJ Official for over 16 years, and has had
several songs produced by him, along with DJ Official DJ’ing for him at concerts and performing at his
church. He only found it fitting that the mural would be at Crossover.
“We are excited to be able to honor Fish, as Crossover
the final results.
“I was really happy how the piece turned out. It was genuine, full of life and a little bit abstract. Just like him.”
BY MIKAELA MCINTOSH
Mikaela aka Laide Mak is the managing editor and blog contributor for Wadeoradio.com. She holds a
Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Mass Media, with an
emphasis in Broadcast Journalism. You can follow her on Twitter @Mikaelalaidemak.
* This article originally appeared on wadeoradio.com
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INDIE SPOTLIGHT BY JOE WATERS
DRU BEX A native of Toronto, Dru Bex believes that having a heart for serving people from
There are some people who want to just be entertainers, but some who use the
single, “Running Man”, Dru offers a narrative that is very true to his sound in
project “The Cover Story: The FIXtape” is a stellar example of this. As he works on
all walks of life goes much beyond the border of his hometown. In his latest
following Jesus and fleeing from sin. His message which is Christ-centered and missional is also found in his latest project “Future Looks Bright”. His music is
available digitally via all major outlets under Role Model Records. The RMR family includes 2016 Flavorfest artist Shope’, Juliet Oh, and DJ Lagit.
MADDIE REY
platform to inspire and encourage, Franky Bells is one of those people. His latest his debut album due later this year on Takeover Records, He aims to make a brand of music that isn’t about putting on a show, but rather putting on display God’s favor, his abundant grace and mercy to those who encounter it. Franky’s ministry is
intentional about making music that will bless you more than to impress you. His music is available on Noisetrade and also through the Takeover Records website.
JARRELL FLOWERS
“It’s time for this generation to live out loud for Jesus.” This is not just a statement,
As a founder of Freedom Music Group, a label centered on building artistic com-
features singing, rapping, spoken word and a bilingual homage to her Spanish
what he preaches. After having a near fatal experience at a young age, He found
but a way of life for multi-talented Maddie Ray. Her latest release “Overflow”,
roots. Maddie just graduated from High School in 2016 and has been serving
at “Church of Joy” where her father is the senior pastor. She has been involved
with the worship team, Sidewalk Sunday School, Youth Ministry and more. At the heart of this sound is the call for worship within a new generation. Her music is available through all digital outlets and via her website Maddierey.com
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FRANKY BELLS
munities that make disciples who change the world, Jarrell Flowers truly practices a passion and restored commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His latest EP entitled “Dreams and Reality”, is built on inspiring music meant to be motiva-
tional for those who feel stuck between their dream and present reality. Jarrell’s
latest single “Go”, is a blend of Rap and Rock where the San Antonio, Texas youth
pastor leaves a message of overcoming the fear that holds you back. His music is available wherever digital music is sold.
I just had the privilege of sitting down to talk with rap artist extraordinaire, Mrs. Butta P! As she shared her heart and mind on all topics, from relationships and personal growth, to industry challenges and nightmare memories, we shared some humor in how to find wise counsel. With a comedic tone, she pointed out our need to find compassionate ladies, who will help us work through women’s issues; and not just complainers to cosign our crazy. This is so true.
One of the pillars in her life, she says, “My mom
can be from real life. Making friends everywhere she
and is a constant source of wisdom.” I asked her how
Now I am a longtime fan of her spittin’ dat fiyah with
rocks. She holds me down through so much stuff,
she takes a Sabbath and recharges. When she flies to Pennsylvania, she hits the reset button, back to
days of childhood dreaming, that always remind her,
failure is not an option. Driving by old spots with new eyes, she sees how her cousins look up to her, and
it fuels that flame inside to burn brighter! “I need to
keep going and trust God is not done. I wanna reflect God’s character and go wherever He says to go.” In her travels, one of her favorite spots is California. As a Puerto Rican visiting lots of Mexican and multiethnic culture mixes, she likes to see how far off TV
beasts are makin’ dat good city mu_sik! So when I caught her new solo album, The Coronation, I was
supremely blown away, at the elegant lyrics she used, when expressing why Chicago is her favorite spot.
Rooted in loving family connections, she articulated the steps in her journey: “Let me take you back
before Amanda turned into Butta P / I remember feelin’ lost… sayin’ Lord please help me / and that was the moment / When God
came through and beat my opponent /
It’s kinda crazy, when you 5 years old /
A passion she shares, is to be relevant to others, and
for the glory of my King on His throne / They try to
fully awake and ready to rumble!” TKO, cuz we got
about me and what I can do. Then as a believer I
from my scars…” Commenting on her testimony
within this song, she said, “Someone tried to break
me when I was younger, but I got beauty for ashes,
lioness, you do not want to step in my jungle / I’m this confidence: God is for us. What moron would
dare be against us? It is so good to be friends with God.
inspire a positive shift in their lives. “At first, it was
grew. So now I’m using my gift to benefit others, not just myself. It is an honor to leave a legacy. I feel like I’m Joshua now, but one day I will become Moses, and hope to step out leaving five new “Joshuas” I
and my confidence in God, moved me beyond the
Forever casting a shadow, over the valleys that were
dreams.” Knowing exactly what it’s like to wrestle
eagle, preparing to one day, teach those who were
Preparing to pass the baton, Butta P has a bounce-
No matter how hard, no matter how tough, she
and she is blazing like a burning bush, with no smell
attacks. Now I am free from it, and I’m living out my
22
Social Club, Gawvi, and Cheno Lyfe. These humble
In her song, Unstoppable, Butta P says: “I am a
paint a picture like we flawed / But my beauty comes
BY SPYVEY G.
Rhema Soul, and those beautiful collaborations with
And they take a piece of ya soul / Not knowin’ this
would be the moment / I would own it / And use it
HAS FAMILY, FRIENDS, & FOREVER...
goes, her upcoming favorite spot is Chicago.
with challenges, we rejoice at how God did it again!
He reversed the curse. What was meant for evil, Our Father turns it for good. By the way: Yo, this must
really frustrate the devil, but if he’s askin’ fo a knuckle
sandwich, we believers will feed dat “appetite”; POW!
meant to bury her gifts, today Butta P soars like an
called chicken, how to spread their wings and hook! stepped out in faith, grabbed a mic, and continues to bring the thunder.
really do wanna see these young girls come up.”
back spirit, tested through the fire, purified as gold, of smoke: just the bright light of city on a hill.
23
* Portions taken from his book “ReBuild”
T
first winter in Florida as a permanent resident. I felt
front of his house.
he had access to the finest of food and wines in the
BY TOMMY “URBAN D” KYLLONEN
he last time I remember seeing Scott was at my wedding reception. He was one of
my closet friends and he drove all the way
Too many of us have become numb to pain.
Nehemiah was unattached to the hurting people
I invite you to join me on a rebuilding journey and
out of your comfort zone as you are called to help
down, leaders let us down, kids let us down. It can
was still broken by their pain and suffering. There
church created a free five week video curriculum
When you are truly rebuilt, God regularly takes you
Ministry can be a painful place. People let us
down to Tampa from Philly to be one of my grooms-
Nehemiah’s life was great before he received some
call informing me that he was killed on the street in
in paradise, living the dream. As the royal cupbearer,
I was disconnected from what was happening up in
kingdom. Then he got the phone call. Hanani told him
have shed a few tears, made a phone call or two, sent
How do you deal with that pain? That’s critical.
needed to get uncomfortable, go back and confront
and try to keep it moving. We get so busy with our
men. Less than two months later I received a phone
life-changing news too. He was living in the palace -
I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. I argued with my
about the condition of the Hebrew people, his people,
maybe playing a twisted joke on me, but it was true -
and the people were in great distress. It rocked him to
friend on the phone, hoping she was mistaken, or
and the walls of Jerusalem: they had been destroyed
my friend was gone. A few days later I was on a plane
his core, and his heart was broken with compassion:
unexpected loss was overwhelming.
