Praiselight: Eshon Burgundy Discusses Being Back on Stage @eshonburgndy1 @iamjekob

Tyger Burch with Eshon Burgundy

December 8, 2012 (House of Boxing, San Diego, California) – Just following a incredible show in San Diego hosted by That Funktion, Eshon Burgundy stepped off stage and sat down with Praisable Press’s Tyger Burch to talk a little about the new album, meeting Je’kob Washinton for the first time and what it means to him to be back on stage after a year long absence. Here’s the long overdue interview… salute!

P2: You said it’s been a minute since you’ve been up on stage to perform some of your music, what was that like? How did it feel tonight?

Eshon: It felt good man, it was fun. I was happy to do it, I’ve haven’t been on stage for about a year so getting back on stage was like fresh air.

I’m in the studio a lot recording [from home] so I’m not really in front of the people, really interacting with the people like I would like so to get out and engage the people and perform and hear the people’s response to certain songs is like fresh air to man. I said it while I was up on stage but man I just feel good!

P2: So this won’t be the last time we see you up on stage doing this? We shouldn’t expect another hiatus?

Eshon: No, no, no. I’m trying to really make this a thing that I do often, I’m trying to do more shows.

I wasn’t really able to make a living through music so I kinda had to devote my time to making a living.

P2: What inspired you to kick this all off now? Was it just the right time, was God just telling you this was the time to move?

Eshon: Yeah, yeah. You see what happened, the reason I kinda fell back; was being able to provide for my family. That’s my number one priority so I wasn’t really able to make a living through music so I kinda had to devote my time to making a living.

I just so happened to start shooting music videos so I’ve been shooting a lot of music videos for artists including my own, but now I just dropped a new album [Blood Rushing to My Head} so its time to get back out in front of the faces of the people and do shows and all that. I'm happy to be at this place you know, I couldn't do it before but I'm grateful to be able to do it now.

P2: Is there any particular song that you can't wait to perform on stage? It seems that all your songs are designed to just roll right into testimony, but is there one you just feel called to do consistently or does that vary from stage to stage?

Eshon: Its song to song man, I like 'em all personally [laughs]. I really do, I don’t have songs that I don’t really care for. I try to make music that I like, you know what I’m sayin’? If I don’t like how a song is going I won’t even finish it.

P2: You were on stage earlier with Je’kob [Washington] and we talking with him earlier (see our interview with Je’kob Washington of Washington Projects) and he said this was your first time seeing each other face-to-face, let alone perform together.  Yet you collaborated on two really amazing songs, how did that come about?

Eshon: You know, internet man. Its great at connecting people and he was a fan of the music and he reached out. I had seen what he and his sister was doing (with Washington Projects) and I really enjoyed their music. I though his sound was quality. Its not amateur at all. So I recognized that man, I know good music when I hear it. I was a fan from afar and then he started doing solo stuff and he was real dope. So when he reached out to me it was only natural for us to do something.

He pretty much just said ‘I want to help you out’, and that was just a blessing so I sent him some records and he just jumped right on it. Yeah though this is the first time we met each other [laughs] and it was just real good to meet him.

P2: I know the word gets tossed around a lot but your very transparent and authentic up on stage. Tonight you even admitted to having forgotten your lines on occasion and you share a lot of your personal testimony. For people who aren’t used to that, for people who are not used to seeing artists get up on stage and just bare it all like that; is that something you had to work through or is that just naturally part of your personality?

Eshon: Yeah I guess I just appreciate people being real. I pride myself on being real. I would much rather be real with people as opposed to being fake or having some type of facade. That’s just feel that if I’m being honest you can’t hold anything against me.

P2: Tell us a little bit about the album [Blood Rushing to My Head, Somewhere in the Clouds Looking Down], what was the mindset behind the project?

Eshon: The album man, Blood Rushing to My Head Somewhere in the Clouds Looking Down….

P2: That’s a serious name by the way!

