Check out a new interview with Trip Lee on his new album Between Two Worlds, which is in stores today!

Marlins left fielder and former NL Rookie of the Year Chris Coghlan was in a hitting slump this season, so he decided to switch up his batting routine.  Coghlan began listening to Lecrae’s “Rebel Intro” before each at-bat, and the rest was history. “I changed it up to Lecrae…I love his ministry and he’s a good dude,” Coghlan says. 

You can read the entire article on Chris Coghlan here

You can purchase Rebel here

We are overwhelmed at the response and support around the album!  Some of you have gone searching for the Lions and Liars album at Walmart only to come up empty handed.  To help the search, you can now look through the list below and find which Walmart store near you has it.  It’s not in every single store across the nation, but the ones below are stocking them.

To use the list:
1. Find your state (they are in alphabetical order)
2. Then find the city/suburb you recognize closest to you
3. After that you can just plug the store number into google and it will bring up a link on the Walmart site (i.e. search for “Walmart store 2070” to get the one in Anchorage.  Is anyone in Anchorage buying the album?!)

You can share the link to this post with anyone you know that is trying to find it at Walmart.

2070 ANCHORAGE AK
2074 WASILLA AK
2188 EAGLE RIVER AK
287          JASPER AL
301          GADSDEN AL
423          ALABASTER AL
434          HUNTSVILLE AL
604          DOTHAN AL
691          FORT PAYNE AL
733          VALLEY          AL
764          BESSEMER AL
934          DAPHNE AL
1091 ANDALUSIA AL
1101 WETUMPKA AL
1201 GARDENDALE AL
1212 SARALAND AL
2306 NORTHPORT AL
2713 BIRMINGHAM AL
4318 MILLBROOK AL
4330 CHELSEA AL
4333 FAIRHOPE AL
4407 MONTGOMERY AL
5113 PELL CITY AL
5174 SEMMES AL
5262 PELHAM AL
4 SILOAM SPRINGS AR
5 CONWAY AR
11 MOUNTAIN HOME AR
16 VAN BUREN AR
24 JACKSONVILLE AR
36 PARAGOULD AR
58 RUSSELLVILLE AR
100 BENTONVILLE AR
119 BATESVILLE AR
125 FORT SMITH AR
141 FORT SMITH AR
157 SEARCY AR
468 TEXARKANA AR
530 EL DORADO AR
2575 CONWAY AR
2587 CABOT AR
3331 PINE BLUFF AR
1230 SHOW LOW AZ
1563 LANCASTER CA
1574 BAKERSFIELD CA
1588 VICTORVILLE CA
1879 BARSTOW CA
1983 CERES CA
2030 SONORA CA
2032 OXNARD CA
2277 CLOVIS CA
2537 REDDING CA
2557 BAKERSFIELD CA
2568 PANORAMA CITY CA
2886 PICO RIVERA CA
2952 MURRIETA CA
2960 LOS ANGELES CA
3934 SALINAS CA
5032 BUENA PARK CA
5435 SAN JOSE CA
953          LOVELAND CO
984          CASTLE ROCK CO
1896 COLORADO SPRINGS CO
3227 MONUMENT CO
3382 PUEBLO CO
547          PLANT CITY FL
649          TITUSVILLE FL
705          MOUNT DORA FL
944          CRESTVIEW FL
1082 JACKSONVILLE FL
1083 JACKSONVILLE FL
1086 SAINT CLOUD FL
1104 INVERNESS FL
1223 TALLAHASSEE FL
1225 ORANGE PARK FL
1362 DESTIN FL
1375 MARIANNA FL
1501 TAMPA FL
2114 CHIPLEY FL
2740 TAMPA FL
3307 CRAWFORDVILLE FL
3308 MIDDLEBURG FL
3387 NORTH PORT FL
3439 NAVARRE FL
3527 PORT SAINT LUCIE FL
3702 JACKSONVILLE FL
4520 TALLAHASSEE FL
5035 MULBERRY FL
5037 YULEE FL
5266 HUDSON FL
5326 OCALA FL
5455 PALM BAY FL
588          ALBANY GA
594          FAYETTEVILLE GA
614          LA GRANGE GA
615          CARTERSVILLE GA
639          BRUNSWICK GA
754          STATESBORO GA
787          RIVERDALE GA
864          VIDALIA GA
1047 MORROW GA
1112 THOMASTON GA
1122 TOCCOA GA
1184 STONE MOUNTAIN GA
1340 LITHONIA GA
1458 FORT OGLETHORPE GA
2475 CONYERS GA
2630 JESUP GA
2860 POOLER GA
2890 MACON GA
3201 MCDONOUGH GA
3205 LITHIA SPRINGS GA
3389 SNELLVILLE GA
3403 DALLAS GA
3471 KENNESAW GA
3709 ATLANTA GA
3750 WARNER ROBINS GA
3874 DAWSONVILLE GA
4200 COLUMBUS GA
5151 ROME GA
5173 DALTON GA
5252 LOGANVILLE GA
5363 LOVEJOY GA
4256 AMES IA
3472 POST FALLS ID
3739 NAMPA ID
196          CARBONDALE IL
197          MACOMB IL
216          MARION IL
481          MATTOON IL
891          STERLING IL
828          PLAINFIELD IN
1026 BEDFORD IN
1304 WARSAW IN
1378 GOSHEN IN
1639 ROCHESTER IN
1647 DECATUR IN
1655 CRAWFORDSVILLE IN
1667 WABASH IN
1728 ANDERSON IN
1783 PRINCETON IN
1962 KOKOMO IN
1991 BLOOMINGTON IN
2276 LA PORTE IN
2311 HUNTINGTON IN
3435 GREENWOOD IN
4216 COLUMBUS IN
4235 TERRE HAUTE IN
72          PITTSBURG KS
370          WELLINGTON KS
484          LAWRENCE KS
558          SALINA KS
592          DERBY KS
794          HUTCHINSON KS
993          MCPHERSON KS
2428 NEWTON KS
3492 WICHITA KS
655          MADISONVILLE KY
665          CAMPBELLSVILLE KY
689          SOMERSET KY
692          DANVILLE KY
694          HENDERSON KY
719          RICHMOND KY
739          MIDDLESBORO KY
1113 LONDON KY
1139 MOREHEAD KY
1247 HAZARD KY
1426 ASHLAND KY
1743 HARLAN KY
2628 LEXINGTON KY
3363 OWENSBORO KY
75          PINEVILLE LA
87          MINDEN LA
307          WEST MONROE LA
331          SULPHUR LA
376          BOSSIER CITY LA
505          DERIDDER LA
935          DENHAM SPRINGS LA
3288 BATON ROUGE LA
2027 LAVALE MD
1611 FORT GRATIOT MI
2567 GRANDVILLE MI
3328 GREENVILLE MI
1632 ALEXANDRIA MN
1722 MARSHALL MN
3498 BLAINE MN
3624 MONTICELLO MN
9 SIKESTON MO
14 LEBANON MO
21 ST ROBERT MO
46 BOLIVAR MO
59 JOPLIN MO
61 WARRENSBURG MO
89 CAMDENTON MO
96 HARRISONVILLE MO
101 ROLLA MO
184 BLUE SPRINGS MO
188 CAPE GIRARDEAU MO
189 KIRKSVILLE MO
234 KANSAS CITY MO
319 RAYMORE MO
2221 SPRINGFIELD MO
4381 BRANSON MO
5261 PINEVILLE MO
5313 LAKE ST LOUIS MO
105          CORINTH MS
112          STARKVILLE MS
365          PEARL MS
495          COLUMBUS MS
501          LAUREL MS
848          SOUTHAVEN MS
981          MERIDIAN MS
2939 RICHLAND MS
1956 BILLINGS MT
2455 GREAT FALLS MT
3933 KALISPELL MT
515          MURPHY NC
877          MONROE NC
1034 SHELBY NC
1209 LINCOLNTON NC
1237 ERWIN NC
1298 JACKSONVILLE NC
1300 NEW BERN NC
1322 LEXINGTON NC
1552 SALISBURY NC
1662 STATESVILLE NC
2005 KANNAPOLIS NC
3503 THOMASVILLE NC
3864 JACKSONVILLE NC
4274 DENVER NC
4499 ZEBULON NC
1565 WILLISTON ND
1567 DICKINSON ND
1636 MINOT ND
598          KEARNEY NE
867          SCOTTS BLUFF NE
1326 GRAND ISLAND NE
1460 HASTINGS NE
1585 NORTH PLATTE NE
549          HOBBS NM
4201 EDGEWOOD NM
1673 CANANDAIGUA NY
1966 GENESEO NY
1973 LAKEWOOD NY
1976 HORSEHEADS NY
1993 BROCKPORT NY
1407 LEBANON OH
1427 CIRCLEVILLE OH
1448 ASHLAND OH
1539 MANSFIELD OH
1564 NEW BOSTON OH
1595 MARYSVILLE OH
1718 FINDLAY OH
1812 WOOSTER OH
2149 MT VERNON OH
2197 CORTLAND OH
2914 MASSILLON OH
3502 HAMILTON OH
3792 LANCASTER OH
3840 FINDLAY OH
5184 CANAL WINCHESTER OH
5471 MANSFIELD OH
10 TAHLEQUAH OK
12 CLAREMORE OK
22 PRYOR OK
28 MIAMI OK
31 POTEAU OK
41 BARTLESVILLE OK
90 GROVE OK
103 SHAWNEE OK
121 OKMULGEE OK
129 ARDMORE OK
137 STILLWATER OK
231 ADA OK
472 BROKEN ARROW OK
544 DEL CITY OK
622 OKLAHOMA CITY OK
975 DURANT OK
1116 DUNCAN OK
1597 TULSA OK
3295 BROKEN ARROW OK
4241 STILLWATER OK
5071 LAWTON OK
1775 LEBANON OR
1880 COOS BAY OR
1889 LA GRANDE OR
2029 MEDFORD OR
2477 ROSEBURG OR
1591 HARRISBURG PA
1823 HANOVER PA
1886 MECHANICSBURG PA
2019 UNIONTOWN PA
2340 EPHRATA PA
574          SURFSIDE SC
628          SUMMERVILLE SC
638          GAFFNEY SC
795          BARNWELL SC
1030 LANCASTER SC
1382 GREENWOOD SC
3733 TEGA CAY SC
4583 GREENVILLE SC
5487 TRAVELERS REST SC
1520 ABERDEEN SD
1535 SIOUX FALLS SD
1538 BROOKINGS SD
1543 SPEARFISH SD
1604 RAPID CITY SD
2990 MITCHELL SD
93 COVINGTON TN
94 MILLINGTON TN
104 MILAN TN
120 HUMBOLDT TN
175 COLLIERVILLE TN
335 JACKSON TN
393 JACKSON TN
477 SODDY-DAISY TN
599 KINGSPORT TN
657 COOKEVILLE TN
663 ATHENS TN
672 ALCOA TN
675 UNION CITY TN
680 GREENEVILLE TN
698 CLEVELAND TN
724 JEFFERSON CITY TN
1080 JOHNSON CITY TN
1248 MEMPHIS TN
1318 KNOXVILLE TN
1319 KNOXVILLE TN
1320 KNOXVILLE TN
1376 HENDERSONVILLE TN
1469 CHATTANOOGA TN
1561 MEMPHIS TN
1606 HIXSON TN
2065 KNOXVILLE TN
2932 KNOXVILLE TN
3659 CHATTANOOGA TN
3660 CHATTANOOGA TN
3835 OOLEWAH TN
4223 MARYVILLE TN
5196 MEMPHIS TN
131 MOUNT PLEASANT TX
140 LUFKIN TX
163 NACOGDOCHES TX
194 BAYTOWN TX
214 JASPER TX
275 LIVINGSTON TX
297 PORTER TX
322 BRYAN TX
345 PALESTINE TX
371 GRANBURY TX
384 LUMBERTON TX
408 PORT ARTHUR TX
417 SULPHUR SPRINGS TX
421 DECATUR TX
462 ALVIN TX
471 LANCASTER TX
536 ABILENE TX
601 SAN ANGELO TX
602 SPRING TX
610 STEPHENVILLE TX
703 TOMBALL TX
744 HUMBLE TX
746 TEMPLE TX
752 PASADENA TX
755 AMARILLO TX
765 SAN ANTONIO TX
777 WEST ORANGE TX
804          MINERAL WELLS TX
807          N RICHLAND HILLS TX
861          LUBBOCK TX
896          GRAND PRAIRIE TX
918          MARSHALL TX
927          PLAINVIEW TX
1186 LIBERTY TX
1198 SAN ANTONIO TX
1232 BELTON TX
1279 HOUSTON TX
1313 SAN ANTONIO TX
2123 TEXARKANA TX
2239 SAN ANTONIO TX
2667 DALLAS TX
2718 HOUSTON TX
2980 FORT WORTH TX
2991 CEDAR PARK TX
3274 N RICHLAND HILLS TX
3284 ARLINGTON TX
3285 CEDAR HILL TX
3296 HOUSTON TX
3383 AMARILLO TX
3390 THE WOODLANDS TX
3391 SCHERTZ TX
3425 HOUSTON TX
3431 HUDSON OAKS TX
3432 DESOTO TX
3510 PEARLAND TX
3572 PEARLAND TX
3888 SAN ANTONIO TX
4279 MIDLOTHIAN TX
4299 LUBBOCK TX
5045 TOMBALL TX
5091 CYPRESS TX
5116 LA PORTE TX
5416 ARLINGTON TX
5479 PFLUGERVILLE TX
1292 CHRISTIANSBURG VA
1302 NORTON VA
1763 BLUEFIELD VA
1852 WOODBRIDGE VA
2089 BRISTOL VA
2761 POUNDING MILL VA
3265 YORKTOWN VA
5253 CHESAPEAKE VA
2101 KENNEWICK WA
2269 YAKIMA WA
2317 BREMERTON WA
2403 PUYALLUP WA
2476 COLLEGE PLACE WA
2539 VERADALE WA
2549 SPOKANE WA
2865 SPOKANE WA
2947 VANCOUVER WA
3380 PASCO WA
3525 PUYALLUP WA
5041 BONNEY LAKE WA
5272 POULSBO WA
5462 VANCOUVER WA
1447 SUPERIOR WI
1571 MUKWONAGO WI
2828 MILWAUKEE WI
1351 BECKLEY WV
1360 FAYETTEVILLE WV
1477 SUMMERSVILLE WV
1714 FAIRMONT WV
2083 MORGANTOWN WV
3215 MORGANTOWN WV
4423 MARTINSBURG WV
5319 MAC ARTHUR WV
3778 CASPER WY