“When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In
to Philadelphia to go and pay my respects. The pain of
Before hearing the devastating news of my friend’s
death, things in my life were going great. I was a
newlywed, enjoying my new life with Lucy in our first real apartment. I was on this new journey
as a youth pastor, and our youth group had grown from four girls to a couple of
dozen teens in just a few months. On top of that I was enjoying my
24
like I was in paradise living the dream.
the palace, but God wouldn’t let him. He was rebuilt.
fact, for days I mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4) Nehemiah was part of the Jewish population that had been displaced after the Babylonians conquered
them. He was disconnected from what was happening
back in Jerusalem and could have easily gotten over this feeling of compassion for his people. He could
have shed a tear for his people and returned to life in
others rebuild.
Philly. I hadn’t lived there in many years, so I could
a sympathy card and stayed in Florida. But I knew I my pain.
Living in a sin-sick world, we are destined to experience brokenness, pain and failures. Rebuilding will and
must be a part of the maintenance of your soul. We have many people we call family, whether they are blood related or not, and they have brokenness, flaws and issues just like we do.
be an emotional roller coaster. Ministry can make
us feel bi-polar at times. The best day ever can turn into the worst day ever in two seconds flat.
are hurting people all over: in our neighborhood, our city, our state, our country and overseas. My prayer is that God will break our hearts with compassion for those he calls us to reach.
grab some of your friends to be a part of it! Our complete with downloadable worksheets and discussion guides. The video for session one starts
with “Confronting Pain” as it unpacks this topic even more as we shot it in Ybor City.
Many of us learn how to brush it under the rug
Pain and loss has the power to connect hurting
We also created a five week ReBuild message
work for God that we don’t find time to confront it,
and work through our suffering. Like Nehemiah
away the transcripts, outlines, artwork, promo
unpack it and heal from it. Then there are others that are literally paralyzed by their pain. They get stuck. They just can’t seem to move forward. This can lead to bitterness and possibly even sinful
people when we allow God to soften our hearts
going before the king, we must trust God with the
tough situations in life and act in obedience and wait for his timing. We must confront our pain.
habits that medicate the pain. We can’t effectively
Going back to Philly to my friend’s funeral was
we’re in a rebuilding process ourselves.
sure where my friend’s relationship was with God.
rebuild others unless we are rebuilt... or at least
If we really love them and care about them like we say
So what pain have you been ignoring? How can
their lives as well - that’s what real family does.
you talk to? What spiritual and physical disciplines
we do, then we must be part of helping them rebuild
within the crumbling walls of Jerusalem, but he
you learn to process it in a healthy way? Who can can help you rebuild from it?
one of the toughest things I ever did. See, I wasn’t That was super painful, but despite the feeling of
regret I had, God used this event as a catalyst in
series on the book of Nehemiah. We are giving
video and bumper video. This can be used in
your adult church services or your youth group. Crossover Church did this series and had an
amazing response. We want to give it away and help resource other churches around the world.
Check out all the free resources at www.urband.org
my life. When you confront your pain, God can use
it to fuel your energy toward your calling and your future.
25
Great time with the brother Ambassador doing this interview. Opening in a quick prayer first, I wanted to tell him right away about one of his most recent tracks that hit me hard.
#TBT WITH THE
AMBASSADOR INTERVIEWED BY MATTY STRIQ
M STRIQ
AMBASSADOR
I’ve been a big supporter of you and Cross Movement from way back when (I know you have new music coming soon). But one of the most recent tracks of yours that I heard that hit me hard was that “Deserter” track off of “Hors D’Oeuvres” EP. The whole lyrical jabs, the beat and energy… You know the irony of that Song? You Know who did the hook right?
Jahaziel…
Yeah, Jahaziel denounced the faith! Majorly and explicitly, unless something has happened since then which I haven’t heard anything, many months afterwards. The people that are kind to him and don’t throw him under the bus he is kind to and kind to me. But just ironic that the guy I called to do the hook “You don’t wanna be no deserter…”, yo, he deserted. May the Lord bring him back, in Christ there is hope.
HEAVY HITTER
DJ TONY TONE AKA THE BLESSED KEPT SECRET B Y A N G E L “A M E N Z ” O L I V O
If you’re from the NY area and grew up listening to hip-hop then you are definitely
familiar with Hot 97. Hot 97 is one of the largest well-known hip-hop radio stations in the world that totes the logo “Where Hip Hop Lives” and is home to some notable current and former staff members. I had the pleasure of interviewing Tony Simmons Aka DJ Tony Tone “The Blessed Kept Secret” who has been a DJ for 30 plus years and has worked for NY based radio stations such as WBLS and WLIB.
He would get to work alongside his peers and eventually get the opportunity to become a Heavy Hitter. Founded by DJ Enuff, The Heavy Hitters was formed to help unite DJ’s across the country and abroad to help launch the careers of the DJ’s and to help spread the versatility of their music.
In 1990 DJ Tony Tone was saved but became more focused in Christ in
So kudos, I understand you’re working on your Doctorate degree? You had to of been staying crazy busy?
1998 and credits his obedience to God as the reason he’s been given
Well, you just stay at it you know. Must be replenished by basking in the presence of God…also must be a perpetual learner.
this opportunity. Fifteen years ago he heeded the calling and passion that
the Lord placed on his heart to reach out to the world using his God given gifts to
play Christian urban music on a platform where non-Christians may be reached with
Of course the Cross Movement, so when y’all were putting it together we all had our favorite member. How did the reunion at the Legacy Conference go? Went well. 10 year anniversary where they were honoring our contribution and celebrating 10 years of discipleship in the urban context. Also the legacy that is certainly evident in some of the younger guns that are doing their thing. We (Cross Movement) certainly appreciate the love and support that we were shown. By the way congratulations, I don’t know if you saw but I was real happy to see the Rapzilla top 20 MC’s of all time in Christian hip hop. (The Ambassador was ranked #11) It was good to see you up there man, you and Braille and some of them other brothers. Some real hip-hop of course. So who are some of your favorite CHH artists?
Don’t you have any examples?
(Laughs) Yeah, I heard about it…
I don’t have favorites man… I like dudes who love the people of God more than their music.
Well again if i say somebody, then someones gonna miss what I’m saying. My type of people, you mentioned Braille. I appreciate the Braille’s. I like to hear Eshon Burgundy. I can appreciate the shai-linnes. I love Trip Lee as a person.
the Gospel. DJ Tony Tone became a Heavy Hitter on December 25, 2014 and made history by becoming the first Christian Hip Hop/R&B DJ to host on Hot 97 with his
show “Street Glory”. With the Lord’s blessing and a sponsorship by his church Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY pastored by A.R. Bernard, he has secured the time slot of 7am to 8am every Sunday morning on Hot 97. Street Glory premiered on February 28, 2016, and is well received by his peers and the listening audience. The show’s
ratings have been on a steady increase. You can also catch the show and his mixes on the WHHL app (Where Hip Hop Lives).
