Gospel Elevations

Hip Hop Feeding the Body and Soul

2011-01-20T15:09:00.000-05:00

Bobby “Tre9″ Herring arrived in downtown Houston one Friday night, prepared for a grand entrance. He had taken a limousine to what should have been a Christian rap concert for the homeless to celebrate the 17th release from Much Luvv Records, the record company he owns.

He arrived to find that city police had insisted his volunteers move the concert/party to another spot that didn’t have enough electrical outlets for the lights and music and sound equipment.

So Herring and his wife, Amanda, who started the Feed a Friend homeless ministry a year ago, stuck to their usual evening routine: providing food and fellowship to 125 men and women who have nothing and no place else to go.

“I guess God had other plans,” Bobby Herring said. “You know what though? It’s a good reminder that this isn’t about us.”

Instead, it’s about people like Patch, Storm, Fernando and Juan. Some have been living on the streets for a bit more than a year. Others feel like it’s been most of their lives. They camp out on concrete and quickly learn what services are available for them to stay clean and get fed.

Tim Jones, 32, has been without a roof for more than 15 months. He said he lost everything he owned in a house fire that occurred while he was on an out-of-town fishing trip. With no insurance and a broken-down vehicle, he moved from Waller to Houston hoping to take advantage of the public transportation system to look for a job.

He gets up early each day and goes to local labor halls looking for day work and, eventually, full-time employment.

When money is tight, Jones said, he depends on services such as Feed a Friend for an evening meal. And through it, he’s also found friendship.

“I’m very thankful for what they do,” Jones said. “Amanda and Tre have given me a lot. I know I can talk to them, and they treat us like real people.”

Amanda Herring said that’s definitely the goal of her ministry — “to make every individual feel significant and experience the love of Christ.”

Bobby Herring’s ministry, Hip Hop Hope Missions, is part of his own spiritual growth. He was writing hip-hop music in high school and shifted his lyrics after becoming a Christian.

His music is Southern-style Christian rap, and his most recent album, The Farmer, thematically played off both his country roots and the parable of the sower that Jesus shared in the gospels.

His stage shows in support of that record often found him in hip-hop clothing modeled after John Deere’s color scheme and branding.

She said Feed a Friend’s growth has been purely organic and is evidence that God’s hand is in it. It began last November when she noticed an abundance of food left over from her previous employer’s two-week auction event. She said the business brought in catered meals each night and would throw away what did not get eaten. Herring said she asked her bosses for permission to take those remains and use them to feed the homeless.

It started with a street corner. She simply showed up and asked who needed help – even waking up people sleeping on the sidewalk and telling them they needed to eat. She did it again the next night and the night after.

As the giving spirit of the holidays neared, her donations and supplies snowballed. Soon she, her mother and teenage daughter were visiting there regularly and trying to find enough storage to hold the clothes, blankets and food that were being donated.

Today, Feed a Friend has more than 50 volunteers and regular donations from businesses and organizations including Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, Glazier Foods, Kroger and Factory Builders Stores.

Feed a Friend isn’t affiliated with any church, yet every night someone from Feed a Friend goes downtown to fill plates and cups, shake hands, pray for the needs of the homeless and do what he or she can to bring a smile to people who often feel invisible.

Another way the Herrings do that is by involving their homeless friends in their lives. The night Bobby proposed to Amanda is one they still talk about today.

“It was like a movie,” Amanda Herring recalled.

Bobby Herring had arranged for 12 of the people they regularly serve to give a rose to Amanda as they passed through the food line. She thought it was just a token of their appreciation.

Then Bobby came around the corner in a horse-drawn carriage and knelt on a rose-petal-covered street to ask Amanda to be his wife.

“It just felt right to make them a part of that,” Bobby Herring said. “They’ve really become a part of us.”

Bangin Christian Hip Hop Video Site

2011-01-20T15:02:00.000-05:00

Rapzilla's goal is to ensure that Christian Hip Hop is curated, chronicled, and cultivated to enable Christians that like hip hop to have an alternative to the garbage that is pushed out in the mainstream. Additionally, we want to provide a better platform for artists that are looking to gain some notoriety.

The first project that we are unveiling to achieve those goals is ChristianHipHop.tv! ChristianHipHop.tv will provide an outlet for viewers that want to quickly see all of the latest Christian Hip Hop videos as well as provide artists the outlet to have their videos curated, cultivated, and chronicled.

Your video may already be live on ChristianHipHop.tv, however if it isn’t, please submit a link to your video giving ChristianHipHop.tv & Rapzilla.com permission to upload the video to their YouTube channels and they will do their best to post it on the site.

Gospel Rapper Christawn tell his Life Story

2010-08-24T10:46:00.002-04:00

Some gospel rappers experience many harsh realities in life before coming out of the word and embrace the Kingdom of God. Gospel Elevations is a free exposure site for gospel / Christian rappers. Christawn is not a member yet, but he represents what the site stands for elevating the gospel of Jesus Christ. Read his story and see God at work.

It was a normal Sunday morning at the Womack house in Cherry Hill, NJ. “We were eating breakfast before going to church and there was a knock at the door,” says Brandon Womack (aka Christawn) who was ten years old at the time. “Two pastors came to pick my dad up. His bags were packed. The pastors said a prayer with my family. It was my mom, my brother and sister and my dad. My dad just said, `I’ve been doing some bad things and I have to go get some help.”

On that summer day in 1988 everything changed for the rapper known as Christawn. His dad was taken to Teen Challenge, a residential treatment facility, for over a year to deal with his drug abuse. “My parents fought all the time,” he recalls. “But they brought us up in church. We went to church every Sunday as a family. The drugs were a weekend thing. As time progressed, it got worse. My dad was on coke and my mom smoked marijuana. He was hooked first and after my parents were divorced, my mom who was looking for love in all the wrong places was introduced to crack by a man who said he loved her. After coming home from Teen Challenge my dad was free of drugs but the addiction lasted a few years longer in my mother’s case.”

The eldest child, Womack became a surrogate parent to his siblings Brooke and Brett. “We are close to this day because of what we went through back then,” he confesses. “When you are that young, you just hurt. It was a scary time. You just never knew what was gonna happen from day to day. There were some good times but most of the time all we saw when we got home from school was yelling and hitting. I mean it was bad.”

The ironic twist to this tale is that the Womacks were a suburban middle-class family. Womack’s father was a white-collar medical industry executive and his mother, a Temple University graduate, was a housewife so that she could take care of her young children. After her husband left the home, she became a fulltime social worker.

With his dad gone and mom working long hours, Womack spent a lot of free time lost in music. He started writing rap lyrics to songs he heard on the radio and during his first year in college at the University of Bridgeport, he laid down some demos for Trat Money Records in 1999. His biggest influence was Nas, a rapper known for his hard hitting but poetic lyrics. “Nas is my favorite artist,” he says. “What attracted me was how creative he was. I like to be creative in my lyrics. I used to listen to him and kind of get drunk in his lyrics and how he would paint a picture.”
After two years, Womack transferred from University of Bridgeport to Stockton College as a business major. Then, he dropped out to pursue rap fulltime in his third year. “I came back home and really focused on my writing, and got a little job.” His first raps had a hardcore edge. “I was into a lot of stuff,” he confides. “I sold crack for about 8 months. I was out there doing some wild things, so I was rapping about what I was doing. I was living it. In all my lyrics I wanted to be real.”

