MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Merry Christmas!! We are back at in again wishing you and yours a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I pray that you spent it well with family and friends and you have full understanding of the meaning of this time of season! So you want to know what I got? MONEY!!! Yes, I received money and clothes this year! I got more coming so I'll let you know when I receive those gifts!

So I'm going to leave you now to spend time with my family so I'll talk to you all after the New Year! Make sure you come and let me know who you are so I can thank you for coming and checking us out here at "The Forte Society!"

So again I say MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Back Home For Christmas!

Yes that's right I'm back home in Atlanta for the Christmas Holidays! Let me first let you all know that I finished the semester with a 3.1 GPA!! (YAY!!!) I had am AMAZING first semester at Benedict College and I'm looking forward to a great second semester. I'll be working on 19 credit hours!! (YIKES!!) But hey I'm Raymond Forte and I can do ALL things through Christ who STRENGTHENS me!! 

There's not really a lot to talk about today, BUT I have a short Christmas list! 

ALL I want for Christmas is a G1 Mobile Phone and a Apple Mac Laptop with a webcam!! (lol) If I get those two gifts, I'll be set for LIFE!!! I have pretty busy weekend coming up so I'll be keeping you all posted on how my weekend went! 

Well I must leave you all but I can't leave without a hot song. Here is one of the greatest Hip-Hop artist of the 90s. He released an album this year called "The Renaissance" and he was a part of the hip-hop group "A Tribe Called Quest" 

Q-Tip - Getting Up 

Did this really happen????

So, it is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday December 9th, 2008. I see my roommate who is leaving home for that day. He's a cool dude (I thought at the time when I met him), he's respectful, yadda, yadda , yadda. He tells me that he's leaving for home, which is New Jersey, and I'm like cool. I had to go to a Christmas Social and I had to go to the Benedict College Gospel Choir Social which was held in Starks Hall.

I go to the Christmas Social in the Swinton Center around 6:20, pray over the food, eat and enjoy my classmates. Once I left the Swinton Center, I went to the BCGC Social in Starks. Around 8:15, I felt like I had to leave, I mean, I already ate, I'm kinda tired and I just want to sit in my bed and have time to myself. So I leave the social and head back to my room, and I saw that my LAPTOP WAS STOLEN! (DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Yep, you saw it right, my laptop was taken out of my room to God knows where. I think that he did it being that he was the last person in the room and the door wasn't forced in. Plus, all of the guys who know him says that he is a cold-hearted thief. I was DEEPLY hurt because it had songs, sermons, work and (sigh) pics from my first semester. But I'm not going to trip. I let my homey Kaos know and he was just as pissed as I was. These things happen for a reason so I have to trust God in situations like this.

So that's the deal with me but I still have my head held high! I'm going home this Sunday and I can't wait to spend time with family and friends this Christmas. I'll be back in Columbia, SC for New Year's and the school is back in action on January 9th. I'm out for now!

This time I want to leave you all with a Old School Classic!

Boys To Men - Mowtown Philly

First Semester, Mission Accomplished

So the first semster is officially over and DONE!!! I'm going home Dec. 14th and I'm so excited!! I hope my GPA is above a 3.0 so that scholarships knock at my door next year!

So now I'll just be on chill mode until that day comes. The school will have its last party of the semester and I think I'll be attending that dance. I'm going to miss my friends over the break but I'll see them in two weeks so its not that long.

So I'll be going to sleep now to prepare for my Freshman Composition final in the morning and I'll be on chill mode until the party later on tomorrow evening! Good Night!!

Oh yeah, I have to leave you all with a song! This song is one of my FAVORITE songs of 2008 by a great artist straight out of Chicago!

Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo

Happy Thanksgiving!!

