Catching Up on Videos

Saw these over at HipeHope Urban Gospel...

Deitrick Haddon, "I Need Your Help"


Young Joshua, "It's Cold"


Thanks to Exotic Mommie for the late pass!

UPDATE: Here's another one, "Heavy Laden," by N.I.F.T.Y., from the T-Dot. Late pass for this is courtesy of the Dope Artist of the Week column, written by Moeski of Da South.


There are more songs and a couple of releases to buy on his MySpace page.

Review: Tedashii's "Identity Crisis"

One pattern you'll often see in the lives of many unbelievers is a never-ending search for meaning in their lives. People may dabble in astrology in hopes of seeing a picture of who they are, sent from the cosmos. Or, they may amass a small library's worth of self-help books to discern their true nature and how to live properly according to it. Others take a more destructive path to self-knowledge, using drugs and alcohol in the same way Clark Kent used any available phone booth--as a gateway to becoming what they perceive to be a more dynamic, more special person.

It seems like these strategies don't really work for most people, as the emptiness persists and the search continues. Ask a Christian about fulfillment, though, and you'll get a different answer. With Jesus Christ comes both meaning and purpose, bringing the constant searching to a halt.

Tedashii's latest, "Identity Crisis," speaks to that struggle, and the good that can be found on the other side of it, after God enters the picture.

Whether it's in searching for identity in material things ("26's"), worldly vices ("Hollywood"), or in people-pleasing ("Work"), Tedashii rightly points out that all three of these behaviors represent idolatry and result in wasted time and emotion.

The antidote for such poisoned thinking can be found in "Gotta Believe." On the serene, live instrument-backed track featuring Diamone, Tedashii's relaxed rhymes and the subtle vocals on the chorus ask sinners to try God for the peace that can be found in Him.

"Fresh," a totally danceable anthem, brings home the happiness and strength that can be obtained through a relationship with the Lord. As detailed in the song, the "I'm fresh" proclamation gives the boast to God, rather than having Tedashii talk about himself. "All I Need," featuring Chris Davis, is a soothing head-nodder that also proclaims the goodness of the Lord. "The more I get to know you, the more I get to know truth/And from You, I see who I am/My identity revealed as You show me how to live through examples of the Godhead," Tedashii says with gratitude, bringing the album full circle.

One thing that makes "Identity Crisis" so enjoyable is Tedashii's candor. Whether loudly sounding the trumpet for action against himself on "Make War" or spending quiet quality time with the Lord elsewhere on the release, Tedashii makes it seem like anyone who wants a relationship with God can have one. Unlike the "gurus" in the secular world who seem to guard the secrets of existence, releasing them only for monetary gain, Tedashii is more than willing to let all listeners in on the true secret to wholeness and peace.

Additional standout track: "Identity 2: Adoption"

Lessons Learned in the Garden

I'm in my second year of having a vegetable garden, and something that never ceases to amaze me is how the pea plants help each other to thrive.

Starting out as a small melange of leaves, pea plants grow into tall, fragile vines. These vines can flop over to the ground if they are not supported with stakes.

Though the vines do need a stronger support, they also attempt to help each other out. The vines have tiny tendrils that stream from the stems. Tendrils on several plants often intertwine to give each other a tenuous form of support.

When I think of the pea plants, I think of how we try to remedy problems in our lives without the Lord. We look for support in different places--we talk with friends and family on the positive tip, but people also attempt to cope negatively with drugs, sex and food, to name a few destructive strategies.

Ultimately, however, the strongest support we can obtain is from God. One of the first--and best--comforting Bible passages I've found comes from Isaiah 40 (verses 28-31, ) and illustrates the effectiveness of God's support quite clearly:

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;
But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Unlike our friends, God never tires. Unlike the sad reality for those who abuse intoxicating substances in an attempt to find peace, God's ability to heal never diminishes. In fact, not only can God heal us, but he can also strengthen us.

I thank God for placing me in meditation on the fragile pea plant. I now have a great image for ensuring I always consider the Lord first for help. Like the dowels in my garden, there's no one better for strong support.

Humble Tip Gets Secular Shine

Yesterday, gossip columnist Illseed from AllHipHop.com posted the video for Humble Tip's "Can't Give In" to his column. [If you click on the link, please note that this is for a secular Web site.]

"Check out this rapper and his message," Illseed writes. One commenter to Illseed's post commented positively on the video.

Here's the video:

This follows Illseed's recent coverage of Viktory's "On Fire" video. Props to Illlseed for sharing holy hip-hop with the masses!

Video: Zion Feat. Mali Music

Saw this from DJ Wade-O. Song is called "Trouble."

The song is now available on iTunes. Check Zion out at his Myspace page for more info.