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Friday, June 29, 2018
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Inspirational Artist
This week I put a post up on facebook. Here is what the post said. "I am an Inspirational Artist. I will no longer label myself a Christian Hip Hop Artist. If you still want to label me as such I’m ok with that and will accept the title and affiliation. I inspire people with a gospel message through the arts. I rap, sing, dance, recite poetry, play instruments and body percussion etc. Pastors and Congregations will shut you down and not give you a platform because of the word “Hip Hop” in the title Christian Hip Hop. The world will shut you down and tune you out because of the word “Christian” in Christian Hip Hop. But everyone loves to be inspired. My message will never change. Musical seeds of righteousness will always be planted. Just what I call myself has changed so I’m not prejudged by the people I need to reach. #InspirationalArtist" .Needless to say I have received mixed reactions since I posted this. I thought the post was very clear? Maybe not. Please comment after reading this and let me know if the post is clear in communicating that I am still a Christian artist and my message will not change. I would like for everyone to be clear. I am still a Christian. In no way am I turning away from the faith or the Christian message that my music has had for the last 16 years. My message will still promote biblical principles and righteous living. Like I said in another post it will always be All Glory Go To God None to me for me.
People have called me a sellout or said it seems like you are selling out since I posted that post. Senior saints have come to me and told me I can always repent no matter what and come back to the lord. It's funny how we always jump to conclusions when someone changes their title. As long as I am not doing anything or saying anything in my music that does not line up with the word of God you have nothing to worry about. None of that will ever happen. I am to rooted and grounded in the word. As they say I am to indoctrinated for that.
Let me give you insight into how all of this came about. My management team has been talking to Pastors. The question was asked to a Pastor in his 60's would you allow this young man RIFICA to perform at your church if he came to you and said I'm a Christian Hip Hop Artist. The Pastor said no. That is called straddling the fence and we can't have that in the church. You have to pick a side. The Pastor said this due to the negative connotation that the word "Hip Hop" has. The member of my management team then asked the Pastor would you let RIFICA perform in your church if he told you that he was an Inspirational artist. The Pastor then said yeah. I will let an inspirational artist perform at my church all day long. That is what brought about the decision to change what I will present myself as from a Christian Hip Hop Artist to an Inspirational artist.
This is the type of stuff that has been happening to us Gospel Rappers since the late 1980's when Christian Hip Hop began. For decades Pastors and congregations have been opposed to Christian Rap artist. They have said it is of the world. It has gotten much better, and more accepted in all sorts of churches in Houston. However, in Las Vegas I feel like it's a time warp, and I'm back in the early millennium when I started rapping professionally again. There are a lot of churches, and church people out here that do not accept Christian Rap yet. When I moved here I thought they would be more forward thinking than the South in that regard, but that has not been the case. Last year a distant relative of mine who is a minister told me that Christian Rap is of the devil. That was 2017. We are still dealing with that type of judgement and opposition in 2017 and 2018. It's ridiculous. I know the gift God gave me. I know the lives he has caused me to touch, inspire, and aid in getting saved due to the gift and calling he gave me and others like me. I have seen the power of God work through Christian Hip Hop and draw people to the alter to get saved and cause people to worship the Lord. It hurt when that relative said that but I just decided to no longer communicate with her and keep pushing. I can not allow negativity regarding my destiny and calling to be in my life. That type of thing is toxic to the vision God placed within me being fulfilled.
Christian Rappers get it from both sides. People in the world will not listen to us because of the "Christian" in Christian Hip Hop or the "Gospel" in Gospel Rap. Other Christian Rappers and Christians will say we are not supposed to change for the world. They say that is selling out. I say as long as our message remains the same we should change what we have to to be able to reach the lost souls we need to reach with our message. How can we Out reach if we never reach outside the church. Christian Rappers are on the front lines drawing the people to the Lord. We go to the clubs and bars, apartment complexes, store parking lots, streets etc. and bring the gospel message to the people. We can not forget about them just because we in church saved and good. Peoples eternity is on the line. Matthew 10:16 Behold I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. The wise part is changing the Christian to inspirational so those people in the world will not turn a deaf ear to our message. We must continue to raise up Christ to draw them to him. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. But what does it matter what we called ourselves? People always get so caught up in titles in the church. If we really real Yeshua did not call himself a Christian. That is a man made terminology to identify our beliefs due to Yeshua being the Christ, and the fact that Christians are to be Christ like. Therefore the term was embraced by early believers in Jesus Christ.
