Two and a half years after the release of his Still Livin' Mixtape, London, U.K.-based Jahaziel releases his first album. Heads Up is Jahaziel's first project on Xist Records and is a project that is delivered from the heart with as much passion for his community as we saw from Alex Faith on ATLast, and as much zeal for the Word of God as we saw from shai linne on Lyrical Theology Part One. The album contains the type of wordplay we are used to from artists like KB and Andy Mineo and bangin' beats like we usually hear from This'l.
The first track, "I Said Yeah," pays homage to Jahaziel's Jamaican bloodline with its reggae/dancehall feel. The song is a testimony of God's goodness to Jahaziel and how happy he is that he said yes to God and he suggests "that you do say yes to Him, on the cross He said yes to you." The song immediately draws you in through it's lyrics and overall vibe.
"Amen" goes off crazy hard. Once the drop hits, so will your fists, you cannot help but to bounce to this one. Jahaziel's word play on this one is just this side of incredible. However, underneath the crazy beats and the incredible lyricism, there is a purely Gospel centered message and a worship anthem that proclaims, "Amen, He's God, Amen, He's good, I'm a keep on yellin' ‘til it's understood."
The truth on the album continues to be revealed on "Famous." The song is about moving from worshiping fame to worshiping the Famous One. Also included on this song is one of the best 80's pop culture references I have heard - "See how I was a robot / Now I'm alive / He short circuited my sin / man, I'm Johnny 5." There will be listeners who won't get that reference just purely based on age, but for those of us that remember that piece of '80s cheddar, it will make us smile as much as, "When that bell sounds / I'm Rocky Balboa in the 12th round / I black out when I'm in the zone / I tag team team / I don't fight alone / This Rock is my protector / Not Sylvester / but Christ alone / The judge we dread / gave first blood as the ram, bro / took that bullet to head / instead of demolition man."
In same vain, "V.O.H." is about identity in Christ. Jahaziel takes on one of the most talked about issues in Christian hip-hop today, "Christian rapper" versus "rapper who is Christian." The key answer is that he is a vessel of honor, he knows his calling, so call him whatever you want to. It is a debate that is growing old, this is a great response.
The first single from the album was "They Don't Know" featuring Jahaziel's uncle and reggae/dancehall superstar Maxi Priest.The song talks about the real issues of life in Jahaziel's neighborhood, and the cry in the ghettos across the globe that the people outside really don't know what is going on, nor do they really care. There is a mission field in the middle of our cities that is underserved by the gospel and left to die a slow, wretched death, until the property values get low enough to make it attractive to developers and then the people are displaced for something more beautiful like high-rise condos and 5-star restaurants.
"My Angel" is a love ballad to Jahaziel's wife. These types of tracks have almost become standard on every Christian hip-hop album. It talks about a real relationship between man and wife and not the secular worldview of relationships where they talk about the plethora of women they are with on a weekly basis.
Things get real once again on "Round and Round." The song is about addiction and all the types that exist. It talks to the nature versus nurture debate. Dealing with real-world issues such as drug addiction, homelessness, child abuse and dealing with popularity. This song's vibe is a little more chilled than the rest of the album, this serves the listener to close their eyes and reflect on the lyrics and the message.
Closing Thoughts:
From top to bottom this album is solid. Strong lyrics, varied sounds, high production values, and a consistent gospel message. There is are songs that testify, teach and praise. There is self reflection by Jahaziel, and moments for the listener to reflect. There is no question about the gospel being presented. The message of grace and redemption is woven throughout the album and the album finished with a song about Heaven, the place we all want to finish. This may well be one of the albums that take people by surprise this year. You have your warning. Don't sleep on this one.
Song to Download Now:
"They Don't Know (feat. Maxi Priest)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Half the Crew, All the Boom | Posted November-08-2013
It has been seven years since The Flood, and somewhere along the way the crew has been cut from four to two, but Chille Baby and Mr. Solo are representing Jesus as Defenders Of The Faith on their newest album. Gospel Gangstaz trace their roots back to 1994, and along the way they have collected Dove and Grammy nominations, but most importantly they have been instrumental in spreading the Gospel, and with it life, in the neighborhoods where they once were active gang members of the notorious Crips.
The first time I heard the Gospel Gangstaz was 1999. It was total West Coast style but it provided light whereas their contemporaries in the mainstream were spreading darkness. Pressing play on this album took me right back. The style is the same. They haven't sold out to sound like anyone else.
