Specialization: Analytic Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion and Theology, Secular Theology, Philosophical Aesthetics
Dissertation: The World Creates God: A Process Aesthetic Religion as Lived Out by Underground Hip-Hop Culture
Ø Master of Theology (ThM) May 2009
Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, IL
Specialization: Philosophical Theology, Process Philosophy, Theology of Culture and the Arts
Qualifying Examination (Honor Student): Alfred North Whitehead’s Process Philosophy of Creativity and its Intersection with Aesthetics and Theology of Culture
Thesis: Next Universe: The Race Utopia of Underground Hip-Hop
Ø Bachelor of Arts May 2003
Judson University, Elgin, IL
Specialization: Biblical Studies
Teaching Competency
Ø Philosophy of Religion
Ø Process Philosophy
Ø Eastern Philosophy
Ø Philosophies of Mexico and Central America
Ø Caribbean Philosophies
Ø Systematic Theology
Ø Theopoetics
Ø Metaphysics
Ø Afrofuturism
Ø Theology of Culture
Ø Cultural Studies
Ø Religion and Aesthetics
Ø Philosophical Ethics
Ø Indigenous Philosophical Traditions
Ø Existentialism
Ø Postmodernism
Ø Liberation Theology
Ø Western Philosophical Thought
Ø Aesthetics and/as Philosophy
Experience
Ø Assistant Professor of Philosophy Aug 2022 -
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
Classes: Great Philosophers, Philosophy of Race, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Battle Rap, Ancient Philosophy, Race and Sexuality, Existentialism, Race and Sex in the Caribbean
· Lecture on poetry, movies, music, and culture as various forms of philosophical thought
· Construct a unique approach to philosophy of race that asks rarely engaged questions about race
· Work with students on producing publishable book chapters for edited volumes on philosophy of race
Ø Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy Sept 2020 – Aug 2022
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
Classes: Great Philosophers, Philosophy of Race, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Battle Rap, Ancient Philosophy
· Lecture on poetry, movies, music, and culture as various forms of philosophical thought
· Construct a unique approach to philosophy of race that asks rarely engaged questions about race
· Work with students on producing publishable book chapters for edited volumes on philosophy of race
Ø Cross-Community Coordinator Aug 2020 – July 2023
Center for Process Studies, Salem, OR
· Co-editor of Novel Adventures, a book series through Cascade Publishers focusing on theology and the arts from the vantage point of practitioners and academics
· Foster fruitful relationships between CPS and other like-minded organizations
· Present process thought to non-academic audiences
· Lead initiatives on various types of social justice movements at the intersection of art and process thought
Ø Lecturer in English Jan 2020 – May 2020
Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Classes: Afrofuturism
· Taught in seminar format on the synergy between art, Afro-diasporic ways of being/becoming, African philosophy, and Afrofuturism
· Explored Afrofuturism in the practice of several styles of writing from philosophy to science fiction
· Guide students in creating articles and book chapters and securing publications for said scholarship
Ø Lecturer in Theology Jan 2018 – May 2019
Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA
Classes: Theologies of Social Justice/Faith and Freedom: Cross-Cultural Liberation Theologies
· Teach in seminar format on theistic, nontheistic, and pluralistic liberation theologies
· Connect analytic philosophical approaches to the study and praxis of liberation theologies
· Work with students on producing and securing publication of high level scholarship
Ø Visiting Assistant Professor of Africana Phil. Of Religion Aug 2018 – May 2019
Pomona College, Claremont, CA
Classes: Afrodiasporic/Afrofuturist Phil. Of Religion/Hip-Hop as Religious Praxis
· Teach in seminar format on the synergy between art, Afrodiasporic ways of being/becoming, and religion
· Develop curriculum centered on an analysis of invisible negotiations of race in the modern film
· Build upon current work in Afrofuturism and African philosophies to investigate the possibilities of Africana philosophies of religion
Classes: Intro to Philosophy, Ethics, Black Theology, Black Theology and Film, Hip-Hop & Religious Education
· Provide students with an interactive overview of global schools of philosophical thought
· Offer an energetic synthesis between philosophical thought and ministerial practice
· Foster challenging dialogue between students aimed at creating robust reasoning for their historical and burgeoning intellectual conclusions
Ø Adjunct Professor in Philosophy Aug 2018 – May 2020
Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa, CA
Classes: Ethics/Values, Philosophy of Religion
· Provide students with an interactive overview of the disciplines of ethics and values
· Connect the core ideas of logic, critical thinking, and ethics to contemporary culture in general, and art/aesthetics in particular
· Utilize scheduled in-class debates to give students room to experiment with class material
Ø Lecturer in Philosophy Aug 2017 – Jan 2020
