ArtistInfo

Urban D

Hip-Hop/Rap
A.k.a. Tommy Kyllonen

Tommy Kyllonen is the Urban Disciple or better known as Urban D, since the album the Tranzlation of 2001. Philadelphia He got raised in Philadelphia and strayed away from God as a teen, but recommitted his life to Christ at the age of 18. He felt a call from God to go into urban youth ministry and went on to study at Southeastern College in Lakeland, Florida. pastoral studies He graduated in 1996 with a BA degree in pastoral studies and a concentration in youth ministry and released his debut album called "keep it real". Crossover Community Church In that same year Urban D. founded the youth ministry at Crossover Community Church in Tampa, Florida. Over the next six years he developed a first of it's kind hip hop youth ministry. Pastor In January of 2002 Urban D. became the pastor of the church, so the congregation began focusing in on reaching the hip hop culture. A live DJ spins during worship as rappers mix in with the singing. Other aspects of this special outreach are a break dancing class, step team, choir, mc class, drama, open mic, poetry nights, concerts and a DJ/production class. Record Label Urban D also co-founded Fla.vor Alliance in 1998 together with Pablo Olivero (Rize of T.R.I.B.E.) out of the need for more unity and support among hip-hop ministries in the Tampa Bay area. The organisation was first called "Flavor Records", but later on adapted the name "Fla.vor Alliance" in 2000. Membership It should not be seen as a record label, all members are part of the Crossover Community Church to reach out and minister to children. The Church therefore also holds an annual Hip-Hop/Urban Ministries Conference called Fla.vor Fest. Instrumentals On July 16th, 2007 the MC made instrumental tracks from "The Tranzlation" (2001) album available on iTunes. Distribution In 2006 Urban D announces a new distributiondeal through Holy Hip Hop's alliance with EMI Gospel for his new album "Unorthodox". Book & DVD At the same time when the album plus DVD "Unorthodox" is released in May 2007, a book with the same title came out as well. A unique double release. The book is distributed by Zondervan. Name The project was first called "Unorthodox... : Where Hip-Hop meets the Church", but the final title is "Unorthodox : Church.Hip-Hop.Culture".

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