By Linda Wakefield Kelley
Enquirer contributor

Tristate teens flooded Cincinnati Bible College over the weekend to experience college life and catch the rap act of John Reuben at a tripleheader concert Saturday night.

Reuben is a native Buckeye hailing, as he termed it, from college football's national champ territory. He's a real-rapper with a hip-hop style embraced by approximately 1,200 bouncing, arm-waving teens.

New recording artists, Seven Places, took the stage first. The lead singer explained their name signifies the seven parts of Jesus' body which bled for mankind. The band's energy and thought-provoking lyrics balanced their lack of polish. They'll shine with time.

Second on the play list was Kutless, the latest contribution from Portalnd, Ore., to the Christian music scene.

Their self-titled release (September 2002) displays an edgy hard-rock sound, refreshingly honest lyrics, and astoundingly intense vocals. Front man Jon-Micah Sumrall's voice gives credence to the buzz that their sound is Creed-like.

Kutless cut loose with the songs "Vow," "Saved," and "Pride Away." Definite crowd-pleasures. However, they nearly stole the show when they unleashed "Run." This single reigns No. 1 on the Christian rock chart, and rock it does.

Not to be outdone, the ever-unique Reuben hobbled on stage using crutches. An apparent twisted ankle forced Reuben to remain seated for the opener, "Divine Inspiration." The hoax was revealed when Reuben threw away his crutches, screaming, "No pain, no gain."

Reuben, along with a back-up rapper and mixology master, DJ Manuel, energetically entertained the for rest of the show. Highlights were "Him Her He She" from Are We There Yet? and "I John Reu," "Doin'," and the title track from Hindsight.

Wanna-be rappers were summoned from the audience for an audition. Some proved that amateurs definitely shouldn't try this, but atleast one accomplished pastor proved his church ought to be fun.

About 50 teens leaped on stage joining Reuben for the finale, the highly popular "Do Not." Reuben didn't seem the least bit fazed.

He has been called the "Christian Eminem." You can debate whether the world needs one. Saturday's young audience, however, would scream, "Yesss!"

<