Exploring the Scope of Rap As Being More Than Music

Forty years ago, if someone asked the question, "What will be the future fad of music"? Most would have said "electronic vibes," or implied that it would be something that had to do with computer orchestration, because when anyone thinks about the future, they associate it with the advance of technology.

Absolute no one would have guessed that the future of music entailed a form of poetic vernacular that overtones a beat resonating from standard or souped-up music.

This is a style that is separated from all other trends of music. Not really standing alone, but at a deeper meaning. The reason is that it is an image of a race, the multiplicity of people united by roots and origin. Rap is the array of Afro-American culture, the extension of their language and traditions. Rap is a combination of speech and music, more clearly said, it is speech laid over music or beat. And when we claim that people are joined together through music, which means everyone on earth, rap bonds the ones close to common kinship by music and then everybody else is either welcomed or a hostile reception is given to a newcomer. What is it that draws people to rap? Is it enticing? Could be. Those not adapted into the rap scene often state that the flow of speech is too quick and it is hard to distinguish the words. Sometimes it seems rap music is only for those from the mutual cradle. Outsiders are not invited.

The classified stance of rap is urban poetry of lyrical resistance. Therefore, it is not the music for the small village, like country music is. It is the assembly of power by those unified by music in big cities. The main focus is to resist the stanch of grievances that are experienced in urban areas because misfortune and hardship is more intense and numerous there.

Rap not only speaks to the mind and passions, but it speaks to the society surrounding the people, for the interest of the people. If the words or courage to speak bold statements are not there, then the subconscious takes control and the rap lyrics kicks in, which fortifies the ego and satisfies the lusts.

With the flow of the rhythm, most people, once captivated by the beat - mainly younger ones - become absorbed and begin to clearly hear the words that may define the mood they are in that day. If the boss comes to work with a "screw you" attitude, those who are "absorbed" will "feel" the message of the words and the beat, especially when riding in a fast-moving car. There's something magical about cruising with the music turned up full-blast that has a way of enthralling the mind and providing the means of temporal escape.

Certain songs have innocent words that make an impression upon the mind, which is released later at the vending machine. Others have phrases that are catchy and when a particular artist sings them, they will remain locked in the subconscious for a long time. Other rappers have distinctive voices that certain ones find appealing or resemble the vocal tone of their own voice, which makes it easy to sing along with.

The beat comes first, and then comes the lyrics. It doesn't flow as smoothly and as sweet as classical music, not as dazzling as pop, instead, the emotion of the world's harshness is heard with a scream of pain. Someone could even state that rap is the most pain expressing style of music. Those who sing it, or it might be better described as "those who read it," not only revive their feelings, but express their emotions concerning love, as most other styles do. The message that is conveyed is about life, plagued by its many problems, especially for the Afro-American people. Rap is a musical form of remedy for pain and oppression. All the tonics of the world basically have the same goal!

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Things To Consider When Hiring A Good Band

You can hire many different types of bands for a wedding, but you should choose the right one as music is what can either enlighten or dull your event. The wrong selection of music or band might ruin the event that comes only once in a couple's lifetime. Therefore, you need to be wise in your choice on both counts.

Types of Music for Wedding

For your reception and wedding party you can select from several bands and music. There are many live bands that can perform different types of music including jazz, pop, rock, soul, swing, salsa, R & B, Bollywood music, 70′, and more. The selection of music will depend on your own taste and mood of the event. The kind of guests you anticipate to grace the event will also contribute on the decision significantly. So you need to select the music carefully and hire a band accordingly to avoid your wedding reception becoming a dull event.

Wedding Bands

Selection of a live band or Tribute band also will depend on venue, budget and atmosphere. If a band who has lots of musicians is what your choice is, then the wedding's venue must be similarly proportioned to house the band. The instruments and musical equipment should also be considered in addition to the power outlets that will be needed to power them. Big music bands will demand higher rates and if you're able to afford this cost, you can opt for a very sumptuous one.

Wedding bands that readily play salsa, swing, pop, rock, jive, Bollywood and Latino music are more suitable to the event and you should select the band accordingly. The majority of music bands also play the DJ music for free to fill the gaps created due to breaks in their performance. You should ensure that the music band you hire offers this in the contract as it is really important. A small break can cause temporary halt to wedding's proceedings; however, a DJ can enliven the party easily.