California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA
Classes: Ethics/Values, Intro to Philosophy, Human, Nature, and God
· Provide students with an interactive overview of the disciplines of ethics and values
· Connect the core ideas of logic, critical thinking, and ethics to contemporary culture in general, and art/aesthetics in particular
· Utilize scheduled in-class debates to give students room to experiment with class material
Ø Adjunct Professor in Philosophy Feb 2016 – May 2022
Norco College, Norco, CA
Classes: Ethics/Values, Logic and Critical Thinking, Introduction to Philosophy, World Religions, and Religion in America
· Provide students with an interactive overview of the disciplines of logic, critical thinking, ethics, and religious studies
· Connect the core ideas of logic, critical thinking, ethics, and religious studies to contemporary culture in general, and art/aesthetics in particular
· Facilitate cutting-edge discussion meant to engender further practical investigation into these areas of philosophy
Ø Adjunct Professor in Philosophy Aug 2015 – Aug 2018
San Diego City College District, San Diego, CA
Classes: Ethics/Values, Logic and Critical Thinking, Critical Thinking and Writing, and Introduction to Philosophy
· Provide students with an overview of the disciplines of logic, critical thinking, and ethics
· Connect the core ideas of logic, critical thinking, and ethics to contemporary culture in general, and art/aesthetics in particular
Lecturer in Religious Studies Aug 2015 – Aug 2018
California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
Classes: Religion Games, Religion at the Movies, Approaching Religion
· Lecture and provide interactive research on the history of religions and significant figures within it
· Lead students in role playing games that react to historical events where religion is manifested in the public sphere
· Articulate and show in play the sociological function of religion in the history of the humanity
Ø Research Assistant Aug 2015 – April 2016
Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Claremont, CA
· Assist the main editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in reviewing articles for publishing
· Work alongside authors in fine-tuning articles into pieces ready for publication
· Select potential scholars for book reviews and peer reviewing
Ø Adjunct Professor Jan 2012 - May 2012
Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA
Class: Jimi (Hendrix) and Jim (Morrison): The Philosophy of Religion of the Sixties' Rock Shaman
· Presented the artistry of Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison as quasi religions
· Engaged existentialist philosophy, secular theology, and psychedelic phenomena
· Created a conceptual theory within which Morrison and Hendrix’s aesthetics have religious attributes
Ø Session Moderator March 2011
Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA
Conference: Live Options in the Study of Religion
· Presented session and speakers
· Coordinated questions and answers between speakers and audience
· Controlled allotted time frames for speakers ensuring adherence to guidelines
Ø Teaching Assistant Jan 2011 – May 2011
Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA
Class: Process Theology, Feminism, and Gender
· Articulated the basic conceptuality of Process Theology in the Whitehead-Hartshorne Tradition
· Explicated Process Theological interactions with Feminism
· Recognized Feminism and Process Theology in daily life and applied it to life and vocation
Library Assistant Sep 2010 – May 2016
Center for Process Studies, Claremont, CA
· Assist researchers & students with data analytics and locating resources
· Lead elemental dissection of Whiteheadian philosophy
· Write editorials for Process Perspective, a quarterly news magazine
· Write article abstracts published in Process Studies, CPS’ quarterly scholarly journal
Ø Teaching Assistant Sep 2010 – December 2010
Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA
Class: Systematic Theology for Ministry
· Taught the interconnectivity of systematic theology and process thought
· Lectured on systematic theology and its relativity in broader cultural context
· Logistics liaison for class setup, material distribution and announcements
· Assisted students with projects, term papers and assigned readings
Ø Session Moderator Feb 2010
Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA
Third Wave Womanist Conference
· Facilitated reflective discussion with well-known scholars on third wave womanism
Ø Educational Assistant Sep 2006 - Jun 2009
McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL
Class: Introduction to Biblical Studies, Church History from Earliest Christianity to 1453
· Liaised between student body and faculty
· Lectured student body
· Led student consultation and assistance
· Arranged and participated in class debates
Ø Theological Intern May 2006
Judson University, Elgin, IL
Class: New Testament Survey
· Led study groups for student testing
· Performed lectures for student body
· Provided problem resolution assistance to students
Ø Student Diversity Coordinator Jan 2003 - Aug 2006
Judson University, Elgin, IL
Brothers and Sisters in Christ (B.A.S.I.C.)
