Metaphorical Monster | Posted August-05-2014
Swoope's back with a follow up to Wake Up, which provided a lot of buzz and garnered accolades from critics and CHH fans alike. It seems as if Collision artists are masters of the concept album, and Swoope does not veer from this. Sinema is the new album, and the concept is that of a person being tempted and lured away by desires that damage their relationship with Christ. He used Proverbs 7 (the adulterous woman) and James 1:13-15 as the scriptural basis for the album. This album didn't grab me at first, but it grew on me through a second (and third) listen with more intent.
Throughout the album there are references to Mya, even phone messages from Mya. Who is this Mya? Mya is a metaphor for temptation and fleshly desires. "Beauty and the Beast" holds a good explanation of who she and her purpose. Swoope spits some heat over a simple boom bap and explains "She got lust in her eyes / Death on her tongue / Chest full of pride / Breast got me sprung / Nothing but destruction on her mind / But wants to keep me thinking that it's love all of the time..She's beautiful and a monster." These are honest and real lyrics, and this album plays out as basically a movie.
On "Sinema," Swoope explains the challenge of trying to get away from the lure of appealing desires (Mya) and how cunning she is. To make matters worse, she won't take no for an answer. He knows that if he gives her an inch (which he did) he will be hooked. Therefore he starts drawing towards her. This is where she starts clouding his mind, which he makes clear on "On My Mind," reminiscent of a psychedelic club track. J. R. adds some serious heat via his falsetto vocals. Continuing with "LSD," things get even more dangerous when those fleshly cravings become an addiction like that of a highly addictive drug. The music is so smooth with sounds of the flute, soothing fender rhodes and the slick vocals of Christon Gray.
It is amazing to see how the story plays out as we wonder if he totally succumbs to Mya and her destructive ways. Things come to a head and Swoope raps with rapid fire passion on "Sin In Me." He recognizes that succumbing to temptation means the birth of sin. Sin will not go away without God's help to help him battle himself. Think Glenn Close on "Fatal Attraction". With God's help he can overcome Mya and "wake up" from this nightmare.
"#Same Team" is a cypher for the ages. It features Dre Murray (who does not disappoint), Tedashii (he smashes), Yaves, J Givens (he keeps delivering), and J Gives (who nailed his verse). The guys clarify that although they are in different crews, they all have the same goals to reach souls for Christ. The beat is slow with haunting keyboard loops to accompany it.
The album comes to a beautiful close as Swoope asks God to "Fix My Heart" in a cut featuring Swoope on vocoder to accompany Denise Powell on the chorus. Propaganda waxes poetic to add the icing on the cake. His Disney Channel references are ridiculous (in the best way).
Closing Thoughts:
Though there are selfish desires and temptations that try (and sometimes succeed) in drawing people away from Christ, there is a way out. Sinema is one of the most original concept albums out there. The question is, will people listen intently enough to get the concept and understand the album's purpose? The album requires a dedicated listen from start to finish to get the concept, and if you do that, it will be an enriching experience.
Representing God in the Country | Posted August-04-2014
Canton Jones has to be one of the hardest working artists in Gospel/Christian music. He consistently puts out music while taking care of his wife and kids. He is also the student pastor of New Hope Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Somehow, he also has time to travel to do concerts and is constantly recording features on albums of a variety of artists'. This year he releases God City U.S.A, his most complete album to date.
EDM gets a nod on the Fred Jerkins III/Iz produced "Let's Get It Started," a fun track to jam to. Tonio, previously heard on Cajo's mixtape Lust, Drugs & Gospel, lends a hand on "I Can't Help It," and the result is a song that one can definitely go crazy on. Looking back at all of the storms and sin that God has brought him through, Cajo's passion is definitely felt. The turn up continues as Canton goes "Crazy" topped off with a sick drum solo at the end.
The great thing about Cajo is the way that he utilizes new rappers and mentors up and coming artists. He makes sure to include his friends on different albums to give them exposure. This bodes well for "My Team" featuring Big Ran, Tonio, singer/rapper, Erica Cumbo and Mark Griffin. The track is bananas as it features dubstep and outer space synthesizers, morphing into simple percussion for some of the verses. Although "We In Here" features song stealer D-Maub along with Uncle Reece and G.L.O., it does not fully come together.
