The debut album Weight and Glory from new Reach Records artist KB is another example of Christian hip-hop that doesn't cut any corners or pull any punches. The lyrics are in your face and the production quality is excellent. KB was first introduced to the general public after his signing with Reach Records last summer with a mixtape titled Who is KB?. This mixtape prepared us for a bright up and comer in Christian hip-hop and the debut album is more than we all expected.
The album kicks off with "Weight Music." This is a strong song that speaks of the weight of God's glory that is reflected in KB's music. There are gorgeous vocals in the chorus and the use of choral music in parts definitely imparts that "churchy" feel.
"Zone Out" is next. This features the vocal talents of Chris Cobbins. There are actually two versions of the song on the album with the remix finishing out the album. The song is about zoning out from the world and zoning in on God, a common theme in Christian hip-hop.
Being an "Anomaly" is what the Christian walk is all about, it is about being different and providing a different viewpoint to what the world provides. KB speaks plainly and clearly that his music is an anomaly to what the world is providing. "I feel for rappers that blaspheme when they spit / Let call a spade a spade homey / You don't know who you dealin' wit' / Jesus ain't playin' games / the second coming is still legit / The lamb that was slain will be slayin' like St. Nicholas."
Sho Baraka shows up on the next track. And with Sho Baraka's appearance, "Don't Mean Much" takes on a much more hard core feeling. The lyrics tell of how the world looks for many things, such as money, drugs, fame, sex and the like but in the end none of these things means much.
Andy Mineo and Tedashii feature on the next track. The hard core feel continues with "Go Off". This song shows off the breadth of KB's rhyming skills and just how fast he can spit. KB definitely goes off with some of his best verses.
After the not-so-easy opening, "Mr. Pretender", "Open Letter" and "Heart Song,"get to the reality of life in a series of three heart wrenching songs. "Mr. Pretender" is about the devil and the lies he feeds people. This song contains one of the best lines ever spit in Christian hip-hop, "I promote latex / get your wrapper dawg / but a condom can't protect you from the wrath of God."
"Open Letter" tackles issues such as pornography addiction, homosexuality, self-image, lust and pre-marital sex. It goes over two letters from fans that bear their hearts to the artist and KB prays for the fans at the end. It really shows the depth of the ministry that Christian hip-hop artists are involved in.
"Heart Song" will rip your heart out and stomp on it. It features vocals by Jasmine Le'Shea. The song discusses the struggles of two friends, one with a brain tumor and the other that had heart problems, but how through the life and death issues they faced, they knew they had Jesus and a heart that would never stop beating. The girl with the heart problem who should be dead today is the very Jasmine Le'Shea that sings on the album. If that doesn't provide you with hope and victory in the midst of your problems then you need your heart checked.
The album closes out with "Tear it Down", "Church Clap", "Hello", "Here We Go" and "Zone Out (Amped Remix)"--a finishing salvo of five songs equally as good as the first five and features artists Lecrae, Suzy Rock and PK.
Closing Thoughts:
This is an amazing debut album from this stunning new artist. If you have been listening to Christian hip-hop and following the scene for a while you would have already heard of KB. This album hits hard emotionally, vocally, lyrically and musically. KB has a definite style all his own, he raps with quickness, agility and feeling. This album will be playing in regular rotation for a long time.
Is It Really Acoustic? Who Cares? | Posted June-11-2012
Family Force 5's latest release III.V is a follow up to 2011's III. It features two brand-new tracks and acoustic remixes of four others.
The album starts with some of that classic FF5 guitar sound on "Zombie." The bass hits and the vocals are hard with great rhymes. Staying true to their own sound and breaking down walls between Southern Rock and hip hop. The song is a great re-introduction to FF5 if you haven't listened in a while.
Next up is a great party anthem, "Cray Button." Somewhat reminiscent of "Dance or Die," this song is filled with synth and bass. The lyrics say, "I wonder what happens if I hit the cray button; I guarantee the whole place starts jumpin." And that's exactly what will happen if you throw this down at a party. Everybody will start moving.