The album opens with "Roll On," a true representation of what Gospel Gangstaz is all about. The bass hits hard and the hook is catchy. One of the best line's on the album is in this first track: "'til He revealed the mystery like Alfred Hitchcock / and now we revealin it to you through hip hop." This speaks to where they came from and how they continue to roll on for Christ.
"Defenders Of The Faith" starts off with a video game type sound and then the bass slams hard. This album bangs for days. Although this is the title track, it may be one of the weakest on the album. With the background "woos" and the alien sounding vocals in the chorus, it detracts from the solid sound in the rest of the album. "Braids In" redeems the off sounding DOTF with a solid hook and a return to that West Coast sound that is so familiar. It's a come-as-you-are type of song. A song of redemption but redemption that doesn't cost you your identity in some sort of legalistic, religious ceremony. I like the line: "I got my braids in / and my pants hangin low / that's how I praise Him." It's not about your hair or clothes, it's about your heart.
"Walk With Me" was released in August. I don't think I ever got so excited for a comeback album than I did when I saw that tweet. I downloaded the track from soundclound and waited in anticipation for the rest of the album. It is more classic Gospel Gangstaz. Nothing fancy, just straight fire. "2Nite" is a praise song. It is reminiscent of West Coast funk and soul. The bass line slaps and the song grooves. Clear the living room for this one, the whole party will start doing the electric slide.
One thing Gospel Gangstaz never forget is where they came from. "Low Ridin" pays homage to the low rider lifestyle that is so familiar in L.A. There's a NWA sample in the track and they even have a sample from their 1999 album I Can See Clearly Now. The record cuts are nice and the Gospel message is still clear and strong.
The album ends on a high note with "Don't Dance." There may not be a more familiar line from the hip hop culture than Sugar Hill Gang's "up jump the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie the beat." Well, in "Don't Dance" we learn that gangstaz don't dance they boogie to the boogie the beat. The song grooves with the same funk and soul of the classic rap trio, and even features Bootsy Collins from Parliament-Funkadelic.
Closing Thoughts: The uninitiated Christian hip-hop fans may not enjoy this album quite as much as I did. There was a nostalgia to the album that was reminiscent of my early walk with Christ. Gospel Gangstaz along with Cross Movement were the first Christian hip-hop albums that I owned that gave me an alternative to what I had filled my mind with. It wasn't cheesy, it wasn't poorly produced. It was the Gospel wrapped in solid West Coast rap. Even though it is just Chille and Solo now, they haven't lost focus on what got them their fan base. It is half the crew but it still maintains all the boom.
Following on the heels of the mixtape released in 2012, Alex Faith is back with ATLast. The album brings together a stunning group of features, hard hitting beats, real life lyrics and a clear message of the redemptive power of faith in Christ.
The album opens with "ATFirst." A smooth piano intro leads to big drop, the bass hits hard and smooth. At first listen, Alex Faith's voice sounds very similar to Andy Mineo. Though the voice is similar, the style is different, so there is no misconstruing that he is trying to play off Mineo's fame.
"City of Nightmares" is about growing up in a rough city and juxtaposing that to Heaven and the future held in Christ. Alex's flow is incredibly smooth, and the addition of Tragic Hero on the track adds just the right touch of roughness. The song sounds like it could be from a horror movie, like something is sneaking up behind you.
The clear message of life in Christ continues with "Light Up." The song features the unique sound of Trip Lee which plays nicely off of Alex's smooth flow. The bass hits crazy hard in true dirty south style. The song is about being a light in this dark world, something as Christians we profess to do but at times fall short of how much light we could give off.
Collision Records labelmate Christon Gray features on three songs on this album. The first is "ATFirst", the second "Hold Me Down" and the third "ATLast." The album slows down with "Hold Me Down," but not in a negative way. The song speaks of a man asking his wife to stay close and support him. It is a heartfelt song; a place many couples get to as one is trying to start something new. In "ATLast," the verses walk through challenges of life in a rough neighborhood, to the challenges of life when our focus is on pursuits of worldly success. At last, the only thing left is Christ. Within these three track, Christon Gray proves once again why he is being featured on so many albums lately. His vocals add new depth to an already in-depth album.
