Riff-Raff parties with Generation X
Question: What do you get when you take some tight emcees, mix in a dance team, throw in some rhythm and praise and tie it all together with the hypest youth ministry in the city?
Answer: Riff-Raff's "Generation X" album release party.
Millennium Gospel recording artist Shawn Broadnax -b.k.a.- Riff-Raff celebrated the release of his long awaited album "Generation X" on March 16, 2001. The party was held at Riff-Raff's church, Evangel Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Though he had help from The Answer (the youth ministry at Evangel) Riff-Raff planned and financed most of the event himself. In a time when even some gospel artists are in it for the Benjamens, that shows true love for the cause. I have to show love to Evangel, because there aren't a lot of churches out there that will support gospel hip-hop.
I arrived at 7:30, right when the show was supposed to start. People were still coming in when the night was opened with prayer. After everyone agreed that we were there to praise God, it was time to do so. Riff-Raff invited his longtime friend, Rahab recording artist Treasure, to spark the festivities. The Revelator (who can be heard on Treasure's album) took the stage with him to set the pace. It was in-your-face gospel with a bangin' beat.
Gideon Band and Jarmone Davis kept things rolling with their smooth rhythm and praise. While the crowd was dancing, I took the opportunity to holla at my man Damien, who was there selling his phat Beleava shirts. If you don't know about this gear, you can see the Cross Movement sporting it.
I was in the lobby when I heard a familiar voice. Eric Kellum- known in the D.C. area from Club JC's- was on the mic. He was preparing the crowd for the man of the hour. After all, this was Riff-Raff's night. Eric should have MC'ed the whole show because he had the crowd hype! They were all participating in D.C. style call and response- Eric said: "We getz down for the..." Crowd responded: "MOST HIGH!"
The headz were counted at 800, and most of them by that time were up front. The lights went out and Riff-Raff graced the stage. He was joined by The Anointed Dance Ministry, who kept up the step with his rhyme. From the up tempo "It's Your Praze" to the powerful "You Are," brotha has a funky, funky flavor that you can't help but dance to. This release shows how Riff-Raff has grown; not only musically, but spiritually. He is truly a minister first and an emcee second. His love for the youth is shown when he addresses the crowd not as Generation X, but Generation Blessed.
It was an tight show, that ended with an altar call that was truly inspiring. I can't even report on how many people were at the altar, because they were packed up there. If you're just looking for some feel good hip-hop, lacking substance then pass up on Riff-Raff. There is no way you're gonna be able to listen to this album and not be praising. You can find more information on Riff-Raff (and label mates Enyaphace and Jarmone Davis) at www.Millenniumgospel.com.
