Chris says 'Hello' with life and hope | Posted December-02-2013
Sean C. Johnson, Jai, JR and Christon Gray are the go-to singers that many of the biggest rappers in Christian hip-hop call on to sing a hook. They add an element to these songs that can draw even the staunchest of rap "haters" in to enjoy.
Chris Cobbins has to be mentioned in this group. He has lent his vocals to Lecrae, Creature Clan, Ambassador, Trip Lee and so many more. He dropped Better: The Fan Appreciation Album last year as a precursor to his new album, Hello World. Although urban soul is the foundation to the album, he incorporates pop, dance and even electronic elements. Cheesebeats a.k.a. the Kraken is the primary producer and executive producer of the album.
Cobbins, a tenor/baritone, is one that is not ashamed nor shies away from pointing out his mission of being an ambassador for Christ. Check "Represent" (featuring Reconcile), a slow to mid-tempo track that has him proclaiming, "I'll be reppin' reppin' the Kingdom to they all know who You are."
With Jesus being his focus, the driving force on the album is Cobbins' voice and his camaraderie with the Kraken. Cobbins croons through "The One" over the dubstep and urban elements that the Kraken provides. The music never overshadows the vocals.
If you could get someone to tell a story of going to heaven and seeing Jesus and rejoicing in a futuristic, youthful manner, how would it sound? Great question, but listening to "Future," I could see it as one of the last songs in a new millennium, high-impact musical. (Not so much of a dystopian society a la Hunger Games, but we can talk about the plot of the movie later.) Cobbins sings of the longing for Jesus and then the job of finally seeing him face to face.
The best part of the album is when he ventures in the pop realm. He invites Lecrae to spit a few bars over the title track, "Hello World." This mid-tempo song features guitar riffs and it is uplifting in lyrics and delivery. "Masterpiece" encourages people to realize who they are and who they belong to—a nice pop dance number.
Closing Thoughts:
So fans of Royal Tailor, Sean Johnson, tobyMac, Jordan Armstrong, etc., check out Hello World by Chris Cobbins. You will not regret it. The music will make you dance and think, while helping you to represent Christ to the fullest.
Song to Download Now:
"Hello World (featuring Lecrae)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Diverse Dubstep Reflections | Posted November-11-2013
If you have listened to Benjah since his first release, you would say that he is not your "cookie cutter" reggae artist. He will go from traditional reggae to dance to hip hop. It is great that his work encompasses different styles in his quest to reach the lost. The great thing is the production and placements have allowed it to be fluid and not "all over the place." This fall he releases a remix album, Haze & Reflections (Vanity Fair Remixed), a dubstep/trap music/pop collage. Cardec Drums, Bryson Pryce, Sweedish Revolution and Benjah's Ginger Beer serve as the album's producers.
"Work" gets reworked into even more of a banger with elements that Skrillex and Deadmau5 fans will love. Self proclaimed misfits, Social Clubs add more punch to it and "Work" kicks into overtime. Thankfully the message of Christ and His love is not drowned out by the dope production. Ram-1 brings the dancehall heat and Benjah does his best singing on "Love Signs." Listening to this album makes me want more from Ginger Beer (Adam Gilley, Sky and Benjah). They bring a nice smooth balance to "Flowin," along with Ron Kenoly Jr. and Json.
For those who like to vibe to music without lyrics, this album has an instrumental for each song. "Stones" is one of the three remixes that does not have a feature, and it's one of the songs that really did not quite mesh well with this album. Benjah can definitely hold his own when doing things alone, but this one could have used some better mixing. Mackintosh and Canon join the grind with Benjah on "Grizzly." Mackintosh, the lesser known of the three totally kills his bars and will leave you asking for more from him. The same goes for Lee Green and Dillavou who blaze "Don't Shoot."
Closing Thoughts: Some do not like the "busyness" of dubstep, but it goes well with the songs that were picked for this album of remixes. Benjah continues to blaze trails in Christian music. Don't sleep on him because he continues to evolve as an artist and producer.
Songs of adoration, victory and worship | Posted December-10-2013
William McDowell wrote a song, "I Give Myself Away," that traveled across the globe and most likely was translated in several different languages. Worship and seeing God move on the Earth are big focuses for him. The blessing is knowing that after scoring such a colossal hit, being nominated for several awards and performing in front of thousands and thousands of people, he has not been tainted by the industry.