· Spearheaded campus promotions for the organization
· Educated campus population on racial identity through rap performances
· Directed teaching/planning panel
· Conducted weekly discussions on intercampus, national, and international issues of race relations
· Representative at the 2002 meeting of the National Christian Student Multicultural Leaders Conference
Ø The Society for Philosophy & Religion at Claremont Apr 2011 - May 2012
Co-President
Ø Thought Experiments (Scholarly Journal) Apr 2011 -
Editor in Chief
Ø The Society for Philosophy & Religion at Claremont Oct 2009 - Apr 2011
Logistics Assistant
Ø American Academy of Religion WESCOR Aug 2009 -
Member
Selected Publications
Ø Book (monograph) entitled Multi/Race/Less/Ness: A Process Alternative to Racial Categories. Contracted to be published by Bloomsbury Press in Winter of 2024.
Ø Article entitled “The Polyphilic Theopoetic Humanism of Becoming: An Anzaldúan Reflection on Process “Caribbean” Identity.” Accepted for publication and forthcoming in the journal Religions Special Issue entitled “God and the World in Crisis.” Edited by Roland Faber and Jeffery Long.
Ø Book chapter entitled “Aesthetic Religious Atheisms: An Unexplored Avenue of a Key Feature of Whitehead’s God Concept in Process and Reality” in The Proceedings of the 50th Anniversary of the Center for Process Studies. Edited by Andrew Schwartz and Andrew Davis. Accepted for publication and forthcoming by Cascade Books.
Ø Book entitled InnerSections: Reimagining Diversity Through Caribbean Embodiment. Under review by Broadleaf Books.
Ø Book (edited volume) entitled Toward Afro-diasporic and Afrofuturist Philosophies of Religion. Published by Wipf and Stock. Spring 2022.
Ø Book (monograph) entitled Underground Rap as Religion: A Theopoetic Examination of a Process Aesthetic Religion. Published by Routledge. Fall 2019.
Ø Book Chapter entitled “From ‘Blackness’ to ‘Afrofuture’ to ‘Impasse’: The Figura of the Jimi Hendrix/Richie Havens Identity Revolution as Faintly Evidenced by the Work of Kendrick Lamar and More than a Head Nod to Lupe Fiasco” in Kendrick Lamar and the Making of Black Meaning. Edited by Anthony B. Pinn, Monica M. Miller, and Christopher M. Driscoll. Published by Routledge. Fall 2019.
Ø Article entitled “There’s Power in the Names: Toward a Process Sublating of the Linguistics of ‘White’ Nostalgia” in the Sociological Imagination Journal. Vol. 54, No. 1, Fall 2018.
Ø Article entitled “Ancestors Change Constantly: Subversive Religious Colonial Deconstruction in the Religion of Black Panther” in TheJournal of Religion and Film, 22/1, Spring 2018.
Ø Book Chapter entitled “Hip-Hop” in The Radical Theology Handbook. Published by Palgrave Macmillan, Fall 2018.
Ø Co-authored Article entitled “Bulletproof Love: Luke Cage and Religion” in The Journal of Religion, Film, and Media, 3/1, Winter 2017.
Ø Book Review of Monica M. Miller and Anthony B. Pinn’s Religion in Hip-Hop: Mapping New Terrain in Reading Religion (JAAR), August, 2016.
Ø Article entitled “Grounds of Being Becoming: The Possibility of a Tillichian-Inspired Process Theology as Displayed by Underground Rap” in The North American Paul Tillich Society Quarterly Bulletin, Summer 2016.
