An | Posted June-11-2014
Uncle Reece may be a name that is unfamiliar to those who are used to mainstream artists, but he is very much a "mover and shaker." He was a member of the student government at Florida State University. Although his parents took him to church as a child, he sought God for himself and gave his life to Christ in his late teens.
After this he even started the well-known T-shirt company, "Without Jesus I Suck," which was endorsed by the likes of Tye Tribbett, Mary Mary and Donnie McClurkin. He is bent on reaching the unchurched, 19-30 age group using his assorted mixture of styles of music. He drops his debut record, Bold--a stew of sorts with a little reggae, R&B and hip-hop with urban music serving as the backdrop. Production comes mostly from the Trump Boys, with whom Uncle Reece seems to be very comfortable.
In this day in age, more and more people are trying to disprove the reality of God, causing college-aged Christians to doubt their faith. So "Creation" serves to show that all of the natural things in the earth are basically God's opus. The synthesizer was a little annoying at times in this one and another setting could have been used.
Uncle Reece was very purposeful in choosing the title of the album. Although the style of music is urban, the message is very upfront and not sugar coated. "Free Some Minds" is a percussion heavy midtempo song speaking to Christians to love and reach people like Christ did. This should be be the focus instead of gaining members or trying to look "holy" in front of others and trying to reach out to only those who look "worthy" of being witnessed to.
Reece takes the persona of three well-known men of the Bible in "Joseph, Job, David." Music is a great way for people to learn Bible verses of about people of the Bible. This song will allow those who are unfamiliar with the Word the chance to learn how real these men were. It gives a view of their hardships and how they allowed God to help them.
Jor'dan Armstrong, another talented urban artist, lends a hand to the slow jam, "I Can't Help Myself." The fellas sing about what happens to them when they worship. Their vocals definitely complement each other and it makes so much sense that they would collaborate. The best of the song comes out the end. They strip down to only the keys as they proudly proclaim, "We have the Light that can save the world." It bears a similarity to "The Anthem."
They leave us hanging and wanting more. A cliffhanger of a worship song?! Come on fellas. It was getting too good. "Until I Pass Out" may sound like an odd title, but Reece takes worship very seriously. He proclaims that he used his talents for girls and worldly things. Then his heart changed. So basically he wants to worship God so passionately and so much that he basically... passes out.
One of the Marys is Stepping Out | Posted May-14-2014
Mary Mary is a groundbreaking Gospel/Urban Inspirational Group that splashed on the scene in 2000 with their colossal smash song, "Shackles." This single crossed over onto R&B, pop, Dance and the CCM charts.
You would have thought it was the only Mary Mary song as some CCM stations played that song for years on their respective stations. Flash forward to 2014 and several albums, marriages and children later and Mary Mary is still strong. They currently have a reality TV show on Bravo TV that is so honest and real that it has garnered some criticism.
Erica Campbell, the elder of the duo has stepped out on her own to release new project, Help. Although it was produced in its entirety by Erica's husband and longtime Mary Mary producer, Warryn Campbell, they carve out a sound that fits Erica's voice very well. It does not sound like a Mary Mary record without Tina, which is a sign of respect to the power of Mary Mary as a duo.
Erica has one of the cleanest falsetto voices that I have heard in Gospel music. She really starts in her head voice in the beautiful ballad, "The Question." The song, with only keys and light guitar strumming has Erica asking, "Who killed Jesus?......Nobody! He laid it all down, down for me." What a way to start off an album and what a way to establish her own niche as a solo artist.
"You Are" starts off kind of light with a pop/R&B feel that one can snap their fingers to. It builds to a big band sound and listen to Erica take it straight to church with some riffs, squalls and runs. Excuse this incorrect grammar, but "Sang gul (girl)!"
Erica and the Atkins (hers and Tina's maiden name) family suffered a very serious loss when the loss of her father, Eddie Atkins. The family came together to make his funeral more of a celebration with funny stories and a powerful choir directed by their mother. Erica pays homage to her father in the properly titled, "Eddie." Warryn uses retro R&B as the backdrop for Erica to honor him in song.
