Restine Jackson
Waldorf, Maryland, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Hamil R. Harris Staff Writer
Wearing snakeskin boots, bell-bottom pants and a full-length leather coat, the Rev. Restine Jackson IV strutted onto a smoke-filled stage. Red lights flashed, and dancers swayed in a dizzying routine. "Get up out of your seats and give God the glory!" the 22-year-old singer yelled in a boyish voice, his exhortations rising above the pulsating sounds of guitars, drums and electronic synthesizers.
The mostly young crowd of more than 3,000 erupted in screams. Many sprang to their feet, clapping and swaying to the hip-hop beat, a syncopated hard-rock sound. Dozens rushed onto the stage, eager to touch the young star.
Suddenly Jackson yelled, "Do you know what time it is? It is time to praise the Lord!"
The hip-hop concert was quickly transformed. Young men and women in the audience fell on their knees and cried out "Hallelujah!" "Glory!" "He's worthy!" and "Thank you, Father!"
Jackson and other artists later stood in front of the pulpit at National Church of God in Fort Washington and offered prayers for dozens of teens who came down the aisle to give their lives to Christ.
"Youth today are more radical in the world, so we have to be more radical in our message," said Jackson, a well-known local hip-hop artist who is the son of a minister. "I don't think you can be too radical in dancing as long as you are doing it for God. The Bible said that David danced out of his holy garment."
The young people who attended the concert at National Church of God in April said they were just having fun and praising God.
"We still move and dance, we just do it in a holy way," said 16-year-old Waltrece Moultrie, a member of Faith Holy Tabernacle in Stafford.
"Whatever it takes to get the teens in church and in a safe environment is a good thing," said Janette Holland, the church's youth minister.
Despite the criticism, the Rev. Restine Jackson III, father of the hip-hop star, said he sees a positive side.
"They hear the beats [and] see the strobe lights, but there is a message and testimony," said the 52-year-old pastor of Greater Grace Temple in Capitol Heights. "Somehow the church has to reach out to young people to show that the church can relate to them and still have the message of the Gospel of Jesus." - Washington Post
Discography
Concept Video - "He Loves Me"
Radio Single - "Free"
Radio Single - "Everybody Praise Him"
CD - "Restine Jackson - Live at Living Waters"
CD - "Praise Party - Live in DC"
CD - "The Wondrous Years"
CD - "Brighter Day"
Photos
Bio
Restine T. Jackson IV is a native Detroiter who has attained many major milestones in his musical career. Restine is a dynamic speaker, teacher, worship leader, and motivational speaker. He is a classically trained pianist, who began playing the piano at the age of 4 and has continued to excel in instrumental and vocal abilities. Not only does he play the piano, but he also excels at the organ, keyboard, drums, guitar and studio engineering. At the age of 17, he won the Gold Medal in music composition at the NAACP's ACT-SO competition. His winning music composition was a musical score for a 30-piece orchestra. After completing high school, Restine majored in Music Education at Morgan State University and received extensive experience in choral arrangements and in studio recording.
Being a gifted singer, songwriter, producer and music composer, Restine is also a young man being used by God to take back what the enemy thought he had stolen. In 1998, Restine, along with his father Bishop Restine Jackson III, established Wondrous World Records, which is an independent gospel record company. Restine produced & released his first gospel project entitled "Brighter Day" which gained great success in a number of radio markets. In 2001, he released his sophomore project entitled "Praise Party-Live in D.C." which gained popularity and radio airplay across the country. Then, in 2002, Restine produced a compilation CD project which featured all of the background singers from Restine Jackson & Grace. At the present time, Restine has just released his latest project, Restine Jackson Live at Living Waters. This CD is an outstanding blend of music genres, mixing contemporary praise & worship with urban sounds that touch the heart of young people and studio hip hop tracks with the latest urban beats.
Elder Restine Jackson is a willing vessel who shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world through ministering to youth groups and adults. He is committed to the spiritual, social, and cultural growth of the Body of Christ. Restine believes that you must have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ in order to see miracles take place in today's society. Elder Jackson is a dynamic, energized teacher who searches the word of God for himself. He is anointed to speak life into the people of God. Elder Jackson has spoken at various youth conferences and youth groups. He also teaches leadership training and music workshops. Despite a busy recording and performance schedule, he still makes time to be the minister of music @ Journey of Faith UMC in Waldorf, MD, and @ his father's ministry, Word of Grace Worship Center in Clinton, MD. To contact him, call (301) 455-6155 or write Wondrous World Records at 12353 Washington Square, Waldorf, MD 20601
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