April 15, 2009
Much Luvv in the 5th Ward Community - by Sketch journalist
“This place used to be junkyard,” Uncle Lloyd said. “But here we are ten years later and, not only is it a place for recreation, but we also believe it is a place for re-creation.”
Lloyd Prince was talking about the Prince Complex, the non-profit youth center he co-founded over a decade ago with Rap-A-Lot Records CEO James “J Prince” Smith.
Located in the heart of the infamous 5th Ward Houston neighborhood he once called home, the organization is designed to be a safe haven for “at-risk” youth and offers after-school basketball and boxing activities along with various community outreach programs for students and seniors.
The complex was celebrated on April 11, 2009 with a Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day. The event was co-sponsored by Rap-A-Lot and Much Luvv Records along with Copperfield Church and several other service organizations. Its afternoon featured performances by Christian hip hop artists, grocery distribution, inflatable games, basketball skill competitions, free food, and special appearances by well known rappers Gravy (aka Jamal Woolard from the Notorious B.I.G. biopic) and Bun B (of UGK).
Approximately 400 people attended the event between the hours of noon and 4pm. Five pallets of food from Target Hunger resulted in bags of groceries for more than 250 needy families and 19 people received free HIV tests from organizations like FUUSA (Families Under Urban & Social Attack.)
Christian rappers The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. drove over three hours from Austin just to perform a ten minute set and participate in the outreach.
“More people need to begin to show the love of God [in ways like this],” group member Victorious said. “The simple fact of the matter is we’ve got prophesying down, we’ve got preaching down, we’ve got taking offerings down… but this love thing is something we’re really suffering with and not enough people are walking in the true ‘agape’ love of God.
“Jesus said you will know my disciples, my followers, by the love they have for one another. So that’s why when a guy like [Much Luvv CEO] Tre9 calls and invites us out, we’re there to support.”
Neither Gravy nor Bun B performed at the event, but both did take the microphone to encourage attendees and play “celebrity judge” during the slam dunk competition held in the Prince Complex gymnasium.
The fact that this day fell on Easter weekend held special significance for many of the Christians in attendance.
“We will always recognize God’s place in our lives and that Jesus’ resurrection makes all of this possible,” Uncle Lloyd said from the stage. “Our family name of Prince may be on the building, but we set out to make an impact in the name of the Prince of Peace.”
The inaugural Hip Hop Hope Family Fun Day began and ended with a group prayer led by Much Luvv’s Bobby “Tre9” Herring. He spearheaded the partnership with Rap-A-Lot and expressed his appreciation for the support of all of the event’s sponsors.
“I think we’ve opened a door to a great relationship with the Prince Complex and its 5th Ward community,” Herring said. “I look forward to doing more outreaches with them throughout the year and starting a weekly Bible study there this summer.”
April 7, 2009
Rapper/singer Von Won signs with Much Luvv Records - by Sketch the Journalist
Houston-based rapper/singer Von Won is now an official recording artist with Much Luvv Records. The contract signing ceremony took place along side Von’s family after a recent ministry concert at The Fellowship of The Woodlands church.
Prior to his Christian conversion in 2007, Von Won was a member of the mainstream Playboy Click rap group with a solo album, Money Already Made, that featured high-profile guest appearances from the likes of Lil Keke and former Geto Boy Bushwick Bill. But a near-death police tazing incident shortly before that release caused him to re-evaluate his life and relationship with Jesus.
A friendship with Much Luvv CEO Bobby “Tre9” Herring eventually led to further discipleship and spots on frequent ministry stages. It later resulted in Rise to the Top, Von Won’s self-released first album as a sold-out believer, and then the recording contract with Much Luvv Records.
The journey to this point wasn’t always so smooth though. New Christians often struggle to match their heart’s desire with their attitude’s old ways. Tre9 even mentioned that the week leading up the signing ceremony was one of the hardest and most emotional he had been through with his new artist. Still, the two worked out their differences and are looking ahead to a bright partnership.
“I’m extremely grateful that Tre never shut the door on me and continued to believe in what I was doing,” Von Won said. “I’m very happy to be a member of the well-respected Much Luvv family.”
A Rice University graduate, Von Won is an entrepreneur with a label of his own. SXE (Southern Xposure Entertainment) will also produce and release street music from a Christian perspective by artists like Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing, Trevor Lee, and RBS.
