Commissary

Artist Information

Biography

Born January 17th, 1986 around 3:30 AM in Huntsville, Alabama, the parents of Terrell Lamon Burt a.k.a. Commissary, knew that their son was truly special and would achieve numerous goals throughout his lifetime. Most parents believe that their children are special in one way or another, but Commissary's parents' faith in God never failed them and the outcome so far has surpassed what they've expected. All throughout his childhood, even prior to his move to Orlando, FL at the age of seven, his teachers always commented and made sure to inform Commissary's mother on his academic intelligence. "He always seemed to be ahead of the other children" proclaimed Carolyn Virginia Burt, budget analyst for the U.S. Federal Government and the beloved mother of Commissary. Writing his first sermon at the age of eleven, how and why this prodigy stumbled across the art of emceeing is still a mystery. Although he was constantly exposed to Hip Hop by his older siblings, more so his brother, Thoris, the young child had always dreamed of obtaining a prestigious occupation, such as that of a physician; not for the love of medicine, but to please his mother.

In the summer of 2000 and just for fun, Commissary began to write lyrics and record music on his computer. After feeling a bit more comfortable with songwriting, 2003 was the beginning of performances from the teenaged rapper. In the fall of 2004, Commissary began to experience tremendous and numerous trials in the forms of insecurity, loneliness, and mild depression, and he didn't see a way of escape. It was during this same time that he recognized himself as a slave to his sin and that he was in wrong standing with God, even though he was raised in the church. He recognized his dire need of a Savior and acknowledged God as His only form of escape and true fulfillment after hearing a powerful sermon, which he specifically felt was directed towards him. He repented and surrendered himself fully to Christ in December of 2004 and vowed to keep the cross of Christ at the center of his life and to seek Him more.

To date, he has been profusely writing and recording music and performing at venues such as churches, clubs, and talent showcases. Over the years, God has opened doors and allowed Commissary to perform at the annual national attraction The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities and the opportunity to share the stage with artists, such as Committed from NBC's The Sing Off, J. Moss, Vonzell Solomon (a finalist from American Idol Season 4), KJ-52, Tedashii, KB, PRo, k-Drama, Thi'sl, Hazakim & S.O. of Lampmode Recordings, Urban D., Rawsrvnt, Flynn Adam of LA Symphony, Mr. Del, Group 1 Crew, Benjah, Washington Projects, Ayiesha Woods, S.O.C.O.M., Viktory, Ron Kenoly, Jr., national R&B singer Kevin Cossum, and Da Muzicianz. "Commissary, keep up the great work!!! I've always respected the positivity you portray in your music," said local, but renowned secular on air radio personality, DJ Tony C, who gave the artist his first chance at local radio airplay in the fall of 2003.

Having influences ranging from artists such as Da' T.R.U.T.H. and Lecrae, and having a unique style, Commissary has made it his job to proclaim the Gospel with his lifestyle and musical platform. His lyrics are encouraging and the message he's bringing is not his own, but that of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith in God, ambition, and perseverance are sure to carry him to great heights, or because he boldly proclaims the Good News, great depths.

Instrumentation

Discography

August 12, 2006 - "The Inception" EP. The project was self distributed, featured a collaboration with Cincere, and production from Ozone Beats (Work featured on "America's Next Top Model"), Kingsmen Productions (Work featured on Midway Games' NARC), and Don't Sleep Entertainment. Various tracks from my EP are currently in rotation on Jesus in Orlando Internet Radio, Rejoice 1140 AM, WOKB 1600 AM, and WUNA 1480 AM in Orlando, FL and WPIO 89.3 FM in New Smyrna Beach, FL.

January 20, 2009 - "Secure Attachment." The project was also self distributed, features collaborations with Young Evangelist, A. Gilley, Will Passion, Porscha Jones, Idiom, G-86, and Tasha Simmonds. The album feautured production from Young Evangelist, k-Drama, Rob Hodge, Tony Stone, Germaine Martel, J. Pierre, and Witness.

