Minnesota-based indie artist Xross released his fourth album on February 12. OMG hearkens back to old school Christian hip-hop. There is a definite focus on the word of God and on living a Christ-Centered life.
The album opens with an interesting twist on the colloquial "OMG." Rather than the blasphemous nature that "Oh My God" would usually mean (Exodus 20:7), within the framework of this song, it is a cry to the heart of God for the brokenness of our world. Whether it be bloodshed in the streets or teenage pregnancy, rappers selling their soul to the devil or pornography. Xross' heart bleeds for the lost and it is an open call to Christians to have the same heart as Jesus for the lost.
"Monster" is dedicated to Treyvon Martin, Aurora, Colo., and Newtown, Conn. The song is a response to the age-old question of "Why does God allow bad things happen to good people?" The response isn't that God allows it, however, "the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:7). This is the monster in question in this song.
The song walks through the Treyvon Martin murder and is followed up by the happenings in Newtown which may be a little fresh for some listeners. These are two very different cases with very similar impacts on their respective communities. Xross reveals his heart in a prayer for the communities at the end of the song, which is a welcome response from some of the hate-filled comments that we were inundated with at the time of the respective incidents.
The album ends in a similar vein to where it started. Rather than crying out to God though, Xross exhorts his listeners to "Pray On." In all situations we are called to pray. The chorus speaks to how much people want but don't want to pray about it. Do you want change in your community? Pray. Is your church dying? Pray. Truly, this is answer to the monster roaming our streets.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a double album that can get fairly heavy at times. Xross deals with real life issues with straight talk. The production values of the album are good and the lyrics are biblically based and theologically sound. The album could have been stronger if shortened; there is no need for this to be 17 tracks when 10 or 11 would have sufficed. Xross has a heart for God and for his community and it shines through in the album.
In a well-woven tapestry of beats, lyrics and samples, Skrip lays down the standard for what listeners will measure every new Christian hip-hop album against in 2013. In Und_rscore II each song flows seamlessly into the next with each song offering a surprise as though each is a box of Cracker Jack.
The album kicks off hard with "Stop It." The song speaks to people acting like something they are not. We get an introduction to clever use of samples with the grumpy old lady and the sirens and to what is to come with clever lyrics and pop culture references with lines such as, "All ya need to fall back / Benny Hinn" and "Bringing thoughts to life / with the light like Hal Jordan."
"Mayhem's Life" is two minutes of solid spitting, no hooks, no fancy samples, just hard core flow. This is followed up by "Say" featuring Andy Mineo. Skrip comes in telling us, "I got more bars than a playground." And the first verse ends with references to both The Dark Knight and Terminator. Andy Mineo features on the second verse with classic Mineo lyrical genius. The beauty of the Word of God is woven into the tapestry at this point.
"It is Written" takes direct aim at secular artist The Game. It starts with a quote from The Game and Skrip goes on to defend the Word of God and speaks to what is written in the Bible and how their somewhat Christian actions at shows and what they speak to the media does not make them true Christians nor secure their place in Heaven.
"Illogical" starts with a quote of Spock and just gets more awesome from there. This song has some the cleverest use of samples I have ever heard. The song features the talents of Social Club and Alex Medina. The song speaks to how illogical the human race is in our pursuit of temporary things. The track seems to become disjointed at three and a half minutes in but it comes back hard and finishes strong.
Skrip takes a children's game and turns it into gospel truth with "Olly Oxen." The premise behind the song is that we are no longer held captive to our past but we are "Olly, olly, oxen free." Up next is "Nowhere." It is another solid addition to the album with a good groove and solid hook.
Being a father of three girls the next track on the album may be the most poignant in my personal life. Every earthly father wants his daughter to have a positive self-image and not to fall into the trappings and lies that the world has to offer. "Three Girls" speaks of three issues facing young women today, negative self-image leading to self-harm such as cutting, pre-marital sex, and negative self-image covered up by consumerism and relying on boys to boost self-esteem. The key is understand what the Heavenly Father has to say about you and understand your identity in Him.
