Check out my new song – Pump It Up.
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I’m in the Movies
Check out the trailer to the new movie I’m in “October Baby”
Another movie I’m in “The Grace Card” is now available on DVD
Click here to buy it
Sho’s New Future
Around this time, one year ago, I released my second album Lions and Liars under Reach Records. Four years ago, I officially became an artist on the label, although my friendship with all the artists and staff predates that time. Today, I bring news that is exciting, yet surprising and full of uncertainty.
I will no longer be an artist on the Reach Records label. It’s been a wonderful four years doing business with the Reach organization, and it’s also been a pleasure to communicate the center of our joy via Hip Hop. Through the years I have established friendships that will last a lifetime, both Reach Records artists and staff.
I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to all who support my music and the other artists at Reach. I trust that the LORD will establish my plans as I commit my work to him.
It would be imprudent of me to think that this post would not bring speculation as well as gossip. I would encourage the reader to not pull out assumptions or exaggerations. That being said, here are a couple of things I would like to communicate:
- I will still be an artist with Reach Booking (www.reachbooking.com) and travel on certain group dates w/ other Reach artist thru 2011.
- I will continue to do concert dates and events thru 2011.
- I will be featured on Reach projects that will be released in 2011.
- If you have any desire to stay afloat with some of my dealings go to www.thisishigh.com.
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Grace and Peace,
Amisho Baraka L.
Pearl
Miriam ‘Pearl’ Kinloch is an up and coming artist with a small stature and a big voice. One listen, and you’ll be wondering why you hadn’t heard of her before! She is currently raising support for her second EP Reflections, and in between planning her wedding, she sat down to tell us more about herself.
Tell us about your journey.
I grew up in a Christian home, went to church every Sunday and accepted Christ at age 7. Somewhere down the road I began to survive off of memorized scriptures and lacked true intimacy with my Father. I tried hard to be a good girl and keep up my grades, but it wasn’t fulfilling. At 14, my dad challenged me to write my first song; he knew I loved English and music. I loved the challenge and was forced to express my heart to the Lord. Addicted, I kept writing and found a desire for intimacy with the Lord growing in my heart. That led to me making a personal commitment to live for Him alone, accepting His grace and being sanctified by His Spirit. In 2009, during my summer music project with the Impact Movement, I distinctly remember realizing how passionately the Lord desired my heart. He challenged me to abandon personal fears, take up my cross and follow Him in new ways (outside of my comfort zone), pursue biblical community, and love and serve others in my community.
When did music become a part of your life?
As long as I can remember I’ve been singing, mimicking songs I’d hear on the radio and eventually started taking piano and voice lessons. During grade school, I joined different choirs, an a cappella quartet, and praise teams.
Who are some of your past and present musical influences?
I grew up listening to a random mix of classic oldies, Gospel quartets, and somewhere in there Joann Rosario Condrey became one of my favs. Eventually I was exposed to the beauty of authentic instrumentation and craved a creative, pure, organic sound. With that, I’d say I’ve been influenced most recently by: Jeremy Camp, India Arie, The Afters, Lauryn Hill, Kim Walker, Kari Jobe, Corrine Bailey Rae, Chrissette Michele, Jimmy Needham, and Lisa Gungor.
What type of artist would you consider yourself?
This is something I’ve gone back and forth about and have concluded this: I am a believer in Jesus the Christ who sings to proclaim His name and share His love with the world. I do this sometimes in a sultry, soulful manner, a fun folk tune, or even a big band groove. Either way, I’m grateful to be His vessel; He can choose to use me in whatever style He deems necessary. I’m the type of artist that personally loves so many styles of music and enjoys using them to sing about Jesus.
What would equal success or failure for you as an artist?
My success would equal glorifying the Lord by clearly communicating the Gospel and presenting Christ to the world for exactly Who He is–nothing more, nothing less. Failure for me would be just the opposite of that. If my music exalted myself, anyone else, or anything above Christ, the Lord would not be glorified through me, my listeners would not be edified, and souls would not be saved through my music.
How do you plan on mastering your arena for the glory of God?
I plan to do so by continuing to invest in my relationship with the Lord, sharing what He’s teaching me and continuing to serve Him as an artist. I believe that growing in intimacy with and the knowledge of the Lord did not start at age 14 and end in the summer of 09,’ it is a life long process. As I grow, I believe I’m being further equipped as a servant of the Lord. I also look forward to launching new facets of the ministry He’s given me, Pearl Projects, as His glory can be proclaimed in other forms like: art, blogging, and simply being an example of a woman, daughter, sister, wife-to-be, friend, and follower of Christ.