July 5, 2010 - "Everyday Emancipation Mixtape." The project was released as a free online download, features collaborations with Christina Rivera, Ameen Hudson, Da Watchman, Jerrell Johnson, and in-HIM. The mixtape feautured production from Freddy Finger, Superstar O, Jerrell Johnson, Dizzy Beatz, Kajmir Royale, Lorenz Beats, and Heat Up Beats. The lead single "Sweet June" circulated at numerous skating rinks across the state of Florida.

April 17, 2012 - "Worth Beyond The Stars" feat. Jon Parker. The single was released as a free online download and features vocalist Jon Parker. The song was produced by Bravestarr.

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• YouTube

Audio

• Worth Beyond the Stars feat. Jon Parker
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• Sweet June feat. Christina Rivera
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• Refuse feat. Ameen Hudson & Da Watchman
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• Keep On Pushing
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• I See You feat. Tasha Simmonds
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Lyrics

• Won't Do It For Me

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Commissary – Music Review [+ Show ]
  

  Smooth and tightly delivered production makes Commissary’s outing a delight for the ears. This cat h...Smooth and tightly delivered production makes Commissary’s outing a delight for the ears. This cat has put together a pleasant and heart warming platter of positive vibes in the Hip Hop realm…
  
  A pleasing change from the everyday derogatory terms directed at women and the constant obsessions with blood diamond bling, Commissary not only provides the Hip Hop industry with a soothing rhythmic flow, but he does it with a conscious effort to motivate and move us with positivity. Dropping an on-point lyrical flow, we’re soothed by the comfortable tonality of Commissary’s spittin’ combined with the sexy undertones of tracks like “All I Wanna Do” featuring Porscha Jones and her uncompromising and totally hot voice…
  
  Once again, Holy Hip Hop comes to the forefront of the music world and provides a blanket of comfort in which to bury our world problems in, all while we rejoice in the love and unity that is a constant regardless of where we’re at or how big our problems may seem… It’s positive music that cats like Commissary offer that give us the heart and drive to carry on and move mountains with the universe.
  
  It just goes to show that with proper guidance and a true and supportive cast, it’s definitely possible to open the hearts and minds of millions with a little faith and the universe by your side. Good on you Commissary, my faith has been renewed in the power of Hip Hop…
  
  Commissary, a.k.a Terrell Lamon Burt, has been droppin’ his mentals on paper since 2000 and has had the privilege of performing at the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities and has worked with rappers like Viktory, Jacob Izrael, and S.O.C.O.M. He’s also shared the stage with artists J. Moss, Vonzell Solomon (a finalist from American Idol Season 4), KJ-52, Tedashii, Hazakim, Urban D., Rawsrvnt, Flynn Adam of LA Symphony, Mr. Del, Group 1 Crew, Washington Projects, Ayiesha Woods, S.O.C.O.M., Viktory, Cayerio, Dooney Da Priest, Ron Kenoly, Jr. a.k.a. Bingo, and Da Muzicianz.
  
  “Commissary, keep up the great work!!! I’ve always respected the positivity you portray in your music,” said local, but renowned secular on air radio personality, DJ Tony C of Power 95.3, who gave the artist his first chance at local radio airplay.
  
  With an EP under his belt (“The Inception”) of which he’s got tracks currently in rotation on Jesus in Orlando Internet Radio, Rejoice 1140 AM, WOKB 1600 AM, WUNA 1480 AM in Orlando, FL and WPIO 89.3 FM in New Smyrna Beach, FL., the addition of his latest release “Secure Attachment” only provides further evidence that this cat is doing big things in a big way… and it’s all indie baby!
  
  Head on over to http://www.myspace.com/commissary to see how Commissary’s gets down.

• Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series [+ Show ]
  

  Christian Hip-Hop artist Commissary is taking the popular genre into new heights and casting his own...Christian Hip-Hop artist Commissary is taking the popular genre into new heights and casting his own spiritual spin on it. The artist is also reaching out to thousands of Christians through his music. What makes this artist a special gem is his devotion to our Lord, his passion to bring Christian music to the masses, and his love to entertain others. Here is what developed.
  
  Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
  
  Commissary: To my knowledge, my family has little to no musical history. But my first memory of music, that I recall, dates back to around 1990-91 when I was only a small child living in my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. My older brother, Thoris, had an enormous cassette tape collection of Hip Hop and R&B. He owned music from Bobby Brown, Oaktown 3-5-7, and countless other artists. We shared a room at the time and I always remember being around as he listened to his tapes or to the radio. I was also a big fan of MC Hammer. Do you remember the short lived animated television show that he had? Haha, it was hilarious. His catchy music, colorful clothing, and unique dance moves instantly amazed me. It was during this time when my older brother took me to see him live in concert at the Von Braun Civic Center along with Heavy D and Boyz II Men. That was an amazing event! And as the years progressed, my brother continued to expose to me to mainly Hip-Hop and R&B and as I grew older, I began to watch music videos, listen to the radio, and purchase music on my own.
  
  Isaac: What drew you to pick up a mic in the first place?
  
  Commissary: The love of the art form had been inside of me since childhood, so I guess it was only natural. And once I had realized that everybody is either an aspiring rapper, actor, or model, I conformed and wanted to rap as well, haha. But honestly, just the influence of the Hip-Hop culture itself drew me to want to express myself through emceeing. For so long, I had seen it done but for the first time ever, I wanted to be the one conveying the message so I decided to give lyric writing a shot back in the year 2000.
  
  Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
  
  Commissary: I had absolutely no idea. My intention was just to try it for the sake of, but once I realized how therapeutic writing was, I kept on doing it. Growing up, I was forced to suppress a lot of inner emotions and was never truly allowed to freely express myself, and once God opened up a door for me to do so, I basically ran with it.
  
  Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
  
  Commissary: There are a lot of extremely talented performers out there, but I would have to go with Smokey Robinson and/or Stevie Wonder. I’m a big fan of older music and not only that, but these guys are living legends and it would be an honor to work with them. I would no doubt be crushed under the weight of their wisdom. But if the right opportunity presented itself and if my beliefs or integrity weren’t in danger of being compromised, then I would definitely consider working with either Smokey or Stevie.
  
  Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
  
  Commissary: Oh man, where do I begin? I really like Jackie Wilson, Elvis Presley, Frankie Lymon, James Brown, Michael Jackson, you know, the ones who paved the way for today’s artists. Today’s artists are wonderful at their craft, but if it had not been for these guys, they wouldn’t have even stood in a chance in the first place. It’s so easy to be an artist in the digital age, that’s why a lot of people are pursuing it. But back then, when it was just you in a recording booth with no Pro Tools, no Auto Tune, none of the fancy technological advancements of today’s world, you see what true talent is. And not to mention, these guys had to record full songs in one take because the record labels back then didn’t like to invest large amounts of money on recording equipment/materials. Isn’t that ridiculous? It’s just berserk every time I think about it. But presently, I enjoy Reach Records, His Glory Alone, Flame, Rhyme Council, shai linne, k-Drama, Hillsong, and Kari Jobe just to name a few.
  
  Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
  
  Commissary: Honestly man, my ultimate goal is to point my listeners to Jesus Christ. A lot of people in my genre come into this thing with that heart and with that mentality, but somewhere along the way, something goes wrong. I’m by no means a preacher or a teacher, but I know the impression that I want to leave on my listeners and that is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only way to God the Father and you must accept Him and repent from your sins to flee the Father’s wrath to come. Call me close minded, but I’m convinced that that’s the truth and what better way to share that to the masses than through the very music that God, the one who my music is about in the first place, has allowed me to make.
  
  Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
  
  Commissary: I didn’t see this at first, but the longer I’ve been around; I realized that it’s politics. It has always been about who you know and not what you know, and honestly, I think that things will remain this way. We just have to accept it for what it is and keep persevering and pursuing despite what others try to do.
  
  Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
  
  Commissary: Honestly, I wouldn’t. Everything isn’t really all what it is cracked up to be and I would let aspiring artists know that. I’m sort of unofficially working with a young dude right now. He’s only fifteen years old and I try to constantly tell him that he should only be doing this for the love of it and not to attain a certain level or status.
  
  Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you have been given to by others in the music industry.
  
  Commissary: To be true to myself and to never imitate anyone else. That’s the key to longevity, just being yourself and not a carbon copy of the hottest thing at the moment.
  
  Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
  
  Commissary: Christian Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop is Hip-Hop no matter what you place in front of it, but since I’m a Christian, I feel the need to say Christian because I want to show people that I’m set apart from the rest and the music that I make is not the norm.
  
  Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
  
  Commissary: It would have to be my song “I See You” from my debut album “Secure Attachment”. The entire project itself shows a lot of progression from my EP “The Inception” which I put out back in August of 2006. I felt like I tackled social issues but not only for the sake of just making a song about them to make the listeners aware, but I gave a solution.
  
  Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
  
  Commissary: You can check out my MySpace page at www.myspace.com/commissaryor my EPK at www.sonicbids.com/commissary. If you like what you hear, you can make your way on over to www.createspace.com/1741437 and order “Secure Attachment” for $10.00.
  
  Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
  
  Commissary: I’d like to thank Porscha Jones and the Nu Millenium Records staff for playing a vital role in the assistance of releasing my debut project. I’d also like to thank Pastors Tone Bruno and Michael Phillips for helping me become the man that I need to be. Also, much love to my Orlando crew Royal, Germs, Will, Des, Jamaal, Logik, SincereOne, Young Evangelist, and my family His Glory Alone from Tampa.
  
  Isaac: Any last words?
  
  Commissary: Thanks so much for this opportunity Isaac. We need more opportunities like this for independent artists out there. If anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns about what I said, hit me up on my MySpace.

• Community pulls together at annual ‘It’s a God Thing’ [+ Show ]
  

  OVIEDO - Railroad Avenue in downtown Oviedo was home to live music, games and more on Saturday as th...OVIEDO - Railroad Avenue in downtown Oviedo was home to live music, games and more on Saturday as the annual It's a God Thing brought people together to have fun and help local charities.
  
  It's a God Thing was founded by Paul and Cindy Rosario, owners of Palm Tree Computer Systems. The event started as the grand opening of Palm Tree's Oviedo store in 2002.
  
  "The first time we did it we were having a grand opening and the food bank was empty," Paul Rosario said. So they decided to couple their opening with a food drive.
  
  That first event had a band, a bounce house for children, and some tables set up by local churches and businesses. But the Rosario's vision for the event has grown, and they hope to make it even bigger.
  
  Soon, they hope to have an It's a God Thing event at each of their stores in Central Florida. Right now they have locations in Oviedo, Winter Garden, Waterford, Titusville and Sanford. Each separate event would benefit a charity in that area.
  
  "Our goal is to ignite the spirit of generosity in our communities," Cindy Rosario said. "Ultimately, we are looking to expand the event throughout the tri-county area."
  
  This year, the goal was to collect 20,000 cans of food for Sonshine Community Thrift and Food Pantry. Additional donations above that goal would then go other local charities, like Bread of Life.
  
  And the Rosarios throw in something extra to encourage donations: Each year, one person who donates wins a free computer from Palm Tree Computer Systems.
  
  Margorie Hoffman, the food pantry coordinator at Sonshine Community Thrift and Food Pantry, said the donations come at a time of need for the pantry. "A few years ago we were helping 500 families a month, now it's 750," Hoffman said. "It has grown exponentially."
  
  "The community has been very generous. Every time the pantry gets low, more food comes in."
  
  Live entertainment also lent energy to the event. Commissary, a 22-year old Christian hip-hop artist from East Orlando, performed first. Commissary - known offstage as Terrell Burt, is a first-year student at the University of Central Florida studying marketing.
  
  "There's not really a market for [Christian hip hop]," Burt said. He plans to use marketing to promote his style of rap and hip hop with inspirational lyrics in the music industry.
  
  Participants could also try their hand at dunking Barack Obama and John McCain in a dunk tank near the stage. Volunteers with Obama and McCain masks played the part and took a swim.
  
  To make the event complete, the Rosarios took aside some time to recognize a business that had given back to the community with a Service Award. Mayor Mary Lou Andrews presented the award to Tracie Blakey of Home Depot, for giving time to help restore the building of one of the local food banks.
  
  Blakey said it was a privilege to help. "We think it's the best thing that we can do to be an active part of what takes place in the community," she said. "We think it's a great value that Home Depot supports and allows our associates to go out and take part in the programs that add value to our community."
  
  And that spirit of giving fits right in with what It's a God Thing is all about.
  