But first, Von Won will focus on putting the final touches on his next album, Answering the Call that will hit stores on September 15, 2009. The project will carry a post-tour, voice mail response concept and relate the story of Von’s experience in becoming a devoted follower of Jesus. Look for it to continue to the R&B, rap, and reggae sound Von is known for with guest features from the likes of Corey Red, Gifted, and the Much Luvv Family.
For a sneak preview, listen for Von Won’s special appearances on the songs “Movin’ Up to the Suburbs,” “Won't Stop,” and “Rise to the Top,” from Tre9’s new album The Farmer.
March 12th, 2009
Get Tre9 on your cell phone now!
To get the official tones & wallpapers text TRE9 ITEMCODE to 38659For example to get the ‘I Be Comin Thru’ realtone, text TRE9 44180 to 38659
| I Be Comin Thru | 44180 |
| Movin Up To The Suburbs | 44181 |
| Movin Up To The Suburbs Screwed & Chopped | 44182 |
| Rise To The Top | 44183 |
| Suburbs Remix | 44184 |
| Wallpaper 1 | 47760 |
| Wallpaper 2 | 47761 |
| Wallpaper 3 | 47762 |
| Wallpaper 4 | 47763 |
Realtones cost $2.99 and Wallpapers cost $2.49. Text messages you send and downloading content are charged at your standard carrier rate. Supported carriers are AT&T Mobility Wireless, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA, CellularOne and Sprint only.
Terms & Conditions: 13+ only. Ask bill payers permission. Sent texts/GPRS downloads charged at normal carrier rate. WAP must be activated. For support call 866 849 2235 or email customer.service@newvisionsmobile.com . For full terms & conditions visit: www.officialmob.com/usterms.aspxFebruary 11th, 2009
Much Luvv's Hip Hop Missionaries Invade Fellowship of the Woodlands
In the month of January and in early February, Much Luvv missionaries Von Won and Tre9 were invited to perform and minister at all three fellowship of the Woodland's campuses. This would kick off the promotional campaign for Reality Weekend which took place February 7th at 7 p.m.
To begin the journey, they were joined by label mates ColCutz and S.O.M. for the Jr. High Saturday night youth service at Fellowship's main campus in the Woodlands. Jr. High School students seemed pretty stand-offish at first, but within a few minutes they were on their feet feelin' the vibe. Much Luvv hip hop missionary group S.O.M. returned the following Sunday to bless the High School and Jr. High school students with a few songs from their highly anticipated cd, "The Journey Revisited."
While S.O.M. performed at the main campus, Von Won and Tre9 joined Team Impact at the Fellowship of the Woodlands youth services in Atascocita. Read the blog posted earlier below for more information on how great it went, with over 50 youth surrendering their lives to Christ. Von and S.O.M. then headed over to Fellowship's newest location in Tomball, TX for two more youth services the following Sunday.
At each campus, the youth were told about Much Luvv's up and coming performance at Reality Weekend in the Woodlands, TX. So you can bet, this past Saturday was a packed out event with Jr. High and High School students from all three campuses, plus their friends. Over 400 students began pouring into the High School youth room between 7 and 7:30 p.m. It wasn't long before Much Luvv Records DJ Primo began cutting it up as Gifted and Von Won took the stage. The crowd was in frenzy, full of energy and ready for some non-stop Christian hip hop. S.O.M. hit the stage and the youth couldn't resist singing the chorus with them, "We rep Christ, so let's go, we represent in every city and every show, we rep Christ!" After a couple of songs, S.O.M. brought up the Circus themed show put together by none other than CY. With white face paint on his dancers and krumpers, CY stunned the audience with his creative, "Circus World Event Show".
To close out the show, Tre9 took the stage in traditional form with his Farmer intro. With 400 kids slapping their hand across their knee, ColCutz joined him to keep the energy going as they transitioned to the ever so popular, "Put Ya Hands Up." But the surprise came when Von Won walked on stage and told Tre9 that he couldn't possibly do the same show they had previously done at Fellowship's various locations on Sunday mornings. Looking confused, Tre9 asked what he had planned as Von brought a rock band on stage. The band known as Laden, manned the instruments and were ready to play for Tre's set. When Tre asked for a beat, the band jokingly played Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby." Tre appeared insulted, but quickly requested something with a little more funk to it and they played Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Growing frustrated, Tre asked them to put together a hip hop beat with a little soul to it and they dropped Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River." Finally he made everyone on stage shut it down, and asked only the drummer to play an old school hip hop beat. Finally, he found his beat and a combination of rock and hip hop intertwined with the entire Much Luvv Fam entertained the crowd for 45 minutes straight.