Through our 116 family we have raised over $30,000 for Haiti relief through the concert, video, and single thanks to partnership with Desiring God and Lampmode.

If you didn’t make it to the show in Minneapolis, now you can watch a huge chunk of the concert in crispy HD video.

Having trouble seeing the video click here

If you want to purchase the Far Away single on iTunes click here

or click here to purchase the Far Away music video + mp3 bundle

Brand new video for Lecrae’s track “Far Away”!  Written specifically to raise awareness and money for relief work in the earthquake shattered region, the video features footage from the ground in Haiti and of the recent concert in Minneapolis where $20,000 was raised.  Help us give more!

Buy the song here on iTunes or other online outlets.

Buy the high quality video here and also get the song mp3 with it

Produced by Desiring God in partnership with ReachLife, Lampmode, and Reach Records.

All proceeds from the sale of this song and video will be given away.  Donations are going to Churches Helping Churches (http://www.churcheshelpingchurches) for their work in helping the local church in Haiti provide relief to their communities.

You can also help support by buying Lampmode’s “Hope for Haiti” shirt here:

Last Friday, we teamed up with ReachLife Ministries, Lampmode, and Desiring God to put on a concert raising money for Haiti.  At the end of the night $20,000 was given!

But that was just the beginning.  We can’t stop there, let’s keep it going.

Today we are releasing the song from the event called Far Away.  It’s available from iTunes right now and all the proceeds from the sale of the track will go to Haiti relief, specifically Churches helping Churches which aims to empower the local churches in Haiti to be centers of relief and hope in Jesus for their community.

Click here to get it on iTunes

Please buy it, share it, tweet it, status it, email it, and whatever else you can think of.  Let’s see how much we can raise!

Use this short link to easily share: http://bit.ly/a1sxJg

Two shirts added to the storefront as part of the “Renew Your Mind” series based on Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Rom 12:2 (ESV)

Set your mind on things above…

Check out the latest addition to the 116 clothing lineup.  Our UNSHMD hoodie features a roman theme design, custom 116 hood tag, and super soft prints.  Get yours on the storefront!

Click here to grab a hoodie

Did you pre-order EnterMission?  As a thank you for putting trust in the project, we sent out most of the pre-orders on Friday!  Some of you have already received it in the mail. (We are waiting on the rest of the vinyl shipment, so some of the deluxe orders will not go out until the 22nd.)

If you want to order the album, go here

DJ Official’s “EnterMission” officially drops in stores and online December 26th

You can listen to the singles, read about the album, and create your own version of the album cover here

Rapzilla.com did an interview with Sho Baraka while he was on the road.  Check it out below for updates on what he’s up to in ATL, his church, and his upcoming album Lions and Liars.

All of us are on a mission.