  "We are here to create an environment that will bring the public together for a day of giving and relaxing fun," Cindy Rosario said. "Over the last five years, the response from the people has been overwhelming."

• A Tribute To Martin Luther King [+ Show ]
  

  AWOE: How did Martin Luther King's life inspire faith to you personally? COMMISSARY: Dr. King's ...AWOE: How did Martin Luther King's life inspire faith to you personally?
  
  COMMISSARY: Dr. King's faith challenged me to become more bold. He faced numerous obstacles when he took a step of faith and decided to fight for the rights of his oppressed people. There were no guarantees that he would ever achieve success or reach his goals, but he stuck in there and I highly respect him and admire him because of that.
  
  AWOE: What do you hope people from all cultures remember about him?
  
  COMMISSARY: His dedication. He literally died for what he believed in.
  
  AWOE: How do you feel his love for people is symbolic to God's unconditional love for us?
  
  COMMISSARY: When Christ said that we should love our neighbors as ourselves, He also said that on that one commandment alone lies all of the rest of them. So in Dr.King's love for people, he was just obeying God's commands. God has infinite love for us and is patient with us, just as Dr. King was patient with those who hated him and opposed the Civil Rights Movement.

• Oviedo church gives total Praise [+ Show ]
  

  Almost $1,000 raised for Mission Road Life Center at free Total Praise concert By Whitney Hamrick...Almost $1,000 raised for Mission Road Life Center at free Total Praise concert
  
  By Whitney Hamrick | January 02, 2008
  
  OVIEDO - Total Praise Gospelfest raised $750 towards Mission Road Church of God's goal of providing free day care, afterschool programs and FCAT tutoring for youth this Saturday.
  
  "We are going to pick them up, bring them here and feed them," pastor of Mission Road, Larry Perkins said. "Just because a child is a 'C' student doesn't mean we can give up on them."
  
  The Mission Road Life Center is a gymnasium that will hold movie matinees on Fridays and televised church services on Sundays. The second floor will house a video arcade, WiFi computer lounge and a recording studio.
  
  "We want to create a safe haven, a refugee from the storm and teach them that you can do anything with God in your heart and an education in your head," Perkins said. "We're here to put our money where our mouth is."
  
  The center will cost up to $15,000 to $20,000 a year to run. Collections were taken at 8:45 p.m. though the festivities continued will into the night.
  
  "It's not where we start, it's where we finish that counts," said Master of Ceremonies, NFL Super Bowl Champion Earl Christy. "There is no such thing as a bad kid; there are only kids who make bad choices. If you want to see a church that's growing, there's going to be a foundation of youth."
  
  The event was dedicated to positive example, encouragement and faith in the youth of the Mission Road Community.
  
  "We've got to support our young people," Christy said. "They don't care about how much you know they care about how much you care."
  
  The seats filled with people dressed closest to their Sunday best on a Saturday night in a welcoming air and a sense of home as many made themselves comfortable, draping jackets across chairs and high heels on the floor as they swayed, sang and clapped through song, dance and rhythmic organ interludes.
  
  The mood produced by Francine Jones - with that mood bringing tears of joy to some - never left and continued on to magnify each performance after.
  
  "I didn't come all the way from Ocala for you to sit down," Comedian and motivational speaker Shanawana Owens said. "I'm not going to be up here screaming and shouting all by myself."
  
  Hip hop artist such as Commissary from Alabama, recording artists the Crucified Saints from Jacksonville and Michael Bingham Jr. took out the time to help raise money for the Life Center. Vocalist Dana Mackey, Mary Woolridge, the Antioch Mass Choir, Fountainhead Choir, Church of Faith Youth Choir of Orlando supplied their voices and the Daughters of Purpose danced to the message that the devil can't make life and there is no such thing as a mistake.
  
  "Our car broke down, we got a rental car and it broke down yesterday, but that won't stop us, we're here for God tonight," said a member of Jesus All-Stars.
  
  "Life before the rain was never peaches and cream, but we never stopped believing and chasing our dreams," rhymed the group during the chorus of their single, Life before the Rain.
  
  Polyrical Spokenword encouraged the youth to determine their own identities. "If you don't know who you are, then the world will dictate who you are."
  
