On Thursday morning, December 31, 2009, Richard “s/ave” Douglas (36) went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ. He died in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas from an epileptic seizure. While he had battled the condition for many years, this was an unexpected occurrence and a complete shock to his friends and family.
Born on March 27, 1973, s/ave was a devoted follower of Jesus and passionate fan of hip hop music. In the mid-90’s he was on staff at Grapetree Records and served as editor of Heaven’s Hip Hop Magazine – one of the first true attempts at Christian rap journalism and a lifeline for fans of the faith-based music in the pre-Internet age. He penned the “Real Criticisms” column and initiated an “Unsigned Acts” issue that spotlighted future Christian rap figures such as Nuwine, Future Shock, and Raphi Henley (aka Shames Worthy).
After moving to Houston, s/ave started the ONEMIND newsletter in 1995 out of his one-bedroom apartment and continued to cover the genre. As the one-sheet garnered more readers, it grew to into ONEMIND Magazine and featured the writings of James “Bad Luck” Parry, Kenneth “Bus” Falls, Jr. (owner of The Bus Shop), Excelsius, Jelani Greenidge, and Sketch the Journalist.
As the world wide web boomed and ushered in the Information Age, s/ave adapted his magazine to an online forum. OM95.com continued to bring album reviews, news, and analysis to the Christian hip hop culture. Its vibrant message board continued to build community until the launch of DaSouth.com.
That site was created to be unified banner site for gospel rappers in the Gulf Coast area. The concept was that artists would forgo forging their own web identities and adopt the DaSouth.com name. Not only that, s/ave was strategic in the launch of The Bus Shop – the first and longest running Christian Hip Hop store on the web – along with Kenneth “Bus” Falls, Jr. He gave the store its name and also created it’s first website.
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The highly-anticipated return of the Soul Train Awards was not an event taken lightly. From the very vein that Soul Train finds its lifeblood, the past and the present were bridged in perfect harmony. The tribute performances were the highlight of the evening. However, the show’s two uber-animated hosts, Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard, did their fair share of bringing a fun, lighthearted air to the event.
The show began with a blond-tressed Toni Braxton, playing the piano for her duet with Trey Songz. It was a steamy and flirty performance, that of course reached its apex when Trey gave Toni a passionate kiss. It was brief, but definitely enough to surprise the audience and prepare them for the excitement of what was to come.Terrence and Taraji did some singing of their own with a rendition of Peaches and Herb’s “Reunited,” before they proceeded into the first of many hilarious skits that would punctuate the broadcast. The pair’s biggest moment came near the end of the show. Taraji exited the stage after coyly accepting a chain and pendant from Terrance. She then ran back onto the stage and gave him a long, passionate kiss—even slipping in some visible tongue.
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With some of the most memorable moments and powerful performances on television, it’s hard to believe BET’s annual special Celebration of Gospel, marks its 10th anniversary this year. BET will celebrate its annual mega-hit special CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL at the famed Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday 12 December.
With grandiose performances by gospel and mainstream artists, a 24-piece orchestra led by world-renowned musical director Ray Chew, and the most engaging host around, bestselling author, radio host and King of Comedy Steve Harvey. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL will air in the UK in February 2010 and be larger and more soulful than ever.
This year is set to deliver an exciting show filled with breathtaking performances and spoken word segments by both mainstream and gospel greats. Taking to the stage will be Fantasia and her mother Diane Barrino Barber, Anthony Hamilton and his wife Tarsha Hamilton, GRAMMY™ award winners BeBe and CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Deborah Cox, Kelly Price, Tamia and Sherri Shepherd, along with gospel superstars Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune & FIYA, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing, Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir, SUNDAY BEST winner Y’Anna Crawley, The Rance Allen Group, and P.S.A.L.M. Choirfrom theCity Of Refuge.
Last year’s show featured one-of-a-kind performances by hip-hop icon LL Cool J, Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr., Kirk Franklin, Heather Headley and gospel supernovas, Mary Mary. This year o3 Media will bring you hot news and reports and photos from the red carpet.
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Aritist BeBe and CeCe Winans,
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Events in December 2009,
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