sWORDMusicGroup
Hampton Roads: Artist Bio Page February 2013
Kelly Cones, also known as Kelly Mac, is the founding member of sWORD Music. From Newport News VA, his musical influence began during his early childhood years performing in a children’s youth choir. A task he didn’t necessarily feel was his calling.
After realizing making music was his main goal, he began to showcase his talent across the Hampton Roads area. He performed at various open mic venues such as, Thai Pan Restaurant on Friday evenings; the Back2School Lock-in event held at the Suffolk, VA YMCA by the C.O.G.I.C of Smithfield, VA; The Youth Explosion event held by The Living Word Ministry C.O.G.I.C of Virginia Beach, and the Unplugged Event held by Refuge Nation Church in Newport News, VA. He was quickly noted for his amazing delivery, ability to engage the audience, and minister musically God’s word. He is also the talent behind the Hampton Roads hit single "Ric Flair" currently frequenting the air waves of WHOV 88.1fm BsidesRadio show.
He has grown spiritually through the ministry of music, leaving behind his worldly influences. Kelly has credited influences from 116 Artists Andy Mineo and Trip Lee. It’s when he heard the dynamics from these artists; he realized he could use his music for God, rather than the world and still provide a positive impact.
Kelly Mac’s goal, which he believes every Christian and God fearing individual should share, is to bring people to Christ in a personal and intimate way, providing positive influences for our younger generations.
Justin Martinez is from Hampton, VA, and provides inspiration spiritually and vocally to sWORD Music. Also known as "jroC", which is an acronym for "just raised on Christ", Justin has been involved in Gospel music for the majority of his life. Now in his early 20’s, he has performed as a singer in youth choirs and praise teams, including performances with the praise group Image of God in 2007.
His passion for poetry and true lyricism became tools that encouraged his direction towards music. Fascinated by old school rappers such as, Special Ed, Eric B & Rakim, Slick Rick and Dougie Fresh, just to mention a few, it wasn’t until he had his first Christian rap project in 2009 that convinced him to further pursue a career in what is commonly called Gospel rap music.
He credits his Christian rap influences to the Christian rap group phenomenon 116, which includes artists Lecrae, Trip Lee, Andy Mineo, KB, and Tedashii. He has also been influenced by other artists, Da Truth, Shai Linne, and Sho Baracka to name a few others. He explains, "When I started living for God, I found the worldly music I played wasn’t in tune with my walk with God. I prayed about this, and God introduced me to these artists. They have been an impact for my growth as an artist and believer in Christ".
JroC’s goals in ministry through music is as scripture indicates, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto ME". He focuses on creating music that will uplift God. He mentions in closing, "God is the only being that can save and positively change the heart of man".
Antoine Collier, also known as RoyalT, provides strength in sound as a dominant voice of sWord Music. From Newport News VA, he’s been in love with music as far back as he can recall.
He has only recently realized his calling in the ministry of music. Although writing lyrics for over 2 years, he began vocally performing within the past 6 months. Although being raised around various local talents, he never considered creating his own music earlier on.
His musical ambitions continue to grow. He gives respect to the late artist Tupac Shakur for the passion and work ethic that was revealed to his listeners. RoyalT explains, "He understood his purpose and gave his heart to the people, that’s the mark I want to leave in my music."
He has always felt the love and comfort through the sounds of good music, but felt that his walk with God needed to be firm and match what he was trying to accomplish lyrically as a songwriter and performer. He was inspired by other Gospel artists such as, Da Truth, Swoop, and Andy Mineo.
RoyalT has a number of goals he intends on accomplishing in life, but pledges to be the best performer of music for God and His will.
He has mentionable performances at The Youth Explosion event held by The Living Word Ministry C.O.G.I.C of Virginia Beach, VA, and the Unplugged Event held by Refuge Nation Church in Newport News, VA.
Brian "Luck" Hamilton resides in Newport News VA; born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. As sWORD Music Manager he is completely focused on the position that God has placed him in, among his band of brothers.
Luck began his musical career promoting in February 2001 with Streetz Magazine and Erbanlyfe Magazine, while interning as a VA Street Team Member for DefJam Records, under the guidance of Gerald Daniels aka "G" and Keith Barham aka "Brougham".
In March 2003, he started his own company Making Money Management which began as a tribute to the lessons learned from promoting, and the individuals that he was graced to have encountered along the way. After two years of learning how the game works, he decided what better way to prove what was learned from the game than by stepping out and showing he has what it takes. He states in a recent interview "I believe that God places you in many situations through life, in order to learn how to do things His way. All of my past promotional and management experiences through DefJam, and working in a secular environment, has led me back to Christ. To be involved in a plan God has already perfected."
Luck began Artist Management/Development after completing Business Management/Administration courses at Thomas Nelson Community College.
De'Geon Briggs was raised in Newburgh, NY a city that has become synonymous with violence. As a young child growing up in an urban area an hour away from New York City it was only natural that he gravitated towards hip hop. Briggs rapped about his environment; the things he saw, heard, and had done himself. However, Briggs also stemmed from a long lineage of Pastors, Ministers, and Evangelists.
Briggs entered the call of God on his life and entered the ministry at the age of 18. He hopes he can captivate his listeners with double punch lines and a smooth delivery. He hopes to captivate their heart's through the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord.
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