The Rookie Of Gospel Rap
by Garry E Shepard Jr.
Hello to all my Gospel Rap Artists Underground and those with Record Deals. This is my very first blog entitled "The Rookie of Gospel Rap." Although truth be told I've been rapping since 7. I was a Rap and Hip Hop head since the early 90's until 2003 that's when the Industry lost its swag music wise. I'm a Rookie in a sense that I did about five to six shows at churches, restaurants, and youth events. I put the mic down for many reasons, the main reason being Prideful. I wrote this one song called, "Waiting For That Day," for which I received a buzz. That went to my head people were telling me how they loved the song in which I replied "GOD is Good" at the same time I got cocky within myself which lead to guilt and ultimately putting the mic down. Another reason was the people I was working on a Album with weren't seeing eye to eye on ideas leaving me at times aggravated which in return killed my concentration. Now you may say how are you a Rookie to the Christian Rap in 2003 the first song I wrote was called "Confessions to God", God was changing my mind and heart starting with my music, From that first song God blessed me lyrically to write songs based on my life experiences. 3 reasons why I'm a Rookie:
1. Not Established yet
I'm currently in the process of recording my EP Testimonies and Meditations I did as many as 3 shows last year, two for youth events at my church and one at a youth event in Waterbury, Ct (which it was a tough crowd). As I'm establishing myself among well known Artists do I feel intimidated, not the lease bit, do I want to be heard? Yes. Do I want the fame? Not unless God gives it to me for his glory. I haven't yet established my stage performance. Sometimes I don't know whether to nod my head or to raise the roof (just kidding). Those who know me know that I'm a very reserved and quiet person when I'm not spoken to. I'm not established in how I'm supposed to present myself to the people, but one thing I do know is that I can only be me and will be myself no matter what.
2. Image.
Image plays an important part in being an Artist whether its a Fitted to the front, side or back, jeans with Tims or Air Jordan's or rapping in a suit and tie with Stacy Adams on ( in which i don't see very often beside myself lol ). I never liked fitted caps I wore maybe one or two fitted caps in which I prefer Beanie caps Sweaters and jeans, sagging jeans I don't believe that should be in the house of God. I sagged once and got embarrassed by my late Aunt Judy since then I haven't sagged . Truth be told I cant go around in the spring and summertime rapping in a suit (picture that lol) at the same time I want to be presentable among the people of God as well as non-believers. I don't want to dress too old at the same time I don't want to dress too young.
3. Marketing.
I'm clueless as to who my crowd will be my aim is for the youth but also my generation I'm an 80's baby. The Youth this day and age is alot different from when I was growing up. This generation is fearless godless generation so being too preachy in my lyrics will lose them. At the same time I want GOD to get the glory. As I'm networking with well known Artist, I've learned a lot I learned that Underground Artist are alot easier to get a conversation and connect more with their fans. Marketing for me is new especially since I'm on my own now It's fun piecing together my plans and ideas. so I'm new to who my fan base will be (God willing people will hear me).
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my first blog please let me know your thoughts God Bless. Also I posted my first performance at my church 1st youth event.
Garry E Shepard Jr.
Throwback me performing at Cup Of Praise