The desperation in Erica's voice is captured very well in the title song, "Help," and this is a "go to" song for me, personally. With issues with her vocal chords, the changing of managers, the death of her father and going out on her own, it is no wonder she would do a song like "Help." Lecrae's rap is clever and fits in the right place. Check the last few bars, "So when life fights, it don't fight fair / So I'm leaning on these ropes now / So I got rope, but it's low now / So I'm leaning on these quotes now / Like, 'Never leave, nor forsake me.' / If You don't help me, I don't make it."
It is obvious how Erica is leaning on Jesus for everything as she continues her cry for His help. "A Little More Jesus" is a foot-stomping, hand-clapping song that is basically Erica Campbell meets quartet Gospel.
Alright this album has some of the coolest music that will make you close your eyes and have that wonderful nostalgic feeling. "What A Feeling" definitely borrows from elements of Michael Jackson's early R&B jams. Then "Looking Like" starts off like "Bop Gun" by '70s funk band Parliament.
Closing Thoughts:
Mary Mary will always be a duo and the love shared by the two sisters will never be broken. With that being said, Help was a very good debut offering by Erica Campbell. Warryn's production is nothing short of masterful. Please go out and purchase this album!
Chad Jones serves to whet the appetite with his new EP | Posted May-12-2014
Reflection Music Group (RMG) is a label that nowadays is being mentioned in the same breath as Reach Records, Humble Beast and Collision Records. They boast a roster of artists including Tony Tillman, Canon, Deraj, B. Cooper and of course Derek Minor. Yep, it's basically a "beastly" group of rappers who bring a unique flair, flow, testimony and energy to the label.
Chad Jones helps to keep it moving with a new four-song EP, Keep Up. A more serious Chad Jones will be one of the first things that people recognize when listening.
Autobiographical in content, Jones tackle some tough and tragic issues on "I Know." He speaks on the fatal car wreck that killed the other driver, but he lived. Then he digs into another personal issue which was how his mother was doing drugs while she was pregnant with him. Groc brings a smooth, hypnotic beat with guitar and synthesizer to accent it.
"Long Way Home" seemed like a promising song just by the fact that Dirty Rice and Derek Minor co-produce the track. However, it's the catchy chorus by Jayme Pearl that steals the show. Her voice is easy on the ears and it serves as the right complement to Jones' narrative that serves to encourage the listeners. "Hold Up" is the song that you let the sunroof or windows down and ride and nod your head. Derek Minor lends a hand and spits a verse.
"Problem" is the club banger and lone uptempo track on the album. I have an announcement to make! Propaganda is featured on a song with a club feel to it. Of course Jones and Canon deliver nice bars, but could Propaganda pull it off? Yes, he actually does it well. Admittingly, I was a little skeptical, but Prop holds his own. Black Knight fittingly produces this one as a song like this is right up his alley.
Closing Thoughts:
I am not very fond of a four-song EP (and this has not changed my mind), but Chad Jones brought some nice songs to ride to. I think it is time for him to deliver a full length album, but Keep Up is a nice prelude to what I hope to be the full length album.
A New Chapter | Posted May-01-2014
Da' T.R.U.T.H. is not resting on his laurels nor is he an artist who feels like an island doing ministry alone. Although many Christians believe in teamwork, T.R.U.T.H. surprised many with the launch of his new label, Mixed Bag Records, after only releasing one album with Xist Records.
The buzz around this announcement only grew after unveiling his roster of artists, which includes Urban Gospel female group Virtue, Promise, longtime friend Twyse, TJ Pompeo and rapper/singer Prayz-1. This is a label that could really make some "noise" with great A&R direction, quality production and total reliance on God (of course). T.R.U.T.H. is the first to release an album from the EOne distributed label with Heartbeat. J.R. handles the majority of the production duties with additional tracks handled by Alex Medina, Black Knight, Carlin Muccular and more.
When listening to this album, you will realize that he is truly expanding his repertoire musically. For instance, lead single "Loud and Clear" is a pop/electro styled song with high energy not normally heard on an album by T.R.U.T.H. He features an odd pairing of Capital Kings (this is more their style) and Tedashii. The beat slows down for both rappers to spit over a trap beat.
Chris August joins in on the fray when he and T.R.U.T.H. declare that they can "Change the World" one day at a time for Christ. T.J. Pompeo totally kills the hook on "Standing O," an ode to the heroes in the faith and Christian hip-hop who have gone before them and paved the way. Grammy-winning producer S1 and Epikh handle the production--certified banger!
