Rapfest 2003 Reports!!!
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2003 1-9pm

Just blocks from Westchester Avenue in the Bronx, the refreshing sounds of hard-core  street ministry resonated throughout the area. As I approached Bryant Avenue, a large crowd had already accumulated in front of the stage, which stood at the end of the block. Excitement could be felt in the air as I made my way toward the crowd that was locked into the first act, which was The Street Sweepers. Before I could even get to the stage, I was greeted by several of my brothers and sisters who I hadn’t seen in some time. I truly felt the warmth and love of a great family reunion amongst the extended Holy Hip Hop fam. As the storm clouds continued to hover above the entire day, what could have been a heavy downpour turned out to be a few sprinkles every couple of hours.

Twenty-six ministries hit the stage one by one for eight straight hours, and the crowd never seemed to grow tiresome. Thousands from all across the continent attended this Hip Hop gathering where there were no fights, profanity, weed nor alcohol. Brother Gerard from BET’s Lift Every Voice was on hand to shoot footage and interview some of the ministries. Actor Steven Baldwin surprised many of us by showing up to see what God was doing through Holy Hip Hop. Some of the ministries that repped including myself were Rawsrvnt, Urban D and the Flavor Alliance Crew, Hoshama, Carriers of the Cross, IDOL King, Vizunari, the Much Luvv fam, King Cyz, Sons of God, Hazakim and The RockSoul fam. There was no spirit of competition or jealousy felt, but love and respect was flowing throughout the day. The Cross Movement hit the stage and the crowd went wild during their set, which lasted for about thirty minutes. They shared a few songs from their new CD, Holy Culture, as the crowd echoed back with word for word recitations. Hands remained in the air and many ew’s and ah’s were heard as The Movement put it down. Todd Bangz hit the stage solo, as he grabbed the crowd’s attention and kept all in anticipation of the next ill line he would spit. Another highlight was when a fellow lady souljah, Shekinah boldly shared through song and testimony. RapFest 2003 was truly a blessing, and I believe that heads will be talking about this event for a long time. Brothers Inc. really did it big this year, and I applaud them for their diligence and efforts. The Lord really answered our prayers for no rain, and it didn’t pour until after RapFest ended. Praise God!

By ElleROC  www.elleroc.com

Every year on the streets of the Bronx, Bert and Brother E put together the largest holy hip hop concert & outreach that New York has ever seen. With over 1500 people in attendance and over 20 emcees from across the world, the Bronx was hit with more than just music.
The 9th annual Rap Fest 2003 took place on August 9th from 1pm-9pm. The day began with a gathering of all confirmed artists inside of Salem Temple Church around noon to discuss the specifics to make the day flow smoothly. Then the action began at 1pm. Rawsrvnt kicked it off before a crowd of about 400 hungry heads. As the slightly overcast day progressed, the crowd reached over 1500 people although the weather forecast said it would be storming that day. One of the highlights, was a visit from actor Steven Baldwin. Word is that he flew into New York after checking out the rap fest web site. It seems at Rap Fest, you never know who will show up.

The list of performers are as follows:

Apostle-Beatrax-Brothers Inc.-Carriers of the Cross-Cross Movement-Rawsrvnt-Elle R.O.C.-Flavor Alliance-Frontlynaz-Hazakim-Hoshama Music Group-I.D.O.L. King-Kidd The Warrior-King Cyz & Skeez, The Much Luvv Fam-Nu Jeru Stallions-Prodigal Son-Shabach-Shekinah
Sincere-SoldiaSové-Sons of God-Street Sweepers-Todd Bangz-Vizunari

The Much Luvv Fam- Tre9. Mark J, and Enock bring it at Rap Fest 2003.

With over 20 rappers performing 15 minutes sets non-stop for over 8 hours, there had to be a few stand-outs amongst the gang. Hoshama Music Group put it down along with others such as Hazakim, Shabach, Street Sweepers, Todd Bangz, The Much Luvv Fam, and of course the Cross Movement. It was the first time the crowd ever saw the Cross Movement perform and then former member Enock two groups later. However, both performances were classic.

For those of you who are wondering where the ministry was, in case the artists lyrics weren't enough for you, the night ended with an alter call. People were allowed the opportunity to receive the Lord Jesus and lives were changed. Without a doubt, Rap Fest is still about reaching the lost.

The only thing that very few might have noticed was the lack of variety. Most of the groups had an east coast sound which I am sure the New York crowd didn't mind at all. However, if you looking for anything other than an east coast flavor, you would have left disappointed. Otherwise, you got your "times" worth, since the event was free.

Submissions are already being taken for Rap Fest 2004 at www.rapfest2000.com Artist are encouraged to sign up early because submissions come in hundreds. For more info on RapFest visit the web site at www.rapfest2000.com

Til Next Year, holla! - Tre9

RAP FEST 2003 was a great way to fellowship and share Christ at the same time. Big Ups and Mad Shout-Outs to all of the people at SALEM ASSEMBLY OF GOD for making RAP FEST 2003 a success.

At Rap Fest 2003 their was lots of artists spittin' hard for Christ and blessing many souls. It seem that their was a lot of artists that just rolled up to share their support and to network during Rap Fest. The Lord held back the rain back and many more came to Rap Fest this year, and it's safe to say that it was the biggest crowd ever! As I see it as a radio DJ, the Holy Hip Gospel Music has raised the standard and for all intense and purposes, has ARRIVED! DJ Frankie Vibe, DJ Flame and myself were truly blessed and encouraged on what GOD was doing at Rap Fest 2003, oh of course we'll be reppin' again next year at Rap Fest 2004, NO DOUBT!!!!

Special Bless-Outs to DJ Flame and all of the other artists and DJ's that rolled up on me on my show last week (Rap Fest Radio)

Rockn'HIS Beats
Floyd Cray

Rap Fest 2003 was off da chain! 4 real! 26 Ministries, 8 Hours, Representin' our LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! What! It was DOPE!! Nuff said...so many heads was gathered together to Praise & Represent JESUS it was amazin'!!! I'm Serious! U got's to check out da site, www.rapfest2000.com, to peep what I'm talkin' bout. If you was dere, u know what I'm sayin'!

What I really dug was da ministry aspect of da event. It was outside where we could evangelize to da lost and just evangelize period apart from da four walls, ya feel. Catz would jus roll by, see a street blocked off, peeps on stage reppin' on da M.I.C., and of course, curiosity got most off dem. Praise GOD!!! I believe Rap Fest was very effective and I know dat da it really ministered to all peoples in one way or another. I can testify to dat!

On dat note, continue to keep this ministry, Salem Temple (Rap Fest coordinators), and all da Artist dat participate yearly, in your prayerz.

Next year, expect it to be even BIGGER & BETTA!!

Peace in JESUS!!!

Rawsrvnt
 www.rawsrvnt.com