Thankfully, he is not using these various accolades to declare himself to be at the apex of his career. His new album, Withholding Nothing, is proof that hearing from God and being sensitive to what God wants to do on the earth is very important to William.
"Releasing A Sound" begins the album as a means to show what God has spoken to him. He is very into people being excited and believing that God is still doing great things on the Earth. He wants people to be eager and it is fitting that he would insert "Expecting," a song of assurance and confidence that God will move. He and the singers leave no one guessing and end the song with a driving vamp: "Change is coming / change is coming / I'm expecting a move / expecting a move of God."
The songs of victory and declaration continue with "We Will Prevail." The backing vocalists stay with McDowell every step of the way as they exuberantly sing of triumph over obstacles. Aaron Lindsay and Pablo Villatoro guest on "Are You Ready" and add the necessary punch to ad-lib, a la a rapper's hype man.
"How can I describe a God that's indescribable / How can I explain a Love that's unexplainable? / I'm at a loss for words / My heart sings, 'Ohhhh,'" sings McDowell over a lovely piano and strings. This song, "My Heart Sings" does not have many more words, but that can happen when speaking about God. One of the most beautiful voices on the record, Nicole Binion, co-leads "Can't Live Without You." Wow! The title song should be the soundtrack to believers because of its theme of surrendering all and giving all to Him.
Please listen to and pay attention to singing that comes from the vocalists on "When I Call Your Name." It reminds me of something that Israel and New Breed or Richard Smallwood and Vision would do. The influence of Israel Houghton is definitely in the vocal arrangements are very evident. American Idol alum Danny Gokey joins McDowell on the pop-rock ballad, "Sovereign God." Gokey's somewhat raspy tone meshes well with McDowell's voice. Danny, put out a praise and worship album!
Closing Thoughts:
Withholding Nothing is an album for those who want to get lost in worship and for those believe in singing of triumph before it actually happens. Thank God for William McDowell being a man who believes in releasing a sound that people on the Earth need to hear and join in.
The best wordsmiths and beatmakers participate in "Group Therapy" | Posted October-29-2013
It is always great to introduce an artist (even if it's not a new artist) to the NRT readers and family. Sivion is definitely a veteran in the sense that he has dropped several solo albums, as well as projects with Deepspace 5.
This Dallas resident is still seen as more of an underground rapper. He hits us again (with a little help from his friends) with Group Therapy. This basically features "er'body and their mama" with emcees such as Ozay Moore, Sareem Poems, Tunnel Rats alumni Propaganda, Jurny Big, Zane, Macho and Shames Worthy. The beats are laid by Symbolic One, Courtland Urbano, Theory Hazit, Harry Krum, M Slago, Dert and more. With all of the different hands in this album, Sivion makes sure that he makes it his own.
Hip-hop really started as a party genre with songs like "Rapper's Delight," which would inject more life into house parties and discos alike. Fast forward to 2013 and oftentimes people do not associate "real" hip-hop with one of those joints that can get things hopping. Sivion is definitely an emcee who is not ashamed to get things popping.
Check "Ladies and Gentlemen." It's uptempo, energetic, but still hip-hop. Siv promises to bring Christ to any show and everywhere he goes on "Ask The Deejay." Kaboose and Ruslan bring their wordplay while the Kraken laces the track that will have you vibing real hard to this one.
"Out to Win," produced by fellow Dallas resident and Deepspace 5 cohort Freddie Bruno, has a slight feel of a old Wu-Tang song. Sivion, Macho and Manchild each speak of taking last place to God to beat sin and overcome the "traps and the greed of men." The "party" continues with another "that's my jam" song. "One Two" features butter vocals by Heather James and the right beat for the job provided by Sebmaestria. Sivion wants to continue to bring Christ's light and love to give people hope during the darkest times.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a definite banger another highlight for 2013. It may be an acquired taste for those who are used to a certain format and formula in Christian hip-hop, or rap in general. Check it out and vibe to it. Be blessed and invite more to this "party" call the life in Christ.
