Natrell

Hip Hop is a cultural movement that was developed in urban communities predominantly by African Americans and Latinos starting in the early 1970s. Early Hip Hop has often been credited with helping to reduce inner-city gang violence by replacing physical violence with Hip Hop battles. Since then, Hip Hop has evolved and the most recent form of Hip Hop is “gangsta rap”. Gangsta rap has caused significant controversy because its lyrics are perceived as promoting violence, promiscuity, drugs, weapons, alcohol, misogyny, crime, and hate. Overall, modern Hip Hop is charged with having a negative impact on society, especially the youth. In response, many artists have taken the initiative to alter the outlook on Hip Hop and to transform the impact it has on society. Since Hip Hop has proved to be so influential, artists have decided to use it to inspire it’s listeners in a positive manner. Holy Hip Hop has been one avenue to complete such a task. Artists use Holy Hip Hop to inform society about Jesus Christ.With a vision to inspire and motivate the people of God, LeMarcus Anderson, better known as Natrell, strives to bring souls to Christ. With the ability to sing, write, produce and speak publicly, Natrell has been enabled to capture an audience that has often looked over in the Gospel community.Born in Columbus, GA and the eldest of three, Natrell was a born leader. Because of his family’s military background, he had the opportunity to be around people of all walks of life. Natrell learned about God at an early age. Though he sung in Church choirs and played in many bands for fun, he had no idea that this would be the calling on his life. As he got older, Natrell’s passion for music grew, however; his desire to be in church decreased. Along with three other friends, he formed an R&B group called Image. As he sang in talent shows, night clubs, weddings and school dances, all of the attention caused him to lose sight of God. He slowly slipped into a lifestyle of sin.After three years of singing with Image, the four members decided to go their separate ways. Music was truly his passion and it played a key role in keeping Natrell out of severe trouble. But without Image, he strayed away from his passion. As a result, Natrell made his worst mistake by partaking in gangs. This led to other problems that caused him to lose sight of music and, most importantly, to lose sight of God. In 1999, during his senior year in high school, God gave Natrell a wakeup call. A near fatal car crash left Natrell unconscious. While unconscious, a vision of Natrell singing in front of thousands of people while holding a Bible in his hand was revealed to him by God. While hospitalized, Natrell received not one phone call or visitation by his so called “gang members”. All of these events let Natrell know that it was time for him to make a change.In Saint Robert, Missouri, Natrell made the first step towards change by going back to church. At Victorious Ministries, Pastor Marcus L Davis began to teach him how to be a man of God. He reunited with his passion for music by joining the choir and playing with other musicians. By appointing Natrell as the Minister of Music, Pastor Davis put him in a position that would change his life. Natrell learned how to operate through the Holy Spirit so that he would be as effective as possible in that position. The Bible taught him the value of music and he realized that music wasn’t just a passion for him but that it was his calling.In 2005, Natrell gave birth to his own vision and created VIP (Victory In Progress) Ministries. Using the knowledge he obtained from Nashville’s Institute of Audio Engineering and gifts and wisdom he received from God, he produced his first project entitled Victory In Progress. Working with other artist, such as Ova’flow and P-Air, Narell’s vision was becoming a reality. He marketed his project through the military’s Aafes circuit and opened up shows for artists such as Kiki Sherd, John P. Kee and Canton Jones. Through Holy Hip Hop, Natrell has been able to deliver the message of Jesus Christ to the Hip Hop culture and all of whom it encompasses.Natrell has ministered in various youth events across parts of the South and parts of the Midwest. He has conducted numerous radio interviews and has had his songs aired on radio stations. Now living in Las Vegas, NV, he is more than ready to promote himself and his vision to the West and to the rest of the world. God is without a doubt opening up doors for Natrell as well as enlarging the range of his impact