Giving back to God, rapper shares gospel with a beat

CALL IT GOSPEL rap, not Christian hip-hop, asks Norfolk-based recording artist Legin, also known as Nigel Anderson. He believes one of the best ways to bring the Gospel to young people is through the music of today's pop culture.

"This is a new way to bring the message and inspiration of Christ to a new generation - as long as the message of God is not tainted."

Legin will release his sophomore album, "The Catalyst," with a live performance Saturday at 7 p.m. at Light of the Life Christian Center (865 Woodstock Rd., Virginia Beach). Admission is free.

"Seek the Lord," the first single from "The Catalyst," doesn't sound any different from what you might hear on the radio.

But listen to the words.

"A lot of people don't know that there are Christian rappers. I was one of them two years ago."

Legin said he made many bad decisions growing up. Things worsened when he lost his father at age 21, fell on hard times and listened extensively to gangsta rap. That changed when he went to a gospel rap event in 2005.

"I made a decision that night to give everything back to God and to do what I do well, which is music. The Lord says in the Bible, 'In everything you do, do it as if you are doing it unto the Lord himself.' So we have to make sure everything we do is top-notch."

To listen to Legin, visit www.myspace.com/legin071

Snatched

Candy Snatchers' singer Larry May is moving to New York City in early April, and guitarist Matt Odietus will soon follow.

"It's just getting more productive and more things done," says May.

The Candy Snatchers have put the finishing touches on "Down at Delilah's," a new album featuring 14 originals and a cover of "You" from legendary Norfolk garage band the M-80s. The album was produced by Dean Rispler, who is shopping it around.

According to May, drummer Sergio Ponce and bassist Idle haven't planned to move to New York.

In the meantime, the Snatchers have two upcoming shows: Saturday at the South End Pub in Virginia Beach and Wednesday at the Baja Cantina, Virginia Beach.

Catch 'em while you can.

In the house

Scott and Cindy Mackey of Norfolk are hosting a roots music house concert on Saturday featuring acoustic musicians Bill Gurley, Mary Lou Osterhous (formerly of Sea-Aira), and Jimmy Masters. The event is designed to raise funds for Tidewater Arts Outreach, an organization that promotes healing through the arts.

For Cindy Mackey, a board member of TAO, the concert serves a second purpose.

"I've been to many house concerts in the region, and people who attend are there to honor the music and really appreciate the show. The musicians also appreciate the opportunity to play in front of a crowd that has its total attention on the performance as opposed to a noisy bar."

Tickets are $25 for the 8 p.m. concert at 609 Westover Ave. Call (757) 754-4553.

Jeff Maisey, (757) 222-3934, jmaisey@pilotonline.com