St. Louis-based holy hip-hop artist Scooda has released his first single in 2013, “What I Do,” a fun, old school track that features DJ MayDay, a disc jockey from Springfield, Illinois, produced by J-Boogie (Key Kat Productions).
In this song, Scooda lets the listeners know how he used to be in life, flirty, disobedient and just a bad person, compared to how he lives now: smart, fun, laid back and, most importantly, saved.
“I used to be a horrible person, flirting with any and every woman I would see, cursing, lying to people – until I accepted Jesus Christ in my life,” Scooda says.
“That is what changed me and helped me to be the man I am today. I just want to help spread the good news of Jesus. If He can change me, He can change anyone.”
Scooda has been doing Christian hip-hop for 10 years, not only creating music but supporting other Christian artists as a co-host of the CBC Radio Show on Hallelujah 1600AM. Scooda has also hosted his own internet radio show and is in the process of putting together another radio show.
With success from older hits such as “Romans 12:2,” “Ministry” and “New New,” Scooda has had the opportunity to open for such name artists as Trip Lee, Mali Music, Kel Mitchell, Da T.R.U.T.H. and JSon. He also made an appearance on national television via TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) and has appeared on various radio stations across the U.S.
When not on the music grind, Scooda takes the time to spend with his wife and children.
For more information about Scooda, please visit http://www.iamscooda.com.
Pastor celebrates 55 years of marriage
Rev. Clarence James Duvall was born on April 17, 1923 in St. Louis. He was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools, attending Marshall Elementary and Sumner High School. He has served in the United States Coast Guard and following his discharge attended Bishop College in Marshall, Texas; Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis and Central College in Kansas City, Kansas.
In June, Rev. Duvall is looking forward to celebrating 55 years of marriage to his loving wife, Jo-Ann. He is the proud father of six children, Victor (Lyn), Monica, Karen, Rev. Clarence Duvall Jr. (Karen), Leslie and Rev. Philip Duvall (Celeste). He is the doting Poppy to his eight grandchildren Cobee, Angela, George (Bessi), Valyn, Alisha, Alana, Liberty and Serenity and two great-grandchildren, Hassan and Leilani.
Rev. Duvall was baptized at First Baptist Church in St. Louis by Dr. Bracey. After hearing the call of God he was led to begin his Ministry in 1948 at Friendship Baptist Church in Buffalo, New York. During his ministry he has served as Pastor of Dickerson Memorial Community Church and First Baptist Church of Ballwin. In 1964 he was called to Pastor the Fifth Missionary Baptist Church, where he served diligently for 40 years, retiring in 2004.
While carrying out his ministry he was also employed by the U.S. Postal Service; Project Incorporated, where he successfully placed many handicapped youth and young adults in various jobs; and the National Personnel Records Center.
Some of his many accolades include receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Western Bible College, Kansas City, MO; being elected as Moderator of the Berean Missionary Baptist District Association; and serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Western Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri.
In retirement he continues to serve as Pastor Emeritus of Fifth Missionary Baptist Church. As a pastor, husband, father and friend he continues to preach and teach the Gospel; encouraging everyone to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
