Tobymac Donates 100% Off His Royalties Of 'Get Back Up' Single To Haiti Relief
(1/28/2010)As we near the street date for TobyMac's upcoming album TONIGHT, (Feb. 9/Forefront Records), iTunes® has teamed up with the GRAMMY Award ® winner and 2010 nominee, and is offering an exclusive opportunity to purchase and download a new single every week leading up to the release of TONIGHT.
This week the single is "Get Back Up," and due to the devastation in Haiti, TobyMac has decided to donate 100% of his artist royalties from first week sales to relief efforts. Proceeds will be divided up amongst the Hands and Feet Organization, Restore Haiti, and Compassion International.
"The world is responding in a beautiful way to this tragedy haitians are experiencing," he says. "If I am going to create art that speaks of compassion than I must live that out. I wanted my new release "Get Back Up" to benefit Haiti in their tragedy and I am blessed to use my music to help as your purchase becomes our gift. "
To purchase the single go to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/get-back-up-single/id349759576
For information on the relief efforts and these organizations, visit:
http://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/disasterrelief.htm?referer=105910
http://www.restorehaiti.com
http://www.handsandfeetproject.org
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KJ-52 Sets Out To Find 'Modern Day Heros'; Co-headline Tour With Group 1 Crew
(1/21/2010)After releasing his popular "Five-Two Television" last fall, KJ-52 is seeking out "Modern Day Heroes." He is joined by Group 1 Crew for the upcoming co-headlining tour the "Modern Day Heroes," which will kick off next month, February 2010. This tour will be filled with vertical rhymes, high energy dance moves, and possibly even a few surprises. As with all things that KJ-52 is involved with, this will not be the average concert, but include elements to reach out to the local youth and "heroes."
The "Modern Day Heroes" tour involves two facets making this an unique experience for those attending. First, those fans that purchase their tickets online will have entry into a pre-show Firestarter Bible Study. Secondly, fans can nominate a local "Modern Day Hero" in each market online powered by HearItFirst.com at www.moderndayheroestour.com. The chosen "Hero" will have free access to the show and be honored by KJ-52 and Group 1 Crew.
Local "Hero":
This person needs to exemplify dedication to ministry, his or her community, and others around the area. The selected hero will be honored in their city when the "Modern Day Hero" tour hits their town. Nominations for the heroes can be made online by clicking "Nominate Your Hero."
Firestarter Bible Study:
KJ-52 and Group 1 Crew will implement and lead a Firestarter Bible Study walking through the book of Luke for local youth groups in each tour market. Interacting on a spiritual level and studying scripture prior to the concert is for those that purchase tickets prior to the show online. Purchase tickets at www.moderndayheroestour.com. By purchasing tickets online, your name will be on the Will Call list granting entry to the study.
Tour dates are being revealed daily at www.moderndayheroestour.com. The tour is sponsored by Compassion International and Hearitfirst.com.
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Tobymac & Skillet Join Forces For Awake Tonight Tour
(1/20/2010)In what many are already calling one of the best line up's in the history of Christian touring, two of the industry's biggest acts, SKILLET & TOBYMAC, have joined forces for the AWAKE TONIGHT tour this spring (see dates below).
Sure to be an evening of pure adrenaline and energy, the tour will hit over 20 cities throughout March and April, kicking off on March 5th in Indiana (current tour routing below). Both John Cooper of Skillet and TobyMac recently spoke about the fun they'll have out on the road together and their excitement about the tour in CCM Magazine's new digital issue, featuring TobyMac on the cover, which can be seen at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/salem/ccm_201001/
"Every year people say this is the "must see" tour," comments Awakening Events' Dan Fife, who is promoting several shows on the AWAKE TONIGHT tour. "This Spring the TobyMac & Skillet pairing has created the ultimate concert EXPERIENCE. With two headliners on the same stage, that have this much energy to offer night after night, all I can say is go get a ticket. You don't want to be the unlucky person that spends the rest of their life wishing they were there."
With all three of TobyMac's solo projects receiving GRAMMY® nominations, and his live CD/DVD taking home a GRAMMY® award, the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist is now celebrating his fifth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination with his new single, "City On Our Knees" receiving a nod for Best Gospel song. The track will be included on TobyMac's February 9th release, "TONIGHT," and has topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at #1 on the Christian Audience Chart.
