True Vine Productions

A Biblical Theology of Revival - Tim Keller (TGC13 Workshop)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 24 May 2013 05:58:14 PDT

There's lots of talk about revival. Some say it's happening in some places (yay), others say it's coming (yay) but there's a lot of unanswered questions about what Revival actually looks like, and maybe what we could do to see a revival.

Chavid shared this on facebook, and it was a good watch/listen. The video is jut under an hour (about 58 mins long) but is worth at least one watch. And it's presented/preached by Timothy Keller.

It answered some questions for me, and clearified other things as well.

One statement that stood out was this (Paraphrased): You can't go back into Narnia the same way twice... meaning that, to get a revival, we can't copy or mimic what has been done in the past that sparked revival.
We need new methods, ways and Spirit led actions to start a revival.

Enjoy:

A Biblical Theology of Revival - Tim Keller (TGC13 Workshop)

A Biblical Theology of Revival - Tim Keller (TGC13 Workshop) from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

Updated beat catalog on True Vine Productions; More Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:16:43 PDT

I unintentionally took about a month off from Producing music but I've been craving to get back into it and yesterday, I did.

The result? One I'm very pleased with. I prayed while making most of them and God answered and delivered that HOTNESS.
Anyways, I'm back at it! I uploaded 3 new beats and will have some more on the way soon, God willing.

Check them out below and head to the True Vine Productions beat store to purchase any you're interested in; all beats are delivered instantly.

Spzrkt - The Loner (Free Album)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:54:00 PDT

Do yourself a favor, download this thing asap.
I haven't heard many albums (can't even think of one) that I wish I recorded/made. It's that good.
I have heard the name "Spzrkt" before but never paid much attention or liked him until this.

If you love J.R., you'll love this dude. He sings like J.R. but on some seriously new-school beats.

Listen to it below or Download Spzrkt's Loner album from Newh20 here.

Spzrkt - The Loner - Listening Session

Google Launches brand new Google maps rebuilt from the ground up

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:22:44 PDT

Ok, first off, this might or might not become a regular thing, but I love technology, so I had to post this.

Google announced a redesigned Google Maps that has been rebuilt from the ground up; if you thought Google Maps was awesome before, this takes that experience to a another level... I think :D

I haven't tested it yet, but the promo video (See below) is very promising.

It's not available to the public yet, but you can request an invite by following the link below:

Request an invite for New Google Maps.

Meet the new Google Maps

Mike O - Back 2 Basics Mixtape (@iammikeo)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:36:54 PDT

Check out the newly released project from Mike O.
If you like the purist-hip-hop sound, you'll love this project, however, there's some new-school goodness to keep peeps like me happy :D

Check it out below and download it from newH20 here.

Mike O - Back 2 Basics

Lecrae - "ROUND OF APPLAUSE" - New 2013 Single (@Lecrae @truevined)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:19:39 PDT

Lecrae just released this new banger for all the 2013 graduates.
Here's the message accompanying the single on www.roundofapplause.net:

Proud of all the graduates out there. Never overlook the unique opportunity you have in education. There are many paths you could have taken, obstacles to deter you, and things to distract you, but you beat the odds. Education informs and helps elevate the paths we will take. I wrote a song reflecting on my journey rejecting the low expectations set for me by culture and media. Know that I'm praying for all the grads out there to live for something bigger than yourself! Don't waste your life.

Listen to it below and get it from iTunes.
It's sub heavy and as dirty-south as dirty-south gets.

Time to expand your playlists. Banguurr time!!

Lecrae - ROUND OF APPLAUSE (2013 Single)

Fallstar - Backdraft - Alexandria 363 :: No Hip-Hop Monday #NHM

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:02:12 PDT

I just discovered this song from this band (Fallstar) and I can't stop playing it. It's that good. Thanks David.

As the title states, I'll try to post a song (that's not hip-hop every monday) unlike most of the content on True Vine Productions. Time to expand your playlists. Screamo time!!

Fallstar - Backdraft - Alexandria 363

Check out more of their music; It's all sounding so good.

Ayo (Remix) ft. Mike O and Bezalel

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:21:36 PDT

I'm super excited right now.

My bro and I remixed Andy Mineo's smash single "Ayo" and it's sounding dope in my opinion. God's good.
This is the best remix I've been part of till date. Share it with your homies.

