Leading Christian, Latin and Gospel talent to headline 2-day event at Banc of California Stadium
The newest genre of gospel music will take over the Banc of California Stadium at the God’s House of Hip Hop 20/20 Summer Fest. Scheduled for July 17-18, the historic event marks the nation’s largest concert to feature leading Christian, Latin and gospel hip hop artists on one stage. And executive producers Aulsondro “Emcee N.I.C.E.” Hamilton and Chantal “Chanie G” Grayson expect to fill the 22,000-seat arena on both days.
The festival is the brainchild of Hamilton and Grayson, co-owners of the award-winning GH3 (God’s House of Hip Hop) Internet radio station powered by Dash. Through music and live shows, GH3 gives a platform to a range of Christian hip-hop, gospel and independent performers.
The world-wide success of GH3 – which boasts millions of listeners in the U.S., Japan, Africa and Europe – inspired the L.A.-based station owners to develop a live production suitable for youth, adults and families. The result is the 20/20 Summer Fest, said Grayson.
“We wanted to do a festival, but not just any festival. We wanted a festival that glorifies God – an ecumenical, multicultural, all believers concert,” she said. “We want to spread the Word and our artists are really about keeping God first!”
The festival headliners include 1K Phew, Aaron Cole, Aha Gazelle, Alex Zurdo, Angie Rose, Bryann Trejo, Canton Jones, Dee-1, Derek Minor, Emcee N.I.C.E., Flame, Jor’Dan Armstrong, Manny Montes, Steven Malcolm and WHATUPRG.
Kurtis Blow, a hip hop pioneer, and actor Chris Chicago will be among the hosts and they will be joined by several popular deejays such as DJ I Rock Jesus, Hot 97’s DJ Tony Tone BKS, DJ Stand Out, Fleet Gospel DJ Ms. Eclectic and DJ Jesus Beats.
Noting the significance of the 20/20 Summer Fest, Aundrae Russell, host of Radio Free KJLH’s “Spread the Word” show, said, “I think this is historic and I’m really happy to see this happening in Los Angeles. There are so many great gospel hip-hop artists that people do not know about and now they will get to showcase their talents in a major arena.”
Agreeing with Russell’s assessment, artist Dee-1 insisted, “This is like a dream. I was a middle school teacher and I had a dream of making enough money off of rap music to pay my bills and make an impact outside of the classroom and to think that it is turned into something where I do not have to compromise. God is still first in my life and in my music.
“Emcee N.I.C.E. and Chanie put in so much work behind the scenes to make this festival happen. So, we will show up and show out and give the best performance of our lives!”
20/20 Summer Fest tickets can be obtained at 2020summerfest.com. Connect With GH3 Radio at GH3Radio.com, instagram.com/gh3radio, twitter.com/gh3radio and Facebook.com/gh3radio.