Songs of worship with a slightly island flair | Posted October-19-2013
Oahu is well-known as a great place for honeymoons, vacations, etc. It is not always known as a place for Christian recording artists and worship teams. However the Hawaiian Islands have many believers who are Tongan, Hawaiian, Samoan, Japanese and many other other races. It is basically a beautiful "stew" of believers.
New Life Oahu are not here to kill any stereotypes, but they are definitely here to bring honor to God. They release Hope Is Rising, produced by Sean Cook and Dave Hanley (of Press Play).
One of the things that grabbed me while listening is the soulfulness of some of the vocalists like Jana Alcain. This worked best on the album's live songs. It is always great to hear soulful vocals combined with songs of a rock edge. This happens with songs like the energetic, "Glory and Beauty," written "in house" by Joseph Lauer, Fred Alcain and Dave Hanley. I loved when they went into bridge singing a resounding, "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Glory!"
They recorded two of Israel Houghton's songs, "Jesus At the Center" and "Speechless." These are great songs, but New Life really shine on the original songs. The moments seem more powerful when listening to those original songs. Title track "Hope Is Rising," should be another great song to add to song lists across the globe. This song serves to help people take their focus off of their problems (and themselves) and focus on God. '
"How We Worship," also written by Lauer, is a moving ballad topped with signature ukulele and dialect of the Island. The soaring soprano sings masterfully on "Please You" as she asks God for more of him backed on by keyboards.
Closing Thoughts:
There's a place for anyone to worship God. It is such a beautiful thing to hear the way New Life Oahu sing praises to God. Well-rounded album and I hope they continue to give us more!
The heat keeps coming from Rhema Soul | Posted October-18-2013
Rhema Soul smashed the game with their free album, Dope Beat & Good News. This was an album that truly impacted Christian hip-hop and me, personally. It was a fun album with the sick beats courtesy of the artist formerly known as G-Styles (now known as Gawvi) and bars by Butta P, K-Nuff and Juan Love.
They have since release countless singles and a mainstream album, Red. What did they do next? They release, Dope Beat, Good News, Vol. 2—YES! This album shows the growth lyrically for every member and Gawvi. It shows Gawvi's continually growth and versatility as a producer.
Dubstep, heavy synth and a banging beat serves as the backdrop for the fitting "Here We Go Again." Rhema Souls is a smart group because they keep the formula of each rapper spitting a hot verse while providing the right hook. Yet they keep changing with the times and even managing to set trends. Who else does a song called, "Party Sleep Repeat"?
No they have not left the ministry, so purists can relax. They invite some friends to the fray to bless "P.Y.I.T.F," which means "Punch you in the face." Of course it's not literal, but they are bringing the Good News and their music. Social Club, Rey King and Spzrkt all lend a helping hand.
"Greatest Memories" is such a great song musically, but it grabs the heart strings as each rapper tries to celebrate the good memories of a friend or a loved one who has passed away. Things keep ablaze with "Malibongwe," which brings to mind the times of the South African apartheid or the song that means, "Let Your name be praised."
Closing Thoughts:
Kudos to Rhema Soul for doing it again. Yes I would have loved to hear one of those raw beats that I heard on the first volume. However, I am excited about the direction that they are going. Like Gawvi said, they are, "turned up for the Gospel."
Donald Lawrence releases another great album | Posted October-10-2013
Donald Lawrence continues to amaze and blaze trails in Gospel music. His songwriting and choral arrangements cannot be denied while he constantly and consistently stays on the charts. He releases Best For Last, which is a basically an album to celebrate his 20 years as a Gospel recording artist. He features the likes of Faith Evans, Kelly Price, Natalie Grant along with his current and former group, the Company and Tri-City Singers. Daniel Weatherspoon serves as co-producer and music director for this one.
Natalie Grant does a masterful job on the gorgeous ballad, "God." It's not often that we get to hear Mrs. Herms on a live song, much less a Gospel song. Natalie does not disappoint. Her powerful chops so wonderfully mesh well with the sweet vocals of Lawrence's singers, Company. Such a powerful moment of worship.
Current single, "Best for Last" encourages those who feel that their time to do great things in life has passed. Lawrence smoothly leads this one before letting Yolanda Adams take over to do her good singing. Like many who listen to Gospel music knows, Yolanda knows how to "work a tag" with her squalls and phrasing. His old group, The Tri-City Singers, provides the background vocals and they sound as good as ever!