While listening to his mixes and re-mixes I was brought back to
my BC days (Before Christ) in Jersey listening to Hot 97. I would have never imagined that Hot 97 would one day play any form of Christian music but here I was listening to “Street Glory”. I was impressed by the way DJ Tony Tone was able to merge
various styles by mashing up some golden era sounds with new school sounds. From boom bap to trap he does a great
job of keeping you locked in and appreciating the music giv-
ing you the feeling of being at a live event and thinking of life
and the things of God. He is careful with keeping his audience engaged and will spend hours prayerfully and methodically
listening to submissions and creating blends or mash ups in
Anything new coming out, soon? Oh yeah, a new project called “Sacred Meets Secular” which should be out by the time this (S.O.U.L Mag) is out. Focus on the encounter, not the combat between sacred and secular. 26
preparation for “Street Glory”. He feels he has a responsibility to
God of reaching out to his audience and takes it serious and rightly so considering the platform the Lord has given him.
27
CITYLIFE LANSING - LANSING, MI Pastor Jerome Vierling
www.citylifelansing.com
FLAVOR FEST
DA HOUSE - CHICAGO, IL Pastor Phil Jackson
URBAN CHURCH NETWORK
www.thahouse.org
WORLD RENEGADE CHURCH - CHICAGO, IL Pastor Adriel “Skrip” Cruz
www.worldrenegade.com CHURCH OF JOY - WAUKEGAN, IL Pastor Luis Reyes
www.thenewchurchofjoy.com THE EDGE - GRAND RAPIDS, MI Pastor Troy Evans
www.theedgegr.com
L A U N C H E S
REVOLUTION TABERNACLE - PRINCETON, WV Pastor Johnathan “J Fraze” Frazier
www.facebook.com/revolutiontabernacle LIFE CHURCH - WACO, TX Pastor Gabe Dominquez CROSSOVER CHURCH - TAMPA, FL Pastor Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen www.crossoverchurch.org
ELEMENTS CHURCH - BRONX, NY Pastor Efrain “Bro E” Alicea www.elementsbx.org
CHURCH CITY USA - JAMAICA QUEENS, NY Pastor Richard “Richie Righteous” Ishmael
Over the past decade there has been dozens of churches and ministries that have been planted as they were inspired from attending The Flavor Fest Urban Leadership Conference at Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida. In addition there has been many other like-minded churches planted or transitioned that have a similar flavor.
There is a new urban church movement that is
gather, but it’s still an unorganized emerging tribe.
ministries that are doing things differently. While
solid resources to help them in their urban context.
growing around the world. These are churches and many older churches in the urban context seem to
be dying these churches are thriving with new life. Some of the major distinctives are that they are
Biblical multi-ethnic, multi-generational, and multiclass churches. Many of them are innovative and
creative as they use the arts including Hip-Hop, R&B, Spoken Word, Dance, Film and more. Many of them are reaching a diverse group of unchurched and
dechurched people in their cities. They are engaged in community outreach and making disciples. Crossover Church and the annual Flavor Fest
conference has been a hub for people of this tribe to
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Many of them feel alone and are disconnected from The Flavor Fest Urban Church Network was launched to bring churches together and serve them with
resources, inspiration, fellowship and networking. It
also launched to help people find relevant churches in their cities as Crossover Church regularly gets
visits, calls and emails with people asking if there is a similar church in their area. People can now easily go to the website to see if there is a church in their area they can connect with.
www.churchcityusa.com
REVOLUTION CHURCH - GARY, IN Pastor Ryan “DJ Rhino” Flemming www.therevolution.net
CITYTAKERS - ATLANTA, GA Pastor Scott Free
www.citytakers.com FREE LIFE CHURCH - ATLANTA, GA
www.lifechurchwaco.com LIFE 150 CHURCH - LOS ANGELES, CA Pastor Tymee Reitz www.life150.org
SEVENTH STREET CHURCH - LONGBEACH, CA Pastor Josh and Noemi Chavez www.7thstreetchurch.com
99.1 CHURCH - AUSTIN, TX Pastor Marcus Bell-Winston www.991church.com
REVOLUTION D.C. - WASHINGTON D.C. Pastor Devin Turner
www.facebook.com/RevolutionizeDC/photos THE SANCTUARY - MINNEAPOLIS, MN Pastor Dennis Edwards www.sanctuarycov.org
Pastor Canton Jones
www.freelifeexperience.org
To find out more about the network and how your
church can get involved visit www.flavorfest.org and click on the Network link.
* Check out the website for the growing list of Flavor Fest Urban Church Network Churches that are now on the map!
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BREAKFREE MINISTRIES WRITER NIKITA CARTER
When you think about the elements of hip-hop, it is definitely important to mention B-Boying. (also known as Breakdancing). B-Boying started originally in the South Bronx of New York City in the mid 1970’s and has quickly spread around the world. B-Boying is certainly not unfamiliar to any street dancer. It is a culture and to some it is a lifestyle of consistent training, dance competitions and genuine community. Josh Sazdanoff and Michael Swalley met in 2008
where they had two things in common: 1.) A passion
for Christ and 2.) A passion to reach the B-Boy culture for Christ. Josh Sazdanoff is an evangelist with a
passion to share the gospel. Michael Swalley has a gift in discipling and teaching people the Word of
God. Two years prior to meeting, Michael launched “A Breakers for Him Ministry.” As Josh and Michael saw their friendship grow, they both saw the potential
that B-Boying could have on young men. Josh leads a Break Free chapter in Orange County, CA. and
Michael leads a chapter in Chicago, Ill. There are
three more chapters currently in St. Louis, MO, Elgin, IL and Tokyo, Japan.
he noticed how the Gospel can connect across all cultures.
HOW HAS BREAK FREE MADE DISCIPLES?
JOSH: By practicing and doing life together. The
B-Boy battles both in secular and Christian settings are all part of the outreach. I disciple through experiences, by teaching men how to handle
situations, how to love people and how to share
God’s grace with others. Another plus, is when we battle we earn respect in the community.
MICHAEL: We are still learning even after 10 years how to be most effective in raising up disciples. The
clearest marker of disciples is that they are passionate in raising up other disciples. Our ministry is to build
up, instill biblical ways of living and equip them how to make disciples. One specific curriculum we use is “Launching Multipliers”.
WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED THESE 10 YEARS IN MINISTRY?
MICHAEL: Ministry is difficult sometimes, not everything is black and white. It can get messy
Many boys and young men in urban cities grow
sometimes, and it is important to be led by the spirit.
growing up to young men without clear direction
someone. It takes time and regular one-on-one time.
up without a father figure, often resulting in boys
and guidance from an actual positive spiritual male figure. It is within these challenging dynamics that Michael found that B-Boying could cross cultural
30
experiences beyond borders. In the same way
You have to stay committed and not give up on
WHAT SCRIPTURE HAS BEEN GUIDING YOUR MINISTRY? I would say definitely Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
WHAT WOULD YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT BREAK FREE?
We are passionate to become like others in order to
reach them. The method is breakdancing, but it is in loving people well, so we can better communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Check out more info on Break Free at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ BreakFreeBreakDanceMinistry/ Twitter: @Breakfree2024 Instagram: @Breakfree_2024
Me going to college and meeting people from all
PAYS SALLIE MAE BACK!
BRO E
TELL ME THE STORY
OF THE NAME SLING-
SHOT DAVID.
DEE 1
You know the story of David and Goliath.
David’s weapon of choice was the slingshot
he used to defeat Goliath. David is my first name.
32
brother made me laugh a lot! Needless to say, my face hurt from smiling when it was over.
they respected that. Same in college. “David is one of us but he’s not at the party drinking and getting
high.” But I WAS the guy with the recording studio
in my room. I was one of them. I stood out, but I was
hood, in high school or in college. I was very comfort-
My music and my lyrics are the greatest gifts I can
able being myself.