So yes I am a Christian. If you would like to call me a Christian Rapper, Christian Hip Hop Artist, Gospel Artist, Gospel Rapper or whatever. Feel free to. I will not deny it. I am ok with you putting whatever Christian label you would like to put on me. However, when I present myself to Pastors, Churches, Bars, Clubs, Venues, Casinos, Schools etc. my management team and I will tell them I am an Inspirational Artist so that their hearts and minds will remain open to what I have to present to them. If you do not like it please pray for me and give me to God.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Gone But Never Forgotten
Today I sit and write this blog post to honor his memory. I also write to remind us to cherish the people we have with us in this life right now. You never know when you will no longer be able to talk to them enjoy them and make memories with them. My heart is heavy. I am sad yet I am gracious that I don't have any regrets when it comes to this young man. This is the first student I have lost in 9 years of teaching. Saturday morning is a day I will never forget.
For those that don't know I am an assistant high school band director at Willowridge High School in Houston, TX. The tuba is my primary instrument. I am over the brass and corps style marching at my place of employment. Anthony was the tuba section leader when I began working at Willowridge 3 years ago. As you can imagine I worked very close with him his Junior and Senior years. Working day and night to impart all the knowledge I had about tuba pedagogy into him so that he could reach the highest heights of musicianship. Anthony would often joke with his classmates and say that he was my favorite student. Of course I could not say it at the time but he actually was. He was a sponge, a great kid and student. Everything we asked him to do he did it. He was a joy to be around, and always kept everyone laughing. He would always volunteer to lead the band in prayer before we would end practice or travel to competitions and games. He will be truly missed.
The last time I saw Anthony was before Christmas break this year. We did a band battle against two other schools that included alumni band members. When he came back from college to practice with us he came to my office and gave me the greatest gift that a student can give a teacher. He let me know that I had taught him well and told me thank you. I will try to recall and share with you word for word what he said. "Mr. Douglas I want to thank you man. The adjudicators at my jury said I have a great sound, and tone. They asked me who my private lesson teacher was in high school and I told them about you. They said you did a great job with me and said they will look into who you are because they think they have heard of you." I was filled with joy when he told me this because that's all I ever want for any of my students. I want them to be respected for being fine musicians regardless of the color of their skin. I know if given the chance Anthony would of been a great band director loved by all his students. He is definitely loved by me and everyone else that had the privilege of having him in their life.
Once again I would like to encourage you to cherish everyone in your life. Let them know how much they mean to you. Spend time with them. Call them. Be nice to them while you still can. Give them their flowers while they are still living literally and figuratively. I'm not sure why Anthony had to be taken from us so early. I would rather him out live me. All we can do is honor his memory and pray for the strength of his family and loved ones during this time. In honor of him tell someone you love them today that you have not had a chance to in a long time. Call that person you may have been holding a grudge against and forgive them. You don't want to live with any regrets. Love everyone because life can be to short and people are precious.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Social Media Growth Tips and Target Marketing Periscope Broadcast For Indie Artist
Several years ago I decided to focus on a grass roots social media approach to expand my fan base and supporters. I feel that I have been very successful in doing this. As a result of focusing on social media growth I have been able to reach people all over the world with my music. People have bought my music and donated to my music ministry all over the world as a result of my social media efforts. Today I can say that my music is in rotation on radio stations all over the USA, as well as Canada, the UK, the Virgin Islands, Iheart Radio, and Jango Radio. I would like to share the knowledge that I have gained through the years through trial and error, and trainings with other independent artist, spoken word artist, and musicians. I would like to help you build your fan base free of charge. I never liked when people would give some good info to bait me in and then right before they give the info that I really need they would say that there is a charge or I have to sign up for a program and pay $400 or $50 a month. So I do not do that. I just want to help people. It is a ministry to me because I know the struggles of trying to make it out here.
I am aware that Christians and other Christian artist frown on the use of words like fans and entertainment. Yes I am a Christian Hip Hop artist. However, when my supporters continually kept calling themselves fans I decided to go with it. You might as well call people what they would like to be called. Also let me address something else right now. My music ministry is about drawing souls to the kingdom of God and showing people that its cool to be a Christian and have fun in Jesus Christ as long as you keep it clean, holy, and make sure that that fun lines up with the word of God. My job is also to provide an alternative to the trash on mainstream media that influences our youth and young adults in a negative manner that is not conducive to them living successful righteous healthy lives. What every Christian artist does, no matter the sub genre, is entertainment ministry whether they want to admit it or not. That is another blog topic in itself. Therefore I will not get into details about it here. I will address it at a later date.
Some of the topics I have covered already are facebook, YouTube, instagram, pinterest, and twitter tips. Building a large engaged following on social media. Posting consistent content on the major social media sites. What types of things should you post? Youtube, Soundcloud, Reverbnation and Radio Airplay dot com aka Jango Radio analytics.
In the future I plan to cover the following topics. How to get Blogs and reviews as an indie artist. The importance of having a coach. How to manage multiple social media sites. What content will be the most engaging? What should I put in my bio? How to get on radio and get radio interviews. Attraction Marketing. Periscope etiquette. Don't be scared to follow more people than follow you. Check your data and insights to know who to target with your music. Promote your live streams ahead of time for more viewers. Facebook groups. How to utilize the most under utilized social media platform Pinterest.
