Billboard artist FLAME heads to Cleveland, Talks Ministry & More

Billboard artist FLAME (Cross Movement Records), a.k.a. Marcus T. Williams-Gray, will be in Cleveland this Friday to minister at New Spirit Revival Center. The St. Louis, Missouri native is part of a rising group of young men who are spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Hip Hop form (aka Holy Hip Hop)- a concept that many Christians have yet to grasp. The music industry, however is taking note, as G.R.I.T.S. (Gotee Records), one of the first signed Christian Hip Hop duos had their song, "Here We Go", featured in Jack Nicholson’s 2003 film “Somethings Gotta Give” and on the small screen on shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Pop Stars, Boston Public and MTV Cribs. Though the genre of Hip Hop/Rap is one that evokes thoughts of drugs, sex, and self-worship, this new Gospel/Christian genre is doing the very opposite. While the world of Hip Hop thrives through "beefs" between artists, these Christian ambassadors tour together, collaborate on projects, and even promote each other's albums. If you listen beyond the beat, you will hear FLAME tell his young listeners in "Hold On" that the walk [of salvation] is not easy, and in fact gets harder. In "13 Letters" (Reach Records), artist Trip Lee & 116 Clique encourage you to "Dig In" as the lyrics run, Bible, Check, Spiral, Check, Lighter, Check, Now Dig, Dig- promoting Bible study.

FLAME credits the veteran Holy Hip Hop group Cross Movement for his music ministry genesis. The group's hard-hitting, "scripture saturated" lyrics impacted FLAME during a difficult time in his life. After the passing of his grandmother, 16 year-old FLAME began attending church and seeking Christ. He soon found himself in a Christian bookstore browsing the music section. It was then that he purchased a CD by Cross Movement and was thoroughly impressed with artist quality of their music and content- something he found encouraging and challenging.

FLAME took out time from his very busy tour schedule to talk music ministry and more for LEGPROMO.INFO. His visit is a testament to the underground Holy Hip Hop movement of Cleveland. "I have been to Cleveland before, there is a lot of support from the people and New Spirit Revival Center", he says regarding his tour stop to the area. D-Liv (Ardale Patrick) member of local group LIFE Camp, will be opening up for FLAME. The group which consists of members Choze, Overflow, and L-Peezy have traveled throughout Ohio and neighboring states using the method of rap to share the gospel.

FLAME's fourth album, "OUR WORLD REDEEMED" (Cross Movement Records 2008), was released in March of this year and is a follow up to the successful release of "OUR WORLD FALLEN" (Cross Movement Records 2007) – the first of the two-part series. FLAME speaks of the series as follows:

"The first album, Our World Fallen is sobering and addresses life issues.

Our World Redeemed is about the benefits of Christian life. Its music composition is energetic and fun."

What the humble artist did not mention {he didn't have to, I did for him :) } is that the album climbed to the number five spot on the Billboard Charts: an honor most artists only dream of. "I was just as shocked as everyone else," he said humbly. The Midwest Christian Rap artist shared that he never aspired to the hip hop artistry.

There is no doubting where FLAME stands regarding whom he serves or what he believes. If you visit his Myspace page, you will quickly find a moving icon that reads, "I'VE BEEN REDEEMED, YOU CAN TOO!", as his profile picture. His website hosts more than the usual suspects discography, picture gallery, tour schedule, etc. The first button you will find is a free online Bible followed by sermons, devotions, and a list of books he suggests for Biblical study. A Q&A forum will be available on the site soon as well. So, why all of the resources for his music listeners?

Before I was an artist, I was a music listener. I would go to the artists
websites and think, where can I find out more about their lyrics (the
scriptures). This goes beyond the music, there is only so much the music
can do. So, I wanted to give people the resources to study and learn more.

All the talk of Bible study is no smoke-and-mirrors, the busy artist is currently studying Biblical Counseling at Boyce College in Louisville, KY. After asking why he decided to attend Bible college, he replied, "After learning about it through fellow artists, I felt inspired to go." "I feel it makes me a more well-rounded artist."

When asked about the growing number of aspiring Hip Hop artists, FLAME had this piece of advice to share, "Stay faithful to the Lord and your church home, He will open up doors and shut those that should be shut." He also added to "practice, maintain integrity behind the scenes, and stay in the Word of God." How does the "lyrical torch bearer" maintain his walk with Christ while on the road? "I am not always headlining an event, so I plug into the other music ministries I travel with. "When I am at home, I do outreach and evangelism at my church, it keeps me humble. I also travel with my wife."

