Fuzed Gospel

When thinking of the Gospel or the good news of Jesus Christ, people assume that there aren’t any challenges or when it comes to legal matters, God gives a waiver that would tell a person to avoid suing someone in Court. That is so far from the truth. In 1 Timothy 5:8, the bible teaches that a laborer is worthy of his/her reward. Simply saying that a person, who works, is worth receiving rightful pay for their job. I find that in one of the cases that I found within the Gospel entertainment industry, that a Gospel singer received an email that God told his record label that the gospel singer was not ready yet to receive payment for services, in which payment was required according to a contract that was signed. I totally believe God could say, “hold off on payment” but I also know that God is wise and able to flow in order. And I also know that God can be random too, but if that’s that case, just follow through with what God said and don’t bend. In the cases that I have found, there are dealings with copyright infringement, intimidation, and broken contracts. In my opinion, I know it is a struggle to do everything right, but with the help of being lead by the Holy Spirit, one can’t go wrong.

The Cases and my opinion:
1. Tyler Perry Slapped With Another Gospel Copyright Lawsuit
I know how much Tyler Perry has intertwined African American culture within his plays and movies, so I can see how easy it is for him to slip up and use Gospel songs or sayings. These very saying are at the core of what the African American community can relate to. In this case he is being sued for using Johnny Stringfields lyrics from his gospel song “I Got Away” in a Meet the Browns episode.

Stringfield wants about $100,000 to cover the infringement of copyright. It is shown that Tyler Perry has been down this road before with lifting other people’s songs in his movies, but in my opinion, what he is being sued for, is chump change. He grossed over $50 million for “A Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” so a $100,000 price tag is peanuts. Tyler Perry should cross his t’s a little better because if people catch on, those peanuts will begin to draw some big elephants.

2. Gospel Singers Tricked by Record Execs
In this case, Sony EMG Music Entertainment is accused of intimidating/tricking singers in firing their Music Agent. The singers say that if they didn’t they were made to feel that they were not going to be able to continue to write/sing music. The Agents name is James Walker representing people such as Donald Lawrence, and Twinkie Clark. It is rumored that the execs didn’t want to negotiate through him anymore because he was getting the artists, he was representing, too much money, and the execs wanted to keep them underpaid.

I hope this was taken care of without illegally breaking any contracts, but since the artist let him go, and not the label, I don’t think Walker has that much of strong case. Time still has yet to reveal the results of this situation.

3. Thomas vs. Habakkuk: The Gospel Singer Won’t Buy the God Story
This is the case that mentioned God had told the record label to hold off on paying Isaiah Thomas, a gospel singer, his $30,000 contractual advance. A Judge due to lack of personal and subject matter jurisdiction has recently dismissed this case. Before the ruling, I almost snickered at why the singer wasn’t paid. Not because God said what He did, but because it was allegedly sent through email, and received after the singer already came out of pocket for producing his sophomore album with the record label.

I would just say that God is God and I wouldn’t recommend going against what He has told you to do. But the same God that makes such bold statements is also the same God that was present when signing a binding Contract. The Bible talks about abiding by the law of the land, and that would include legal contracts. I pray that this doesn’t leave an unnecessary bad smear on Christians wanting to do business in the Entertainment Industry.

In these cases, I learned that everyone should always have someone double checking every decision you make, and knowing what your contract upholds you and the person you are doing business with to. If you do that I’m pretty sure that will be the beginning of walking in a good direction.

Abiding by the Law,

~Morris

Thinking about my hopes in the Fusion Concept, its articles like this that reminds me how purposeful it is to enlighten others to what Gospel music is, and better yet what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. Beyond good music, or prosperity, Gospel is about people’s testimonies, about the grace of God, and how even in wretched situations there is still a promise for us. The Gospel shows us that for one, Jesus’ BLOOD cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and it realigns us back to our true purpose which is to be fruitful and make OUR GOD known to all nations. I came across a blog post by a Christian company over in the UK, which is bringing awareness on how Christians are being persecuted in various parts of the world.

The post is about Christian Hip Hop artists, who are sharing the burden of those who are literally being threatened for the hope they have in Christ. They artists produced a track titled “Coming for Me.” This title brings light to the fact that one day, Jesus is coming back for those who live for Him and overcome life’s challenges, which include persecution (ie outcasted, threatened, beaten, killed etc). With that said the bible speaks of a promise that is attached to those who are persecuted.