Eshon: Yeah, yeah [laughs]. I’m a lyricist man, I’m really about words. A lot of people shy away from that by trying to make things small and concise and they try to make it easy for people but I’m like, I’m going to give you lyrics, I’m going to give you words, I’m going to make you think. I just come from that era. The 90″s man, when it was about much more than just dancing and catchy hooks.

So [the album] is actually apart of a three part series, so it’ll be Blood Rushing to My Head parts one, two and three and they’re all going to have subtitles. So we have Somewhere in the Clouds Looking Down and the second one… the Lord just gave me that one last night while I was in bed sleep but I’m not going to say nothing about it yet. I’m going to hash it out and make sure I’m hearing it from God correctly before I put anything out there but I believe I just got the concept for the next one.

P2: How can people find out more about you?

Eshon: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram… if people want to see my life, and what I’m all about just look at my Instagram. [laughs] You’re going to see me, my family, the many place that I travel and what interests me, what I believe, you can see it all on Instagram. I would say Instagram over anything.

P2: Hey thank you so much for making the time.

Eshon: Thank you man. Salute!

eshon burgundy

That Funktion is a ministry of The Body Church created to encourage & exhort believers and evangelize the culture in a non-traditional church- like setting. If you would like to support, serve, or get involved with That Funktion please contact Jamar Phillips at japhillips77@yahoo.com or call (619) 786-0980.

The Body Church (http://www.thebodysd.com) is a San Diego church that launched on Sept 4th, 2011. By April 2012, the church quickly reached a high of over 110 people and has seen many introduced to Jesus Christ and many more fall deeper in love with Him.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.

Grand Opening Brings out The Body, Godkins & Clister

Sunday, January 20, 2012 – San Diego-based church, The Body (http://www.thebodysd.com) celebrated the first service at its new home with a little help from The Godkins and Hip Hop artist Clister Smith. The church was founded by popular deejay and pastor Victor “Naz-e” Schloss along with his wife and a few friends back in September of 2011. What started as just a simple meet up at the pastor’s home to study the Word, quickly turned into the amazing gathering that was celebrated today. Moving from its previous location at the Paradise Hills Recreation Center to its current home within the Valencia Park Elementary School Auditorium, the church used the occasion to celebrate the goodness of God as well as share a message of service to the community, which tied directly into the Martin Luther King Jr weekend observance.

Godkins

The Godkins rock the stage of The Body Church for the Grand Opening

Tara Schloss

First lady Tara Schloss shares a bit of testimony at The Body Church

Adding to the powerful message was an amazing worship provided by worship band The Godkins who were later joined by hip hop recording artist Clister Smith. Pastor Vick described the event best, “Awe inspiring. The truth! Very Informative.” More photos can be found on the official Facebook page of Praisable Press.

The Body Church Pastor Victor "Naz-e" Schloss, addressed the packed house during the Grand Opening.

The Body Church Pastor Victor “Naz-e” Schloss, addressed the packed house during the Grand Opening.

The Body Church (http://www.thebodysd.com) is a San Diego church that launched on Sept 4th, 2011. By April 2012, the church quickly reached a high of over 110 people and has seen many introduced to Jesus Christ and many more fall deeper in love with Him.

Backstage Pass: Eshon Burgundy, Jekob Washington and More

December 8, 2012 -Last night Praisable Press in association with The Body Church’s That Funktion Ministry conducted it first LIVE broadcast from the House of Boxing in San Diego, California. The show, hosted by That Funktion; featured the talents and testimony of Eshon Burgundy, Jekob Washington, AUSTRUK, Reveal, and Lucia Davidson. Keep checking back for exclusive interviews from the performers and more info on the next Praisable Live event. It was an amazing showcase of skill, praise, entertainment and worship as well as being the first time both Eshon and Je’kob performed on stage together.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.