"ThassaLie" is more real talk from Skrip speaking of how we can all be set free from our past. It features a clever sample of "These Eyes" by The Guess Who. The last verse of ThassaLie is one of the greatest displays of lyrical magic my ears have ever heard, 16 bars of solid throwdown with a tempo change thrown in for good measure. The album ends with "The Transition" which is about the transition from sinner to saint. Ashley Stanford sings the chorus and drives home the message.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is a great start to Christian hip-hop in 2013. Solid beats, excellent production, clever lyrics and theologically sound. This will be a favorite of many fans of the genre. This is a definite must add to your collection.
From Nigeria to London to Your Ear Drums | Posted November-05-2012
So it Continues is the latest release from Lampmode recording artist S.O. S.O. was born in Nigeria, raised in London, and in 2011 signed with Lampmode Records; the home of Json, Timothy Brindle, Shai Linne, God’s Servant and others. This album is smooth, plain and simple. From beginning to end the album flows with solid beats, smooth hooks and clever lyrics.
The album kicks off with the title track, “So It Continues.” It starts smooth with an easy beat and gets you nodding your head, preparing you to agree with what S.O. has to say: "I mean it when I’m sayin’ this speech / more than bein’ beast tryin’ to bury a beat / more like, seein’ a need and knowin’ people agree / the bread of life’s callin’ people to eat / so come feast with me." And feast you will as the rhymes multiply and mix faith with sound theology backed up by solid production.
Next up is "Lamentations" featuring Leah Smith on the chorus. Ms. Smith also featured on "Lows and Highs" on the last album, So It Begins. This song is a reflection of the death of a father and how the family mourned and more importantly how the narrator dealt with the pain of the loss: "You give and You take away / but by Your grace I know that You make a way."
"I Can Bear" is up next and those with a keen ear will recognize the sample used throughout of "More Than I Can Bear" by God’s Property (Kirk Franklin). It follows in the same vein that God will never give us more than we can bear in our lives and that His grace is still sufficient. The next track, "Away Soon," starts with a smooth R&B vibe and then comes with a solid beat. Sean C. Johnson features as the vocalist on the chorus and the smooth vocals set off against S.O.’s rhymes provides the listener with a balanced diet. The song speaks of the hope we have in Jesus and that soon we will be gone away from the pain and trials that we face today.
"Memoirs (Wish You Were Around)" is another personal track. This is letter to friend who has stepped away from God and an open prayer that the song makes it to him and that he comes back to the full knowledge of Christ. Lecrae features on the next track, "Radical." The song is about just as the title implies; that as followers of Christ, we are to be radical in our service to Him. It is a declaration of who we are in Christ.
S.O.’s Nigerian roots lead us into "I Am." An African choir is sampled throughout the song, and they’re clapping serves as the backbeat as S.O. and fellow Lampmode artist Shai Linne bring the gospel of who God is. This song is one my favorites on the album and it may just be the reminder of Cross Movement’s "I Am that I Am." Not so much style wise but in title and the Old Testament references.
"Walk In The Son" hits hard from the get go, but it doesn’t feel disjointed at all. This may be due to the fact that entire album was produced by G.P. of Dvine Muzic. The flow continues into "Tell Em All" featuring Andy Mineo. I love the community of Christian Hip Hop that Reach Records artists and Lampmode artists feature on each other’s albums. This track is about evangelism and telling everyone that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Another declaration of living for the truth follows on in "You Know It." This is a message to men on what being a real man is. The song would have worked well on the soundtrack for Courageous: "Keep pushin’ to be like the Christ and never change." The song does end with somewhat of a drawn-out piano solo, my only real criticism of the album to this point.
"Yesterday" is about going back to when we first found Christ, when the love and passion was raw and real. It is a yearning for the love of our youth. "Passion and Purity" is musically driven by a somber piano as the artist speaks of some indiscretions in his youth. The song speaks to wanting to live with passion and purity in our walk with Christ. This will leave the listener thinking about their current walk and if they are walking and moving as Christians or as the world walks and moves. The album closes with "The End?". This song features some old school record scratching and brings the listener to a happier place than the last song. It really is about living with the end in mind. The song closes with an exhortation from Timothy Brindle.