Ayo (Remix) by Mike O and Bezalel

Here's our social media profiles:

Mike O

iammikeo.com

http://www.facebook.com/iammikeo1

http://www.twitter.com/iammike0

Bezalel

http://www.truevined.com

https://www.facebook.com/iambezalel

https://twitter.com/truevined

Happy Earth Day - Stuff You Should Do

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:38:29 PDT

Happy Earth Day!
Or should I say "Happy Creation Day"? :D

You know, just like when people say "Happy Resurrection Day" instead of "Happy Easter"? lol
Apologies if you're one of those super grammatically anti-being-politically correct people.

It's a beautiful day if you're reading this post. You're alive, yay! Tons of people have died within the last two weeks (Boston bombing, Texas explosion), so it's a pretty big deal.

Today, Earth Day, might not be seen as a religious celebration (no big deal, we should celebrate God daily) but we could intentionally bring God into our day.

Here's 4 things to consider doing:

1. Go outside: Once you're done reading this post (or even right now, you can leave your browser open), go outside (assuming it's still bright wherever you are) and enjoy the sun (or cold), nature, etc.

2. Find something beautiful outside and take a picture of it: I found this flowers on a tree (see below). Check it out on Instagram without any filters.

3. Sing a song: Too many people forget just how amazing music is and never sing. You don't have to have pipes like Adele to sing your heart out. It's even more awesome to do outside. Or rap if that's what you do like me, or scream (like how those screamo bands do).

4. Take the trash out: :D Okay, this really is the same as number one, but it's a good excuse for you to go outside and smell the air. Take your garbage out and spend a couple of mins outside.

That's all folks.
Happy Earth Day!

My Beat Making Workflow - How I made RWK (A Trap Beat)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:47:55 PDT

I recently a beat that's gotten some love from a couple of people in less than 24 hours.
The beat is called "Running With the King" a.k.a RWK.

I love trap beats (like a lot), so I decided to make one.
First here's the beat:

Nice huh?

Here's how I went about it (note that this is just the creative process, not a tutorial):

RWK Workflow
1. Opened FL Studio and dropped 3 claps on the sequencer at a tempo of 140bpm
2. Opened up Wavepad and recorded myself saying "Running With The King" almost 10 times. I then saved the recording as a wav file and imported it into FL Studio to select the best take (the take that sounded cleanest, and was perfectly on time).
3. I went through two other samples before I decided on the sample to use for the better part of the beat.
4. I got a dubstep-ish sounding bass sound from my favourite vsti and then added some subs that complemented it (i.e. the same note, sounds like music :P).
5. I used the vocal sample for the hook/chorus.
6. I tapped into that divine creativity. I figured, "I don't want a beat that is too loopy!", so I duplicated my main sample and reversed the wav file and used it for some change ups.
7. Of course, drums were added. But I also included a snare pattern for some change ups.
8. Finally added some Limiting, Multiband compression and stuff to improve the mix a bit.

That's it. I probably spent like 3 hours on that beat in FL Studio. And if you want the beat, go to the True Vine Productions beat store to buy it exclusively.

Grace and Peace.

NB
Got any questions? Hit me up below, or privately here: Contact Me.

"Ocean's Daughter" by Faith Anna is a good read

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:59:53 PDT

Here's a book I recently read that you should consider adding to your virtual library.

It's called Ocean's Daughter, by Faith Anna. It's a fictional novel that has mythical, medieval and African elements in it.

There are lots of things I like about this book; the first that comes to mind is how the relationships are portrayed (especially the Mother-Daughter relationships). A lot like C.S. Lewis, the author of the Narnia book series, Faith Anna sneaks in references that Christians will definitely recognize (I approve :D).

You can order Ocean's Daughter on Amazon.com or get it in any other digital format you want from Smashwords.com.

Here's the description of Ocean's Daughter as listed on Amazon.

Neona is an island where life and legends are a mix of good and unthinkable evil. Initiated into these legends from childhood, little Ina asked too many questions but over time grew to be a woman who silently questioned the beliefs and customs of her people. Even though she avoided crisis at all costs, her life blazed from one crisis to another. Just when she finally finds reprieve, her sanctuary is broken. On her daughter’s fifteenth birthday, Ina discovers an exquisite shell by the sea shore. The same day, a stranger mysteriously arrives on island. Little did Ina know that this would herald the beginning of a harrowing threat to a secret island life as it had existed for centuries and lead to unprecedented turmoil for her family. Faced with what seems like insurmountable challenges as a mother and grandmother, Ina must make a heart wrenching choice in order to comply with tradition. Consumed by guilt, self-loathing and pain, she transforms into a rebel….