To reflect the heart of DJ Official’s album, we chose a passport theme for all of the EnterMission artwork.  Those of you getting the physical CD will notice that idea throughout all of the packaging, not just the cover.  It’s a reminder that we are on a journey bigger than our own selfish desires and a reminder that we have somewhere to go in this life, not merely a physical location but a spiritual commission, because opportunity to reflect Jesus exists everywhere.  Our mission is active at all times, in all locations. 

Today you can personalize the EnterMission cover and get your own passport for the mission at our new site for the EnterMission Agency.  Upload your own photo, change some of the info (hint: don’t put your real address, have fun with it), and share it with friends or download to use it for whatever you want.  It’s your souvenir as an agent of change in this world.

This is some of our favorite packaging and the site is a great way to encourage others and spread the word about the project.

Click here to see the site and get your own passport!

Album drops Dec 26th online and in stores

For the month of December get the 13 Letters DVD Curriculum for 30% off!  Give someone a gift that unpacks God’s Word.  ReachLife is also selling the Before You Die gospel tracts for $3 a piece, and the 13 Letters Bundle kit with the DVDs, Leaders Guide, and 10 Student Guides.

Click here to order

Click here to check out a sample lesson of 13 Letters

Here it is!  The first single from DJ Officia’s long awaited debut, EnterMission.  Listen below and be encouraged to show off God’s glory to the world!

Show Off (ft. Lecrae & Flame)

From time to time we will start posting some videos created by the 116 community around the globe.  This first one features typography set to To Live Is Christ by Trip Lee from the 13 Letters album. 

In the song Trip dissects the book of Philippians and Jacob Shoettle did a great job bringing those words to life.

Have a video you think would be good for a 116 Vid post?  Let us know in the contact section. 

The song is part of the 116 Clique 13 Letters album, as well as part of the 13 Letters curriculum.  Go here to check out a sample of the curriculum that can help you and your group understand Paul’s letters in the New Testament!

After multiple tracks on multiple Reach Records projects, we thought to celebrate the upcoming album EnterMission from DJ Official, we could take a look back at his history with Reach.  So far you can credit 15 tracks over the years to his production starting with “Stand Up” from the 116 Compilation Album, and running all the way through our latest release “Identity Crisis” from Tedashii. 

Check out the iTunes iMix we’ve created.  It’s all 15 tracks in one spot.

EnterMission drops Dec 26 featuring all new music from DJ Official.

We just added 6 shirts to the storefront including the highly request Don’t Waste Your Life tour shirt and a restock of the Who Is Like Him shirt.  Available in high quality 100% cotton, Men’s and Women’s sizes. 

Get them while you can

Here is an unofficial music video for Lecrae’s track “Go Hard” featuring Tedashii!  Big thanks to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (Kevin Adamson and team) for pulling this off and doing an incredible job.  Shot in Queens, NY.

LECRAE:: GO HARD from Adamson.TV on Vimeo.

“Sunday is just one day….”

My boy Mac The Doulos once said “Sunday is just one day, hey I’m a christian all the time. I’m on mission”.  Ever since I heard that line, it has stuck with me and the truth behind this line. For those who haven’t heard it (hopefully you will).  It’s going to be on my upcoming album “EnterMission”, where we deal with the topic of being missional.  One might ask, “What does it mean to be missional?” Being missional means to use your everyday walk, talk, behavior, in such a way that people are affected by the gospel message. It’s by you and what you do.  Just like people are sent overseas to communicate the gospel to people who don’t know it, we as christians are commanded in the bible to do the same thing in our own backyard.  In John 17:18 it says “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world” (ESV).  Now he didn’t send it just to send us, but he sent us with the purpose of sharing the gospel to those around us.  Both far and near.

When I was presented with an opportunity to do an album. I wanted to make sure that it would impact people and they could use it to better help in their everyday walk.  As my friend Miguel and I were speaking about a subject, we came up with the idea of doing an album based on missions.  Now when many people think of missions they think some small town in the middle of nowhere, where they have to travel long hours to get too. Though that is needed I wanted to create an album that dealt with missions on a more everyday life level. Your home, your workplace, your street, and your church.  Many have forgotten that the people right next to us are in need of a Savior and we are the ones to tell them. Here enters “EnterMission”.

I got of chance to work with many artists for this project.  Twenty-seven artists to be exact.  This is strictly a compilation where I will be producing each track. I’ll let those who have been gifted to rap/rhyme or sing do their job. I will not be rapping, but will help in the overall theme, styles, music and sound of this album.  One thing about me is that I love music and many different forms of music, and I love creating them too.  So on this album you will hear - Reggae, Downsouth, East Coast, Commercial, Underground, Electro, and Rock/Hipster.  As I always wanted to do an album that better fit what I listen to and who I am.

A little update on the album “EnterMission”...

I am almost finished.  Many songs are in the mixing stages. That’s where we get the levels right and polish the tracks.  Give a kick that thump, give a snare that crack, and give those vocals their shine. I’m still waiting on a couple of verses, but it shouldn’t be to much longer before I get all the vocals and all the album will be in the mixing process.  Then we go to mastering.  That’s where we get the album sounding like it sounds when you open the package of a cd or when you download a mp3.

This has been on my heart for awhile to do a project, but the Lord saw fit for it to happen at this time.  Creating a cd is a major task and to see everything happen from beat creation, to songwriting, to mixing has been a beast and a great joy.  I would not have it any other way. It helps me trust in the Lord, It helps me work hard, it helps me challenge myself and it helps me keep focused on the mission.  I hope you enjoy “EnterMission”.  As I have enjoyed creating it for the glory of GOD and for the encouragement of his people.  A good friend of mine wrote a song that spoke the words “Send me, I’ll go!!!!”. This album has the same theme and purpose “Send me, I’ll go”.  I wouldn’t have it any other way…..

Here is the verse that birthed that song which is also the verse I sign when people ask for my signature.

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I! Send me” - Isaiah 6:8

DJ Official
EnterMission is set to drop after Christmas in 2009
Follow Official on twitter

Starting October 1st is a two month fall tour covering 30 cities across the country!  The Altered Minds tour will feature a diverse set of artistic styles with Lecrae, After Edmund, Sho Baraka (Nov), Tedashii (Oct), and Mike’s Chair.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” - Romans 12:2a

As a culture we need our minds completely altered.  Day after day we are bombarded with messages contrary to God’s heart.  “Live for yourself” is the constant pressure we feel and sometimes unscriptural messages even work their way in to our churches.  Starting on the stage, a mixture of cultures but a unified voice will come together to call the nation to alter it’s mind.  It’s time for renewal in how we view the world, how we view ourselves, how we view each other and most importantly, how we view Jesus.  Only through Him will our hearts and minds truly be renewed.

Where do you stand?  Does your heart need renewal?  Do you have a friend you want to introduce to the Gospel?  Come join us this fall in a city near you

Click here for dates and ticket info

Thousands of you got to hear a new song from Sho Baraka this summer on the Don’t Waste Your Life tour.  Now instead of the distorted youtube audio, you can have the mixed and mastered studio version.  This is a little taste of what’s to come on his upcoming album “Lions and Liars”, due out spring 2010. 

Get the latest word from Sho at his twitter page. 

Use the widget below to grab it for free by telling your friends, or you can pay any amount you want. 

We caught up with DJ Official and barraged him with questions.  See below for the interview and get to know Official! (Picture courtesy of Philip Rood)

You travelled all summer with Reach for the Don’t Waste Your Life tour, and now, coming at the end of the year, you have your first album due to release on Reach Records.  We’ll get into the title and the album in a little bit, but first let’s get some personal questions out of the way so the world can know who DJ Official really is.  Often you aren’t front and center stage, sharing your heart in the mic or dropping a verse, which makes you more of a mystery.  Let’s shatter the barrier and open up for the peoples with a load of questions.

Where are you from?
I’m originally from New York. Born in the Bronx. Lived in Brooklyn and Long Island. But for the last 8 years have lived in Philadelphia.

What was DJ Official like growing up?
I lived most of my life in a town on Long Island called Amityville (Yes the same town as the movie). I grew up in a predominately African American neighborhood and went to a school with the same demographic. So being around that, when rap started getting popular and hip-hop starting becoming a major culture I saw myself drawn to it at an early age. So I kind of went against the grain of my upbringing. My mom is Puerto Rican and my stepdad is Chinese and Puerto Rican and knew nothing of rap and hip-hop culture. I was the first in my family to really gravitate towards the culture. Being a minority within the school I went to was hard at first but cause you didn’t see many puerto ricans and caucasians in hip-hop at that time. But I loved hip-hop and fought to make myself apart of it growing up.