Eshon Burgundy and Je’kob Washington Hit the Stage in San Diego @eshonburgndy1 @iamjekob

ESHON BURGUNDY FLYER

On December 8th, 2012; That Funktion Ministries (a ministry under The Body Church in San Diego, CA) will host a free one of a kind concert featuring Eshon Burgundy and Je’kob Washington of Washington Projects as well as a host of local talent. The event will take place at the House of Boxing (2304 Reo Dr. San Diego, CA 92139) at 7:00PM and is aimed to further That Funktion’s desire to be a bridge between the Christian Church and its urban members as well as a platform to bring Christ into the gap between God and His lost people in today’s urban culture. It has successfully partnered with artists such as Lecrae, Swoope, Trip Lee, Clister, Dre da Flame, B. Reith and more to bring their unique talents to the county.
From the streets of South Philadelphia, Eshon Burgundy started writing music at the age of 9. With an abundance of mixtapes and features, this seasoned vet is no rookie to the rap game. Eshon has shared the stage with well-known artists including Mos Def, Common, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild and many others. “After years of dabbling in both secular and holy hip hop, Eshon finally decided to focus his message solely on the saving grace of God through Christ, but still for the streets” (eshonburgundy.com/bio). Eshon is a serves as producer, rapper and founder of GoodLook Multimedia, a company that provides design and video services to other artists and clients.
That Funktion is a ministry of The Body Church created to encourage & exhort believers and evangelize the culture in a non-traditional church- like setting. If you would like to support, serve, or get involved with That Funktion please contact Jamar Phillips at japhillips77@yahoo.com or call (619) 786-0980.
The Body Church (http://www.thebodysd.com) is a San Diego church that launched on Sept 4th, 2011. By April 2012, the church quickly reached a high of over 110 people and has seen many introduced to Jesus Christ and many more fall deeper in love with Him.

Backstage Pass: Made for More Tour

Made for More Tour

October 28, 2012 (San Marcos, CA) -  Any opportunity to fellowship with like minded brothers and sisters should never be passed up, but an opportunity to do so while enjoying the sounds of worship and power from your favorite artists with said siblings in Christ in an event well worth the 45 minute drive up from San Diego. Hoping to not only set the stage for their Kings Dream label and upcoming conference but also as a show of love and thanks to the church they call home, John Givez and theBreax joined headliners B. Reith and DJ Promote made for a stop along Reith’s Made for More Tour to a crowd of exuberant fans of all ages at theMovement Church in San Marcos, CA.

Ruslan of theBreax rocked the  crowd with his patterned demonstration of The Freestyle, while DJ Promote made the turntables smoke with an exhibition of skill that caused an eruption of dance and cheering. B. Reith hit the stage to the already enamored crowd to share hits from his past albums as well as his recent mixtape “How The Story Continues” including a unique performance of “I Wish” that can only be seen to be believed. With the collective of artists returning in December for the Kings Dream Conference to join Andy Mineo, Mr. Bentley, and Je’kob, this “preview” proved to be a delightful treat for anyone looking for positive music.

John Givez

John Givez warms up the crowd with a round of powerful worship. He is the first signee to theBreax’s Kings Dream ENT

theBreax

Ruslan and Beleaf of theBreax hit the stage and up the excitement.

B. Reith

B. Reith not only shares a slew of favorite songs but testimony and humor as well.

B. Reith

B. Reith looks out over the crowd of theMovement Church.

B. Reith and DJ Promote

B. Reith and DJ Promote share a moment as the veteran DJ rips the 1′s and 2′s.

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom.

 

  • John Givez – The Little Engine that Could
  • Ruslan – From Then Til Now, theBreax Present: Ruslan (Working Title/Coming Soon)
  • Beleaf – theBreax Present: Beleaf (Working Title/Coming Soon)
  • B. Reith – How the Story Continues
  • DJ Promote – Table Turners

Kings Dream Ent Announces Kings Dream Conference Details, Pricing

Kings Dream Ent Logo

October 23, 2012 (San Marcos, CA) - Kings Dream Entertainment, the upstart label from rap duo theBreax; announced today the official launch of The Kings Dream Conference to take place December 7th and 8th in San Marcos, CA. The Kings Dream Conference is a gathering of premier entertainers, passionate speakers, and dedicated pastors all coming together to inspire and equip people to win in every area of their lives.

