- Jesus Instead of Gangs Bio -
Jesus Instead of Gangs(JIG), formed by Marquis Franklin(Tha Servant) and Marcel Wilson(Fulfilla) have been ministering through hip hop for last 8 years. Their focus is to spread the gospel through a language that the youth of today can understand. Both Tha Servant and Fulfilla were saved at a young age, and while at school they were made ridiculed for the stand they took for Christ.
J.I.G. has ministered at various locations including churches, parks, boys and girls clubs, schools and Christian clubs. Their main target audience is those who are of the church. "Many times the church is so focused on outreach yet we still have those who are in the church we need to be ministering to. Not only do they need to be ministered to they also need music that will keep them from the secular music, that is so strong in today's society"-Tha Servant
J.I.G. knows that they are also called to minister to those who haven't yet received Christ as Lord. Their main focus is to win the lost, whether inside or out the church, and allow them to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
J.I.G. has currently dropped two albums. The debut album released February 2003 was entitled "Preachin' Tha Word" and their sophomore album released November 2006 was entitled "Addressing The Tainted Plagiarism." "We are looking forward to sharing the message of Jesus Christ to the masses, and allowing God to shape our music and our lives." Pray for Jesus Instead of Gangs as they accept the call of God in their lives and pray that the people they will reach take heed to the Gospel.
-Life
- VellVett's Bio -
VellVett a.k.a. La Vell Walton was born June 30th, 1980. He was raised by his grandmother in the Central District of Seattle, WA. The name “VellVett†was given him after the release of hit movie “Coming to America†in the 1990’s. Although it came from humor, VellVett created a reputation for himself as a smooth, yet vibrant, and unique rap artist. The instant his voice was heard publicly he was considered one of the best unsigned artists yet. Quote: “…you are an advocate of the basic nature to feel good and give praise…†stated by Gia’na Garel, producer/co-host of talk radio show ‘On The Real’. VellVett currently works on his first solo release entitled “Just like VellVett,†after signing with Genuine Life Recordz (an indie label based in Seattle) September 18th, 2006. He is also preparing songs for movie projects while promoting his album via internet, collaborations and live performances. In his own words: “I’ve recognized the necessity for unadulterated, influential music in today’s world. I too enjoy entertainment, but youth today mimic fictional characters rather than real-life success stories. They don’t know the benefit of being themselves. Instead, they compromise their essence by imitating unhappy people who lack identity. So, instead of highlighting the need, I would rather contribute through music, film and demonstration of who we are according to God; our Creator.†His immediate goal is to work with a trustworthy distribution company with a successful track record. VellVett has been rapping since 1987 and has been writing songs since 1993. He started performing at nightclubs in 1995. He was always known for his strong voice, great stage presence, and lyrical content and creative flow. Now, this 26-year-old has truly broken the mold in hip-hop, bringing the Unadulterated Truth in a most creative way since his re-birth (salvation) October 11th, 2001. His inspirations range from: EWF, Marvin Gaye, Whodini, Fat Boys, The Fresh Prince, LL Cool J, NWA, Digital Underground, 2Pac and many more. His greatest inspiration is Jesus Christ. “It was His attitude, strength and grace in hard times that influenced me,†VellVett states. Overwhelmed, he’s receiving many compliments for his skillfulness, integrity, diversity and relevance; not to mention his alluring stage performances. In July 2006, at the I.T.M. (Inside Tha Musik) Awards, VellVett received honors for "Best Performer of the Year" and was nominated in other categories. VellVett is positioning himself for mainstream success. He plans to work with artists, actors/actresses such as: Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Kiki Sheard, Tyler Perry, Kimberly Elise and more. Before too long, his music will have afforded him the opportunity to launch his clothing line for casual wear. Not to mention, his plans for affordable elegant restaurants nationwide. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper!†-God, (reference: Psalm 1: 3)
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- Chay Sutton's Bio -
Chameion D’Metrius Sutton was born in Seattle, Washington on September 12th, 1980 to Sammy & Linda Sutton. His dad Sammy was a gifted singer and his mom Linda was gifted in giving His parents separated when he was just six years old & this left him somewhat emotionally torn. However shortly after the separation he started playing football as well as other sports. This gave him a great outlet for his emotions as well as the ability to develop strong discipline & focus. He grew up like many other kids, but from a young age he realized that he was different. He was naturally a leader and always the kind of person that people were attracted to.Chameion did not grow up in the church but at various times in his life godly seeds were planted. The first time he remembers going to church was at the age of nine & it was prophesied to him that he was in the right hand of God. Chameion also realized at the age of nine that he had the ability to sing. At the age of thirteen he gave his life to Christ, but without godly fellowship & guidance in the word he gradually conformed back to the ways of the world. At fourteen Chameion sang in front of 10,000 people at a basketball tournament. He also entered and won a talent show which led to him becoming a part of a singing group in California. The group recorded at Capital Records, and things looked very promising for his music career. However some things within the group and its management went sour and the group fell apart. At the age of sixteen Chameion was a part of a new group called Two Occasions. This group seemed to have all the makings for music success, but for many different reasons the group never achieved the success it desired. At this point Chameion felt a tug in his heart that secular music wasn’t for him.At eighteen he got back into church but quickly became un-attracted because of those he knew that claimed to be living for God, but their actions showed otherwise. This caused him to try to walk with God alone, without the fellowship of the saints.In 2003, Chameion graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. A few months later he started playing professional football in the Arena league for the Las Vegas Gladiators. In his first year on the team he met a godly teammate named Cornelius Bonner ( a.k.a. Corn Bread) who took him under his wing. Cornelius spent time with him in the morning each day reading the bible and teaching him about forgiveness, and from this a strong desire for the Lord was ignited. From that point on Chameion had a desire to find a church home. In 2004 when he came back to Seattle in the off season he started attending the services at V.L.C.C. He felt welcomed & after a very short time he knew that this was where he needed to be planted & grounded. A few months later he joined the praise team and God begin to move in his life like never before. This was the beginning of his journey in gospel music!On September 12th 2004 Chameion received the power of the Holy Spirit and from that day on he knew that he would never be the same. Since then he has continued to grow in the word, musically, and in the ministry. Along with growing in the word and musically, Chameion became the youth minister at V.L.C.C.He has a very strong passion for young people, and his goal is to pour God’s love out to them in a way that they can understand. He wants to help guide & equip them in the word of God so that they to can go out and help win souls for the kingdom. Chameion has a heart for the things of God and he is fully confident that God will do extraordinary things in the area of ministry that he has been called to.Over the past five years Chameion has been placing his signature vocally, writing gospel music, and ministering with Genuine Life Records. He has now become a part-owner of the Genuine Life company and is excited about being in full time ministry.