The youth were engaged, enthused, and overwhelmed with excitement towards the end of the show. Tre began to close the show out with a 3 minute message on how our ultimate pursuit in life should be to get closer to Jesus. This lead into the final song which was a song written by Laden and Much Luvv entitled, "Closer."
If you stood by Much Luvv's product table after the concert, you would've heard many young people telling the artists, "Great show!" One young teenager commented, "I loved the concert because I enjoy rock and hip hop but never seen it done quite like that in a church." It was a night the Woodlands youth will remember and in the words of Tre9, "I just hope our performance was a representation of how much we love serving God, and that someone in the audience will begin serving Him with the same passion we have for Jesus."
Much Luvv Records then met in the youth café and celebrated the official signing of Von Won to the label. Von Won, owner of Southern Exposure Entertainment was joined by his family and the Much Luvv Fam for the special event.
February 8th, 2009
MLK Hip Hop Summit in San Antonio
Over MLK weekend in San Antonio, TX, Tre9 was working as usual, trying to spread the hope through hip hop to a rebellious culture. Along with a panel of 15 artists, attorneys, producers, DJs, teachers and athletes, Tre answered questions for about two hours on the future of hip-hop, Obama's impact on the genre and how the culture affects America's youth. This event was sponsored by KBBT 98.5 fm The Beat and offered free HIV testing by Beat AIDS.
National recording artists Paul Wall, Rob G, Alphamega & 3 local SA rappers represented the mainstream music industry on this panel which undeniably put hip hop on a pedal stool. In a quote for this blog only from panelists Paul Wall, "It's a lot of fun helping out up and coming artists with advice about how it works in the record business." However, this panel went into so much more than advice for artists desiring to get into the music industry. It displayed how far off hip hop artists are as it relates to their philosophy on their music's influence on youth.
MLK Hip Hop Summit in San Antonio gives Tre9 a spot on the panel to represent the Christian hip hop music industry.
When Paul Wall was asked how hip hop artists could use their music to change the world around them, Paul basically replied, "I make music because I love it, to feed my family, to buy the cars I want, to go where I want, eat what I want, and do it all when I want. I am not trying to change the world or send out any messages." It seemed unanimous that all the artists on the panel agreed their music reflected their lives and the neighborhoods they grew up in, so they would continue "keeping it real," in spite of it's negative influence. Other panel guests shared the common thread that hip hop is one of the most powerful influences in the world but that it is the parent's job to raise their own children.
In Tre's opening introduction, he humbly thanked Jesus for being his Lord and for the opportunity to be amongst such an educated and talented panel. As the questions intensified, he highlighted that "Hip hop was a major influence in my life. I learned about sex from rap music because my parents never addressed that particular issue. I think we can all agree that the music played on radio, such as Lil Wayne's Lollipop and Usher's Love in this Club, are influencing children to have sex outside of marriage and to experiment with oral sex. When we look at the rise in STD's and teen pregnancy amongst youth, particularly in the African American teen community, we have to acknowledge that hip hop plays a role in these statistics." In response to the argument that parents are foolish to let hip hop raise their children, Tre replied, "In all the hoods I know of, youth are lacking full time parents. Many of them are being raised by a single mother working two jobs, some parents are heavy drug users, and grandparents often fill in for absent parents. When you consider that faith comes by hearing, and you got kids who aren't hearing positivity from parents or mentors, yet they listen to music more than anything else, of course explicit music is going to influence them negatively."
The audience received Tre's comments well, often times with applause. The panel never rebutted his comments. St. Louis Rams, Quincy Butler, sitting to Tre's left, and Paul Wall on Tre's right, complimented Tre on his comments. In particular when Tre and Paul were asked by an audience member how Christian hip hop could blow up into the mainstream market, Paul answered that it should not be labeled Christian hip hop, because that was an instant turn off that limited them to a Christian audience. Tre explained, "For 10 years I have been pressing forward allowing the church to see the authenticity of hip hop ministry. For so long we were rejected because of what the media portrayed hip hop to be, violent, sexual and rebellious music. For clarity to show the church clergy that we were not what the media portrayed, we labeled ourselves Christian hip hop. Now that most churches support and acknowledge or legitimacy, it is not as urgent that we seek their approval. I feel the bigger challenge now is to make our music an influential force amongst non-Christians, so we can't box ourselves in with terms that shun outsiders of the faith."