How did you get into being a DJ?
Well In junior high I really started getting into the music aspect of it and started a group with my friend Eric. He was a rapper and I was also a rapper. We would buy maxi singles with what ever little money we could scrounge up at the time. Maxi singles at the time had the single and an instrumental of the song. So we would use those instrumentals and make songs with other peoples’ beats. But at the same time my dad had an old technic turntable since the 70’s he didn’t use and I would take his records when he was gone and practice scratching. I wasn’t that good at first, but I was determined to learn and get better. It wasn’t till after high school that I met a new friend Cipha Sounds did I really start to get pushed into the DJ arena. We were taught by a guy named DJ Riz and use to carry records for Funkmaster Flex. That’s when I knew I wanted to do this for a living rather then just a hobby. Really I knew much sooner, but it wasn’t till then when I got my foot in the door did I know I could live off this.

Can you share the story of how you started following Jesus?
I didn’t grow up in a church home, but we would go to church every now and then. I really didn’t get introduced to Jesus and the truths of the bible till high school. It was threw a friend of mine, Mike. At that time we were rapping, getting in trouble, and just living a life of mayhem. His mom was a church going women and not just one who was religious, but one who knew the bible to be true and that Jesus was the only way to GOD. So as I would go over there she would try to talk to us about Jesus and at first I wouldn’t listen. But as time went on I would sit there with her and talk about GOD. Really it was just to be respectful and get her off my back. It wasn’t till 1996 when I got into unbelievable trouble with the law and got arrested did I really listen. I remember sitting in a jail cell thinking about my life and where did I go wrong. I remember as I was there lying on a cot the discussions with Mike’s mom come into my mind. The more I looked back on those conversations the more I realized I offended GOD and this was payment for my sin. I got on my knees in the jail cell, confessed my sin, confessed my need for a savior and the want to live a life new. Man, in a flash I felt like a new man and praised GOD for it. I was still in that cell, but knew no matter what, I was okay. I got out a day later and that weekend went to church. Made a public confession and started really living for GOD. Still going threw legal problems for 6 months after that but was a born again believer in the lord Jesus Christ.

Who are some of your greatest spiritual influences?
I would say my greatest spiritual influences in my life would have to be. My friend Mike’s mom for her persistent involvement in my growth as a christian early on. My old Pastor Vin who really took me under his wing early on. The Cross Movement as a whole. They really challenged and changed my life, walk and talk. I found out from them what it really was to be a follower of Christ. My good friend Miguel Davilla. Its hard to find people who you can connect with not just on a friendly level, but that the words they speak really say something to your soul and your the better for it. There are many pastors (John Piper, Eric Mason) and authors who have done work in my life or influenced me but the above list of people who I would say really influenced me and changed my life.

You are into a lot of different types of music, what are some of your favorite genre’s other than hip hop?
I love an array of music. I think the reason being my father played guitar since forever and was really into classic rock. My mom was really into salsa, and top 40 music. So I was influenced by alot. But I would say music I love is Electronica, Downtempo/Chill, B-More Bounce, and Rock.

On a day off, what does DJ Official like to do?
On day’s off I really like doing a number of things. I love to read. Mostly spy novels. I like chilling with my wife and daughter,  playing xbox, and working on music.

You’ve been traveling for over 10 years, what are your top 3 favorite places on planet earth?
My favorite 3 places that I have been too would be England, Vancouver and Alaska. England just had a great vibe to it. Vancouver was one of the most beautiful city’s I have been too and Alaska is great for the outdoorsy type.


If you had to choose between DJing forever, or producing forever, which would it be and why?
Producing! Don’t get me wrong I love DJing but the feeling I get from creating music from scratch is such a wonderful experience. Plus when people like it, the experience only gets better.

Whats your favorite track that you’ve ever produced?
Phanatik’s “Now Who’s The Man”. I love the feeling of that track and when we did it at shows people went crazy.

Let’s move on to your album, scheduled to drop around Christmas…
Why do an album?
Threw the years I’ve grown relationships with many people around the globe who happen to be artist and as a producer I’ve always wanted to work on a project that I fully produced and had all those people on. Been on my heart and mind for many years.

The title is “EnterMission”.  Unpack that for us. 
After I got the okay to do an album. I really wanted to have a theme with it. I saw how well received 13 letters was and the concept behind it. People used the cd as a tool for bible study. I wanted to create a cd that people could use as a tool and be excited about. I remember my pastor talking about being missional and living missional. Letting people around you know about GOD in your walk and talk.  Not just overseas but in your own backyard. Also my good friend Miguel talked about doing a cd about missions with me. I knew then this is what I wanted my cd to be about.

What is your hope for the album?
I want people to get excited about doing missions or being missional in there own church, town, city, state, country or abroad.

Who is going to be featured on EnterMission? 
There are a number of artist that are featured but I will give you a brief listing. We have Lecrae, Tedashii, Triplee, Sho Baraka, Phanatik, Jahaziel, Stephen The Levite, Cam, Thisl, Flame, Json, K-Drama, ADF, R-Swift and many more.

Any advice for aspiring DJ’s and producers?
Keep practicing…..I know that is cliche, but if I didn’t continue to press on I wouldn’t see my craft get better. Make sure you have people critiquing you…..very important. Also make sure you have the right motives in this. If your just doing it to be seen, or to make alot of money. You are heading to a dangerous place. Remember the DJ and producer are the backdrop to the MC. Stay humble and play your role in that. Make sure you can do all you can so the MC can do all he can.

Thanks for the time Fish, we’ll be looking forward to the end of 2009! Stay up on the latest at our site and on DJ Official’s twitter

Check out a recent Sho Baraka interview over at DaSouth.com.  They cover a wide range of topics from the DWYL tour to Christian Hip Hop issues to Church Planting to his new album.  Take a second to get to know Sho.

Click here to read the interview

Saturday in Atlanta marked the final stop on the Don’t Waste Your Life Tour (it was so crazy lights were falling from the ceiling).  We thought we would recap some highlights of what the Lord did this summer:

Sho Baraka, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Flame, DJ Official and Lecrae hit the road to 26 cities encouraging over 30,000 people not to waste their short lives on earth but live for God’s fame and glory.  At every concert the gospel was preached and people rocked as they confronted faith in Jesus.  Eight of the cities sold out while travelling from the east coast all the way to the west.

Recap some of the comments on twitter here (#dwyl)

Check out some photos from the MN show

(If you have any links to pics or video of the tour let us know in the comments below!)

In addition to the concert, ReachLife Ministries sponsored a special “Don’t Waste Your MInistry” meeting for urban leaders in each city.  After connecting with about 2000 leaders on the frontlines of urban ministry, we saw the huge need for biblical resources that can help them lead the next generation into a growing relationship with Christ.

A huge thank you goes to the team at Desiring God Ministries, who selflessly gave their time and talent to help craft the communication of the DWYL message.  If you haven’t already go to their website or follow them on twitter.  Or grab the book that inspired it all.

And another huge thank you to everyone who came out!  The encouragement overwhelmed us and fuels us to continue on in ministry.

Now we are praying and planning about what will happen next summer…stay tuned.

To our family,

Today marks a major announcement in the life of Reach Records and ReachLife Ministries.  This fall we will be relocating our headquarters to Atlanta GA, and forming a strategic partnership with a local church plant called Blueprint Church.

Over the years our convictions have only grown for the importance of the local church.  In scriptures we read how God established it through the Holy Spirit and the church became the means of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.  We feel the same is true for today and if Reach is going to be a part of making disciples of all nations then the church is a non-negotiable we must be plugged into.

Right now we find ourselves with a significant platform in our culture.  Just this summer on tour we were able to influence over 30,000 people and capture their hearts for a night.  It’s a generation thirsty for biblical truth.  We are touring internationally on top of all the stateside demands, literally hitting hundreds of thousands of people each year.  ReachLife Ministries develops training resources that help the growth beyond the concert through projects like 13 Letters, but beyond that we find a need for culturally relevant and biblically solid churches to influence this generation.

At Blueprint, we find leadership with a like minded heart of hitting the pulse of today’s culture, yet also unflinching in its dedication to exalting Christ as we find him in the Scriptures and living out the faith in authentic community.  Not everyone needs to rap.  Music is not the final answer, its just an avenue to glorify God and point people to Jesus.  Lord willing, our hope is to stir the passion of leaders around the world to plant similar churches, get trained through places like Blueprint and go back to their own areas to make disciples.

Reach Records will continue to produce Christ exalting, high quality music.  ReachLife Ministries will continue providing media resources to help you grow in your faith, and encourage leaders in the trenches of ministry.  And through the platform we have, we will be encouraging the Body of Christ to commit themselves to local community and also pray about training and planting in other regions.

Blueprint will be launching August 30th in Atlanta GA (details below), a day after our final Don’t Waste Your Life tour stop.

For more info on Blueprint Church go here

For more info on ReachLife go here

Grab your tickets for the DWYL tour date in ATL here

Details on Blueprint’s August 30th Launch service:
10:30am - noon. (Doors open at 10am)
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
800 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308

A lot of you have been wondering where to find that song you heard on tour (“I Kobe Bryant on ‘em!”), or where you could download the mixtape you’ve been hearing about from Sho Baraka. 

