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.

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Updated beat catalog on True Vine Productions; More Coming!

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.

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Spzrkt - The Loner (Free Album)

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

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Google Launches brand new Google maps rebuilt from the ground up

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

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Mike O - Back 2 Basics Mixtape (@iammikeo)

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   

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

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)

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

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.

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Ayo (Remix) ft. Mike O and Bezalel

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

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Happy Earth Day - Stuff You Should Do

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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