A track "Rise Up" by JOHN JOHNSON is currently getting Cross Rhythms radio exposure. Tony Cummings tracked down the singer, songwriter, record producer and street evangelist.

Baltimore born and raised John Johnson calls his music "R&B, hip-hop and praise and worship marinated to keep you movin'." Anyone who's heard the seriously funky "Rise Up" currently getting Cross Rhythms will no doubt feel John's description pretty well nails it. So who is this skilful blender of urban styles? One thing is sure, he's no newcomer. Ordained as a minister in 1999, within a year he'd started his own record label Revive Entertainment and begun producing and writing both for himself and for other artists. John's own recordings, 'The Mission' (2000), 'Soul Rhapsody' (2002), 'Reach Out' (2003) and 'Rise Up' (2005), take in all the urban styles while he's performed on cable TV shows, public schools, youth rallies and church events. If that wasn't enough, John has also produced for other artists, Adonai, The Don and Kimmi, the latter his 18 year old daughter who records for Davine Records.

John speaks about his "Rise Up" turntable hit. "The song was inspired by the hurricane Katrina event that happened in New Orleans. I recorded it at my home studio which I call Revive Studios. It's an original work that includes live instruments and samples."

John has served two churches in Maryland as a worship leader for the past 15 years. He cites such diverse talents as Ron Kenoly, the Newsboys and smooth jazz as his musical influences. He speaks about his ministry Revive Entertainment. "It was formed in 2000 as a ministry that would strive to encourage all people. No matter what your current status with God is, it is our mission to give you great music with a message of hope. I've been in music ministry for over a decade and I have seen God work through it in many ways and many genres. As a worship leader and artist, I have had the opportunity to be used by God in the church, streets and recording industry. It is important to give the masses music they can identify with, that has a message that permeates the love of Christ and that talks about everyday struggles that we all face."