Originally posted on his myspace, we thought we would offer you a link to share:

Grab that mixtape right here.

Stay tune for a new Sho Baraka CD coming sometime in early 2010!

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association recently did this video of Lecrae to capture his story as part of their Rock the River tour.  Check it out and get some behind the scenes on Lecrae

If you want to see it in high resolution HD click here

Lecrae Story from Adamson.TV on Vimeo.

For more info on the Rock the River event click here.

Another fresh 116 Shirt is available now.  Check out the “Pixel” shirt at our store by clicking here.

We just put up a new ReachLife page on the reachlife.org site temporarily while we work on creating an entirely new site to serve you more effectively.  This splash page gives you or someone you want to share the ministry with a concise snapshot of who we are and what we have done.  (you might notice a new logo too). Any desires you have for the ReachLife site?  Let us know in the comments below.

The DWYL tour is on break right now and gets back on the road July 8th in San Antonio, then goes southwest and up the coast of Cali ending in Seattle.  Check out the tour site for more details and come see us!

Stay tuned for more info on DJ Official’s next project and Sho Baraka’s next project.  You might even get to download a new song soon…

DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE!

We just added some fresh designs to the storefront.  A nice 116 “Fancy” shirt, and an electric Reach Records “Dimension” shirt.  Available in all kinds of sizes. 

Get yours before they are gone. 

Can’t make it out to a show this summer?  Here is your chance to get the next best thing to a live experience.  Our partners at Dasouth.com will be streaming the Orlando concert tommorrow night (6/20) live for anyone that wants to tune in!

To watch:
At 6:30 pm Eastern time go to http://www.dasouth.com/dwyl

Do you have a radio show either on air or online?  Do you have a platform to let others know whats going on in your area?  We have a radio spot to promote the Don’t Waste Your Life tour that you can use to spread the word.

Download the high quality MP3 here

All press inquiries for the tour stops can be made to press [at] reachrecords.com

Now available on iTunes are a couple of the music videos we have released.  You can purchase them and have them in high resolution for your computer, phone, or showing at an event.

Here are the links:

Real Vision by Trip Lee

Don’t Waste Your LIfe by Lecrae

We are working on getting Jesus Muzik, Prayin For You, and Higher Love up there soon.

So far we have 4 cities behind on the tour with over 20 to go.  We thought we would give you a recap with some fan videos.  Pray for all the crew on the road!  They ask for prayer for God to move in the hearts of everyone they get to share with.

The tour kicked off in Memphis TN, then went on to Minneapolis MN, Manchester NH, Woodbridge VA.  On the 11th you can catch them in Lima, OH.

Stay up on the tour via this site and artists’ twitter. 
@reachrecords
@lecrae
@tedashii
@triplee116

Check out the other dates for the summer here

Some vids from around the web:

Based on the album artwork from inside of the booklet (those that bought a physical copy know what we are talking about!), here is the first shirt for Tedashii’s second album Identity Crisis. 

Available in Men’s regular style, Women’s style, and Men’s tall tee.

Click here to grab yours!

“By His Grace, I Am What I Am”

Many of you saw that iTunes had Tedashii’s new album Identity Crisis listed as a partial album, which only let you buy the tracks instead of the full album. 

The issue is now resolved and you can click to buy the whole album now.

The newest album from Reach Records, Tedashii’s sophomore project “Identity Crisis” is in stores now!

By His Grace, I am who I am. 1 Corinthians 15:10

Sin shatters the mirror that allows us to view ourselves correctly. It distorts the view of who we are, often leaving us trying to be someone we are not.  Join Tedashii as he takes us through rebuilding our identity as individuals found in Christ, and as part a community that makes up his body.

Places to get your copy:

Physical copy from us

Digital copy from us (High Quality 256kbs, DRM Free MP3s)

We were celebrating everything the Lord has allowed us to accomplish this year at a recent Reach staff meeting and wanting to share the list with everyone.  Often we get so bogged down with the pressures of what’s ahead we fail to stop and celebrate what God had already done. 

It will also be a good review for those of you who are new to the site or don’t check it regularly.

By God’s grace, so far in 2009 we:

Finished 13 Letters: The Curriculum.  A project several years in the making and our first major release for ReachLife Ministries.

Announced the Don’t Waste Your Life Tour coming to cities near you this summer.

Released the Don’t Waste Your Life Music Video.

Released 7 commercials to promote the tour

Launched The Fellowship of the Unashamed to bring awareness and gain support for ReachLife Ministries.  See how you can help here.

Finished Tedashii’s second album “Identity Crisis” which drops May 26th in stores and online.

Wrote a short booklet on Don’t Waste Your Life in partnership with Desiring God ministries that will be given out to people coming to the tour this summer.

Released the video for Real Vision ft. Tedashii from Trip Lee’s 20/20 album.

B. Scientific dropped knowledge on current cultural trends and Reach updates.

Pressed up some new shirts and designed some more that are coming soon.

Started on a documentary around our trip to Angola Penitentiary where we did a concert, interviewed inmates, and filmed part of the DWYL music video.

We found Trip Lee

Lord willing, much more will be coming the rest of 2009.  Be on the lookout for the launch of So You Wanna Be An Artist, an album in the fall from DJ Official, a sophomore release at the end of the year/early 2010 from Sho Baraka, an out the box EP from 116 Clique, news on our next ReachLife project “Man Up”, new shirts and hats, the Don’t Waste Your Life tour in cities near you, a redesign of the ReachLife website, and whatever else we can cram in that helps you grow in Christ.

Much love to all of you who help make it possible and we continually thank the Lord for letting us be a part of helping others know Him!

We need a fresh look!  Can you help?

We change the background of our site often. If you’d like to submit a background design for use on this site, please download the design specs sheet below:

Click Here to Download

When you have completed your design, please mail it to info [at] reachrecords.com for review.

Design Rules

When designing, please follow these rules. (See the spec sheet available above for more info.)

* Design in the light grey area
* Design may be no more than 970 px tall
* Design must be a minimum of 1200 px wide
* Your design will shine through the navigation and top branding areas
* Design must transition to a solid color at the bottom.

You can grab the single “I’m a Believer” from Tedashii’s upcoming album Identity Crisis album right now on iTunes. 

Just Click Here

Unfortunately Tedashii’s sophomore album has to be pushed back just 7 days to May 26th.  Releasing an album is a complex task, with a bunch of different factors that have to line up.  We want to make sure it has time to hit all the stores so no one gets left out on opening day.  Those that pre-order will most likely get their albums early. 

Make sure you spread the word on the new date: May 26th

And because the album had to be pushed back we wanted to give you a gift of two free b-sides that didn’t make it on the album.  Transformers ft. Lecrae, Trip Lee and Concert, Classroom, Corner.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRACKS

Sorry for the delay!  The album sounds incredible and will be well worth the extra 7 day wait.

You can also click here to pre-order the album

Check out Sho Baraka’s latest interview by clicking here to download the mp3.  Or click here to visit The Christian Manifesto podcast and stream it.

“In our interview, Sho talks about the 13 Letters Curriculum, his new mixtape “Barakaology” and taking things too seriously, the upcoming DWYL tour, and the state of Christian hip-hop.”

You can check out more content at The Christian Manifesto website like this Trip Lee interview.

Check out the new single from Tedashii’s album Identity Crisis!  Coming May 19th online and in stores.

I’m a Believer ft. Trip Lee & Soye
Production by GP

Click here to pre-order the album

Click here to listen to the other single “26’s ft Lecrae” and get info on the album listening party.

Pre-Order “Identity Crisis” Now.  The first 500 customers receive a free Identity Crisis/116 Dogtag. 

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER

Tedashii’s second album drops in stores and online May 26th!  You can listen to the two singles, “26’s” and “I’m a Believer”, by clicking on the player below.

Click Here to Buy “I’m A Believer ft. Trip Lee and Soye” on iTunes!

Tracklisting:
1) Identity Crisis Intro
2) Work
3) 26’s Introduction
4) 26’s ft. Lecrae
5) Hollywood ft. Rozie Turner
6) Identity 1: We Fell
7) Make War ft. Flame
8) Gotta Believe ft. Diamone
9) Identity 2: Adoption ft. Rick Trotter
10) I’m a Believer ft. Trip Lee, Soye
11) Fresh
12) Thank You
13) All I Need ft. Chris Davis
14) Identity 3: Church
15) Community ft. Stephen the Levite, Sho Baraka

And because the album had to be pushed back we wanted to give you a gift of two free b-sides that didn’t make it on the album.  Transformers ft. Lecrae, Trip Lee and Concert, Classroom, Corner.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRACKS

Reach Records presents the offical “Dont Waste Your Life” music video.