Ø Article entitled “An Old Hope Newly Realized: Whitehead’s Philosophy and Afro-Diasporic Lives Matter” in Process Perspectives, 37:2-3, Summer/Fall 2015.
Ø Book Chapter entitled “The Solution is Dis/solution” in Beyond the Bifurcation of Nature: A Common World for Animals and the Environment. Edited by Dan Dombrowski and Brianne Donaldson. Published by Cambridge Scholars Press. August 2014.
Ø Article entitled The Hip-Hop Impulse: The Tao of Novelty. Co-authored by Jay McDaniel. Published on Jesusjazzbuddhism.org, May 2011.
Ø Book Review of Monica A. Coleman’s Making a Way Out of No Way: A Womanist Theology in the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Religion, February 2010.
Ø Article entitled “The Black Contribution to Hip-Hop.” McCormick Herald, March 2007. Reprinted by request of the editor of The Hyde Park Seminarian in The Hyde Park Seminarian, April 2007.
Lectures
Ø Gustavus Adolphus College Public Lecture
“Underground Rap as a Process Aesthetic Philosophy of Religion” Mar 2021
Ø Rice University Public Lecture
“Toward an Aesthetic Philosophy of Religion of Underground Hip-Hop” Sept 2018
Ø Claremont School of Theology
“Constance Wise, Occult Knowledge, and Process Thought.” April 2011
Ø McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL
“Scholastic Theology in Medieval Europe.” June 2009
Ø Judson University, Elgin, IL
“The Gospel of John.” May 2006
Ø Judson University, Elgin, IL
“First, Second, and Third John.” May 2006
Selected Presentations
Ø “Religion & Technology.” Panel with Kristel Clayville and Katherine G. Schmidt for Religion &: Center Conversations on the State of Religion and the Current Movement by The Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture. Online. October 26, 2023.
Ø “Radical Theology, Theopoetics, and the Future.” Panel of the Westar Institute with Daniel Boscaljon, J. Cameron Carter, Katharine Lassiter, Lakisha Lockhart-Rusch, Jordan E. Miller, Jeffery W. Robbins, George Schmidt, and Tamisha at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in San Diego, CA, November 22, 2019.
Ø “Toward Afro-diasporic and Afrofuturist Philosophies of Religion.” Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in Atlanta, Georgia, November 24, 2018.
Ø “The World Creates God: A Process Philosophy of Religion of Underground Hip-Hop.” Presented in the Hip-Hop and Religion Class at Rice University, September 6, 2018.
Ø “Radical Theology/Radical Politics: Re-Thinking Relations to the Most Vulnerable.” Panel of the Westar Institute with Karen Bray, Daniel Boscaljon, James Howard Hill, Katharine Lassiter, Jordan E. Miller, Jeffrey W. Robbins, and George Schmidt at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in Boston, MA, November 18, 2017.
Ø “Hip-Hop as Theological Reflection.” Presented at McCormick Theological Seminary’s “Unfinished Business: Reimagining the Reformation” in Chicago, IL, 2017.
Ø “The Luke Cage Hip-Hop Center: The Manufacturing of Religious Meaning at the Impasse between the Afro-Diaspora, Hip-Hop, and Superheroes.”Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in San Antonio, TX November 20, 2016.
Ø “Grounds of Being Becoming: The Possibility of a Tillichian-Inspired Process Theology.”Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in Atlanta, GA, November 22, 2015.
Ø “Apocalyptic Science Diction: Bigg Jus and the Afrofuturistic Destruction of ‘Blackness.” Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in Atlanta, GA, November 22, 2015.
Ø “The Freestyle Rap Cypher as Aesthetic Religious Shrine Organism (A.R.S.O.).”Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in Baltimore, MD, November 25, 2013.
Ø “Passing the Impasse: Art as a Theopoetic Mediator of Internal and External Religious Prejudice.”Presented at The American Academy of Religion (AAR) WESCOR Regional Conference, at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA, March 24-26, 2012.
Ø “Title Currently Unavailable: The Problem of Linguistic Naming of the Divine in Postmodern/Poststructuralist Process Theology.”Presented at The 5th International Whitehead Conference at Claremont Graduate University, Albrecht Auditorium in Claremont, CA, December 2, 2011.
