another interesting TP post: "Hello Everyone, and peace be with you!
Music is a very important part of praising the LORD. I am not against all secular music. Like you, I agree that one should not completely close one's ear to secular music, for GOD is present everywhere! One might miss out on some beautiful messages of love, hope, and inspiration if they completely turn their back on the world. Before I got saved, I use to feel like people in the church were judging me, and looking down on me because of my DJing. Now that I'm saved, I know that people are human first, and everyone (including people in church) are going to have an opinion about you no matter what you do. The key for me is knowing that whatever I do is right with GOD first. This is all that matters to me. So I don't want anyone to think that someone TOLD me to stop DJing in clubs and raves. I prayed about this to the LORD. I asked him to lead and guide me, so that my ways will be pleasing to him. This is what GOD laid upon my heart. HE is going to continue my path in music, but on a much higher lever. Far beyond my own expectations (one important thing about GOD is that in his word, there is no "glass ceiling"). All of these years, I have ministered to people through music. GOD wants me to continue in this. But he has a higher calling for me now. So I cannot continue in the ways of my yesterdays. Instead, I must trust in the LORD to see me through today, and my tomorrows. I know he doesn't want me to completely abandon secular music. But I must be mindful of what I play, what I produce, and how I deliver it to the flock. For example, this past Wednesday (September 11th) at Club TONIC, I played "Aint No Stoppin' Us Now" by McFadden & Whitehead. This is a disco classic originally released on Philadelphia International Records in 1979. The song "LOVE" by R&B artist Musiq is one of my more recent favorites. However, it's hard to see how one can get positive inspiration from Nelly's "It's Hot In Here". So there has to be a proper balance, and a fine, carefully drawn line. I am not giving up music or DJing completely. Although I am really moved by Gospel Music, I really enjoy listening to all forms of music that is uplifting and positive. I currently see myself as an INSPIRATIONAL DJ. I am one who enjoys INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC. This doesn't mean that one can only find GOD in Gospel music. After all, you can't put GOD in a box. I'm just saying that I will not be DJing, or producing music in the same manner that most people have come to know me for. Now if someone asks me to spin at a Christian Rave, Christian Night Club (yes, there are such things), or other events which promote INSPIRATION or POSITIVITY, I will most likely say YES! But if a promoter wants me to come spin just because I've got skills, and wants me to "blow up the spot" to get the crowd hype, then my answer will be no. Those days are over. I will only "blow up the spot" for Jesus! Back in the early days of HOUSE Music, if the music felt good to a person and they began to shout, we would say they caught the House Ghost. Now, if I DJ at an event, I want people to catch the HOLY GHOST! I am still MAKING & PRODUCING MUSIC. In fact, I recently finished a Gospel House remix of Karen Clark Sheard's "I Wont Let Go" which is from her new CD entitled "2nd Chance" (Elektra Records). Karen was part of the internationally famous Detroit Gospel group, The Clark Sisters. I will continue to make music, and do remixes for anything I feel is INSPIRATIONAL. In other words, you won't hear me doing a remix for Ludacris' "Move [EMAIL PROTECTED]". However, before I was saved, I did remixes for Eminem's "Without Me". Although people at Universal Music (Eminem's MAIN distributor) told me they loved the remixes, the staff at Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records decided not to use them. I thank GOD for that. Obviously, that was not the path GOD wanted me on. Regarding touring as a DJ, spinning in clubs and raves, I just don't feel the enthusiasm to be in that environment anymore. This is not to put down anyone who does. In the middle of all the alcohol and drug use that goes on in these venues, I was able to be a positive "light" in the midst of "darkness". I tried my best to be someone people can look up to. I've had my moments of FALLING DOWN. Two years ago at Shake's Benefit Party @ Motor here in Detroit, I got so drunk that I had to be carried out of the club by DJ/Producer Mike Clark and driven home by DJ T.Linder and Superstar Sally (his girlfriend at that time). I had an epiphany that following morning (while feeling sick ALL DAY), and I decided not to drink ever again. It's been two (2) years now, and I haven't had a drink since. The deepest part of that experience is knowing that GOD was with me then even though I still had not given my life to him. He kept his angels around me in the form of Mike Clark, T.Linder, Superstar Sally, Al Oldham, and others. I love each and every one of those people who helped me that night. GOD knew my heart and spared me from harm that night. Now I am saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost! There are so many passages in throughout the Bible which speak directly to the importance of music. GOD loves to hear us sing, and watch us dance in praising him. I know that GOD put the love of music in my heart so that I can do HIS will. Soon, I will begin to work with WDTR 90.9 FM here in Detroit. I will produce a 15 to 20 minute INSPIRATION Mix which will be broadcast on Monday mornings. In other words, something positive and uplifting to start out the week. I am all about doing things like this. So when I say my DJing career is coming to a close, I'm saying that GOD is leading me in a new direction. I hope this letter, and my testimonies will give each of you a better understanding about my decision. I want to thank all of you who have responded to me with your testimonies, and well wishes! Many of you say you've been inspired by me, when actually it is I, who have been inspired by you. The greatest gift GOD has given to me through DJing all over the world is learning and knowing that people everywhere are the same! We all love, we all hurt and feel pain, we all want the best for our families and friends. This was never more evident than through the experience we all shared from the tragedies of September 11th, 2001. So I leave you for now with a quote from Romans 13:8 and 10, "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." May GOD's grace be upon you! 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