Wisconsin Bangerz #1 Wisconsin Hiphop Blog: sir

JAY Z TAKES US BACK TO CHURCH WITH SIR THE BAPTIST PREMIERE OF "WAKE UP"

I guess there is church in the wild. Sir the Baptist, a Chicago-born recording artist, just premiered his latest artistic demonstration entitled "Wake Up" through Jay Z's entertainment streaming service - Tidal. Sir is an emerging pop/hip hop artist with gospel roots whose sound is reminiscent of "Jesus Walks" or a modern Reverend Run. He is currently highly coveted by some of the most prestigious record labels in the music industry. Universal Music Group states, "Amen! One of the chosen ones has arrived. Save music!"

"Wake Up" is an anti-violence anthem, coming from a Chicagoan who has marched in the streets for this cause, to bring people together and call for change. As we've seen, Chicagoans and artists alike have been blunt on their disapproval of Spike Lee's 'Chiraq'. Although there is outrage surrounding the comedic and sometimes sexist plot on such a sensitive subject, especially to those who have lost someone to the violence, Spike may be hitting a nerve in the city. However, a preachers kid from Louis Armstrong's neighborhood in Chicago decided to act by partnering with Jay Z's tidal streaming service to achieve awareness in a more serious, yet peaceful tone.

These "Wake Up" demonstrations weren't just another music video. They were a protest on Chicago's Magnificat Mile, a march in low income areas of the city and an event to take back the parks of Chicago by mentoring and feeding the youth in the city.

"Wake Up" was written by Sir many months ago, but happens to share the same title as Pope Francis's upcoming album. Similar to the Pope, Sir has ignited controversy surrounding issues in faith-based communities. Both revolutionaries believe in fighting for the poor, seek to change long-standing problems within their communities, cure injustices that have existed for far too long and build a culture around human dignity for a common good. Not since Reverend Run has the church culture been this embedded in mainstream music.

Catch Sir the Baptist live on December 23rd at Reggies Rock Club in Chicago as part of a Toy & Food Drive Charity Concert. He will also be hosting numerous anti-violence events, turkey donation drives, free concerts for Chicago Public School students and town hall meetings in the months ahead.

Chicago-based rising star & recording artist Sir the Baptist has a message for Chicago on this Halloween and it's a powerful one. Read it below and more info on Sir at the bottom...

I'm on a mission and I'm asking for your help. Last Sunday I marched from my dad's church in Bronzeville to Armstrong Park, and asked you as a community to WAKE UP! This weekend is Halloween and this time I'm asking you to stay awake with my NO SLEEP campaign.

The hours of 9 pm to 5 am will be the most dangerous time on Halloween. I want to call my community together and ask as many people as I can to commit to taking part in a watch unlike any neighborhood you have ever heard or been a part of. This is a shared responsibility. Bronzeville has a population of around 20,000 people. I ask only 480 of you to commit to taking just a 60 second timeslot and watch out your window and anything unsafe to your friends, family, and neighbors, report to the police. We will give you a WAKE UP call, both literally and in the communal sense, 5 minutes before your 1 minute timeslot. Now, I know that this does not cover the community in its entirety, however it is a start. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could get 5,000 people to join with us? Imagine the impact we could have. We can show the world what we are capable of when we join hands and come together for positive purpose.

We will be out in the community all day Thursday and Friday, as well as Saturday morning asking for your commitment to gather these 480 to help drive our campaign.

Set aside the fact that I am an artist and remember that I am first a #Bronzevilleboy. Our campaign team is comprised of Bronzeville business owners, artists and citizens just like yourselves. We are also teaming up with the 3rd and 4th ward police districts to be prepared for the watch as well. In addition, we will have a team out on foot patrol as well.