In spite of his parents’ horrific battle with drugs, Womack was soon a drug dealer himself. “I lived in Cherry Hill but my friends were in Camden, NJ,” he says. “So I started hanging with them in their neighborhood. They told me I could make up to $500 a night so I went out there and started selling.”

“My last day on the block, I had a bundle of crack I had stashed in this brick wall,” Womack says of that day in 2003. The police stopped Womack and his accomplice. “They threw us up against the car, took our money and put us in the back of the squad car and I’m thinking this is it.” One of the cops looked for the crack. “You could actually see where the bag was hanging out of the wall,” he explains. “He was putting his hand in holes and feeling around the wall. I just called on the Lord and said, `God if you save me from going to jail, I will leave this life for good.’ The cop came back to the car and I’m thinking the worse. He says, `Get out of the car; this is your lucky day. Get out of here.’”
After the cops left, Womack retrieved the stash. “I gave it to Buck. He owned Morse Street at the time. I said, `Man, this is it. I’m leaving.’ He tried to talk me out of leaving but I refused to listen. He had some harsh words for me and I left. Two weeks later, Buck was killed and two years later, the whole block was raided. They were all Bloods and now they are all facing 25 to life. So I know the Lord saved me for a reason.”

At this point Womack died and Christawn was born. “My secular name was Love and Hate (LOHAVETE) but now I wanted to have a name that when people looked at it, they would see Christ. All it means to me is Christ within me. I went full blast for the Lord because [drug dealing] was the last thing holding me back. I was still dealing with heavy use of alcohol and marijuana use but God delivered me over time. I got a full time job and started making songs.” Since then, Christawn has turned his life around and has been a member of Bethany Baptist Church in South Jersey. The church’s pastor, Bishop David Evans, mentored him and has now made Christawn’s rap dreams a reality.

The thirteen-track CD Life Story is full of reality. It’s a reflection of where Christawn has been and where he’s headed. It’s a Gary Diggs production and was engineered by Craig Bauer, who has engineered Hip Hop CDs by Kanye West and Ludacris. It is his mix of the project that gave Christawn the slick sound that’s often missing in Christian Hip Hop music. The first radio single “Save Me” features Micah Stampley’s fiery gospel tenor on the rock-edged tune. “It talks about what I was doing at different points of my life in the streets,” he explains. “That’s the closest song to my heart because it brings me back to where God brought me from… I want people to know this is where I’ve been. A lot of my life story started right there in the streets. I can’t sugar coat it because this is what’s going on in the lives of many people today. I saw it in my parents lives and I’m happy to say that presently my mom and dad are both free of drugs and walking strong with the Lord, but this isn’t just about smoking crack. People are getting killed every day. I was literally around killing all day long and going home and crying at night praying to God to save me.”

Attention Gospel Rap Fans: Rap Fest 2010

2010-08-12T11:17:00.005-04:00

For those who love Gospel Rap, Rap Fest 2010 taking place Saturday, August 14th in Bronx, NY.

Rap Fest 2010 will be on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Bill Rainey Memorial Park in The Bronx, NY located at Intervale Avenue and Kelly Street.

This will be the fourth location for Rap Fest, Inc. as they continue impacting as many Bronx communities as possible. Rap Fest 2010 will feature 21 Rap Ministries Fans from various cities and states. Several thousands of people come out every year for Rap Fest events.

This is a free outdoor event.

Press passes are available on-site for all media personnel attending. Vendors wishing to sell their Christ-centered merchandise at Rap Fest 2010 should visit http://www.rapfestinc.com immediately as time is running out. There are a few spots still available.

For general questions or historical information regarding Rap Fest, Inc. events, contact: Rap Fest, Inc., 2555 Mickle Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469 Tel: 805-RAP-FEST | 805-727-3378; e-mail: rapfestinc@gmail.com; Web Site:www.rapfestinc.com

Rap Fest 2010 will feature incredible sound, 21 rap ministries, and 7 Hours of non-stop Gospel hip hop music, all for 1 God, Jesus Christ. The goal of Rap Fest is to evangelize communities through hip hop music and offer them an opportunity to trust in God as a solution to problems.

This year’s confirmed artists are; Armageddon (VA), C-Lite (NY), Che-Che the Supastar (NJ), Devorah (NY), Disciple D.I. (MA), Eric E (NY), Gauge (NY), Heesun Lee (NY), Humble T.I.P. (VA), J Cru (NY), J Flo (TX), Lil La La (CA), Mahogany Jones (NY), Mele Mel (PA), MonoCcord (PA), Peoplez Choice (NY), Prodigal Son (FL), SeDa (NY), Sincere-Israel (NJ), Solomon Starr (NY), Wunda Fam (VA).

The confirmed DeeJays for this year’s event are DJ NuMan (NY), DJ Wade O (NJ), DJ E.rOk (PA), and Joseph “Deejay” Khalil (NY).

All participants will be displaying, not only their talents and passion for the history of hip hop, but their love for God and desire to worship Him with their gifts and abilities.

Rap Fest 2010 T-Shirts will be available at the Nite B4 Rap Fest event as well as on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Rap Fest 2010.

Sponsors for this years event are; Rap Fest Radio, The Sanctuary Fellowship, The Elements, Holy Culture, Grateful Apparel and Jehovah Shammah International Ministries.

Web Site =www.rapfestinc.com

Contact Details = Rap Fest, Inc.
Bert Bocachica, director
805-RAP-FEST | 805-727-3378
rapfestinc@gmail.com

Gospel Rapper Cy of Much Luvv Records Inc. Give Away Free CD

2010-08-03T12:00:00.004-04:00

Gospel Rapper,national recording artist and label producer of Much Luvv Records Inc. Cy wants to do something special for you. He is offering a free copy of his full album Circus World Event…The Ringleader. For some people, this is unheard of, but for those of you who do not have the album I believe this will bless you. For those of you that do, you know what I’m talking about. Here is a free copy of the album so enjoy. Just click on the link and save to your desktop and all the songs will be in a folder on your desktop which you can burn to CD and listen. He has have never done this before but he create music for the people and not for sales although God has tremendously blessed him to now be a full time artist and producer. Cy is currently working on a new album that will hit stores soon titled High Wire Act which will be a sequel to this album so be looking out for it. Much Luvv and God bless you and you listen and Welcome To The Circus!!!

Gospel Rapper Mr Del and Holy South Ministries presents – Rap-Ture Conference 2010

2010-08-03T11:52:00.003-04:00

Attention young gospel rappers, an annual youth conference will be held on September 4th in Memphis,TN. Please bring your youth out to experience a awesome night with God!! They will have anointed artists, step teams, and a prolific speaker. This is a night you DO NOT want to miss this. Calling all TEENAGERS!! FREE FOR EVERYONE!! Mr. Del and friends in concert September 4th at Grace Celebration Lutheran Church! This church is located in Cordova Tennessee at 8601 Trinity Road.

Rapture Conference will be hosting a Talent Contest before the event and the winner will receive a cash prize and open for Mr. Del at the event!

If you would like to be a participant in the talent show please contact Refuge office or email us at raptureconference2010@gmail.com. The contest is for teenagers only (12-17 years of age). For more information call 901-309-3090.