Each of TobyMac's studio releases, "Momentum" (2001),"Welcome to Diverse City" (2004), and "Portable Sounds (2007)," were awarded RIAA Gold Certification, with "Portable Sounds" making his highest solo debut ever on the Billboard Top 200 chart (No. 10), and hitting No. 1 on SoundScan's Contemporary Christian Overall chart in its first week with over 50k in sales. Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits, being named the GMA Dove Award's 2008 Artist of the Year, and R&R's Christian CHR Artist of the Year in 2007, TobyMac was nominated for a 2007 American Music Award as Favorite Inspirational Artist. His song "Ignition" was also chosen to play during the 2009 Superbowl as The Arizona Cardinals entered the stadium in Tampa, FL. For more information on TobyMac, go to: http://www.tobymac.com
Skillet's latest, AWAKE, continues to propel the incredible momentum the rock outfit has going for them with a blockbuster debut at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200, selling over 67,000 units and peaking at No. 1 on iTune's "Top Albums" chart and "Top Rock" chart. Already over 300k in scans in just 20 weeks (more than double that of the GOLD selling COMATOSE), AWAKE was Amazon.com's best selling Christian CD of 2009, and boasts the No. 4 mainstream Active Rock single in the country with "Monster," which was also AOL Music's No. 4 mainstream rock song of last year, and the No. 1 Christian CHR & Rock single, "Hero," which has been used all season long by the NFL in their, Sunday Night Football and NFL Weekend Kickoff promos.
Skillet has toured with the likes of mainstream megastars Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Seether and Flyleaf, and headlined a slew of major Christian festivals, all followed by solo tours that ranked within Pollstar's Concert Pulse Top 50 Tours. Along the way, the two-time Grammy®-nominated alternative rockers also scored seven consecutive number one Christian radio singles, a 2008 GMA Dove Award for "Rock Song of the Year," and a 2009 nomination for Artist of the Year. Along with a trio of singles on Billboard's Mainstream Rock charts, a pair of BMI Songwriting Awards, and being chosen as Reader's Poll favorites on several top ccm websites, they also released their first ever concert CD/DVD combo pack "Comatose Comes Alive."
For more information on Skillet, go to: www.skillet.com
###
AWAKE TONIGHT TOUR (ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE):
3/4 Aurora, IL ACS Gymnasium
3/5 West Lafayette, IN Elliot Hall of Music University of Perdue
3/6 Valparaiso, IN ARC at Valparaiso University
3/7 Murray, KY RSEC at Murray State University
3/12 Evansville, IN Roberts Stadium
3/13 Bristol, TN Viking Hall
3/18 Lancaster, PA Giant Center
3/19 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
3/20 Johnstown, PA War Memorial Auditorium
3/21 Toledo, OH Lucas County Arena
3/25 Tallahassee, FL Civic Center
3/26 Ft. Meyers, FL Germain Arena
3/27 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheater
3/28 Auburn, AL Beard-Evans Memorial Coliseum
4/1 New Orleans, LA UNO Lakefront Arena
4/2 Tyler, TX Oil Place
4/3 Jackson, MS Mississippi Col
4/9 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena
4/10 Lynchburg, VA Liberty University
4/11 Asheville, NC Civic Center
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New TobyMac Song 'ShowStopper' Available Now
(1/19/2010)TobyMac's new record Tonight releases February 9, 2010 and is the highly anticipated follow up to the best-selling album Portable Sounds. Continuing Toby's unique ability to blend musical influences Tonight has an amazing mix of rock, pop, urban and hip hop sounds and styles. It features the smash hit single "City On Our Knees" which has topped the radio airplay and digital single charts faster than any other TobyMac single.
iTunes' Countdown to Toby's new record has begun! Starting today you can download a new single every week leading up to the release of Tonight. The pounding track "ShowStopper" kicks things off and is available now, "Get Back Up" comes Jan. 26th, and "Funky Jesus Music" drops on Feb. 2nd. Along with the new songs, you can also get a free podcast video for each song every week. And on release date Feb. 9th, you can complete your album for a special price.
In addition to the regular version, you can also purchase the Limited Deluxe CD+DVD Edition on Feb. 9th which features 3 new bonus remixes, behind the scenes footage and Gospel Music Channel's Faith and Fame. Click here to pre-buy the Deluxe Edition at Amazon.com.