Consider the Budget

This is another important factor to consider as it contributes to the selection of your music. The more money you're ready to shell out, the better the band. If you have money to spare, then you can hire diverse music bands for different parts of a wedding event. You otherwise can stick to one single band which can play music on the reception as that is where music is required essentially. Most bands play for 2- 3 hours only and you'll have an overtime section in the contract in order that you can expand the playing time in case the occasion requires.

For a small budget wedding, you can opt for a local band which will be a cheaper alternative to the more renowned wedding bands that go around the whole country. Whatever is your budget consideration, the music needs to be excellent, if you want your wedding party to be a successful and joyous one. Before selecting a good band, do background investigation of the band you're going to engage in order to ensure a very professional performance.

Reading Staff Notation on Guitar Is Like Keeping Track of Tribbles

Remember the "Tribbles"? If you're a "Trekkie" you do. They're the little creatures that multiplied exponentially faster than rabbits. In no time flat Captain Kirk had so many of the little critters on the Starship Enterprise that he needed to give orders to numerous "Tribble trackers" to keep them contained.

Reading staff notation on the guitar is a little like keeping track of Tribbles. Just when you thought you knew where the note "E" is, you find it on another string, then another. Guitar masters know there can be six or more ways to play any given pitch.

For any given pitch, the guitar has not just one or two "alternate fingerings", but as many as six or more. Because of this, I've yet to meet anyone who can read guitar staff notation well unless they've put significant and regular time into learning it. Some guitarists assume that knowing how to read staff notation on piano or some other instrument will provide adequate preparation for reading it as a guitar player, but this is not generally true. It will certainly help, but it is far from automatic.

Why is reading staff notation so much harder on a guitar than most other instruments? This is a difficult thing to explain, but perhaps an example may help: You are a piano player. You see a middle c written on the treble clef. You know that there is only one such key to depress. Now, imagine that there are six or more middle c's on the piano, each played by a different key. (They're probably not in the middle anymore!) In fact, imagine a piano that has at least two or three different keys to produce each one of the eighty-eight pitches possible on a piano! If you know anything about pipe organs, this might be comparable to having ranks and ranks of keyboards - as many as six or eight! This is comparable to what a guitar player must do whenever reading staff notation: for any given written pitch, a decision must be made almost instantaneously as to which of several places to fret it. Yikes - it's no wonder that few people master the organ - or reading staff notation on a guitar!

Bowed string players (like violinists) may have the best idea of the complexity of this process, having four strings to choose from (five in the case of some double basses). Guitar players have six strings, which add greatly to the challenge. (Not being a lutenist, I can only imagine the challenge of reading and playing music written for a Baroque lute with twenty or more strings. No wonder tablature was the notation de jour!)

Here's the really scary part: I have only described part of the problem. Yes, there is more to confound us noble guitar players! Guitar players also have to decide which of several techniques to use to produce any given pitch. Is it a plucked note, a natural harmonic, an artificial harmonic, produced with a slide, palm muted, tapped, etc? And what if alternate tunings are employed? Then the task can become virtually impossible, depending on the complexity of the tuning.

One of my favorite jokes goes like this:

Question: How do you stop a piano player from playing?

Answer: You take away their music.

Question: How do you stop a guitar player from playing?

Answer: You put music in front of them.

Get it? You might not. It's based on a generalization but it's often true. Piano players are often good at sight-reading, while guitar players are not so good. However, guitar players are often good at playing by ear, while piano players usually less so. Taking this generalization to the extreme, piano players don't play by ear and guitar players don't read staff notation. Thankfully, generalizations aren't always true. There are plenty of piano players who can play by ear, and plenty of guitar players who can read staff notation.

How do we solve this problem of guitar players being less likely to be proficient at reading staff notation? Unfortunately, I don't think there's a simple solution. Tablature is everywhere and it is easy to learn. Staff notation is abstract and challenging to learn. The nature of the guitar makes learning to read staff notation even harder than normal. I don't think there's an easy way to solve this problem. Unfortunately it usually takes motivation, dedication, regular practice, and lots of time.

So, when you run into a guitarist who can't read staff notation well (or at all), keep this in mind: Imagine yourself in Captain Kirk's shoes and try keeping track of an ever-multiplying batch of Tribbles!

