[AMP Movement Interview] "We want to provide a Christian alternative to the music"

The following is an interview with AMP Movement – a Christian rap group from Maryland – Chung Lee, Samuel Ock, James Han. They are invited to the Fresh Concert (July 29, 2011, 7PM @ Pilgrim Church, 4925 Twinbrook Rd. Burke, VA 22015, Phone 703-978-1600) Interviewed by UTDTimes.com



Could you introduce AMP?
AMP started in 2010 and consists of three members: CL, Sam Ock, and J. Han

Could you tell me about your faith in Christ?
Sam: I grew up in a Christian home, but didn't know understand the Gospel until my middle and high school years. During my high school years, my faith in Christ was developed and dedicated to my music.

James: I was saved in 2006 and have been growing in the Lord ever since. Making music has helped me to take more ownership of my faith because I'm forced to articulate my thoughts and express them in a coherent manner. I praise God for the many opportunities He has given to me to spread the message of the gospel. 

Chung: Saved in 2008, the Lord brought me out of heavy drug and alcohol addictions and a life of trouble.  He saved me from myself, showing me who He truly is, my Savior and Redeemer.  Though I grew up in the church, I never understood the Gospel, never had a desire to seek Him, but in my most desperate moments in life, He picked up and set me on a different path, leading me to the cross and giving me a true understanding of what Jesus had done for me.  I would not be here today if it were not for my Lord!

Do you understand Korean language?
We do understand, but speaking is a bit difficult.

Korean language and culture, what do they mean to you?
Sam: The language is a very beautiful language, I wish I spoke it more often as a child, but my parents both spoke very fluent english so I forgot a lot of it. As for the culture, I haven't been to Korea for so long that I find myself slightly estranged to the culture. Hahah.

James: I really appreciate the culture of respect in Korea. I also love, love, love Korean food!

Chung: Growing up in a heavy Korean cultured and traditioned home, at first I hated it to be honest, but the more I look back at it, I really do respect the Korean culture, well at least the way it was back then, it seems that Korean culture today is really changing into being more American.  But, the Korean culture I grew up in, respecting elders, always serving and submitting to those older, humility, and always honoring those around you, I value that part of Korean culture, the discipline and work-ethic that was a part of the culture really had a positive effect on me.  The language, I wish I could speak it better.  I actually think the Korean language, as far as music goes, sounds the best over beats.

When you hear North Korea and human rights, what comes to your mind?
Sam: North Koreans are completely void of their human rights and I'm sure that it breaks God's heart. He is longing for the enslaved to be free, and he must be waiting for the world to take action!

James: More often than not, I take my rights for granted. I forget how good I have it in US because I get so caught up complaining about minuscule problems in my own life.  But then I look at the lives of people in nations such as North Korea who are not as fortunate as me and my heart breaks.

Chung:  What human rights?  I remember watching this video on missionaries in North Korea and they showed some who got caught and they put them in this wooden-fenced in area, that was about 10ft x 10ft on dirt grounds and they fed them once a day, a tiny bowl of rice and they had to just sleep on that dirt ground in the middle of a wide-open field with guards standing on each side of the fence in case anyone tries to escape and you could literally just step over the fence.  It was really sad to see.  I remember stories of if you oppose the North Korean president, not only does he kill you, he takes out your whole family.  They have no rights there, he lives like a king while his people are starving and suffering.



Why Rap music?
Sam: A great way to reach our youth and give them a message that they need, pointing them back to the cross of Christ.

James: I started writing poetry and rapping when I was in 7th grade. I really enjoy expressing myself through the medium of rap music.

Chung: I actually had an issue with Christian Rap in the beginning because I thought, how could this be glorifying to God as I grew up in a very conservative and traditional church.  But, I remember my mom, out of all people, telling me that this was a great way to reach the youth and it was the song by Lecrae, Praying For You, that I really became convinced that, yea, this is a great way to reach the youth.

Any good stories since you debuted?
Sam: A bunch of folks drove 6 hours to see us perform! Praise God!

James: AMP had a hamburger and french fries taste testing bonanza in LA. We had In-N-Out, Jack-in-a-box, and Hardees. In-N-Out won.

Chung: I think the best stories so far have been the comments and emails of those who have bee challenged to seek Christ more earnestly, have been convicted of their complacency, and have been encouraged and even rededicated their lives to Christ through the music.  The best story though has been the ones where people have shared the music with their friends and as a result their friends have been coming to church and accepted Christ.

Can you talk about loyal fans?
Sam: There is one guy named Dukje. I seriously think that he is our number one fan. He's tuned into everything we do, and always super supportive! Hahah =]

James: I agree with Sam

Chung: Ditto Sam, David is the man!  There have been some very consistent and very supportive friends and we are truly thankful for them!  We haven't been doing such a great job in keeping in touch, for that we apologize guys, but we are going to make more of an effort to do so!

Any concert you will never forget about?
Sam: I went to a Delirious concert. It was my first and only time at a Delirious concert. I never knew you could look so cool praising God!

James: I attended a Lecrae concert at my school. I amazed at how he incorporated preaching alongside his rapping.

Chung: Chris Tomlin Hello Love concert because my wife won free tickets off of 91.9 and that was the first concert I've ever been to!

Your role-models?
Sam: JESUS! MY PARENTS!! APOSTLE PAUL!

James: Jesus. My aunt.

Chung: Jesus all the way, then David and Elijah (crazy men of God!) Paul too.

Do you have other jobs other than singing?
Sam: I am a full-time student at UMBC.

James: I am a full time student at UMCP.

Chung:  I work full-time at the American College of Cardiology

What are your visions as Christian rappers?
Our main vision is to encourage the church and also to share others about Christ. We hope that we will be able to provide a Christian alternative to the music that is already out there.

Do you sing non-Christian rap songs? What do you think about gangster rap?
Sam: I have my own Youtube channel: youtube.com/samuelock , I am not a fan of gangster rap.

James: All of my songs address life topics from a Christian perspective.  Gangster rap is no longer my cup of tea. It was when I was in middle school. I no longer am a fan.

Chung: I love praise and worship songs, I listen to them A LOT more than I do Christian Rap.  I grew up on gangster rap and I see how it effected me, definitely not a fan, but I hope one day, maybe guys like Lil Wayne, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Eminem, etc would come to the knowledge of who Jesus is and be turned around completely, that would be a miracle!

What does music mean to you?
Sam: Music is a tool given by God in order to touch the soul and mind in ways that words simply cannot. This is why music MUST be used to praise only our God, because it is so powerful!

James: Great way to creatively express yourself and glorify God at the same time.

Chung: Music is a means to express my heart, as a young kid it was my scapegoat, to escape from life and all the pain that was in it.  That is why it is such a great tool to use to minister to the youth and any generation, music touches the heart in ways nothing else can, and with the Gospel together in it, it can truly change lives!

What do you think of Jayesslee?
Sam: It's very encouraging to see our fellow sisters in Christ proclaiming the name of Jesus to the world. =]

James: God has given them talents and they are using them to give glory and honor to God.

Chung:  I'm glad they are using their talents for the Lord and hope that He will continue to use them mightily to bring more to Him!

Say something to the Freedom Concert audience.
Sam: Thank you so much for having us! It is an honor to be here, and let us pray and advocate together for the freedom of our fellow brothers and sisters!

James: Thanks for having us! I look forward to meeting everybody there.

Chung: Thank you guys for having us, it is a privilege and honor to be a part of something great like this.  Please keep North Korea in your prayers in hopes that religious freedom would be established and that one day, the two Koreas could be one.  [Editor: Amen to that!]

www.ampmovement.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/AMPMovement