LAWTON Okla_ A gospel
hip-hop group is using their powerful
music to spread a message of positivity amidst a growing culture of violence in
Lawton.
"Double Edge Sword
Gospel" has been spreading positive messages through hip-hop music for the past
eight years. The group said they're using their voices to encourage at-risk
youth to use their painful life experiences creatively, instead of turning to
the streets.
The group said
today's youth can relate to their music and they hope, one day, follow their
lead. They said now more than ever, their powerful prose mixed with popular
hip-hop beats is needed in the community. Especially for today's youth, who may
not relate to traditional gospel music
"When you
go traditional," Double Edge Sword Producer and Writer "Ferb" said, "you deter
the younger generation from listening to gospel music. So, we try to give them
an avenue where they can hear gospel in terms that they'll relate to at their
level. Try to get them to vent positively in their music, instead of negative
or out there in the streets."
The group
consists of writers, producers, poets, dancers and singers, who all say they've
all been through some rocky times. They said they want to use their stories and
talents as positive examples
"For people
who've been in their place and who've overcome it like some of us have," singer
Cyrstal Witherspoon said. "I think it's good for them to see that and know that
they can overcome their situation. If they want to get out, there is a
way"
"What
honestly do they have that benefits them in doing the wrong," singer and poet
Amanda Sosa said, "compared to doing the right thing. Not only is it a battle
of consciousness, but a legacy they are going to leave behind once they leave.
We leave a mark, whether it's a good one or bad one."
Pastor Lennie Orrell
said he partnered with the group to help spread hope in a way everyone
understands: through music
"Even
though there is a message in there and you hear the pain and the hurt sometimes
in her music, it still has a positive outlook. I'm trying to incorporate that
in what we trying to do and we're trying to reach all walks of life"
The group performs at schools, churches and events all over southwest Oklahoma. Their mission
is to show young people that they can take power over their lives in a positive
way.
The group said
they plan on attending tomorrow night's town hall meeting about gang violence
at city hall.
They hope to
get a pulse on what the community is feeling and try to do their part to help. The
meeting starts at 6:30 PM.