Closing Thoughts:
With the exception of a couple musical miscues in outros, and one song that didn’t really fit in, this album was well done from beginning to end. S.O. has an awesome flow and his rhymes are theologically sound. This album is definitely not just for beats but causes the listener to sit and think. It demands a reaction. Don’t merely crank this on the car radio, sit and mediate on the lyrics and on your walk with God. Let the lyrics bless you. And if you haven’t downloaded it already, go and get So It Begins, it makes a great companion piece.
Loose Canon EP Volume 1 is the latest release from Reflection Music Group artist Canon. Building on the success he has seen from previous mixtape releases and features on albums with Lecrae and Chris Cobbins, Canon goes off in this latest offering.
"Tell It All" is the perfect lead-in to this album. Its central theme is telling the Gospel to everyone, explaining why we serve the Lord we serve and who the Lord that we serve is. The beat is strong and the vocal intro makes you perk up and listen to what is going to come next. The lyrics prepare us for what will be a refreshing bit of lyrical genius: "I ain't have to pay the cost / Hallelujah to the Boss / though my soul was so lost / broke me out the mold."
Warning, the next song may offend some Catholics in the room. "Oh Lawdy" speaks of Christ's holiness and how He is the one that is necessary, and not necessarily Mary: "Mary may be his mama / but He known it since the beginning / that His knowledge incredible / His power, impeccable / His love inseparable / His character inflexible." The bridge continues into the theme that even Mary needed Jesus for salvation. It may be controversial, but it's refreshing that an artist is willing to delve into issues of religion versus relationship with Christ, while at the same time speaking Gospel truth.
"Yeen Bout That Life" is up next and hits hard. This is the antithesis to the song by Ace Hood of the same title (I do not suggest that you listen to it or even read the lyrics). "Yeen," for those of you that don't know (I was one of you before writing this) is slang for "you ain't." This song once again is about turning from an old life of sin and serving Christ with all that we have. In the process, people familiar with the old you may question your sanity. This truly is a missions song, telling people that they are not about that sin life they are living, that they were truly designed for something greater.
The theme of giving up the old life and accepting a new life in Christ continues with "Say Yeah." The song speaks first of the girls in the club that may look like they have it all together and are dressed provocatively, attracting all the guys in club, but in reality, it is low self-esteem that is their key motivator. However, if they "say yeah" to the Father, they will have all the man they need in Him. The second verse speaks of the guy addicted to pornography on the Internet; once again, Canon takes on a controversial yet real topic. The guy is filled with shame and cannot get the images out of his head; every girl he sees has the body of the girls he was looking at the night before. His deliverance is near, though, if he will just "say yeah."
Rugged and rough, "Let Em Have It" comes next. Canon's hard hitting style takes the forefront on this track as the beat is a little more subdued. This song is a personal testimony of Canon, of the place where he was and the place to where he has grown into. Canon's lyrical style stays true to the rest of the album, yet with a little more grit in this song.
The final track, "Loud Music," features Derek Minor (formerly PRo). The video for this song was released on Sept. 10, and the song was also included on Derek Minor's PSA V3 – Who is Derek Minor. This song is the hardest hitting song on the album and truly the best was saved for last. To see an artist lay down solid rhymes around solid beats and show his true personality through the music is always refreshing. If this song doesn't leave you bobbing your head then check your pulse.
Closing Thoughts:
Canon is not new to the CHH scene. He has featured quite a bit and has had previous albums. This latest project puts all of his skills on display, and may be a new introduction to those new to the genre. His vocal flow is fast, smooth and slick, the production quality on this album is excellent, the beats are bangin' and the rhymes are clever and well thought out. The message is clear on this album: give your life to Christ, get over your past and move on.
Take off your love glasses and REST | Posted September-24-2012
Rest, the latest release from Christian dance-pop star Beckah Shae is a sharp departure from her previous album. Destiny was filled with uplifting anthems that you could bob your head to and get lost in the fun of it all, while the true message of the album lingered in the background.