The first of four "acoustic" remixes is up next with, "Love Addict (Backwoodz Acoustic Remix)." The definition of acoustic is very loose in the realm of FF5. The guitar is acoustic, but there is still a heavy dose of effects on the vocals and some sampling. Let's just say it is a long way from unplugged. It truly is a remix though. The vocals are all redone, and it sounds great.
"Kountry Gentleman (Gatorbait Acoustic Remix)" follows next. This is an awesome song. The lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, bordering on genius. The juxtaposition of the "Dirty South" and a gentleman is pure gold. The acoustic guitar gives a more Southern feel compared to the original. The guys nailed this remix.
Another Dance or Die track is up next with "Fever (Booyah Acoustic Remix)." The guitar work on this song is really good. They reproduce the bass line very well just with the acoustic guitar, and the electronic drums add just enough punch. For "acoustic," it bangs pretty hard.
The acoustic remix of "Superhero" closes out the project. This is a departure from the usual sound of Family Force 5 and makes me long for some more of this from them. This is a worship anthem that could be sung in any church. It's a cleaned up version of the video version that was released around Easter. I never thought I'd ever put FF5 in my worship playlist, but they are firmly planted there now. At the end of the day we all want a superhero to rescue us, and what greater superhero do we have than Jesus Christ?
Closing Thoughts:
As a whole, this is a great addition to any music collection. It throws out a new level of artistry from Family Force 5. If you haven't heard them before, crawl out from under your rock and pick this up to get a taste of the Southern fried electro grooves. You will want to go back and listen to the original versions of the songs and make the comparisons yourself, which isn't a bad thing because every once in a while some hard hitting bass and electro-funk is just what the doctor ordered.
Hard-hitting, Fast-paced Truth | Posted May-30-2012
In her debut album, Outta My Witts, TeTe gives Christian music fans a true alternative to Lady GaGa, The Black Eyed Peas and Nicki Minaj.
The album starts with a hard-hitting bass line and a frenetic pace with "Clone Free Zone." The song is about not conforming to the world around you, and TeTe definitely doesn't conform to anything out there. It really is an Arsenio Hall moment (things that make you go "hmmmm"). You don't yet know if you will love the album or hate it.
Next up is "Get Wit It." The starting lyrics tell you of TeTe's beliefs right from the start: "See nothin in the world is bigger than my God." The song is lyrical brilliance, and TeTe's flow is smooth and quick as she gets her point across: "Get with the program; He is the man, the only One, the chosen Son."
The next song sings more praises to God in what feels like a great summer time, top-down, kind of song. There is no other way to say that God is awesome than to just say that "He's The Man." TeTe invites you to come along for the ride with Jesus and really know that He is the one who is greater than every man.
In this time of over sexualized music, the next song somewhat copies the seductive feel of some songs that you may here on your local Top 40 station. "Can't Get Enough" can take on many meanings in today's music and usually refers to not enough sex. In this case though, the lyrics speak of not getting enough of God, and just wanting more and more of all He has to give us: love, grace, mercy, correction--which really is what we all need.
The fifth track hits with strong vocals from Tyman Ray, another artist in the Society Revival stable of artists. Once again the dependence on God is shown: "Without You everything is nothing, Jesus you make everything worth something." The vocals and lyrics on "Without You" again are impeccable and the strong bass line makes you groove along.
A strong dose of electronica is up next with "On Fire." The beat in this track is somewhat repetitive from earlier songs, and the electric guitar is over processed. I have a feeling that this track would be amazing performed live with ripping guitars and a real drum kit. This track really left me wanting more. The lyrical theme maintains the consistency on the reliance on God and wanting to have your heart set on fire.
"They Don't Stop" starts out with some smooth vocals, drawing you into what is going to be a real party. This is a fun track and gets away from some of the earlier seriousness. Parties don't stop; that's what this song is about. It features C-Phresh and DJ Sean Blu. The party though isn't your typical party; the party here is a Holy Ghost Party. Get your hands up and praise God with a holy fist pump.