Craft Beer at Coachella 2014

April 11, 2014 marked the first day that craft beer was offered at the innovative, critically acclaimed, six times selected by Pollstar as the "Festival of the Year", known none other than the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. America's largest music festival is defined by its diversity and jaw-dropping lineup of musical genres.

Nic Adler of L.A. Vegan Beer Fest and The Roxy, was recruited to develop a tantalizing, foodie paradise within the festival foregrounds. Adler enlisted friend and craft beer advocate, Tony Yanow, (of Golden Road and Tony's Darts Away) to help assemble the festival's craft beer list. With approximately 130 beers on tap, many hailing from the Golden State, it proved brews and tunes make perfect music together.

Heineken is still the top sponsor and rocked the festival in the Heineken House, with awesome surprise artists and mash ups. This year, the whimsical and world famous festival has opted for even more. On the 15th year, the groundbreaking, genre bending festival joined the craft beer revolution by serving a savory selection of craft brews in - what's come to be known as - the craft beer barn. I first gazed upon the barn across the cloudy lawn, at the Empire Polo Field at the Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience on March 1st. I couldn't keep my eyes of it.

Located in the marketplace area, the barn supplied music lovers with some of the biggest names in craft beer. And like some of the sizzling superstars, the craft beer barn showcased some surprising cameos.

Beer has always been the drink of the masses. And when Coachelli-ans need reprieve from the dusty crowds, there's nothing more refreshing that a flavorful craft beer, in the shade.

Okay, here it is: The first Coachella music and craft beer pairings.

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - rooted in gritty rock and roll, they draw influences from punk, psychedelic blues garage rock, rockabilly, soul and rhythm and blues. Having started in 1991, long before some of the bands and DJs that performed at Coachella came to be, Spencer has helped lead American roots music. They continue to emphasize creative expression with grizzly, blues-bending riffs, raw mashups and an unapologetic attitude. With a palm tree backdrop, there were no laser light shows. But their cover of Beastie Boys single "She's On It" was fantastically down and dirty-and a little greasy too.

Pair with: Stone/Kyle Hollingsworth/ Keri Kelli Collective Distortion IPA: Stone Brewing has made its name with bold, aggressively hoppy and - you guessed it - arrogant beers, since 1996. Stone was one of the major forces in craft innovation and hardcore, flavorful beer. Thundering in around 9.2% ABV, this hop face-punch is backed by Nugget, Comet and Calypso hops and then dry hopped with Vic's Secret, a new Australian hop, cranking the citrus notes with wild abandon. Stone traced the roots of brewing to the days when Old World herbs were used to spice beers, adding coriander and elderberries. The lightly roasted golden oats balances the spicy citrus notes in a visceral, cranked out IPA. Next time you're looking for a strong and aggressive beer, just asked yourself, "Do you wanna get heavy?"

Aloe Blacc killed it in the Mojave tent. With his crisp white shirt, sharp grey vest and fedora, the Orange County native and USC graduate exuded positivity and rays of California sunshine. Having been compared to John Coltrane, the horn players danced in unison to 'Soldier in the city'. The beats lifted our spirits to new levels, while the lyrics revealed social awareness. For Blacc, "it ain't that hard when you got soul."

Pair with The Bruery, Loakal Red: This American red ale has a ton of soul. It's oak aged with citrus and floral notes. A tribute to the growing Orange County beer scene, a portion of the older batch left to mature in new American oak barrels was then blended with the fresh dry-hopped batch. There's a sugary sweetness and funky, vibrant notes. Tastes of grapefruit, caramel, orange zest, toffee and light pine reveal a full body and solid balance. Similar to Blacc's voice, the texture is silky and downright delightful.

Fishbone: The legendary good-time ska, reggae, punk, metal, funk and soul fusion L.A. band didn't disappoint fans with their indefinable energy and talent. The second weekend, the band rocked the main stage with the most earnest fierceness I've seen in years. Angelo bounced around on stage, bringing us back to the days of raucous shows in the early 90s, pumping up early afternoon Coachella-goers for another amazing day in the desert sun. The band wowed with complex arrangements featuring instruments including the theremin, saxophone, trumpet and keyboard, inspiring uncontrollable and joyous head banging.

