Ode to a King

Yanno, there are very few times that I actually write a blog about someone.

In fact, I would ONLY write a blog about someone who I really believed stood for the things that I do - integrity, honesty, humility, and truth.

Enter Rey King...

I have never met Rey physically. I "know" him through my partner, Jblaze, as well as the various hit records (yep, I said it. HIT RECORDS!) that J spins on FNFLive on Miami's #1 Gospel station, La Nueva 88.3FM (*shameless plug*). It was on our way to Tampa for FlavorFest last year that I actually listened to his album Young God. Now if you never heard it, you should.  The album was full of songs that were both innovative lyrically and musically. To me, the album musically and lyrically was one of the best I've heard in a minute.

His braggadocious lyrics on the goodness of God in his life was refreshing to me. It was great to hear someone FINALLY acknowledge and realize that they are victorious in Christ and that their life SHOULD AND WOULD reflect that. 

I had the privilege of watching a LiveStream with him and Rhema Soul in the studio one afternoon.  They invited thousands a people via Twitter and Facebook to join in. They did something I had NEVER seen via social media in all of my years of involvement in Christian music: They spoke about The Word. No music, just The Word.  I saw and heard first hand that Rey truly has a love for TheWord and not just the music.  Again, I was truly moved.

Recently, I came across a posting on his Facebook page of folks "correcting" him on him "likening" himself to God and I was really taken aback.  It's sad that so many of us don't want to do the work of reading the very Word that we speak (or don't speak of...that's a topic for another time). There are so many scriptures that talks about and affirms that as Christians, we are in the God class (1 John 4:4, Genesis 1:27, Colossians 3:10). It doesn't say WE ARE GOD, but we are like He who has created us.

So Rey, Kingdom salute to you, brother and all those artists who do know who they are and are not afraid to state it boldly.  I ask those of us that don't know, search the scriptures to find out who you really are in Him and let's not bash someone else because they know their rights and privileges as a child of God. 

Unconditionally,

Andre

Categories: Christian , encourage , music

The Art of Irony

So today as I'm updating our site, FNFLive.com, I came across a tweet concerning JaRule being convicted and sentenced to 2 years in jail for a gun charge in 2007.  Most folks would have sat and thought, "Man, that's typical", but my first thought was like, "Man, this is just straight up terrible."

If you check out our site, you'll see that we posted a story on the new movie called I'm In Love With A Church Girl starring JaRule and Adrienne Bailon. The movie, considered what Hollywood calls "faith based" depicts JaRule as a man who was caught up on the wrong side of the law but now wants to live a changed life. His past tries to keep him locked down, but he meets someone who shows him that there is a better way as he comes to grips with his own soul salvation.

That's the funny thing about change: You can say you've changed. You can even fake that you've changed. However, the world will know if you've really changed on the inside.

Now if Ja could just grab the lesson of the very character he depicted and apply it to his own life, he may not have had to do 2 years for gun possession. Ah, the art of irony, indeed...

Categories: change , Christian , inspiration , life , music

"So Drebooge, What Is Your Take On The State of Holy Hip Hop?"

*getting on my soapbox, tapping the mic, and clearing my throat*

Okay, this blog is straight up HOT off the press. I really can't say what sparked it, but just know that it comes from seeing one of our own getting what I call played during an interview.

Look, I've been involved in the Christian music industry for close to 2 decades. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I think I have heard the question concerning the state of holy-hip-hop several HUNDRED times being posed to hundreds of Christian rappers.  The problem with this question is that it oftentimes puts the interviewee in the hot seat of trying to defend the whole genre when at the end of the day, the genre in and of itself is one that really lacks creativity, pure unity, and a sincere push to demonstrate who God really is.  

Yeah, I said it...

Most don't want to hear something like that. But then again, this is my blog and I do have the right to express myself.

No disrespect to the brethren who are involved in it. However, I know that when I've spoken to quite a few CHH artists (and some of you may even have their records in your iPod), their major issue is that it's those factors that don't allow for the genre to move forward because it's so segmented and divided.

Please, all radio DJs, stop asking the question to CHH artists. You setting them up to be the spokesperson of a whole genre that they are only a PART of and that's not fair.  Please, all CHH artists who REALLY feel that the genre is full of issues, don't give a PC (politically correct) and make it seem like all is well when it really isn't.  As brethren, let's get together and deal with the issues and aughts so that we can move forward in the true power of God.

*getting off my soapbox and walking out*

Check out what my partner, Jblaze305 has to say on the subject...

Categories: Christian , inspiration , music

A SoapBox Moment...

*getting on my soapbox and tapping the mic*

Ok, today I have a slight peeve. I get music all the time and today I received music from a notable musician.  While I WAS expecting to hear something different and unique, I was totally shocked at what I heard.  While this musician isn't the greatest singer, I have heard him sing before.  On the album I received, it sounded like he was hurt. The music was SO out there that I felt like a stranger to it and just wasn't able to really enjoy it at all.

Again, this is from a musician that I truly esteem for his talent and ability to think out the box.  What I heard was straight sloppy. Why you gotta be like that though? I've heard what you've done in the past and it has been nothing short of excellent.  This sounds so much like "leftovers". I'm feeling somewhat violated.

Yeah, I know. Harsh words, but I don't know how else to describe it.  I think I'm doing the musician a better service because I'm not mentioning who they are.

I say all this to bring out a principle: Sometimes we strive to be so different that we look weird. Quite honestly, there's nothing more aggravating for any of us to feel like what we're seeing, hearing, feeling, and/or thinking doesn't relate to us in any way.  We consider something weird for that reason - it doesn't relate to us in particular.

Music in my opinion is a preference but I do know when someone is doing something so different that it's not them.  Please don't use me (or my money) as your guinea pig to see if I like your "new sound". You're moving out of your lane and it becomes evident when you lose people.


Thank you.

*getting off the soapbox and walking out*

Categories: inspiration , music , work

Soundtracks of My Life

Music has always been ingrained in me since my pre-teenage years all the way until now.  I remember my first "exposure" to music was in junior high school when one of my classmates gave me a New Edition tape (yep, I said it - TAPE! At least I didn't say 8 track! Sheesh! LOL!!) and challenged me to learn each and every song on there in a week.  I did just that and ended up performing one of the songs off the album at the 8th grade talent show. Ah, those were the days...

So, throughout the years I've worked in the music industry I have always looked at music as "the soundtrack of my life". I remember the songs that I sang during moments and times of my life: break-up with girlfriends, winning at track meets, graduation from high school, college life - you name it, there was a song that was the soundtrack.

Those songs made me recognize how impressive music is in and on our lives. I believe every one should have their own band that follows them around. What's really important for us to think about is what type of soundtrack are they playing and how does that effect you.

I believe that music is was created to uplift and encourage.  If you're always listening to the blues, you'll stay blue.  If you're always listening to music that will strengthen and encourage, then you'll be strengthened and encouraged.

What's your soundtrack sound like? 

Categories: life , music , soundtrack , winning