The bass line on the next song is sick. It hits hard and fast. Put your hands to the roof and "Get Up." This track has a nice lyrical flow and gets your head bobbin. The plays on tempo throughout the song add a nice tension and break up what could be very monotonous.
Labelmate Rel Paul sets off the next track in a hardcore manner, reminiscent of This'l. "This is the Revolution to the Pandemonium" is the anthem of this generation to get up and make a change in this world. This track hits hard and bangs even harder. This track will be getting top billing on the playlist.
In what may be an even more controversial track than "Can't Get Enough", "U Suck" tells off the devil in just those words: "You suck so bad! … Go back to where you belong, don't get cozy this is not your home." This is a song about claiming your victory and not being afraid of defeated enemy. The lyrics are indignant, angry and real.
The album ends with "I Promise." Cortney Joi comes in for the assist with great vocals. This is TeTe's most personal track. She promises her listeners, friends and family and most importantly her Lord and Savior that she won't forget where she came from, what she has been through or what He has done for her. This is most definitely the most musical track of the album and really features great vocals by Cortney Joi.
Closing Thoughts:
When I first listened to Outta My Witts, I really didn't know what to think at first. Once I got into it and heard the message being conveyed, I got it. The beats are fast, the lyrics show a great maturity for a new artist and the production of the album from such a small label is great. The album flows together smoothly with a constant theme and at no time do you wonder where TeTe stands. She stands firm for her God and shows that young women can truly take a stand and don't have to be conformed to world around them but can be transformed through the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).
This latest compilation put together by the good people over at Rapzilla gives a newcomer to the genre a wide and varied mix of styles.
This, first of all, is a compilation produced with a purpose: proceeds raised from sales of the album will benefit Ecole de la Borne, a school in the Congo started by Christian missionaries. In a time when our awareness to the troubles of children in Central Africa have been awakened by the KONY 2012 movement, this album provides true support to an existing ministry in an area that is designed to change children’s lives and evangelize Africa with Good News of Jesus Christ.
What this is not is a mixtape, there are no slick transitions between songs, and there is only one remix of a song (New Shalom by Lecrae feat. PRo). This is the last track on the album and seems somewhat forced into the album. Dubstep is not my favorite style, but as mentioned previously, this CD provides plenty of variety in the Hip Hop genre and this gives you a taste of Dubstep.
The intro track, “Welcome to the Kulture” by George Moss, truly draws the listener into the record and sets the stage for an album filled with great emcees and great hooks by some of Christian Hip Hop’s brightest talent. The title track “King Kulture” by Beautiful Eulogy is a true banger that flows for days. It gives the listener hope that our counter culture of Christianity is not controlled by the king of lies but by the King of all days.
More hope is given to a lost and fallen world in tracks by Yaves the Street Pastor, Young Joshua and K-Drama. All three songs contain a basic theme of don’t give up, with a dose of never forget the struggle you went through to get here and the grace that God gave you along the way.
At times the album seems disjointed with little flow in theme between songs which may be due to the various producers used. On their own, though, the tracks are solid, with some great beats and the amazing flow that today’s Christian emcees give us.
Final thoughts: at points this is a great showcase of some newer emcees in Christian Hip Hop and fits the theme that Rapzilla has had in the past of giving us solid mixtapes with newer artists and avoiding some of the more well known and mainstream artists. The tracks by GRITS, KJ-52, and Lecrae seem somewhat misplaced, but given this is firstly produced as a fundraiser for a worthy cause, the name recognition of Dove Award winners and Grammy nominees adds to the appeal of the album. For those new to Christian Hip Hop, this will whet your appetite for more, for those of us that have been listening for years, this has enough solid tracks to justify the purchase and support a cause and a purpose that is bigger than all of us.
5 stars - A new bar has been set | Posted May-28-2012
Growing Pains from Json is an intricate album that touches on the growth of people as they move through the seasons of life. Json’s style has morphed somewhat from his harder style to something with more flow and increased musicality.
