Sho Baraka taking 'Talented 10th' to Brazil

Sho Baraka recently announced that he is gearing up to release ‘Talented Xth’ (Talented 10th) on January 1st, 2013. The album cover and track listing has already been revealed. It has an interesting roster of features that includes L.I.B.E.R.T.Y, Duce Banner, JR, Ali, Chantae Cann, Suzy Rock, Christon Gray, Lee Green, Theory Hazit, Diamone, and Tedashii. Also, notable producers are not a lacking component of the project. You can expect to hear sonic creativity through instrumentals created by Blue, Swoope, Ali, theBeatBreaker, JR, and Sho Baraka, who will offer his musical touch. Another aspect that makes ‘Talented 10th’ an intriguing upcoming release is the manner in which each record was labeled. The track listing described each song as a chapter instead of a track. Many are curious about how that will affect the experience people will have with ‘Talented 10’.

                                                         

For those unfamiliar with the Canadian born emcee, Sho has accomplished a lot in his career. He has gone on national tours with the 116 clique and has two retail albums under his belt called ‘Turn My Life Up’ and ‘Lions and Liars’, both were released under the popular Christian rap record label “Reach Records”.  He is also one half of Hello Revolution (Jamm and Sho Baraka) and a member of The High Society Collective (Sho Baraka, Swoope, JR, and Suzy Rock). He has been nominated for a Stellar Award and charted well on Billboard and iTunes Charts. Clearly, Sho Baraka has a following that is anticipating quality material on his first independent release (‘Talented 10th’). 

When a National artist drops an album there is usually a tour that compliments the record. Sho continues to tour and expand his brand so all signs indicate that he won’t slow down when he releases ‘Talented 10th’ in January.  No official tour has been announced but we do know that Sho will be sharing his new work in Floripa, Brazil for the O MOIO Summer Festival January 25th-26th. He is the headliner and it will be the first time he has ever performed there.  Also, he will be ministering alongside other Hip-Hop artists. O MOIO productions are responsible for bringing him to Brazil. Sho continues to spread his music to different areas of the world.

@HumbleTip dropping new mixtape "Brainwashed" soon

An artist that many sleep on is Humble Tip. His grind has been solid for years. I remember listening to his "Our Turn" record in high school. He has a fan base of over 10,000 when you combine his twitter and Facebook count. Also you might have heard him rap alongside artist like D-Maub, Magellan and Street Pastor @yavesEllis. I just heard he has multiple projects he is planning to drop. The first one is going to be a mix tape called "Brainwashed". Here is a tight music video he has released!!!

Stay Tuned: http://www.humbletipmusic.com/

   

Authentik - I'm Alive

Here is a sick video directed and edited by Louie Moreno. He is a well respected director in South Florida.This is the up and coming group called Authentik in their video performing a certified banger called "I'm Alive". This is a group you have to watch out for. They have been creating music and touring relentlessly.The next big Hip-Hop artist out of South Florida just dropped their first music video. Share that!    

KJ-52 offers one on one consultations

It has been said that “everyone is a critic”. Everyone has an opinion and will definitely be willing to share it if asked and assured that they can be transparent. Many Christian rappers feel like they are at a standstill in their career and are trying to find someone to assist them on their journey in the music industry. One of the issues that many of these rappers create themselves is going to the wrong person for advice.They are asking the wrong person for an opinion. The principal of getting legitimate counsel even applies to a believers walk with Christ. You wouldn't want someone living a sinful lifestyle giving you spiritual counseling. Why would you allow someone who hasn't accomplished anything in the music industry to give you a consultation on the music business? Hip-Hop artist KJ-52 is now offering one on one consultations and it is worth looking into. KJ-52 is one of the highest selling artists in Christian Hip-Hop history. He has won multiple prestigious awards and he has collaborated with Grammy nominated artist like Lecrae, Toby Mac, Newsboys and Canton Jones. He is a household name in the world of Christian Hip-Hop and will not sugar coat the truth. If there is any one certified to give an up and coming Hip-Hop artist a one on one consultation, it is KJ-52. A consultation with KJ-52 is a great resource for aspiring artist trying to figure out how to take their career to the next level. For more info click this link http://kj52.com/post/31337746404/looking-4-one-on-one-consultation-with-kj52. 