As the audience exited the building, Von Won and Tre9 blessed the mic with a song entitled, "Rise to the Top," which echoes, "with Jesus in my corner there's no way I can flop."
Matthew 5:13-14 states, "You are the salt of the earth……. You are the light of the world……." Scriptures like these come to mind when I think of a Christian in the midst of a hip hop summit such as this one. Without question, I believe Christ was represented well by Tre9. I would like to see more Christians have the opportunity to bring the character and love of Christ to secular music conferences such as the MLK Hip Hop Summit in San Antonio, TX. Best of all, there wasn't a heated debate about who was right and who was wrong. Simply put, seeds were planted just as The Famer intended.
February 7th, 2009
KPFT 90.1 FM Interview
KPFT 90.1 FM starts a Christian hip hop radio program, Tre9 takes them up on an interview.
Tre9 goes onto Damage Control Radio and gives listeners a peep at the Farmer album. Every Wednesday night from 11pm to midnight on 90.1 KPFT you will hear "The Hour of Power" blazin' Christian hip hop music.
Tre9, along with label mates CY and Von Won were invited to the station to share their vision and music. With a few opportunities to minister live on the air, Tre9 talked about the need for a facelift in Christianity so that those outside the body could witness more love and less condemnation. DJ's also played the single, "Put Ya Hands Up" from the Farmer CD and Von Won's "Tough Life."
For those who are interested in checking out The Hour of Power, Wednesday nights from 11pm-12 midnight on KPFT 90.1 FM, Much Luvv Records would like to inform you that the station plays non-Christian, very explicit music immediately following the broadcast. We do not endorse any of the Damage Control programming except songs that are played during the Hour of Power which do not compromise biblical teaching.
January 21st, 2009
Tre questions "Yes We Can" politics on Beat Lab 7 feature
*/"Obama Wins!" "Things are Changing!" "Yes, We Can!" / But in God I put my trust, and not man / Gonna hold onto my God's unchanging hand / As he, as he leads me along" – "Yes We Can" (Tre9)/*
While the nation is justifiably excited about the inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States, gospel rapper Tre9 cautions that Barack Obama is simply a man – not a Messiah.
In "Yes We Can," a song recorded exclusively for the Beat Lab 7's free, downloadable "Music Meets the Truth 2009" album, Bobby "Tre9" Herring presents an argument for cautious support of elected officials.
"We have to remember politicians are men who fall short of God's glory, just like everyone else. And far too often, their words don't match their actions, and our expectations go unfulfilled," Herring said.
"It's especially important that Christian voters and politicians hold themselves to higher standards and value their heavenly citizenship over their national one."
And despite the title chant and "Abomination, disregard Obama-nation" line (a phrase he remembered from a photo of a protest sign at a gay-rights rally), Tre9 says this is not an anti-Barack track or partisan in any way. It's simply a Christian song about modern government in the vein of Derek Webb's "A Savior On Capitol Hill."
"It's definitely more political than anything I've ever put on wax," Tre9 said. "But it's an honest expression of thoughts and feelings that have been marinating inside of me for several years. I hope people can really see where I'm coming from on this."
Tre9's next album, "The Farmer," is being distributed by Infinity/Central South and hits stores on March 31, 2009.
For more information on Tre9 please visit www.tre9online.com
To listen to Yes We Can, download your FREE copy of Beat Lab 7's "Music Meets The Truth 2009" visit www.beatlab7.com .
January 2009
Tre9 takes on Hairgrove Elementary Afterschool Reading Program
What Christian rapper might you find on a Tuesday afternoon in December reading "The Grinch that Stole Christmas," to elementary school students? Tre9 the super reader! Well he's not exactly a super reader, but he definitely tried to be.
Copperfield Church, Tre's home church, has currently adapted Hairgrove Elementary for the school year to assist them with needs that they are unable to meet on their own. Along with a long list of equipment and supplies, there is also a need for volunteers to read to the children in class before they are dismissed for the day. This hour of reading gives teachers the opportunity to catch up on some paper grading, assignment planning or simply to wind down for the day.
Although Tre9 is not one of the eight or so scheduled weekly readers, he is one of the substitutes on call. And sure enough, Tre was called out the week before Christmas break to share a little bit of his reading skills with the kids. "I thought it would be easy, but after I was done I felt like my performance was weak. I did have their attention the whole time, but I need to improve on being a bit more animated as I read. I think the teacher noticed how uncomfortable it was for me at first, but she assured me I did an OK job," Tre stated.