David, and Slingshot David is a nickname of mine.
SO IS IT TRUE THAT LUPE HAD PROFANITY IN HIS VERSES AND CHANGED IT?
album releases in late Fall as well.
Yes, Lupe changed a line. He had a little profanity in
SPEAKING OF MIXES, WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF
times the intelligent get bored. He knew that one
FIASCO AND BIG K.R.I.T.? HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE
artists not to use profanity although Dee is not gonna
OUSLY A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW?
It’s why I only do collabs with people I know to some
What’s the purpose? I been collaborating with secular
me.
them. I’m not watering down anything. They literally
SO TELL US ABOUT YOUR RISE TO THE SPOTLIGHT
it. Mentally he’s a genius, and lyrically too. Some-
DOING THE “AGAINST US” REMIX WITH LUPE
thing I used to struggle with was confronting other
THAT WORLD WHEN YOUR WORLDVIEW IS OBVI-
have profanity. I thought it would cause discomfort.
me. And I’ll continue to do that as long as God is
for God and His people. And, in sharing all of this, the
was comfortable. They said I was on my own path and
of choice is the pen and my pad, aka the slingshot.
have to be exposed to my light by collaborating with
expressed himself, his Christian worldview and his passion
hood, but I was not the guy stealing or getting high. I
that were not ONLY Christian environments. In my
artists before as a secular artist. I feel I’m a light to
end of our interview I was a fan of the man. I loved how he
lived what they believed. I might have been from the
battle. We all have Goliaths that we face. My weapon
mixtape. I’ll be on tour in New York in the Fall and the
interview. While I was already a fan of his music, by the
going to respect people who were grounded and
one of them. I’ve always functioned in environments
It’s also the name of the album, the tour and the
I start this piece on Dee 1 with how I felt at the end of the
people, ethnicities and faiths; that they were still
I’ve seen my life as a metaphorical David and Goliath
give to the world. So there’s a synergy with my name,
B Y B R O. E
over the country, I realized that there are different
degree. And Lupe knew and I think he did it to test
DUE TO THE “SALLIE MAE BACK” SONG.
pleased and that He’s smiling down on me with the
That song has taken me to a new tier as an artist. It’s
hood but I always stood out because, for example, I
financially literate, just as I am passionate about God.
have financial stability, but it was so much love I
taught me to be responsible with my money. And this
outlook on life. All people were human beings with
what we could do to be more financially responsible
path I’ve taken. I’ve always stuck out. I grew up in the
great because I’m passionate about people being
had both parents. I didn’t even realize that we didn’t
I don’t know of songs that I liked growing up that
received. I went out into the world and I had positive
song has opened up the floodgates of dialogue on
value and I grew respect for people.
with our money. Sallie Mae Back is just getting
started though. It’s timeless. People want to celebrate
33
DEE1 - PAYS SALLIE MAE BACK! (CONTINUED) getting out of debt. At Flavor Fest I’ll be announcing a new corporate partnership that I just formed!
SO YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU WERE A TEACHER.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE DEE 1, THE EXUBERANT, ENERGETIC BROTHER, AS YOUR TEACHER?
Yes. My class was the most popular class in school. I taught life skills and math. In life skills it was
more flexible. I was able to bring in guest speakers, athletes and entertainers. I got to incorporate Hip-
Hop in the class too because I was able to create the
curriculum. I was the most popular teacher in school.
It’s part of why I had to leave the profession. Once the kids knew I was a rapper, it became a distraction. The news came, the parents knew and were giving me
their mixtapes, so it was a distraction. The principal
police or burn buildings, I felt led to speak up.
traditional labels as I kinda do things out of the box.
called to be leaders, that we’re all adults and most
You can’t deny my energy and aura when I’m in front
I told the 400 to 500 people there that we’re all
important, our young people are looking at us, at
how we’re supposed to respond. A leader must al-
ways be level headed. Our emotions shouldn’t dictate our reaction. Love always wins. It may not seem like
the weapon that gets you the most instant gratifica-
tion, but it’s been proven that love always wins. We’re even called to love our enemies. My people who
aren’t trying to hear that right now, the way I was able to articulate that it was more of a sin problem than a
skin problem, they were receptive to it. With the love of Christ there are actions and levels of aggression
that you won’t even be able to feel. I respect everyone as a creation of Christ.
confronted me and said, “If you trying to take this
I knew I had to leave. I finished out the year. Some
of my students are still connected to me and some
are taking the same route creatively as myself, doing
opposite of what I am. I’m still a mentor.
DID YOU HAVE A RESPONSE TO THE SHOOTINGS
videos, Facebook videos, so that these things can
mixtapes sold out of the trunk or backpack. It hit
home when I found out where he got killed. It was extra personal to me.
So I drove to Baton Rouge and a friend organized a
community dialogue. While others were protesting outside, I didn’t feel that that was where I would
be most productive, so I chose to take part in the
community meeting and we had all the prominent leaders and citizens. I didn’t go there to take the
live on and have longevity far beyond the moment.
I spoke on what we needed. Leadership is a lifestyle and we need leaders to help us get through. And to other angry artists, we discredit ourselves and our
views if our next songs are about killing and shoot-
ing. Now the Slingshot David mixtape didn’t have to come out but we prayed on it and this is exactly why
God put me into this industry, to help people have a
sound track to their lives. So we put it out and made it public. Due to the sensitivity of the timing, we didn’t
push it for a week. But thousands downloaded it and we got great feedback. It didn’t sound like an Alton
Sterling revenge mixtape, but instead was a separate
body of work that people could get and channel their inner David and be brave and be a warrior.
I want people to be aware of the mixtape. I feel like
brainstorm. But when I saw how emotional everyone
don’t really know me. Maybe they hear stuff about
was and that some were ready to extract revenge on 34
made it to where I needed to be vocal. Instagram
microphone or be seen, but instead to listen and
understand what the community was feeling and to
those who would come out and protest, there might be others that feel that way too and it gets to me. I know how easy it would have been to continue to
be just a positive rapper. I could have stayed there,
it was on lock. I was accepted by thugs and hustlers and they were cool that I was a positive dude, but
I’ve boldly chosen that people would know about my Christianity, so it gets to me when people think it’s
No, but I do get nervous before speaking engageFrom there it clicked that my voice and my platform
outside the very same store. Income came from
heresy.” They’re obviously Christian and if there are
2. EVER GET NERVOUS BEFORE PERFORMING?
FROM THE HOOD, YOU’RE AWARE OF WHAT’S
Alton Sterling got murdered, I used to sell mix-tapes
the devil because of the mixtape, he’s committing
The Super Dome in New Orleans.
have their ear. Even though they’re doing the polar
Teaching middle school math in Baton Rough where
God, that he’s a fake Christian, he makes music for
PERFORM IN?
one they’re turning to to get advice and I know I still
SUMMER?
show I had protesters literally saying, “Dee 1 hates
1. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM VENUE TO
it without profanity. Even if one is not, I’m still the
OF BLACK MEN ACROSS OUR COUNTRY THIS
they would just not judge a book by its cover. At one
I WANT TO ASK YOU FOUR FUN QUESTIONS:
tance yourself from this Dee 1 stuff.” That was the day
GOING ON IN SOME OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.
of you. But for those that can’t be in front of me, that
a hoax.
teacher profession seriously, you might want to dis-
YOU BEING FROM NEW ORLEANS AND BEING
I wish they would do their research and see my heart.
a lot of people in the Christian Hip-Hop community Dee 1 and they don’t associate me with one of the
ments.