In a way, Rest is a perfect companion piece; you cannot listen to this album on mere superficial terms. This album draws you to a deeper place, a place of true rest. When all the fun is over, we need to know where we can go and who we can go to; this album will allow you to draw closer. This is a meditation album, not a worship album.
The album starts with the title track and immediately you understand the journey you will take over the next 40 minutes or so. "Rest" is a word from God's heart to yours. In God's love, in His arms, in His peace and in this place, whatever place that may be, you will find rest. Beckah's vocals are almost surreal throughout this entire album and it is right here on track one where your attention is captured and you begin your journey into rest.
From this place it is the listener's turn to respond to God's welcoming invitation to find rest in Him. In "You & I," the lyrics are a direct response to Rest as we welcome God's love and protection and we state our desire to "wanna go / where it's only You and I."
"Without You" follows along the same line. It states our dependence on our Father and His Holy Spirit. This song seems to come from a place of deep reflection and realization of when everything else seems to be falling away, God is still there nad He is all we need.
From a time of personal response and reflection, "Everlasting" ushers in a time of praise and worship. It draws directly from Psalm 103 and is a beautiful interpretation of a beautiful Psalm. The lyrics stay true to scripture and the vocals and production emphasize the beauty of how God's love is truly everlasting just as He declares in Jeremiah 31:3.
There is a slight musical shift into "Have Your Way." The sound is reminiscent of Destiny, with a slight pop feel and a more distinct bass line, however, thematically, the dependence on the Lord is still the central idea and how that dependence and reliance leads to peace. Following on from allowing Jesus to have His way in our lives, there is a dramatic musical shift once again, only in style, not in tempo.
"Overflow" is the centerpiece to this album. The acoustic piano, accompanied with strings, and balanced with Beckah's deep heart cry is sure to be a favorite from this album and may even find itself played in churches. Once again the dependence on God and His Holy Spirit and a desire for God to overflow in our lives is the central theme. As we walk with Christ, our heart cry should be "There's so much more to this life / when you are here / Consume every part of me / so I'm missing nothing / And the more I seek you I find / that You are here."
The point of rest in any given situation is to get a break and get re-energized. The best place for this rest is in the presence of our Lord and Savior. "Your Presence" speaks of this quiet place where all of our questions fade away and fears die; a place where love has won. It is in this presence of God that we find restoration and replenishment so that we can finish well.
As the album begins to draw to a close a response from God comes in what is a continuous conversation. "Forever Yours" is Jesus' cry to us, yes, you read that correctly, Shae writes a beautiful lyric that says, "Please hear my cry / you're what I'm desperate for." What would seem to be a usual statement from us to Jesus is what His heart is for us as well. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be Forever Yours. With "Unique," our identity in Christ is re-confirmed. As you listen to this song, let it truly sink in to your spirit that this is how God views His amazing creation that is you.
The final track is the victory cry. "You Conquer" is not your typical high paced victory cry, it starts with a trumpet blast that somewhat reminded me of the final battle in Chronicles of Narnia. The song states clearly that God has conquered us and as such has conquered the sin within us. It also speaks of God's relentless pursuit for us. This is a wonderful reminder that God truly wants to capture your heart and shower you with His love.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a beautifully reflective album, within the liner notes Beckah writes, "It is my desire that this project sets an atmosphere for your time of devotion and intimacy with the Lord. That intimate "you and Him" time; that place where you can wrestle, cry, wait, and listen." She has done exactly what she set out to do. The production quality is fantastic and Shae's vocals are sublime. In her own unique way she has provided an avenue for the listener to take off the love glasses and Rest in the presence of God.
Remixed-Get Movin', the latest release from former American Idol contestant and Christian pop diva Mandisa, is a welcome escape from the standard versions of the songs that are played on your local CCM station. It contains remixes of 5 previously released songs spanning her three previous full length albums.
First up on this high-energy EP is the Capital Kings Remix of "Good Morning." This single is from the 2011 release, What If We Were Real. This remix has enough bass and hard hitting drums to wish all your neighbors a good morning as you turn it on high and pull out of your driveway. If you liked the previous version, you will love this even more.