Canton was also a worship leader at his former church, and he definitely finds space to have a time of worship during his concerts. So it is fitting when you hear "Glory to God," which could serve as an anthem for some of the hardest brothers who want to give praise to God. This album has so many gems, but "No One Greater" is the standout song. Ryan Horton sings the chorus, proclaiming that God is second to none. Cajo does his signature singing/rapping hybrid that accents the already powerful chorus.
"You Are" has a CCM edge to it, featuring an acoustic guitar, melodic piano and the simple but refreshing vocals of John Waller. This shows the versatility of Canton and his appreciation for simply worshipping the Lord. Smooth is a word to describe Cajo's duet with another hard working artist/radio announcer, Darlene McCoy. This pairing works well, and those who are not familiar with Darlene McCoy should know that she has a voice that gives so much without overpowering the song.
Closing Thoughts:
God City U.S.A. shows again that Canton Jones is serious about keeping God in his message and this country. Though he has been criticized in some circles for the way he sometimes uses prosperity gospel themes, he continues to grow and minister. It should be noted that there are not songs of that nature on this album. With 17 tracks total, a variety of styles are successfully incorporated.
Freshman Album With a Senior Sound | Posted August-04-2014
Tasha Page-Lockhart is a young lady who grew up around gospel music in church. Her mother Lisa Page Brooks was part of the Contemporary Gospel group Witness, while her stepfather Michael Brooks was a founding member of the monumental group Commissioned. Tasha even had a stint in the group Witness, but it was short lived. She spiraled into drugs, homelessness and depression.
Eventually God totally brought her out (without rehab), and she auditioned and won the Gospel contest Sunday Best. She then signed with Kirk Franklin's Fo Yo Soul label and is now releasing her debut album Here Right Now. Known for her powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence, Tasha's new project showcases her vocals, but also her versatility.
Lead single "Different" did nothing but wet the appetites of aficionados who were waiting for her album to drop! Tasha sings of how she is not the same person who was once out of control. The track is funky in melody, autobiographical in lyrics and churchy in terms of her adlibs. Tasha's mom Lisa Page-Brooks joins in on the old school jam "I'm Living" and shows where Tasha gets her chops from. If anyone remembers "Rough Side of the Mountain" by the late F.C. Barnes and Company, they will understand the part of the chorus that says "I'm doing my best to make it in."
As I stated earlier, this album showcases more than her strong vocals. This is proved by the moving ballad "Fragile" and the sobering "Welcome." On the latter, Tasha gives a look at the reality of mysteries in this thing we call life. The title "Faith Come Alive" neatly explains the song's meaning, because Tasha is speaking to her own faith to be ignited and to live by it. I love the way her vocals and the background vocals mesh together like a beautiful two person waltz.
Maroon 5 keyboardist and soul artist PJ Morton joins in on "Yours" and helps to bring the song to another level. Tasha was handling her own on this song that has a ride-with-your-top-down summer vibe, but it also has some perfect touches from PJ Morton.
Closing Thoughts:
This is what a debut album should be: solid in vocal delivery, strong lyrics featuring her testimony and great production that showcases what the artist can do without overshadowing her. Having Kirk Franklin as a mentor and producer does not hurt at all! Tasha Lockhart-Page has a smash hit on her hands and the future is bright for her.
Graceful Gospel Pop | Posted July-24-2014
Being the daughter of the Karen Clark Sheard (of the legendary Clark Sisters), the granddaughter of the late Mattie Moss Clark and the cousin of producer/singer J. Moss, Kierra Sheard has been blessed with amazing heritage and mentors. Though she does draw from and seek advice from her family, "Kiki" has definitely carved her own niche and created her own style. She even has an annual youth conference, Bold, Right Life (BRL) that serves to empower and equip a generation with great potential facing great challenges.