  Robert Hayes, the last mime, performed to "What God has done for me" with a white-painted face in the tradition of Marcel Marceau.
  
  When Hayes performed, the stage was transformed into an invisible six foot box that refused to open as Hayes pushed and banged at it, symbolizing that a person can't force faith.
  
  Rather, faith comes when God gives you the key, symbolized when the invisible key floated down from the sky to the waiting hands of Hayes. Hayes opened the present to find the Bible, and he ate of its invisible fruit before running into the audience, dancing and sharing it with everyone.

• MySpace Spotlight: Commissary [+ Show ]
  

  A native of Huntsville, Alabama artist Commissary gives Christian Hip Hop a fresh spin. "After being...A native of Huntsville, Alabama artist Commissary gives Christian Hip Hop a fresh spin. "After being baptized at age ten, and writing his first sermon at the age of eleven, how and why this prodigy stumbled across the art of emceeing is still a mystery to even the wisest of men." Are the words taken from his MySpace page bio...His music sparks interest from the kids and adults... Commissary's lyrics provide entertainment and enlightenment. His growth under a family of faith is evident in his blossoming career. If you're interested in some Christian Hip Hop with a new style feel to it. You may want to check out Commissary.
  
  Get to know him and his music online @ www.myspace.com/commissary

• Commissary: Ministering The Gospel Through Rap [+ Show ]
  

  Purpose…many individuals fail to acknowledge this divine orchestration, while others do not hesitate...Purpose…many individuals fail to acknowledge this divine orchestration, while others do not hesitate to accept theirs and walk in it. Commissary, the twenty-year-old Christian rap phenomenon from Orlando, Florida, is among the Godly elite who have chosen to walk into their purpose at a young age.
  
  “Ever since the age of seven, I knew that my life would be different, but at the time I didn’t know what it was. I didn’t want to be your average American. I didn’t want to work at a job I hated for almost fifty years and barely make ends meet,” says Commissary, whose birth name is Terrell Burt.
  
  Commissary’s passion for music began at a young age. He was constantly exposed to the radio and music videos by his older brother, Thoris. As an outgoing child, he also enjoyed being onstage in front of people.
  
  “At church and at school, I was always in some kind of play and at church; I was in the children’s choir as well. I had originally wanted to be an actor, but I really enjoyed music. But I knew for a fact that a career in the entertainment industry wasn’t prestigious enough for my mother, so I had focused on becoming a doctor. Obviously God had other plans. We should never put man’s authority over God’s,” he said.
  
  By the beginning of his high school years, Commissary began to write song lyrics with the help of a friend. A few years later, he formed a Christian rap group with some of his friends from church. The group performed at various local venues, and as a result, had garnered local popularity among the Christian community. Being onstage wasn’t just a chance to showcase his talent or become famous; it was a way to reach the ears and grab the attention of many. He strongly feels that his generation is on the path to forever alter this planet’s history.
  
  “When my group Admissible Intuition had formed, I knew that I had wanted to do this. But at the same time, I also knew that the Christian Hip Hop industry wasn’t lucrative, but I didn’t care. God gave me a talent to minister to the youth in their language, using their terminology, and they were receptive to it. Money couldn’t possibly buy that.”
  
  Commissary has been blessed with the opportunity to open for gospel music sensation, J. Moss, on October 21st at the New Life Church of Orlando in Orlando, Florida. For more information about Commissary and his music ministry, such as tour dates, song clips, and where to purchase his debut CD, please visit www.myspace.com/Commissary.

• The Translation of Change [+ Show ]
  

  One thing we need today is people who speak to our culture. When you have a musician who speaks your...One thing we need today is people who speak to our culture. When you have a musician who speaks your language and tells your story you have connected to the reality that your not the only one going through hard times, and most importantly you gain hope that you can get through those hard times too.
  
  Commissary is one of those artists we can relate to because he went through a period where he did run from God, but he soon found himself on the road back with God right by his side.
  
  In this interview...
  Commissary will let us into his world of the wrong crowd, right lyrics, the journey into his calling and his ripping EP "The Inception".
  