Matthew 5:10-12
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Living for Christ is not always rose petals and sweet fragrances of apple pie, but sometimes we are called to suffer, and be persecuted for what we believe in. It’s not an easy road for Christians but beyond looking at how we have to fight in situations, we need to know that we don’t have to worry in them, because God is fighting for us. More than creating a song, these artists have partnered with an organization called Open Doors. This charity gives voice to those who are experiencing persecution. Below is a description one case of persecution:

Fifteen-year-old Anab Ghelle Hassan was abducted eight months ago by members of the controlling Islamic extremist group al Shabaab in Somalia because of her family’s conversion from Islam to Christianity. This extremist group want to impose a strict version of Sharia (Islamic law) and rid Somalia of its Christian community.

The intentions of Open Doors as well as these artists partnering up, is solely to “raise more awareness, support, and concern for Christians suffering for their faith, like young Anab.” Similar to Open Doors, I am striving to show more of what living for Christ is all about. Like in this case, living for Him is not just a comfortable lifestyle but sometimes brings persecution. And tying this to my idea of Fusion I want to go beyond Gospel Music being pictured as one stale genre of music or testimony, but unravel the eclectic sincere substance that lies within. I close with this…there’s so much more to a thing than its title, the title is only the door way to what REALLY lies on the inside

think about it,

~Morris

Preface:
Gospel music as we know it has become more than just church hymns but has expanded to include: Urban Worship, Rock, Contemporary, etc...reaching millions of different people worldwide. Recognizing these various sounds birthed the concert theme Fusion of the Genres which being the president of Gospel United, a college organization, I helped introduce this concept to the TCNJ campus two years ago. This past years Fusion concept had the focus: A Love Defined. This expansion is something that my friends and I felt would highlight the fact that through different expressions and experiences, we have all encountered the love of God. As each artist and each individual shares that love experience, we get the full scope of love and it becomes "A Love Defined."


Well how does this apply to what I am doing now, well since i graduated from undergrad, I want to take this Fusion concept to a whole new level. A level that bridges together "Artists of the Faith" from various genres within Gospel Music. I find that there is a growing trend of a generation seeking to express themselves, be creative, be fresh, relevant, while at the same time holding strong to their faith. Faith being a sketchy topic these days and even coined "uncool," hinders a rising generation and potential interests from even wanting to consider wearing faith on their sleeve. There are avenues that showcase different artists, but none on the level where they seamlessly blend various sounds together on one platform or even harness the creativity an artist has to offer.



This Fusion concept is my offer of an alternative, to where sketchiness is thrown out the window, relevancy is ushered to the forefront, and creativeness is boldly seen...all while professing Faith, and a passion to show the Love of Christ. Even in the midst of all that, I want this concept to also show how faith is a one stop solution in not suffering or struggling as humans, but a key asset in providing a solution to get through life's wave of circumstances. This does seem like a high mountain to climb, but from what I've experienced and the passion that is brewing within me...makes the mountain worth the climb...

Negotiation:
This year I have been given the opportunity to take Fusion of the Genres to another campus, which is huge. I am beginning to see a demand for this Fusion concept. Now more than ever I am being forced to have a sharpened plan for what the concept will be, who is coming, and who can we actually afford to come. With my experience since this is a concept that deals with faith, and spiritual morals, I find mutual benefit sits well when it comes to negotiating.

Bottom line I am working with a tight budget, while having a HUGE Vision. So where money can’t pay, I offer value in other areas (i.e. vendors, exposure, merch sales). I have had some big names come out to my event to minister, but the heart of I’m trying to do is for up & coming talent, that are on the brink of hitting it big, mixed with [inter]national talent. The value of exposure may not be too appealing to those who are already established, but for those that are making their way, they most likely will find an interest where money can’t pay. The artist and I, mutually benefit by them getting exposure and I having talent to put on the line-up.

Also affiliation plays a key role in my negotiation process with artists or their agents. It usually is a big help when I am able to share that I have worked with someone they know or have heard of. It adds almost an open door with the artist, and at times justifies them making an adjustment to their honorariums.

There are various things that tie into negotiation but I feel mutual benefit and affiliation have been the most important pieces that work for what I am trying to do with Fusion. I know Fusion is going to be picking up in the future, and am sure that I my experience with negotiation will continue to grow.

Phil Cooke is my new found marketing/media mentor. He has definitely encouraged me to continue being a forward thinking, and not at cost of losing my faith. I am very into design, and marketing which explains why I am so infatuated with Phil Cooke. Mr. Cooke is a Man of Faith, and is also very heavy in the media industry. He has his own production company, and not only that but his stuff is very relevant. His material and advice is for the believer and non-believer alike. He is shows how one can live for God and still be earthy good to this world, and be creative, while also just giving good advice about the industry whether faith related or not. The videos, which are two of many, I watched are on “The Key to Creativity” and “The Power of a Name.”


