Fresh Digress

ChristianMusicMonthly.com Interview
Fresh Digress
By Mark Weber, primopr716@juno.com

Fresh Digress is Reality and Chris M.C. (pictured above), making hip-hop fun again with their self-titled CD on the Beatmart label. If you like Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl," Snoop Dogg's "Drop It Like It's Hot," Mariah Carey's "Shake It Off," and anything by Missy Elliott or John Reuben, you will like Fresh Digress.

Q) Your sound reminds me of John Reuben. It’s fun, positive hip-hop.
A) I think you nailed it! We are good friends with, and huge fans of, John Reuben. Get a blender and put the following in: Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Adam West, and Billy Graham. Push blend. Now you have Fresh Digress. – Chris M.C.

Q) Describe your sound.
A) It's fun, energetic, versatile, and uplifting music that appeals to a wide audience. – Reality

Q) Who are your musical influences?
A) John Reuben, Todd Collins, The Neptunes, The Spice Girls, Superchick, Grits… – Chris M.C.

Q) Where are you two coming from, and how does that help your music ministry?
A) Well, I pretty much grew up in the inner city of Cincinnati, Ohio, while Chris grew up in East Coast suburbia. Through the years we've each had a wide range of different life experiences. We're two very different people and it's awesome that God has put us together, because between the two of us can relate to the vast majority of issues facing today's youth. – Reality

Q) What’s something that makes Fresh Digress different from most hip-hop groups?
A) The biggest theme we are pushing on our album is what we call the "Princess Revolution." We think every girl deserves to be treated like a Princess. We know too many girls who are treated very poorly by their "boyfriend." They keep coming back to these slimeballs. Girls need to know their worth and realize they are valuable creations of God, and there is a Godly man out there that will treat them with respect and dignity. That’s the big message we are trying to get across. We’re also all about making hip-hop fun again. – Chris M.C.

Q) Who is your primary audience?
A) I'd have to say our primary audience is middle to high school-aged kids. But anyone who likes music that makes you wanna dance usually likes us. People are usually drawn to our energy, even if they don't usually listen to rap music. – Reality

Q) In concert, what song gets the biggest reaction? Why?
A) Brr Its Cold! gets a huge response because it is our single, and because the crowd sings the chorus louder than we do, and it makes all of us jump around like crazy. Smoke N Fiya is another huge crowd favorite; people yell FIYA (fire) for days afterwards—it’s a common side effect after a Fresh Digress show. – Chris M.C.

Q) What do you think of Jesus?
A) I think Jesus is the most important and most controversial person in history, period. I think getting to know the full person of Jesus Christ is pretty much the best thing that can happen to anyone in life. – Reality

Q) What do you struggle with and how are you dealing with it? How does God help you with it?
A) I'd have to admit that I struggle with lust. I've realized that a major key in staying strong in that area and not falling is by basically staying on the offensive. I try and stay "spiritually fit" so to speak— every day making an effort to pursue God and grow closer to Him. Consistency and discipline is very important. I think God has been trying to show me that I literally can't go a day with out Him. I am truly dependent upon Him. – Reality

Q) Where do you live? What is the spiritual climate like there? What church do you attend and what is it like?
A) We both live outside the Baltimore, Maryland area. There is fellowship available all the time— we are super blessed in this area and have a great body of believers around us. I attend Mountain View Community Church, and the people there are amazing and love the Lord. – Chris M.C.

Q) Today’s modern, contemporary "Christian" church: how is it helping or hurting the youth?
A) I'd say it's helping by connecting youth with their Creator, getting them excited about having a relationship with God and telling others about God. I'd say that the church sometimes needs guidance in being relevant. And a big problem is when the church alienates and judges non-believers instead of loving them into the kingdom. And, honestly, teaching our Christian youth how to effectively evangelize to their peers is a must. Confrontations and debates aren’t going to do it. We have to remember where we came from and how we were before we knew Christ. – Reality

Q) Talk about your CD. What is it called and why would someone buy it?
A) Well our CD is self-titled: Fresh Digress, which is good cause it gets people familiar with a difficult name, but also because that's what our CD is— it's us, an introduction to who we are as a group. The songs and skits really tie together well to give you a good idea about what you can expect if you meet us. We're goofy at times, serious at times, we struggle with things, we want to make a difference, we want to have fun, and we're serious about what God has called us to do. Why would someone want to buy it? See us in concert and you'll understand… It's a memorable experience and people wanna take part of it home with them. – Reality

Q) How can people buy your CD and/or book you?
A) People can get our CD from online stores like iTunes and Amazon, or at Christian book stores, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Borders… They can book us by contacting Erin Moose at Service with a Smile Booking Agency. Erin’s number is 410-858-7931 (or email erinmoose@gmail.com). – Reality

Q) What are some of your goals for the years to come?
A) As a group: Play many, many shows. Launch the "Princess Revolution" and change the world of hip-hop, so it respects women. Be a big part of Young Life ministry at their summer and winter camps. Continue to make fun music that will impact the youth. And drink more sweet tea— y’all in the South know how to do it right. – Chris M.C.

For more info, check out www.myspace.com/freshdigress

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