Kierra's latest project is Graceland, an album that shows her maturity as an artist while not veering too far from the style that she is known for. Production comes from her younger and very talented brother J. Drew Sheard (JDS), along with additional production from Harmony Samuels, Aaron Lindsey and Justin Brooks.
Kierra really thrives on the pop-themed music, while some Gospel music fans may be feel as if she is hindered vocally. A good example is "In You." This song is a power ballad with the synthesizers and Kierra's vocals getting an almost stadium/concert effect. J. Drew comes through on the production and this may be a song that will get the "cell phones in the air" effect when she does it live.
"No Graceland" is another ballad that starts off with acoustic guitars from Jabbari Johnson and Kierra lightly singing how she wandered into living without God's grace. The song builds into her asking for His guidance and goes into the driving choir-laced vamp, "I gotta have You forever. Never leave me."
Of course Kierra is not going to leave out some bangers. My head automatically nods when listening to "Go." "2nd Win" serves to encourage and inspire people to get up and keep going. It has the mid-tempo beat to go along with some scratching. By song's end, Kierra does some adlibbing that drives the song home.
Kierra enlists the help of one of the best writers of our time, Diane Warren, to write "Flaws." Diane knows how to write those songs that really tug at the heart strings in the pop world. Many of us struggle with certain character flaws that are part of who we are. This song speaks of how God loves us even with our flaws. This would be a great song for people who are hard on themselves. Aaron Lindsey produces and plays the piano to make it complete.
Closing Thoughts:
Kierra Sheard has done it again with an album that stands by itself in terms of its sound compared to her previous albums. She has grown as a songwriter, and her vocal range continues to expand and blossom. Graceland is one that people should not leave on the shelves of the store, or they should go to iTunes and start downloading now!
Chasing Destiny | Posted July-17-2014
Hip hop/rap is one art form that was once unkind and unwelcoming to those who did not fit the mold of what a hip hop artist should look like, in both race and place of origin. Thankfully, over time artists like Arrested Development, Third Bass, Eminem, Digable Planets, Kanye West, Bubba Sparxx and others helped break that mold. Christian music was always more accepting with artists like The Tunnel Rats, KJ-52, dcTalk, Sev Statik and now Andy Mineo. It is still cool to hear that a country boy from Alabama, B. Cooper, is the latest to keep breaking the mold in the Christian hip hop world.
B. Cooper is signed with RMG, and released a free album, Spare Change earlier this year. The Tennessee transplant is staying on the grind with While the City Sleeps, produced by his partner and friend Dirty Rice. This album is very deliberate focused on jumpstarting those who have given up on their dreams.
The title song starts with J.C. singing over piano until the beat kicks in. Danika Jean adds strings to give the song a more dramatic effect. B. Coop spits about fulfilling his dreams while others are basically just resting on their past achievements. "Nightmare" continues in the same vein of going after his calling. He basically uses the failures (or nightmares) as motivation to keep moving forward.
Whenever J. Givens is featured on a song, my excitement level shoots up because he is such a clever lyricist. He doesn't disappoint on "Better Day," and it is cool how he fades his bars in towards the end of B. Coop's bars. Dirty Rice's production is simple, with more a chill drum beat coupled with Joseph Prielozny's slight strumming of the guitar. This is a song of encouragement when life gets you down.
On "1994" Foure's voice gets a pitch change (think DJ. Screw without the slowed down track) on his first verse and he also sings the hook. B. Coop then hits on how he fell in love with hip hop and how he gets his start as an emcee. B. Cooper's love for R&B laced hooks is very evident when listening to his albums. Listen to how Steve Means adds his butter vocals to go along with Corey Paul's passionate flow on the chilled out "1 Love."
Closing Thoughts:
B. Cooper shows that he will go after what he is called to do and he will not be one to look back with the regret of "I should have" or "What if I had done…". "While The City Sleeps" is a blazing autobiographical look into his life and it will surely challenge others to not allow their dreams to lay dormant.
Reunion comes with some nice surprises and blasts from the past | Posted July-07-2014
Attention, Christian music fans (especially those who have been fans for more than 10 years): Gotee Records celebrated 20 years as a label. Let that sink in and you realize that you are getting old.