As the album slows down with "Hold Me Down," it is followed by "Refuge (Interlude)." This is a spoken word piece by Odd Thomas from Humble Beast Records and Beautiful Eulogy. The piece is about the requirement for us to support people with more than empty words. It is an exhortation to the church that God's Word is our only refuge and comfort.
If three features with Christon Gray wasn't enough, J.R.'s distinctive vocals are featured on "Bloodlines." His ominous vocals draw us into the song while Alex delivers a message about about where we are from and where we are going: "My life will show them / Your words will free them / To see what, what I believe." We are born with a natural bloodline to our family, but once we are Christians we have a new bloodline with Jesus Christ.
I mentioned earlier how much Alex Faith sounds like Andy Mineo. On "Runaway" we get to really hear it. The vocal tone is similar, but styles are completely different. There is a smooth gospel flow to the song. They deliver a message about the choice that we have to either face our fears or run away from the plans God has for us. I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 that tells us "'ForI know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'"
The next two tracks, "Pull Up" and "Never Giving Up," go off hard with features by Tedashii, Cory Paul and Social Club. The beats punch you in the chest and the message hits equally hard. This is a nice section to the album that then leads into the extremely thought-provoking "Refuge," which features Dre Murray and JGivens. This piano-driven track will make you sit back and pay attention. The third verse is by far the best verse on the entire album with innovative references to pop culture and incredibly smooth flow. The song would be best described as a cypher. There is no chorus or hook to speak of, just lyrical athleticism from the three artists.
Closing Thoughts: I was thoroughly impressed by this album. It is varied in styles but consistent in message. It features so many of today's top Christian Hip Hop names, yet Alex's own style is not overshadowed. From hard hitting bass, to smooth gospel, to piano driven, thought provoking songs, this album is complete in every sense of the word. It may not get the press coverage of the other albums being released in the same week, but it is more than worth the price of admission.
Song to Download Now: "Bloodlines (featuring J.R.)"
Fast Lane is the debut EP from Natalie Villa. A rookie in the industry by no means, Natalie steps out front and center in this upbeat, dance album. Natalie has featured for artists such as Canon, Derek Minor and Chad Jones and has been a featured worship leader at many conferences in the U.S. and Canada.
The album starts with the title track "Fast Lane." The bass hits really hard and you can't help but start moving to the rhythm. The song is about moving from a place of insecurity into discovering our identity in Christ. The fast lane is the life we think will lead us to happiness until we realize we are completely empty without Jesus in our lives. In a time of Miley Cyrus's twerking it is always refreshing to have a young woman who our young ladies can listen to and have as a positive influence in their lives.
Up next is "Turn It Around." The sound changes from an upbeat dance song to something driven with electric guitars and a straight drum beat. It is a little less original sounding than the first track and is reminiscent of standard Christian pop fare. The message remains constant in this song and gives glory to Jesus to being able to turn our lives around from the direction that we may be pointed.
Back to the dance vibe in "LOL." A heavy electronica sounding drum line along with synth and processed vocals are on the menu for this fun song. As the title suggests, the song is about the joy that Christ brings us and she even pays homage to the Sunday school favorite, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart." The message is simple the sound is fun. This one should be a standard at vacation bible schools everywhere next summer.
Things slow down with the piano driven, "The Center." Natalie goes back to her worship roots and displays some real vocal chops in this one. It is an artist's prayer about keeping God as the center no matter how much she accomplishes: "I could have it all, It wouldn't mean anything, if you're not the center of my life. If I don't have you, then I don't have anything, if you're not the center of it all."
The album closes with a remix of "LOL." This version features more guitar and straighter drum beat. It is closer in sound to "Turn It Around." There is rap feature from Liquid and a vocal feature from her husband, Marco "Oracle" Lobos. It is a nice finish to the album, but when there are only five songs on an album, it somewhat leaves the listener wanting a little more.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a fun album with a consistent theme of making Jesus the central theme of our lives. In Him is where we can find our identity, He can turn our lives around and He can fill us with joy as long as He is the center of it all. I look forward to hearing more from Natalie Villa and seeing how her sound matures on her next solo album.
There are certain sounds and artists that take us back in time. Most of the time, these sounds remind us of something pure, something good. When I first press play on Two, I was reminded of highschool, of the smooth sounds of groups such as De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest. Now don't go googling those secular groups, because what The Battery offers you is that same sonic goodness in a Christ glorifying package.