Episode 47: Perception: The Key To Creativity from Cooke Pictures on Vimeo.



Episode 44:The Power Of A Name from Cooke Pictures on Vimeo.


Some Key Points from each video:

The Key to Creativity
-Encourages us to Think Different
-Creativity is very Important
-Creativity is the currency of the media/entertianment industry
-We (Innovative Marketers) are in the Idea Business
-Innovative Ideas are the ideas that stand out
-Neurological Research shows that the brain is a lazy organ
-this is because the brain controls so much: breathing and blood pressure, control center of whole body.
-It needs to be efficient at all its processes, so it rarely looks for new ways to do anything
-its job to conserve energy due to big job it has to do...lazy when it comes to going outside of what it is used to doing
-To get past that, we have to force our brain to think different
-Expose your brain to things that it would not normally come in contact with, drive home on different route, try new feeds
-these different avenues inspire new ideas
-Great artists and creatives of all time, did not live normal lives...they pushed their lives to live outside the normal realms of thinking
-We should strive to see the world differently
-Brain is not going to do it on its own, you have to force it
-Surround yourslef with people that will constantly question you and all that you do and think...adds pressure to birth something new


The Power of A Name
-Business names/Organizational names matter ALOT!
-We need to revisit our name from time time
-Brand Equity matters- this is the trust your brand has built up over the years
-When your name becomes a distraction- then you have run into a problem
-You run the risk of losing your consumers, and never reaching them again
-For example these names are bad:
-Sony- TZ, SZ, CR, FZ, NR, AR
-these names are not memorable, and they have nothing to do with the product itself
-Good names
-Apple puts alot of effort in brand power into their names:
-macbook pro
-mac mini
-This helps build brand awareness and the power they have with their consumers
-Consumers will never have trouble remembering a product from Apple
-Phil advises to know how our name indicates our services, what they do?
-Think of the Relevance of your brand, and see if that can be tied into its name
-Make your brand name an expression of who you are
- Mr. Cooke finishes by saying we are in an A.D.D. society, and there is alot of media clutter that is out there
-We need to go beyond the clutter
-Think about the power of your name, and see if it is time to update.


I loved what I found, all Mr. Cooke mentions is meat for my journey in maturing in the Entertainment Industry. I really am blown away that he is so aware, and on top of where marketing is going. This is actually my second post from phil Cooke, but I'm pretty sure this won't be the last. This ties into my idea of FUSION, because I know the need of showing others more what the Gospel has to offer, and the only way to do that is to go beyond clutter, and not change the message but really unmask the creativity it holds, and relevancy it holds for today the days to come. Phil Cooke is influencing many people, and now I am on the band Wagon. I hope this was an Enjoy for you to read, or at least of some interest...

Until Next Time,

~Morris

Test

Today I stumbled across a great article, which takes a God-inspired look at Hollywood. As Christians and believers aspiring to leave our fingerprint on society, with experience we also have learned that society can leave a fingerprint on us too, which in some instances is not received by many. For example the idea of Hollywood, and its stigma of being perverted and not an aid in a believers walk. This thought has caused many Christians to shy away from being affiliated with Hollywood and the entertainment industry. But what this article uncovers is bold Christians that view the industry as a Mission-Field rather than a Mine-Field.

The article which is very-thought-provoking is titled "Hollywood-A Mission Field?." The contents of this article pretty much expose that as Christians, we should not look at the industry as just a place where the enemy has run rampant, but look at it for what it is, which is a place of great influence. Seeing it from a place of influence, allows us to see how we can use it for the Glory of God, and overcome what ever the enemy or immoral behavior has polluted the media-waves with. Hollywood can be approached no longer as a thing that needs to be shut down, but a place to spread the good news, and relevancy of Faith/God's Love.

This fits so much with my concept of Fusion, and showing others that you can still proclaim faith while being relevant, creative, being well put together and all things in between. With Hollywood still being an untapped market for Christians, or a venue where Christian beliefs aren’t outwardly expressed, I can see where hurdles or hindrances can develop and shun people away from taking a stand. With that said, the article brings up a piece on how we all can help one another in this endeavor as a team. For the bible talks about how a House divided against itself cannot stand, so unity and a team mindset is needed in order for Christians to flood the entertainment industry. This will show others/inspire many that Faith is not obsolete and all can still hold strong to values without losing them. Dr. Phil Cooke encourages in his article that:

God certainly can work through the movie and television industry, but we need your help.