Pair with: Drake's Denogginizer - DIPA 9.75% ABV. Like Fishbone performing live, Denogginizer is packed with flavor and has also been known to blow a few minds. The hoppy, in-your-face Double Imperial Pale Ale features a crazy amount of pungent American hops. This somewhat experimental, high alcohol brew can't be contained and will leave you wanting more. Awards: Silver 2009 Great American Beer Festival.

Or pair with Golden Road Brewing 329 Lager: Like Fishbone, Golden Road is quintessentially Los Angeles. And it's low enough in alcohol that you can drink it all day. Trombone member, Flyin Jay, expressed that many of his favorite beers are lighter in flavor. A couple of his personal favorites are Hoegarden and Leffe. When asked the same question to Moore, the non-filtered, ultimate 'Fishbone Solder', quickly snipped, "I like Guinness because it's dark, it's heavy and it's in your face."

Beck is simply one of the best performers I've ever seen. Before playing a cover of Arcade Fire's "Rebellion (Lies)," Beck told a story about how he waited in a rainy line for 45 minutes to see them perform at a bar-the same bar where he'd seen The Black Keys a year earlier. "You know, that little bar down the street sometimes has the best music. Don't forget about that little bar." After "Devil's Haircut" and "Loser," the band rearranged "Think I'm in Love." The crowd erupted in dance with his cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." He even joined Arcade Fire onstage to cover Prince's "Controversy."

Pair with: Faction Brewing, 2 Hop Collab (Nelson/Galaxy): Faction is a brewery out of Alameda that likes to do things a little differently. This is a special beer brewed as part of the experimental and educational "2 Hop Collaboration Project." Various California breweries have participated, including Alpine, Ballast Point, Beachwood, Berryessa, Drake's, Faction, Kern, Moylan's, Stone and Triple Rock. Each participating brewery used the same pilsner malt backbone and then added two hops of their choosing. The Nelson Sauvin hop is named after the sauvignon blanc grape and is grown in New Zealand. Considered by some as "extreme," it's one of the world's most unique and delicious hops. It leans toward tropical notes such as passion fruit, mango and tangerine. Similarly tropical, Galaxy has rapidly become the most internationally recognized Australian hop. Thanks to notes of passion fruit and citrus and a high alpha acid level, this versatile hop is great as a late addition in the brewing process. Beck is no stranger to experimental projects, like the "Song Reader" project, so this cornucopia of awesomeness is a Beck-appropriate craft-beer project.

Arcade Fire: Win Butler started the set by introducing two special guests in disheveled robot masks, as a slightly inferior version of "Get Lucky" began to play. But, Butler assuredly didn't need the fake Daft Punk cameo, becauArcadeFirese their set was one of the most passionate and searing in Coachella history. Butler talked about gay human rights and belted out introspection, urging people to get behind a cause. The multi-instrumentalist band played Reflektor, showing off the romantic deep grooves and grandiose rhythms.

Pair with Blazing World, Modern Times: The relatively new San Diego brewery is making waves with their complex, flavorful, hybrid styles. They were named one of the "Top 10 New Breweries" in the world by RateBeer. Blazing World has a ton of hop character and makes a presence with bursts of pine, citrus and grapefruit flavors. This effervescent brew has a fantastic complexity, but still remains well-balanced with the malt backbone. This could be confused for an IPA, but has definite amber characteristics. The use of Nelson, Simcoe and Mosaic hops play together beautifully. As with Arcade Fire, there's something for everyone with this beer.

The DoLaB's 2014 Coachella stage line up for their 10 year Coachellaversary was stunningly energetic. The Los Angeles based company specializes in interactive eveDoLaB2nt productions, sustainable art installations and limitless self-expression. Nicknamed "The Heart of Coachella", the Do LaB stage has been a crowd favorite for the last decade. With their giant water guns and cozy shade structures, it was an amazing place to cool off. The avant-garde vaudeville troupe, Lucent Dossier Experience, headlined the amazing lineup of visceral, electronic acts.

I spoke with Dream Rockwell, the cofounder of The DoLaB and the director of Lucent Dossier Experience and Russell Ward,

Both expressed their excitement that Coachella has continued to "push back the fence," in regards to giving them more room to play and express themselves.

Rockwell said, "The crowd is younger, different and there's more art every year.

