User talk:Marka07

Christcentric ( hip hop group)
Christcentric is a gospel hip-hop group, consisting of Evangel, Q-D.O.G. and Apologist. The ultimate aim of Christcentric is simply to bring glory to the mighty name of Jesus Christ. So that first in their lives and then the lives of their hearers at all times and in all things Jesus Christ might have the preeminence.

Christcentric, headquartered in Germantown, MD (a suburb of Washington, D.C.), began in the mind and prayers of Evangel and Q-D.O.G. in 1996. Growing up in the hip-hop culture and loving to rhyme they both aspired to one day become professional hip-hop artists. While separately on their quests in the world to make it in the hip-hop industry, each of them on a path of prodigal living, God took hold of their lives, brought them together, and changed their vision. Seeking to now use their lyrical gifts to build the Kingdom of God there was only one thing they lacked, a producer. Then Apologist stepped in, he was a close friend and formerly Evangel's producer in his worldly hip-hop endeavors.

History
Their public ministry began in Oct. of 98 at a youth coffeehouse at Wallace Presbyterian Church in Hyattsville, MD (where Q-D.O.G. was then the full-time Youth Leader). They have also ministered at venues with Corey Red and Precise, Shadowless (formerly Raiders of the Lost), and Treasure/Rahab Records, the Gideon Band, and RockSoulLive in Philadelphia, P.A, and Georgia Tech University. Some other events include: "Messianic Mics" 2002 in Philadelphia, "Sound The Alarm" 2002 in Baltimore, and "First Friday Fundamentals" in Philadelphia.

They have ministered at other various local D.C. venues such as, Gospel Fests, youth services, revivals and events, as well as, in Virginia and North Carolina. They have ministered in the Noyes, Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center. They released the CD project entitled "The Mind of Christ" in May 2002.

Their debut CD did well enough that they were nominated for best new artist of the year by "What's The Word Magazine". Their music has also been featured on Survival Kit Vol. 1 and upcoming projects by DJ Official and DJ Essence, as well as a Psalms project by Jaz out of Lampmode Recordings. Although at times they feel the ministry has progressed very slowly. In September 2004, Christcentric released their second project entitled "Reformation". While their first release "The Mind of Christ" was more of an introduction to the ministry of Christcentric, "Reformation" is directed to the church in recognizing its need for returning to essential Christian doctrine. Third project was "City Of God" and fourth "Didactic Music Vol 1".

Group members
Evangel, born and raised in the Bronx, NY moved to Maryland in 1989. He and his wife have two sons. Once an aspiring secular hip-hop artist by the name of Alcatraz, he sought to bring consciousness to the hip-hop community through his music with positive messages. In 1994, his positive message was challenged by the message of the gospel of Christ. He has served on the leadership team of his church Gaithersburg Community Church (GCC), has lead a care group and occasionally ministers through hip-hop during worship service.

Q-D.O.G., born in Washington D.C. and raised in Maryland is married to his wife and they have five children. Raised by his Christian mother, Q was "trained up in the way of the Lord" but still followed the ways of the world. Q served as a youth pastor for two years at Wallace Presbyterian Church. He currently serves as a small group leader at Hope Bible Church, and teaches bible studies for men groups.

Apologist, born and raised in the Dominican Republic until 1984. He then moved to Silver Spring, MD. Apologist and his wife have a son. He grew up in the church, but never experienced Christ in personal repentance and faith. He attends Shady Grove Presbyterian Church and teaches Sunday school.