Gotee--started by Toby "tobyMac" McKeehan, Todd Collins and Joey Elwood--was definitely a trailblazer in the Christian music world. First signee Out of Eden was a popular group with pop and urban stylings. Gotee Records has since gone on to sign some huge acts and have aided in the launch of the careers of various artists. So fittingly that they would release, Gotee Records: Twenty Years Brand New to commemorate this huge accomplishment. In addition, several of the past Gotee artists were invited back to participate in the fun and of course the present artists are in on the fray.
"Love Addict" by Family Force 5 could get a crowd rocking with the driving guitars and the distorted vocals by Soul Glow Activatur. John Reuben takes it, flips it and delivers a fun hip-hop reworking. House of Heroes" actually stays fairly true to 4th Avenue Jones' "Stereo" until Stephanie Smith "butts in" and turns Ahmad's rap into an epic rock ballad.
Remember Zilch?! Yes, the group that was part of dcTalk's band that went on to form a band, before eventually evolving into Sonicflood. Well the original lineup came back and treats the fans to their interpretation of "Over Thinking" (originally by Relient K). Synth string arrangements serve as the backdrop while Mark Lee Townsend's light tenor vocals are a highlight.
Only on this album could one find a GRITS reworking of Jennifer Knapp's "Undo Me" and Capital Kings' (with support from John Reuben) stamp on GRITS' "Ooh Ahh". The great thing about this album is the fact that the artists sort of made the song their own while maintaining the integrity of the original song. Case in point: Current Gotee artist Finding Favour does The Katinas' ballad, "One More Time" justice while adding just a bit of a soft rock edge to it. With this being the summer season, enjoy the splendid arrangements of "Here's My Heart" (originally by Out of Eden) by Harper Still (that's Jamie-Grace and sister Morgan Harper-Nicholls) and "Getting Into You" (originally by Relient K) by Jamie-Grace.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the contributions of Out of Eden and Relient K. Relient K has a commemoration of their own as they rock it out to the 10th year anniversary version of their own "Sadie Hawkins Dance." Popular among youth groups, "Sadie Hawkins Dance" sparked a little controversy since it was about a girl asking a guy out. Yet, it still brings up a bit of nostalgia. Out of Eden does not miss a bit, reuniting to record together for the first time in six years. The result, a lovely retooling of House of Heroes' "Constant." God's love is consistent and never changes. Gotee, can you do a reunion tour? PLEASE?!
Closing Thoughts:
What a fun album to listen to and enjoy. If you love Christian music, this is one for you. You will realize how much of a contribution Gotee Records has made to changing lives for God and how much the rosters of the label has changed. So it was great to know that people returned to make such a great album.
Chanel Mixes Up Sonic Stew on Debut | Posted June-24-2014
Trin-i-tee 5:7 made a huge splash into the Gospel music scene in 1998 with their urban ballad "God's Grace" (produced by R. Kelly). They achieved two gold albums and numerous awards and nominations. Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans are just a few of the artists whom they have toured with. They went through some personnel changes before things settled down with Angel Taylor and Chanelle Haynes.
Chanel (notice the difference in spelling) drops her solo album, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 According to Chanel, which is an album that she produced with Darion Dorsey and PJ Morton (keyboardist for Maroon 5). Chanel has always been very eclectic and eccentric in her style of dress and her demeanor. It shines through on the album. She incorporates old soul music with down home Gospel music, retro 80's New Wave, EDM and a hint of alternative.
"Yeah" has that retro soul feel that acts as a call and response between God and believers. The girl can sing, and her range is very wide and even deceptive. She can go from a baritone to a first alto in one song.
Imagine coming into a church where the women are wearing various hats and the deacons are up in the front of the church in their seats. Then a sister gets up to sing one of those songs sure to touch the soul. That is what comes to mind when I hear "He." She just takes you to church as she sings of how Jesus changed her life.
Step into a time machine and pick up the likes of Madonna (Think "Vogue"), Ruth Pointer (tenor for the Pointer Singers) and mesh their styles with the song "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Add those together and the musical result will be "Go." Lyrically, Chanel lets what could be a boyfriend or good friend know that she will no longer tolerate the way she has been treated.