3. GIVE US ONE EMBARRASSING MOMENT.
On tour with Macklemore, a 52 city tour beginning in
Seattle. 15,000 people, the biggest show of my life at
that point. The guy dj’ing was his homeboy and I’m in my 2nd song and all of a sudden the music cuts out
so I turn around and was like, “Wassup?” He’s looking at me, and he’s panicking and had that look… he’s
not looking good. I start to do accapellas and talking
to the crowd and it was like 7 or 8 minutes before my music comes back on. So it was rough and I started hearing people booing me. He was dj’ing off his
laptop and a bead of sweat hit the mousepad and
because of the moisture it caused the whole screen to freeze and reset. I was upset because they booed me and it was 15,000 people!
4. FINISH THE SENTENCE.
“10 YEARS FROM NOW I WILL BE…”
10 years from now I will be a better man than I am today.
together to form Disciple the Streets (DTS) – a division of Tre9’s Eyes On Me, Inc. non-profit organization
that focused on prison ministry. Pyrexx’s experience behind bars offered key insight into the mindset of
that audience and a DTS video series was created to
better equip churches and parachurch organizations to engage in similar efforts.
Four years later, Pyrexx signed a business deal
with Rapture Recordz. He released a Workflo Vol. 1 mixtape hosted by DJ DMD, the Texas rap legend
who flipped his “25 Lighters On My Dresser” hit into “25 Bibles On My Dresser” after his own spiritual
PYREXX
DISCIPLES THE STREETS BY SKETCH THE JOURNALIST
Pyrexx is not a guy you forget meeting. First, there are the tattoos. So. Many. Tattoos. The industry term is “sleeves” – art that covers the majority of a person’s arms. Pyrexx’s extend even farther - down to his hands and knuckles. The ink even pops up on his face. You can’t look him in the eyes (or try since they’ll likely be covered by dark shades) and not notice the initials “TBZ” over one brow and the word “Gang” over the other.
Next, you’re staring at his teeth. They’re covered in shiny metal and jewels – a “grill” popularized
by rappers from his hometown of Houston, Texas.
to minister to members of that community.
But that mouth – the same one that used to spit
Tre9 was there as Pyrexx navigated his anger at God
crew - is different now. Instead of curses, it dispenses
behind bars. He was unable to attend her funeral
rapid-fire street lyrics as part of Trae tha Truth’s ABN
blessings. It no longer glorifies violence and popping pills. Today, it prays for enemies and a sober mind.
In short, it’s one of the first indicators that the life of Joseph “Pyrexx” McSweeney has been reclaimed to serve Jesus the Christ. The road here wasn’t easy.
after losing his mother to cancer while he was still and lost faith in the midst of his pain. Upon his
release, Tre9 invited Pyrexx to share his talent and story on a song called “Teach Me Your Ways” from
his Missionary Minded album. The duo continued to
forge a friendship that would withstand Pyrexx’s drift back toward street life and his secular rap career.
It started in a jail cell. After several stops and more
But still God continued to draw them toward one
Pyrexx met a prison chaplain named Bobby Herring.
Christ and began to serve alongside Tre9 at Hip
than five and half years in a Texas state penitentiary, The two bonded over a love of Hip-Hop. For more
than a decade, Herring had been recording Christian
36
rap music under the name Tre9 and using it as a tool
another. Pyrexx eventually recommitted his life to Hop Hope outreaches in multiple underserved
communities of Houston. In 2012, the two partnered
encounter with Christ. It was followed by his Born
Again Disciple project – his first complete album of faith-inspired lyrics and purpose.
Today, Pyrexx sounds even more focused. During
the week he’s in Dallas – working a day job that is
helping him pay down debt, restore his credit, and offer independence to invest in his music career at
his own pace. He continues to shower his elementaryaged son JoJo with love and opportunities to serve
alongside him at events and on the mic. Pyrexx and his wife Ashley, who were once divorced, recently adopted a baby named Malachi from a Kansas
mother who wasn’t able to take care of him after birth.
He’s helped launch Hip Hop Hop Waco and
frequently tours on weekends. And while his career
has expanded to acting (he appeared as the cellmate of Making a Murderer subject Stephen Avery in a REELZ television show), he still uses his voice
and unique appearance to command a room. For
example, when a teen lock-in at the Typhoon Texas
waterpark got out of hand in June, it was Pyrexx who could be seen taking the microphone to share his
story and lead the crowd (estimated to be between 5,000 and 6,000 people strong) in the Sinner’s Prayer.
When asked how others can pray for him, Pyrexx
points to Psalm 40:3 which says “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many
will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.”
“That’s what I want,” Pyrexx said. “That the Lord would
continue to give me a new song so that people would put their trust in Him and turn away from all that other trash.” And let the Church say “Amen.”
37
MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT
CANTON JONES AND THE FREE LIFE EXPERIENCE BY SAMANTHA ROSARIO
It was 2010, I was a single parent of two impressionable young girls, living in Atlanta. The music on the radio was not anything I wanted my girls to be listening to. The lyrics offended me because most of them were so inappropriate. I was chasing God and longed for a better musical soundtrack for the journey.
One afternoon after service I found myself in the
producing beats for himself as well as for others
get up and praise and dance. We have rappers with
It definitely sparked up some controversy and ques-
At the end of the day as Christians we’re called to
for a change in music that would get and keep my
he chose Georgia as his new home. In 2001, Canton
is inspiring. There’s a DJ playing popular worship
asked about his decision to be a part of the show he
that Canton has answered the call of God for his
bookstore of World Changers Church. I was looking kids attention. I was standing at the racks of CDs,
just staring because I didn’t know anyone on these records besides Kirk Franklin. I knew some classic
gospel because of my grandma but outside of them I was lost. This sister was standing at the counter,
watching me. She walked right over, took a look at
me, then at my girls, plucked a CD off the shelve and handed it to me. She patted my hand and said “Trust
me baby”. I looked down and read the cover... Canton Jones, “Kingdom Business”.
Canton “Dorrelle” Jones hadn’t even made it to 1st
grade yet, before he’d already started developing the gift that God would later use to minister to millions of souls. By the age of 16, Canton was writing and
38
around the way. Deciding to leave Florida behind,
birthed CAJO Entertainment, the independent label
where he dropped his first record and many more. In 2005, Canton Jones’ album “Love Jones”, took 11th place on the Billboards Top Gospel Albums chart.
This God fearing entrepreneur was off and running
to take over for the Kingdom. After thirteen albums
and countless ministry appearances Canton Jones followed Gods direction and opened the doors of Free
Life Church in Jonesboro, GA at the tail end of 2015.
tattoos. We pray over instrumentals. Everything
songs. It’s a club feel. It’s dark. People will read the Bible from their iPhone or iPad”, says Canton. On
the church’s website Canton and his wife give you
a virtual tour of the facilities and Canton shares his heart and vision for the future of this ministry. The
dark warehouse concept of the sanctuary, the desire to reach the youth and feed the homeless, and to
simply spread the gospel in a relevant way is what makes this place so special and unique.
