After the music stops CC2 review

For the past week I’ve been reflecting on the recent Lecrae concert Church Cloths 2. Featured artist were Christon Gray, Kierra Sheard, Thisl, and Lecrae. The crew at Fearless Entertainment are all pros and every show I’ve attended they do a class A job. My hats off to team Fearless Entertainment I’m looking forward to more great productions from them.

It was my first time hearing the first 3 artist in concert and I wasn’t disappointed, they all just brought my Ipod to life. I got there early as I had vip tickets, stood in line took a couple pictures with Kierra as well as Lecrae. We had to give our camera phones to the crew that was helping out with the event which that was no problem, but when I got my phone back and went to look at the shots the one with Lecrae was missing, I guess the camera man didn’t know how to operate my Blackberry as he was shocked that someone even owns one Lol. I even thought about taking one with Thisl at the end of the concert but my battery was dead. Thanks Blackberry!

We had a great blend of styles with varying camps represented first up was Collision Records Christon Gray. You may be familiar with him featured on the track “Rejects-Church Clothes”, “Ex Nihilo-Hero’s for Sale” and one of my favorite albums W.L.A.K. Christon Grays soulful smooth style was on point. My man Thisl was “Ready” and so was the crowd. I was kinda hoping he started off with his track “Sparta” but that was me just being a selfish old head, he knew how he wanted to deliver and who am I to say what tracks you should open with. I will be referencing the Full Ride owner later. Then there is Stellar award winning singer and songwriter Kierra Sheard, she has such a powerful voice and she glorifies God with her gifts. God is truly “Indescribable”

Church Clothes 2 just released as a free download at the beginning of the month, as of today the album has reached 148,039 downloads. And within three days of release of the non dj version ranked #2 on iTunes behind Eminem. I’ve seen Lecrae in concert now multiple times and the one they called “crae z” always goes hard. Before the show began as I stood waiting I had that conversation about Christian hip hop and redeeming the genre and all that goes with it and as the Lord would have it Lecraes opening line spoke to that same thing we were discussing. If i didn’t know any better Lecrae was in the audience with me and the other gentlemen I was speaking with.

Let me state for the record this review is as much about the show but the challenge Lecrae gave at the end of it. So to my readers keep this question in mind “After the music stops what next?” “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.” Mat 28:18-20

I’m in my late 40’s, have a family and in sales. But for me all that I am and who I represent is of the utmost importance. My relationship with Christ comes first, and the more I encounter people in my daily activities the more I realize people are looking for authentic Christianity. And there are some out there that are just going to flat out reject Christianity. There is an army of “Unashamed Soldiers” out there who are excited. Every one of these artist have and continue to challenge the listeners to prepare themselves to live and engage their environment.

A few weeks ago Thisl did an interview with Wade O on his show and a few things stood out one I wish to highlight here. Thisl said ” we can’t count on reach records to propel the genre” ” what will it take for the CHH to grow? Currently we are at infancy stage” . When I first arrived at the concert waiting for the show to begin the first thing I noticed was the size of the crowd, now don’t get me wrong before the night was over it was standing room only. Yet there was something else that nagged at me and it was the fact that to the north of our venue a secular artist was performing at the palace and ruff estimates I’d say the crowd was 10 to 1. Again this isn’t a jab, nor am I saying that we should be comparing ourselves to others, as we find in Hebrews 13:5 keep your life free from the love of money , and be content with what you have, for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. With confidence we say, The Lord is my helper I will not fear; what can man do to me. Yet what I find within CHH are brothers and sisters attempting to reach those that can identify with themselves in a culture they’ve grown up in that is in desperate need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. So when I look at those numbers and simultaneously I take to heart what Thisl, Lecrae and others have asked. What will it take? I left that concert mind racing with thoughts and ideas excited. Wanting to find ways that I could do my part to help propel a genre but more importantly share the gospel with a culture who often will say “real recognizes fake”

http://www.iamthisl.com, http://www.iamkierrasheard.com, http://www.collision-records.com, http://www.reachrecords.com, http://www.wadeoradio.com