Pair with Clown Shoes, Chocolate Sombrero:

Clown Shoes prides themselves on silliness and self-expression, not just on their labels, but in the beer. The multi-limbed, clown shoes wearing Mexican wrestler on the label is just a taste of what you're in for in this Mexican-style chocolate stout. Coming in at 9% ABV, the imperial stout is brewed with an intimate combination of roasted dark malts, ancho chile, cinnamon and organic vanilla extract. A sharp sweetness arrives with an interesting variety of aromas, all working quite well together. This sucker hits on all levels with nice texture, good flavor and balance.

Just some of the other featured craft beers:

Avery Brewing Company, The Reverend

AleSmith Brewing, Lil Devil

Babe's Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse, 29 Palms Pale Ale

Ballast Point Brewing, Sculpin IPA

Bear Republic Brewing, Racer 5 IPA

The Bruery, Saison De Lente (2014)

The Bruery, Oude Tart (w/ Cherries)

Coachella Valley Brewing, Kolschella

Coachella Valley Volstead IPL

Eagle Rock, ERBS IPA

Faction Brewing, Pale Ale

Faction Brewing, Winter IPA

Gigantic Brewing, Bang On!

Golden Road Brewing, Point The Way IPA

Green Flash Brewing, West Coast IPA

Great Divide Brewing, Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti

Hangar 24, Orange Wheat

La Quinta Brewing, Windy Point Wheat

The Lost Abbey, Judgment Day

Magnolia Pub and Brewery, Prescription Pale Ale

Noble Ale Works, Simcoe Showers

Noble Ale Works, Rosalita

Brouwerij Mort Subite, Kriek

Pizza Port, Ponto Session IPA

Port Brewing Company, Dawn Patrol Dark

Port Brewing, Mongo Double IPA

Wiens Brewing, Type 3 IPA

Stone Brewing Co, Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA

Smog City Brewing, Hoptonic IPA

Smog City, Groundwork Coffee Porter

Wiens Brewing, Millennium Falconers

Zipline Brewing, Oak Aged India Red Ale

Just as Beck was reminiscing about the humble beginnings of Coachella, saying, "this Coachella seemed like a good idea", the addition of craft beers has proved to be a tasty success.

Contemporary Christian Music - Godly or Worldly?

After careful consideration I have decided to publish this study on contemporary christian music (CCM) with the hopes of bringing to light the truth behind the music. It is not my intention to criticize or offend anyone or to appear self-righteous in any way. I believe we are presently living in the end age and the much anticipated return of Christ is imminent. With that being said, I also believe, because we are living in the end age, Satan is working harder now than ever before to deceive "the very elect". We must remain vigilant in protecting ourselves from the "wiles of the enemy". The apostle Paul wrote "Having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts." (2 Tim 3:5-6)

When and why was music created?

Surprisingly, music was created when God created Lucifer. Ezekiel said of Satan, "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created." (Ez. 28:13) The Hebrew word for tabrets is toph which translated means tambourine. Lucifer (Satan) has music built in him. Lucifer was given the ability to play beautiful music through his "workmanship" and to understand its purpose as well. Music is a part of who he is. Are we so naive to think that he wouldn't use what he knows best to deceive God's children? Why did God create music? God created music for His enjoyment! So we could sing praises to Him, worship Him, and give thanks to Him. (Psalm 95:1, 104:33, 150:2 Eph. 5:19) Music in the bible was always positive. It was never used in a negative way.

What's wrong with CCM?