Here’s what you can do to make a difference in Hollywood:
1) Consider Hollywood a mission field. We don’t boycott or humiliate a village in Africa because they don’t understand Christian values, so why do it to Hollywood? Let’s begin approaching Hollywood as a mission field—people who are made in the image of God but need to know about His loving plan for their lives.

2) Support films with Christian values. It’s absolutely critical that Hollywood studios realize there is an audience for films with a Christian worldview. I would especially urge you to see these movies on their opening weekend, since that’s when studios make the decision about how long the film stays in the theaters.

3) Pray for Christians in the industry. Every day Christians are working in an often hostile environment in a heroic effort to write, act, direct and produce stories that celebrate faith in God. But we can’t do it alone. We need the help of every Christian to provide the kind of prayer support that will open doors, soften hearts and sometimes make a way where there is no way. Find out how you can help at www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org.

4) Understand how the media can be used as a tool for evangelism. Enjoying Everyday Life is a great example of a Christian program that crosses over to the mainstream audience. That’s because Joyce understands the power of media and how effective it can be for reaching the culture. Movies, television and the Internet are the communication tools of this culture, and if the church doesn’t take them seriously, we’ll lose this generation.

I am encouraged to know that what I aspire to do has a framework to fall into, as well as know that there are others out there that are standing with me. I hope this encourages others to be bold, and know that there aren't just closed doors when it comes to God but there are OPEN DOORS as well.

Be Encouraged,

~Morris

The Psalmist that graced a sheet of paper and anointed airwaves with these words, is none other than the Ms. Audrey Assad. Coming from a Scotch Plains, NJ which is a stones throw from my hometown Plainfield, and happens to be the home of where I graduated HighSchool...man this is a small world. Well, enough about how close she is to where I am from...the song from Ms. Assad is titled "The House Your Building," which also happens to be the title of her latest album. Now I haven't listened to the whole album, but if these two songs are glimpse of what the rest of the album is, then I and many others are in for a treat. From listening to "The House Your Building," I am taken back to my years in AP English, to where deconstructing a piece of prose or poetry was the highlight of each class. Listening to Audrey's song, is a gateway to total imagery. I can see every aspect of what she is singing, and that is a challenge many artists, of today or even period, have trouble accomplishing. Another thing to mention, is that Audrey accomplishes this seemingly without any forced effort at all...it comes naturally.
          With lyrics such as Vagabond, homeless stranger, or even old shoes...its hard not to paint a picture of a rough journey one is traveling. The song, in my opinion, talks about just how the journey of life can get to a place where you can't go any further, or to a place where you are at rock bottom and theres no visible/physical way you can get yourself out. So the psalmist in the song, converses with someone stronger to lay me in the house your building. Because the one they have been trying to build (ie their life) it isn't holding up. What makes this song and Audrey so intriguing, is that they apply to so many aspects of life while still being under the guise of Christ styled music, just in a creative way. The way I know its Christ styled is because I seek out things like this, but if it played on a regular radio station, it wouldn't be shut down by listeners or coined Christian music off the back, back it is so poetic, you'll think its out of a Shakespearean Play or something...lol.
          By no means am I trying to allude to Christian music or traditions being irrelevant for today, but what I am saying is to pull off such imagery within a song, be laced with a hip beat, and to have a look such as the concept Audrey and her team came up with, I am saying is a great feat to come to. I love Audrey and the direction she's taking with her music. Audrey Assad, adds to why I am so passionate about my concept of Fusion (description on top left side of blog), and why I love Gospel Music, you can never get tired of it especially once the lid is popped off. Check out Audrey Assad's "The House Your Building" lyrics below, and give a listen to my ipod to the left of my page, I place a preview of her song in there...

Until Next Time,

~Morris

"The House Your Building" Lyrics:
Yeah, these are old shoes that I've been walking in
I'm wearing weary like it's a second skin
I've been looking for a place to lay my head

All this time like a vagabond
A homeless stranger, I've been wandering
All my life You've been calling me to a home
You know I've been needing, I'm a broken stone
So lay me in the house You're building
Yeah, come on

You are a shelter for every misfit soul
We are the four walls and You're the cornerstone
You are, and You're the solid rock that we are built upon

All this time like a vagabond
A homeless stranger, I've been wandering
All my life You've been calling me to a home
You know that I've been needing, I'm a broken stone
So lay me in the house You're building

'Cause in You I find my meaning, yeah
And in You I find my beauty

All this time like a vagabond
A homeless stranger, I've been wandering
All my life You've been calling me to a home
You know I've been needing

All this time like a vagabond
A homeless stranger, I've been wandering
All my life You've been calling me to a home
You know I've been needing, I'm a broken stone
So lay me in the house You're building

Lay me in the house You're building
In the house You're building