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8B RELIGION/S^e Cl^arlone $ost Thursday, March 16, 2006 Holy hip hop makes play for ears and souls of young By Victoria Elmore mE CHARLOTTE POST Tfeens are embracing a new genre of clean rap with posi tive mess^es. Holy Ghost Explosion, an event for teenagers, was held last week at Emanuel Church of All Nations on South Pond Boxdevard. Christian rap artists such as Tawana Ross, who was host of the event and producer Cmdai, among other artist performed in front of many young people who showed up to have a good time. Holy hip hop, better known as Christian rap or gospel rap, has been around since the early 1990s. It is a form of hip hop that is centered aroxand Christian themes and faith. Many Christian rap artists convey lyrics about their past experiences prior to becoming a Christian, to let yoxmg people know that God brought them out. Other artists rap about their life as Christians. In the end, the messages are all positive and the lyrics hfl up the artists’ faith. Michael Stanfield, the co leader of the Youth IVfinistry at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and team leader for Holy Culture Ministry, has a positive outlook on holy hip hop. He feels anyone is wel come to listen the music and attend the events. “A church member could bring you to a holy hip hop event. At the end of the event, they ask you if you are saved,” Stanfield said. He stressed that the pur pose of the question is not to embarrass young people, but to extend the opportunity to be saved in a warm manner. “It’s not about pressuring teens, but simply sharing the Gospel in another way It’s very inspiring.” Tfeens learn a lot about music and themselves at holy hip hop events. Stanfield said that young people who involve themselves in the concerts learn how to appreci ate a different genre of music other than secular rap music. “Tfeens will have the ability to continue to love the music becaixse it is music with a pxupose,” he said. Stanfield started a founda tion called Words of ^^^dom and he bases the principles on a basic formula: “First thing they do is hear the beat. Second, they hear and repeat the lyrics,” Stanfield said. ‘Tf what they learn, hear, and repeat is based on scripture, how can we go wrong7’ Many Baptist churches hold holy hip hop events, Stanfield said, as a positive atmosphere for teens to dance, fellowship, andmin^e with other young folk their age. Rev. Casey R. Kim brough, pastor of Moxmt Carmel Baptist Church, is optimistic about the events and feels that it is a great place for teen^ers to go. He even allows his teen-aged son to att^d. “The holy hip hop events usually take place in the gymnasium of a church. It’s a very positive atmos phere, I’ve been there,” Kim brough said “It’s a lot better than clubs.” Holy hip hop shows are tar geted to ages 12 to college students. The event serves as a place to fellowship with other believers and mentor ship for teenagers who can look up to rap artists who aren’t following BET. ‘T think the entire recre ation of the culture serves as mentorship process. It gives young people the oppcsrtunity to create their own culture,” Stanfield said. Every holy hip hop event begins with a warm welcome. “Every event opens with standing fraise and worship. Then the artists come and perform their hip hop beat,” Stanfield said. “AH lyrics are based on scripture.” Mary Mary share life experiences Continued from page 5B times try to get in the way but we want to always do what is pleasing to Him,” Erica said. “Mary Mary” is an album about life experiences and the messages that come out of them. The sisters want listen ers to enjoy their music but also acknowledge the words. They said lhat there are mes sages of hope, faith, peace, andjoy in words. “God’s sovereignty is the message of oxu* album. Don’t just listen to the beats,” Tina said. ‘'We take our time with our lyrics, so don’t get caught up in the music.” Tina and Erica are dedicat ed to their careers but they take on a daily task that they consider more important - family time. ‘We spend time with our children and hus bands. It gets hard, but you have to work haid. at what you do,” Erica said. “Family is a God-ordained order. We wouldn’t be right on stage if we didn’t get it ri^t at home.” There is a time to stand still and a time to act; the gospel sisters have learned to discern between the two. On track nine of their latest album, Erica and Tina sing of acknowledging God’s desire for his people to realize He’s in control, therefore they can rest. The sisters find the time between traveling and relax ing with family to get alone with God. ‘You have to make the time, it won’t present itself You have to prioritize and we try to do it, “Tina said. While traveling and staying up late, the artist finds time to read her Bible. Tburing has been a time an excitement for Mary Mary They said that hanging out with Franklin has been thrilling. ‘Tt’s been a lot of fim. We’ve been following him for years,” Tina said. Erica feels that she and Tina vibe with Franklin. ‘We have a similar purpose in that we want to affect young people. It’s a part of who we are,” she said. The sisters said they don’t serve a boring God. This is a truth that they want the world to know, especially teens. “When young people go to concerts, they want it to feel like a party And we like to party,” Tina said. “But we don’t compromise the God we serve while having fun.” The gospel artist feels that having a good time is not a bad thing, but there are lim its. ‘We enjoy ourselves like God wants us to do and wear nice clothes,” she Tina said, “But we aren’t naked.” Gay activists arrested at Va. college Continued from page 7B permitted on campus, saying he would not allow his school to be used for a media event aimed at raising money for gay rights. “Neither will we permit them to espouse opinions or otherwise suggest behefs or lifestyles that are in opposi tion to the morals and values that this institution pro motes,” he said in a state ment issued earlier. 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