There will be two concerts, on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring performances from, Andy Mineo, B. Reith, Fonzworth Bentley, theBREAX, Ruslan, NomiS, John Givez, Drew Barragan and Genetics. The conference program will take place all-day Saturday and promises to be packed with sessions that will cover topics aimed at helping attendees achieve success in every area of their lives– faith, relationships, business, and more!

Never before has this much talent and expertise been assembled and packed into a conference and not one, but TWO full concerts.  This is the event that all your friends will be talking about.  This is the event that you’ll always look back on and say, “I remember when I was at the FIRST Kings Dream Conference.”

Kings Dream Conf flyer

Ticket pre-orders will receive a discounted price and a limited number of VIP and Priority ticket packages available. Group ticket package rates available.  For information on group sales, visit the official event site at: http://www.kingsdreamconference.com/

The Kings Dream Conference (http://www.kingsdreamconference.com/) is a gathering of premier entertainers, passionate speakers, and dedicated pastors all coming together to inspire and equip people to win in every area of their lives.

Praisable Press, 3DR Kick Off Extra Life Today

Praisable Press and 3DayRespwan (www.3dayrespawn.com) are ecstatic to kick off Extra-Life today to help raise funds for sick kids. Every dime of contribution goes directly to the hospitals that need it to give vital care, and support to those in need. Its a fundamental element of being a Christian, as Jesus says to love one another (1 John 4:21 (ESV)). We’ll be doing a 24 hour run of games with 3DayRespawn primarily on Xbox360 and Praisable Press on the PS3. Feel free to check in on Google+ and YouTube at noon where we’ll post chat updates and link up with fans.

Last year, Extra Life raised more than 1.2 million dollars to save kids, but in 2012 our goals, just like the needs of the kids we serve, are much, much higher. We can’t do this without your help. Donating online is safe and easy! IT’S STILL NOT TO LATE TO DONATE! Click here to visit our fundraiser page. Below you will see a list of games that Praisable Press will be playing on PS3, we invite anyone who wants to join us online to add “Tyger0” to their Playstation Network (PSN) accounts and suggest a game.

Currently Planned Games

  • Borderlands 2 (Co-Op), with DLC
  • Killzone 3
  • DCUO
  • Playstation Home
  • Little Big Planet 2
  • Starhawk
  • ModNation Racers

Praisable Press (http://www.praisablepress.com) is a Christian community fed news resource where you can share stories and events to challenge, encourage and support men and women of Christian faith to use the talents God has given them for the glory of is kingdom. Fundraiser Page

3 Day Respawn (http://www.3dayrespawn.com) is a ministry which aims to provide Godly fellowship, companionship, and Biblical direction by offering a method of connecting with others through the video games based website, community events, and resources for anyone who plays games or knows someone who does. The ministry is based on a social media (Facebook) style community website which helps christian video game players connect with one another. The result is an experience of fellowship and mutual christian edification which is in stark contrast to the average video game playing experience. Our goal is to make disciples of all nations.

 

“Evolution of Gospel 2012″ Comes to Warner Theater

Washington D.C. - Gospel music advocates, musicians, organizers and supporters will gather Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Warner Theater to kick off nationwide festivities surrounding the 4th Annual Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) explained, “From the African American spirituals to Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson and Rev. James Cleveland, this unique American music has united generations, classes, and cultures. It is only fitting that we honor Gospel music’s place in both the history of the United States and in our daily lives.”