One of my favorite times of the year has FINALLY arrived!! Thanksgiving is a special occasion spending time with family, friends, eating a bunch of food and last but not least, watching some good ole' fashion FOOTBALL!!! (LOL) 

Yesterday, I visited my church family for the first time in four months, Miracle Deliverance Ministries where my pastor is Pastor Sean Cook. I was SO happy to be back at my place called home and sharing time with them. I am so happy for them because they moved in a bigger facility!! God is going to do some GREAT things for our leaders and our church family and I am excited to be a part of it even though I'm away from home! Today I went to The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church where Rev. E. Dewey Smith is the pastor. I had an awesome time at their service and I had the chance to meet Pastor Smith for the first time. Today will be a fun-filled day sharing what we're thankful for and spending time with each other

From "The Forte Society" I would like to wish you and yours a VERY Happy Thanksgiving! Remember the ones who does not have we have and be thankful for the things that who do have because someone has less than you!! Read Psalms 30 and declare the thanks that you give to God and then Praise him for what he has done for you!! I hate to leave you but you know I must leave with a HOT song! This is a song that should remind in ANY situation, God is God and He's Able!!

He's Able - Jonathan Nelson and Empowerment Temple Praise Team 

I Apologize!!

Hey everyone!! I apologize for not updating this blog like I should have! I went through some things that kinda got me away but I'm back at it again ready to bring the usual hotness to you all!

I went home this past weekend and I'll be going back again next week for Thanksgiving Holidays! This is my FAVORITE time of the year and I can't wait to see my family and friends again. Don't you all just love Thanksgiving? Turkey, Dressing, Greens, Mac & Cheese! I'm getting hungry thinking about it! Also Football, Spades, Games!! Man this is going to be one to rememeber! Plus this is my first Thanksgiving with my MDM church fam. They'll be having a Thanksgiving service next Wedensday! I'm SO excited

Well that's all for now but stay tuned for more! Here's a classic by Justin Timberlake and Beyonce - Until the End of Time

"Apollo Night" at the Township

Hey "TFS" readers! This has been a busy Saturday for me but I made it through. I had to 10 a.m. sound check at the Township Auditorium, 4:00 p.m. Praise Team rehearsal and then I had to come back to the Township to play for a youung by the name of David Williams. After one day of rehearsal, we had to pull off one of the best performances, in my opinion, of the show. We did not win but we both had a great experience.

Here is a clip of the stage before the doors opened

Clip of me talking before we perform

Introducing: David Williams

Feel free to send your comments! Til next time PEACE!!!

Word Movement

Bishop Paul S. Morton - "Faith That Stops At A Question"

Thursday and Pre-Weekend Plans

Hey family! I want to make it offcially known that my president is BLACK!!! As we all know, Barack Obama is our new elected president. Things won't change overnight but this is the beginning of CHANGE in America's image.

This weekend and next week will be one of the busiest weeks of my life! First I have to get up early for a rehearsal at the Township Auditorium at 10:30 am, head to Praise Team rehearsal at Safe Word and Worship Church (my church) at 4:00 p.m. then head back to "the Township" at 7:00 for sound check and perform at 8:00 p..m.

Sunday I have to get up at 8:15 a.m. to for prayer at my church and then we start services at 10:00 a.m. After services, I have to play for a concert with "The Anointed Angels" as they perform with George Dean and the Gospel Four at 3:00 and the concert starts at 6:00 I believe.

So as you can see I will be busier than EVER this weekend! But this is college and I'm enjoying EVERY minute of it!!! Videos will be posted so be on the lookout!!

PEACE!!

Benedict Celebrates Obama's Election

All-Access Pass: Election Day

Today I partcipated in one of the most historic elections in the history of this country. I was excited about this day and I wanted to give my readers the same experiecne.

On my way to vote

Where I was in line..

Almost in the door to vote...

Finally Voted!

Musician Monday's

This week's "Musician Monday's" features Paris Strother. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a degree in Contemporary Writing and Production. Strother has made Dean's List during all four of her years at Berklee and she is a recipient of the "Duke Ellington Legacy Foundation Scholarship". She is also music director Music Director for her jazz band "Paris Strother and Gentlemen".

