Rising Movements – CTF Records: A Unique Movement in Miami

#GB4G

Recently I got the opportunity to have a conversation with the main man behind the expansion of the CTF Records movement. His name is Gustavo Cruz and he is a Hispanic believer that resides in Miami. Gustavo is not the average believer that loves to keep the church seats warm. Gustavo Cruz has a balanced formula of love, knowledge (Knox theological seminary), and work ethic that is helping Gospel rappers Authentik and Oscar Urbina express a biblical world view to the masses. CTF records have joined other ministries like His House Orphanage, First Priority, Prison Fellowship, One Hope and Youth for Christ. These brothers are authentically dedicated to the cause of Christ.This crew of urban missionaries has not only gone above and beyond the status quo when it comes to laboring for the Lord, they have also honed their craft to a level that is set to make them a household name in Christian Hip-Hop. I only say this because I had the privilege to see some of the inner workings of the ministry.  Be on the lookout for anything they drop. They have been on the low creating hits.

     They have a unique combination of important elements that make Gospel Hip-Hop artist effective.  First they are versed in scripture (Oscar Urbina – Moody Bible Institute and Gustavo Cruz – Knox Theological Seminary) and this team of ministers also have quality music in the vault. They also have the ability to make music that is outside the box. If you heard Authentik’s latest mix tape: Tip of the Iceberg, expect the upcoming project “groans before glory” to be a night and day difference. CTF in association with One Hope International has also been working on "The Bible Project".  The first track of this 10 video compilation is titled: The Fall, which is written and produced by Authentik. That record hints to the fact that they are going to supersede the local standard of music in my opinion. I was invited to take a look at their studio and recreational facility and I must say they have a very professional setting. The collaborations they have in the works will expand their ministry to new levels as well. Sorry, I can’t reveal who will be on the album; it’s a surprise. 

     Yes, Authentik is preparing to release their new album and the wordsmith Oscar Urbina is now part of the doctrinally sound record label but there is even greater things brewing. Gustavo Cruz was telling me about his vision to make the facility CTF records operates out of, a place urban youth can congregate, get discipled and create Gospel Hip-Hop; that ministry will be called "The Booth". This has potential to change the hearts of many in South Florida for the Glory of Christ. Also there are plans to help those in need through the Youth vs. Hunger campaign at a special unannounced location.  CTF record is a family of believers worth keeping an eye on.

IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW WITH GUSTAVO CRUZ ON FNFLIVE.COM is coming soon (TBA)

Check out their website: ctfrecords.org and www.youtube.com/authentik210

Here is the brand new record from “The Bible Project”: 

Radiate FM (WRGP) voted Best Radio Station in Miami

I am proud of Radiate FM. It's an honor to be able to work with them.

http://www.miaminewtimes.com/bestof/2012/award/best-radio-station-3315706/

FNFLIVE:The Lifestyle Group Thursday from 9am-10am wrgp.org 95.3FM/96.9FM/88.1 FM

NEW RECORD: LEGION OF SOULS FT. J1 & OUTSOURCED

HOT NEW RECORD:@Legionofsouls

Pastor Creflo Dollar Arrested For Slightly Hurting His Daughter

What do you guys think of this report????
Link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/megachurch-pastor-creflo-dollar-arrested-16526149

Brand New Sho Baraka Mixtape - Hosted by DJ PDogg! - The Feature

Check out the new mix tape by Sho Baraka (Hosted by DJ PDogg)                                                         

                                                      

Is it wrong for Christians to Battle rap?

Picture of Isaac Knox

Is it wrong for Christians to Battle rap? 

     I feel that it's all a matter of the heart.Whats your motive behind doing it? Is it for your own glory? Is it to break others down? I can't judge anyone's heart but I can analyze the fruit and I feel there can be powerful fruit in battling if done with the right motive.  Yes the Bible speaks of not breaking another person down. But in the Hip-Hop world battling is supposed to be done with love and with respect for the culture. At the end of the battle we know that the cracks on the other emcee was for fun and shouldn't be taken literally.If your in a battle you should know what to expect, we know that it's all a display of hyperbole.You shouldn't feel the person is breaking you down to destroy your life or something: It's a sport. The Battle world is filled with many people who don't know the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Why not infiltrate that world by battling in excellence and being a Godly example. Don't put God in a box! Can Battling and keeping your testimony be done at the same time.Yes, I believe I have found the guy who has accomplished that. He is a rapper that resides in Orlando that goes by the name of Issac Knox. He creates witty battle lines that can resemble a creative cracking session between youth group attenders at Denny's. It's all love. I don't feel the man ever crosses the line when he battles. He doesn't degrade women, curse or blaspheme Christ. All Issac Knox does is create high quality battle raps that stay in line with his faith. It's genius. Check out one of his battles and give me your take on this matter.

Warning: Hindu Rock curses(Some may not be able to handle). Issac Knox is the one who is a Christian.

Lecrae talks with XXL

Lecrae sits down with XXL and talks new mix tape, musical influences, Jesus pieces and tattoos.

Source: http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2012/06/lecrae-talks-new-mixtape-musical-influences-jesus-pieces-and-tattoos-video/

Hip-Hop Artist Sekajipo will be interviewed on #WRGP Radiate FM (F.I.U)

This Thursday Hip-Hop artist Sekajipo will get interviewed on FNFLIVE: The Lifestyle Group - F.I.U student radio/95.3FM/96.9FM/88.1FM (WRGP.ORG). FNFLIVE: The Lifestyle Group (FNFLIVE.COM) will be on air from 9am-10am on 6/7/2012. Make sure you tune in!!! This will be a classic show!!!!

Check out the brand New Track Feat: Roc Soul and Produced by: Phil Phorte 

Catalyst Hip Hop Recording Studios

Social Club Misfits get the SC EP to drop 5 days early!!!

BREAKING NEWS:The Social Club Misfits (supporters) rallied via twitter to get the new Social Club EP released five whole days early. Guess what: they succeeded by urging Rapzilla.com that they could no longer wait to hear the new project. The new Social Club project drops at 12 am via (Rapzilla.com)!!!! Are you ready!!!!!! 

Take a look at the hype over this project on twitter by looking up #SCMGWP on twitter!!!

KJ-52: You got to respect him

     

     KJ-52 is one of the most underrated rappers in Hip-Hop. I believe he deserves to be seen as a legend in Christian Hip-Hop. KJ-52 was making quality music when Christian Hip-Hop was not getting close to the bar the secular industry raised. The first time I was introduced to KJ’s music was about 7 years ago at “acquire the fire” (Youth Conference). To be completely honest I’m not a big fan of everything he does. I feel a lot of his verses are not that lyrical and his flow is not the most complex but I admit that he has excellent verse at times and he I think he makes hit songs. I don’t think his flow is out of this world but it definitely is solid and his voice works for a rapper. You may wonder why exactly I think he is a legend; I feel he is a legend because he brought Christian Hip-Hop to a larger crowd through his ability to successfully fuse Hip-Hop with Contemporary Christian Music. He has won many awards like the GMA dove’s and has hustled for the cause of Christ in ways many artists only talk about doing. I love KJ-52 as an overall artist. His social network grind is ahead of the game in many ways, just one look at his YouTube page and Facebook page will show you how many people support his movement.KJ-52 is constantly working on something; it could be on an album, a freestyle Friday video or some type of devotional.  KJ-52 may not be my favorite rapper but he is above average and his impact on the game cannot undermined. You got to respect him. 

Dope Song: 

You sure you want to battle KJ-52?