“Your granddaughter has to go, so we can have peace here.”
Ina knew the only way people, dead or alive, left the island.
The implication was clear to her.
Arisa expected her to grasp the message. And she did.
Excerpt from Ocean’s Daughter

Visit Faith Anna's Website or check out her facebook page to learn more about her.

Who He Is - Spoken Word Video by Nikio (@RealNikio)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:38:05 PDT

Nikio released Who He Is, a spoken word music video stating Who God is.

Check it out below.

Nikio - Who He Is

Nikio is an artist "dying to make Him known".
Check him out on Facebook (Nikio on facebook).

Andy Mineo - Everything Must Go (Documentary) (@AndyMineo @reachrecords)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:07:12 PDT

Reach Records released this very revealing documentary giving us an inside look to Andy Mineo's album creation process for his debut album Heroes For Sale.

Have a look below:

Heroes for Sale comes out on April 16th, 2013. After doing your taxes, save some cash to get it ;)
Follow Andy Mineo on twitter @AndyMineo

Andy Mineo - Heroes For Sale - Available in 5 days (April 16th, 2013)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:56:41 PDT

I just realized this today: I have not talked about how much I'm looking forward to Andy Mineo's debut album Heroes For Sale. I've heard a few singles from the album, and parts of one other song on the album. It all sounds soo good. I'm really impressed with it.

Heroes for Sale comes releases April 16th, 2013. You can Preorder it from Reach Records and get it on iTunes when it's released.

Here's the album art for Heroes for Sale. The tracklist is also below.

Heroes For Sale (Album artwork) - Andy Mineo

Tracklisting
1. Superhuman
2. Ex Nihilo ft. Christon Gray
3. AYO!
4. You Will
5. The Saints ft. KB & Trip Lee
6. Caught Dreaming ft. for KING & COUNTRY
7. Bitter
8. Shallow ft. Swoope
9. Wild Things
10. Take Me Alive
11. Uno Uno Seis ft. Lecrae
12. Cocky
13. Curious
14. Still Bleeding ft. Co Campbell
15. Tug Of War ft. Krizz Kaliko
16. Death Has Died

Let's get some things straight about God and the devil

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:53:56 PDT

My friend Blessing shared this on the Inner Circle and I thought it was worth sharing with anyone who comes around the bright side of the internet.

_________________________________________

I really don't know how some 'Christians' come up with such poor doctrine!

Someone just said something like "For every one angel there is following us, there is a demon" What does that even mean???

It is either they are poorly taught or they don't know the God they claim to worship or both! God is more powerful than the devil. God assigns us angels and does NOT assign us demons. And no, the devil does not have enough demons to match the number of angels upon the earth and in the heavens.

I know the devil is evil but he is already DEFEATED! I don't know why people keep glorifying him and making such 'logical' (which are totally NOT even logical) statements.

At the end of the day, there will be more people in heaven than in hell, because the blood of Jesus is too precious for the devil to get more people than Jesus, so let's keep our eyes on the author and finisher of our faith, JESUS!!!

Whenever you feel like it, in the name of Jesus, tell the devil:

Ready Aim Fire - Mali Music (Lyric Video) @malimusic

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 22:13:59 PDT

I can't get enough of this song!
This song is a great song musically. But when you figure out what he's talking about, it just moves you a lot more. And I'm not talking just moving me physically, my soul moves to this song.

What I believe Mali Music is talking about is spiritual warfare. Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against powers, forces, evil devices of the enemy. But OUR weapons of warfare are not weapons that can be destroyed because they are mighty through God to take down all these forces around us.

Enjoy. And follow Mali Music on twitter (@MaliMusic).

Happy Easter - Remember the Promise - His Love

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 22:00:41 PDT

I will force myself (a dude born African, in a Christian home, who accepted Christ at a young age and have been serving Christ for over a decade... nice accomplishments eh? :D) to recognize and see the importance of Jesus dying for me.

I know the story of Easter, but I don't always feel as grateful as I should especially during this time of the year.