The title track, "Heartbeat," has so much promise that starts off with a beautiful rock driven hook by Lauren Lee. It then wanes a little when T.R.U.T.H. spits bars that were a little weak in delivery. Then Lecrae comes in to bring the song back up. They explain how they want to fulfill the "heart" of God (T.R.U.T.H.) even when people misunderstand what they are doing (Lecrae). Da' T.R.U.T.H. addresses the double standard in society when a Christian disagrees with homosexuality on "Bully," featuring J.R.
I love the setup of "Welcome Home." T.R.U.T.H. gladly explains the joy of repenting and coming back home to Christ. This DJ Corbett-produced song goes from hip-hop track to a Gospel song when James Fortune passionately describes the story of the Prodigal Son and how he was enthusiastically welcome home by his father. Then the song ends with Joseph Lindsay and Fortune's group, Fiya doing what they do best--good sanging!
Closing Thoughts:
Mixed Bag Records is a great name for a label. He shows us that he will not be boxed in by labels or genres with Heartbeat. There's rap, elecro, autotuned vocals, Gospel, CCM and pop. Although, I would have loved to hear a song or two with a "Hip Hop 101" beat, this album has so much to offer.
A move to LA gives Anthony a chance to let his hair down! | Posted April-07-2014
Anthony Evans has a golden tenor voice that has been pretty well-known in the CCM and even Gospel community. Yes, people know him as the son of Dr. Tony Evans, and others first heard him with Kirk Franklin. He's released several albums and traveled extensively throughout churches and church events. Anthony Evans could definitely be called a "church boy".
However his life changed when he appeared on The Voice and he had the privilege of being coached by Christiana Aguilera. Although he did not win, his experience on The Voice (along with moving from Dallas to Los Angeles) opened Anthony's eyes to a different "world" of people. This was a major influence on his new album, Real Life/Real Worship. He hooks up with 22-year-old producer Max Stark, who produces the whole album. This young man can get ready to get more calls after the job that he does on this album.
"All Things New" is spirited song of praise with high-energy horns and some serious "sangin" from Anthony. I wouldn't be surprised if this song ends up on the song-list for Sunday and mid-week praise and worship. Keeping the energy going is "Never Fail," which helps to continue this '70s/'80s music revival. Think "Crush On You" by the Jets and '80s songs by Cameo and Midnight Star. The song reaches a high when he gets to the bridge singing, "He defeated all of our enemies/He put offense underneath our feet/He's conquered death/and given us victory."
Merging worship and our real life issues is not something that is often heard on one album. There are a few like Fred Hammond who have definitely gone down this little-traveled road. Anthony does this with a song like "Somebody to Call Home." He expresses his deep desire to have a wife and family that would bring a greater satisfaction for his life. This song has the words, great singing, key piano chords and subtle percussion that would take Adult Contemporary and Pop radio by storm. Power ballad, "What Could Have Been" has Anthony talking of taking a chance on a relationship that could be a beautiful thing if pursued (while letting go of fear).
Anthony joins forces with Martha Munizzi and her daughter Danielle (19 years old... watch out for her) to pen and arrange "Ask." It is basically Matthew 7:7 put to music and it features soulful yet dazzling background vocals and will draw you in from start to finish. "Mercy Tree" is a power song for this Lent and Easter Season. The verses are more smooth with strings melded throughout. He sings of the sacrifice on the cross. Then it builds to Anthony belting out powerful vocals as he and the background singers sing of how Jesus rises from the grave. What a wonderful reminder!
The production work done by Stark is highlighted by the techno/electronica jam, "I Found You." So fitting for the people in LA (or anyone for that matter) to let the top down and just pump their fists and drive down the highway. Please don't wreck! PLEASE!!!
Closing Thoughts:
This move to LA was such a breath of fresh air for Anthony Evans and a treat for his fans. He has gotten better and more versatile. Therefore he smashes with Real Life/Real Worship!
A journey seldom taken in the Christian arena | Posted March-26-2014
Christon Gray is one of those rare artists (not just Christian artists) who can rap just as well as they can sing. He released Even With Evil With Me independently and then he signs with Collision Records. He was prominently featured on Swoope's critically acclaimed album, Wake Up.