Christian Rapper Sho Baraka has done it again

2010-04-24T17:21:00.001-04:00

Christian Rapper Sho Baraka has done it again

His new project is another banger. Reach Records recording artist Sho Baraka has released his sophomore album "Lions and Liars" to rave reviews and chart-topping sales. When I first saw the project cover, I was like man this cover is blazin. I couldn’t wait to hear the tracks. As always, I was blessed.

Lion and Liars debuted at No.3 on the iTunes Hip Hop chart and No.14 overall, while reaching No.3 on the Billboard Gospel chart. This is his second LP. Sho Baraka is challenging believers to be "lions" in this culture and master their domain for the glory of God; negating the lies that popular culture bombards us with. The album features label mates Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee; also, JAMM, Erica Cumbo, and many others. With production from Dj Official, Cheese Williams, Alex Medina, and G-Rocc, "Lions and Liars" promises to be a sonically diverse journey.

At Gospel Elevations, we believe that everyone who exalts Jesus Christ in their rap ministry should be heard. You or someone you know may not be nationally known like Sho is, however people still need to hear how God is using his people. To hear other Christian rappers, visit Gospel Elevations.

On "Lions and Liars," Sho takes on faith, manhood, and selflessness, but not at the expense of good quality music. Tracks like "Me, Myself and I," "Liars Anthem," "Revolutionary Died," and "4ever is 2morrow" reflect a biblical worldview, yet still have crossover appeal. And "Lion's Anthem," "Famous," "Shut Us Down," and "I.T.W.N.O.I." are surefire Christian anthems that fans will be gushing over. Not to mention the album's first single, "We Can Be More ft J.R.," which introduces a new dimension to Christian music, even more so to Gospel Rap: a love song. The single offers a pure perspective on love and relationships, and challenges men to respect and uphold true love.

No topic is off limits on "Lions and Liars" as Sho weaves his own story into the album, offers his perspective on mainstream culture and even challenges the widely held Christian view that in order to truly impact society you need to be in full-time ministry. Sho inspires listeners to affect change wherever they are, whatever their vocation.

The Bible instructs us to be a light where ever we are. That’s a full time ministry. We have to be ready. You don’t know when the opportunity to share the Word of God will present itself. You don’t have to hold a title in the local church to minister. Oh yeah, we all have a title it’s called an Ambassador for Christ.

"Lions and Liars" is a testament to a redeemed, yet still culturally relevant artist, whose unique approach gives the album the ability to change the perceptions about hip-hop, revolutionizing the genre and its supporters. And while Sho’s style is untraditional, his biblical convictions are strong; there's no mistaking his motivation as he raps, "Now my only job is to make [Christ] famous."

Sho Barack is not member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day they will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://wwww.gospelelevations.net.

Spring Arbor Christian Rapper Wont Shut Up

2010-04-21T13:29:00.001-04:00

Modified from original post
Spring Arbor University student and rapper will share songs from her CD at Friday show
Bill Chapin
Jackson Patriot

The album that Spring Arbor University senior Dominique Rhodes has been recording for the last year won't be finished until fall, but the rapper is ready to share what she has completed with her peers and the public.

Dominique doesn't believe in keeping her thoughts bottled up. She even has a song titled "You Can't Shut Me Up.""

Don't quiet yourself down for the sake of others. Be proud of what you believe in," said Rhodes, who performs as 'Nique LoveRhodes. "I'm not going to stifle ... how I feel when it comes to my faith."The ability to openly express her Christian faith was a major factor in the Detroit native's decision to attend the evangelical college.

At Gospel Elevations we believe that every Christian rapper should be heard. We offer free exposure to Christian rapperand gospel rappers. Nique is not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, however she does represent the Kingdom. Her music lifts up the name of Jesus.

Rhodes has been driving to a Royal Oak recording studio on weekends to work on "Against All Odds: The Epic," a vast, personal opus of inspirational hip hop.She performed 110 minutes worth of the album in the university's White Auditorium, backed by a live band. It marked the first time that Spring Arbor university has featured a concert by a hip-hop artist. That’s exciting! Look at God move on behalf of the saints. Rhodes saw a gospel rap group perform at a church event when she was 12 and has been writing poetry and rhymes ever since. She compared her delivery style to such rappers as Lupe Fiasco, favoring a deliberate, clear message over flashy, fast rhymes.

A self-described perfectionist, Rhodes will be graduating with a degree in urban ministry around the same time she expects to complete the album. Rather than overwhelm herself trying to organize a release concert at that time, she decided to present the bulk of the songs now.She has worked with three different producers on the album, including Dove Award-nominated producer Dion Burroughs a.k.a. D Free of Flint.

She described it as a concept album about overcoming adversity and fighting the status quo. For example, she said, the society she grew up in told her that "black kids from Detroit don't go to college." Her rhymes challenge that notion.

Many youth today feel that the church is not relevant to the things going on in their lives. The Christian rappers featured on Gospel Elevations minister from a place of which today’s youth can relate. Christ rap is a awesome medium that God is using to reach the masses who wont got to church.

It’s good that God is using Nique to help people hear the gospel through her music.Nique feel that this project has a really socially conscious message.The albums' 18 tracks are divided into three sections, starting with a hard, bass-heavy sound, transitioning to a middle act full of soul samples, and giving way to an uplifting finale full of synthesizers and syncopation.

Not all of the songs address her faith as directly as "You Can't Shut Me Up." Rhodes said she admires groups like U2, which writes spiritual songs that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of background.

At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through gospel rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world. If you know of any events in your area we Christian rappers are ministering please let us know.

To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://www.gospelelevations.net.

A Christian Web Designer's Change of Heart.

2010-04-19T15:27:00.002-04:00

Christian Hip Hop Artist Want to Make Money Too!

When I first designing web sites years ago, I thought it was all about making flashy, pretty web sites. I would get a job and I would spend hours trying to create the freshest looking web site. There is nothing wrong with a nice looking web site. Who wants to tell their friends or colleagues to look their ugly site?

You see, I had to learn that my job is not to make beautiful websites - my job is to make websites that make money for my clients. Like I said earlier, there is nothing wrong with a web site that is appealing, however they don't need to be award-winning, works of art. Unless your site is about imagery and things like that, then don’t make that the focus.

Now my focus with every, single website I build is for it to be a lead generating, sales making, conversion machine. During the past year or so I can honestly say I’ve spent enough hours to have a degree in Internet Marketing.

Here's a test for you... When someone comes to your site do you know how long he or she visits? Do you know what pages they visit the most? Yeah you can assume that they are going to your music page. How are people finding you on the Internet? If they never typed in your name would they ever find you? I bet there is a good chance that they will not. What do you have on your web site that makes visitor become repeat visitors?

I have an effective strategy that will help you and your business/ministry improve it’s number of viewers and increase your exposure. Even if you have a web site already, I can still help you move to the next level.

We have effective ways of making you show up on the first page of Google? Give Superior Interactive the opportunity to help you. We understand how to use web analystics to help your web site serve you better. You'll know when someone comes to your site how long he or she visits. That's important to know because it let you know if you are offering what people want. Your site should be "sticky". People should hang around and come back. We can help you know what pages are visited the most? You need to know where to focus your efforts. You’ll be able to discover how people are finding you on the Internet? We have strategies to help you get repeat visitors. Go to http://www.flint-webdesign.com and fill out our contact form so that we can set up a consultation with you.