Ø “Feminism and Hip-Hop Healing Workshop.”Presented at Columbia College, Hokin Lecture Hall in Chicago, IL, May 7, 2011.
Ø “The World Creates God: A Redefinition of the Aesthetic.” Presented at the Center for Process Studies, May 2, 2011.
Ø “The Ethereal Etched into the Existential: Auerbach and Benjamin’s Literary Philosophy as Displayed Theologically by Tori Amos and Illogic.”Presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in Atlanta, GA, October 30, 2010.
Ø “Developing Counter Media Pedagogies: Critical Approaches to [re] Presentations of Race, Gender, Class, and Sexual Preference in Education and Culture.”Reading/research group with Ericka Brown and Marsha Horsley sponsored by a grant from the Transdisciplinary Studies Department at Claremont Graduate University, May 14, 2010.
Ø “The Ethereal Etched into the Existential: Auerbach and Benjamin’s Literary Philosophy as Displayed Theologically by Tori Amos and Illogic.”Presented at the Live Options in the Study of Religion conference at Claremont Graduate University, March 27, 2010.
Ø “The Independent Hip-Hop and Other Theopoetics: A Semi-Theological Process Poiesis of the Intercreativity Between God and the Universe.”Society of Philosophy and Religion at Claremont, February 18, 2010.
Ø “Developing Counter Media Pedagogies: Critical Approaches to [re] Presentations of Race, Gender, Class, and Sexual Preference in Education and Culture.”Reading/research group with Ericka Brown and Marsha Horsley sponsored by a grant from the Transdisciplinary Studies Department at Claremont Graduate University, January 19, 2010.
Ø “LSTC Graduate Student Association Address.”Board of Trustees of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, May 25, 2009.
Ø “Hip-Hop Culture, the Black Church, and Racelessness, Pt 2.”Normal Park Baptist Church, March 23, 2007.
Ø “Hip-Hop Culture, the Black Church, and Racelessness, Pt 1.”Normal Park Baptist Church, November 23, 2006.
Course Offerings at a Glance
Ø Aesthetic Religious Atheisms of the “Darker Hues”: This course will explore artistic oppositions to the theologies of Western Christianity by people of "darker hues" who understood such theological articulations to be oppressive agents of cultural theft, genocide, racism, sexism, environmental unawareness, and homophobia (among other factors). In this study, we will consider various aesthetics such as the identity-transformative poetry of Pedro Pietri and Zora Neale Hurston, the past/future indigenous-driven music of Lila Downs and Beyoncé, the cinematic reinterpretation of "Birth of a Nation" by DJ Shadow and Steven Knight's rendering of the infamous Birmingham gang the Peaky Blinders, and other plays, literature, philosophies, and theologies created by or about the "darker hues" from the Enlightenment until the present as they grapple with the consequences of modernity as shaped by European colonization.
Ø Toward Afro-diasporic and Afrofuturist Philosophies of Religion: In this course, we will analyze the field of philosophy of religion as it stands to determine which of its insights can be applied to Afro- diasporic and Afrofuturist notions of religion and which ones cannot. We will also attempt to ask the more creative questions, such as: what would a robust philosophy of religion of Afro-diasporic and Afrofuturist religions draw from, how would we construct such a non-Western methodology of philosophy of religion, and what sources would we use to construct such a philosophy of religion? In an attempt to aesthetically experience what Afrodiasporic philosophies of religion are/could be, the course will rely heavily on fiction novels, poetry, music, movies, and texts written by people from various social locations and perspectives on some African notions of religion, among other sources of reflection.
Ø Constructive Aesthetic Theology: A consideration of novels, movies, and musical recordings that focuses on extracting theological themes from various artistic mediums with the intent of equipping students to recognize theology in diverse art forms in their classrooms and/or parishes.
Ø Introduction to Philosophy: A discussion/seminar unit covering pre-Socratics to 21st century philosophy with an emphasis on Pierre Hadot’s notion of “ancient philosophy” (philosophy as a way of life) as opposed to merely an academic discipline.