“I rap about God because that’s the only way the
February of 2016 took Pastor Jones in a whole
shall at The Free Life Church. The church targets the
the reality show “Preachers of Atlanta” on the Oxygen
youth will listen,” says Canton Jones, and listen they younger generations. This is not your Grandmothers church. “We reach the Hip-Hop culture. People can
another ministry direction when he joined the cast of network. Throughout the Church community there
were definitely mixed emotions about that decision.
tions. People told him it could hurt his image. When shared, “I didn’t see it that way. I saw it as a platform to promote the Kingdom. I saw it as a platform just
like TBN and other Christian networks, just a different
spread the Gospel and I for one am super grateful life. It has forever changed my life. I look forward to seeing where else God is going to take him.
audience watching these shows. We saw it as a good
So if you’re ever in the Jonesboro area, drop by Free
different perspectives and so I won’t speak on the
GA 30236. It goes down every Thursday night. I
opportunity God gave us. Everybody comes from
other shows. I will say that you want to play your part and do what God tells you to do. And so I didn’t base my decision to do the show off of what other people said about other people. I’m not the one negative, I
did it because that’s what God told me to do. We had an awesome experience and we loved it. It’s about
Life Church located at 2821 Mt. Zion Rd, Jonesboro, encourage you to visit the church’s gofundme page
and watch the video where Canton and his lovely wife Ramona share their heart and vision for the future of Free Life Church. Www.GoFundMe.com/73ht6aqc. I
can’t wait to see what he does at Flavor Fest this year!
people... we have to ask the question, is the church reaching people?”
39
S.O.U. L
confuse the viewer as to where one letter starts and
GRAFF
A STUDY ON
10
the other one finishes.
WILDSTYLE LETTERING
BY MISTERY973
8
at the vanishing point. It should be noted that the
to make the piece appear like it is floating
further out the more horizontal the lines will be.
The closer to the centre the more vertical the lines
is achieved by imagining a light source to the side
will be.
of the letter. In the example shown the light source
is on the top left hand corner so parallel shapes are
11
drawn to the bottom right of the letter, with each line starting slightly in from the edge of the top and left hand side outlines.
so as to create the illusion of form. This is
to design readable lettering known as ‘Public Letters’ or ‘Straight
known as ‘Wildstyle’.
characters etc.
All the best with your sketching of wildstyle and we’ll be back soon to focus on how to sketch characters. Piece and Shalom. Mistery973
from sheets of rubber, with sections stretched out of shaped and other parts overlapping’.
Image 13. substitutes the letter O with a drawing of
lines to be parallel to the shapes of the letters proper.
form in such a way as to make it more complex and into what is
explore images with a lesson on how to draw cartoon
conclude by saying ‘Imagine your letters are made
that the corner points are the ideal, with the side
the development of the tag/signature into solid letters and how
saying ‘Zone’ with a variety of ideas to show
The next issue of the S.O.U.L MAG will further
When I teach classes on Wildstyle lettering I usually
Another option is to add a ‘3D’ to the letters
direction starting on each corner. It must be noted
Letters’. This time we’ll be looking at how to push the letter
12. 13. Are additional examples of pieces
the various other methods for designing pieces.
done by drawing a line on the edge in one particular
In our previous graffiti sections of S.O.U.L MAG we’ve looked at
vanishing point. This other done by picking a
centre point and having all the corner points aimed
A ‘drop shadow’ can be attached to the word
slightly off the surface of the page or wall etc. This
9
Another way of drawing a 3D is by using a
a spraycan.
1
2
3
4
5
6
11
7
At first glance Wildstyle can appear to merely be random shapes and lines which render it unintelligible. But as we will soon see the formulas and techniques employed in the development of the style are still based upon traditional
1
and over-layed causing the fonts to become more of a design, as opposed to
solid body to it. The letter ‘Z’ seen here in a
‘handwritten’ style gives us 3 lines which we can stylize and develop.
2
A solid version of the Z now allows us 10 lines
to potentially stylize. The style pictured here is
reminiscent of a block letter font with the lines very balanced and evenly measured.
letter forms, this time though the usual letter structure is stretched, exaggerated
A standard letter is merely lines with no
3
The addition of lines at the ends of the letters, known as serifs, also allows add bonus lines
which we can stretch and exaggerate too to develop the letters.
simply being writing. 4
The proportions of the letters are altered
by lengthening the lines and altering the
‘predictability ’ of the font.
40
5
The parallel nature of the lines is altered so
that the angle of the lines is unpredictable.
Also some of the scale and shapes are altered so that lines are a combination of thick and thin.
6
‘Bits’ or ‘doo-dads’ are added in a way that
12 8
appear like the ends of the letters have
been cut off and slid along the surface of the edge. This is shown on the bottom right side of the letter. Also lines are drawn within the letters to look like ‘cuts’ and make the readability of the letter more
confusing. The addition of arrows with the letters
9
confuses the eye and redirects the reading of the overall word.
7
13
When combined with other letters the original Z seems to be more difficult to read as a
whole. The word, which says ‘zone’ also has sections where the outline of the letter O & E join the N and
10
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S.O.U.L FASHION 2016 — THE YEAR OF THE URBAN HIPSTER BY KER-LEEN™
In previous years fashion was segmented, in a way. There were
things. It’s not uncommon to see a fan of either Lauren Daigle,
clear lines between what certain crowds would wear. The skate
For King & Country, or Trip Lee rocking all of these elements in
crowd claimed the skinny jeans, Hip-Hop heads rocked the high-
a single look. There has also been a resurgence of specific style
top sneakers, and hipsters sported the signature fedora. Today,
characteristics from different decades. It’s a really fun time in
urban style can be classified as an amalgamation of all of these
fashion! Let’s look at some of the latest trends…
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THE LADIES 1
JEAN JACKETS
Various elements from the 90’s have been resurfac-
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ing in fashion. Jeans jackets are really trendy right
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now. The jean jacket can be dressed up or down.
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You can rock it with sneakers or a pair of heels. It
really just depends on the look you want. Here, I am
THE FELLAS While fashion has traditionally given women a plethora of choices, this year it has taken an especially exciting turn for the men. Fashion designers are making the men accessories and clothing that are both ready-to-wear (available to the general public) and attention grabbing.
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LONG-LINE SHIRTS
It makes sense that long-line shirts would follow
the slimmer fit jeans trend. This cut of shirt makes
a statement. It looks so sleek and communicates a
strong message; it’s a shift from the norm, and it’s
oh so hipster. Not to mention it causes men, whom
may have been apprehensive, to rock a pair of skinny jeans more confidently.
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SCARVES
In this look the scarf adds a pop of interest. The
pattern on the scarf, while different from the one on
the shirt, doesn’t clash due to the likeness in shades.
Side Note: The bold frames on these eyeglasses are another trademark of this style movement.
SOLID, BRIGHT COLORED HIGH-TOPS 3
One really popular trend is the monochrome look
(not pictured) leather pants with a pair of matching black heels.
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OVERALLS
Nothing shouts 90’s louder than a pair of overalls! They have been trending for a few seasons now,
with bright pops of color on the feet. This shoe
released the ‘Red Octobers’. Ever since then, you can
next door has been seen rocking this look in 2016.
movement started to gain approval after Kanye West find bright red, blue, even orange sneakers on the feet of an otherwise mildly dressed man.
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This group shot represents the quintessential
This is the right way to mix prints. Wearing similar
interest. Scarves, in and of themselves, are awesome
bold sneakers and fitted outerwear.
accessories, but a mix of prints is fresh and clever.
rocking it with a graphic tee, a choker necklace, and
but I think this season has been their most popular.
urban hipster in his element. He rocks a statement
shades adds the correct balance of contrast and
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3
hat, a scarf, a long-line tee, skinny jeans or pants,
Everyone from celebs to fashion bloggers, to your girl I’m loving this edgy/preppy take on them!
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OVERSIZED SHIRTS
depicted by this photo. This long sleeve tee fits loose, but not too baggy.
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CHOKERS
I saved my favorite trend for last! Interestingly
enough, the choker made its first appearance around the 16th century, then again in the 19th century. Aristocrats and the wealthy were the people who
mainly wore them. Then, the 1990’s rolled around
and the rocker/grunge crowd claimed them giving them rebel flair. Today, they are worn by practically
any type of woman and are a hot trend! They come in different varieties. Here, I am wearing a thin choker with a silver pendant.