Contemporary is a well suited word to describe this music as it includes all the various styles such as rock, jazz, blues, dance, metal, rap, alternative, new age, grunge, punk, thrash, death, gothic and industrial. Regardless of the form, the essences of all Contemporary Christian Music are the same, to share God's love to the current generation in a way that can be both understood and enjoyed. Some CCM artists are sincere but most are seeking fame and fortune. Being sincere, however, does not make it right. So how can we distinguish the contemporary music from the more traditional christian music? Simple, the beat. CCM usually has a backbeat rhythm, whether loud or soft. Emphasis on the 2nd and 4th beats or on other unnatural beats. Listen carefully for the beat. Test it by letting your body respond to the rhythm. Does it make you feel like dancing or jigging? If it does, it's the backbeat rhythm. That dance feeling is what makes backbeat music fleshly. It is the beat that activates our fleshly lusts regardless of the lyrics. Remember what Jesus said in John 4:24; "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." No mention of us worshipping Him in the flesh. Following is a quote from a former Satanist concerning beats, "I am very sensitive to the beat in music, because when I was a boy I played the drums during our village worship rituals. The beats I played on the drums was to get demonic spirits to enter people. When I became a christian, I rejected this kind of beat because I knew the damage that was being done. When I turned on a christian radio station in the United States I was shocked. The beat I used to play to summon evil spirits was in the music I heard on the christian radio station." There are many testimonies about summoning evil spirits through beats and drums and it's no wonder that many artists are drug addicted and practice homosexual lifestyles including CCM artists. There are many CCM artists that are proud self-proclaimed homosexuals such as Tonex, Ray Boltz, Marsha Stevens, Jennifer Knapp, and others. As we know, this kind of behavior is detestable to God but yet, churches all over the country, all types of denominations, continue to play their music as an offering to our Holy God. One of the major problems I believe in churches is the lack of discernment and judgment. The attitude is "if it sounds good let's play it!" This attitude is the same attitude expressed in the satanic bible, as their motto is "do what thou wilt".

Supporters of CCM have two main arguments when defending their music. First is the need for change. They claim that teenagers and young adults no longer respond to the traditional "gospel" music and the church needs to stoop to their level to reach them. And that sounds good but what are you reaching them with? The church has taken what was described earlier as fleshly or worldly music and slapped some weak lyrics to it and call it Godly music. I'll talk more about the lyrics later. CCM is nothing more than well-disguised rock or pop music. That's why young people are so attracted to it. Not because of the lyrics but because of the rhythm or beat. We know this is true because when asked, young people admit they like rock or pop music because of the beat and many times they don't even know or can't understand the lyrics. If we really need to stoop to the sinner's level to reach them, where will it stop? Should the church build a liquor store so to reach the alcoholics? Maybe the church should open a strip club as to reach the people involved in smut. Putting worldly music in church does not make it anymore christian music than christian porn.

Secondly, CCM supporters ask how can songs with Godly lyrics be evil or demonic? Let us look at some CCM songs that are on top of the christian music charts. Mandisa put out a song titled "Overcomer" that hit number one on charts.

Staring at a stop sign

Watching people drive by

T Mac on the radio

Got so much on your mind

Nothings really going right

Looking for a ray of hope

Whatever it is you may be going through

He's not gonna let it get the best of you

You're an overcomer

Stay in the fight 'til the final round

You're not going under

'Cause God is holding you right now

You might be down for a moment

Feeling like it's hopeless

That's when He reminds you

That you're an overcomer

Everybody's been down

Hit the bottom, hit the ground

Oh, you're not alone

Just take a breath, don't forget

Hang on to His promises

He wants you to know

The same man, The Great I Am

The one who overcame death

Is living inside of you

At first glance, these lyrics appear to be good. And these lyrics are typical of most CCM artists. Very positive and uplifting. It certainly makes you feel warm and fuzzy doesn't it? I have a couple of questions... where's Jesus? Where's the Blood? Where's the message of salvation? How does this song bring glory and honor to our Lord? We can give these lyrics to a Muslim or a Buddhist and they would have no problem with it because they both believe in God. The one thing that makes us, as Christians, different is our belief in the redemptive, sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. And a great majority of CCM songs steer clear of that subject. Why you ask? Because this is a business. This is how these artists make their living. They sing what's popular and acceptable to the majority. The super popular band Third Day's lead singer, Mac Powell, said in an interview, "Also another thing that God's been teaching me is the unity of the body of Christ. He really wants us to join together. He says, "Just as I have loved you, you must love one another." So it's time that we tear down denominational walls and time that we tear down racial barriers and social barriers and things that separate us and come together hand in hand and start loving one another. That's when the world is going to know who we are. They're going to know who we are by our love for one another. That's what the Lord's been teaching us and wanting us to share with people."

