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Ex-gang member surprises students with good music bearing good message
Scoob Serious, a motivational speaker, ex-convict, ex-gang member and rapper, performed at Bancroft Center on Tuesday. The rapper spoke out against violence and gangs while performing at various Spokane Public Schools this week. (Jed Conklin/The Spokesman-Review)
Rob McDonald
Staff writer
January 12, 2006
Tanya Romanchok came to watch the school-sponsored rapper bomb at Wednesday's voluntary assembly.
Like other students, she didn't expect much from the self-proclaimed ex-gang member and rapper.
"People came in to see him fail," Romanchok said.
Then she delivered her best compliment after seeing Scoob Serious: "He's tight."
Scoob Serious lit up the Ferris High School auditorium Wednesday morning with a positive message and chest-thumping beats.
Ferris was one of five Spokane Public School performances this week and last.
Serious, who says on his Web site that his life turned around thanks to the Lord, talked about the harm of gangs on his life.
Then he rapped with skill that surprised Romanchok and the auditorium of 150 students.
Scoob Serious, aka Eric Doyle, was paid $350 per school from a "safe and drug free" grant.
Doyle, whose Christian rap has garnered multiple Grammy nominations, kept his public school message secular, though positive.
He talked about how he started a gang that thrived in Salt Lake City.
"We became the biggest gang in Salt Lake City," Doyle said.
Then his friends expanded the gang into cities such as Seattle and Denver.
"My ex-gang is documented to have 12,000 members," Doyle said.
He talked about friends who died or went to prison. One appeared on "America's Most Wanted," he told the students. Then Doyle was convicted of a felony and went to jail – and that's when he thought about the course of his life, and the gangsta rappers he was hanging out with.
"I could have really blown up with it," Doyle said.
He stays in touch with Snoop Dogg's older brother, Dirty Left, he said.
"If you're living that (gang) life, I'm encouraging you to change right now," Doyle said. "You don't have to be doing what you're doing."
And then he turned to the sound man: "So go ahead and bang out the beat."
Doyle sang, "If I had just one wish, I'd wish to be a kid again."
Students took his picture with cell-phone cameras. Some passed around Doyle's CD and moved to the music.
A group of three freshmen girls proclaimed afterward, "He's hot!"
The positive message got through.
"He was way better than we expected," said Hope Taegel, 14.
Doyle was brought to Spokane and scheduled for the Spokane Public Schools events by the Dream Center, a youth ministry in Spokane Valley; Teen-Aid, a nonprofit organization that advocates abstinence-based sex education; and Healthy Families Inland Northwest. In addition to Ferris, he performed at Rogers and Havermale high schools, Holmes Elementary and Bancroft School.
His finale is a free pre-album release concert 7 p.m. Friday at Valleypoint at Pines, 714 S. Pines. Doyle handed out fliers for the church event.
- Spokesman Review - Spokane,WA
Discography
Soldiers Of Mine 2002
No Limit Single 2003
Standing In The Gap 2004
Standing In The Gap CD/DVD 2005
Knocking On Heavens Door 2005
Off With The Mask 2006
The Struggle 2007
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Imagine the thought-provoking writing of 2Pac, sprinkled with the haunting and unmistakable sounds of Snoop Dog...you've just imagined, Scoob Serious...uniquely a triple threat talent! Rapper/Writer/Producer, Scoob Serious has brought a whole new sound and style to the world of Christian Rap Music.
A hard-core former gang leader, Scoob Serious has traveled over the valleys and through the hoods to his Father's house he goes! Raised in Sacramento, California as Eric Doyle, he was drawn to music naturally via his God given talent, and he refined it as a sensitive juvenile trying to escape and move beyond the thug life that he found himself caught up in. Unfortunately, the pull was strong and secular beats and rhymes only lured him deeper into the vortex. As a result, he flowed with a worldly vibe for 5 years, spending time locked up, until the Lord reclaimed the talent given him, and more importantly Scoob's heart! Always faithful, God allowed the same musical talent to pulse through this young artist, but with more intensity as he surrendered his life over to the Most High, Jesus Christ.
Fast-forward 10 years, he still has a fresh new vision and vibe! Scoob Serious has been breaking down every strong hold and bustin' out of every shackle to bring a powerful message to both the saved and unsaved world, through his music! His sound is almost hypnotic in nature, as a strong riff and genuine, sincere vocals burst from every track. Whether, you are getting your dance on with thumping beats or in a place of heavenly praise, you can't help feeling as though he identifies with you; regardless of your colorful past or pressing future. He's the real deal!
His ministry of music is clearly focused on those in need of God in their lives. It has been witnessed by those who have interacted with Scoob both musically and personally, that being used as a tool to help those that are lost find their way is far more impressive than any of his musical accomplishments. If asked, Scoob will tell you..."Eternal salvation...that's the real reward."
Looking beyond his calling, a compassionate heart for broken souls is a lyrical dynamo! Scoob got his first big break while performing at the 2002 Winter Olympics and has been nothing short of a holy fire since! He has performed with such heavy-hitters as Keith Sweat, Dante Thomas, DTTX (Lighter Shade of Brown), Suga Free, Gospel Gangstaz and T-Bone, just to name a few. In between television appearances and publication interviews, Scoob has enjoyed radio air play that has propelled him into a tour of the United States. Currently, his successes include Three albums and a DVD distributed worldwide selling just over 30,000 units and a noteworthy new release, titled "The Struggle" to be released Oct 2007. If all this isn't enough 411 on this powerhouse performer; add this to the mix...how about a consideration for a Grammy Award, in count them...5 different categories. This boy's on point!
Always willing to share the wealth, Scoob has taken his vision to a whole new level, now creating his own record label. A life-long dream to excel as an artist, himself, is only perfected with the production of other talented, newbie artist. This vision has morphed into Visualize Music Group, spearheaded by one of the most talented and influential Christian Artist, today, Scoob Serious...this is a new and lasting label to be reckoned with!
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