Another great thing about Donald Lawrence is his constant inclusion of Bible scriptures and his inspiration from sermons that he's heard. He grabs inspiration from Hebrews 4:9 which reads, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God." So Donald makes a mid-tempo gem (with a hint of the '60s) "There Remaineth A Rest," which is based on that scripture and sermon by Dr. Creflo Dollar. Tri-City are again on vocals as Donald narrates through. I cannot get enough of this one and it will cause you to open the Word and study for yourself. He stays on the subject of rest and Company takes the forefront Then things get interesting when things slows down into straight Gospel choir 101. And what do they use for the title of the next song? What else, "'Hebrews 4:9 A Rest' (Vintage Detroit Mix)."
Mrs. Coko (of SWV and wife to drummer Mike Clemons) lends her vocals to uptempo jam, "Mighty God." This is a song that Donald wrote for her on her solo Gospel album. She blazed it better on this level version than she did on the studio version. Rudy Currence is a name that many may not be familiar with. However he was featured on "Lucky Ones" from Lecrae's Gravity. To hear him weave his smooth voice throughout "Instrument" was to hear a voice that is basically doing things that you would hear an instrument do.
Though people dispute the use of "secular" artists on Gospel album, Donald Lawrence has no problems using artists who love God, but happen to sing secular music. There are songs that only "certain" artists can interpret. "Ultimate Relationship" has the stylings of Jazz meets smooth R&B. The lyrics basically lends themselves to a potent love song. The relationship that they are singing about is obviously the relationship with Christ. Lalah Hathaway works her jazzy low register and only she could interpret this song the way Donald wanted it to be sung.
Closing Thoughts:
Yes, this is a collection of old hits with a few new songs, but it just has a freshness to it. It is not a greatest hits album and do not turn a deaf ear to it. If you do, you will truly miss a great album! Well done Donald—AGAIN!
Canon shows us that his time with Lecrae and RMG is time well spent | Posted October-08-2013
Canon has been seen traveling with Lecrae as his hype man, but please don’t box him in as just that. Those familiar with Christian hip-hop will know that Canon is a talented rapper signed to Reflection Music Group. His time in Tennessee, being discipled in Christ while cultivating his skills, has been well spent. After releasing a free album and an EP, Canon breaks out with the full length, Mad Haven. Canon is definitely known for his rapid-fire rapping acrobatics, but he does not fully rely on this. In this case, less is more. When he uses it, it's more appreciated.
So Canon decides to grab inspiration from Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled” (my FAVORITE poem) to deliver the message for “The Road”. Even with the great title and my obvious bias, this song is smooth, but yet bangs. Can a song do that? Thurston Lopes’s vocals has an almost live affect to it as if he was in an empty amphitheatre. Canon advises those to follow God and take that narrow road even when criticism comes your way.
Twenty-four year old Aaron McCain aka Canon always eludes to the fact that he does not know it all even when given advice on the album. He understands that when he puts his life (flaws and all) on display, some may not like him, but he knows that this cannot happen. He expresses this on “Grow Up” featuring the go-to vocals of Tragic Hero. On a side note, I am stoked to hear Tragic Hero’s next release. He gets honest and real on the metaphorical “Mind Vomit”. The title alone says a lot.
For those who were wondering does he have songs that will get you hyped, have no fear. “How We Do It” features heavyweights Lecrae and This’l, and is destined to be one of his “go to” songs. Unashamed of Christ and making him famous is on display on this one. The hook is catchy, but the good (and bad) thing is that Canon’s rap very close to KB’s verse on “One Sixteen” by Trip Lee. So they might as well mash these two songs together for a remix or during a live performance. Derek Minor joins Canon to keep things moving as they explain they will “ball” like they hit the “Lotto”.
Canon tries his hand in dancehall and reggae when he tells “What It Sounds Like” when shots are fired and blood is spilled from those who are having this display on violence. This song is an eerie tell of what really goes on, but it’s very infectious. Speaking of infectious, the beat, synth samples, verses by Tony Tillman and Canon help make to make “Different” a definite highlight on the album. So T-Jay, first signed artist on DA T.R.U.T.H.’s new label, does his good singing on the chorus.