Ø Introduction to Process Thought: A brief charting of the history of process philosophy/theology following the Chicago school with emphasis on Whitehead and Hartshorne concluding with process liberation and feminist theologies. This course provides an intense overview of process thought tailored for both academic and parish uses.
Ø Philosophy of Race: This course explores several schools of thought and writings in the philosophy of race and is divided into three sections: before race, during race, and after race. We ask several questions about the nature of race such as how/if it exists, if it is subjective or objective, biological or conceptual, and oppressive or liberating. Through the use of aesthetic creations such as movies, music, and novels, we experiment with ideas of race in either of the three aforementioned categories and interrogate questions raised by the works of art we engage. The course is also what I call a “Book Intensive,” meaning that students have the option of turning their final papers into an edited volume that will be submitted to publishers for possible publication.
Ø Philosophy of Battle Rap: This explores the world of impromptu and written competitive battle rap and the leagues that support it from a philosophical perspective. While studying the history of battle rap and situating it within the framework of Hip-Hop culture, we examine the approaches, subjects, and ways of being of battle rap as vehicles of thought that engage philosophical questions of race, morality, social norms, sexual orientation, religion, and social justice (among other areas). Students will watch several types of battles and will reflect on the deep metaphysical and existential questions that they raise, as the contention of this class is that the energy and performance of battle rap is one of the most modern vivid reflections of humans wrestling with major philosophical ideas, musings that can easily translate to the real life situations of our era.
Ø Introduction to the Study of Religion: A profile of the academic and practical applications, methods, philosophies, and schools of thought from the Enlightenment to the present. This course covers technical understandings of religion and its appearance in and influence on science, history, culture, the arts, and other significant topics.
Ø Jimi and Jim: The Philosophy of Religion of the Sixties’ Rock Shaman: The lives of Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison juxtaposed and inducted into existentialist philosophy, contemporary theology and philosophy of religion. This course details their aesthetic esoteric breakthroughs to existing religions and prescribes them to new ones.
References
Ø Monica A. Coleman: Professor of Africana Studies, University of Delawarecolemanm@udel.edu
Ø Daniel White Hodge: Professor of Intercultural Communications/Chair, North Park University.dwhodge@northpark.edu
Ø Roy Whitaker: Professor of American Religious Diversity, San Diego State University.dwhitaker@sdsu.edu
GILEAD7
Abstract, concrete, and progressive. These three words describe the artwork of Gilead7. His style has travelled through the land of standard underground hip-hop and subtle progressive urban, and landed him in a state of experimental sonic appreciation. You may catch him playing wind instruments with Susan McKeown next week. You never know...
Artistic Competency
Ø Rapping (skillful recitation, composition, and literary authorship)
Ø Live performances
Ø Impromptu aesthetics (on the spot verses and instrumental production)
Ø Album arrangement (conceptual development to recording proficiency)
Ø Envelope-pushing novelty in artistic creations
Ø Sought-after spoken word poetry tournament judge
Ø “Movers and Shakas:”2008, vinyl single with Nizm, Thaione Davis and GQ Tha Teacha
Ø “Love Song 137:” 2008, single with Skech185
Ø Death Penalty Shots:2007, EP
Ø The Darkroom: The Abandonment of Christendom:2005, LP featuring Malakh El, Lord 360 and Evan G
Ø Stories of Sorcery: 2003, EP
Ø Invincible:2002, single featuring Jenny Thornton
Ø Reflections:2001, EP with SB93, J Smoove and JJ
Ø The Calm EP:2000, EP
Ø Explosions:1999, EP
Selected Notable Performances
Ø Opening Act: 2015, Anderson Paak at Pomona College.
Ø Opening Act: A.G. of Showbiz and A.G. at The Art of Lyrics. Camaradas, New York.