What happened?
Jesus died. 3 days later, Jesus rose. IT IS a big deal. Bigger than any human can fully comprehend but it happened so that we get to spend eternity with God, starting here on earth, till the day we leave earth.
It is a big deal. Jesus didn't have to die. But His love for us humans (humans who killed Him, hate Him sometimes and don't care to say hi to Him other times) was so great that He considered us worth dying for.

He paid for our sins once and for all. Now we imperfect people don't need to be afraid of meeting a perfect God.

Good friday is symbolic and helps us remember the day that Jesus died here on earth, and this coming Sunday, we will celebrate His rise from death.

Jesus is indeed risen, and watches over us, intercedes for us, speaks to us, and heals us.

Yeah, just writing this post makes me feel the importance of Easter a whole lot more.

The eggs (or a lack of) are not the issue, it's the hearts of the people, humans he died for that is at stake here;

So, today, tomorrow and next, as we celebrate Easter and say "Happy Easter!" to people all around us, remember His Promise (I will never leave or forsake you) and His love.

.

On that note, a big major shoutout to the folks at Google (Google Play) for listing the You Version Bible app first among the other Easter apps on the Play store. I'm pretty certain quite a few people don't know that Easter is a lot more than easter eggs and stuff. If you don't have You Version, it's the best Bible app out in my opinion.

Happy Easter!

An important thing about prayer by Pastor Mark

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:02:03 PDT

I found this on YouTube early yesterday and found it to be particularly useful in so many ways, so I thought I'd share it with you guys.

A brief summary: Talk to God like how you would to your father. You're free with God and don't go to him nervous and with a list trying to be all stiff and weird, you don't talk to your father with weird lingo, etc.

Pastor Mark on Prayer - Watch it!! :]

True Vine Productions - March Beat Catalogue (@truevined)

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:53:50 PDT

Hello, hello hi,
I'm very pleased to showcase my new beat catalogue containing my newest work.

I've been working hard to make beats that I can honestly say is my best work and the work is paying off.
All glory to God for that.
In the catalogue below, you'll find beats ranging from hip-hop to pop, neo-soul to new-school and even a rock beat.

You can buy any beat below instantly and get the download link sent to you immediately. Contact me here, or on twitter(@truevined) with any questions or drop a comment below this post.

I look forward to working with you :]

Thanks,
Bezalel

True Vine Productions - March 2013 - Beat Catalogue

NB
You can also listen to the all the beats in the March Catalogue via Soundcloud too.

FLAME - "Clear Sight Music" // 2013 New Single // The 6th: Man on Fire

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:15:04 PST

Clearsight Music is releasing a deluxe version of FLAME's album 'The 6th' on March 6th, 2013.
The deluxe version will be called 'The 6th: Man On Fire'.

This single is called 'Clear Sight Music' and it's a banger. You know, that good good trap music.
Check it out. Dope dope dope. His flow, the beat, all bananas.

Follow flame on twitter @FLAME314

Freedom of expression in art: Crossing invisible lines

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:30:01 PST

There are some things I deem as appropriate to say in a song that I wouldn't dare say in day-to-day conversations.

Does that make me a coward? No. I'm just smart enough to know when to keep my mouth shut about certain things when I should. Most times at least.

But there's something so liberating about doing art be it music, poetry, painting, sculpting, etc.
It allows you, the artist, certain freedoms to say whatever you want about anything. This is a good thing and a not so good thing depending on the artist.

I'm still being vague.

As an artist, a rapper ~~with a Christian worldview,~~ a rapper who loves Jesus, whenever I'm writing a verse for personal projects or features, I always ask myself: "How far can I go?"

"What can I say and express myself as freely as possible without offending too many people?"...within the context of the song I'm working on of course.

If there's one thing I've noticed with art in general, it's this: It's ~~almost~~ impossible to make art that doesn't offend anyone at all. As a matter of fact, I can recall graphics I designed that were dissected and torn apart to find hidden meanings, or a verse I wrote recently with two bars that could come across as dissing someone.

But I wasn't dissing anyone, I was just being me; just being comfy in my own skin.

So, as artists (which everyone is in different ways even if the discovery hasn't been made as to what art one is good at), how do we express ourselves freely without crossing [too many] invisible lines?

Here's 5 ways that I am currently working on doing this in my work:

1. Be bold
I'm a Christian. I love hip-hop. I love many other genres of music. I love subs A LOT!! I have Christian friends and non-Christian friends, some of whom like Country music and can't stand hip-hop. Others can't stand Christian Hip-Hop (or hip-hop from a Christian view). I get it. Some songs I make might offend some people I love, I'm cool with that. Freedom of expression requires boldness. You can't be scared of offending people and do great art.