Featuring Lecrae and Sho Baraka as the main actors, we pray this video will let none of us say at the end of our lives “I’ve wasted it.”

Special thanks to the video team at Desiring God for their production of the project. Look for some “behind the scenes” footage from the taping coming soon.

Be sure to check the DWYL Tour website to see when we’re coming to your city!

If you have cable, then this Saturday between 7:15 - 7:30 pm Eastern Time, make sure you tune in to the Gospel Music Channel for the world premiere of Lecrae’s first video from his Rebel album for the song Don’t Waste Your Life.

Described more as a 4 minute movie rather than a music video, it features Lecrae and Sho Baraka as the main actors.  That’s all the hints we’ll give you for now. 

We’ll be posting the video here the following day, Sunday. 

Click here to find out what channel the video will be playing on in your area.  The DWYL video will be playing after another premier for a Mandisa video.

*For those familiar with the album version, Dwayne Tryumf could not be in the video and the song used is a two verse version. (it’s harder to collaborate overseas for video!)

Official dates have been added.  As we get more cities locked in we will post them.  Check out the official tour site to see when we are coming near you!

Want a Tedashii Kingdom People shirt?  Trip Lee If They Only Knew Shirt?  Lecrae After the Music Stops shirt? 

ALL OUR OLD SHIRTS ARE JUST $4.99

CLICK THIS AND SEE IF YOUR SIZE IS IN STOCK

It’s here.  Our first major release from ReachLife Ministries! 

2 Years in the making, ReachLife presents 13 Letters - The Curriculum. 13 high quality video lessons full of solid teaching from your favorite artists.

The Leaders Kit includes a 3 DVD’s, a leaders guide, and a copy of the 13 Letters CD.  Each Student Guide includes a free copy of the 13 Letters CD as well.

This project is massive.  Created for leaders who want to teach others biblical truth in a relevant way, this curriculum is a first of its kind.

If you want to see a sample lesson in HD, along with links to download a sample from the leader’s guide and student guide then CLICK RIGHT HERE!

Join us in praying that God would use this for His glory and enable a new generation of passionate believers that love His Word and know what Paul said to us in the 13 Letters!

Your favorite person B. Scientific is back to break it down for you on hip hop culture, the latest projects at Reach, a new church plant in Atlanta, and other fine topics.

Did you miss the first one?  You can see it here.

Check out the first single from Identity Crisis, Tedashii’s sophomore album.  It hits the stores May 19th but in the meantime you can enjoy “26’s”

Also,
Be a part of the official album release party for Tedashii at BB Kings in Nashville during GMA week.  April 22nd from 8-10 pm!  Special Guests Sho Baraka, Trip Lee, Lecrae, Flame and J.R. will be there too.

Want to blog this on your site?  Go here and find some easy to copy and paste code that will embed a cover image and the player you see above.

The Christian Manifesto has a new audio interview up with Trip Lee:

“This interview finds the Trip talking about how he got his start in Christian rap music, how he deals with success, the writing process, his commitment to quality as an artist, and what he’d like to hear Jesus say of his life.”

Click here to hear

Reach needs a web developer/designer.  Are you that person?  Do you know someone with that skill who you can pass this on to?

The web is central to how we communicate and work at Reach Records and ReachLife.  Help us find someone with loads of talent.

Our needs are broad ranging from big web application projects to small email templates.  Ideally the person would have:

1. Efficient coding skills (great at php and/or RoR)
2. Clear user interface design ability
3. Moderate skill in graphic design
4. Understanding of API’s
5. Ability to create web applications from scratch
6. Professionalism and punctual work
7. Love for what you do
8. Age is not a factor or some amazing looking resume.  We only care that your work and reputation looks amazing.

If you or someone you know has experience in this area please email jobs@reachrecords [dot] com with some quick info about yourself and a link to examples of your work. 

We aren’t necessarily looking for a staff hire, just a relationship with a web developer to help handle our increasing needs on a case by case basis.

Tedashii’s sophomore album “Identity Crisis” coming May 19th!  Stay tuned for a new single and other details. 

Hot and fresh just the way you like them.  Some new threads are up at the Reach store.  These are limited run and once they go you won’t see any more.

If you look closely you can find some new additions to the shirts we are pressing with custom hem tags and custom screen printed size tags.

Click here

Don’t miss the sale we have in the Reach Store.  Select Shirts and CD’s have a big price drop.  Last chance to get them because one they are bought up, it’s gone forever!

Also, make sure you check out the shirts section of the site for the latest.

Whats good brothers and sisters in the Faith? 

As you may know Reach Records and it’s artists, use music as a means to make our GOD famous.  Recently Sho Baraka, his brother Dhati Lewis, and a team of faithful men and women have made a covenant commitment to plant a church in the city of Atlanta.

If you are interested in more info about the Church Plant (Issachar Fellowship), they are having a Vision Cast jumpoff Jan 10, 2009.  More info and directions are below…

Click Here for a Map to the Meeting Place

Having trouble seeing the images?  Download the attached pdf.

We received this anonymous photo today with no message.  The subject read “We’ve Seen Trip Lee” They said other updates will be coming our way. 

We’ll keep you posted as we get more info!

We just released one of the most popular concert songs by Lecrae that hasn’t made its way onto an album, so we decided to release it to you as a single. 

“Hands High” by Lecrae is a challenge to live a life of worship in all areas.   A life where your faith transforms who you are and how you act, not just existing with mental nod to “being saved”. 

Get it instant download style at these spots:

iTunes

Amazon

It’s also on Napster, eMusic, Shockhound, AmieStreet, LaLa, and Rhapsody

Peep Lecrae with the updates on the search for Trip Lee. 

We’ve sanctioned a worldwide search for the missing artist.  See the search’s history here.

Hate Sin.  Eat Chicken.

What identifies you as a person?  What is the most dominant thing about you that defines how you live?  Is it the color of your skin?  Your social standing?  Something else?

Or do you believe that your first culture is one of a Christ Follower?  Does that totally influence who you are?

SEE RED
Some of you made the trek to Memphis last year for an incredible night at the Red Revolution. An event that broke down barriers of racism and classism in an effort to see Christ made supreme.  The night was bananas, with live performances of the 116 Clique “Amped” album, poetry, worship, drumlines, and speaking from our good friend Adam Thomason.  There was something really special and for at least one night the body was truly unified in worship of the Lord.

Now that experience is alive in the Red Revolution curriculum written by Adam Thomason in collaboration with Lifeway’s Threads resource group. 

If you’ve listened to the Amped album you’ve heard the song with Tedashii and Sho Baraka titled “Red Revolution”.  In the body we are all colored Red by the blood of Christ and the Red Rev study is a chance for you to learn and equip others to join the movement.

You can find the study here

THE RISING
The movement continues with a 4 day event called “The Rising” coming March 15th in Memphis.  It’s a four day experience with conference style teaching and hands on training in what it means to live a gospel centered, missional lifestyle.  If you are a college ministry leader this is a perfect opportunity for a spring break trip with your students and leaders.

The 116 Clique will be there as musical guests and also you will get to hear solid teachers from around the country.  Check out this link for more info on THE RISING.  See you there!

We posted a while ago about a new site in the works, many of you submitted designs for the background, and after many months it’s finally here in all its html glory.  If you are reading this through your RSS feed then click through and check it out!

Take a look around and give us your feedback.  As with any launch there will be some bugs that only you might see.  Let us know!  Just click over to the Contact section and tell us.

Some Highlights of the New Site:

1. Blog Style
The homepage and each area is designed so content is king.  Every new update on the site will come through the homepage blog area so you can stay up on all new articles, videos, etc on the front page.

2. HTML
NO MORE FLASH!  Our last site was slick looking but it was also in flash so you couldn’t link super easy to the page you were on, and it got hung up sometimes.  Now everything will be faster and simpler allowing you to get to the content you need and share it with others.

3. Rotating Backgrounds and Colors
Our new setup allows us to easily change the site background and colors so we can keep the look fresh!  We want to get designs from YOU, the community, to put up on the site so if you are feeling inspired send us your best shot.  Just abide by the template (click for more info) and be creative.  The current background was designed by Dana in Brooklyn, NY. 

4. Easier Comments
You can comment much easier on posts and items so you can take part in the community discussion.  But don’t get too crazy…we’ll be monitoring.

5. Building a Library
Our hope is that the site can be a destination not just for the latest news on music, but also an encouragement to your spiritual growth.  We have a resources section with articles and studies that we plan on growing in 2009. 

6. Easier Jukebox
Click the “Launch Jukebox” link in the top right of the content.  Now you can surf while the music plays in a separate window.

7. Updated Booking Options
Now you can book an artist to speak only instead of a concert, or you can book a ReachLife representative to come help train your ministry in how to use our curriculum once it drops.