FLAME and his counterparts in the Faith are making a deep impact on young listeners world-wide. Next month Reach Records artists Trip Lee, LeCrae, and Tedashii are headed to the UK for the UnAshamed Tour. It's most certainly time that the Body of Christ stand with these young men as they spread the message of Jesus Christ in the most unexpected, yet relevant form.

So what's next for FLAME? "I am just riding the waves and observing the culture."

Friday's concert will begin at 8:00 pm at New Spirit Revival Center- 3130 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44118. This event is FREE and open to the public. Go out and support our young brother's in Christ as they reach the lost generation. You will be blessed!

For more information about FLAME and his music ministry, visit www.flame314.com or for booking information, write to info@flame314.com.

JOYFEST- Ohio Music Festival Pays Tribute to Rev. Timothy Wright

Curtis A. Perry III (left), owner of Joy 1520 Radio, and the Rev. Vince Watts Photo by: REPOSITORY BOB ROSSITER

What do the last two recent posts on this website have in common? JoyFest Music Festival, one of Northeast Ohio's largest urban celebrations! Joyfest is a CAP III Production supported by Joy1520AM - WINW. The gathering will include carnival rides, the very best in gospel music, a Rib BurnOff, and Sweet-Potato Pie & Pound Cake Contests...yummy! The Rib BurnOff will feature a $1,000 top prize. "So You Think You Got Talent?", a talent show for local youth will showcase tonight at 6:00 pm. Attendance to this amazing event is FREE and open to the public!


Concerts from national recording artists Vanessa Bell Armstrong (EMI Gospel) and Tye Tribbett & GA (Sony BMG Music) will occur Friday and Saturday evenings, respectively. Gospel Artist Rev. Timothy Wright was scheduled to minister on Sunday. After hearing the tragic news of the interestate collision that killed Rev. Wright's wife and grandson, and left him in critical condition, organizers were shocked. But, they have turned the tragedy into a gospel tribute for the Wrights. "It's still going to be a festive event," Curtis Perry told the Canton Repository. "People are going to come out because of the void. They'll want to be here for the tribute."

Proceeds from food concessions will benefit Saving Our Sons, a youth employment program, and a scholarship fund. CAP III Community Fund's purpose is "to promote the growth and development of inner-city youth by providing scholarships, youth activities, summer employment and technological enrichment."

This event is a great example of summer fun and fellowship. The festival is community centered and shows that there are positive things happening in Northeast Ohio. So, if you have no plans for the beautiful weekend, head to Canton to celebrate- and tell someone else about it.

JOYFEST Schedule of Events (July 10, 11,12, & 13th)

Thursday — 6 p.m., youth talent show, hosted by Sheryl "Dottie" Pressley

Friday — 8 p.m., Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Saturday — 8 p.m., Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing

Sunday — Noon, musical tribute to the Rev. Timothy Wright and family;

drawing for flat-screen TV.

GOOD IN THE HOOD (updated)

Perhaps I am preaching to the choir, but not everything "in the hood" or "inner city" is negative and violent. There is another video (by Mr. Del) that I intended to post today, but I ran into this one first. This track is from the new album "STANDOUT" by Tye Tribbett and GA. Enjoy!

Tye Tribbett & GA @

309-400 Market Ave, Canton, Ohio

Kreskge Block

July 12th, 2008

JoyFestival

More Videos

Rev. Timothy Wright critical, Wife Killed After Interstate Collision

According to the New York Daily News, Rev. Timothy Wright, known as the “godfather of gospel” was critically injured and his wife and grandson were killed when a wrong-way driver hit their vehicle in Pennsylvania on Friday, July 4th.

The Rev. Timothy Wright, 61, was hospitalized after the Friday night crash that
killed his wife, Betty, 58, on Interstate 80 in Greene Township, about 160
miles west of Manhattan, state police said.
Wright has released more than a dozen gospel recordings and is pastor at Grace Tabernacle Christian Center in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
His album “Come Thou Almighty King” was nominated for best traditional soul gospel album at the 1995 Grammy Awards. His latest CD, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,” came out last year.

- KRISTEN BROWN and TINA MOORE, DAILY NEWS WRITERS

The title track was one of my personal favorites and was co-written with his wife.
Every gospel music listener is familiar with his music or has heard one of his many songs. My prayers are with his family and congregants as the body of Christ mourns. Please pray for God's will and the recovery of Rev. Wright.