Mention that you found out about Superior Interactive through Gospel Elevations and receive a discount. Don’t settle for only having a web site on the Internet. Do what is needed to increase your exposure. The Father takes pleasure in the prosperity of his people.

Flint-Web Design A Great Resource For New Gospel Rap Artist

2010-02-22T11:35:00.003-05:00

Discover How Not To Spend All Your Money Getting For a Web Site:
Superior Interactive Has Low Prices

We live in a tough economic climate. In other words, money is tight. I just got my income taxes back and it was spent before I could blink. No I didn't waste on frivolus things. I'm responsible with my finances. I had to pay off some things. I surely wanted to buy some pleasure items. I want to please God. He wants us to be good stewards over our finances.

I wanted to be a blessing to the Gospel Rappers and Christian Rap genre. So I thought I would share this awesome web design resource. You can get nice work done at a low price.

Having a web site that promotes your ministry is crucial if you want to get more exposure. At Gospel Elevations we are all about promoting Gospel and Christian Rap. A great company to help you create a web site at a low price is Superior Interactive. You can find them at http://www.flint-webdesign.com. Superior Interactive is a Christian owned company. So if you want to sow into good Kingdom ground, then you should check them out.

This is what they have to offer.
Web Starter Kit - $87
1 Pager
1 Basic Form
1 MP3 Player 3 songs
Self Edit Page (change the text when you want)* Depends on the design
FREE Domain Name (web site name included in price - 1 year)
3 Months hosting (included in price)

Just go to the pricing page to see the other costs for their numerous services. The Web Starter Kit in most cases can have you up on the Internet in less 24 hours.

Superior Interactive is a Flint Michigan based, web branding and web design company specializing in custom web site design and Internet Marketing for individuals and small business. They provide strategic and creative design and development services for businesses and individuals seeking to launch, grow or reinvent themselves.

They’ve been in the web design business since 1997. They're building their reputation by providing large agency impact and sophistication, with a personal level of attention that can only be provided by a smaller agency. Superior Interactive considers themselves to be information architects. They build web solutions that are visually arresting, intuitive, sustainable and globally applicable. We strive to achieve one goal for our clients: To remain contemporarily relevant. All of their web sites are customed design. No templates.

Go check out Superior Interactive right away. You will be glad you did.

Praise Café Has Spiritual Meat

2010-02-08T10:33:00.000-05:00

Christians love to be able to have a safe place outside of church where they can meet with like-minded believers and have a great time. For those living in Delaware, there is a place that will be perfect for you. I have a few Gospel Elevations visitors from that area. I don’t think that there are any rappers on the site from Delaware. However, if you know of any who would like to join the Gospel Elevations family send them to the site.

Global 2 Ministries, in partnership with the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of The Arts, has developed a venue in which the Christian community can congregate for entertainment. Frank W. Gibbs II has founded Praise Café, which is located at the theatre at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Gibbs travels extensively around the world giving words of inspiration, encouragement and empowerment. He is passionate about ministry and understands ministry should be multifaceted, not one-dimensional.

Frank Gibbs really sees the importance of having a venue for the Christian community. He believes that fellowship should not be limited to the four walls of the church. Many of the unchurched don’t feel comfortable in a church setting. The Praise Café is a great place to introduce an unbeliever to the things of God.
Gibbs states that “true ministry is extending beyond the four walls of our churches and launching out into uncharted territories to advance the kingdom of God. “This is why we initiated Praise Café; it is merely an extension of ministry.”

The Praise Café features the best and brightest in local talent, with entertainment that ranges anywhere from gospel rap to Southern gospel. “We have something for everybody,” Gibbs said. Praise Café celebrates the food, culture and gospel music that encompass the real diversity that gospel has to offer.

Visit Gospel Elevations to find out what events, ministries, and venues are available for Christians. At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through gospel rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world. If you know of any events in your area we Christian rappers are ministering please let us know.

Christian Rapper JayMay Brings the Heat with Winter Classics

2010-02-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

It’s been two years since the Christian rap community has heard from JayMay. Those who follow this gospel rapper, know that prior to this new release, his last project was a feature on the Holy Hip Hop Volume 5 and the praise worthy album release “We Live Praise”. JayMay is “switching lanes’ as he returns from a two year hiatus heating up the speakers with “The Winter Classics EP”.

JayMayis not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day he will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://www.gospelelevations.net.

The Winter Classics is a six song recording that captivates energy and passion that demand the attention of listeners. With a variety of topics that include dealing with talkative people on “Switch Lanes” to maintaining values and morals on “Family Guy” the diversity compels you to stay engaged as the songs flow with consistency.

For you D-Maub supporters, then you wanna cop this project. JayMay gets assistance from One Route Entertainment’s lyricist D-Maub on “P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happen)”, along with Detroit’s on Snapp, they make this collaboration a multiplex treat for listening ears.

This EP will help reintroduce JayMay to the bulging Christian Rap community and give a preview to his upcoming 3rd studio album “For His Glory” currently scheduled for fall debut. JayMay’s background plays a vital role in the creation of his music. He was born and raised on Detroit’s Westside graduating from Henry Ford High School. He joined the Army in 1994 and has been stationed in five different locations including a deployment to Iraq.

Music is just a small portion of his life; he is still serving in U.S. Army currently stationed in Michigan as a recruiter, and he serves in his local church and the community. He aims to not only reach those around him with the Gospel but also teach them. JayMay is a graduate of Colorado Christian University and has earned certification in Biblical Studies.

He has shared the stage with some of music’s well known artist such as Canton Jones, tobyMac, Da T.R.U.T.H., Jeremy Camp, Lecrae, KJ-52, Tripp Lee, Tedashii, K-Drama, Kurtis Blow, BB-Jay, S.O.C.O.M., Da Clay and many more. He’s ministered and performed at numerous events across the globe from the United States, Italy, Germany and Iraq. For booking and more information visit www.jaymayonline.com The EP will be available at doubleswordrecords.com, jaymayonline.com, iTunes, Rhapsody and all other online locations.

At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through gospel rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world. If you know of any events in your area we Christian rappers are ministering please let us know.

Miami's Truth Cafe Give Gospel Rappers Exposure

2009-11-05T09:13:00.000-05:00

Often, Minister Chris Everett had heard some of his young Christian friends lament over the fact that, aside from church, there was no place for them to fellowship or showcase their Christian talents.
``I prayed,'' he said, ``about how God's people can stay focused and not compromise their salvation, like going to secular nightclubs. Then, the idea came to me to start the Truth Cafe.''

Everett describes the Truth Cafe as a place ``. . . where only Christian music is being played and pauses every now and then for entertainers to sing, do poetry or gospel rap, then this is the place to be.''

The cafe opened Aug. 28, and every second and fourth Saturday of the month, Christians, young and old, are invited to the cafe at 16400 NW 15th Ave. in Miami Gardens, for live gospel entertainment, socializing, business networking, ``delicious food'' and fellowship, he said.

``So far, it's been going quite well. We've had some big names to come in such as the recording gospel group King and Willing, another gospel group.''

Admission into the Truth Café is $10 per person and doors open at 8 p.m. If you want to share your Christian talent, contact Everett at 786-262-3181.