For example, I'm not going to shy away from saying Jesus when I feel the need to do so in a song. I also won't force Christian lingo into a song while writing. I pray before writing most songs, I pray in the middle of writing others. God's all over it, I know. So, I'm not bothered by what people might think about me for not saying what they expect in a song. By the way, being predictable as an artist is not a good thing.

2. Be led by God
I know when I say things that cross the line and God makes it clear to me that I should change them.
Being led by God prevents you from getting into dumb situations. This also helps me with choosing what to rap about, etc. You get the idea.

3. Have some quality control (View this post on quality control)
This is something I didn't do in the past and I'm not pleased with myself for that.
Here's my way of ensuring quality control:
- I'll get the project I'm working on done a month [at least] prior to when I plan on releasing it
- I'll give copies to a few people (about a dozen) I trust will give me honest feedback on it.
- Make some changes as needed based on the feedback.
The chances are, if you crossed too many lines and abused your freedom of expression privileges, your friends will let you know and you can humbly correct your errors.

4. Learn from better artists in your field
As a rapper, there are other rappers I look up to. In the book of Bezalel's favourite rappers, there are some who have expressed themselves wisely and some who haven't. My job as a less experienced artist is to learn from the good artistry of my favourites and try my best to avoid the mistakes they made.
You get my point? You can apply this to any art form.

5. Practice makes perfect
Old but true saying in the arts. It even applies to those artists born extremely talented; they get better at their craft the more they do it. Take the great basketball player, Michael Jordan. He was born crazy talented, but he had to work real hard (practice a lot) to get to that player we think of when we mention his name.

The more you try to express yourself as an artist, the more you'll realize what works for you.
What works for one artist might not work for another artist.
For example: Some artists can get away with playfully saying mean things, others get lynched for saying the same things. Comedy is an art that not everyone can master.

Those are the ways I try to avoid crossing too many invisible lines at this point in time. Feel free to agree or disagree, add (or not) to my list.

Thanks for reading.

Trust - You Take That ft. Zaph-Nath (Typography Video) @ayotrust

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:07:22 PST

Check out this dope typography video created by True Vine Productions for my bro "Trust" for a song on his EP "No Regrets".

The song is "You Take That" ft. Zaph-Nath. Watch it in HD :D

Check out other songs on Trust's EP "No Regrets" below:

Download Mixtape

Follow trust on twitter @ayotrust

Eshon Burgundy- Tell you why ft. Je'Kob

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:16:12 PST

Check out the music video for Eshon Burgundy's song "Tell you why" ft. Je'Kob.

I'm a huge fan of Eshon Burgundy; I love the brother. I'm an even bigger fan of the fact that he's done music videos for most of the songs on his album, and excellent videos I should add.

If you're not acquainted with Eshon Burgundy, get on that asap; and get his newest album from iTunes or Amazon.

Eshon Burgundy- Tell you why ft. Je'Kob

Dr. Benjamin Carson's Amazing Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast with President Obama present

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:22:05 PST

Dr. Benjamin Carson's speech that he gave earlier today at the annual National Prayer Breakfast with President Obama and Michelle Obama present was incredible. I will be watching it again.

Yes, this is the same Dr. Ben Carson you might recall from the book "Gifted Hands" written about him. An intelligent man who fears God.

Check it out. Very much worth your time.

Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s new album "Love, Hope, War" is available now

noreply@blogger.com (Tonye Brown) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:32:27 PST

Everybody, Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s new album is available right now.

If you're a fan of rap, you're in for a treat. If you're a fan of Da' T.R.U.T.H., you're in for a treat, this is his best work I've heard so far, and the sound is as modern and as "in" as it gets. I'm loving all of it.

Go get Love, Hope, War on iTunes now. I'm pretty sure it's available on amazonMP3, Google Play and others.

Be sure to drop a review/some encouraging words for him.

To those of you who don't know Da' T.R.U.T.H.: He is a Grammy nominated, Stellar award winner with a few classic Christian Hip-hop albums under his belt. He's sort of a big brother figure to the Christian Hip-hop arena.

Da' T.R.U.T.H. - Love, Hope, War - Album artwork