To read the full story visit: nydailynews.com

A Wedding Fit for a Princess- Bishop T.D. Jake's Youngest Daughter Weds

I have listened to many of Bishop Jakes' inspiring and uplifting messages over the years. I wish the couple nothing but pure wedded bliss! Ok, back to blogger's tone...

Bishop T.D. Jakes, referred to as "America's Best Preacher" by CNN and Time Magazine, witnessed the union of his youngest daughter, Sarah Dionne Jakes,19, to Robert Henson, 22, her college sweetheart. The ceremony took place at The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas followed by a fairy-tale reception at the Jakes's palatial 28-acre estate. Guests included Tyler Perry, Dr. Phil McGraw, Deion Sanders, Tom Joyner and wife Donna Richardson Joyner, Paula White, Michael Irvin and Emmit Smith.

"The front lawn of Jakes's home was transformed into an enchanted forest replete with fog, mimes, a string quartet playing in a gazebo, and an ice sculpture of a glass slipper

Arriving in a Just Married-tagged horse-drawn carriage, the newlyweds were in every sense the evening's Cinderella and Prince Charming. "I really can't take credit for any of this," said Sarah, a broadcast journalism major who graduates next May.

Guests were treated to a buffet-style spread and a performance by singer Carl Thomas. But the night's best performance was the newlyweds' first dance. Surrounded by friends and loved ones, Sarah and Robert only had eyes for each other."

~ Kenya N. Byrd, Essence Magazine Online

In his thoughtful blog, Bishop Jakes shared these words as he reflected on the day:

Almost perfect for us was the surreal presence of well wishers from near and far. Preachers, business tycoons, political
figures, and talk show hosts all came together. The eclectic guest list brought out both secular and sacred personalities, but they all came to join our many personal friends in wishing our children well. I knew my wife missed her mother being there. I knew that she remembered fondly her mother getting her ready for our wedding so many years before. Still my wife worked feverishly on Sarah's gown, hair, make-up, eyebrows, perfume, and everything
else imaginable. I too ached for my father's reassurance and my mother's practical wisdom, but I realized that those days are gone and these are quickly fleeting. I was so thankful for the people who I knew didn't really have time to attend, but came anyway. The greatest presence was from one we couldn't get a picture of, the Lord Himself, and with Him in attendance, then the wedding was a success!

~Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop'sBlog, "A Perfect Day"

This wonderful event was exclusively covered by Essence Magazine with all photos by Rance Elgin.

Welcome to the New L.E.G. Promotions Website

The screenshot to your right is the old web site for L.E.G. Promotions (www.legpromo.info).

To remain relevant and punctual with event news, I made the decision to convert the L.E.G. Promotions original web site into a blog style site. I hope that you will find the event information you are looking for as well as a few suprises every now and then. The new site includes some of the same elements as the old including:

New Music Releases: Every month you can view a list of new music releases from the Gospel/Contemporary Industry.

Links: These are sites that are similar the L.E.G. Promos' content

Promos: Through graphics or links on the page, you will be able to connect with projects that L.E.G. Promotions is directly involved with.

What you will not find:

U Should Know: Artists you should know will be featured throughout postings. So, stay on the lookout for up and coming local artist profiles and interviews.

Cleveland Events: General Cleveland Events ,such as fesitvals, will also be inlcuded in regular postings.

Christian Events in Greater Cleveland: If you visited the old legpromo.info you would find a schedule of Christian Events on the home page. These events will located in a speacial Classifieds link. So, be sure to visit the link when it is available. Also, feel free to post an event (at no charge) and pass the word on to your church, youth group, or other organization.

theshop: Merchandise will be made available through a link also.

During the next few posts, I will be defining what Promotion are about and the mission of L.E.G. Promotions .

In addition, I am preparing for a new Summer Series entitled Artist Connection. Because the word "promotions" is apart of the business name, I am contacted by new as well as established artists all the time. I am asked a variety of questions from, "how do you market yourself",to, "do you know of any events that I can be included in?" Some of these I have provided answers to, but some I have been unable to. This is why I am bringing the best of the best in the music and events industry to give advice and tips to you independent artists out there.

Thanks for taking out the time visit the new site and I hope that you will be back soon!