  1) First I want to say it’s admirable to know a young man who is
  going after the will of God for his life. Pursuing the anointing God has given you takes inner strength. So tell me who the Commissary is and how you became committed to the will of God for your life?
  
  Commissary is a man after God's own heart like David was. There's nothing special or extraordinary about me except for the fact that I
  live to please Christ. I became committed to the will of God because of His grace and mercy. I knew since the age of seven that I was supposed to be doing something for Him and His Kingdom.
  
  2) How did you know you were supposed to be a rap minister?
  
  I didn't know truly until about three and a half years ago. When I formed my group, A.I., with a few guys from my church, a lightbulb
  went off and I received confirmation that this was my calling and my purpose.
  
  3) Why did you run from your calling?
  
  I let the enemy get the best of me. Instead of surrendering all to Christ from the get go and putting Him in charge of the battle, I thought that I would go out and do my own thing, and when I was ready, get serious.
  
  4) What happen to cause you to follow the will of God?
  
  I heard a sermon by Dr. Barry C. Black on December 31, 2004 entitled "Don't Quit." The message really got to me, and being on the brink of 2005, I made a new years resolution to get closer to God. I promised to pray more, study the Bible more, and just follow His will. That sermon and that resolution changed my life and I have never been the same since that night.
  
  5) In a society where hip-hop and rap is filled with sex, murder, drugs etc, how do you see God using you to reach people in the world?
  
  Well anytime that the devil intends something for bad and tries to pervert it, God is totally capable of intervening and using it for His glory. Richard Twiss, an indian minister of the Gospel said that "All cultures are stained with sin, but Christ can redeem any culture. Instead of honoring the devil, Christ's blood made it possible to honor Him with any given culture." And that can be evident with Hip Hop or any other culture that hasn't come to know Christ.
  
  6) What has been the difference in the secular venues vs. the Christian
  places you’ve performed in?
  
  I've experienced more spiritual oppostion in secular venues. Sometimes the microphones are too low so the audience isn't able to hear me or sometimes the instrumental isn't loud enough, so it's hard for me to stay on beat. I experience spiritual opposition in Christian venues as well, but I'm all for ministering at secular venues, despite everything, most of time, going wrong. We're called to be lights in the dark and if we go in Christ's name, we go to transform, not to conform.
  
  7) What do you think about the people in the church that run the youth out by ragging on the way they dress? Do you think the inner man is reflected on the outside?
  
  It's sad to me because clothing doesn't define what's on the
  inside. Godly pastors wear suits and careless pimps filled with greed also wear suits. Both men look presentable on the outside, but they stand for two totally different things. I just point any adult or anybody who disagrees
  with the way the youth of the church dress to 1 Samuel 16:7. "For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
  
  8) Now you have worked with some amazing artists such as Manwell, Ron Kenoly, Jr. a.ka. Bingo, and Ayiesha Woods. What have you learned from being around them both professionally and spiritually?
  
  I've shared the stage with all of them, but the only one that I've actually talked to one on one with is Manwell. He was supposed to come out to my CD release party in August, but I think he was on the road. He's signed to a major label now so he's constantly busy. But all of them are very professional and very spiritual. The night I shared the stage with them, they each had a wonderful testimony and strong encouraging words
  for the youth. It was amazing.
  
  9) What have you enjoyed most about making your EP "The Inception"?
  
  Ummm, the release party was definitely a night to remember. All of the hard work paid off that night. That was like my first official concert as well. I mean, I've been apart of a lot of events, but with my release party, I was involved behind the scenes with the planning, booking opening acts, etc. But the definite highlight of that night was when over ten people went on stage for the altar call and gave their life to Christ.
  All of the hardships and hardwork that went into "The Inception" was
  outshined with the salvation of those souls.
  
  10) Your song "Move Now" sounds like you just want people to be
  free to worship God in their own way. Growing up did you have that sort of freedom at church and at home?
  
  At home, yes, at church, no. My church is very conservative when it
  comes to Holy Hip Hop. My church is known for their praise and worship, but when my group A.I. ushered in the teenage Christian rap movement, they were kind of hesitant. The Word of God tells us to live as free men, and since
  there is freedom and liberty in the name of Jesus, we can worship God anyway we know how. There isn't a right way, or a wrong way, as long as we are doing it to uplift His holy name.
  