The buzz around him is starting to build. Then he released a dope free, album, Body Art, which was received very well. He did more rapping than singing and people were starting to realize what an amazing gift that he had. When the We Live As Kings album dropped, it solidified the genius that is Christon Gray. That is a word that he would probably be uncomfortable with because he is not one to "toot his own horn," but he is just that. He did, however, get help from Wit, Swoope, B. Reith, Tragic Hero and more in terms of songwriting and production for this new album.
He releases one of the most highly anticipated albums in Christian hip-hop, but the funny part is he does not do much rapping. School of Roses is an authentic look at life as a married man dealing with temptations, marital matters with a determination to keep rely on Christ through it all. Christon wants people to listen to the whole album to get it.
The album starts off with "The Last Time," an acapella interlude asking when is the last time one has apologized or said, "I love you." "Wanna" is very honest look at the tempation that Gray has faced on the road. It is basically his inner thought process and grappling wrapped up in a retro late '90s R&B jam. Gray has perfected the art of going from falsetto to full voice like a champ! The icing on the cake is the crazy bars that come via J. Givens. He then deals with a struggle of husband/wife who "miss" one another and are not on the same page with their desires.
The lead single "Vanish" has Gray mulling over the thought of leaving. Why? Because he feels he's done too much damage in the relationship. He realizes that is not the way to go and he will not take that route.
"Roses 101" is the first of three "Roses" tracks. This song could be a great single for mainstream and it would do well. It is Gray singing and playing the piano and the song sounds happy. The key word is "sounds," because the two verses are both about disappointment. The first verse is about a conceited woman who basically settles for a man who is "no good" for her. The second verse is about Gray wanting to sing on a big stage like his mother, but due to his doing Christian music, it may not happen. Really Christon?! You draw us in to make us put our head down.
"Convenient" has Wes Pendleton on the hook with a deep tone backed by the vocoder. This gives this song a more haunting sound to go along with the meaning. The second verse is a highlight as Gray raps about some of the painful things his father (as a pastor) went through from church members who seek him for counsel and even money. They would up and leave when they did not agree with decisions he would make. Check the chorus: "You only keep me around when it's convenient / Now you got me hanging on when you all alone and cheated."
In the umbrella of urban and R&B music, there are the pseudo artists and the authentic/organic artists. Gray definitely fits the latter. Check "Moving On" featuring smooth drumming (with the brushes) and synths giving it a fresh groove. Gray speaks on moving on in spite of his own hangups and shortcomings. Gray enlists the help of his brother Taelor and fellow rapper/singer (and co-writer on this album), B. Reith to breath life into "Nostalgious." This banger is about going back to their First Love, Jesus Christ after realizing that they started to chase after the wrong things.
As the album closes, Gray pays homage to his wife and how easy it really is to love her
on "Lady Gray." He also speaks on her hardships with the death of her mother and the absence of her father on "Roses 103: Ghost." So the album culminates with "Arena (The Final Hour)," which is a play off of "Arena" from the We Live As Kings album. He basically takes all of his disappointments, inner turmoil, temptations, etc and gives it to God.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a very heavy album that would have to be "digested" a few times. You will actually have to take a few listens to get it. It is not some cheap way of bursting into the secular arena. It is a journey into the life of an honest Christian who faces everyday battles. It will cause you to look inwardly and see what is going on in your own life. Great album musically and powerful album as far as substance. The question is: Will people be patient enough to listen to the whole album to get it? Only time will tell.
Songs to Download Now (Sorry, I couldn't just pick one):
"Vanish" featuring Swoope" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Daniel Johnson wants action and not just singing in his album. | Posted March-28-2014
"And we you sing it, Lord sing it through me / Have Your way." sings Daniel Johnson on "Have Your Way,” off his new album, Go.
Many are familiar with Daniel Johnson from being the vocal leader and arranger of Israel Houghton's New Breed. Others will remember him as the teenager leading "Pray" by Andrae Crouch.
