Grace & Mercy Magazine Banging Beats

THA REPRESNT'A"

Darnell "Tha Represent'a" Alexander is a weapon in the "Hands of God". This committed, ordained minister lays it all on the line for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and strives to bring a message full of life, awareness and compassion to a generation full of doubt, lust and hate.

Throughout his life, "Tha Rep" has always been inspired to encourage when others around him chose to discourage. At a very early age it was apparent that he was called and purposed to serve the Lord through musical evangelism for such a time as this. His ministry is a beacon of light in a time where brother betrays brother to death, where mothers are killing their own children and where fathers no longer exist.

With a heart determined to reach this generation, “Tha Rep” uses hip hop and his skills as a rapper committed to ministry to spread the love of Christ to youth and young adults everywhere. Songs such as “Lord Help Your Children” illustrate this solider for Christ’s commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Alexander states, “All you have to do is think about the goodness of the Lord and all that He has done and you will regain your composure, regain your strength and once again you’ll become motivated to continue to seek the Kingdom of God.” In seeking the Kingdom, “Tha Rep” is determined to see souls saved, lives changed and the glory of the Lord revealed to this generation.

"Tha Rep" is not just a rapper, he's a speaker, a preacher, a mediator, a former soldier (8 years active in the USMC), a father, a husband, a brother, a Missions Director at his home church Turning Point Worship Center (www.tpwc.org), a leader, an entrepreneur (Co-CEO Crown of Life Media and Design) and he's the founder of the 10 year strong street ministry team of (Missouriino Family Ministries/USUG United Souls Unto God).

For more information about Darnell “Tha Represent’a” Alexander or to purchase his music, visit him online at www.myspace.com/tharepresenta. For booking information contact Katapult Entertainment Group at www.katapultent.com.

JAZ

Justified and Zealous (J.A.Z.) is a fitting name for a man of this Caliber. Being born into a broken home, crippled by drugs and deception, only aided in his family's conversion to Christ, leaving nothing but praise for the Lord. He, Jamaine D. R. Herbert, having experienced the worst imaginable situations first hand, from being a foster child, to the loss of his mother to aids, now has a true reverence for the new life. You may see J.A.Z. as an emcee, however there is so much more to this man of God. He has been blessed with the spirit of evangelism, passed down through his father, who single handedly led most of his family to Christ. God has bestowed upon him the mantle of a public speaker and teacher.

J.A.Z. is very critical when it comes to his flows, line patterns and over all feel of his words. Each verse spills from his mouth in a rhythmic collage of passion, love, faith, and worship. His speech is courageous but humble with his quick word play, and witty approach to song writing; he has been acclaimed as one of the finest artists to ever grace the Mic. He can be heard on a number of projects currently circling the Christian market. It is very likely that if you ask any Christian Rap fan about J.A.Z., they will not only know him but will have been impacted by his ministry.

*projects currently available at www.justifiedandzealous.com

BRYANT SMITH

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Bryant is the son of a classically trained vocalist mother and church organist father. His initial training began in church and was molded later in the tutelage of the Brooklyn BoroWide and All-City Choruses only to discover a new passion: HIP-HOP. As a result, Bryant strives to establish a performance ministry using singing and rapping.

He also has a knack for telling stories and creating images with his music. Thus, his urban Gospel sound is developed but not finished because "God is not done with me yet"

Shine aka Tory McAlister

Born in Grand Rapids Mi, Shine aka Tory McAlister has been a product of the hip hop culture, since it ( hip hop) was in its infant stage. Growing up on the S.E. side of GR, Shine never observed the urban community as one would from the outside, but as one being cultivated in it. Thus all the challenges as one who grew up on the block faced, he faced. The only child in a single parent home, mom working two jobs(seriously), your typical tale of an MC, Shine would have a lot of time on his hands to meditate on why things were the way they were. Just as anyone gifted in the arts, Shine would start out drawing graffiti, designing characters for clothes (an getting paid), later dancing for local rap groups around GR in various shows.

After witnessing a number of lunchroom MC battles, Shine would try his hand at writing rhymes. Forming and joining rap groups, Shine would soon be established as an local MC. But as one who observes, he would realize that hip ho p couldn't deliver what it was he searching for and something was still missing from his life,that something or Someone was God. In July of 1997, Shine would surrender his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Soon after Shine would be rapping at various churches and events around West Michigan. Married with children, Shine and his wife Tashika have orchestrated a number of Christian hip hop events, such as RessurWreck and Sub-Missions. Shine is currently the host of an online radio show called “RessurWreck Radio” which can be heard at www.resradio.net. The show features interviews, topics and the latest hip hop on the net.

ADVOCATE

With a desire to make quality Hip Hop music that has an impact on the listener to take action in their life, Advocate has rocked crowds from as small as 20 to as large 5000. Advocate made it into the final round of the legendary Showtime at the Apollo talent competition at the Paramount Theatre that showcased the Northwest's most promising talents.

Inspired by the many musical art forms such as Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Gospel, Rhythm and Blues, and even country, the Advocate fuses together the familiar and the sacred. A true lover of music and lyrics, he's been writing poetry and songs since the awkward age of 12 where like most young MC's, a love for Hip Hop was cultivated early in childhood.

Driven by the pain that is witnessed in the youth culture of hopelessness and conformity, the Advocate's desire is to create music that is both foretelling and forth telling, breathing life in a time when so many are speaking death.

A veteran of numerous festivals, concerts, and shows, the Advocate aims to make each show a memorable musical experience and journey of emotional of highs and lows. The goal of his writing is to bring joy as well as healing to the listeners worldwide with music that people of all ages can grab a hold to.

As a writer, producer and composer, his love for creativity has birthed a great desire to raise up musical innovators and be a change agent for this present Hip Hop culture. He is of the firm belief that passing the baton and empowering others in their talents and abilities is paramount.

Talent and ability mean nothing when mis-handled. The Advocate's heart's desire is to set an example of how's it's possible to operate in excellence instead of mediocrity and maintain the trueness to the form, vision and mission.