L.B.F. Records
Last Shall Be First
L.B.F Staff
Russell Hickman, CEO of LBF Records decided to start his label after many years of being in the music industry as the artist "Raptillion." He believed that God had called him to themusic ministry as a Christian Rap Artist in 1991 and has been ministering in that field since that time. He has had many exciting ventures since his ministry started in 1991.
He has shared the stage with Margaret Becker, Kelli Risen, Dana Key, and Levi Grovey. Raptillion was the opening act for national recording artists D.O.C (Disciples of Christ). He also was the opening act for Dennis The Christian Rapper and also performed several concerts with him. In 1993, Raptillion competed in the Sails Wind Park’s talent competition winning 1st place in Christian Rap as the best rap artist.
In 1998, he was signed to his first record label, M.O.M.R.I RECORDS of Beltsville, MD where he released his first album entitled, "To God Be the Glory" with the group Eternal Crew that he founded. The song, "Still Going Strong," won most requested song on Altared Lives Holy Hip Hop & Urban Gospel Radio. From there he got connected with FISNO Records and had several of his songs featured on the compilation "Holy Warz." "Soulsides," a song featured on the Holy Warz compilation, was catagorized as the most downloaded song for the state of Delaware.
In 2005, he was officially signed to FISNO Records and featured on the second compilation, "Destination Heaven." Raptillion's song, "You're The Reason " hit the #1 spot on the Spiritual charts on Audiostreet Radio as well as his collaboration song featuring a West coast rapper, Loc Saint, entitled "1 Way 2 Heaven" which placed #2 on the Christian rap charts. Phazon Music Group recognized Raptillion as artist of the month for January 2006. Raptillion just released his first solo album entitled, "Ghetto Therapy"in January 2007.
Renee Hickman joins LBF Records as it's Public Relations Specialist and Director of the A&R Department. Renee has been a part of the music industry just as long as her husband Russell. She has been a performed in concerts and other venues with her husband. Looking to release her first solo project in the upcoming year under her stage name Promise2U, Renee his excited about the potenial that she sees with the creation of LBF Records. She attributes her desire to join LBF Records to the many artists that she has come accross that are looking for someone to give them a chance to be heard. Although she knows that there is a tremendous process that goes in selecting artists and working withartists, she still feels honored to work with those that are trying to "Raise the Fallen." 
LBF Records is excited to have their long time friend Tim Starnes join their team of experts. Starnes was the fist mastering engineer for Russell's (a.k.a Raptillion) first project. Starnes has had many major accomplishments in his life since he first worked with Russell back in 1992. He's joing the team as their Mastor Engineer. LBF is excited to have Tim on board. Some of his accomplishments are:
Starnes recently assisted as a music editor on DeNiro's THE GOOD SHEPHERD (Universal, 2006), assisted film composer Howard Shore as a music editor on Bob Shaye's THE LAST MIMZY (New Line, 2007), Martin Scorcese's THE DEPARTED (Warner, 2006) and THE AVIATOR (Miramax, 2004), and on Peter Jackson’s KING KONG and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (New Line, 2002,3) feature films and DVDs. Starnes orchestrated and arranged Baroque period music for Lasse Hallstrom’s CASANOVA (Touchstone, 2005). In 2004, Starnes made his theatrical composing debut in CLARA’S CHRISTMAS DREAMS, a musical theatre adaptation of THE NUTCRACKER, which performed in New York City through the end of 2004. For composer Stephen Endelman, he orchestrated and arranged AND STARRING PANCHO VILLA AS HIMSELF (HBO Films, 2003), BLUE BUTTERFLY (Galafilm, 2003), and DE-LOVELY (MGM, 2004).
Starnes will work with conductor Carl Davis to synchronise a live performance of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING to the projected film. It will premiere in London in May 2007.
LBF Records is excited to have Patrick Varine join their record label as their Recording and Mixing Technician. Patrick is known in the Delaware community as the Managing Editior for the Sussex Countian Newspaper of Georgetown, DE. Although Patrick's proffession keeps him working on stories, he has a devouted love for the music industry.
He spends his free time working on beats that he produces and sells. Patrick, also known as The Beat Doctor, enjoys his love for music and is always looking for more avenues to promote others through the talent he has.