At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through gospel rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world. If you know of any events in your area we Christian rappers are ministering please let us know.

Chirstian Rapper Ministers at Harlem’s Apollo Theater

2009-10-21T13:39:00.000-04:00

Chirstian Rapper Ministers at Harlem’s Apollo Theater
Original story by: N. Langhorne of Tidewater News

Capron Virginia native, Donyelle Whitehead, isn’t your traditional gospel artist. Under his stage name, D’Ciple Da Lieutenant, he hopes to spread the word of God, through an unlikely genre— rap.

His quest to minister in a non-traditional manner landed him a trip to the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y., last month to perform his song “One” at a Gospel Amateur Night.

“It was an experience that I think every artist needs to have,” Whitehead said. “Apollo is a tough crowd.”

While it was overall a good experience, Whitehead’s Apollo performance wasn’t easy.
“When I first got out there, they didn’t accept me,” he said. Some people were immediately thrown off when he was introduced as a gospel rapper.

“They booed for the first couple of minutes,” Whitehead said. “But after that, they were into it and they gave me a standing ovation and everything.”

At Gospel Elevations we believe that everyone who ministers through Christian rap should be given a chance to share what God is doing through them. We offer free exposure to artist from around the world.

Whitehead, 35, said that he has been rapping since he was a young teen. He had plans to make it big as a rapper, but four years ago he made a decision that changed his plans.

“I gave my life to Christ in 2005,” he said. “I was in the secular world and God touched my heart.”

At the time, Whitehead considered giving up rapping.After being pushed by friends he decided to continue to pursue a rap career, but instead of glorifying street culture, he would glorify the Lord.

“It was kind of hard at first,” he said. “I had to do a lot of fasting and a lot of praying, but then God just started blessing me with songs.”

Whitehead, a 1994 graduate of Southampton High School, is now working with Petersburg-based Zech. 8 Productions, under the direction of husband-and-wife management team, Timothy and Terri Flowers.

Zech. 8 Productions, named after the eighth chapter of the book of Zechariah in the Bible, manages all types of gospel artists, including rappers, singers, poets and dancers. In fact, Whitehead’s wife, Tabitha, is a poet with Zech. 8 Productions.
“We’re like a month in, and God has blessed us with 10 groups,” Terri Flowers said.
Terri Flowers and Whitehead were classmates at Southampton High and ran into each other a few years ago and reconnected over their desire to minister to youth.
“We are living a generation now where kids are the young people aren’t afraid of anything,” Terri Flowers said. “They don’t care about anything. They could party all night with the devil and it won’t bother them.”

She said that artists like Whitehead could help draw young people to the ministry, because the conventional church atmosphere often turns them off. Timothy Flowers added that many churches focus too much on older people and don’t dedicate enough time to the youth.

“We’re trying to touch the youth,” Terri Flowers said. “We’re losing them by the handful.”

Contemporary gospel artists like Whitehead aren’t without critics, but Terri Flowers doesn’t think that the criticism is well-deserved.

“We need to use any tool that we can as long as it’s accepted by God,” she said. “God gave these young people a gift to rap…it’s still ministry.” Whitehead now lives in Hopewell with his wife and children, but still has family in Capron, including his mother, Joan Whitehead.

He hopes to release a CD by early next year.

“But we never know, God may move quicker than that,” he said. Whitehead is ready to inspire young people to serve God.

“Look at what happened when they took prayer out of the schools,” he said, referencing the rise of violence in schools–in particular the recent beating death of an honor student outside of a Chicago high school. “This is the right time for this.”

Whitehead and other Zech. 8 Productions artists are available for church or other events. Timothy and Terri Flowers can be reached for bookings at (804) 605-9963 or (804) 605-9962.

The music video for “One” can be viewed on www.youtube.com.

D’Ciple Da Lieutenant is not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day he will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://www.gospelelevations.net.

Bahamian Gospel Rapper makes history in Canada

2009-10-21T13:37:00.000-04:00

Bahamian Gospel Rapper makes history in Canada
Original story by Arthia Nixon

J.Chase (born Craig Gibson) is making history by becoming the first Eleutheran rapper to drop his very first album Send Me outside his native country. The album’s title is based on Isaiah 6:8. The artiste who began to get serious about the music he was writing at age 10 is now 23 and focused on delivering a positive message instead of making music just because of his raw talents. He says that he chose the genre he’s in because rap and hip hop is dominating the culture of today’s youth in a language they already understand.

Many youth today feel that the church is not relevant to the things going on in their lives. The Christian rappers featured on Gospel Elevations minister from a place of which today’s youth can relate. Christ rap is a awesome medium that God is using to reach the masses who wont got to church. It’s good that God is using J. Chase to help people here the gospel through his music.

“Well, J.Chase stands for Jesus Chaser,” he explains. “I chose the name because I wanted something that will remind me why I am doing what I do. A lot of people rap for the fame and all of a sudden they are chasing after girls, money, sex, fast cars and all kinds of things of the world. Me, I don’t do it for the rewards and awards that may come along with rapping. I’ve entered this knowing that I must do it for God’s honor and glory. I am chasing after Jesus because only what is done for Christ will last.”

J.Chase cites Jesus Christ as the main influencer to his music. However, he’s looked to artistes like Christian Massive, Manifest, Claytino Delaney, Natareo Johnson, Tatiana Tinker, J Squad, Prophetic Voices, lecrae, Tye Tribbett and Papa T musically.

Another person in J.Chase’s sphere of influence is his father Louie who died tragically shortly after he began to get into music. J.Chase, a former child tennis star, smiles when he recalls the way his father would act like the president of a fan club when it came to watching his sons accomplish something they set after.
“He knew I was a good writer,” he reflects. “One day I forget and left something I wrote on the computer desk. I think I had just printed it out. He picked it up while I was out and read it. When I got back he said he enjoyed reading it. Support from parents – especially fathers- is so important. It keeps you grounded and pushes you like never before. My brother Carlton and I were lucky to have such memories even if only for just a little over decade. Daddy liked to brag about his children to his friends. He was proud of us. I just regret the fact that he will never hear my album, watch my music videos, or hear my songs on the radio. He will never get to proudly tell his friends about his son. But then again, my mom Shirley is still a continuous encouragement helped me become the man that I am today. I make sure call her every chance I get. Her spark is what helped light the fire you see today.”
Overall, J.Chase has already won over fans by sharing some of his tracks on Facebook, YouTube and landing a spot on local radio weekly countdowns and Global Gospel Countdown. He has even got the attention of a Canadian manager for his album release in Toronto.

“J.Chase certainly brings something new to the mix with an awesome combination of passion, thought provoking lyrics and a rhythmic flow that sets him apart from many in the game,” says his publicist Arthia Nixon of the Ambassador Agency. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him since he was a baby and I think the experiences that he has faced in life are revealed through what is obviously, a very personal album. The fact that he has already generated a huge following and has sat at the top of the Bahamian charts for the past few weeks proves people are itching to get a dose of quality, positive rap music. Even when I lived in Canada, I have not recalled any Bahamian artistes releasing their very first song in that country. But Bahamians must be willing to accept that they cannot rely on The Bahamas as their only audience. J.Chase fits so well with our company because he understands that global is the way to go. All in all, I am so proud of him as a young Bahamian male setting a stunning example and using rap in a positive way. I’m even more proud of him for putting Eleuthera on the map in a new way.”

