"The Gospel Gangstaz have been in the game since 1989," says GG'z member Mr. Solo. No strangers to the industry, Mr. Solo, Tik Tokk, and Chille‘ Baby embarked on a mission to reach lost souls using the avenue of rap. In the process, they first signed with Holy Terra Records.
 That union yielded two projects which sold nearly 100,000 units between them. Yet, nothing was as it seems. The Gangstaz had a four-year layoff between their final Holy Terra project (Do or Die) and their B-Rite debut. Why?
"The deal with Holy Terra was a nightmare," states Mr. Solo.
"There were a lot of unkept promises and untruths. It was a principle thing. It's one thing to be crossed by the world. However, it's another thing to be crossed by Christians", he continues. Apparently, things between the Gangstaz and Holy Terra deteriorated to such a point that the GG'z were going to leave the industry. "We are gangstas and we are not going to be pimped," Tik Tokk says bluntly.
However, the GG'z joined the B-Rite Music family, and regained a love for the industry." B-Rite restored our love for labels," says Chille' Baby. "We have harmony with B-Rite. They care about the total person. [B-Rite] makes sure that we have our vitamins. They even schedule counseling with pastors for us." "They are like family to us," says Mr. Solo.
Finding a comfortable record label home, the Gangstaz had embarked on a journey that had the potential to make them the most celebrated Gospel rap artists in the history of the genre. The former gang members were fully aware of the road that they faced.
Though this new-found exposure was welcomed by the GG'z, they were also aware of the barriers that they faced. "For some reason, the church stereotypes rap," states Mr. Solo. "They consider rap to be a bad thing just by seeing the way that we look.
There are a lot of filthy singers out there but they aren't judged by the way that they look," continues Solo. Undaunted by the issue of appearance, the Gangstaz see tremendous potential for their success. "God is breaking barriers and we're going to set a new trend. It's pretty amazing because there are even traditional [Gospel] stations that are starting to play our music," says Chille Baby. "We're bringing Gospel to a whole new level."
"This has been a long time coming," continues Tik Tokk. "Hip-hop is here to stay and there are a lot of folks who are ready for it. We are moving from glory to glory."
While the Gangstaz viewed B-Rite Music as a family, they had also forged their own family, known as The Committee. This aggregation came together as an extension of the mission of the Gangstaz. "They are a group of talented, anointed people. The Committee is not a local thing. We've got members all over the place," says Mr. Solo. Among the members is label-mate and female Gospel rap star Alisha Tyler , half of the husband-wife rap duo A1 S.W.I.F.T.
Speaking of Tyler , she makes a guest appearance on the GG'z project "I Can See Clearly Now". In addition, the project features appearances from The Nu Nation and is co-produced by rap superproducers Trackmasters and Steve Stoute. "All of that was a blessing from God. It's all part of being in the Interscope family and being in the right place at the right time," states Tik Tokk.
Since then the Gospel Gangstaz left B-Rite to found their own record label, Camp 8 Records. Soon after they came out with their fourth studio album, the highly anticipated "Exodus". This set was propelled by the West Coast gem "Gangstaz Don't Dance" featuring industry mainstay Bootsy Collins. Other cuts included Watch, Pray, Live Holy, Caught Up, and the mellow Trouble Don't Last.
Unlike their previous albums, this groundbreaking set was recorded with a live band, adding an amazing organic feel to it - similar to artists such as 4th Avenue Jones and The Roots.
The Gangstaz understand the responsibility that accompanies their high-profile attention. Yet they are certain of God's favor and presence with them in all that they do, and remain confident of God's promise to them. "God is about to really show out," says Chille' Baby. "We've worked too hard to let someone set us back 10 years." "We're gonna raise the standard for holy hip-hop and we're gonna make it bangin'," states Tik Tokk.
The future looks bright for the Gangstaz, who are rumored to have changed their name to Camp 8. They are feverishly in the studio working on their fifth studio album. Yet amid all of the excitement of the present and the future, the GG'z still remember their purpose. Mr. Solo defines it: "We want to bless the world and we want souls to get saved."
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1"artist"
at Tuesday, 24 February 2009 19:12
trying to get camp 8 records mailing address of gospel gangstazs
willie miller chillwill 276 s.spring street apt c spartanburg sc 29306 864-384-8780 874-585-0439
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