"You" is an ode to God and how Chanel knows her life is best with Him. This one sounds like the 80's new wave music that Thomas Dolby and Devo would kill for. Chanel's voice meshes very well with the music.
Chanel takes her own personal experience and her knowledge of others to encourage those who have aspirations of doing great things in life. She does so in the funky "SuperStar" and the ballad "Larry." Chanel sings to Jesus and refers to him as "Love" on the song of the same name. The keyboard is melded so nicely throughout, and Chanel lets her lower register flow for the song's entirety.
Closing Thoughts:
At first listen, I was thinking "OK Chanel, what are you doing?" Then I sat and listened to it from start to finish and I was left thoroughly impressed. I have always been a fan of her voice, and I know she has always been a risk taker. I believe she pulled this off very well. Although some of the songs may be a bit much for some staunch church folks, I believe she will gain some new fans.
A Bonafide Classic! | Posted June-17-2014
Mali Music is going mainstream and he is signed to RCA Records! Questions have arisen of whether he is totally neglecting his Gospel music audience and why would he throw it all away? Previously known for such powerful songs such as "Yahweh", "All I Have to Give", and Conqueror", he also has songs like, "I Hate You", "Impulses" and "Job Experience." The latter song is what he performed on the BET Awards and garnered the attention of Akon and others.
And the rest is history. The talent that oozes out of Mali Music is nothing short of astounding, and it was only a matter of time that he would garner the attention of people in the mainstream. The mainstream can afford to have Mali Music as a neophyte in this sometimes exclusive fraternity of sorts. He releases a soon to be classic in Mali Is.
I would be lying if I said that I was not salivating at the thought of this new album. Several singles were released to do more than stimulate my appetite and also create more fans who previously had never heard of him. "Beautiful" is the single that garnered a new group of people asking, "Where did this guy come from and why haven't we heard of him before?" He performed this on American Idol and on The View to critical and audience acclaim.
So what is the fuss about? It is dedication to the beauty of people who manage to stay hopeful and resilient in spite of the vicissitudes of life. This one is infectious for several reasons such as the simple piano loops, smooth beats and organic feel.
The way Mali basically tells a story and takes the listeners on a journey with his vocals and lyrics makes one think of the likes of his influences: Sam Cooke, John Mellencamp, Donnie Hathaway, Jonny Lang and Marvin Gaye. That is great company in itself.
He metaphorically explains his mission and goal in the banger "Ready Aim." In the bridge, he shuns the metaphors and explains, "Trying to take Water to a dry place / Trying to take hope where it ain't none / trying to take low to a high place / Wanna make the shooter put the gun done / So a mother gets to hold her son now." Even if he has naysayers, he is still aiming to reach those who are broken. He reaches out to those who are in the spotlight and at the "top" to keep their priorities in order on "No Fun Alone."
Mali exchanges the vocals for the "mic" as he spits bars on "Make It." The tempo on the song sounds like it should be singing throughout while a few of the other songs could have be the ones that he rapped over. However this is what sets him apart. It has a uptempo style that makes you want to clap while he raps. He explains that this life is not he, but God's and all must must focus on Him as they long to reign with Him in Heaven.
He speaks to the Christians to remind them of who they are in Christ on "Royalty." What he does with the sampled vocals on "Little Lady" is dope to say the least. This song is neo-soul at its finest.
Closing Thoughts:
His journey to the mainstream is not one where he is forsaking his mission, but one where he broadens his horizons to reach those who are skeptical and may not come to the "church". "Mali Is" is one of the best albums I have heard in a while for the non-cliched songwriting, his amazing singing and the message. DO NOT sleep on this album! It lives up the hype.
Song to Download:
"Ready Aim" (Get it on iTunes here, or Stream it on Spotify here.)
A First Listen That Leaves You Wanting More | Posted June-16-2014
Many have heard him with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Mass Choir, while others have heard him as a member of Israel and New Breed. No matter the outlet, Onaje Jefferson is one to leave his mark on your memory. He is a passionate worship leader with a gift for songwriting. If anyone knows about the ministry of Israel and New Breed, they know that servanthood and family are big components of their vision. Onaje is a husband (to Veronica) and father (to Mayah).