J. Chase is not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day he will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://wwww.gospelelevations.net.

Christian Rapper Gives Up AK-47 for the Mic

2009-09-06T21:10:00.000-04:00

Emmanuel Jal was eight when his family were told he was being taken to school in Ethiopia – instead he was tortured, beaten and starved by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army.. Emmanuel witnessed the brutal slaughter of thousands of Sudanese civilians

After Jal was trained to use a machete and an AK-47 assault rifle he was plunged into a sea of violence in which 1.9 million people died. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Christ came that we would have life more abundant. Christ came into Emmanuel’s life and now he’s tell all he can about the abundant life found in Christ Jesus.

Jal is now a successful rapper and practicing Christian says he misses the violence because he became immersed in it.He said: “You have seen so much suffering, and then you find yourself in a peaceful place – part of you almost misses it.
“When you’re from a war-torn country, violence is addictive – and it is fun too.
“Otherwise how can you explain why boxing and wrestling or rugby and American football are so popular? Men dominating men for entertainment is nothing new.’
Jal also says that he witnessed his auntie being raped and learned later that his mother Angelina had been killed – but couldn’t grieve for them because he would be savagely beaten for showing weakness.

He said: “Even the gentlest, calmest of animals can become violent if you attack its family. “I wanted to kill as many Arabs and Muslims as I could. “When a child’s mind is developing, it’s influenced by everything it sees and hears. “Now I know the truth, that the war was nothing to do with religion, just oil, and people in power wanting to manipulate the poor.”

He escaped the army at age 13, but was imprisoned in a desert jail, until a British aid worker rescued him. Jal says he is still haunted by the past but that his music allow him to focus, and love of cartoons helps him to relax.

‘The past is not gone, but I have laid down guns and machetes forever – music and lyrics are my weapons now.’ Now that Jal is not being used by Satan he is yielding his body as an instrument for God.

Jal has released three rap albums to date and has been the focus of a documentary on child soldiers, War Child, which won the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival Audience Choice Award.

He also performed and the Live 8 concert in 2005 and lists the happiest moment in his career ‘the happiest moment of my career’ as when he performed at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations last year.
But Jal reckons his transition to rap music comes naturally to someone from his country. He said: “Music is a painkiller for me. If I spend more than a week without music, I can feel myself getting irritable quickly, and maybe my language will start to change.

Emmanuel Jal is not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day he will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://wwww.gospelelevations.net.

Rappers Switch to Positive Tune With Gospel Rap

2009-08-17T23:08:00.000-04:00

Rappers switch to positive tune with Gospel Rap

For some people who enter the Christian rap music arena, their agenda is to make music. Ministry is not a priority. God has to deal with their heart. Christian Rapper, David McKissic knew he had to make a choice.

Before he and the other members of the Christian hip-hop group Spit Unity devoted themselves to making Christian music, he says, they were serving two masters. In 2005. McKissic was a member of Triple G, a Christian group that combines mimicry and hip-hop dance.

He also was a member of a secular dance group, and McKissic says, even as he performed with Triple G, he was being drawn into the street life. It’s hard to live for Christ when you’re heavily involved in secular activities.

Being involved in a worldly lifestyle, McKissic says that he also saw many of his friends fall victim to the dangers of the streets. “A lot of the guys who have been caught up in some of the stuff that’s happened, we knew them,” he says.

By 2006, McKissic says, he realized he couldn’t continue to perform with Triple G unless he stopped getting in trouble. He had to change his life, and cutting his ties to the secular dance group had to be a part of that change.

Two years later, Spit Unity will release its first CD on its own record label with a release party at New Horizons Outreach Ministries, a local church. The CD included music by Spit Unity and two singers the group has signed to the label.

Some people might wonder why McKissic felt the need to change his tune, but fellow Spit Unity member Devon Middleton provides the answer. “When I was listening to secular music, it kind of influenced me to look at and talk to girls in the way the music was presented on the record,” Middleton says.

McKissic says he watched members of other Christian groups performing at a church event and drinking alcohol at a night club later in the week. Seeing those kinds of incidents prompted David to question the performers’ sincerity. He also started to evaluate and change his own life. He switched his artistic focus to gospel hip-hop, and he dedicated his life to Christ.

When you rap for Jesus, David learned that people hold you to a different standard David says he did not want their ministry to be affected. Starting the group Spit Unity and the record label of the same name, McKissic says, are part of that change.

“A lot of the music that is out now is negative,” he says, “so we thought that we wanted to put out music that had a positive message.” The Spit Unity label consists of the hip-hop group, which includes McKissic, Middleton, Andrue Farmer and Tyrome Payne, and two solo singers, William Briggs and Leanna Potts.

The group has ministered with other gospel hip-hop artist B-Phraze, the group G.O.P. and Cincinnati based K-Drama. McKissic says he believes his life shows how music can provide the soundtrack for the good and bad decisions that young people make.

Spit Unity are not members of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day they will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://wwww.gospelelevations.net.

Christian Hip Hop Changing Lives in Britain

2009-07-11T12:26:00.000-04:00

One of Britain’s leading urban gospel producers, Victizzle, recently launched his debut album In My World, at The Ocean in Hackney, east London, alongside fellow artist Tunday. Nearly 2,000 people attended his album launch.

Victizzle feels that this album is his heart and soul, and its main aim really is to display his life and at the same time keep it as real, so that those who aren't Christian can relate. It’s called In My World because Christians get called hypocrites a lot, because of the 'holy' front that a lot of Believers put on. Victizzle wanted to make sure not hide his scars and present his imperfections in order to show people that as Christians we go through the same life's issues as any other human does, but with Christ it is all worth it!

Victizzle was quite strategic in creating this project. His songs touch on issues such as gangs, crime, and relationships, and don't seem very spiritual on first listening. He did it this way because non-Christians don’t understand spiritual. But the fact is scriptures are all over this album and are the core of it. Victizzle shows the Christian rap can be relevant and confront the hard and tough issues of life. The Gospel of Christ is able to bring change to a dying world. The Christian Hip Hop artist on Gospel Elevations know by experience the power of relating to the lost.

The things of God have always been a part of his life since he was a child. He was always forced to go to church as a child by his mother. However he really didn’t have a real relationship with Christ. But when he turned 15 Victizzle visited Kingsway International Christian Centre youth service and saw many young people praising God and keeping it real. That inspired him to get to know God for himself. At the tender age of 16, he decided to get involved in Kingdom living and make music to help people through life.

Victizzle started in gospel music as a teenager by joining the British group G-Force and produced half their album, which went on to win a MOBO [Music of Black Origin award] in 2007. Since then he has worked with many British artists, including Guvna B, Bibles Bibles Crew, Faith Child, and Tunday.

His music, Gospel Rap is impacting the lives of young people. His music is not just entertainment, it’s also ministry. Over the years he’s seen young kids come out of their negative and limited mindset and push to do great things

It’s Victizzle’s faith which helps him get through struggles and it helps him to help others get through the same struggles. Victizzle’s faith enables him to push into reaching the potential God has put into himself and is using it to impact many in a positive way. Victizzle loves God so much! He wished that he had met him earlier.

Victizzle is not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day he will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://wwww.gospelelevations.net.