That certainly sounds good and many Christians have jumped on their bandwagon but what does the bible say about this? Jesus said He came to separate people, "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law" (Matthew 10:35) What did Jesus mean by this? He simply meant that the truth of His message would divide people. He would rather we separate because of truth than to unite in error. If you are like me, I have often wondered how the antichrist would be able to unite all the religions of the world and form one religion. I now know how that is possible; by teaching tolerance. By tearing down denominational walls and living in unity with each other. Jesus said "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34) We, as true Christians need to stop looking for "peace on earth" and start speaking and teaching the truth. Our peace will come when our Savior returns! Have you ever noticed that the disciples and apostles never had peace with the world? They also suffered tremendously but the majority of today's Christians have total peace with the world and believe that they shouldn't suffer at all? Getting back to the lyrics. Most CCM lyrics purposely leave out the message of Jesus because it's offensive to some people. How can they sell their music to people they offend? This is why most CCM lyrics have a spirit of tolerance in them. Jesus clearly said that His message was going to separate people and cause division. To try and mend the division is nothing more that ecumenism. By definition ecumenism is "A movement promoting worldwide unity among religions or denominations." This is truly the work of Satan. CCM artists that promote peace among religions and strive to tear down denominational walls, which is most of them, are working to achieve Satan's goal, which is to unite the world's religions into one. This dear brothers and sisters is the spirit of antichrist. Let's look at another song that made it to number three on the billboard charts. "Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets.

I don't know where to go from here

It all used to seem so clear

I'm finding I can't do this on my own

I don't know where to go from here

As long as I know that You are near

I'm done fighting I'm finally letting go

I will trust in You, You have never failed

[chorus]

If there's a road I should walk

Help me find it

If I need to be still

Give me peace for the moment

Whatever your will

Can you help me find it

I'm giving you fear and You give faith

I'm giving You doubt

You give me grace

For every step I've never been alone

Even when it hurts, You'll have Your way

Even in the valley I will say

With every breath You've never let me go.

Once again the lyrics are not blatantly false or evil, however, there's no message here. Never does the song say who "He" is. We could infer that He is Jesus or God or we could replace he with Allah's name or any other name and it would make perfect sense. My point is, CCM artists do this on purpose so that any denomination or any religion for that matter can identify with it. Songs like these cannot possibly please God because there's no praise, worship, reverence or even acknowledgement of God. They are simply worldly songs with a hint of religion poked in them. This is a spirit of tolerance that is attempting to "set aside" our differences and only focus on similarities. How much tolerance did Jesus have for the Pharisees or Sadducees? Absolutely none! He continued to speak the truth of the Gospel regardless of who it offended. He never tried to co-exist in peace with beliefs or doctrines that were in error. All forms of offerings, including music that we give to the Lord should be worthy offerings. Any offering that is fleshly or worldly will be rejected by our Holy God. Worldly music with religious lyrics is still worldly music and should be left in the world and not offered to our God.

Furthermore, when visiting the websites of these ultra-famous CCM artists, I noticed there was something missing. There's absolutely no mention of salvation. No prayer to guide you through salvation; no explanation of the salvation plan and no offers of help. You won't find anything but an order form to buy music and t-shirts and a schedule of their concerts so you can buy overpriced tickets. Actually, it's exactly the same as any worldly rock band's website! I challenge you to visit video websites such as YouTube and watch clips of these concerts. You'll find screaming teenage girls on the front row shouting their devotions and admirations for these guys. EXACTLY like a rock concert! Some of these CCM bands are worshipped like Elvis or the Beatles were. How can this be Godly? These artists, and I use that word cautiously, must be of the world to be that popular. Because Jesus said, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you; for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26). Jesus also said, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." (John 15:19) I can only come to the logical conclusion that these bands are of the world. John wrote in 1John 2:15, "Love not the world, neither the things of the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

The apostle Paul wrote, "Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" (2Cor 6:14) When we yoke ourselves together with the world we are actually coming into agreement with what they believe. The ultra-famous Christian metal band Jars of Clay, perform with self-proclaimed Satanist Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy, as many know, was the guy who used to chew the heads off live bats during his concerts. So, we have a so-called Christian group doing concerts with Satanists. Can any music they produce bring glory or honor to God? As I said before, many of these CCM artists are searching for fame and fortune with no regard for God's Holy Word. Jars of Clay named Jimmy Hendrix and the Beatles as their inspiration. Amy Grant said, "I love to hear Billy Joel, Kenny Loggings and the Doobie Brothers". The band Delirious said, "Our musical heroes are U2, Radiohead and Blur". The group Deliverance performs songs by secular rock groups. Their "What a Joke" album has the song "After Forever" by the vile, blasphemous, pagan rock group Black Sabbath. These CCM artists are nothing more than wolves in sheep clothing. And they have no place in our churches. Many CCM songs chart on rock and pop charts. This should tell us that the world accepts and approves of their music. According to John 15:19, anything the world approves of should not be in our churches.