Up next is another remix from What If We Were Real. The Movin' Remix of "Stronger" definitely comes with a stronger attitude than the original. The lyrics don't change but the message seems to morph with the new energy added to the song.
The Switch Remix of "Only the World" follows on, taking us back to Mandisa's debut album, True Beauty. The remix is a nice change from what is still played on CCM radio. The message holds true of the song. Some of the added effects on the song with the cheering crowds are somewhat overdone and will detract if you're listening closely, but you'll be too busy with it cranked up and bobbing your head.
One of the first songs Mandisa ever sang to the general public shows up next. A cover of Mary Mary's "Shackles" takes us back to that night on American Idol when Simon Cowell called her performance "a bit indulgent." For one of the first times on a mainstream television hit a Christian was professing their faith rather than standing behind a mask of performance. This is a great cover of a great song and the remix is a nice flashback. The effect of chains dragging is again a bit much but, I can forgive a bit of indulgence.
The album closes with the RawlsCO Latin Remix of "My Deliverer." This of course is from Mandisa's sophomore release Freedom. The Latin vibe is really nice on this and if you don't find yourself doing a little meringue dance while listening than you need to get your pulse checked.
Closing Thoughts:
This album is a nice bit of fun. It is a good summary of Mandisa's greatest radio songs and I was actually excited listening to it. I'm not the biggest fan of the first efforts that have almost been overplayed on Christian radio stations, but these remixes put some new life into the songs.
Back Again | Posted August-27-2012
One of the most anticipated albums of the year drops on September 4. The new release from Lecrae, entitled Gravity, is the follow up to the free mixtape Church Clothes. This album is well produced and laid out with great features, beats, and lyrics.
The album comes in hard with "The Drop (Intro).” Orchestral sounds with an epic soundtrack feel captivate you immediately. Your ears perk up for what will be a musical version of Golden Corral. By the end of this full course offering you will be full to overflowing, wondering what's next.
The title track is up next featuring the unmistakable vocals of JR. "Gravity" pulls us down to the earth and is used as a metaphor for what keeps us from heaven. But as Christians we desire to go somewhere where there is no gravity, no sin, no sickness, no shame, just to the place that we are meant to strive for. Following on this theme, the album musically changes gears with a gospel driven sound. "Walk With Me" is a man's cry for Jesus to walk closely with us through all of our struggles, whether it's a sick child, the death of loved ones, or soldiers in Afghanistan. We can cry out to Jesus and know that He hears our prayers ‘cause the walls can't hear us.
"Free From It All" is up next. This features the vocal stylings of Mathai. The central theme behind this song is that regardless of where you are in life, if you fall in any way shape or form, you are still free from the trappings of this world. You have your identity in Christ and even if you fall from social graces you will continually fall up in to the arms of Christ and be free from it all. Falling continues into the next track with "Falling Down" featuring Swoope and Trip Lee. The song gets you bobbin your head right away and Trip takes the first verse. This song speaks to the hip-hop culture and to the general culture of today. No matter how much wealth you build up, or how popular you get, everything will fall down around you.
"Fakin'" featuring This'l is up next. This song hits hard. It speaks of the guys out there that pretend to be something they're not. From the guys wrapping their Chrysler 300s with Bentley front ends and guys pretending to be Scarface not realizing how the movie ended. At the end of the day, they are fakers pure and simple. From taking on fakers, Lecrae takes on the prevalence of "Violence" in today's society. At this point the album takes a harsh shift musically, and I didn't have to flip the cassette over, but this is where the B-side would have started. It is a jarring transition musically from the dancehall vibe of "Violence" into a smoother R&B flow of into "Mayday.”
"Confe$$ions" is up next. This song moves back to theme of regardless of the wonderful thing the world offers, it is just temporary. Private jets, first class, European cars, none of it can be passed from this world to the next so there is no reason to make that your sole purpose in life. "Buttons" is the next track. This song is about the sanctity of marriage and how when we make that vow of for better or for worse, even if we push each other's buttons, there is no reason to leave. That just means what you have is a real relationship.