The first question to be answered is who is The Battery? The Battery is a collaboration between Christian hip hop veterans Jurny Big and Peace 586. Back in the day, Jurny and Peace were involved with the group Tunnel Rats, and now they've come together again with an old school, west coast sound.
A smooth "Intro" prepares us for the bombastic journey we are about to embark upon. There may be nothing sweeter than a DJ spinning on the ones and twos with some smooth scratching. "I'm Good" is the first full track and gives us JurnyBig right where he belongs, dropping smooth rhymes with Peace mixing like the pro that he is. The song is so smooth and flows effortlessly. This, my young readers, is a master class in emceeing.
Up next is "Cuddit" featuring Tunnel Rats alum Sev Statik and Canadian hip hop artist RationaL. The solid production continues and the beats continue to flow. A slick bass line underlies this track. The song is directed at people who continually run their mouths about things they truly have no idea about when they just need to cut it out. Each verse is on point, and each rapper displays incredible lyricism.
People who live in "Glass" houses shouldn't throw stones. This is the idiom that starts the next track. JurnyBig goes in about other Christian emcees judging, but doesn't name names. He talks about how Tunnel Rats were discounted as Christian rappers due to their battle rap style rather than being rappers that were Christians and living a Christ-led life, yet not being so overt in the Gospel message within their lyrics. Seems like the division in Christian hip hop didn't start with Lecrae.
Continuing with the Tunnel Rats reunion, Propaganda shows up on "Finna Be." For those of you not educated in urban slang, "finna" is slang for "going to." The song speaks to being who you really are and not acting like someone you are not. A large problem in today's culture is the facade that people put on, the show that we perform on an imaginary stage, when all we are called to be is who God created us to be.
"Cole Haan" features Shames Worthy (formerly known as Raphi), another Tunnel Rats alum. The beat is so solid on this track, and the creativity with adding in the whistling is something I have not heard. The verses are seamless.
Playdough and Shames show up for "Mama Bet The House." This is a track dedicated to moms and the support that they give us in whatever we do, regardless of what the other ladies at the salon think. "Confidence" changes sonically, going extremely hard and getting away from the smooth flow of the rest of the album. The rhymes are rugged, and the bass feels like a gut punch. It snaps your head back and gets you ready for the finale.
The album closes with "This One," a personal diary entry by JurnyBig about what the game is truly about. It is about serving the one true God. He walks through the influences in his career, and settles that the path journeyed was on purpose and that God directed his footsteps along what may have been the path less traveled.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is a hidden gem. There is no big national release, no huge twitter response. It is pure hip hop, executed with skill and craftsmanship. The beats are nostalgic without being cheesy. The rhymes are timeless without sounding out of place, and the entire feel is old school without feeling out of date. If you enjoy fine hip hop, pick up this album. You will not be disappointed. Unless your favorite member of the Tunnel Rats was Dax— then you may be slightly.
The first review I wrote for NewreleaseTuesday.com was for Rapzilla's first project, King Kulture. Now here I stand again, reviewing the latest project, King Kulture: Stop The Traffic. Just as my knowledge of Christian Hip Hop has grown, so has Rapzilla's ability to put together a solid compilation. This project tackles the very real issue of sex trafficking, and proceeds from sales of the album will benefit a great organization based in and focused on NYC called NYCUP (New York City Urban Project).
The album features 16 tracks by some of the hottest acts in Christian Hip Hop as well as from new up and comers. The album opens with "First World Problems" from brand new artist Kidd. More than a hashtag on social media, "First World Problems" speaks to real issues. Although Kidd only raps two short verses for this opening track, we quickly hear why he is making a name for himself: "Y'all dyin for Js / They dyin' from aids / Look for the Prince of Peace solution is found in the name Jesus." It is a solid opening track with an African feel underneath a solid beat.
Flame shows up next with "Cashews"— an odd title for a song at first glimpse. At closer listen, the song speaks to the transformation of the mind of sin life to saved life and the non-Christians' view that when a person accepts Christ, it seems as though they've gone nuts.
This transitions into the organic sound of Alert312 on "Murmurs." The lyrical athleticism of Boogalu is front and center. The sound changes completely from the organic beats to a more electro sound on "Show Them" by Skrip, and then to a piano driven track for "We Win" by Rhema Soul.