As I have already stated, I do not have the desire to offend or disrespect anyone. However, if the truth of this message offends or angers people, then it couldn't be avoided. Our goal as Christians should be to please and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in truth and spirit. We are called to separate ourselves from the world; not incorporate the world in our churches.

Da Rich Kidzz Release My School Bus Is My Limo Service Video

You may remember last year when the rap music video for "Hot Cheetos and Takis," by a group called Da Rich Kidzz, started floating around the Internet. If not, I'll just say it features some very hip middle-school students dancing and rapping about after school snacks. While there's no shortage of rappers endorsing products for free, this particular example feels a little different because of the age of the performers and their surprising skill. Are these kids honestly that passionate for spicy corn-based snacks? Or, is the video a creative attempt at subtle product placement?

I did a little research and found out that not only are these kids' talents definitely being used for marketing purposes, but also this commercial isn't the only instance. A Kmart sponsored production of Da Rich Kidzz features a song called "My Limo" in which the children confuse their school bus driver with a limo service.

At first glance, it would be easy to believe that Da Rich Kidzz are actually just really excited to go back to school. That would mean the chorus chant, "My school bus is my limo," is an earnest feeling of pride about looking cool on the way to school. Between hooks, the video features individual kids rapping about their clothes in a way that mimics well-known hip hop terminology in an all-ages appropriate way. One girl brags, "this baby she got back-pack," while advertising buzz phrases like "back to school style" and "shop your way" are voiced throughout the performance.

Though not initially apparent from the groups' Vemeo page, other links explain that the video (and presumably the song production) was paid for by Kmart, in a rather well done example of guerrilla marketing.

It seems that pretending the school bus is a limo service works for the company's back to school advertising campaign as a way to project an image of confidence and success that middle school students are looking for in their clothing choices. The relationship to public schools, and the fact that Kmart is a relatively affordable department store, sort of confuses the issue. At one point, while one young man is repeating "my hoodie for a hunnie," we see two performers posing with a 10-dollar bill and a giant gold ring in the shape of a K. This, according to the flow of the verse, translates directly to "getting mad props, every single day."

It might be easy to deride this song as inauthentic because it confuses children to think that an affordable department store brand offers luxury and style.

On the other hand, the kids in the video seem like they're having a lot of fun. If it helps kids get excited about going to school by pretending the school bus is a limo service, then it might be a really good thing. In reality, it's a great example of talented kids expressing themselves artistically in a wholesome way. Regardless of who paid for the camera crew and studio time, it seems like a pretty good campaign to me.

The Guide to Buying Beats Online

If you are a starting-up rapper or artist and don't have any beat making programs, then you have to find someone else to create your beats. Which is fine! Not everyone writes their own music and lyrics, so don't feel down. There are many options with the access of the internet. With these sites, you are able to choose any of them and then you buy beats! Plain and simple. There are a couple of categories when it comes to buying beats: social, membership social and entrepreneurial.

Social is what it sounds like. Producers who are on a limited budget use cost friendly means to promote their beats which is: social media. One of the most used is SoundCloud. SoundCloud has a free plan for musicians and artists to upload music to and share. I've seen a number of producers present their beats this way. An excellent and effective and a great way for a simple way to share to other social media platforms. It's easy to reach out to those producers and ask to buy beats online from them. I'm sure they won't turn you down!

Another place to look for to buy beats online is MyFlashStore. MyFlashStore is a website that provides the tools for producers to sell and promote their beats while tracking sales and providing coupons and discounts. It's a great all-in-one solution for the low-budget artist and producer. Their site is set up like a social network but gives you the opportunity to buy beats from producers. This is a great way to gain relations with other producers and see what kind of beats are available out there.

The last option on the list is going the independent route. There are many producers out on the internet that have built and pursue their own beat businesses online. Searching the web for those websites are quite easy and there are quite a few to choose from! Some use MyFlashStore or Soundclick (another social media beat selling site) but there are a few who have their own domain names and hosting plans. These are the beat makers who work hard every day and earn what they make regardless of the amount they sell them for. If I were to choose any, I'd choose this option. I believe in the mantra of staying "local".