In case you would like some statistics on why your music career can benefit from listening to my broadcast here are my social media stats. 540 Youtube subscribers, 1569 Facebook Fanpage Likes, 9339 Instagram followers, 13,835 twitter followers, 692 Periscope followers, 18,767 Reverbnation fans, 630 Soundcloud followers, 336 Pinterest followers, 1700+ free or donation downloads of cover songs and mixtapes. Until the next blog always remember the Righteous In Faith InCrease Abundantly and only what you do for Christ will last. Be Blessed!
Check out one of my past Periscope Broadcasts below.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Friday, July 10, 2015
Good Free Summer Music "The Mini EP" by Versa
"Stay Focused" and "Fiya" while reading "Strawberry Letters" from the one you're "So In Love" with. Always be "Brave" while you lift Jesus on high because you have 2 choices in this life. Those choices are to "Die or Fly". "The Mini EP" by Versa is available for free download currently on a couple of platforms. You can download it on soundcloud or bandcamp. Click here for soundcloud and click here for bandcamp.
The EP is short and sweet. 7 tracks will reintroduce you to this lyrical Christian artist with Memphis, Tn and Jackson, Ms roots. He currently resides in Houston, Tx.
I met Versa in 2009 through our frat brother Gibbs Hightower. I was delighted to find out that I have an Iota frat brother who shares my interest in the Gospel Rap Ministry. When we began to chop it up I was intrigued by his mutual appreciation of a high standard of excellence in the Holy Hip Hop Arts. A high standard which we both share in our respective ministries on our various projects.
"The Mini EP" is no different. The first thing that came to my mind the first time I heard it is that this is great riding music! If you like a unique lyrical rapping style and production sound you will definitely enjoy this short yet sweet project. Ministry is at the core of each and every song as he strategically shares his testimony while telling his life story and also skillfully takes you back in time where you can see what Jesus went through on Calvary. He also managed to do a good job with variety on the project as well. Displaying all dimensions of his artistry God has blessed him with. All songs are written, engineered, mastered, mixed and produced by Versa. I couldn't help but notice there are several skilled male and female vocalist on this project as well. One of which is Tasha Jackson who will be singing on my "Fresh Manna" album. The use of R&P singers will bid well for those of you who like a smooth R&B singing style on your plate with your rap entree.
If I had to pick one track to be my most favorite track on the EP I would have to say it's the intro track "Stay Focused". I like that 70's twang it has on it. Kind of reminds me of the "American Gangster" sound track as well. The song is also great motivation for those of us trying to accomplish goals in this life. Everyone should be able to relate to this particular record.
If you would like to connect with Versa online or learn more about him you can do so at http://bamfamonline.com . Please visit here frequently for any updates and all things Versa. Until next time always remember the Righteous In Faith In Crease Abundantly and all Christian are Rifica because all should be Righteous In Faith In Creasing Abundantly. It's not about me.
-RIFICA
Friday, June 12, 2015
PRAISE
HE WOKE YOU UP THIS MORNING THATS A REASON TO PRAISE.....
CLOTH IN YOUR RIGHT MIND THATS A REASON TO PRAISE.......
ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD THATS A REASON TO PRAISE.....
YOU GOT 2 LEGS TO STAND ON GONE HEAD PRAISE.......
GOT GRANDPARENTS LIVINGS THATS A REASON TO PRAISE......
IF YOU GOT PARENTS LIVING THATS A REASON TO PRAISE......
YOU NOT IN THE HOSPITAL THATS A REASON TO PRAISE......
YOU GOT 2 EYES THATS SEEING THATS A REASON TO PRAISE......
- lyrics from "Praise" by Rifica Fresh Manna Album
The devil really dont want me to post this post . This is my 3rd time doing it. It kept deleting earlier. Since all glory go to God and none to me I had to do it one more time for yall! We all have a reason to praise the lord. I challenge you to think about the small things you can praise the lord for and post them in the comment section. Once you think about the small things you will realize how abundantly blessed you really are. Lets stop taking things for granted and truely be greatful and content for what the Lord has blessed us with. Everyone doesnt have what you have. Lots of people have less. You are truelly blessed!
YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CALLING IS THATS A REASON TO PRAISE.....
YOU GOT A CHURCH HOME THATS A REASON TO PRAISE......
YOU GOT A BEST FRIEND THATS A REASON TO PRAISE......
YOU FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT THEN GONE HEAD PRAISE......
IF YOU ABLE TO TALK THATS A REASON TO PRAISE.......
IF YOU CAN READ THE BIBLE THATS A REASON TO PRAISE.......
YOU GOT SHOES ON YOUR FEET THATS A REASON TO PRAISE.......
IF YOU WEARING CLOTHES THEN GONE HEAD PRAISE.......
-RIFICA
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