The piano vibe continues with "Over The Edge" by MC Jin, featuring the vocal talents of Dawen. This song is about dependance on God, and how at times when we feel like going over the edge, we can trust in the Savior to bring us back. The lyrics speak of love, hope and light.
Things start to get a little more real with "First Date" by Gowe. The song talks of a girl's experience with being disrespected and used, and her transformation when she realizes that a true gentleman exists in the person of Jesus Christ. From worthlessness to pricelessness.
If you have a weak stomach or are easily offended by the horrors of the commercial sex trade and sexual abuse of children, then you may want to skip "What Will It Take" by spoken word artist Janette...ikz (pronounced Genetics). This is ten minutes of raw emotion and at times extremely graphic. On first listen I tweeted that after three minutes I was enraged at the human condition. My wife lasted two minutes. It is that real and raw.
Andy Mineo gets the title track, "Stop The Traffic." The rawness continues. The song speaks to the condition of the sex trade and sex trafficking in general, but within the song, Mineo reminds fathers how important it is that they love their daughters and affirm them as beautiful women so that they do not run to other men for that affirmation. Co Campbell features on the chorus and his voice plays perfectly off of Mineo's.
Superstar women of Christian Hip Hop are up next with Butta P and V. Rose on "Rescue Me." It is a call to action to help the girls caught in this lifestyle. I cannot begin to describe the emotions evoked by this song.
No hip hop artist speaks for the unspoken for like Sho Baraka. "Tomorrow" is for the lost and forgotten. A simple lyric at the end of the first verse, "despite our ignorant mistakes, when we place faith in the Lord he will bring grace", says it all. After we put our faith in Christ and tomorrow is here, we are "Rejuvenated." Json, Future and Derek Minor deliver the next track with precision. The song bangs hard and proclaims our new identity in Christ. Young Chozen delivers his message on identity with his signature sound on "Royalty."
From banging hip hop in to a dance vibe, Canton Jones brings it on "Runway." This song may be the weakest moment on the album. Thematically it fits, but sonically it feels forced into the album. Relative newcomer HilaryJane delivers the goods on "Not For Sale." Watch out for more from this female artist from Houston.
The album closes with Propaganda bringing it as only Propaganda does with "Healthy Don't Need Doctors." It will leave you questioning what you're doing to be part of the solution.
Closing Thoughts:
The folks over at Rapzilla.com have nailed this compilation. 15 out of 16 tracks can solidly stand on their own, each one espousing top production values and lyrical content. There is something for everyone on this album. Whatever style of hip hop you are into, you will find it here. It provides a great introduction to lesser known artists while giving us the taste of some of the biggest names in the genre right now.
Some people may be put off by the realism and rawness of some of the tracks, but just because an album is truly representative of Christ doesn't always mean that it is family friendly. There are some tracks on this album that may not be suitable for inquiring minds in the minivan. I appreciate the album from top to bottom and the emotions that it evokes, especially as a parent to three young girls who may be victims if they weren't born into the situation they were.
Growth is the debut release from Brandon "B-Luv" Johnson. The album is a solid mix of hip hop and R&B with a shot of worship for good measure. With a heart for youth as the Assistant Youth Director at Agape Family Worship Center in Rahway, NJ and through his non-profit work with his own charity youngmindsBIGDREAMS, this album touches on the struggles we all face, but specifically focuses on the young urban sub-culture.
"Opening Night"opens the album. In this track B-Luv gives a picture of where he has come from and where he is today in his ministry. He dedicates the album to God and prays for the listeners of the album. It is clear from the get go that B-Luv's message is that of the gospel and making sure that God gets the glory and that the audience doesn't worship Brandon.
In "All of Me," B-Luv offers himself to the Lord to be used in the ministry and exhorts the audience with 1 Timothy 4:12. The audience is clearly young people who have been doubted and limited based on their age. This song, however, is B-Luvs testimony of how God can use the young.
"unTITLED" is the first single from the album and features Darion Ja'Von. A solid trap beat underlines this song. The song once again focuses on how God can use a regular person and that titles are not important to do the Lord's work. The song is a solid offering and offers a solid message: "I ain't never been to seminary, but my job is to pull them out the cemetery." The great commission doesn't get any simpler.
Canton Jones features on "Love Of My Life." This is a solid R&B vibe, because every good love song features smooth R&B vocals. The initial bars in each verse can be easily translated to be for the woman in a man's life, but the verses each transition into a love song for Jesus.
