"Most media today is crazy! I cannot believe what's considered news… I'm trying to do something that will go against the grain, says Christopher Martin.” “Whatever happened to good news?” The good news Christopher Martin is referring to is Brand Newz!

Brand Newz is created and produced by Hp4 Digital Works and Solution, a multimedia company for film, digital media and theater. This exciting new venture is where Hip-Hop has a new direction. Long before Master P (Percy Miller father of Nickelodeon star and rapper, Romeo) had gone public with changing the face of Hip-Hop, Christopher "Play" Martin had already begun the transformation quietly. His journey began in New York. Christopher was born in Queens, New York. He came from a home where both parents instilled in young Christopher, Christian values and a father that allowed him to dream. He found himself dreaming up a different plan. "I grew up looking up to drug dealers whose fortunes seemed to make them important in my eyes, said Martin.” “I was happy to be in the same room with them, said Martin." Like many misguided juveniles who often times shade their eyes to the light at the end of the tunnel, Martin used rhyme and reason to move past the irresponsible behavior of his youth and which put himself in a different spotlight other than the street life that he was around but didn't have to be a part of. Playing around got him kicked out of school after school. He was seeking an unfulfilled urge that manifested itself accompanied with not having to be held accountable for his actions.

“After a failed marriage to actress Shari Headley and other disappointments of the heart, Martin wised up.” “I stopped fighting, I realized my actions were a season in my life, said Martin.” “The pinnacle of all of that was done in my human strength.” “I had no passion for anything, especially the entertainment industry.” “I found myself in turmoil.” “I could no longer be willing to do anything for the fame and fortune.” “It wasn't me, said Martin.

Martin, talks to Center Stage about HP4 with Brand Newz…listen to what he says. “HP4 with Brand Newz wants to provide an alternative to today's mainstream media.” “We want to inspire and encourage the community.” “We are not trying to be the number one gunman in town.” “When you are number one, you have to watch your back every moment of everyday.” “I learned that with Kid 'n Play.” “We were experiencing success and still needed to grow and that's a great healthy challenge.” “I wasn't challenged before, says Martin." He makes reference to his earlier years of fame. “The venture will highlight current and future professionals, CEO's, we’re Taking the energy and uniqueness of the story to another level.” “We are bringing various experiences of others through digital media and music to be heard and viewed with new eyes and ears, says Martin.” “I’m tired and almost lost my life because of my ignorance and of the propaganda that is broadcast today, says Martin.” Martin has developed a necessary foundation along with his business partners that our community needs. “If we can see ourselves in a better light, the world can, says Martin.” “I want people to know that they can be entertained, excited and informed with Brand Newz.” “Due to age and God's transformation, I have grown, Train up a child in the way he should go, says Martin." Martin did just that. He left high profile involvement of the music, acting and the ungodly lifestyle behind. Celebrity is a drug far more addictive than any illegal substance. How could he walk away? Pausing, he plainly stated: "My father was my life saver.” “I kept his words in my memory.” “He would talk to me." Heeding the words of his father has lead Martin down another road. The road that he describes as salvation. "I was ready to pull the trigger to a snub nose 38 revolver pointed right at my head, said Martin.” “Then God ask "I gave you your time to do what you would with your life to this point.” “Will you trust and give me a turn with it"? was the question he pondered before closing the door on his path and opening a new one.

Christopher Martin has a gift of influencing and directing people on a better path. He is inspirational and uplifting to the youth. Martin has proven to the masses that there is life after reckless stardom. "I always say Hip-Hop isn't dead, it's probably comatose for now but not if we can show them (fans) what else we can do with it, says Martin." Mr. Martin is seeking originality. The heat is on to bring out the real character of an artist and not just another gimmick. When we talk about hip-hop pioneers such as Martin, Heavy D, Nas, Common, and countless others, maybe Hip-Hop can regain consciousness. Hip-Hop is a lot of things, comedy, heartache, joy and lessons that is made up of all parts of components in a culture. Artists use to have a story to tell, now it seems like everyone is just telling stories. "When you have an answer you usually sit down, but when you need an answer you get up and move to find one, says Martin.” “That's why sitting down is rare for me these days…I gotta keep it movin for myself, others and especially the legacy I owe my sons (Christopher and Skyler) that hopefully they will be proud of, said Martin.”


Kamah Alicia Scott
Freelance writer
www.kas.mysite.com
"Kima"
Always ask, somebody might say yes
www.myspace.com/urbanbookwriter

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