Tonight Limited Deluxe Ed (Bonus Dvd) (Dlx)
Toby will be heading out on tour with Skillet this Spring. Click here to see a full listing of tour dates.
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John Reuben's Sex, Drugs and Self-Control Lands December 22nd
(12/19/2009)Just in time for Christmas, SEX, DRUGS AND SELF-CONTROL, the latest project by Gotee recording artist John Reuben, hits stores December 22.
For a few more short days, Gotee is offering a special Christmas deal at the official Gotee online store. With any pre-order of SEX, DRUGS AND SELF-CONTROL for a special $7 price, you receive a free copy of Reuben's 2007 CD Word of Mouth.
Produced with long time collaborator and drummer Seth Earnest, SEX, DRUGS AND SELF-CONTROL balances struggling with tough topics with simple observations of daily life. Boasting a full lineup from Reuben's home state Ohio, the album was written and recorded in his Columbus studio, all musicians (aside from an appearance from friends Deas Vail) are from, and all videos were created, there.
With live instruments and drum loops, Reuben achieves a sound that suggests the influence of artists like Beck and the Dust Brothers. His personality once again sets this album apart lyrically and brings it to life. At times broodingly dark and at other times the life of the party, SEX, DRUGS AND SELF-CONTROL gives listeners a glimpse of who he really is.
"My goals artistically are so intertwined with what I'm experiencing spiritually that it's impossible to separate the two," explains Reuben. "I'm most creative when I feel close to the heart of God. It's only then that certain spiritual disciplines seem freeing and inspiring instead of restricting. It's only in that place that spiritual disciplines feel like an authentic expression instead of rigid censorship. In a lot of ways this record is a confession of faith and lack thereof."
SEX, DRUGS AND SELF-CONTROL is available everywhere December 22, 2009, through Gotee Records.
Track listing:
Jamboree
Radio Makes You Lonely
Burn it Down
In the Air
Paranoid Schizophrenic Apocalyptic Whisper Kitten
Town Folk
Confident
Everett
No Be Nah
So Sexy For All the Right Reasons
Joyful Noise
CD Release tour dates:
12/31 – Columbus, OH
1/9 – Hickory, NC
1/10 – Huntersville, NC
1/13 – Peoria, IL
1/15 – Franklin, IN
1/21 – Akron, OH
1/23 – Brookville, PA
www.gotee.com
www.johnreuben.com
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Winter Jam 2010 Announces Huge Tour Schedule
(12/11/2009)5th Largest Tour Worldwide - Pollstar Magazine
Recipient of the 2009 Impact Award - Gospel Music Association
#1 Christian Tour of the Year - Gospel Music Channel
And this year, it's about to get even better! The Winter Jam 2010 Tour Spectacular is coming to over 40 cities! We can't wait to come to a city near you!
1/8/10 Chattanooga, TN McKenzie Arena
1/9/10 Fayetteville, NC Crown Arena
1/10/10 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
1/15/10 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Memorial Coliseum
1/16/10 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
1/17/10 Atlanta, GA Arena at Gwinnett Center
1/22/10 St. Charles, MO Family Arena
1/23/10 Champaign, IL Assembly Hall
1/24/10 Des Moines, IA Veterans Memorial Auditorium
1/28/10 Reading, PA The Sovereign Center
1/29/10 Cleveland, OH* The Wolstein Center
1/30/10 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center
1/31/10 Norfolk, VA Scope Arena
2/4/10 Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati Gardens
2/5/10 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
2/6/10 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
2/11/10 Augusta, GA James Brown Arena
2/12/10 Mobile, AL USA Mitchell Center
2/13/10 Greenville, SC BI-LO Center
2/14/10 North Charleston, SC North Charleston Coliseum
2/18/10 Roanoke, VA Roanoke Civic Center
2/19/10 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena
2/20/10 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
2/21/10 Nashville, TN The Sommet Center
2/25/10 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
2/26/10 Dallas, TX American Airlines Arena
2/27/10 Oklahoma City, OK The Ford Center
2/28/10 Kansas City, MO The Sprint Center
3/4/10 Macon GA Macon Coliseum
3/5/10 Tallahassee, FL Leon County Civic Center
3/6/10 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Arena
3/7/10 Memphis, TN FedEx Forum
3/11/10 Fort Wayne, IN Allen County Memorial Coliseum
3/12/10 Moline, IL iWireless Center
3/13/10 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
3/14/10 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
3/18/10 Tupelo, MS* BancorpSouth Center
3/19/10 Little Rock, AR* Verizon Arena
3/20/10 Bossier City, LA* CenturyTel Center
3/21/10 Wichita, KS* Intrust Bank Arena
3/25/10 Grand Rapids, MI* Van Andel Arena
3/26/10 Ypsilanti, MI* EMU Convocation Center
3/27/10 Normal, IL* Redbird Arena
3/28/10 Louisville, KY* Freedom Hall
*Artists vary. Visit www.jamtour.com for more details.
