Who is RIL? RIL is not only an emcee, but also a soldier for the Lord commissioned to reach the masses through hip-hop.

The name RIL, as in "real", comes from the perspective of this emcee. In a time when hip-hop is flooded with beef, bragging, excessive violence, ice and whips, RIL desires to bring a different aspect to the game delivering rhymes steeped in everyday reality and merging the reality of God with the reality of the streets to reach those same listeners. RiL says "Every song is edgy and will leave an impact, but most of all I pray that every listener will be brought to the understanding of the saving power of Jesus Christ and when I say that, it doesn't mean that I'm coming off preachy or lecturing you, but I'm giving you real talk."

Growing up in the streets of Philly seeing everything from drug dealers to murder has fueled his fire to bring truth and hope to every ghetto and every hood worldwide. Having early influences from Philly's own author of gangster rap, Schooly-D, to the street poetics of Kool G. Rap and Nas, to the realness of N.W.A. and Tupac and the charisma of Jay-Z and B.I.G., RIL plans to impact the game with the same intensity and aggression, but with purpose. "Simply put, I was on the wrong path; doing dirt, desiring material possessions, wildlin' out and about to self-destruct until I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus, without Him, I would've been another statistic, behind bars or dead in the ground and for that, I'm in debt to Him, so I do this for Him and it comes through in the music."

RIL has participated in various concerts and church events throughout Philly and New Jersey, as well as opening for Tony Moore and Jehovah's Chosen of Philly Style Records and Da' T.R.U.T.H. of Cross Movement Records.

"To the hip hop industry, I plan on being a problem, I plan on reaching the masses and I plan on bringing God to the forefront, whether you like what I say or not, just respect it, because everything I spit is truth." The Rilology serves as that truth and a testament to the reality of God. "My heart bleeds for every artist who is lost. My heart bleeds for 50 Cent, Ja-Rule, DMX, Shyne, and all those cats who may be confused and don’t know which way to go. Like Christ was moved by us, I feel moved by them. I feel the pain of every family who has lost a child in a cross fire or a random act of violence. I pray for them every day. Every song is my blood, sweat and tears and I pray that it will touch you, convict you and provoke change".

Crossing paths with Beridox of Christ Revolution Music and Neo of God Given Productions, RIL plans on releasing The Rilology in the near future so definately stay tuned.

PHILADELPHIA --- Jireh Productions presents "In Due Season," a gospel musical (back by popular demand), in two performances, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. Written by Connie Norwood and Kenneth Jones, with musical direction by Dale Matthews, "In Due Season" features two Delaware County residents in prominent roles --- co-producer and performer Martin Palmer of Aston and performer James Brown of Yeadon.

"In Due Season" tells the behind-the-scenes story of a hardworking troupe of gospel musicians who decide to stage their own show. In the best Broadway tradition, the show actually stars, and was produced by, a group of hardworking local gospel singers and promoters. Their story of artists coming together to make their dreams come true is as inspiring as the play itself.

The musical features many different styles of gospel, ranging from high-powered, traditional African-American gospel music, to sacred rap and gospel, jazz, and it showcases the songwriting talents of several of the performers.

James Brown will play the role of James (featured artist/young ambitious rapper). Brown’s love of music began at an early age, listening to various groups in the early ’80s when hip hop music was in its infancy, but as the genre progressed, he developed his own voice and passion for the music.

After patterning himself after some of the pioneers of the genre, he began to pursue a career in music by participating in various talent showcases and sending demos to various record labels. Once he became immersed in the church, he began to write songs that were not only reflective of his environment but were also fueled by his love for God. Music opened doors of opportunities for Brown, not only to minister in song but also opportunities to portray Jesus and numerous supporting roles in several church plays.

Brown has ministered at various youth conferences, events and outdoor crusades as a speaker and also in the form of hip-hop music performer. He also has opened for various gospel artists such as Da’ Truth, The Cross Movement and Tony Moore and Jehovah’s Chosen. Currently, he serves as a deacon at his church and is currently working on his CD, "The Seventh Sense," which will be released independently later this year.

When Martin Palmer first had the idea for creating a showcase for some great local gospel music talent, he had no idea that he eventually would end up launching a large-scale music theater piece that would debut on one of Philadelphia’s grandest stages. This will be the show’s second run at the Prince Music Theater.

"At first, I just wanted to put on a concert with a simple skit, but gradually, in talking with other people, we realized that the story of these great local artists was really the story of gospel music today," Palmer said. "There are so many talented people out there who never get their big break. Gospel has become a big business, focused on big companies promoting a small number of artists. We wanted to put the focus back on the people who genuinely want to communicate the true spirit of the music."

Palmer, the pastor of Highway Tabernacle Ministries in Kennett Square, came to music through the church. Both a producer and performer, his latest CD, "Just One Moment" by Martin Palmer and Jehoshaphat was released in 2004. He also recorded "Send Your Anointing" in 1994 with the Southern Chester County Workshop Choir.

Palmer will play the role of Martin (featured artist/Minister of Music/friend of Reuben).

The play features a professional, hard-charging ensemble to back-up the powerful singers. The large-scale production will feature seven singers, along with back up singers, actors and extras. The artists cover everything from neo-soul inflected contemporary sounds, to traditional soaring gospel voice stylings, to hip gospel jazz.

- "In Due Season" is produced by Martin Palmer and Waverly Alston. Written by Connie Norwood and Kenneth Jones, with musical direction by Dale Matthews, the show will have two performances, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. Tickets $30 for matinee; $35 for the evening performance. Discounted parking is available; group discounts available for the evening performance. Call (215) 569-9700 or visit www.jirehprod.com.