Top 5 Producers In Christian Hip-Hop Right Now

Christian Hip-Hop is light years ahead of where it began. At one point in time the Hip-Hop community condemned a lot of Gospel Rap for sounding like a group of amateurs. Today the production on Christian Hip-Hop’s elite can compete with anyone on the billboard charts consistently. A matter of fact Christian Hip-Hop has been getting on the Billboard charts every now and then. Without adequate production a Hip-Hop record will never prosper. Casual listeners don’t even care about the lyrics in music many times. They just enjoy hearing the instrumental. Production is a key component to the process of composing a classic album. Many times rappers undermine the value of a great producer. With that being said, I desire to show respect to some of the best in the game with this post. Here are my top 5 producers in Christian Hip-Hop right now.

1. Alex Medina

Lecrae - Walk with Me – Gravity
Trip Lee – iLove – The Good Life
Alex Medina has been on the Christian Hip-Hop scene for a while now. His consistency is admirable and he has produced many classics. Background by Lecrae featuring Andy Mineo is one of the biggest Christian Hip-Hop songs ever released.

2. Courtland Urbano

Lecrae – Misconception feat:  Propaganda, Braille, and Odd Thomas – Church Clothes
Andy Mineo- Hands High
Courtland Urbano is the main producer for the prolific rap group Humble beast. He has also produced for Lecrae. His sound is unique and is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

3. Tyshane Thompson

Lecrae – Black Rose – Church Clothes
Andy Mineo – Benjamins 
Tyshane Thompson is the most talked about producer in Christian Hip-Hop right now. The 17 year old prodigy has taken the production game by storm. Make sure you don’t miss what he produces next.

4. GROC

Lecrae – Hope – Rehab Deluxe
Ambassador Feat Trip Lee – Live it up – Move Vol.1
GROC’s work ethic is one of the best in Christian Hip-Hop. He has produced for Lecrae, J’son, KJ-52, Cheno Lyfe, Flame, Sho Baraka, DJ Morph, and Trip lee.

5. Anthony Rose aka A.D

Rhema Soul – Celebrate – Red 
Rhema Soul – I need an answer - Red
Anthony Rose is one of the many producers people are sleeping on. I heard two records on Rhema Soul’s “Red” album and he immediately went to the top of my producer list. He has also produced for Social Club, a Hip-Hop crew that is quickly becoming respected by the faith based community.

Honorable mention:
The Watchman Crew (JR, Wit and Alex Medina)
Lecrae – I know – Gravity

Rey King
Rhema Soul – Beautiful Feat Jai - RedG-styles
Trip Lee – Heart Problem – The Good Life 

37 and Rhyming - KJ-52

KJ-52 - "37 And Still Rhyming" from Story of Us Films on Vimeo.

In the world of Christian Hip-Hop not many artist stay in the genre very long. KJ-52 has remained one of the most noteworthy artists in Christian Hip-Hop for over a decade. He has collaborated with some of the best in Christian Music. You might have heard a track with him and Lecrae or maybe you heard a track with TobyMac, Newsboys, and Thousand Foot Krutch. Whatever masterpiece you heard it’s clear that KJ-52 has labored with an intensity that’s not easily matched, “Story of Us films” documents his honorable effort in their latest video “37 and Rhyming”.