God Bless,

LaQuilia E. Graham

Founder

Cleveland Tragedy, Cleveland Hope

On behalf of L.E.G. Promotions and myself, I would like to express my deepest condolences regarding the tragic shooting that occurred yesterday, October 10, 2007 at SuccessTech Academy in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio. I am not just a business owner in Cleveland, but I am a resident and proud Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) graduate. I have a sibling and nephew who attend schools in the city of Cleveland currently. I also have former teachers (both retired and still teaching) who I consider friends and mentors.

I didn't think I would ever say this, but I am truly shocked at what has transpired. As a member of former district CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett's Student Advisory Committee (CEOSAC), I personally toured SuccessTech the first year of its existence. At the time, it was funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, only housed one grade, and was the beacon of Cleveland Schools. With a 94 percent graduation rate and focus on technology and entrepreneurship, SuccessTech is the last place I would ever guess something like this would happen. However, race, age, or test scores don't matter- this proved to be true on Wednesday.

To put it in the words of Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter, Phillip Morris, "Greater Cleveland dodged a bullet Wednesday." Indeed this is true, only five were wounded; four by gunfire and one due to a knee injury while fleeing. However, many more could have been wounded and many more could have died. But, Thank God, this is not the case. This, Cleveland, is what we must focus on, the positive. Local media will always focus on tragedy and crime in every city. It is up to us to keep the faith.

There is however one person who didn't dodge a bullet, 14-year old Asa Coon, the gunman. My heart goes out to young Asa's family. Today, a mother is hurting, and a sister is mourning the loss of her brother. On Wednesday, the City of Cleveland lost a child. The sad part is that this child took his own life, and attempted to rob others of theirs.

Perhaps that most tragic of all is that this young man felt there was no other way out of his present situation then to take both the lives of others and his own. No one on this Earth should ever feel that death, a permanent solution, is the only answer to a temporary problem, or set of problems. The only death that solved temporary pain was the death of Jesus Christ. When he died on the cross for our sins, he paid the ultimate price for us. He died, so that we could live eternally. The irony in this is that, reportedly, Asa Coon believed there was no God and had argued with fellow classmates about this very subject. Sadly, he didn't understand that God is real, life is real, and death is real.

It is written, "It is appointed once for a man to die, and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). It is also commanded not to kill, and this includes oneself. I do know this, the young gunman is dead, and he will one day be judged. People love to say that no one can judge them but God, and this is true. But, I can say that according to God (the judge), unless you seek forgiveness, in hell you will spend eternal life for your sins- and murder is one of those.


I said that to say this, murder and suicide are not the answer. To all of my Myspace friends from the CMSD, please know that whatever you are going through, whether from this tragedy or your personal past, there is an answer- Jesus Christ. There are people, including myself, who are thinking of and praying for you and your well being. I believe in the students of Cleveland and I believe in this generation.

According to Bruce Hennes, crisis management expert, the best thing to do is to deal with a crisis head on, not suppress your feelings. So, if you are a student, parent, or teacher in need of prayer or someone to talk to, the following are several resources for you. Greif Counselors are available locally beginning at 8 a.m. today at four recreation centers; Glenville, 680 East 113th; John F. Kennedy, 17300 Harvard Ave.; Michael J. Zone, 6301 Lorain Ave.; and Cudell, 1910 West Blvd. If you have questions about why you exist, or you are dealing with loneliness or depression, visit http://www.needhim.org/ or call 1-888-NEED HIM (633-3446) anytime. Another great resource is The Trinity Broadcasting Network's (TBN) 24-Hour Prayer Line (714) 731-1000 or toll free 1-888-731-1000. These are all caring and compassionate people who are trained and ready to listen to your concerns and even pray with you. You can also find inspirational artists from my friends list whose lyrics (and beats) can lift you up during this time.

Again, to all Cleveland students, parents, and teachers, my thoughts and prayers are with you. As the news stories fade and life resumes, know that I am here for you. While classes are cancelled for the remainder of the week, take this time off to breath, heal, and enjoy the life God has blessed you with.
Sincerely,

LaQuilia Graham
L.E.G. Promotions, Proprietor

Welcome to the L.E.G. Promotions Blogspot!

Check us out as often as you like to get information on upcoming events in Cleveland, Ohio, what's going on in the music and events industry, or our opinion on a variety of issues.

Questions for Cleveland/ NE Ohio Residents

What is your opinion on the Christian music and events scene in Cleveland? (Great, Could be Better, A Serious Problem)