Christian Rapper Does More Than Rap

2009-06-18T21:08:00.000-04:00

There are some people who God has blessed to doing numerous activities at one time. It’s hard to be success at one thing, however, to do well at many things is awesome. Big Spence is one person who God is awesomely using.

Big Spence is not only an aspiring actor; he is producing an independent film, perfoming Christian Rap, and is raising 2 year old daughter, 9 year old step daughter & his 17 year-old younger brother.

Currently he is on set in Flint Michigan, the home of Gospel Elevations, shooting a movie called Minor League: A football Story. The movie revolves around semi-pro football, and shows how the athletes play for the love of the game rather than for the TV deals and million dollar contracts. Big Spence`s character is Paul Johnson, and he plays the defensive captain and linebacker for the Detroit Diesel,
Big Spence loves the football scenes because he plays a linebacker and gets to hit people real hard. It brings back his football playing days for sure. However, the movie also has an edge to it because Big Spence`s character comes from the streets, He plays a drug dealer from the streets that always loved football, but didn`t have the grades to do anything with his talent.

Prior to this film Big Spence worked on Everyday Black Man, written and directed by the talented Carmen The Prankster, written and directed by Tony Vidal, and staring. Big Spence has been blessed to work with Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Rob Schinder, Joe Pesci, Orlando Jones, Charlie Murphy, Robert Miano, and many more. Big Spence says he would love to work with Tom Hanks, Christina Millian, Jamie Foxx, Tyler Perry and Kimberly Elise just to name a few.

Like many of us, Big Spence, raised by his grandmother, and was brought up in the church. Through his up-bringing he acquired his love for Christian Rap, but also received noble qualities from his grandmother and his faith in God, Spence’s grandmother taught him that he should always represent God no matter where or what he’s doing. Because of these honorable qualities Big Spence is raising his younger brother, Big Spence is really big on education and even though is younger brother is a great basketball player, Spence feel his grades must come first.

Big Spence is not a member of Gospel Elevations yet, and maybe one day he will. To hear and see how God is using other Christian Rappers around the world visit the free exposure site for Gospel Rappers, Holy Hip Hop Rappers, or Christian Rappers visit http://wwww.gospelelevations.net.

5 More Tactics for Christian Rappers to get Exposure

2008-12-27T15:20:00.000-05:00

Becoming a member of Gospel Elevations is free. Thousands of people visit this site that offers free exposure for Gospel Rappers, Christian Rappers and Gospel Singers with a hip hop flare. Below are 5 more tactic to increase your exposure to those who listen to Christian rap.

Create a digital signature. If you have a Web site already or you have a page on Gospel Elevations or Myspace create a digital signature in your email that has your artist name, contact information and Web site address. Whenever you email people your information is always there. Some cell phones let you create a digital signature. Have one so that when you text people that information about you is there.

Distribute Business Cards. Vista Print has cheap business card. Sometimes they offer free business cards. All you have to pay is the shipping and handling. Depending on how many you order you can pay as little as $10 or less for 250 business card. Make the info on the cards short and sweet. If you have a Web site, I would make that the largest. Be sure to put that you are a Christian Rapper or Gospel Rapper, however you want to be addressed. Leave them in the restrooms by the stalls or on the mirrors. If you ride public transportation, leave a few in your site as your leave. Leave a few in telephone books in public places. Just scatter them where ever you go. They are inexpensive seeds that will draw people to you.

Wear Promotional Material with just your Web site on it. Hopefully your Web address is short. We have short memories or we have some much going on that we may forget. People love looking up Web addresses to see what is there.

A fitted cap or a winter cap with your Web address is good. If you’re at the mall or grocery store someone is going to see it. They may even ask you about it. Then you’ll get to tell them. Be sure to add some suspense so that they are provoked to go see. Of course don’t lie or trick them.

Freestyle or Open Air Rapping. If you got great rapping skills and your flow is tight, freestyling or open air rapping in a public place can bring attention to you. Have a couple of your Christian friends or other Christian rappers meet you at a park, game or busy college campus and perform live. It will be a great chance for people to hear you live (FREE) and even give you a chance to witness to the lost.

Participate in Christian New Groups or Forums. Get on groups.google.com and look type in the words Christian Rap, Gospel Rappers, or Christian Rappers. Go to the top forums and become a familiar face/voice. Share your comments relative to discussions. Don’t forget to leave your digital signature.

5 Cheap Ways for Christian Rappers to Increase Their Exposer

2008-12-24T12:24:00.000-05:00

Every rapper whether they are a Christian or secular artist wants some type of positive exposure. You don’t have to spend loads of cash or max out your credit card to expand your level recognition. I have five simple yet effective ways for an unsigned Christian Rapper to increase their exposure.

Get a Web site. I can afford a Web site. You might say. It’s not an expensive venture anymore to get a Web site. For less than $6 you can get your domain name (ex: www.rapforjesus.com). Click this link to get your cheap domain for your Gospel rap site. For absolutely no money... zero dollars, you can get free hosting. Hosting is where you store your files on the Internet so people can see your page(s). To get free hosting for your Christian rap site click here. Have someone create the page(s) for you through bartering (exchange of services instead of money) and you’ll bet set.

Join Gospel Elevations. Thousands of people visit this site on a regular basis. Gospel Elevations is a free site that showcases Gospel Rappers, Christian Rappers, or Gospel Singers with a hip hop flare. All you need to provide is the following: Group Name – Photo of CD Cover or Self – 3 MP3 Tracks with the name of each song and the name of the project. Go to the Web site at www.gospelelevations.net to see what’s up and get more instructions.

Offer your CD or partial tracks as FREE gift. Everyone likes free stuff. Don’t look it as giving your music away, look at it as sowing into your ministry. Make sure you put your contact information on the jewel case of the CD cover. If people feel your message, then they will know how to contact you to get your Christian rap CD.

Minister wherever God leads you. Identify area churches who have a progressive youth ministry. Many youth ministries have events in which they have what may be called Lock Ins or Praise Nights. They have activities for the youths. There may be preaching, praise dancing, mime, drama and Gospel Rap. Visit local church and contact the youth pastor and see if they are receptive of non members ministering to their congregation. Let them keep a copy of your music. Visit the church a few times through out the year so that your face becomes familiar.

Get Bumper Stickers or Car Magnets. Fliers get thrown away or ignored. But people remember catchy bumper stickers. Vista Print or a company like them On line can create a bumper sticker or car magnet for you. Be creative with the space. Make the text readable and easy to remember because you only have a few seconds for people to view your message while they are in the car. Your name and email address must stand out.

Create a Yahoo, Google, or Hotmail email just for contact or booking purposes. Don’t put your private email address on the bumper stickers because you may get a lot of junk mail or spam.

Gospel Rapper Spread the Christian Message in Arabic

2008-12-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

God wants to be glorified throughout all the earth. He's using Gospel Rappers to spread His life saving message through rap. Christian rap is not just a music genre heard in the United State, Canada, and Europe. Christian Rappers are now in the Middle East. Two men of God are rapping for Jesus in Arabic.

Charles Makriss and Marun Adulph are Gospel rappers in Lebanon. Yeah you read correctly. These Gospel rappers are rapping in a country mostly known to be a Muslim country. Isn't God good. They are not wearing long sheets for clothing or turbines to cover their heads. They wear baggy jeans and baseball caps just like the Christian Rappers in America and abroad.