If you would like to donate to Pearl’s fundraiser visit: http://www.indiegogo.com/pearlprojectsreflection
For more info on Pearl and to get some free music visit: www.pearlprojects.org
Jewelry By Jamaica
Jamaica Jacobson is a 26-year-old student at Palomar College. Before coming to know the Lord, she aspired to get rich by making jewelry; but the inspiration for product designs never came. That is until she submitted her life and ambitions to God…
Tell us how it all started.
Well, I was sick and tired of spending so much money for jewelry, and I wanted to start a jewelry line so I could personally make a lot of money. I started with about $60 worth of beads, and they sat in my drawer for months. I couldn’t think of a thing to make! But then, in June 2008, I met the Lord and some amazing Christian friends and came up with the idea to finally make some bracelets. I wanted to put a cross charm on them and just give them away–it would be my own personal way of evangelism. That’s when my friend Margaret asked me to make some bracelets for her mission trip to Kenya. I realized then that I could only make jewelry because of God. I couldn’t succeed on my own. I needed Him.
Where did the vision to turn an evangelism tool into a jewelry line come from?
The vision to create jewelry came directly from God. It still does. When I pray I get ideas for pieces that I need to make and that is what you see when you look at my jewelry line. I make jewelry, because I love working with my hands. I enjoy creating new pieces and creating beauty. Every woman wants to feel beautiful and if I can contribute to that and share the love of Christ, I’m gonna do it!
Who are some of your creative influences?
Betsey Johnson is my creative influence. Her style is so out there, and I love it! She puts things together that don’t even make sense and yet they turn out beautiful.
What’s the manufacturing process like for making pieces?
I set out about 12 boxes of beads on my bed and open them all up. I have a worktable that is covered with pliers, string, a ruler, and all of the other odds and ends for making jewelry. Sometimes I’ll block out a whole day to make jewelry, and I’ll sit in front of my beads and won’t be able to produce a thing. Other days, I’ll be engrossed in a necklace for an hour or two. There have been times where I’ve spent over eight hours making jewelry and it feels like an hour. The process is different every time.
How do you reconcile modesty and having a jewelry line?
I think that modesty has more to do with demeanor and attitude than jewelry. I know some people think that women shouldn’t wear jewelry, but I think that’s just absurd! God made beautiful things; for me, that extends into accessories as well. As long as you don’t define yourself by what you wear and have that be the main focus, you’re ok. Keep Christ as the center of your life and find your worth in Him.
What would equal success or failure for you?
Failure by the world’s standard is easier to define than my own personal definition. Making a lot of money has not been my defining point since I became a believer, so every time I sell a piece I feel successful. Explaining the creative process to others, talking about different beads, or even how I come up with the ideas are all examples of how I achieve success.
How do you plan on mastering your arena for the glory of God?
I think the biggest part of mastering any arena is to get people talking about you and why you do what you do. So, doing my best to learn new techniques and create original pieces that people haven’t seen before is important to me. I know I’m just a vessel, and God put in me the ability to make jewelry for His glory. Period.
To view and purchase Jewelry by Jamaica visit
www.etsy.com/people/JewelryByJamaica
or
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jewelry-By-Jamaica/136746893027236
[learn_more caption="More Jewelry by Jamaica"]
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Pick up a Book
Being a pseudo genius and leading a culture of people with unprecedented intelligence, I have to posture myself as someone who reads a lot and promotes reading. I know there are many people out there who say that our culture doesn’t read anymore; however, I disagree with them. Our culture never read. No one has ever read. Check the statistics (Not that I really know any stats that support my data, it just makes your argument stronger when you say things like that). From generation to generation, we have communicated through different mediums to gather information, while books have been looked over like that 16-year-old male in the adoption system. We’ve gone from storytelling to letters, to live theater, to radio broadcasts, to television, to movies, to Internet, to cell phones. Even though I love all these forms of communication, I am here to celebrate books!
Below is a list of my five favorite books of all time.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
“Very few people can write books that are lofty in debate, philosophy, and religion, while at the same time pull at the heart strings of man’s need for purpose and answers in this life. Clive Staples Lewis does that very thing. This is a must read for all people. Not just Christians.”
Outliers & What The Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell
“I’ve never read a book that gave more balance to man’s initiative married with GOD’s sovereignty. Gladwell is a wonderful writer who engages his readers with each story he unfolds. This book will challenge the way you look at everything. Even ketchup!”