Gifted as a vocalist, Daniel has become more rounded by his time with Israel and New Breed and being a worship leader. This husband and father of two is a great example of what servanthood looks like and not leaving his foundation for his own thing. He has served in New Breed with Israel Houghton since 2002. His freshman release, You Make Me was a solid offering. Nevertheless, we tend to really catch the Daniel in his "element" in a live recording. Go is a live album that will have many screaming, "It's about time!” With the E One Distribution behind him, Daniel is ready to take the world by storm!
Daniel is known for his killer vocal arrangements and this album has that, but he makes sure to have some songs for the local church worship teams. Case in point, the song “Best Thing.” This one is a fun sing-along that will be a highlight for churches. It's one of those songs to jump to and having people sing about Jesus being the best thing in life is something to jump about. Yep, it is worship team ready.
"Never Alone," draws from Hebrews 13:5 which says, "I will never leave you nor will I forsake you." This song has so many layers to it musically. Featuring prominent horns throughout, it starts off with a reggae flavor with a hint of "The Longest Time" by Billy Joel. Then it morphs into a 1960s beach party and then it ends with a vocal arrangement that will have singers scratching their heads in amazement.
Title track, “Go,” is straightforward and serves as a reminder to all Christians of our mission: to bring the message of Christ and His hope and love to this world. It’s simple, but very needed in this day and age where more and more are shunning and/or throwing stones at Christianity. Daniel exclaims at the song's end, "We gotta keep Jesus here!” This is a ballad with much potency.
Ear-catching vocal harmonies are melded with the the sound of a nice organ as Daniel and the crew sing about being at home in God's presence on "Where I Belong,” which flows nicely to "God's Presence." "I'll Go" is a very fitting finale for this album. He has already challenged people with "Go,” and now he tells God that he will take up his cross and will take this message to the masses.
Closing Thoughts:
Go is an album that can be bought in its entirety without buyer's regret of wishing that you only bought a few tracks. I cannot wait to hear or hear about different churches learning material from this album. It's an experience more than an album. It's like a good book that pulls you in and you do not want to put it down.
Shonlock Still Lives in Diverse City | Posted March-10-2014
Welcome to the Shonlock experience. Glad that you could make it, but you are probably wondering what to expect. Expect to find a little of everything to satisfy those who like a variety of music in one setting. Also be prepared for high-energy music with metaphors and the message of Christ both hidden and overt. Get ready as Shonlock offers up his new one, A Night to Remember.
"You Know I Don't Play" has Shonlock rapping over a kickdrum only while Demon Hunter's Ryan Clark brings a grungy rock edge as he sings over driving guitar and drums. Both guys invite the listeners to gain the edge that they have by accepting the living water that is only offered by Jesus. Shonlock is an adjunct member of the Diverse City crew. So it a refreshing reunion of 'Lock and TobyMac on the pulsating "Transformed." Passion overflows throughout because of the joy for the change that only God can bring.
New single, "I Like To Win" would be an otherwise great song, but it borrows a few too many elements from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Can't Hold Us" for my taste—not lyrically, but rather in the musical arrangements. This will surely be a go-to song for live performances, and ESPN already has picked it up for its March Madness soundtrack.
The ability to take chances is another one of 'Lock's strong points and he makes sure that his musical risks are not forced or contrived. He dabbles in folk music on the feel good, "My Choice is You." This song shows his ever improving vocals and causes me to ask this question: Does Shonlock want to do a more acoustic album? Hmmmm.
Soul Glow Activator of Family Force 5 fame guest appears to add an extra punch on the banger, "Kinfolk." This song could serve as a good mission statement for those who want to explain what the purpose of the Christian community is. This life in Christ is not meant to be a selfish life, but where we add more to our "family." As Soul Glow exclaims, "We are the ones" to do it.
Closing Thoughts:
A Night To Remember is what is to be expected to the Shonlock experience. This time there is an extra zest added to accent it. This is a solid offering from a brother who started off dancing behind R. Kelly and Alliyah. He has carved his on niche while offering a message of hope.
Donnie McClurkin enlists the help of some friends to be his guest on the new album. | Posted March-04-2014
Donnie Mcclurkin has traveled the globe, won several awards and has sung in various languages while still pastoring a church in New York City. If anyone could be considered a pillar in Gospel music, it's him. He pays homage to the artists who influenced him through the years while taking the time to mentor and pour into newer artists. He has endured one of the toughest years of his life after losing both parents. Who would blame him if he took a step away from recording? Gratefully, he's not done as he puts out a highly anticipated Duets album. He features such artists as John P. Kee, Erica and Tina Campbell (on two different songs), Dorinda Clark-Cole and more.