"Power Trip" featuring Derek Minor (aka PRo), Sho Baraka, and Andy Mineo slides into the mix next. The song asks the question, "who's got the power?" Is it the tycoons, pro athletes, and entertainers that have the power? Or is it Jesus Christ? "Who made the crowd put their hands in the sky? (me)/ Who made the sky with their hands?" Tedashii features on the next track, "Lord Have Mercy.” This song has an industrial sound that adds a new dimension to this grand buffet of music. The song speaks of the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the change He can make in a life. "I Know" comes next and is somewhat manic musically and being such somewhat detracts from the flow of the album.
The album finishes with "Tell The World" and "Lucky Ones," which both give testimony that we have grace and mercy thanks to Jesus Christ and this mercy and grace will set us free from Gravity.
Closing Thoughts:
This truly is one the most highly anticipated albums of the year, not only by fans of Christian hip-hop, but by fans of Christian music in general and by fans of secular hip-hop. Lecrae is arguably the biggest name in the genre (CHH) right now and rightly so. The genre saw a shift change with his debut album and he continues to challenge the establishment by offering music not strictly targeted towards Christians. In many ways this album lived up to the anticipation, but not without its low spots. There are 3 or 4 songs too many on the album that detract from the album as a whole. Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy the album, and there is no doubt that another Dove and Grammy nomination will show up in Crae's mailbox. However, there were too many low spots for this reviewer to get overly excited.
In a grand build-up to his debut release City of Hope, Jordan Lara ("JL") introduces listeners to his unique musical stylings with the free mixtape available exclusively at NewReleaseTuesday.com. This is a great five-track taste to whet the appetite for what will be a full course meal (of completely different songs) being served up on Aug. 7.
The bass drops hard right from the get go. "Focus" prepares us for the journey. With all the distractions that face us each and every day, the key to walking out a life in Christ is to maintain focus. This song is heavily focused on Psalm 23. So much so that the bridge says: "Overflow my cup / anoint my head with oil / in the presence of my God I'm feeling spoiled." I don't think I've ever heard so many parables tied together in one song. JL pulls out the key verses we need for encouragement to stay focused on the narrow path and follow hard after God.
A sweet beat laid down with a kick drum and congas, accompanied by a nice acoustic guitar get your head bobbing to a "New Song." This is a man's heart cry to praise God no matter the circumstance. When we're going through the storms of life, all we need to get through is a new song. The encouraging words at the end of the track will speak to you wherever you are.
We have all had close friends that have left our lives, "Where'd You Go" explores this very personal event in JL's life. Almost set out as a public service announcement, JL speaks of how a best friend of his fell away from God while breaking his ties with JL. It is a thank-you note combined with an "I miss you." If you have a friend who you may have lost touch with, this song will flood you with the good memories of that friend and remind of the good times and prompt you to pray.
"Strength in Weakness" starts with 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the thorn in the flesh that makes us rely on the grace of God and realize that His grace is all we need. God's strength and power is made perfect in your weakest spot. A personal reflection of his upbringing in the church and in a somewhat privileged home is not what we usually hear from hip-hop artists, but we are all human and even the so-called beautiful people can find strength in their own weaknesses. It is when we rely on the grace and strength of God is when we become fully redeemed.
JL stretches his vocal talents with some singing on "What a Day That Will Be." After the intro chorus, the beats kick with some distinctive guitar and a smooth bass line. This songs wraps up what we will hear when the full meal deal is released on Aug. 7. It wraps up very neatly all of JL's skills.
Closing Thoughts:
This mixtape is well worth the effort to download and reflect on the message. There is solid teaching throughout the tape and five tracks are an excellent sampling of what is to come. Musically, the sound is diverse and it doesn't fit into any one particular box in terms of style. JL took a history of rock and roll class in college and this class had a huge influence on some styles and inspiration he draws from. Enjoy the free mixtape and mark Aug. 7 on your calendar for when the full album is released.