The list goes on and on for this emerging musician who is going to make some serious noise in the music industry. For more information and to check out her music go to her website at http://www.parisstrother.com/

Here is music that she composed for a "Nike"commercial. Enjoy!

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Word Movement

This week

Bishop Noel Jones - I'm On Good Ground

T.G.I.F!!!! (Thank God It's Friday!!)

What's up family? I had an AMAZING night last night! I went to see one of my favorite preachers of ALL time, Jamal Bryant. He brought an AWESOME word from Judges 1:4-7 entitled "You're Better Than That" and I had the pleasure of meeting him.

If you don't know who Jamal Bryant is here his one of messages


Today I have to turn in a paper and I'm going to bible study tonight. When I first got here, I was usually partyin' but now that God has pulled me away from that, I want to spend time getting deeper in his word so that I can study to show myself approved.

So that's all for now. I'm currently working on the video blog for the Benedict College Gospel Choir so be on the look out for that once that is up.

I must leave you now but you know I can't leave with without a hot song. So here is an unknown hit by Angie Stone called "Lover's Ghetto" off of her 2004 album "Stone Love". You may here a familiar song that is sampled....If you said Luchini by Camp Lo then you're right!! (LOL) Enjoy!!

Thursday Thanks and Thoughts

First I would like to say THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has read the blog and who has shown love to the "The Forte Society". I appreciate EVERYONE who has visited. This is the beginning of something great.

Last night, I was thinking to myself, "I have to vote early", which I should but I think I may wait until November 4th and get up at 5:00 a.m. because I don't need to go through the mess that happened in 2000 with the whole "losing votes" and "miscount" mess. I am anticipating this next election and I'm happy to be a part of it. I would've NEVER thought that my first election I could vote in would be critical in times like these.

Today I have a meeting at 11:00 that's mandatory for freshman and sophomores in the gym. I REALLY don't feel like going because Thursdays I have only ONE class and that's at 4:00. So you know I'm either sleep or.....SLEEP!! (LOL)

I recently found out that my dad lost his eyesight. It hit my heart a little because I don't like to see him in that state but I'll be praying for him as he recovers.

I REALLY want to talk to Tanya right now but she's getting her education on and I ain't mad at that! Can't wait for her to get down here next summer! She really means a lot to me and I can't wait to spend time with her as she pursues her secondary education here at Benedict. I LOVE YOU TANYA!!

Well that's all for now but I'll be back later on for more. As I leave you for now, here is one of my FAVORITE songs that keep me motivated! Enjoy!

Golden by Jill Scott

Benedict College Gospel Choir Homecoming Concert

Tuesday's CRAZY!!

Let me first say that today has been a down and up day. I first wake up to my roommate with his girl and they are doing activities that married people do (if you know what I mean). I was upset because I would've felt better if I was told that this was going to happen but to wake up to it and not having the freedom to leave your bed for your roommate's satisfaction and privacy is a pet peeve!!! THEN there is NO hot water in the building AND on top of that its COLD outside. My day did not start out that well but I'm still here enjoying the opporotunity of going to college.

My day got better later on as I was coming from the bank to get some quarters to wash clothes tonight. I saw my fellow BCGC brother, Rev. Anthony Biggham and we shared an hour of our time together at Hardee's talking about our experiences in life, college and in ministry. He's an AWESOME man of God and I enjoyed talking with him. Now I'm here in the dorm watching Johnny Test! (lol)

So later on I'm going to wash my clothes at "Club Laundromant" with "DJ Spin Cycle" on the 1's and 2's. I may be going around midnight tonight while nobody is there so I can have ALL of the washers and dryers to myself!! Well I'm done for now but I'll be back later! Also, go to "The Kaos Effect" link to your right and download Senor Kaos' "Swagger is Nothing, Talent is Everything" mixtape! Congrats to Senor Kaos for doing his thing and the release of the mixtape. Here is one of the songs from the mixtape entitled "Girls Rock Too". PEACE!!!