Since September 2008, Congresswoman Jackson Lee has led the efforts to ensure the contributions, history, and sound of Gospel music are recognized and honored throughout our nation. She has passed resolutions for the past four years designating the month of September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

This year’s event will be held at the Warner Theater. Grammy-award winning Gospel artist Yolanda Adams will headline this incredible event which is free and open to the public.  In addition, the concert will feature Verity Records Gospel recording artist Crystal Akins.  Also performing are Gospel artists Maurette Brown-Clark, Damita Haddon, Lil Mo and Phillip Bryant, and 7 Sons of Soul.  Additionally, there will be a special guest appearance by the Washington Society for the Performing Arts’ Men and Women of the Gospel Choir.  Don Jackson of the Stellar Awards, Charley Humbard of Gospel Music Channel, and DC’s own Gospel music icon, Shirley MK Berkeley will be honored during the evening’s festivities as well. The event will be produced by Ernest Walker of Walker Entertainment Group.

Carl Davis, Chairman of Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation, commented, “We are excited to return to our nation’s capital for this fourth year of celebration of Gospel Music Heritage Month.  It is an honor to be supported by gifted Gospel artists who are lending their gifts to emphasize the importance of educating and entertaining the public about the art form of Gospel Music,   The Warner Theater is the perfect stage from which to launch this year’s emphasis.”

“Gospel music has the ability to cross barriers of race, class, and religion, to touch the hearts of people.  Gospel music is a conduit for personal and societal uplift, and it is fitting that we celebrate this great art form every year,” adds James “Jazzy” Jordan, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Verity Gospel Music Group.

“This year will be the biggest celebration ever as we continue to spread the Gospel-”the good news” about this great American music art form designated by Congressional Resolution as Gospel Music Heritage Month annually each September”, noted Ron Magnus, Chair of the DC Gospel Music Heritage Month.

Gospel music’s historic roots have originated in the humble and soulful melodies of African American spirituals. The sound contains diverse elements from African music, melodic influences from Irish folk songs and hymns, and other uniquely American musical styles including ragtime, jazz, and blues. Gospel Music Heritage Month celebrates the vital role that Gospel music has played in shaping music history.

“Evolution of Gospel 2012″ is free and open to the public.  For further details please visit the website at www.gospelmusicheritage.org. Up to six tickets may be ordered by emailing a name, telephone number and quantity of tickets desired at tickets@gospelmusicheritage.org or call 1-800-895-7301.

That Funktion Presents Swoope

Swoope Flier

August 8, 2012 (San Diego, CA) – That Funktion presents Swoope, August 18, 2012, 7pm at the House of Boxing, 2304 Reo Dr. San Diego, CA 92139; performing also, Dre Da Flame and other local artist. There will be spoken word, dance , raffles and much more. You do not want to miss this event.

Allen Swoope born and raised in Akron, OH. He is no stranger to music, having a strong follow up to the “Zoo”  with “Applause Vol 1.“, the single “Actions Speak Louder“, EP “Spring Fling“, and his highly anticipated album “Wake Up.” Swoope has also recently been featured on Lecrae’s ‘Church Clothes’ mixtape and is member the ‘High Society’ (htttp://www.thisishigh.com) crew.

That Funktion are always free events that give local artist the opportunity to share their gifts and talents alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.

The Body Church (http://www.thebodysd.com/) is a church plant located in Paradise Hills, California; its mission to  REACH people and help them GROW to LIVE for Jesus Christ. The Body is committed to transforming people, with an emphasis to impact the culture so that their focus shifts from loving themselves, pleasure and money, to loving God through a life of faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The Body Church’s ultimate global vision is to impact the world through mission trips that consist of service, outreach and supporting local churches throughout the world.

 

ETD, Praisable Press link up to Tranform San Diego

Transform Concert Poster

July 22, 2012 - Praisable Press is linking up with ETD to bring you the Transformation Concert (http://www.facebook.com/events/118878231589028/) at Grace Church in Spring Valley, California. Hosted by Chris White and Teresa Knight the even will feature talent from Dre Da Flame of HolyBros, Quenell Bash (Formally of Street Kingdom) iPraisem and more. Doors open at 5:30PM.

Check back for more information!