Yours in Fashion,
All of these looks can all be classified as the Urban
_____________________________________
afraid to take fashion risks. This person understands
style & music updates!
ality with clothing choices. This person greatly enjoys
Instagram: Kerleen
time periods and different niches to find his signa-
Facebook: KerleenMusic
Hipster. The Urban Hipster is someone who isn’t
who she is in Christ and loves to express her individumixing cuts, patterns, and textures from different
Ker-Leen™
Come join me on my social media accounts for more
SnapChat: Ker-Leen
ture style. Remember, fashion is cyclical; trends tend
“Baggy” or “over-sized” clothes were characteristic of
to go in and out of style. So, if you own something
that were sometimes 1-3 sizes larger than their dress
on to it! You may be able to wear it in another 5-10
the 90’s era. Men and women alike donned clothes
that is high in quality and that you really love, hold
sizes. In the urban context this looser fit was the
years!
standard. This trend has been modified in 2016, as
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The poetry of these Emcee’s is so profound and NEEDED…but poetry and prose are like two wings of a bird. It’s so important that Emcee’s who are unprecedented in their poetical/lyrical skills have a chance to give deeper prose to their thoughts in the form of written books. YOU MUST READ THEM! B Y F R E D L Y N C H O F P. I . D.
LECRAE “UNASHAMED” - B&H BOOKS
For years Lecrae and the entire 116 Clique brought
a sense of cool and acceptance to the idea of being unashamed for sake of the gospel. In his first book Unashamed, Crae galvanizes the concept beyond
trend grasping and chart topping and teaches the
reader how to embrace not ‘fitting in’ to the worlds
never-ending and ever changing expectations. Lecrae gives the entire Body of Christ a much needed dose of reality, not only in the obvious fact that the
world will never accept true followers of Jesus, but also in the sometimes hard to believe fact of
Thi’sl Tyler is our hero. No one can deny it when we listen to his prolific ability bring us into his
story and share his experience. Accompanying his latest album Thi’sl graces us by telling the story
behind the music in the form of his first book titled “Against All Odds”. Thi’sl’s voice isn’t diminished but
amplifies with greater context as he navigates the reader through the grit and grime of the drug and
gang riddled streets of Midwest America. Written as an autobiography Thi’sl takes us from his place
of birth, a plantation in Greenwood, Mississippi
God’s radical acceptance of His children. Lecrae hits both sides of the problem of
to the vicious trap-life of the Westside of St. Louis where death reigned until
toward the greater reality of being changed by God’s radical acceptance. A two-
vivid life stories and relevant life lessons, connecting the reader to timeless
shame by showing both sides of his own story without downplaying his journey
time Grammy winning ‘Christian’ artist would hesitate to disclose his own story of fatherlessness, substance abuse and rehab, abortion and unsuccessful suicide attempt unless they were Unashamed about it. The beauty of Unashamed is that Lecrae embraces both sides of his reality: as one redeemed AND as a soul-
damaged outsider overcome by God’s radical acceptance. This book is important
for our times because Christians need to both stand up for Christ and fess up to the messiness that describes all of our journeys.
URBAN D. “REBUILD” - INTERVARSITY PRESS
The Early Church had a Greek speaking leader
named Paul; the age of Hip-Hop has a Greek named Tommy. Tommy “Urban D.” Kyllonen is an amazing
story teller, incredible word smith and powerful
Emcee but one of Tommy’s greatest gifts really
shines through in his third book ReBuild and that is inspiration. As Tommy shares, “Rebuilding is way harder than just starting something new.” ReBuild
infuses you with the courage to not give up even when rebuilding with what seems to be broken
pieces of a differed dream challenges you to quit.
he found true life in Jesus. Against All Odds is an easy read progressing with
discipleship principles found in the gospel. Just as the Apostle Paul’s goal with the Thessalonians was to expose the relevancy of the gospel through sharing his
very life (2 Thessalonians 2:8), Thi’sl makes the truth so plain and easy to apply
that anyone can understand and follow. We all need to know that odds can be beat. We all need to hear that we can rise again from the ashes. Against All Odds is a vivid, emotionally engaging, action filled story that will remind you that if God is for you, then you can still win… even against all odds!
MR. DEL “SOUL TIES” - SELF PUBLISHED
Mr. Del the Man from Memphis whose kept it 100 since 2000 has something to say about the thing
that affects us all: RELATIONSHIPS. In one way or another we are all connected whether it’s positively
or negatively, we are “tied” to one another. Mr. Del
examines how we relate to one another in three
main categories: Friendships (people we chose to
associate with), Kinships (people we share good or bad commonalities with), and Skinships (people
who we are deeply ‘tied’ to). Be it good, bad or indifferent; relationship lies at the root of how we
Tommy masterfully guides the reader along an in-depth study through the book
act, react and respond to everything around us, including ourselves. In this first
ministry, pointing out priceless principles that shape the ‘rebuilders of broken
dismissing toxic relationships that hinder our growth and wholeness. Mr. Del
of Nehemiah as well as personal life-lessons from 20 plus years of front line
places’. Tommy’s poetic flow, practical application and spot on observation
pulls powerful truths out of scripture and life experience that will stay with you well after reading ReBuild. Personally, reading ReBuild was an experience and
journey that left me so fired up and inspired that I keep the book on my special ‘B-Shot’ shelf to remind me that I was born to ReBuild! Read this book and I promise you that it’ll end up on your ‘B-Shot’ shelf as well!
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THI’SL “AGAINST ALL ODDS” - SELF-PUBLISHED
installment of his teaching series, Mr. Del focuses on identifying and properly takes a scientific look at deep soul-level relationships (often coined ‘soul ties’) and shows how to effectively redefine emotional attachments that have gone sour. This is a very practical and easy read with strong scriptural foundations
weaved in Mr. Del’s Southern style of delivering straight forward wisdom. Soul Ties is a great read for small groups or individual reading, offering the hope that relationships don’t always have to go bad but can simply detox and find reconciled and restored connections for your soul.
REVIEW BY MICHELLE MORTON
SYNOPSIS CAST:
NO MALICE, PUSHA T, ICE MAN AND PHARRELL WILLIAMS
DIRECTOR:
JONAH INGRAM
The End of Malice starring former rapper from Hip-Hop group “Clipse”. Gene Thorton; tells a dynamic first person narrative of Gene Thorton’s story of his journey from being “Malice” to “No Malice”. In this insightful commentary Malice shares his untold story. The first person narrative tells story of an incredible artist who confronts fame, family, success all while discovering a different genre of Hip-Hop. Also starting former Clipse member Pusha T, and long time friend Pharrell Williams. 46
REVIEW
Unashamed World starring legendary Hip-Hop artist and two time Grammy winner Lecrae documents the rise of the
REVIEW BY MICHELLE MORTON
SYNOPSIS
REVIEW
An exciting all access pass in the uprising of the
116 clique, featuring the entire crew. This exciting
documentary shows a narrative based on a fans view. The documentary is a span of 10 countries and 37
phenomenal 116 clique.
cities, all filming over 10,000 hours of footage.