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
“Masterful work of fantasy. How impressive is it for a man to create a world, races and languages, while still communicating the great problem of evil?!? The quickest I’ve ever read 2000 pages.”
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr edited by Clayborne Carson
“I love digging in the minds of great leaders. This book will help the reader understand the struggles, beliefs, philosophy and triumphs of a man who changed the world. If this book doesn’t challenge you, then you must be dead.”
How Should We Then Live by Francis Schaeffer
“History, Bible, apologetics and art class all rolled up into one enlightening read. This book changed my worldview in mid stride. Aside from the scriptures, this book has held the greatest impact on how I see the world.”
Honorable Mentions:
Race Matters by Cornel West
“A hard read, but it has remarkable commentary on culture. Must, however, be read with a biblical perspective.”
Doing GOD’s Business by R. Paul Stevens
“It will make you look at your 9-5 in a whole different light.”
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
“Passion, God-centered theology and practical application is what you get with all of Piper’s work.”
*Post a comment to let us know some of your favorite books and let the world know that you still read. Read a book and a librarian grows its wings.
Raise Your Pen to Win Free Swag!!!
I love the Christmas season for many reasons.
1) It’s open season for the gospel.
2) It challenges me to look beyond myself.
3) I love to get gifts.
4) It’s also the only acceptable time for a grown man to watch cartoon after cartoon.
5) Lastly, it brings the real selfishness out of people.
I try to teach my kids that Christmas is more than receiving gifts. We also explain that Christ came to give His life, so if they receive gifts, then they have to give away gifts or toys that they already have. Well, Daddy is going to practice what he preaches. This Christmas, I will give away a free Lions and Liars CD and T-shirt. The information below will explain how you can win.
Contest Info
To enter and win you will need to do the following:
- Write a creative short story.
- Story must include a Lion
- Story must include a Liar
- Must mention the Birth of Jesus
- Must use theses words at least once: Laureate, Xenophobia, Gallivant
- Must be a Word or Pdf document
- NO MORE than 1000 words (approx 2 pages)
- Must be in U.S.A to compete (sorry)
Grammar, spelling, syntax and creativity will be considered in the voting process.
Email all submissions to info@lionsandliars.com. Note that all submissions will be the property of Lions and Liars, LLC. We reserve the right to use the short stories at our own discretion; however, we will try to consider you in all decisions made. We will post our favorites on the site for public reading.
The last day to submit your short story will be December 23rd.
First place will get a CD and Shirt. Second Place will get a CD. Third place will get a twitter/facebook shout out (Sorry).
Social Media, You Will Not Punk Me!
As I have been traveling in these last three months, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about why I’ve fallen back from Twitter and Facebook. Well, I wanted to articulate it in a blog before I decided to return. Considering that if I do return it will most likely be a reformed version of my previous experience.
Here are the top reasons I left the social media world for months:
*Note: I did not write this so that you would be more impressed with me. However, I do find myself quite impressed that I did step away from the instant gratification of social media. So insert applause now. You knew that was coming!
1. May I Please Be Your Idol?
• I believe many artists have fallen into the pressure of producing an image that appeals to a particular group of people that came before them or a particular group of gatekeepers. In order to impress these people, they build an image of someone they’re really not. Some may argue they are following Paul’s example, but there is a vast distinction between becoming all things to all men to save some and being a people pleaser. What there doing is creating a certain image so that people will think more highly of them so that they will become acceptable in their circles. I did this for many years in a church I attended. I felt filthy and told myself I would never do it again. The standard of what I post will be based on scriptures and the scriptures alone, not if this youth leader thinks his 13 yr old youth member doesn’t think its appropriate for me to talk about something. I will strive to be biblical with every word, however I will not be censored because it brings discomfort.
• I love people. The second greatest commandment is to love people. However, there can come a point in time when your love for people becomes counter-productive in your attempt to grow closer to the LORD. Because I love people and communication, it can be draining to attempt to respond to fifty percent of the people who reply to your tweet or post. I love all the people who think I’m worthy enough to mention on Twitter or Facebook, but we (supporters and myself) have to recognize the predicament I am in. If I reply to everyone, I no longer have a life! I no longer live missional in my community or spend time with my kids. Then, I become a dead-beat dad. No one wants that! But if I don’t reply to everyone’s request I’m labeled as conceited, arrogant and lacking compassion for those who support me. There needs to be a balance. I have to find it.