Who knows when Tre will be called on next, but he says he is always ready to serve the kids and feels that Christian rappers should set an example in education to encourage more reading.
For more information about how you can help out at Hairgrove Elementary contact Ann Aguilar at Copperfield Church- 281-856-2273 or aaguilar@copperfieldchurch.org.
December 22, 2007
Recap: Bushwick Bill / Icece Listening Party & B-day Bash
All I can say is “What a night!” I haven’t been to a holy hiphop event this unique in a while. Click the title to read the full article.
December 22, 2007
The Much Luvv Fam - The Next... Now! Gospel Flava Review
The Next... Now is a massive project that has only a couple of misses in the midst of some sure-fire hits. Much Luvv came up big time on this one and they made sure that they brought plenty of company to share in the victory. Click the title to read the full article.
December 22, 2007
The Much Luvv Fam - The Next... Now! OkayPlayer.com Review
Much Luvv Fam proves to be a very strong and diverse coalition with members that, aside from content, mirror everything from nerdcore backpack to reggae to early 90’s boom-bap. Punchlines? Check. The Art of Storytelling? Affirmative. Thump? Si. Gideon’s New King James’ Version Pocket Bible…? Yes, Please. Click on title to read the full review now.
September 15, 2007
Trailblazin Ministries does an Awesome Review of a Much Luvv Release
Every now and then, I’m in the mood for something different. That’s exactly what I got from Much Luvv Records - Now... & Then! (Chopped & Screwed by Dj Primo) presented by DJ XDC. This mix tape of some of their radio singles and even a few of their up and coming releases were chopped and screwed by DJ Primo, who was serving in Afghanistan . Wow! Did you hear me? This man is not only serving our country but holding true to serving our God while in a war torn country. That’s standing up for the Lord against all odds! To read the full article click the title.
September 15, 2007
The Luvv Shack – Much Luvv Radio: Official Mixtapes & Album Previews (Better Download Links)7
In an attempt to build a buzz and create some excitement about Much Luvv Records host of upcoming releases and current releases this promotion is going out to a few thousand people to get you hyped, featured in this news letter are some mixtape downloads from Much Luvv, some audio previews and some promo mixes and flash back mixes from Dj D-Lite and Dj XDC along with some Chopped and Screwed joints by Dj Mex and Dj Primo. Plus a host of audio for you ear tubes delight. So get hyped and excitted about what Much Luvv is bringing you that pure holy heat from down south. Click the title to download the mixtapes and read the full article.
September 15, 2007
Tre-9 takes England by storm in 10 days doing 17 shows
Tre-9 is going to England for 10 days to do 9 school shows and 8 concerts outside the schools in churches. Click the title to read more.
July 14, 2007
Press Release 7/22/07 - July 24, 2007
Tre9 was asked by his church worship leader, Austin Ryan of Copperfield Baptist Church, to perform during both of their Sunday morning worship services. The only thing was, he didn't want him to rap. Click the title to read more.
June 28, 2007
Texas Summer Heat Tour Booking Now - June 28, 2007
Booking now for artists: Tre-9, S.O.M, Cy, ColCutz, ICECE, Dj D-Lite and UrgeWorks B Boy crew. To book one of our artist for the Texas Summer Heat Tour Contact our Artist Booking/Manager, Jimmie A. McDowell @ management@dasouth.com or 713.254.9351 Directly. Click the title to find more information.
June 28, 2007
Here is what some have some others have had to say about the Next… Now already.
Here is what some have some others have had to say about the Next… Now already. Click the title to read customers comments.
June 28, 2007
From the independent label that has been bringing heat for almost a decade, Much Luvv Records, returns with their best fire ever… The Much Luvv Fam - The NextNow: This is a double cd featuring all Much Luvv artists as one group. It features special guests KJ52, Tonex, Japhia Life, Sev Statik, Sean Slaughter, Braille, Tony Stone, HG Squad, R Swift, V-Zilla, Pigeon John, Promise D Apostle, Platinum Souls, Remnant Militia and many more! Also Be on the lookout for these albums coming soon from Much Luvv Records! Tre9 The Farmer: Available 2007. MLR makes their mainstream debut with ICECE- The Frozen Files: Available 2007. Also be on the look out for these; SOM – The Journey Revisited: Available 2007 & CY - Circus World Event... The Ringleader: Available 2007. Click here to view more.