Closing Thoughts:
Here is another album that has so much to offer. Canon toys with a variety of rapping styles while holding true to his own style. He ventures out and succeeds. He succeeds in celebrating the life of an unashamed Christian while while showing transparency that unbelievers can appreciate. Dope album.
You can never go wrong with Darrell Evans | Posted September-23-2013
Mr. Darrell Evans, the one behind timeless praise and worship songs like "Trading My Sorrows", "Let the River Flow", "Freedom", "Your Love is Extravagant" and more is back with a new album, Awesome God Is He. This comes after a five-year hiatus since the last release, Nothing Less Than Everything. He is the new kid on the block at DREAM Records, but a veteran in the worship music field.
"Alive" has almost a Mumford and Sons feel complete with mandolins and banjos. "Freedom is our song / This train is rolling come along / The joyful is the sound / This Love is real and His grace abounds." Great chorus for the folksy tune "Freedom is Our Song". Steel guitar, rhythm guitar and slight percussion just add to fun for this praise song that would sure be a crowd favorite at his concerts. Churches who dare, should add this one to their set list.
The one thing that has stood out about Darrell Evans is his ability to build strong songs that grab the hearts of the people while sending vertical worship to God. He is truly a worship leader who happens to make records. He is not an artist who saw that praise and worship was a popular—for lack of a better term—genre. The simplicity of the chorus to "You Can Never Be Praised Enough" (same as the title of the song) resonates and allows the listeners to quickly join in. Then he goes into the bridge of the song which says, "Unchanging / Amazing / Unfailing God" which shifts the song into a high gear.
Standout songs are the title track, "Awesome God is He," and "Unto The King." The title song has Darrell using his lower register and tone for most of the verses and then soaring into a higher register for much of the chorus. Hearing one sing of the awesomeness of God never gets old. "Unto the King" will be great for youth praise bands and adult worship leaders. It has a driving chorus featuring electric guitar work and drums.
Closing Thoughts:
You can never go wrong with Darrell Evans and it is great to have another release from him. I would not go as far as to say it is a classic, but there are gems and highlights throughout. We should celebrate those artists who continue to pour themselves into their congregations and the world with songs dedicated to magnifying God.
Who is Ambassador? He's a rap Veteran with a Master's in Theology, although that is not something he brags about. He is a loving father and husband. He is basically a trailblazer in Christian hip-hop with no signs of letting up.
He knows that his fans are awaiting the release of another full-length CD, so he drops a six-song EP to hold us over with a fitting title, Hors D'Oeuvres. To go along with the album, he is releasing a weekly devotional for each song on the album. Hot Handz is the primary beat maker with tracks from J Luv, Geeda and Mac da Doulos.
The title track boasts, "A little rhyme, all Word / This is just an hors d'oeuvre." In typical Amba fashion, he gives us the wordplay while rapping over a mini-trap beat by Hot Handz. I grew to really love Ambassador's lyrics and ministry when he and the Cross Movement released House of Representatives, and when he released Christology: In Laymen's Terms.
I was searching for some gritty East Coast-styled Christian hip-hop and I was pointed to Cross Movement. I had never heard anything like this before. So when listening to lead single "YAH! (You See Me)," a sense of wonderful nostalgia kicks in. It has the vintage gritty percussion heavy track (Geeda on the beat) that Amba would spit over.
Insert the banger "How God Do It" and you will hear Ambassador explain the fact that he could easily be the status quo rapper who raps about chicks, clubbing, etc., however that's not the way God intends for believers to deliver. The chorus is borderline catchy and annoying. However it's still one to check out. You can't go wrong with a little dancehall hook that sounds authentic. This is true for "Deserter," featuring rapper Jahaziel doing his best reggae chant.
On "Many Things," Ambassador raps about serving others and planting seeds of the Good News into those who need Christ. Knowing that time is of the essence, he senses the urgency of preaching to a lost world.
Closing Thoughts:
Good appetizer for the new album. Throw in the devotionals and this should hold us over until the album comes out. It's good to know that Ambassador is keeping it moving.
DwayneLacy_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
