Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
For, Dorien Tennant, also known as Priest, rapping is more than rhyming about money, women, and bling. As a member of Divine Power, a Christian rap group, Tennant's words are about Christ. "I was into regular secular music and I wasn't always the pillar of my community. I went through a point of using drugs and drinking. i knew God was in my life, but I put him on hold. i wanted the rims, the ice, and the screaming women." Tennant, 26, said the turning point came when he was facing jail time for drug possession. "I didn't think He (God) was going to come for me that time and he did." He walked away from the secular rap group he was in and joined both Chcaria Jenkins and Nathan Johnson to form Divine Power. Tennant said he also stepped out on faith and quit his job as a teacher. "We had no money," said Tennant. "We had a home syudio, but that's about it." We joined a church and our pastor saw something. The church family gave us support and things just started opening up for us." Now Tennant performs three times a week. "He has given us exactly what we asked for," said Tennnat. "Now it's like we're a featured act." tennant said that Divine Power will be kicking off a crusade that will have them performing in places as Las Vegas and Toronto. Divine Power performs free at churches. Tennant said they accept donations, but admitted that money can get alittle tight. " For us, it's mot about the money. It's about the souls that we are in front of us. that is the wealth." Divine Power's website, www.tagworld.com/divinepower2007 describes the groups as the Fugees of Gospel Music. Tennant, who is married with four daughters (three inside of the home unger the age of 5), said, "There is a spiriyual undertone to The Fugees, and even though they had a spiritual side, they were having fun. Because of that, they crossed over. The music that we try to do it has that same power to cross over into pop markets." (September 8, 2006, Clayton News Daily) - Eric Hudson
Discography
Welcome to the Kingdom (Gospel Mixtape) - 2006
Christalized (Lp) - 2006
Divine Intervention (Lp) - Spring / 2007
Holy Dance (Single) - www.vegasallnetradio.com
92.1 FM (Griffin, Ga.)
90.1 FM (Guilford College, NC.)
Sky High (Single) - 90.1 FM(Guilford College, NC.)
The Return (Single) - 90.1 FM(Guilford College, NC.)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Stepping off of the greyhound bus onto the murky streets of Atlanta, Nathan Nat-Man Johnson of Divine Power finds a host of temptations to battle. But, this is a normal phenomenon for 1/2 of Americas premier Christian rap group - Divine Power. As Priest (Dorien Tennant), the second halve of Divine Power, pulls up to the curb in his beat down 96 Ford Explorer, you can feel the energy rising. After the usual greetings (daps & hugs), Divine Power waste no time getting down to business. Immediately following a loud and powerful snippet from one of Bishops Eddie Longs sermons, you are taken captive by a heavy bass snap track that demands its listener to, Put your armor on - Now open up your sword - Throw ya crosses up - Its time to praise the Lord. Those are the lyrics from Divine Powers #1 single, Holy Dance. The car explodes with the force of a roadside car bomb - Its bananas! When it comes to the Christian music scene, Divine Power is no newcomer. After being delivered from a life of poverty, promiscuity, alcohol & drug abuse, and drug trafficking, They have chalked up 3 national and international radio hits, numerous promotional tours, and multitudes of tour dates. Yet, Divine Intervention comes from a completely different reference of mind than their previous efforts (Welcome to the Kingdom (2006) and Emancipation (2007). Accorfing to Priest, We decided to get ferociously independent and make the record we needed to make and allow the chips to fall where they may. We approached this album with freedom, freedom of spirit, freedom of mind, and creative freedom. Its God (Jesus) that were trying to honor and we can only do that with honesty and authenticity. From the first beat of The Return the albums official opener, to the last synth of I Love You, Divine Intervention delivers a colorful collection of ballads and triumphant anthems that will soar beyond the constraints of 2006s well received, Welcome to the Kingdom. Long time fans will hear what theyve always loved from Divine Powers music: urban contemporary gospel, danceable, able to ride to, emotional, memorable, and songs thats full of hope and truth. The difference is loud and clear. Produced by up and coming beat blazer, Todd Hadley, the album is soaked in integrity and edge and yet holds true to the spiritual approach that Divine Power is known for. When asked to describe the album, Priest giggles, Its The Passion of Christ. We made a record that we would listen to and Im sure were not alone. It appears they are right on both accounts. Through the grace of God, Divine Power have performed on stages that boasts of gospel greats such as, Canton Jones, Destiny Praise, Charles and Taylor, and Myron Butler and Levi. Divine Power is an elite gospel recording group and ministry with the ability to make a big mark on the gospel world. "God is opening up the door to the souls of millions of youths across the world, and we are accepting the call", says Priest. The sound thats coming out of the group is dynamic because its contemporary gospel with the anointing of the Holy Spirit that lifts up the name of Jesus with an intent to deliver other young men and women that's still lost just like they were. Hallelujah! Currently, they are touring youth ministries, churches, conferences, schools, and record stores promoting their freshman album, Emancipation, as well as their "Welcome to the Kingdom" gospel mix-tape. Their sophomore release, "Divine Intervention", is scheduled for May / 2007. Keep a look out for it!
For Additional Music, Photographs, Free Ringtones, Mp3 Downloads, and to Purchase Divine Power's album, "Christalized", please log on to:
www.myspace.com/divinepower2007
www.soundclick.com/divinepower
To get a Free copy of "Welcome to the Kingdom" gospel mixtape, log on to:
www.tagworld.com/divinepower2007
Links