From trap to R&B to boom bap, "Guidance" changes gears on the album musically, but thematically things flow. Featuring Da Truth, TWYSE and Darion Ja'Von,"Guidance" is a young man's prayer looking to God and mentors in his life for guidance on overcoming the traps that people can fall into and learning from the mistakes of others. It is a case of "as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
The next two songs, "Grow"and "The Vow," feature incredible female vocalists in JAI and Taylor Elise respectively. "Grow" focuses on how God leads through a journey in life to grow our faith. "The Vow" compares the vows a man makes to his wife to how Christ made a vow to His bride, the Church. The addition of the female vocals adds depth to the album as a whole.
"HERO" features the vocal talents of JR. Any track that JR adds his vocals to is worth a listen, and this one does not disappoint. "HERO" is about how Christ is the true superhero in our lives and saved the day for us.
Closing Thoughts:
In total, Growth has 15 tracks. Each one adds to the next, maintaining a consistent theme of Christ's love and salvation. This truly is Gospel Rap, and the listener will never question whether or not B-Luv is a Christian rapper or a rapper that is Christian. The album is filled with references to Christ's death on the cross and how much He loves us. The heart and humility of the artist is evident throughout the album. It is a refreshing album in light of some of the heavier albums being released.
12 Songs. 3 Features. 1 Great God. | Posted August-28-2013
Hailing from Bogota, Colombia, Soulfire Revolution is a modern worship band whose passion is to inspire many to know Jesus in an intimate way. Revival is the debut album from this powerful group, and based upon this album, they are fulfilling their mission.
The album begins with a solid guitar line very reminiscent of Jesus Culture. The title track "Revival" is led by Soulfire Revolution member Lorena Castellanos and features Kim Walker-Smith. It is a powerful song calling us to a deeper place of worship and a prayer for revival across the church. It's also a great place to start this worship journey. The vocals between Lorena Castellanos and Kim Walker-Smith flow seamlessly. Generally, I am not a fan of female lead, uptempo worship, but this song is on point.
Next up is "Hallowed Be Your Name." This song could easily be misidentified as a Hillsong track. The heavy synth and processed vocals are very reminiscent of Zion. This is to be somewhat expected in today's modern worship, as United has set the bar for worship bands. The song is excellent and doesn't make me think they are copying anyone. Any worship song that can artistically blend in the most famous prayer in Christendom and not sound forced will engage the congregation to sing out whether they know the verses or not.
The bass line is infectious on "What An Awesome God." Solid bass and drums are the feature of this song musically. Speaking of drums, Soulfire Revolution has a female drummer named Paola Sanchez that makes them almost exactly like Skillet. Well not really, but it is a fact that had to mentioned because the drums on this album aren't lacking in any way, shape or form. The song simply speaks of all of the amazing attributes of the awesome God that we serve.
Based on recent twitter buzz, the next track "Spirit Break Out" may give "Oceans" from Hillsong United a run for its money for best worship song this year. The song is simple and just calls for the Spirit to break out and break down these walls. It is extremely melodic and definitely leads the listener to close their eyes and worship along. The treat to listeners comes in the second verse with TobyMac featured rapping a few bars. It really is a wonderful song and a wonderful prayer for the church.
"Glorious"continues the infectious groove of the album. The drums draw you in while the synth gives you a place to sit and rest. This is followed by the final feature on the album where Martin Smith lends his voice to "Count The Stars." This is a beautiful song. Period. The lyrics are poetic and the song is driven forward with a solid piano line.
Closing Thoughts:
The fact that there are three incredible features on this album should not be the reason you go out and buy this. If the three songs were not on the album, you would still have nine amazing worship songs that any worship leader should seriously consider adding to their Sunday setlist. My heart is blessed that a country more well known for coffee and cocaine is having a move of God that would produce such a powerful worship album. God is moving in this Earth. This is evidence.
The latest album from God Chaserz Entertainment’s founder, Brinson, is an exercise in evangelical entertainment. No Other Heroes combines Brinson’s strong knowledge of the Word with his talent as an emcee to make for a lively album that get’s your head bobbing from the beginning.
The album opens with "Chase God." A strong synth sets the foundation for the track as a banging bass drum drives the track forward. The song is about lifestyle Christianity, that is, something that is everyday, not just Sunday. The second verse is full of clever lyrics about the growth of a Christian: "So I lay my life down, never pick it up, rip it up / was a baby Christian, sippy cup. On a destructive path full of potholes / ’til Christ cleaned me up, wiped my snot nose." The song is an encouraging one for those of us that have been following Christ and will re-focus you and the pursuit.