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Lecrae's "Altered Minds" Tour blends Christian Rock and Rap
(9/24/2009)Following a successful run of the "Don't Waste Your Life" summer tour, Reach Records recording artist Lecrae presents a mix of Christian Rock and Rap music this fall on the "Altered Minds Tour." Launching on October 1, the tour will travel to 26 cities along with Christian Rock bands MIKESCHAIR and After Edmund as well as Lecrae's labelmates Sho Baraka and Tedashii, who will join the tour in October and November, respectively. www.reachrecords.com/alteredminds provides more details.
Returning from Sydney, Australia's largest Christian Event, Big Exo Day, it's been a busy time for Lecrae since releasing 'Rebel,' the highest debuting Christian Rap album on Billboard charts. Collaborating for the first time with MIKESCHAIR and After Edmund, the tour was birthed out of the desire to represent unity within the Body of Christ. Representing four varying styles of music from two genres and an array of cultures, the "Altered Minds Tour" will come together like never before to platform music with solid ministry infused throughout each night.
Maintaining his role as President of Reach Records and ReachLife Ministries, Lecrae's extensive traveling schedule remains committed to spreading the Gospel by sharing his Christ-centered, transparent experiences, messages and music. The Dove Award nominated artist released his junior album titled 'Rebel' last year and continues to appear on music charts. Peaking to the No. 1 position on Billboard's Top Gospel charts, No. 2 on Billboards Top Christian & Gospel Album chart and No. 3 on iTunes' mainstream Top Rap/Hip Hop album chart, learn more about Lecrae, his music and ministry at www.myspace.com/lecrae
With roots in Houston, TX, Tedashii brings a distinct flavor to the industry. Appearing on the "Altered Minds Tour" in October only, Tedashii's sophomore album, 'Identity Crisis,' peaked to the #2 position on the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album offers up a satisfying slab mixtape-style hip-hop featuring heavy-hitting club fare that, even while resembling more secular material, contains a powerful, spiritual message that is undoubtedly worship-oriented. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/tedashii
Canadian-bred Sho Baraka was introduced to hip hop at a young age. Living in Southern California during the height of gangsta rap presented its challenges to many youth, as well as Sho. Since collaborating in music ministry since college with Lecrae, Sho Baraka has since released his debut album 'Turn My Life Up' which explores what it means reflect who we are as believers in a culture that needs the Lord. Appearing on the "Altered Minds Tour" in November only, Sho Baraka is set for his sophomore release of Lions and Liars in 2010, stay tuned to www.myspace.com/shobaraka for more information
Born out of an impromptu jam session in a Belmont University dorm room, Curb Records recording artist, MIKESCHAIR has been cranking out tunes since its freshman formation six years ago. MIKESCHAIR has turned a viable corner with their self-titled debut album featuring the worship-driven single "Can't Take Away" and their latest single "Let the Waters Rise." For more information about MIKESCHAIR, visit www.myspace.com/mikeschair
Georgia alt-rock band After Edmund (named after the Edmund character in C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia) has been electrifying the regional scene and beyond since 2001, touring tirelessly and refining a potent alternative sound. Slanted Records' After Edmund is Grammy and Dove Award nominated for their debut record 'Hello.' For more information about After Edmund, visit www.myspace.com/afteredmund
For tickets and to learn more about the "Altered Minds Tour," visit www.reachrecords.com/alteredminds or email press@reachrecords.com
OCT 1 - HARRINGTON, DE
OCT 2 - EAST NORTHPORT, NY
OCT 3 - WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH
OCT 4 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
OCT 16 - SNYDER, TX
OCT 17 - TEMPLE, TX
OCT 18 - COLD SPRING, TX
OCT 19 - SAN ANTONIO, TX