• I loathe Twitter thugs and Facebook gangstas who spend their lives attempting to unfold some great conspiracy. You, my friend, may need to take a timeout. I refuse to debate you over 140 characters. I’m sure I’ve said some things that have offended some people. I pray that the Lord continues to grow me in his grace, and that I become sensitive to others rebuke. However, there is a difference between confronting a brother in his sin and speaking tough over cyberspace. If I’m that much of a pagan, why do you continue to visit my page and follow me? So many cyber nerds find significance in slamming people over the net. They grow a little “WHO-heart” with every slanderous word. (*I’m in a Christmas mood with the “Whoville” reference.)
“ I HAVE AN 87% APPROVAL RATING ON MY TWEETS! THAT’S GOOD!”
2. It’s Still an Incomplete Form of Socializing
• There is so much that is lost in translation when speaking over the Internet. I find that so many arguments, debates and feuds are sparked because of miscommunication that comes from social media. Grown men no longer confront their frustrations face-to-face or even over the phone. I’ve found that many of my friends have become complacent with sending me texts about issues that need to be discussed in person or over the phone. I fear that social media will create a generation of people who send pertinent information via tertiary means. In the long run, I foresee people struggling to handle conflict in person, gossip becoming commonplace and spelling being abysmal!
• People assume relationships because you have spoken with them over Facebook or Twitter. My friends and I have had experiences with particular people who position themselves as friends to our family and spouses just because we are Facebook friends. These masters of cunning strategy use social media to create this pseudo association with intimate friends of ours. They think if they get close to our family, then we will listen to their music or give them a record deal. That’s actually the most ridiculous avenue to a relationship. And it’s quite scary too. I love to build relationships with people, but I meet thousands of people on the road. So please don’t hate me just because I don’t remember you poking me on Facebook!
“I FIRED MY MANAGER VIA FACEBOOK!”
HMM THAT’S NOT GOOD!
3. It Becomes Counter Productive.
• Although this time hasn’t quite become what I’ve wanted it to, I have found myself processing and producing more short and long-term goals. Social media has a way of distracting you from those things if you are not careful. Since there is so much information passing through the feeds, you can easily become tossed to and fro with each blurb that tugs at your interest. I’ve experienced countless episodes when I’ve had an agenda to send one particular feed in a short amount of time, only to be detoured by the flood of random thoughts and updates. This person over here is demoralizing a celebrity, while another person is suggesting you watch this video because it’s the funniest thing ever. Next thing you know, you’ve spent three hours looking up Twitter updates, Facebooking and staring at a screen the size of your palm that controls your world. We love information so much that if we are left out of any conversation we feel our day is incomplete. It’s ok to pass up on social media for a couple hours, days, weeks or not be on it at all. Read a book, write a prose or have a conversation with someone that doesn’t include lol, smh, or #justsaying.
“I FORGOT WHAT MY WIFE AND KIDS LOOKED LIKE!”
THAT’S NOT GOOD!
4. Am I Really Starved For Fame?
• It was healthy for me pass on the applause to refocus. I use to find my significance in replies and how much people posted stuff on my Facebook page. And when I first heard of Twitter I was extremely hesitant to join. I know that I have a “performance” issue, which means I spend a lot of effort trying to impress people with my humor and intellect. This is one reason I fear celebrity and popularity. I know myself, and I know how sinful I am. I’m thankful that the spirit of GOD is all-powerful and able to starve my flesh. It’s healthy for us to take sabbaticals from the applause every now and then. If you can’t see yourself living without the applause, then you probably are not fit to live for GOD’s glory alone.
“MY TWITTER GAME KILLS YOUR TWITTER GAME!”
I post this to challenge you, while at the same time explaining how the LORD worked in me these past three months. With a lot of prayer and Wheaties, you too can be like me! Get to work and maybe I will get back on Twitter/Facebook.
But I will not be a slave to anything.
NEW SHADES NEW PERSPECTIVE
These shades mean more than having a new perspective in your sunglasses inventory.
We want to give you a new perspective on life.
Autism is a condition that many suffer from; yet, there is limited research on the condition. The Latin term for autism actually means “self-ism.” Yes, it’s a condition that many suffer from where the only perspective they have is of themselves, limiting their interaction with society. With limited funding for the research of this condition, ABNY (Already But Not Yet) will give a percentage of each purchase of the new Lions and Liars shades to autistic research. So, in the end, you get new shades and a new perspective. Order here www.abnyclothing.com