  11) What would you say to your peers who idolize rap artists who
  monopolize violence, sex and money? Do you think their upbringing determines their future?
  
  It's hard to talk to them because some of them are stuck in their
  ways. And I was talking to my one of my friends who is searching and
  extemely hungry. He says he wants to change so bad, but he can't because he's a product of his environment. That's a lie from hell. The past does not determine the future because I wasn't always a righteous man. I've done things that I shouldn't have, and I know I keep stressing His grace, because if it had not been for that, I would still be stuck in my past and not concerned with where God called me to go. You can't change unwillingly, you have to do it with all of your heart, repent of your sins, and ask Christ to come into your life.
  
  11) How would you say God has changed your life?
  
  Where do I start? Haha. Well, He has definitely changed my mindset.
  Before I came to Him, I was very materialistic. I had to have the
  latest of the latest everything. Don't get me wrong, I still like nice things, but it's all meaningless if you look at the bigger picture. I was girl crazy too. I don't shun the ladies, but if you aren't about my Father's business and you want to pursue something with me, keep it moving.
  
  12) And why do you think Jesus would make a difference in an unsaved person's life?
  
  Because the unsaved have nobody to really confide in and turn to
  when times get rough. Parents are always working, especially in this day in age, most teachers don't help like they used to, and friends can't always be reached. And we live in a prideful and self concious society, so a lot of people try to suppress their emotions. But when you come to know Christ personally, you have a friend who will always listen to you, no matter what. And not only will He listen, He will help you through your
  problems, and that's better than what any parent, teacher, friend, counselor, or psychologist can do.
  
  13) Finally, how can people purchase your EP and book you to perform?
  
  You can only purchase it at my live events at the moment because I
  don't have a distribution deal yet. I'll be opening up an online store
  through CD Baby to distribute my project within the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for that. But in the meantime, hit me up at either www.myspace.com/Commissary or CommissaryVM@yahoo.com if you want to buy an EP or if you want me to come out and/or perform.

• A Special Duty [+ Show ]
  

  Many individuals feel that they have a purpose or a mission in life, aspiring local rapper and entre...Many individuals feel that they have a purpose or a mission in life, aspiring local rapper and entrepreneur Commissary a.k.a. Terrell Burt certainly feels this way. “I feel like music is my calling, and my rap name says it all,” says Commissary, a nineteen year old Music Production & Technology major at Valencia Community College. According to the Houghton Mifflin College Dictionary, the word “commissary” means “one to whom a special duty is given by a superior.” With all of his heart, he feels that God gave him the special duty of ministering through music. But how did this Huntsville, Alabama native and honor student fall into the “prestigious” world of Hip Hop in the first place? “People always ask me that, and it’s funny, because I truly don’t even know myself. It’s something that started off as a hobby, and then, as time progressed and as God intervened, I took it more seriously.”
  
  Commissary, is already on the right path and has proclaimed the year 2005 as his own. In January, he performed at the Third Annual Martin Luther King Unity Heritage Festival in Winter Park, FL. Last month, he was featured on the 102 Jamz website. This month, he’s slated to perform in East Orlando in front of the Skechers located in the Waterford Lakes Town Centre.
  
  The up and coming rap artist has big dreams and goals. His short term goals consist of enhancing his notoriety in the Central Florida area and his long term goals are to lead a numerous amount of souls to Jesus Christ, land a P&D contract with a major record company, create his own independent record company, buy a nice house, and to grant his mother, Carolyn Burt, with an early retirement. “Over the past nineteen years, she’s worked extremely hard to provide for me, and now, I’m going to work extremely hard to provide for her,” says Commissary.
  
  Commissary is active and always performing in the Orlando area, and to obtain a full, detailed list of his performances, log onto http://www.commissary.tk and click on “Tour.”To even book this star in the making for a particular event or for general questions and comments, contact his manager Rich Kennedy at KennedyEntOrlando@hotmail.com.

Setlist

(Set is generally 30 mins, could extend or shorten if necessary)

Sweet June
Revealing Adoration
Front Row Seat
Worth Beyond The Stars
Passionate Advocate
Keep On Pushing
Refuse

Basic Requirements

Calendar