Keep clicking around and check it out.  We’ll be tweaking and updating in the coming months based on your feedback.  Thanks for all the support! 

AMBER ALERT!

Nobody can find Trip Lee.  Have you seen him?  Please see this video for information on our search. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Oll_u4dgU

Attention Rebels,

A new shirt was just added to the storefront.  When someone asks why you’re a Rebel, let em know!

Coming to 30 cities this summer.

Lecrae jumped on the phone with DJ Wade-O recently for an in depth, personal interview. 

Check it out here. (On his post, scroll down for the link to download and listen)

No doubt this season has you thinking about gifts for family, friends etc with all the holidays approaching.  We wanted to let you internet shoppers know a way to help ReachLife out when you are buying online. 

Many of you use GoodSearch to help us out (it works!) and now they have GoodShop.  Basically anytime you want to buy anything you can enter our ministry name (Reachlife) and click on the store you want to buy from.

They have a bunch of partners:
Apple
Best Buy
Bike
Ebay
etc etc

For a full list click here!

Hot off the press! We have a brand new Trip Lee shirt giving a nod to track #5 off his latest album “20/20”.

“Who is Like Him?” 

If they ask, let em know.  Get the shirt right now only at Reach

It’s been awhile since Reach had a big sale on some of our merch.  Now is your chance to get the goods at ridiculously low prices…while they last. 

Been eyeballing something you’ve wanted for awhile?  Check the store, it might be on sale.

Got a friend or family member you want to bless with a gift from Reach?  Make your way to our webstore and take a look around.

Select CD’s = $4.99!
Select Shirts = $8.99!
(Shirts on sale are on their last printing. You won’t see these again!)

CRAZY SALE!  click here.

Many of you who ran to Wal Mart last week found out they delayed the Rebel release for another 7 days.  As of Tuesday you can make your way to Wal Mart and most of them around the country will have it. 

The feedback on the album is crazy so far.  We’ll be posting some review links and updates soon!  Thanks for all the love and tell your friends to run to Wal Mart and scoop one up!

Today is drop day for Lecrae’s 3rd album “Rebel”!  We’ve said a ton about it already so now you can cop it and listen to the whole thing! 

If you want it from iTunes go here

If you want the deluxe edition go here

If you want it from a store go to Wal Mart or your local Christian bookstore.

If you want to read the lyrics while you listen go here

Do you have a myspace account?  Want to help us get the word out about Lecrae’s new album? 

Check out the attached text file (look to the right of the picture above under the red square and click “Download RebelMyspaceCode.rtf”).  It contains code for a special Rebel edition myspace layout that you can put on your page, featuring graphics from the cover art so everyone who visits can see you support the new album.

Click here to see Lecrae’s Myspace Page

And if you want to upload the rotating pic to use for your profile picture that Lecrae has on his myspace go to this link and right click on the picture to save it, then upload it to your myspace account.

Thanks for all the support 116!  Album is coming in just a few weeks.

Are you a designer?  Or maybe you aren’t and just want to take a stab at it.  Either way, Reach will be unveiling a new site in the next month and we need YOUR help to make it the hotness.

Our current site is cool, but its all flash based which means it takes forever to load on slow connections, plus sometimes it gets buggy and locks up.  The next site will focus on the easy flow of info, and it will now work on your mobile devices because it won’t be using flash.

Part of the new site will be the ability to feature different backgrounds and we want people around the globe to get involved.  Attached to this news post is a jpg you can use for the template.  It shows you the dimensions and where to put your work. 

You can design it any way you like as long as you obey the following:
1. A person’s eye goes to the top left of a webpage when they first visit.  The user should easily see that they are at a Reach Records and ReachLife website. 
2. Don’t put anything inappropriate on it
3. Be creative, don’t hold back

Find logos to use at http://www.reachrecords.com/press

If you have any questions email us at info @ reachrecords . com.  You can also email your submissions in .jpg format to that address as well.

Looking forward to seeing all the tight work!

Are you a Rebel?

If you are, it’s not about bragging that you Got Paper.  It means Don’t Waste Your Life.  It means Live Free from the sin that strangled you in the past and follow Jesus.

Click to listen to 3 full tracks from Lecrae’s new album!

Want to Pre-order the album?  It drops in a month on September 30th.  We have regular and deluxe editions.

Join Lecrae in redefining “Rebel”.  When you hear the word, what do you think of?  Jesus was a Rebel in his day.  He lived for something else than the popular culture of the day.  He stood against traditions that pointed away from true worship, and instead presented an authentic picture of living for God.

Are you a Rebel?

Today we are offering pre-orders for Lecrae’s 3rd studio album!  Be the first to rock Rebel in your area.  We have two types of Pre-orders.

The regular edition includes the album plus a pre-order only die cut vinyl (rebel) sticker. 
Click here to get that one

For the more dedicated we have the Deluxe edition packed with special edition stuff you can only get with this option.  Read more about it and order it here.

Thank you 116 family for all the support!  The album drops 9.30.08!

Right now Sho, Tedashii, Lecrae, and Trip Lee are in the UK finishing the last leg of the Unashamed Tour and the BBC caught up with them for quick chat about hip hop, testimonies, and the current problems of violence in the UK streets.

“Hip-hop in itself is not the evil that we are fighting it’s the bad nature within individuals. We use hip hop to promote our Christian faith and biblical principles.” - Sho Baraka

Click Here to read the interview!

Check out the Reach webstore to see the latest merch offering!  The limited edition blue foil Trip Lee shirts are available now featuring the logo from the album cover. These are getting printed once with no restocks so grab one while you can!

Click here for regular sizes
Click here for tall tee

Earlier this summer we regretted having to cancel the Austin show but thanks to some incredible leadership in the capital of Texas a new show is on the schedule!

Tell your friends that we are back on for Austin.  Info below:

The University of Texas Campus
The Texas Union
2247 Guadalupe Ballroom 3.202

Tickets are $5 at the door
Doors open at 6:30 pm

Contact Jeremy at atxunashamed@gmail.com

On sale 7.29.08 to celebrate Trip Lee’s latest album.  Printed with blue foil.  Less than 300 of these will be made and then they will be gone forever.

Check back this coming Tuesday!  They will be going on sale before lunch time.

You’ve seen it on some shirts and now you can rep the lion on any stickable surface.  These are hot off the press so head over to the Reach storefront and grab some!

10” x 8” inch white vinyl die-cut sticker, adheres easily to anything, just pull the backing away slowly!

During the tour stop in Seattle, our good friend Tim Smith, worship pastor at Mars Hill Church, sat down with Sho Baraka, Trip Lee and Lecrae to dig in to their heart on glorifying God in hip hop culture, among other topics.  Check out all three vids below on Vimeo! (if its choppy move the play marker back a few seconds and play again)

Interview with Sho Baraka

Interview with Trip Lee

Interview with Lecrae

Also, check out Lecrae and Tedashii helping lead worship at Mars Hill with an Amped remix of Send Me!

July 9th and 10th you can find 116 on the southern side of the US with shows in Mississippi and New Orleans.  If you live in the area come check us out!

You can find more info on the Unashamed tour site here!

Tedashii’s second album has been pushed back until 1st Quarter 2009.  We will keep you posted on the progress.  It will be worth the wait!

This Monday July 7th, if you are anywhere near the DC area some check out 116 in concert! Doors open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm.  Be There!

Click here for a map to the spot

As part of the Unashamed Tour, 116 made a stop in Seattle and our friends at Mars Hill Church let us join in worship with them for one of their services.  Lecrae and Tedashii teamed up with Red Letter to do a remix version of Send Me off the Amped album.  It was connected to a sermon called The Church: God Sends.

Get the mp3 of the song HERE

If you want to watch the video click here and then click on second white box in the video player (hover over it and it will say “Hip Hop at Mars Hill”).

And in case you didn’t have the Amped album, you can scoop one up here.

What kind of legacy are you leaving?  Everyone is learning from you so what is your life teaching? Do you feel equipped to deposit your faith and life into others so that they understand Christ and share in the joy you have in Him?

These can be intimidating questions which is why we are hype about partnering with the The Legacy in Chicago.  

The Legacy is the Conference for those who are serious about being a disciple of Christ and making disciples for Christ. Workshops on Hermeneutics, Basic Bible Doctrines, Biblical Womanhood, Biblical Manhood, Evangelism, Community Impact Ministry, Spiritual Disciplines, And Basics Of Disciple-Making.

Last year was incredible and people are still talking about the great teaching, amazing worship and tight, authentic fellowship.  Join the 116 Clique, Da Truth, Flame, Shai Linne, AzriElicia, J’Son, Paul Washer and more for the Legacy Disciple Making Conference in Chicago August 14-16, 2008!