Hip-hop is not new to the Arab world. There are dozens of Arab rap groups. Charles and Marun's group is called Militia. They are the first to sing Christian hip-hop in Arabic. Their first concerts were very hostile. People didn't know how to recieve them. However they kept on rapping for the Lord.

Islamic law prevents the singing of passages from the Koran. Nevertheless the Bible, via the Psalms exhorts believers to worship Jehovah through song and music. The group has won some backing from the influential Maronite Church. It's the largest Christian grouping in Lebanon.

Brothers and sister in Christ in America have similar struggles in trying to get the message of Christ through Christian rap because of religious barriers. Some Gospel rappers are not allowed to minister in the congregations to which they are members. Many Gospel rappers are independent artist with no widely known label to support or promote them.

Gospel Elevations believes that any Christian who want to rap for Jesus should be given an opportunity to be heard. Visit Gospel Elevations and listen to Christian rappers from around the United States and Canada. If you know of any Gospel Rappers who need free exposure, send them to the site.

Gospel Rappers Achieve Stellar Heights

2008-11-19T14:47:00.000-05:00

Gospel Rappers are becoming more recognized for thier contribution to the music industry. Gospel Rap has movedfrom underground to main stream. This is exciting news for those rap artisit who left Christian rap to pursue careers in secular rap because of the lack of regcognition from the body of Christ and from the media.

Da' T.R.U.T.H. and Flame have been selected for 2009 Stellar Awards in the "Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year". The poplular awards show takes place in Nashville Tennesee at the Grand Ole Opry House on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Da T.R.U.T.H will be perfoming at the 24th Annual Stellar Awards show.

Da' T.R.U.T.H. is proof for new and seasoned Christian rap artist that honor is available for their hard work in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world. When rappers put time in seeking God on how to minister to the loss and how to up lift the body of Christ, they will produce music that will allow them to reach more people. It take time and the favor of God to do it on the level as Da' T.R.U.T.H.

At Gospel Elevations, we believe in giving every gospel rapper who is lifting up the name of Jesus a chance to get exposure for free. Who knows, one of the artist on this site will get the awareness that Da' T.R.U.T.H. is getting. Tell all you know about what is going on this site.

Gospel Rapper Reaches the Top

2008-11-18T21:05:00.000-05:00

Many people who listen to secular rap consider gospel rap as corny or lame. We should let the charts do the judging. The number one Gospel album belongs to a rapper, not a choir or a contemporary Gospel group. Lecrae's new album, "Rebel" is an highly anticipated album. Lecrea is a Reach Records recording artist and Dove Award Nominee.

He recently released Rebel his third project on September 30th and in no time apeared on iTunes's Top Rap/Hip Hop Album chart in the No. 3 position just below T.I.'s "Paper Trail." It won't be long before we see more Christian Rappers rank along side high caliper secular rappers "Rebel" also claimed Billboard's No. 8 position on the Top Rap Album mainstream chart as well as the No. 3 position on Billboard's Top Christian & Gospel Album chart.

Lecrae is proof of that we should pay attention to Christ-centered Gospel rap. Lecrae is also the President of ReachLife Ministries, a ministry that does alot of outreach not justin the United States but Internationally.

My children and I really enjoy he is most recognized hit singles 'Jesus Muzik' and 'Prayin For You' which are on his earth shattering sophomore CD, "After The Music Stops" which debuted in 2006 . Two years later, and his sophomore album is still in demand. It holds the number 5 position on Billboard charts and is on the Top Christian Ra//R&B charts as the number 3 album.

For Lacrae, Gospel rap is not an alternative to secular rap. He's on a mission to spread the gospel by calling everyone to live an unashamed life for the Lord. Although Lacrae is busy touring, he still continues to serve and disciple at his local church.

This project can be purchased in your local Wal-Mart store or by going On-line and visiting www.ReachRecords.com or www.myspace.com/Lecrae .

I've heard a few singles on his myspace page and I was really blessed. It think God is using people like Lacrae and artist on Gospel Elevations to impact those who listen to rap music. Gospel rappers are not like secular rappers, they are ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Support Gospel rappers who are not widely know like Lacrae by going to http://www.gospelelevations.net Spread the word to others about what God is doing at this site.

Gospel Rappers | How to get free exposure

2008-11-13T16:02:00.000-05:00

There are countless men and women who have a heart to minister to people through the music

vehicle of Gospel Rap. They have spent many hours writing their lyrics and getting their music tracks together. some of these Christian rappers have a ministry that is not being heard.

Gospel Elevations is once source where gospel rap is heard by thousands of people on a regular basis. The first purpose site is to exalt Jesus Christ. Secondly, this site serves as a marketing tool for christian rappers, gospel rappers, and gospel singers with a hip hop flare. It's about promoting the Kingdom of God through music and more.

It free to join for artist who fit this music genre. Here is all a person needs to do to get on the site.
They need to go to the site http://www.gospelelevations.net and click on "How to Join."

Here are the things they need to agree to:
1. Artist agrees to provide music that glorifies God, and lifts up the body of Christ.

2. Artist is submitting music that is their property. (If submitting for client
please indicate in additional comments)

3. Artist agrees to E-Mail people in their personal contact list to announce their placement on Gospel E.

4. If artist has a Web Site, artist agrees to put a link to Gospel E on their personal site.

5. Artist agrees to E-Mail a typed bio and four (4) songs in mp3 format along with the titles of each songs.

6. If artist has a CD cover, artist agrees to E-Mail digital version.

7. Artist agrees to send clear digital copies of pictures of self or group to be used for their personal page on Gospel E.

8. Artist agrees to mail CD if artist desires radio airplay in Flint, MI.

Gospel Rappers don't have to go without exposure. It's free at http://www.gospelelevations.net

New Holy Hip Music from 1st Samuel

2008-06-16T12:00:00.001-04:00

I recently posted some new music for 1st Samuel on the Gospel Elevations site. He is the features artist and has three new songs for you ministry pleaseure.

Let your fam know about the valuable resource of Gospel Elevations.

James

Gospel Elevations is on Technorati

2007-11-02T11:34:00.000-04:00

You can find about Gospel Elevations blog at http://www.technorati.com/ Go to technorati and see my profile.

Gospel Elevations Needs New Music From Gospel Rap Artists

2007-10-30T10:26:00.000-04:00

Those artist who have been on the site for a while need to send your hot new music. The public loves what you currently have. Some of the artist have music over a year old.

Updated Gospel Rap Artists on Gospel Elevations

2007-10-19T11:58:00.000-04:00

Live Christ Like and LaRue Hill have new music at Gospel Elevations. Go listen.

New Artist on Gospel Elevations

2007-10-04T09:04:00.000-04:00

There are two new artist added to Gospel Elevations
MIA from Chicago, IL. and Albert Reed of Houston, TX

Who On The Site Would You Like To Here More Of?

2005-02-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

2006 was a good year for Gospel E! Over 7,200 first time visitors have been to the site this year. Who do ya'll like on http://www.gospelelevations.net?

Do you know someone who...

2005-02-02T10:38:00.000-05:00

You fill in the rest.
Remember we're reppin Christ!

example:
creates tracks in my area
writes lyrics in my area
knows how to get in touch with