The debut release for Jordan Lara ("JL"), City of Hope is a project filled with personal reflections of the artist. JL got his break into the hip-hop scene in 2005 with the group Soul Chronicle. Since this time he has worked on his craft and is proud to release a solo project. The album title is a tribute to his father's battle with prostate cancer in 2011 and the name of the hospital he was treated in (jordanlara.com).
The album starts with "All or None." A brooding bass line brings into the inner man with a theme very familiar to many Christians; Romans 7:15 "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." As we grow in our walk with God however we turn from the ways of the past and no longer live a lukewarm spiritual life but, by the power given to us in the form of the Holy Spirit, we are set on fire for Christ and live a life that is "All or None." Even as we grow in our relationship, the lyrics encourage us that we can begin to sing a new song and not continue on our mistakes of the past. The only thing that detracts from this song would be the last minute or so of beats and electronic with little of the impactful lyrics that filled the rest of the song.
As you listen through to the next track you think you may have switched to a classic rock station or that someone downloaded "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones onto your iPod. This is not the case though; it is merely the same two chords that start."Walk on Water". This track features Leonti aka ei8ht who adds the beats and some background vocals. This song is all about faith and walking out your Christian walk with strength and courage.
JL takes us "Downtown" next. This track is about the power of the youth culture in our world today and pays homage to influencers in the past. The key to the references is that a lot of this music came out of a youth movement, maybe not Christian youth, but the influencers influenced the youth who influenced the world. The key now is that there is a generation of influencers in the downtowns of cities across our nations" that have a chance to make a change, a generation that is the next to rock the stage, a generation that is making history today." These kids cannot be forgotten and must be encouraged to rise up and be the difference. The greatest redeeming factor of Christian hip-hop is that as an art form it has the ability to influence these kids to be the change and not to settle for what they may have seen in their short lives and what society in general may be expecting of them.
The next song may have one of coolest vibes I have heard this year. It is reminiscent of "Moon Dance" by Van Morrison. It is "The Dark Side of the Moon." It features Jetty Rae on the chorus and her voice adds to the almost spookiness on the track. Her voice is much like Zooey Deschanel's and is set off perfect against the brass section that plays the bass line. The song is about the darker side of the human condition that exists, but gives a stern warning to flee this side of ourselves, and how we can be redeemed from the flesh when we ask for the redemption of our Savior.
From the dark side we go to where darkness cannot exist. "Heaven" speaks of how we are offered the free gift of Heaven on a daily basis but we ignore the immediacy of the requirement for salvation and if we are offered heaven today then we should accept it because tomorrow may be too late for us. It is a message rarely spoken of in today's church, but still must be told.
A smooth Santana-like guitar vibe starts off "Mistaken I.D." It speaks of a man in jail who may have lead a rough life as a kid but has seen the err of his ways while in prison and now he is a new man and as such the wrong man is now in jail because he has found his new identity in Christ. "Check the prints on my fingers / check my DNA / tell me what you see / 'cause I'm a different man today / than the boy I used to be."
"Get Out of My Way" is up next with some solid electric guitar and a throwback '70s sound. This is JL strutting his stuff. This particular song lacks the personal reflection of some of the other tracks but it's what seems to be the prerequisite braggadocio that happens on quite a few debut albums.
Next up is "Amazing Grace", a heart's cry to the Father to be released from the valley that we all go through before we understand the grace that is offered by God. It asks questions throughout of what does it feel like when things always go right, but rather than seek perfection in the earthly things, the perfection can be found when we have the graced of the Father.
Once we experience the grace of God, we become a "New Creation" in Christ. These three songs in this order truly speak to the redemptive nature of salvation of in the Creator. This is the most musical track on the album. The background vocals offered up by JC Villafan and Devin Leonti (sister of Leonti) are smooth and fit perfectly into the song. "You're a new creation, old things are passed away, it's a new beginning, it's a brand new day." Take that truth and walk in it.
The title track "City of Hope" takes the listener to an extremely personal place. Right into the hospital room at the hospital, right to the lowest place of where I can only imagine JL and his family were in 2011, wondering if his father would survive what seems to be an insurmountable enemy in our world today. Rest assured though, JL doesn't dwell in the valley, but cries out to be taken to that "city of hope" where every sickness is healed and every captive is released from the pain. "I will learn to fly / if I only rely on You."