One of the artists whom Donnie has served as a mentor to is Tye Tribbett. Tye joins Donnie on the triumphant, "We Are Victorious." This one has a pop, and fun vibe to it which is fitting for the two artists who tend to incorporate different genres in their repertoire. "Write My Name" is what some have called, "Church 101." This song is almost nine minutes of hand clapping, foot stomping, church music. Donnie gives one of the queens of ad libbing, Dorinda Clark Cole, plenty of moments to declare her anticipation of Jesus' return.
"I Am Amazed" is just a beautiful worship anthem full of lush background vocals and strings weaved throughout. Donnie and Preshea Hilliard make declarations of their wonder and awe of God's love. The song takes a more Gospel turn towards the end as Erica Campbell (of Mary Mary) steps in to help Donnie, "bring it home."
The standout song, "Encouraged," features Justin Savage, who is more known for his production on several albums. This one is an adult contemporary style ballad speaking of the encouragement that comes from Jesus himself. After hearing this one, I cannot wait until Savage releases his album.
"Let It Go" started off as a great song, but (I can't believe I'm saying this) it could have done without Donnie's and Clark-Cole's call and response at the end of the song. I was a little disappointed in "My Past" featuring Tremaine Hawkins. It just wasn't as good as it could have been.
Closing Thoughts:
Duets is not Donnie's best album. However, there are some definite highlights and he will still minister to many when he performs these songs live. I am still a fan and grateful for Donnie McClurkin.
Going all out in this Christ walk is the theme of KB’s new album. | Posted March-04-2014
Reach Records has been on the grind in a serious manner. Lecrae dropped Church Clothes 2 in November. Andy Mineo just dropped the Never Land EP while Tedashii is gearing up for his late Spring release. KB is back to bring us his EP, 100. He has partnered with YouVersion and Overflow.com to present a 21-day devotional to coincide with this new release.
A devotion, amidst the splattering talk that the guys on Reach Records are "selling out" or watering down their message? NOOOO! On the video explaining the devotional and album, KB exclaims, "I want to see a generation of folks to get behind God's call to us to give our everything in everything."
Producers on the EP include: In house producers Gawvi and Joseph Prielozny along with Dirty Rice, Tyshane (son of Papa San and only 17-years old), Ace and GRoc.
He comes out of the gate with "Give It My All" proclaiming "If you forget my name, please remember my Jesus." Dirty Rice and Prielozny provides some multi-layered production with some keyboards, vocoder, a hint of trap music and a smidgen of dubstep. The title track almost forces you to nod your head as KB brings so much passion to his delivery. Then his partner in ministry and rapid fire spitting, Andy Mineo, brings more heat to push us over the edge. This one is sure to be a fan favorite at concerts.
Taking risks, facing fears and going all out basically explains "Kamikaze" and goes well in KB's theme of doing things at a 100%. Dirty Rice and Prielozny hooked up again to handle production and they give the mainstream sound accented by newcomer Prisca's vocals. KB exposes some of his own fears and apprehensions on "Doubts" which will do nothing but encourage those who look up to him. It is like he lets us in to intimate conversations that he has with God and with those closest to him. The cool thing about the song is that it has an almost David like presentation because KB goes from talking about his doubts to realizing that those doubts makes him more reliant on God.
Production on this EP is definitely on point. At first listen, I almost dismissed it as, "sounding like any other Reach Release," but I was wrong. There are some points in the album where the production is a little to0 reminiscent of past releases. Then I listen to songs like "Crazy." Listen as Tyshane and Prielozny turn this song from Trap/Hip Hop to Reggae to back to Trap to Reggae again. "Strings" are melded throughout. KB talks about wallowing in self pity and dealing with doubt.
Closing Thoughts:
The concept of keeping things "100" and going all out works well for this EP. I would have rather KB release a full-length album. However, the theme, the transparency and the production helps prove the point that "big things come in little packages."
DwayneLacy_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