OCT 21 - OMAHA, NE
OCT 22 - FOREST CITY, IA
OCT 23 - ROCKFORD, IL
OCT 24 - CINCINNATI, OH
OCT 29 - LYNCHBURG, VA
OCT 30 - LANCASTER, PA
OCT 31 - YORKTOWN, VA
NOV 5 - PIPPA PASSES, KY
NOV 6 - JACKSON, TN
NOV 7 - BAKER, LA
NOV 8 - BOAZ, AL
NOV 12 - PRINCETON, KY
NOV 14 - HATTIESBURG, KY
NOV 18 - AUSTIN, TX
NOV 19 - CARLSBAD, NM
NOV 20 - ABILENE, TX
NOV 21 - TYLER, TX
NOV 22 - MEMPHIS, TN
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KJ-52 Releases 24 Track Five-Two Television
(9/22/2009)Hip-hop extraordinaire, KJ-52, releases his newest adventure, "Five-Two Television," on BEC Recordings. This being one of his most ambitious projects to date, it features a massive 24 track-listing (24 tracks mirroring 24 hours in a day) as well as a star-studded list of guest appearances. "Five-Two Television" was co-produced by Aaron Sprinkle and KJ-52.
Those appearing on "Five-Two Television" include Theory Hazit ("Headline News At 5"), Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch ("Let's Go"), J.R. (Cross Movement Records "Calling You"), Braille ("Headline News at 11"), Da T.R.U.T.H (Cross Movement, "Swagged Out With Tags Out"), Manwell and Blanca Reyes of Group 1 Crew ("Firestarter") and Funky ("Fuego").
A project filled with many "channels," KJ-52 engages his fans with a four-act spoken-word biography, a free "mix" tape with purchase of the CD, and much more. KJ-52 has always been about sharing the Gospel and diving into Bible Studies with his fans, and this album is no different showcasing his heart for the youth. You can check out his "Firestarter" Bible studies here http://www.kj52podcast.com/.
KJ-52's debut single from this project "End of My Rope" is currently charting at Christian Rock gaining momentum. It is currently sitting at No. 17 and has several CHR stations spinning as well.
The release of the new album today is followed with media acclaim. KJ-52 has been featured on the recent cover of Crossroad Magazine (digital found here http://www.crossroadmag.com/), as well as an interview on JesusFreakHideout.com (http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/interviews/KJ-52_2009.asp) and a podcast with DJ Wade O this past weekend (listen here). CBN Nightly News is also running a special segment on KJ-52 tonight (8-10 pm ET) on www.cbnnewschannel.com. Reviews are talking about the maturity and relevance of this project -- check out what is being said:
"KJ-52 is just as sly behind the mic as he is at delivering off the chain hip-hop explosions."
--ChristianMusicToday.com
"Five-Two Television will be making a run for best rap album of the year. Now hip hop fans have no reason to not pick up this stellar release."
--JesusFreakHideout.com
"THIS is the KJ-52 album I've been waiting years to hear. Five-Two Television is a true return to form for the talented emcee."
--C.E. Moore, TheChristianManifesto.com
Already on the road is the Pillar Confessions Tour, which features KJ-52 along with Run Kid Run. For upcoming tour dates and cities, check out KJ-52's website (www.kj52.com).
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Word Entertainment Annouces Partnership With Universal Studio's Rock The Universe
(9/9/2009)Word Entertainment announces a partnership with the No. 1 movie and television-based theme park in the world, Universal Studios, via its "Rock the Universe Sunday Bonus Concerts" event, to be held Sunday, Sept. 13 at Universal Studios Florida. In promotion of the event, Word has implemented a comprehensive consumer campaign to both raise awareness of and provide attendees with the ultimate concert experience.
Featuring an all-star line-up of Word Label Group artists including BarlowGirl, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets & pureNRG, the "Rock the Universe Sunday Bonus Concerts" series marks the first time that Universal Studios has extended its annual Rock the Universe music festival to a three-day event. Hosting the Music Plaza Stage on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 1:00 pm -6:00 pm, Word Entertainment will additionally use the opportunity to celebrate BarlowGirl's forthcoming Sept. 8 project, Love & War, with a CD release concert for fans.
