We take what we do very, very seriously. We want to be the best group that has ever existed on the planet. When people say the 'Beatles,' 'Doors,' or the 'Grateful Dead,' we want them to say, GEN-14!" (Brutha Rich). By their style of clothing and presentation on stage, Gen-14, are true hip-hop rappers. If you watch them more closely, however, when they interact with people in the crowd, each other, or just an average "Joe," you notice there is something supernaturally different about them. Their countenance, words of affirmation, and most importantly, their heart after God, set them apart as revivalists, catalysts, and transformers of the world. "We are called to be a generation apart," Brutha Rich often says, who is a forerunner in Christian hip-hop, one of the most celebrated music genres of our time.','"We take what we do very, very seriously. We want to be the best group that has ever existed on the planet. When people say the 'Beatles,' 'Doors,' or the 'Grateful Dead,' we want them to say, GEN-14!" (Brutha Rich). By their style of clothing and presentation on stage, Gen-14, are true hip-hop rappers. If you watch them more closely, however, when they interact with people in the crowd, each other, or just an average "Joe," you notice there is something supernaturally different about them. Their countenance, words of affirmation, and most importantly, their heart after God, set them apart as revivalists, catalysts, and transformers of the world. "We are called to be a generation apart," Brutha Rich often says, who is a forerunner in Christian hip-hop, one of the most celebrated music genres of our time.
This impressive group out of Redding, California, rightly believes that by tapping into "Third Heaven" (II Corinthians 12 Revelation 4) with their music, supernatural experiences of God's love and power will truly change this final generation of believers. Their name represents the Body of Christ-everyone who has believed from the New Testament church to the present and beyond! They refer to themselves as "five giant-slayers!" Rightly so. All uniquely different, they each bring an aspect of ministry and passion to their music. Brutha Rich is the group's fanatical and sociable representative; Demetrius (Surrenda), demonstrates a deeply zealous heart for people; Rob (RAWC), appears quieter, yet is not afraid to show his "realness," through his powerful lyrics; finally, Joe (Soul Cool) and Katrina (K-passion) are a husband-and-wife team that truly display a likeness to Jesus in their paradoxical mixture of humility and courage. After only being together one year, they first ministered at Bethel Church in April 2005. The response was absolutely crazy! Everyone stood to their feet yelling at the end of their song, "Not on My Watch." On the front row, Pastor Beni jumped out of her chair, pumping her fist in the air, and Pastor Bill and Pastor Danny stood up with the look of proud fathers. Bill said, "We want to pray and bless these guys." Suddenly, around 150 of the 300 people there that night came up to the front, jumping over chairs and running up the aisles. Gen-14 was so encircled that they were completely out of sight.
"All of a sudden," Brutha Rich said, "I felt someone stick money in my hand. Then Bill said, 'Yeah, why don't you go ahead and throw money at them.' So, people just started throwing money at us. There were even 6 to 10-year-old kids throwing dollars at us. It just blew me away when I saw the video later on." Then Bill prayed, "We send them out." This prayer and support from all the leaders at Bethel has been key to their development and growth as a team. They are so dedicated to being in the Body of Christ and being supported by the Body that they have partnered with several church leaders specifically for accountability and direction. They were asked to minister again at the "Jesus Culture" Youth Conference in July. The air was thick with anticipation as youth from all over the country gathered to receive all that God had to give. Multi-colored lights flashed across the stage and the enthusiastic crowd crammed together at the front of the sanctuary. Gen-14 took their mics and the beat started in an east-Indian xylophonic sound. A chuckle of confidence and Demetrius began the potent words from the song, "Not on my Watch" once again:
These secular heads claiming to be hip-hop immortals.
They talkin' about that they got our kids on lock.
Their message unfolded as the song continued . . .
Secular rappers and labels have publicized their mission to "lock" this generations' kids on their twisted ideas, morality, and persuasions. Their influence has infiltrated every area of society including clothing, music, video games and sports labels. These "artists" have testified that their music industry has overwhelmed parental values and control. The song is a clear message of opposition to the secular music industry, but it is also a message to the "sleeping giant" in the modern church. Gen-14 testifies: You think you're immortal, but you are going to die and you will stand in judgment. But there are people rising up that are going to stand on the wall and say, "Not on my watch. You will no longer infect and poison our children." It's very important for parents to understand what is being said about their kids and about them. If you don't do your job, someone is going to do it for you. It's really a wake-up call to parents and children to say, "Listen. You have got to watch what your kids intake. You've got to be the example to your kids." It's also a wake-up call to the church to stand as a watchman at the gates of your city, watching what comes into your city and to release heaven in your city.
The chorus of "Not on My Watch" adamantly states:
They wanna take our kids, NO!
They wanna shape our kids, NO!
We generation 14, the chosen seed.
You cannot have our kids,
You cannot grab our kids,
We gonna disciple and train 'em and let 'em take control!
NOT ON MY WATCH, NOT ON MY WATCH
NOT ON MY WATCH, NOT ON MY WATCH
I'm a man, standing on the wall!
This song will send chills down the back of anyone with a clear conscience. They are not ho-humming their way through their Christian walk, but proclaiming victory and strategizing to overtake the devil's meager strategies.
But they don't only minister through music. They have been known to visit homes where the sick and dying are bedridden. Interacting with their fans doesn't scare them. Neither do those who need prayer, deliverance, or a prophetic word of kindness. They appear striking with their "realness" and vulnerability as regular people. Of course, they have the exception of being blessed with incredible talent. Their greatest strength lies in their unity as a team. And it is their unity and strength that will propel them to even further influence in society. When you meet a passionate person, you can't help but be inspired to want more passion yourself. When you meet five intensely passionate people in one music group, you are in for more than a wake-up call! They are truly remarkable people. As time unfolds, you will witness the transformation of a people, a music genre, and even a nation. God told them to, "Make His name famous." They will.