"3D Standout" follows along in the same vein as the first track. It is about not blending into the crowd but standing out for Christ. The electro-synth flavor remains and is hard hitting. The verses are strong, the vocals on the chorus, however, are lacking.
"Hit the Floor" hits crazy hard. It’s not the banging bass drum, but still manages to punch you in the gut. Thematically the song sticks to the first two tracks and talks about being proud about representing Jesus. This definitely should be a song on your playlist. The final note on this track is that goes back some hip hop roots with some record scratching.
The feeling slows a little with "Gold." The song talks about a talented young man who grew up in the church but leaves his roots for the glitz and glam of fame and the image associated with with popularity. At the end of the track, the young artist realizes the err of his ways and gives up the fame. While mocked by the label and publicists he simply says, "when I walked away from the Lord, I lost everything."
"Not Too Far" is the first clearly evangelical song on the album and speaks to how we are never too far from God to come to Him. The verses are tight and the female vocals are much improved over "3D Standout." The song does carry on for about thirty seconds too long, I can only guess that this for reflection by the listener before switching gears into "No Name." A song that speaks to how we can all work for the gospel and represent Christ regardless of our standing in life.
"Nobody" is a hard-hitting Christian hip-hop worship song. I know many traditionalists wonder how hip-hop can ever be referred to worship music, but when the song is about how amazing our God is and a chorus that repeats, "There’s nobody like my God," you can truly enter into that same place you would listening to United.
"Most Importantly" is an interesting interlude in the album. Brinson thanks the listener and makes a call to the listener to come to Jesus, and leads us in the prayer of salvation. It is a unconventional and bold move, especially given that it is its own track and not a trailing end of song about salvation. He also goes beyond the prayer and gives solid instruction about reading the Word, prayer, attending a Bible believing church, and becoming a part of the universal church.
This album is solid from beginning to end. Each track has strong beats and it carried with moral values along with high production values. Brinson brings it on this album and speaks to Christians at varying stages in their journey. I know that the devil isn’t afraid of our appearance, but the way Brinson brings truth on this album, he should definitely fear the beard.
Admittedly, Heath McNease was relatively unknown to me prior to completing this review. Surprisingly, to this reviewer, The Weight of Glory Second Edition - A Hip-Hop Remix is McNease's 11th album, which for a relatively unknown artist set me back in my seat a little to wonder what I've missed.
This piece of indie artistry made me take notice of an interesting artist whose work in this instance reminded me of the likes of Propaganda and Beautiful Eulogy. Additionally, anyone who takes the work of venerable C.S. Lewis and turns it into a hip-hop album is worth a listen in my book.
The first song, "Edmund," is inspired by the complex character of the same name found in Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia—specifically, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The acoustic guitar and organic beats are instantly reminiscent of Beautiful Eulogy. It was after listening to this song that I finally realized that Edmund is Lewis' version of Judas. So this gives Mr. McNease top marks for teaching me something.
In the four verses of track two, McNease walks through personal examples of "The Four Loves," based on the book of the same title by C.S. Lewis. The four loves are: storge - affection, which McNease relates to his family; phileo - friendship, which he relates to friends and the connections he made after he left his own home town; eros - romance and finally agape - unconditional love, the love he experienced when he gave his life to Christ. This is a deeply personal testimony, expertly crafted together.
McNease takes bold approaches in walking through 12 of Lewis' works including titles such as "The Great Divorce," "A Grief Deserved" along with its partner piece "The Problem of Pain," "Mere Christianity," "The Screwtape Letters" and "The Weight of Glory."
Closing Thoughts:
The only book I had any plot knowledge of prior to this review was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and I had heard of Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. Through McNease's artistry and personal reflection contained within this album has definitely given me a desire to read the books that inspired this album.
The sound definitely seems inspired by the production team over at Humble Beast Records, and at points, McNease's own flow seems eerily similar to Propaganda and Beautiful Eulogy. Top marks given for creating an album based on true literature, however some style points were deducted for just how close it sounds to other artists out there.
The album is available on Noisetrade so don't hesitate to go and pick it up and leave Heath a fat tip over there for being bold and creative.
MarkRyan_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