His debut EP Heaven Rain is produced by keyboardist/drummer extraordinaire, Kevin Camp. Onaje wrote every song on the EP. The theme of this album is praise and worship, and should serve as a great introduction for him.
The title song is a high energy praise number asking for God to "rain" on his people. The background vocals are on point and serve to accent the vocals of Onaje and co-leaders Linny Smith and Ashley Carbaugh. This song gets a EDM remix that may prove more satisfactory to fans of that style of music. It is great when worship leaders sing of their longing for Christ. This cry of desperation is heard on "My Desire," and it's done in ¾ time topped with a melodic acoustic guitar.
Thanksgiving and praise continues with "Million Mercies (Great Is Thy Faithfulness)." This song obviously borrows from the popular hymn and takes the message of God's unending mercy to a more CCM ballad. "More Of You" starts off like a slight pop/Celtic worship mashup of sorts. The riding on the snare drum could easily be used as a drum cadence for one of the military branches of the United States. The subtle "ahhs" in the background become more overt and a great part of a song that builds to a very confident plea (by Onaje) of full dependency on God.
Closing Thoughts:
This EP is a great segue to more from Onaje Jefferson. His strong but clear tenor voice is perfect to be able to cross genres within the Christian/Gospel umbrella.
Professor Propaganda takes us to school yet again | Posted June-11-2014
One of the things I will continually appreciate about Propaganda is that his rapping and poetry carry so much depth. His YouTube take on the Gospel gained the attention of producer/artist T-Pain, impacting him so much so that T-Pain tweeted the link to the video to his more than a million Twitter followers.
Propaganda is one of those rappers that makes me poke out my chest and say, "Yeah I am glad that he is on our side." He will push listeners to places that may be uncomfortable, in order to bring thought and healing. He dares to deal with the issue of race albeit being labeled a racist by some. This is even though he clearly models what love and unity looks like. Following his critically acclaimed album Excellent in 2012, he is back again with Crimson Cord. Production credits come solely from Beautiful Eulogy.
When listening to this album (or any Propaganda album), be prepared to listen carefully and do not be disappointed if you do not "get it" at first listen. It is not meant to be skimmed over, and his verses carry just as much weight as the hook. The title track features a percussion-light beat and eerie keyboard chords by Beautiful Eulogy. Propaganda speaks of the power of the blood of Christ and the sacrifice that binds people together.
Props used to be a high school teacher so he has seen firsthand some of the issues teens in America deal with and he was "in the trenches" in education. Yet still, it hit me as somewhat of a (welcomed) surprise when he drops "Bored of Education" via spoken word. The wordplay is evident as he starts off with: "Dear Bored of Education, so are we." He is speaking to the school boards across America and informing them that many people are tired of the way and direction that education has gone. Parents, teachers (like myself) and students, this one will strike a chord in you.
Lecrae joins the fray on "Daywalkers," a song that easily be mistaken for a fun song (by temple and occasional organ riffs) that only rappers like Outkast would venture to do. Like the vampires of the same name, Propaganda explains that Christians are daywalkers who become "all things to all men" while being in human flesh yet being in Christ. Did you get that? Yep, hit the rewind button a few times. Hip-hop is the "girl" that Propaganda has grown to love yet "she" upsets him. Some of the decisions made by "her" has him perplexed because of the negative effects that she has had on youth. He explains over a smooth beat that even through all of that, "I Ain't Gave Up On You Yet."
Closing Thoughts:
Without sounding too cliche, there is so much to get out of a Propaganda album. Crimson Cord is no different. Beautiful Eulogy did a fine job bringing different elements of production. This showing that they have expanded their repertoire production-wise. This gives a nice backdrop for Props to basically take us to school. This is an album that you can give to those who claim that all rap sounds the same or that it does not take much to do a rap album. In addition, he brings so much reality and relevance when presenting the Gospel.
DwayneLacy_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