To promote the concerts, Word Entertainment will be advertising through direct mail, the Internet, at artist shows, and will team up with regional Chick-Fil-A restaurants for artist visits to eight Orlando locations. Furthermore, Word partnered with WAY-FM for an on-air Fly-Away promotion, offering two lucky fans and all-expense-paid trip to the event. Additional information on the "Sunday Bonus Concerts" and VIP tickets are available for purchase at any of the following artist web sites: Barlowgirl.com, group1crew.com, Sidewalkprophets.com and Purenrgonline.com.
"Rock the Universe is among the most highly visible platforms for Christian music today, and we are grateful to them for selecting Word artists to headline the festival's first-ever additional day of concerts," says Leigh Holt, vice president of branding and merchandising for Word Entertainment. "We are also excited to offer our fans an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime artist experience through our VIP packages and appreciate all efforts on behalf of Chick-Fil-A and Way FM to help us publicize the promotion and event."
For more information on Rock the Universe and the "Sunday Bonus Concerts," visit: www.rocktheuniverse.com
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Benjiman Returns With A New S.K.R.I.P.T., New CD Oct. 6th
(8/18/2009)Save the City Records has announced the October 6, 2009 release of veteran rapper Benjiman's sophomore CD, S.K.R.I.P.T. (Spreading Kingdom Realities In Perilous Times).
Produced by Brandon Bee (Amber Pacific, Jaime Jamgochian, Stacie Orrico) and featuring collaborations with Sparrow Records recording artist Shawn McDonald and indie artist Paul Wright (formerly of Gotee Records), S.K.R.I.P.T. is already garnering favorable reviews.
"This is a very tight and professional release, with a nice contrast between heavy, rock-oriented rap and smooth, soulful hip-hop," says Christian music website JesusFreakHideout.com. "Benjiman...is putting out music that can compete with the best, and it's great to have him back."
Although there's no denying that Benjiman easily falls into the "rap" category, elements of his music take it beyond that simple classification. Building on an R&B foundation, he adds in "rapcore" elements, creating an extraordinary fusion of R&B, rap and rock. Throughout the project, Benjiman sprinkles captivating tales about ordinary people he has encountered. In the leadoff single, "Back Home," co-written and produced by Wright and mixed by Jeff Frankenstein of the Newsboys, Benjiman compares human suffering to the suffering of Christ as he tells a story about a man who has lost his job. In "Stones" (featuring vocals from special guest McDonald), he sets a vision of how God works in our everyday lives against a backdrop of funk and folk music. Producer Brandon Bee brings his guitar virtuosity to the project, turning the blowtorch up on "Our Spot" and "Smokescreen," and R&B/Gospel drummer Sam Mathews (Bryan Duncan) adds a fresh funky feel on "Stones" and "System." To top it all off, legendary mastering engineer Steve Hall ("American Idol," Madonna, Earth Wind & Fire), gives the project a world-class sheen.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Benjiman was inspired by Christian rock pioneers Petra and dcTalk. He found a passion for reaching people through music and began his career performing around his small hometown of Lacomb, Ore. One day he received a call to rap for a little-known band named Callbox, who later changed their name to Kutless. On that group's first album, Benjiman rapped on a song called "Pride Away," which led to further collaborations with Kutless and Falling Up. Eventually, he signed a recording contract with BEC Recordings in 2004 and his first solo release, Activate, climbed the charts with the Top 10 hit single, "Trace of Love" and the Top 20 hit, "Activate." That project paved the way for several nationwide tours and a myriad of festival performances.
Now a familiar face at big festivals nationwide such as Creation, Spirit West Coast and Joshuafest, Benjiman says he feels called to reach out to the churched and the unchurched. "Rap is a universal language that opens doors to many audiences," he says. "My ministry is to reach kids who no one else will talk to. After my live appearances, I often end up talking to kids with troubled pasts; they gravitate toward me. I'm able to show them that they are not alone and that the Lord loves them. I have met with kids who were going through serious trouble. Somehow they came to one of my concerts, and God ministered to them through the lyrics."
Benjiman's S.K.R.I.P.T. will be available on Save the City Records, a division of Rain On Me Productions, LLC, and distributed through Bema Distribution. For more information on Benjiman and his new album, S.K.R.I.P.T., visit savethecityrecords.com.
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