The first track on the album is titled “Making Me Over” and features a sick hook sung by AD3 and some added vocals by Tedashii. The song is about how God changes a man from a materialistic life to one based on grace and faith.
Next up is the track is 2 Human featuring Lecrae which speaks of how rappers are more than artists, that they are husbands, fathers and that though they serve us as consumers with their music and ministry that they too need our prayers and support and we shouldn’t judge what’s going on with them since we don’t know what’s truly is happening in their lives.
We follow this theme of the humanness of the artist in the following interlude in which Json speaks of his close relationship with his wife and the next track “Held it Down.” This song is an open letter from man to wife speaking of their troubles and Butta P. comes in on the 2nd verse as the rebuttal from the wife. The final verse ties it all together as God speaks and it relates the marriage covenant to the relationship of God and His bride. The central theme is trust in God, because He has always Held it Down.
Moving on from God holding things down for us is what may be the best track on the album. It’s Alright features a chorus sung by Mikeschair and speaks of how God sees and knows our needs and that we just need to get to our knees in prayer to work through whatever our struggles are. An interesting fact is that Json originally tried to get Shane & Shane to sing the chorus, nothing is lost with Mikeschair covering it off with beautiful harmonies.
Next up is “I the Beast.” This is about pride and how we need to throw up our hands in surrender and let God do the work he started. “If you just want the light to shine and expose what you’re trying to hide, get your hands up.”
The theme of growth and redemption continues with Brand New featuring God’s Servant and Steve-T. This is a testimony of how we are new in Christ, old man is dead and the new man is reborn in Christ.
Next up is My Joy featuring the vocal stylings of Jai. This song is a true confession of faith in Christ and how He is who not only brings us joy but is our joy. It is a deeply touching track that will speak deeply to every listener.
Chris Lee Cobbins joins the all star party on this album on the next track “Behind the Clouds” adding a slick R&B vibe to a song that reminds us that the sun is always shining behind the clouds. Your circumstances do not dictate God’s love for you, but God’s love for you will dictate your circumstances if you just remember that “even when rain is falling down, God shines behind the clouds.”
And now that you remember that God is control and is behind the clouds, we are reminded that no matter what comes our way “We Not Folding.” This track is a true banger and features Trubble & Black Knight. This one is an anthem that you can crank and scream out that you’re not folding.
After you are completely pumped that no one can beat you, “Secrets” will bring you back to reality and rip out your heart. This song is about sexual abuse and is the testimony of a friend of Json’s. How the secrets she had to keep led her to a life a sexual promiscuity and lies, but she came to know Christ and knew she had to forgive her abuser because of the forgiveness that Christ showed her. If you don’t get weepy eyed during this track you should check yourself. On a musical side, J.R. adds smooth vocals to the hook, and his distinct style really brings out the emotion of the situation.
Next up is Credits Roll featuring Benjah on the hook. This song is about forgetting your past and accepting the future that Christ has given you. Let the credits roll on your past mistakes and sins.
The next track “Goodbye” is about saying farewell to one season in life and accepting the new challenge. It is a farewell to St. Louis and accepting the new ministry that God has given Json in Iowa City. Anyone who has gone through a change like leaving a school or a city you loved will find comfort in Json’s testimony in this song.
Last up is another track featuring J.R. with his distinctly smooth vocals. This is a song about the pain a child feels when their parent is missing a lot. There is a critical need for parents to be parents to their children these days and not just working hard. Kids want their parents’ presence, not just their presents.
From top to bottom this album is solid. It is the most deeply touching hip hop album I have ever listened to and each time I listen to it I hear something new. I will boldly declare that this is the best Hip Hop/Urban album of the year and every other album released this year will be compared against this. The production is solid, the theme is consistent and the songs take you places that a hip-hop album has never you taken you before. I have never listened to such a consistent piece of art. This ranks a 5/5 stars.
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