Senor Kaos - Girls Rock Too

Monday Thoughts

What's up family? I just realized that I have not ate since I went to the meeting this morning. But anyway, the concert last night was AMAZING!!! From the lights, camera, music and ministry of every choir, last night was the BEST way to end Homecoming week here at Benedict. I enjoyed my first college homecoming week and I look forward to three more years of this same experience.

Tonight I have a dorm meeting at 8:00. I really don't feel like going but its mandatory. After the meeting I'm going to eat somewhere like Churchs, China Wok or my fav, "The Corner" but I'll figure it out sooner or later during the meeting. I'm missing Atlanta right now but I'll be back next month for Thanksgiving. Last year, I had to work (Stone Mountain Park) but this year I'm happy to be a PROUD Benedict Tiger. Well, that's all for now. Gotta head to this meeting but I'll be back later.

Now Playing: I Made It Through Tye Tribbett and G.A.

Musician Monday's

"Musician Monday's" are dedicated to musicans who are in the music industry or making their name known even one knows them. Also, this session will consits of products that are soely for musicians looking for new equipement so they can enhace their career. This weeks "Musician Monday'' is featuring David Jackson from Oakland, CA. When I seen this dude, I was AMAMZED! Now I don't know who he's worked with but I can tell that this guy is headed far in music. Here are a couple clips to show how sick this dude is. Send your comments.

Martha Munizzi's "Because of Who You Are"




More of Jackson Killin'

Sunday Plans and Happy Birthday to Jeriah!

Today is October 26, 2008 and I want to give a SPECIAL shoutout to my brother Jeriah who is turning 19 years old today!! When I get back we gonna celebrate!!! (lol) So I'm in my dorm, sleepy and hyped about tonight. The Benedict College Gospel Choir (or the BCGC for short) will host their annual Homecoming Concert in the gym. This concert will feature the Georgia State University "Vineyard of Praise" and other choirs from around the state (USC, SCSU. etc.) I'm sure that video will be posted from this event so stayed tuned aight!

Well I'm going to sleep for now but come back later for the latest going on with ya boy. Right now enjoy this great song by Rudy Currence called "Nothing To Talk About".

Word Movement

Every Sunday mornings, I'd like to call this the "Word Movement". This gives us a chance to experience the word through the power of the internet if you're not able to attend services in your area. I do, however, would like to encourage you to find a church in your local area so that you may grow spiritually and grow in your relationship with God. For this first "Word Movement" session, I bring to you my pastor, Pastor Sean Cook of Miracle Deliverance Ministries. Here he preaches ''Rehoboth", a message that helps and challenges us in these CRAZY economic times. I pray that you are blessed by the video. Enjoy!

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Allow Me To Re-Introduce Myself....

What's everyone? Yes I FINALLY started my own blog site! Let me give you a quick run down so that you'll know some facts about me and what to expect from my site!

My full name is Raymond Justin Forte. I was born September 19th, 1988 in Atlanta, GA to Raymond and Jill Forte. (Hi Mom and Dad!) I have lived in the "Buckeye" and "Peach" states respectively (for those that don't know that's Ohio and Georgia). I am currently a student at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina majoring in Elementary Education. I am Freshman Class Chaplin and Director of Communications for the Benedict College Gospel Choir under the leadership of Rev. Darryl Izzard. I'm also a blogger for The Kaos Effect ran by Senor Kaos (WHAT UP DUDE?!?)

My hobbies include playing keys, going to the movies, listening to music, going to church, texting, emailing and blogging. I LOVE music with a passion. I'm a keyboardist and I play ALL types of music. I'm currently a musician at Safe Haven Word and Worship Church where Timothy Canty is the Pastor. I love God dearly and I know I have been chosen by him to do his work for the kingdom.

So there, enough about me. You get to know me a 'lil more as time progresses. For right now this is a small introduction of me! So I gotta go now, its 3:00 A.M. and I CLEARLY have to get some sleep for church tomorrow so I'll check with you later aight! Good Night!

Oh yeah, check out my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/rayforte and www.youtbe.com/rforte08