New Skool Spirit
Frederick, Maryland, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Like many young people in the last few decades, Frederick residents Mark Billups and Lorenzo Nichols grew up on hip-hop music, listening to a wide range of styles - The Frederick News Post
The (It's Christ Or Nothing) ICON NATN and (Gods Love Openly Receives You) GLORY PARQ brands... - Good News Delivered
A group of children got into the back-to-school spirit Thursday with food, games, hip-hop music and a backpack full of supplies.
The Boys and Girls Club of Frederick County played host to the Back to School Community Bash, co-sponsored by the New Skool Spirit Foundation for Higher Education. The Frederick Kiwanis Club and Staples office supply helped out with enough backpacks for 100 children.
Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Pat Gunnin said the event was designed to serve several purposes.
"One is to try to get the excitement back up to get back to school again, and then we're really trying to reach out -- especially to families with multiple kids -- because it gets expensive getting ready for school," Gunnin said.
Hip-hop artists Ricole Barnes and New Skool Spirit performed, delivering a positive message encouraging children to value education.
"Any time I can mix entertainment and education, I'm all for that," Barnes said.
New Skool Spirit is a Christian hip-hop group featuring Lorenzo Nichols and Mark Billups of Frederick, both employed by Boys and Girls Club. The two recently started the Foundation for Higher Education as a way to teach children about the importance of school.
"I think with kids these days, they look up to so many different people, so actually having someone in their community doing something positive, and something that they like, I think that's good for them," Nichols said.
Billups said he thinks elementary and middle school children are particularly receptive to their pro-education message.
"I think this age is the best age to get them, because when you start to try to work with kids in high school and up, they're already set in their ways," Billups said.
The bash was the first event the foundation has sponsored, but the two said they anticipate working closely with Boys and Girls Club on similar events in the future.
Parents said the help was much appreciated, given the tough economic times and ever-expanding and more expensive lists.
"This is really helping out with the school supplies, because we haven't gotten any yet," said Tammie Giller of Frederick. - The Frederick News Post
Discography
Sampler - NSS2 Sampler - 2008
Mixtape - Good Morning Arizona - 2009
EP- The Quantum - 2010
Singles: "Jesus Freak"
Photos
Bio
"Supernaturally Average" is the phrase that New Skool Spirit uses to describe themselves. Formed in late 2007 by best friends turned ministry leaders Lorenzo Nichols Jr (aka Stitch Early) and Mark Billups Jr. (aka Shamgar Phoenix), the mission of New Skool Spirit was to win souls through the form of Hip Hop. God has immensely gifted both Stitch and Shamgar with spiritual guidance, amazing lyrical prowess and song writing ability. “Through the merging of the word of God and hip hop, rock, alternative, and many other genres of music will we reach both the lost and found” says Stitch Early. “Spiritual, fun, colorful, diverse, controversial, and ambassadors of world music” describes Shamgar Phoenix. Not only have they been blessed with musical talents, but also teaching, counseling, and fashion. For the last three years they have taught a Rap Workshop at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Herndon, VA. They have also branched into fashion with clothing companies ICON NATN and GLORY PARQ. Also, Duper Hype Media, a company consisting of beat production, graphic/web design and management. New Skool Spirit moves when and where God says, not being shaken by what people may think or say. These are the factors that set them apart and keep them out of the box. They have recently released their Debut EP entitled "THE QUANTUM". Their single "JESUS FREAK" has become a fan favorite, opening many doors for them. Continue to watch, listen and pray because you will be hearing a lot more from New Skool Spirit. "We will continue to feed the people, Gods people, and all people” says New Skool Spirit. They ask that you pray their strength in the Lord and they will continue to do the same for you.
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