Off the bat, this double DVD package is essential for anyone who considers themselves a purveyor of the thriving holy hip hop scene.

More than that even, this is pivotal for anyone who has even an inkling of interest, or desires more understanding of the incredilble moves of God taking place in hip hop circles these days.

It’s Fla.vor Fest, a full three and half hours of footage from one of the most significant annual holy hip hop happenings in the genre. Presented by Steelroots Entertainment (the organization devoted to revealing Jesus Christ to the action sports scene) and by Fla.vor Alliance (the Tampa, Florida based hip hop ministry), these disks compress four days of conferenced hip hop.

The main focus of the presentation is the live concert footage. Master of Ceremonies Reflex introduces artist after artist to the stage, each one offering up a couple of their finest works. Emcees up front, and DJs behind, spinning and scratching, a the wholly involved crowd massing together to take it all in, it’s clearly ministry immersed in the hip hop culture.

There’s Sean Slaughter, there’s the harcore work of Pettidee, there’s Corey Red & Precise. Mark J steps in for a set, as does Tampa’s own Los 1 and then Elle Roc.

The artistry branches out to the fusion specialism of 4th Avenue Jones, and the crowd takes in their branded sounds that combine hip hop with rock, jazz, soul and more. Tre-9 is in the mix, and so is Upperground, Spec, Legacy and Reflex.

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Click on the album art above to get to the individual reviews.

This is all good, but what truly makes it impact is the series of interviews with the individual performers or crews that reveals their hearts. This is compelling viewing, and crucial for understanding the purpose of these hip hop ministers.

Urban D (aka Pastor Tommy Kyllonen) takes to the stage as well. As pastor of Tampa’s renowned hip hop church Crossover, Kyllonen also presents a fascinating tour of his unique ministry, from the outside lounge and skateboard areas to the various graf designs distinguishing those places, to the inside sections of the church building as well.

It soon become apparent that Crossover is a place like none other. Not merely for the physical setup, but for their intense focus on reaching deep into the hip hop culture with the Gospel. Kyllonen also elaborates on the goals of the annual Fla.vorFest conference, with training not provided not only in the fundamentals of hip hop, but in street ministry as well.

The DVD set is also billed as a unification of the elements of hip hop. Alongside the concert footage, graf displays and DJ work is a segment showcasing B-Boy skills.

One more thing. These Fla.vorFest DVDs are not only ministry-filled, they’re also a blast, a fun-filled mega-pack of pure fun.