Ø Opening Act: 2010, Souls of Mischief’s A-Plus at Urban Underground Weekly. The Airliner, CA
Ø Opening Act: 2009, Qwel and Maker’s So Be It Tour with Offwhyte, Rock Bottom. The Terrace, CA
Ø Featured Performer: 2009, Freestyle Mondays with Skech185. The Crocodile Lounge, IL
Ø Featured Performer: 2009, Super Heroes of Sound. The Funky Buddha Lounge, IL
Ø Featured Performer:2009, member of featured act Tomorrow Kings along with Dark Time Sunshine, The Opus and Voice of Reason. The Blackgate Sessions, IL
Ø Featured Impromptu Performer: 2009, with Dario X, Lokua, and The Opus. The Blackgate Sessions, IL
Ø Featured Performer: 2008, featuring El Guante and Seemore Perspective. The Blue Nile, MN
Ø Guest Performer: 2007, The Blacksoil Project. University of Wisconsin at Madison, WI
Ø Opening Act: 2006, Listener’s Ozark Empire Tour. Featuring Qwel, Wordz, 1773, and Itchie Fingers. Bill’s Blues Bar, IL
Ø Featured Performer: 2005, with Theory Hazit and Wonder Brown. The Underground, OH
Ø Opening Act: 2004, Mars ILL and Qwel. The New Rancho Luna, IL
Ø Featured Performer: 2004, alongside GRITS, Glue, Mars ILL, and Listener. The Annex, TN
Achievements
Ø Winner of the “Backyard Beatdown” Rap Battle Tournament in October 2016
Ø Winner of the “Who Got Bars Rap” Battle Tournament in June 2016
Ø URB Magazine’s Next 1000 of 2009
Ø Shades Radio (Temple of Hip-Hop) Constant Rotation from November 2008-May 2009
Ø Second Place in the Annual Fly Paper Citywide Hip-Hop MC Battle of September 2006
Selected Press History
Ø Interview: 2023, Chicago Sun Times with Moira McCormick for ArtSpace:https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/4/25/23693334/virgotwins-gilead7-boricua-sandy-artspace-golden-dagger
Ø Interview for Peaces of War with Matteo Urella: 2016, https://medium.com/this-is- groovelocity/peaces-of-war-a-conversation-with-gilead7-subtrax-2d198fd7d275
Ø Celtic Folk (especially the artists in the vein of the modern Celtic renewal)
Ø Secular theology
Ø Existentialism
Ø Fantasy
Ø Classic Rock
Ø Western, Eastern, and African Philosophy
Ø Philosophies of present-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras
Ø Family, friends, and the universe
Teaching Competency
Ø Introduction to the Poetics of Hip-hop
Ø Hip-Hop Culture and Religion
Ø Hip-Hop Culture and Philosophy
Ø The Art of Rapping (MCing)
Ø The Philosophy of Rapping (MCing)
Ø DJing
Ø Breakdancing
Ø Electronic Instrumental Production
Ø Rap and Graffiti
Selected Videos
Ø “Unspoken” from the ArtSpace vinyl LP with Boricua Sandy (2023), released by DamnThatNoise (U.S. cassette/digital)) and Expanded Art Records (Germany), featuring DJ Presyce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfI9DVi36xQ
Ø “Shoveling,” from the Peaces of War vinyl LP with Subtrax (2016), released by New Records (U.K) and Echoes of Oratory Muzik (U.S.), featuring I.B. Fokuz and Clockwize: https://youtu.be/yOhz- wdvA40
Ø “Fam Issues,” from Clockwize’s Verbal in a Cup EP (2013), released by Echoes of Oratory Muzik, featuring Verbal Ill, Oddeo, Mas 1, Word Man, Braiiinstorm, Frank John James, and Arty Swell: https://youtu.be/_X1cu5YUxN4
Selected Songs
Ø “Black Power in Hell,” from Tomorrow Kings’ Nigger Rigged Time Machine (2013), released by ReSERVED Records: https://reservedrec.bandcamp.com/track/black-power-in-hell
Ø “Gatekeeper,” from the Vast Aire vs. Gilead7/Tomorrow Kings 7” vinyl (2013), released by ReSERVED Records: https://reservedrec.bandcamp.com/track/gatekeeper-vast-aire-vs-gilead7
Ø “Sophia,” from ADVENT: A Modern Bible with I.B. Fokuz (2013), released by The Secret Life of Sound: https://gilead7.bandcamp.com/track/sophia
References
Ø Krista Franklin: Exceptional poet and mixed medium artist (krista.franklin@gmail.com)
Ø Kevin Johnson: One half of the production super group The Opus (neomani@gmail.com)
