Tag: Christian Rap/Hip-Hop

Official Video – “One of Dem” – Terrell King

Terrell King’s music has been described as “genre-defying,” and he welcomes you to see for yourself with the release of the first music video from his EP The Serenade, called “One of Dem.” 

The Atlanta resident’s introduction into the industry was his songwriting and production talents. Working behind the scenes, he has worked with some of the biggest producers in pop, gospel and R&B (Midi Mafia, Kendrick “Wyldcard” Dean, and EMI’s Kyle Lovett to name a few).

Those introductions led Terrell to release The Serenade in order to whet the sonic appetite of his long-time supporters.  “The purpose of the EP,” he says, “is to promote God’s love and positive energy in a new, fresh way.”

Check out the official video.

"I Don't Need Anything But You" – C. Lewis

“I Don’t Need Anything But You”
C. Lewis (2011)
ExCLEWsive Productions

Innovative hip-hopper C. Lewis reminds us that Christmas is about more than presents with his brand new mid-tempo track, just in time for the holiday.  He invites his audience to live, love, and give with sweet rhymes and the melodic R&B-seasoned hook: “I don’t need anything but you!”

This is a singer/rapper on his holiday grind, and he is so intent on getting his message out that he’s making the single available as a free download and ringtone by clicking here.

"I Will (She Will Remix)" – C. Lewis

“I Will” 
C. Lewis (2011)
Hip-hop sensation C. Lewis continues to drop great new music.  Check out this featured track, “I Will.”
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“Resurface” – SkyWay Rec

“Resurface”
SkyWay Rec
From the upcoming CD, Resurface (Available August 20, 2011)
www.skywayrec.com

The hook is, “I’ve been hard at work (work) / Watch me resurface.”  It’s more than just the hook for his brand new single “Resurface” though.  The work that Christian artist SkyWay Rec raps about is one that began with singing and playing and has grown into a ministry relevant to his generation.  Even his stage name bespeaks that, which SkyWay Rec explains.

“When I write, sing, rap or produce, I am in the clouds colliding with God in the spirit!  [The name] is the meaning of me and God connecting in the spirit to bring forth what He is saying to the world; hence the name SkyWay Rec.  It’s the best ‘wreck’ anyone could ever have!”

“Resurface” is performed alongside slick beats and production with a message that’s hip and hopeful, telling of a renewed sense of purpose.  SkyWay Rec’s purpose, of course, is to change lives, break strongholds, and rep the Father.

Resurface, the full-length CD, drops August 20th.

Sizzlin’ This Week (5/30/11) – “Judgement”

“Judgement”
Witness
From the CD, 4 Righteousness Sake – The Process (2010)
Available on iTunes

Secular-turned-gospel rapper Darnell Deshaun Woods, also known as Witness, is fulfilling his purpose.  Rap, which his pastor says stands for “reaching all people,” is his forte.

The proof is in the pudding.  In this case, the pudding is “Judgement,” through which Witness flows over layers of electric piano, wah-wah effects, finger snaps, and luscious background vocals.  Of course, all of this is after the startling intro of shrieks, sirens, and shots followed by his plea: “Father, help me get it right before You return.  I don’t want to hear you say those words, ‘Depart from me, I know you not.'”

“Judgement” is a personal and soulful track brought to us by a talented and reflective witness.

Sizzlin’ This Week (5/2/11) – “Brand Nu Lyfe”

“Brand Nu Lyfe”
C. Lewis ft. E-quipped
Available free via email: [email protected]

If you’re old enough to remember 1980’s TV, then “Brand Nu Lyfe” will definitely sound familiar.  One reason (the obvious one) is because the hip-hop track opens with a sample of the theme song from popular sitcom Who’s the Boss?  The other reason is because C. Lewis is both creative and intentional enough to merge the familiar and the foreign, thereby creating a really relatable song with a broad appeal.

In “Brand Nu Lyfe,” which incorporates rap combined with melodic singing on the hooks, Lewis and Greensboro, NC based gospel artist E-quipped (who are also the track’s producers), rap about life’s ups and downs and the hope for better days ahead.  Lewis says that amid a backslidden state, he remained connected to music, but struggled with the right concept for the theme song idea.  Once he returned to Christ, however, he experienced a renewal that caused everything to come together.

“Sometime last winter I was making beats at home, and I came across that theme song again,” he says.  “It just came to me as clear as day in the last sentence: nights are long but you might awaken to a brand new life around the bend.  With all I was and am currently going through, it serves as a very fitting reminder that in Christ, there’s always hope for a new start.”

In addition to reconnecting with Christ, Lewis also hooked up again with his friend of 10 years, Emil Goergen III, better known as E-quipped.  The two were once part of a group called Remnant Flame.  Now they’re back together, ministering through their music and giving others hope for a “Brand Nu Lyfe.”

Sizzlin’ This Week is the GMF editor’s gospel music pick of the week from her personal playlist.  Every style. Every era.

Official Music Video by K-Praise – "Count Your Blessings"

“Count Your Blessings” Official Music Video (2011)
K-Praise
I AM Records

K-Praise’s new hip-hop music video, “Count Your Blessings” is an attention-grabber for sure.  The eye-catching graphics, fast-paced transitions, and creative logo parodies will hold your interest, but it’s the lyrical flow and content that’ll have you and your mama bobbing your heads and naming your blessings right along with the young Oklahoma-based gospel rapper.

K-Praize, born Kevieion Johnson, made his recording debut in 2004, and was given his stage name (which stands for Kevieion Praising God) shortly thereafter.

The “Count Your Blessings” audio track is one of sixteen on K-Praise’s current CD release, Kingdom Certified (Reinforced).  The project is available at iTunes.  The official music video is below.