Hurry up and register early.  Last year was packed and it fills up fast! Click Here for the official site

The first video from the album Turn My Life Up is ready for you to watch!  Sho Baraka isn’t just an artist behind the mic, he also wrote and co-directed the video to Higher Love, helping unpack the message visually so it hits a little deeper.

Our good friends at GodTube have an exclusive Behind the Scenes video on the shoot, with some interviews of Sho on set.  We know you like your videos in different flavors so check out the options below and click one!

Watch it on Reach’s site

In High Definition on Vimeo

Behind the Scenes video on GodTube

Higher Love Video on GodTube

On YouTube (click the “High Quality” link for the extra crispy version)

Trip Lee took a guest spot on Desiring God’s blog with a post about what Reach is, and what Reach is doing.  For those that might be confused on the Reach Records vs. ReachLife, Trip Lee did an incredible job showing the heart and purpose behind both entities, while also touching on the tour and the books we are giving away.

Click Here for the Blog Post

Missed the video Trip did for Don’t Wast Your Life Podcast?  Check it out here.

We are so sorry to have to write this, but due to circumstances beyond our control the Austin show on 6/14/08 has been cancelled.  It won’t be rescheduled.  116 was looking forward to it too!  If can, come out to see us at another tour date!

Click Here for the official Tour schedule

Trip Lee spills on what a believer looks like for Desiring God Ministries.

Check out the video here!

Today is the official start to ReachLife’s Unashamed Tour!  116 Clique will be hitting off cities all over the nation and finishing up in the UK from June 3 to August 12.

If you are near the Dallas TX area you can join us for the kick off at St. John’s Baptist in Grand Prairie.

Reach is asking that everyone please pray for the tour.  Above all things we want people to understand who Christ is, something that is only accomplished fully through the Holy Spirit.  Let’s pray that many come to know Jesus and that believers are encouraged in their faith to live Unashamed!

Details for the whole tour are here!

Many of you have noticed the artwork hiccup in Trip Lee’s 20/20 insert.  The credits were a little off, but they will be fixed for the next pressing.  In the meantime, all you liner note heads can feast on these:

1. “20/20 Intro”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by Mckendree Augustas, Joseph Prielozny, and DJ Official
Recorded at Studio 2:11
Engineered by Biz
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Mckendree Augustas Music (ASCAP), Joseph Prielozny Music (ASCAP), Project Issachar Publishing (ASCAP)

2. “Superstar (Eyes Off Me)”
Written by William Barefield Produced by G-Styles Recorded at Next Level Studios Engineered by Elements
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP)

3. “Real Vision” featuring Tedashii
Written by William Barefield and Tedashii Anderson
Produced by G-Styles
Recorded at Lamp Lounge Engineered by Average Joe
Hook chopped and screwed by DJ Essence
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP)

4. “Inexhaustible”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by Tony Stone
Recorded at Issachar Studios Engineered by Don “Speedy” Barham for UR Entertainment
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), T Shep Entertainments (ASCAP)

5. “Who Is Like Him”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by G-Styles
Recorded at ReachLine Studio
Engineered by G-Styles
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP)

6. “We Told Em”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by DJ Official
Recorded at Lamp Lounge
Engineered by Average Joe
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Project Issachar Publishing (ASCAP)

7. “Cling To You” featuring shai linne
Written by William Barefield and shai linne
Produced by Tony Stone
Recorded at Lamp Lounge
Engineered by Average Joe
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
shai linne appears courtesy of Lamp Mode Recordings
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), T Shep Entertainments (ASCAP)

8. “Relief”
Written by William Barefield and Courtney Peebles
Produced by Rob Ghosh and Joseph Prielozny for Ghoshlozny Productions
Strings by David Davidson
Additional Vocals by J.R.
Recorded at Lamp Lounge and Little Big Studio
Engineered by Average Joe
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
J.R. appears courtesy of Cross Movement Records
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Theocentric Music (ASCAP), and Joseph Prielozny Music (ASCAP)

9. “Behold the Spirit”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by G-Styles
Additional Vocals by Tedashii
Recorded at Lamp Lounge
Engineered by Average Joe
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP)

10. “Satisfaction (Hedonist)”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by J.R.
Recorded at Next Level Studios
Recorded by Elements
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Theocentric Music (ASCAP)

11. “Come Close” featuring Flame and Sho Baraka
Written by William Barefield, Marcus T. Williams-Gray, and Amisho Lewis
Produced by DJ Official
Recorded at Studio 2:11
Engineered by Biscuit
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Flame appears courtesy of Cross Movement Records

Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Clear Sight Music (ASCAP) and Project Issachar Publishing (ASCAP)

12. “Who He Is” featuring Lecrae and Cam
Written by William Barefield, Lecrae Moore and Cameron Dukes
Produced by G-Styles
Recorded at ReachLine Studio
Engineering Brilliance by Ben Washer
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Cam appears courtesy of Duolos Records
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Gospel Cam Publishing (ASCAP)

13. “Intimacy” featuring Diamone
Written by William Barefield and Diamone Lewis
Produced by Tony Stone
Recorded at Next Level Studios
Engineered by Elements
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), T Shep Entertainments (ASCAP)

14. “True Security”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by Mckendree Augustas and Joseph Prielozny
Strings by David Davidson
Trumpet by Steve Patrick
Recorded at Lamp Lounge and Little Big Studio
Recorded by Average Joe
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Mckendree Augustas Music (ASCAP), Joseph Prielozny Music (ASCAP)

15. “Eyes Open” featuring J.R.
Written by William Barefield and Courtney Peebles
Produced by DJ Official
Recorded at Lamp Lounge
Engineered by Average Joe
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
J.R. appears courtesy of Cross Movement Records
Unashamed Music (ASCAP), Theocentric Music (ASCAP), and Project Issachar Publishing (ASCAP)

16. Hidden Track: “Hip Hop”
Written by William Barefield
Produced by DJ Official
Recorded at Next Level Studios
Engineered by Elements
Mixed and Mastered by Blade at Next Level Studios
Unashamed Music (ASCAP) and Project Issachar Publishing (ASCAP)

Finally!  The day has arrived.  Some of you that pre-ordered the album already have it in your hands.  Now those that have been waiting you can get the next phase of Trip Lee here:

iTunes

Reach’s Online Store (nice digipak physical copy)

Amazon MP3

OR

Go down to your local christian bookstore or Wal-Mart and grab a real copy today!

If you want a good way to tell your friends about it, you can send them the link to the ecard here: http://www.reachrecords.com/homeecard/trip2020/index.html

Thank you for all the support!  Our prayer is that through this album listeners would get a better understand of who God is and worship Him with their lifestyle.  It’s all about HIM.

116

Just in…

Die cut stickers you can use on anything you want to show your support!  We have a Reach logo sticker and 116 Sticker in regular size, and a 116 Sticker in HUGE size.

Go ahead and check them out.  Great on any visible surface or even for the back window of your 82 corolla with the missing hubcaps.  Show ‘em you ain’t ashamed!

Once you get a sticker, send us a photo of where you have it and we will post some on the website!  info [at] reachrecords.com

Are we really unashamed of this glorious gospel? Or are we just talking about it?

REACH is coming to your city to find out!

Check out the official website and tour dates HERE.

This summer, the 116 Clique is traveling from city to city, not just to put on a concert, but to call believers to live UNASHAMED of the GOSPEL! Are you ready to live that way? Or will you allow the world to keep you from being souled out for Christ?

Come out and join us as we seek to ignite a movement around the nation calling followers of Jesus Christ to live just as fanatical as Paul did… unashamed!

Check it out.  Some more myspace freshness for Sho Baraka!

Want to help Trip Lee let the world know about his new album?  You can help by putting up this super nice banner we made specifically for myspace pages!

When all your friends come to your page they can see the banner on the album.  Check out http://www.myspace.com/lecrae to see what it will look like in action!

Just copy and paste the code in the attached txt file on this post.  Paste it somewhere in your profile, like in the “About Me” section and it will automatically place the banner in the right spot for you.  When they click it, they will be linked to the 20/20 ecard.

Only a few weeks left till the album hits the streets!  You can be a big part of letting everyone know.  Thanks for support fam.

After you finish doing it paste your myspace link in the comments so everyone can check it out.

Fresh layout over at Trip’s myspace.  Check it out!

Our good friends at Rapzilla caught us in Nashville recently and got a quick interview down.  Check out part one

Click here to listen to Tdot speak on his new album

(The album drops Tuesday July 29th)

In anticipation of the upcoming album dropping on May 20th, Trip Lee gave some time on video to allow us a glimpse into the heart behind “20/20”.  Two brand new videos are launching today…stay tuned for more to follow.  Less than a month until the release!

Watch the video here.

They are also on youtube

Check out a recent interview with Trip Lee and C.E. Moore from the “Christian Manifesto” blog as he weighs in on the upcoming 20/20 album, what he is learning lately, and a multitude of other topics.

CLICK HERE!