Special behind the scenes performances by the 116
Its high energy, raw passion and bass bumping
The End of Malice is a dynamic first person narrative
The years to come brought transition and reality
clique (Trip Lee, Tedashii, Andy Mineo, Sho Baraka,
explosions of Hip-Hop music transforms today’s
Malice rise to Hip-Hop stardom. No Malice shares his
Hip-Hop game forever. But eventually their million
clique once started from a garage start up to a global
Lecrae and fellow artists. The film shows exclusive
his experience in the Hip-Hop industry. In 2002 the
a multi-million dollar drug bust that led to the take
trials and success of Lecrae’s 17 year career from
It also includes an unseen trip that Lecrae takes
industry.
through to No Malice that led him into a new spiritual
is one of the first films in Hip-Hop that was created by
humble beginnings that eventually led to a global
that tells the enduring story of Gein Thorton’s aka No
checks Thorton and his brother brought change to the
KB, Derek Minor, and DJ Official). It shows how 116
generation all over the world. Giving full access to
journey through a narrative about the ins and outs of
dollar careers came to a breaking point. There was
phenomenon. Director Art Hooker documents the
interviews, fan videos, and personal home videos.
rap duo Clipse exploded on music charts and in the
down of No Malice’s manager. This brought a break
house parties to sold out concerts. Unashamed World
to Ferguson. One man’s dream that started with
journey with Christ.
fans. Featuring unseen interviews, concert footage,
phenomenon.
Clipse electrified the Hip-Hop game with their
collaborative beats that brought a new twist to
This heart racing narrative is a must see. A story of
sensational fan base that led to instant stardom.
hearts of fans and new fans to come.
the culture. The clever creative rhymes created a
They created beats from super producers Pharrell
Williams and Chad Hugo (The Neptunes). Despite the tremendous success Malice achieved he knew that
something was not right. He questioned the music industry and his place in music.
hope and courage that will inspire and touch the
and fan created videos.
A FILM MADE BY THE FANS FOR THE FANS
LECRAE TRIP LEE TEDASHI ANDY MINEO SHO BARAKA KB DEREK MINOR DJ OFFICIAL DA’ T.R.U.T.H. FLAME THE AMBASSADOR AND MORE 47
I’ve been a fan of this Brother in Christ, from the
standard, vs. our need for a Savior (Jesus) to makes
album “Moment of Truth” (Cross Movement Re-
will help you reflect on many issues in our society
City of Brotherly Love (Philly) since his debut
cords). This time he’s partnered with Apologist
(tactics to defend the faith) Ravi Zacharias as he compliments Da Truth on two of the tracks. Their collaboration starts with Track 6 “Religion”. This
is the first single, and music video off the album where it speaks about Da Truth’s personal struggle with so many religions in the world, and the ques-
CHRISTON GRAY “The Glory Album” - Fo Yo Soul Recordings
tions out there about Christianity compared to all
us righteous (good). Track 13 “The Color Purple” concerning political examples; left vs. right wing, the church, etc. and why we should have a healthy balance. In conclusion this album has lots of sol-
id complicated tracks for your listening pleasure. Great work for Da Truth fans! Come check it out in the Crossover Hip-Hop Shop!
— Brovah Greg
religious beliefs. Track 2 “The Great Need” gives an argument about good people falling short of God’s
Christongray.com / @christongray
I’ve been a fan of this Brother in Christ, from the
falling short of God’s standard, vs. our need for
In my opinion “The Passover” is one of the top 5
God’s will to be done. Last but not least is Track 10,
album “Moment of Truth” (Cross Movement Re-
Track 13 “The Color Purple” will help you reflect
great job of balancing good lyricism and great the-
It’s a great mix of Eshon’s rap and Stef’s powerful
City of Brotherly Love (Philly) since his debut cords). This time he’s partnered with Apologist (tactics to defend the faith) Ravi Zacharias as he
compliments Da Truth on two of the tracks. Their
collaboration starts with Track 6 “Religion”. This is the first single, and music video off the album
where it speaks about Da Truth’s personal struggle with so many religions in the world, and
DA’ TRUTH “It’s Complicated” - Mixed Bag Entertainment
the questions out there about Christianity compared to all religious beliefs. Track 2 “The Great
lows the intro, where the artist raps about people
conclusion this album has lots of solid compli-
calling themselves God and foolishly wanting to
cated tracks for your listening pleasure. Great
sit on His throne (example Lucifer). Track 3 “What I
work for Da Truth fans! Come check it out in the Crossover Hip-Hop Shop!
— Brovah Greg
ESHON BURGUNDY “The Passover” - Indie
Prayed For” ft. Abiv has a strong Hip-Hop vibe with
strong lyrical content about Eshon’s life struggles
vocals pleading for the Messiah’s protection in this present world as we stand in his Light, giving him gratitude, and praise for his blessings. This project
has 7 other praise worthy tracks. A must have for your music collection!
— Brovah Greg
concerning the hurt and pain in our streets because of our sinfulness, as we are called to pray for
When I heard that Reach Records signed Gawvi,
groups who have dipped into electronic sound-
Yo! you know reviewing this #BodyOfBelievers
mind frame. I can definitely relate to being in the
ducer or if he would be a solo artist that would
Mind,” which leaves one feeling the need to roll
Steven Malcolm, Coffee Jones) is crazy... this whole
come. Matty Striq did a real good job on that one.
gan to be answered when he dropped two elec-
tronica offerings, “U” and “Vaina.” These tracks
served as appetizers for his official release, a 4 track EP, “Lost In Hue.” The EP opens with “Late Nights,” a song that builds slowly peeking the
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ful track. Track 2 “Bless Ya Name” ft. Th3 Saga fol-
and why we should have a healthy balance. In
my personal favorite “Smoke and Fire” ft. Stef Silva.
www.thenftry.com / @eshonburgundy
release albums and perform. That curiosity be-
www.reachrecords.com / @Gawvi
with a powerful rap by Eshon, with a smooth soul-
cal examples; left vs. right wing, the church, etc.
Need” gives an argument about good people
I wondered if they were signing a in-house pro-
“Lost In Hue” - Reach Records
ology with a soulful vibe. The Passover intro starts
on many issues in our society concerning politi-
www.truthonduty.com / @truthonduty
GAWVI
albums this year in any genre. This project does a
a Savior (Jesus) to makes us righteous (good).
listeners anticipation of the often coveted drop
followed by a pulsing beat. Next up is “You Are,”
a catchy track that is an avenue for worship, reminding some listeners of modern worship
Mixtape from SliqCat Records (with guests R-Swift,
scapes. Track #3 is the pop influenced “Out My
mixtape is unbelievable. My top tracks that I’ve
down the windows and take a drive on a warm
been listening were “So Much Pain” (produced
sunny day. The EP rounds out with my favorite
by SliqCat artist/producer Lift), I was like Wow!
track, “In the Water.” This is a deep house track
“So much pain/so so much pain!” I can feel the
with vocals that you may find yourself repeating
pain, emotion and words behind it. I can relate
long after the music stops. “Lost In Hue” is a sol-
because I’ve been thru and sometimes still go
id electronic effort that has me looking forward to the followup EP “Holding Hue.”
— DJ Rhino
#BODYOFBELIEVERS Mixtape - SliqCat Records Sliqcatrecords.com / @SliqCatRecords
through pain. Incredible work! The next track I was
really feeling would be “Struggle”. I like how the
production was done, the feel of it is dope. How it started off... it’s like wow, this guy is about to say
something miraculous. It took you into a different
struggle daily and how God has helped me over-
I really like “616” because I like to turn up a bit, let them windows down, let them speakers start bumpin’. My other track that I was really feeling is
“Make em say Yeah!”, make em say yeah for Christ!
And I will also have to say, “Lose my Soul” which is a bonus track (Feat. Coffee of G.R.I.T.S.). That one
right there... I sat and listened and got to a differ-
ent zone and vibe. Over all the whole project is definitely dope!
— Mike “Blac Hunger” Augusta
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