Gospel music and their artists went to the club the other night right here in Atlanta Georgia. That’s right members of the gospel community joined forces with hip-hop artists and delivered praise and worship right at Club 112 in downtown ATL.

It all started with the vision of one local DJ by the name of Cory "CoCo Brother" Condrey from radio station Hot 107.9, who hosts a Sunday morning gospel show that caters to the youth of Atlanta. This vision became “Exodus” which was sponsored by the Spirit of Hip Hop, Hot 107.9, Praise 97.5 and others and billed to be the event to bridge the gap between the hip-hop and gospel communities. It was set to offer an alternative way of reaching out to the lost by taking the word straight to them where they are; right in the club.“Exodus” by definition means a mass departure, or going out. "Our goal is that through this event, people will find the strength to depart from the many things that are keeping them bound, stressed, depressed, and away from establishing a true relationship with God." stated "CoCo Brother." "The objective is to bridge the gap between the church and the streets and welcome everyone regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. This will be the biggest praise party to ever hit the ATL!” he added.

There were several people in attendance at the event and it was jammed packed with many of the movers and shakers of both worlds. I saw my friends Darwin Hobbs, and Wanda Trent Phillips hanging out behind stage. I also rubbed elbows with Ronnie Devoe of New Edition and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield who stated that his reason for supporting the event was simple; he wanted to let people know that “In many things you don’t have a choice. You can’t chose your parent’s, you can’t choose your color, but you do have a choice about your Savior and you can choose him” He added that he realized that in the end that was what the event was all about using everything to influence people to make the right choice.

And so there they were BoneCrusher, Kirk Franklin, KiKi Sheard, Canton Jones, Elder William Murphy and Bishop Eddie Long all on the same stage performing and offering praises to God all in an effort to save those who come to the clubs to party. The performances were wonderful especially the electrifying performance by Kirk Franklin. There was a giant screen monitor placed outside the club for those that could not make it inside. (Underage children were not allowed to come in but could watch the activities on the big screen outside) At the end Bishop Long was called on to finish things out with an uplifting message like only he can deliver. BoneCrusher

Now the question is did this work? Will this type of event really bring the word to those who come out to the club? I don’t know but I believe the event was a start to answering those exact questions. Pictures of the event and more details can be found in my article at 3Vmagazine on stands now. 3Vmagazine