The album closes out with "Peace Be Still." The song is another heart cry of a troubled man, but as we cry out to God, he speaks to us to be still and come to the cleansing flow of Jesus Christ. It leaves the listener in a contemplative state of mind, thinking on the goodness of God Almighty, our source of strength and peace.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a beautiful album that speaks of the redemptive nature of a relationship with God and the peace that can be found when we are in Him and He in us. The artist notes on his website that "I believe this record really expresses this journey of overcoming and pushing through my own shortcomings. I desire for City of Hope to inspire, challenge, and awaken the souls, dreams, and visions of those experiencing this record."
As a reviewer and one of the first to enjoy this album it definitely awakened my soul and inspired me. It reminded me of my own journey with God as well. Musically, the album is excellent with the exception of some minor elements. Lyrically, JL hits the nail on the head several times bringing the strong message of redemption home. There is a maturity in the message not often found in younger artists. JL has a strong flow and his rhymes are solid. There truly is a city of hope that we as believers have our eyes fixed on, enjoy this album, it will bless you.
After a five-year hiatus due to personal reasons, Timothy Brindle returns with his personal testimony of God's restoration of his life. This is an extremely personal reflection of the restoration power of the cross. All 19 tracks on the album speak of the theme of restoration and the gospel of grace. Never has an album been so aptly titled: The Restoration.
"The Ruin" opens the album with a monologue by Brindle of how he was ruined in his sin, and that is the only word that can describe where he was. The track also contains some old-school mixing with record scratching that will take you back to the '90s/early 2000s.
"The All Sufficiency of Christ" features brooding lyrics and a nice touch of piano that adds to the feeling of the song. This is offset with the dancehall vibe in the featured vocals of Tony from Hazakim.
With "The Darkness of My Heart," Brindle speaks of where he was at his the depth of his sin and how he chose sin over God to kill the pain in his heart. It is dark and it is real. "The Compassion of Christ" speaks to how Christ is responsible for bringing him back from the brink and restoring life.
"The Compassion of Christ" shows how Christ is there for you, knocking at your heart. It doesn't matter where you are in life, if you open your heart to Chris, He will make it His home.
Shai Linne features on the next track. "I'm the Problem" speaks to how when we are in sin, it is no one else's fault, yet it is ourselves that is the problem. "The heart of the matter is our heart is the matter." That lyric sums up all that needs to be said.
"The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" features the lyrical talents Phanatik and Json. It replays the parable in Luke 18:9-14. A parable that tells off what true repentance is and how our works are not enough, but we have to come completely honest, and broken before God to receive His grace in our lives.
"The Means of Grace" once again features shai linne and a mini-sermon by Pastor Lance Lewis. It revolves around Acts 2:42, the word of God and the fellowship and the prayers and the breaking of bread. These are the means of grace that focus you on Jesus Christ.
"Lily (Floriana)" is a track about Brindle's relationship with his wife and the restoration God brought to their marriage after his sin was revealed shortly after they were married and had their first child. This is deeply personal and some may think of Floriana as a weak woman for staying with her husband after what he did, but it was Christ's strength revealed through her that was key in the restoration of the marriage.
Closing Thoughts:
I'm not too sure as to what Brindle's sin issue was; lust, sexual immorality, drugs or gambling. All I know is that with this album he has shown that God can indeed restore the dead back to life and can use a formerly broken life to show the beauty of the love and compassion of Christ. Lyrically, the album is challenging, musically, the album seems to go back a few years to the last time Brindle had an album. I took some guilty pleasure in Brindle's flow and the old school DJ style and what seemed to be a complete absence of autotune. The honesty within the lyrics and the vulnerability shown by Brindle make this album stand out. If you or a friend has a sin issue, get this album, be ministered to and understand "The All-Sufficiency of Christ in the Gospel of Grace to Restore Ruined Sinners to Himself for their Joy and His Glory."
MarkRyan_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
