***Up Close with Christoper "Play' Martin
By Jasmine 'Jazzy' Avent, GMS and YiG Showcase™

Christopher 'Play' Martin has been a household name for many years. Nationally known to many Hip Hop movie and music fans as 'Play' from the rap and acting duo Kid 'n Play starring in the box office, New Line Cinema hits House Party and the sequels "House Party 2 and 3". Their other phenomenal achievements also include the Warner Bros. movie hit "Class Act", a NBC television cartoon series, a Marvel Comic book series, 4 successful albums and CDs titled 2 Hype, Funhouse, House Party soundtracks, national commercials for Burger King and Sprite. National magazines, television talk and music shows, and touring the nation with all the rap superstars from Salt 'n Pepa and Tupac Shakur with Digital Underground to Public Enemy and NWA.

Since the late 80’s he has had the power to make people stop and listen, which is what he aimed to do in Minneapolis where he was guest speaker and co-host with XROSS (the showcase visionary) at the Holy Hip Hop Showcase 2005 that climaxed the Youth Crusade "Confront to Conquer: It's On!" ( 07/22-23/05 Mpls/Shiloh Temple Intl Ministries). "I want to be an influence. If something I do or say can help I want to be there for that." He even served as an inspiration to the performing artists at the crusade as well. They were excited and honored to meet someone in the business who has made it happen.

So how is the church receiving his message? Mr. Martin is not worried about that. I don’t have any complaints about churches receiving me. But if they have a problem, I just brush them off and keep on going. I’m more focused on the task at hand. People might have problems with my methods. God knows where I’m at. He made it clear that it wasn’t about him anyway. Why be selfish when you’re about the Lord’s work...; yes, we’re all mentors, but Jesus is the ultimate mentor; He’s mentoring through us. [I] don’t take it personal. This is exactly what Holy Hip Hop is designed to do: make new ways and paths where there were none in the past.I just want to be free to flow.

Born and raised in Queens, New York Christopher graduated from Jr. High School and was accepted to 3 of New York's top music and art schools. He chose the School of Art & Design, but after quickly becoming disappointed and bored with the school's routine -- Christopher quit. After numerous nowhere jobs with limited knowledge, Christopher decided to explore and paint on a different type of canvas for his life in the streets of New York. On that journey, Christopher met and became very close with several talented people that included Hurby (the Lovebug), Azor (the producer and manager of many Hip Hop Icons) and soon after, Christopher (Kid) Reid. Fueled by hopes, dreams and aggressive fortitude, this small group from Queens, N.Y. achieved and proved a higher level for Hip Hop in movies and music that has made the culture a global phenomenon.

Today, he is fueled with a new divine purpose and hope. Christopher Martin is Founder and CEO of Hp4 Digital Works and Solutions. Ready to use a 20 year plus experience in the entertainment business, Hp4 Digital Works and Solutions provides a service that helps today's visionary accomplish their quest. Christopher remembers what it's like to be confronted with rejection and closed doors when people who could help don't understand what you see. Hp4 Digital Works and Solutions might not always be the actual answer to the task, however it tries to contribute to the solution. Mr. Martin has been quoted before saying, sometimes to be the best at what you do you have to actually create that category.

Photo caption: L-R some of the groups - Jacene Rebourne; The watchmen society; Anita Jarell; Guest speaker/Co-host Christopher "Play" Martin; lower seating - KJ; XROSS; Day Day. Taken at Press conference held in Mpls at the Holy Hip Hop Showcase 2005 that climaxed the Youth Crusade "Confront to Conquer: It's On!" (07/23/05 Shiloh Temple Intl Ministries). Photo Courtesy: GMS/Lawrence Williamson.

Publisher's Note: Miss Jasmine Avent, a senior at Howard University's Mass Communications program, was home in the Twin Cities for Summer break. Jazzy (affectionately called) will graduate spring '06.

Promotional

*This edition of GMS ePress is sponsored by "Momma Taught Me How To Cook Soul Food Eatery", located at 2520 Kenzie Terrace (corner of Lowry & Stinson NE Mpls), Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 to 8:00. Phone 612.781.3280 /Fax order 612.781.3380. Tell them you saw their ad in GMS ePress.

Your TGR Weekender calendar will list your text announcement FREE...Churches, pastors, ministry gifts, authors, promoters, etc. Keep your event on the desktops locally and nationally. Many are relying on TGR Weekender to plan and book events. Submit current/coming conferences & events now...Reply with your Submission to: submissions@GMNetwork.cc

**Late Night with the Saints Pre-Labor Day Musical... Sunday, September 4, 2005, 10:00 pm. Guest Music artists include James Grear and Nu Friends, Sara Renner, Rachel Hurst, Tonia Hughes, XROSS, Sherri Orr, Chosen Generation and more... Location: First Trinity Church, 981 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, MN, Free and Open to the Public.