South Florida's own "@2econdAvenue" produces for Lil Prophet

Here is a hot track by "Lil Prophet" that is buzzing all over the internet. It's called "I'm Changed" and it features "Mehlek P. Fisha". This track is significant for the South Florida Christian Hip-Hop scene because it was produced by local producer "2econd Avenue". 2econd Avenue is a rapper/producer that has performed  on the same stages as 2Edge, FayBN, and Carmen Sky. You might have seen him perform or maybe you just saw him supporting a fellow minister. He's a very humble man and makes it clear that Ministry is Major. I'm excited for his future in Hip-Hop. He is a producer you have to keep on your radar.

http://www.facebook.com/2econdAvenueMusic

Lil Raskull - You Got To Respect Him

Christian Hip-Hop has grown significantly in recent years. We now have artist selling over 100,000 units and touring full time. It wasn’t always like this in Christian Hip-Hop. Many times we don’t realize the blood, sweat and tears it has taken for the Gospel Hip-Hop movement to get to where it is now. Many times we forget to acknowledge the pioneers of the game. One emcee that you got to show honor to because the honor is definitely due is Delbert Harris aka Lil Raskull, a Christian Hip-Hop legend from Houston Texas. Lil Raskull is a certified veteran that has been performing since 1993. He decided to dedicate his gift to God in 1995. Harris is known by many to be a legend in Christian Hip-Hop; he has toured across the nation and was an artist on one of the most influential record labels “Grape Tree Records”. Ras has sold thousands of units and is associated with top selling acts like Nuwine, Pettidee, Tre9 and LG Wise. Lil Raskull is an artist I feel that some new Christian Hip-Hop fans need to be introduced to. I started listening to Ras in middle school shortly after I got saved. He has always been one of my favorites. I remember “Down South” being one of the hottest Christian Hip-Hop records out. The ‘‘Buzz Word” is the album I purchased around 2007-2008. If you don’t know about Lil Raskull, research the man and get to know him. He is one of the greatest ever. His contribution to the movement should never be undermined. He represents the Christ in excellence. I noticed he hasn’t dropped as much material as he use to in the last few years but that’s because he is working on some other big projects God has for him. I hope he creates some more dope records in the future. If not, he is still a beast. You can’t take away anything he has done. 

Two Conferences You Should Consider Checking Out! (Flavor Fest and Legacy)

  

                        If you’re  into Ministry/Christian Hip-Hop/fellowship you should consider going to Flavor Fest or The Legacy Conference. The Legacy Conference and Flavor Fest are two conferences that aim to equip urban believers with the information they need to impact the world for Christ. I have only gotten the chance to check out Flavor Fest so I can’t speak much on Legacy. I can only see what’s going on from the outside and I feel you should consider it because the people involved with the conferences are legitimate. One of the people speaking at the Legacy Conference that should spark interest is Chris Broussard; he is an award-winning journalist for ESPN. He will be speaking on “Achieving Career Success God’s Way”, that should be an excellent workshop. Both conferences have a sufficient dose of ministry and entertainment. The artists that will contribute at both of these conferences are heavy hitters like Jin @iammcjin, Json @Json116, and Viktory @ViktoryR4. Both of these events have powerful speakers and artist that will only be at one of these conferences (exclusive). So there is something different at both of these conferences. Both of them obviously have somewhat of a different approach. I feel like Legacy caters to those of reformed theology so that makes me lean more towards Flavor Fest because of its diversity but don’t get it twisted I love reformed theologians and teaching. lol Just Flavor Fest seems to have a more eclectic mix of Christians, I want to build with different kinds of believers. I lean towards going to Flavor Fest but then again I still have to check out Legacy maybe its dedication to theology will win me over. One day I will probably check out “Legacy”. I’m definitely checking out “Flavor Fest” 2012 because I will be going with some friends. I have been to "Flavor Fest" and I must say it is done in excellence plus it is beneficial for those who compose and enjoy Christian Hip-Hop. I went in 2008 and I am very excited to see the growth that has taken place in the years I was absent.  If you can check out one of these conferences, do it. (Flavor Fest and Legacy) 

Flavor Fest (@FlavorFest )is October 4^th-7^th

More info:  http: //flavorfest.org/ 

Tampa, Fl

Legacy (@legacydisciple) is July 26^th-28^th: 

More info on: http://www.legacymovement.org/

Chicago, IL

Hot New Song: Rey King - Rain Diamonds

Rey King drops a brand new record!!!!

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”: 

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

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/

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?