**Capitol City District Fine Arts Ministries...Saturday, September 10, 2005, 9:30 am -2:00 pm. “Continual Praise” A Workshop To Enhance Your Music Ministry. Classes will be taught by educated and experienced facilitators. Registration is required to attend! Minimum age 15 to register. Free and all are welcome. Space is limited. For Registration and Class Topic info email: capitolcitydist@aol.com. Please put “Registration” in the subject line, and include your name and number. Topics include: The Church Musician; The Life Of A Worshipper; This Business Of Gospel Music; Your Voice: How To Take Care Of It; Choir Part I: Purposes And Procedures; Choir Part II: The Role Of The Member Dance In The Church: A Form Of Praise Gospel Music Is A Life Style: Walking The Walk Organizing Your Church Music Ministry: Structure And Set-Up.

**Twin Cities Revival...September 13-19, 2005. Hosted by Pastor Devin Owens, New Creation The Empowement Church and State Director, Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship. More details to come.

**Prophetic Conference...September 16-18, 2005, Fayetteville, NC, 7:00 pm Nightly and Sunday 10:00 AM (only). Guest speaker Prophet Ronald H. Flowers of Mpls, MN. A man compelled to stand in the new millennium as a prophetic voice to the nations. Thankful for thirty-nine years of ministry as a prophet, and teacher, his calling from God has weathered the test of time and discipline.

**Benefit Concert honoring Gospel Announcer and Columnist Joe Sorenson...September 17, Saturday 2005, 7:00 pm. Location: St Paul's Lutheran Church, 1901 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN. Hosted by AHH Productions, 952.221.2004. Media Inquiries: 763.221.6894, GMS_client@GMNetwork.cc.

**Campaign Literacy Awareness: The Right To READ® (CLA month)...October 1-31, 2005. CLA invites the Twin Cities to participate in the October CLA Book Drive. The Book Drive will kick off on Sunday, October 2, in participating churches and on the following Monday, October 3, in participating community centers, businesses and corporations; organizations will donate the collected delicately used and/or new books to their selected shelters, schools, prisons, community centers or a CLA designated drop site. Watch for more details. To request packets and/or inform us that your company, organization or church will be participating in the CLA Book Drive and the literacy awareness media/community blitz through October, you may contact: GMN_partner@GMNetwork.cc or call 763.221.6894. Visit the CLA Press Room on www.GMNetwork.cc.

**Cruise to Royal Caribbean...February 10-13, 2006. Shiloh Temple Intl Ministries Gospel Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's 'Majesty of the Seas'. Destination - the beautiful private island CoCo Cay and spend a day in Nassau, Bahamas. For more info: Teriece 763.544.3003. Tell her you saw it on GMS.

Making Moves...

*Gospel Recording Artist Jack Yates of Mpls, MN has been added to the Instructional Staff of St.Olaf College in Northfield, MN. St. Olaf is one of our country's Premier Music Colleges. Jack is a member of that 3 time Stellar Nominated Ensemble, James Grear and Company. There he is on the GrearCo Productions creative team, writing, arranging and producing for the organization's various entities. He is also the Director of Music for the Christ Temple Church of Brooklyn Center. His debut solo project entitled..."The Journey of Jack Yates" will be released March, 2006 on LeRae Records. He will be on the "It's Raining Angels Tour" this fall along with Dr. Bobby Jones, Sheila E, Chicago Mass Choir, Rosalyn McDuffie, First Creation and more. Look for him this holiday season as he appears in Minnesota's Penumbra Theatre's rendition of Black Nativity. For more information contact Wilfred Moore, WM Management, 651-229-5634 or www.wm- management.com.

Living Word Church & World Outreach under the leadership of Pastor Leslie Ford will open the doors for service on the site of their new facility. The Grand Openingbegins on Saturday, September 17, 2:00 pm with a Ribbon Cutting ceromony; on Sunday, September 18 will be the Celebration Service for the new building. The community is invited. The new location: 640 N. Prior. Church office 651.644.6929.

Congratulations!

*Pastor Devin & First Lady Owens, New Creation The Empowerment Church & MNFGBF, announce the birth of their son 'Devin Owens, Jr.' born July 25.

Memoriam Headline

*Dr. Hattie L. Smith, of Coon Rapids, co-founder of Evangelist Crusaders, Inc. passes away at age 81 Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2005. Preceded in death by husband, Rev. Walter A. Smith Walter A. Smith, senior pastor/co-founder Evangelist Crusaders Church, Mpls (A great ministry General & pioneer) and son, Andre Smith. Survived by children, Walter A. Smith III, Gregory (Shari) Smith, & Yolanda Whitfield; grandchildren, Walter A. Smith IV, Letitia Chasse', Xavier Smith, Andre Smith, Yolanda Whitfield II, & Andrea Smith; 13 great grandchildren & 2 great-great grandchildren; and spiritual family & friends. Funeral service: Wed., Aug. 10, at 11 AM at Evangelist Crusaders, 4307 4th Ave S, Mpls. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation Tues., Aug. 9, 5-8 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel 1838 E. Minnehaha Pkwy 612-721-1651. Smith received an Honorary Doctorate in 2004.

*John H. Johnson, Publisher of Ebony, Jet magazines passes away at 87 Monday, Aug. 8, 2005. Pioneering a business empire that included Ebony and Jet magazines that made him one of the nation's richest and most powerful black businessmen, died Monday in Chicago. He was 87. Johnson had major holdings in book and magazine publishing, cosmetics, television and radio and in 1982 was the first black entry on Forbes magazine's list of the 400 wealthiest Americans. In 2002, Johnson named daughter Linda Johnson Rice chief executive and chief operating officer of Johnson Publishing. He also is survived by his wife, Eunice W. Johnson. Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 from President Bill Clinton.

GMS will bring to you Joe Sorenson

He's a well known Gospel music radio personality. "Hello my friends, this is Joe-in-the Know. Watch for my first article for Grace Media Services next week. Let me update you on my latest adventures. First of all I have a website -- click on my link below. Also are you looking for a innovative inspirational phone line? Try, expressions of Joy at 651-642-5462, any time 24 hours a day."

http://www.joesorensonlive.com

Gospel Play List

1. Yolanda Adams, Be Blessed /Atlantic 2. Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, God Blocked It /Gospocentric 3. Mary Mary, Heaven /Columbia 4. James Fortune & Fiya, You Survived /Worldwide 5. Dr. Charles G. Hayes & The Warriors, Jesus Can Work It Out /Icee 6. Micah Stampley, Take My Life /EMI Gospel 7. Mississippi Mass Choir, I'm Not Tired Yet /Malaco 8. Tye Tribbett & G.A., Everything Part I, Part II /Sony Urban 9. The Anointed, Gonna Lift Your Name /Columbia 10. Donnie McClurkin, I Call You Faithful /Verity 11. Shekinah Glory Ministry, Yes /Kingdom 12. Smokie Norful, I Understand /EMI Gospel 13. V.I.P. Mass Choir, Bread Of Heaven w/ John P. Kee /Verity 14. Donald Lawrence, Healed /Verity 15. Israel & New Breed, Give Thanks w/ Byron Cage /Gospocentric 16. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Been Good To Me /EMI Gospel 17. Deitrick Haddon, God Didn't Give Up /Verity 18. Kim Rutherford, Last Say So /Pinnacle V.I.P. Mass Choir, Bread Of Heaven w/ John P. Kee /Verity 19. Donald Lawrence, You Covered Me w/ Hezekiah Walker /Verity 20. Kim Rutherford, Last Say So /Pinnacle *Chart based on electronically monitored airplay of radio stations. Courtesy of MediaGuide.

*YiG Showcase™ co-hosts Desmond Calloway (Kansas SU) and Jasmine Avent (Howard U) review His Girl Friday at the Guthrie Theater (Mpls)

Desmond -- "His Girl Friday was an energetic comedy. The comedy was a dry humor life tale of a beautiful press girl (Hildy Johnson - formerly of the Chicago Examiner palyed by Angela Bassett) trapped between the spotlight and her longing for a 'real life' outside the pressroom. There was the idea of combining the dishonest life of the press and the quiet, honest life of a married couple --with the wrong man (Bruce Baldwin - fiance' played by Karl Kenzler); the idea trying to go against her love for a story and wanting to be a wife -- with the right man (Walter Burns - editor of the Chicago Examiner & her exhusband played by Cortney B. Vance) was the biggest conflict. The thriller is that in the end, they [Bassett and Vance] were meant for each other."

About The Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater, founded in 1963, is an American center for theater performance, production, education and professional training. By presenting both classical literature and new work from diverse cultures, the Guthrie illuminates the common humanity connecting Minnesota to the peoples of the world.

About YiG Showcase™
YiG Showcase™ (Youth in Gospel™) Rising Stars is an initiative of Grace Media Network to mentor and develop teen and college student leaders to pursue kingdom excellence in media. YiG™ was formed in 1992 to provide a full circle of mentorship opportunities that includes: creating platforms to showcase communication skills and talents; explore careers in mass media & photo journalism; acquire media technology training; foster community volunteerism; interact with credible, positive personalities in media and industry who pose positive images.

About Grace Media Services (GMS)

GMS ePR OnDEMAND, a branded media entity of Grace Media Services (GMS), is an online email Blast to separtely promote your event, project, talent, new release, church, ministry, business and service. GMS will get you to the desktop of your audience at home or at work. Let's discuss your ePR OnDEMAND and start your email campaign suited for your budget. Contact: gms_client@GMNetwork.cc.

GMS ePress (featuring TGR Weekender Calendar), a branded media entity of Grace Media Services (GMS). A reliable, reputable & timely media source published weekly online and distributed free to a target audience of e-subscribers. Submit your press releases, commentary, events and announcements now... Send to: submissions@GMNetwork.cc. For more information, go to: Press Submissions.