Hezekiah Walker is back with a blazing new album! | Posted June-17-2013
Good Gospel choir music can be underappreciated these days. From the 1970s to 1990s, Gospel choirs were at the forefront of Gospel music. In the subsequent decades, people have downsized their choirs to make more of an ensemble. There is nothing wrong with this. However, thankfully the Gospel choir sound is kept alive with people like J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise, Mississippi Mass Choir and of course Hezekiah Walker.
Hezekiah Walker has been a mainstay in Gospel music since the late '80s, and his songs have been sung across the world during church services. Now he is back with Azuza: The Next Generation. He uses the 500-voice Azusa Mass Choir (which includes many of his LFC members) this time. Donald Lawrence, who basically has the Midas touch, takes the helm as the album's producer.
The great thing about this project is how it has something for people with different tastes, including foot-stomping Gospel, Contemporary Christian, soul, and a hint of pop. The Azusa Mass Choir does their good singing throughout the whole album.
Things start off with lead single, "Every Praise." This number is simple lyrically and will be easy for listeners to understand, but compelling enough to draw people in. It is a mid-tempo number that will be great for choirs and praise teams. It is also not complicated vocally and it has a cross-cultural feel. Detrick Haddon takes the lead as United Pursuit Band's "Break Every Chain" receives a light rock reworking with electric and acoustic guitars weaved throughout.
On "I Feel Your Spirit," Walker pays homage to his mentor, the late Bishop Kenneth Moales Sr. When you listen to this song, you will think, "We are having CHURCH!" It's hand-clapping and foot-stomping music with Moales' famous "war cry" included.
"Lead Me To the Rock" has a nice groove to it that we have grown accustomed to hearing on a Hezekiah Walker album. A song that will be a mainstay on car stereos, iPhones, iPods, etc. is the ballad "More Than A Conqueror" featuring Walker's favorite singer, Timiney Figeroa-Caton. With Romans 8:37 being the inspiration for the song, it will serve to give the listeners confidence in who they are in Christ. Prepare to be taken back with the R&B tinged, "Grace" featuring some GREAT singing by Brian Courtney Wilson.
"Breakthrough" can be described as Gospel meets Contemporary Christian meets Adult Contemporary. Donnie McClurkin was the perfect person to lead and ad-lib. Donnie sings, "You are God and you are greater than anything/and I worship You / You're bigger than life to me / You are my breakthrough."
Are there more gems or standout songs left? The answer is a resounding, "Yes!" "Amazed" is vertical in lyrics, but it is definitely soul-stirring. Imagine people worshipping God, but yet leaving a service changed after hearing this song. It is one of "those" songs! Other songs to check out are "No Greater Love" and "Work In Your Favor" featuring John P. Kee.
Closing Thoughts:
This is one album that after listening, you want to stop and honestly, selah! In a time where albums only have two to three standout songs, Azusa: The Next Generation is chock full of them. If you are not a fan or Gospel choir music, give this one a chance. If you are a fan, you are going to be WELL pleased. Kudos to Hezekiah Walker and the Azusa Mass Choir for making a great album!
A union of singers to be celebrated! | Posted May-23-2013
Fred Hammond has been in Gospel music for more than 30 years. He started as a bassist for the Winans, then he co-founded the colossal Commissioned. He blazed trails with Radical for Christ and he is not letting up.
He has come full circle as he, Dave Hollister, Brian Courtney Wilson and Eric Roberson form the group United Tenors. Hollister is well known in the secular industry for his time with Blackstreet, being the singer on Tupac's "Brenda Got A Baby" and of course his solo stuff. Although he still does some dates with Blackstreet, he is devoted to ministry.
Roberson is also an R&B singer with a strong following while Wilson is arguably one of the best crooners in the Gospel world. They release Here In Our Praise, produced by Fred. He gets help from his band—Calvin Rodgers, Philip Feaster, Lawrence Jones along with Shaun Martin, Derek Clark and Chuck Bethany.
The album jumps into high gear with the songs "Unshakeable" and "Love You Like That." Lead single "Here In Our Praise" has a slow urban feel, but the lyrics are vertical worship to God. For the most part, the quartet as a whole is the leaders with some ad-libs from Wilson and Hammond. This group works and it is great to hear them all sing and take equal lead parts. In this day and age it is refreshing to see and hear men and devoted fathers take the lead and give honor to God.
"In the Midst of It All" is a beautiful ballad of sheer adoration to God. The song almost sounds like one of the chapters in Psalms with such lyrics as, "To know that your presence is all that we need / Is more than enough to set our minds at ease / And when our hearts is overwhelmed we'll look to the Cross / And there we are reminded that you are here."
A fretless bass, a jazzy saxophone weaving nicely throughout, great placements of each singer's voice and great lyrics make "Never a Day" a winner and a definite highlight. Hollister starts it off and from there you know it is going to be a good one.
A major highlight on the album is "I'm Reminded." What makes this song so special? Perhaps it's the chorus, which sings: "I'm reminded how much You care for me / I'm reminded how much You done for me oh Lord / When I think of what you done on cavalry / I am reminded of Your love." Could it possibly be the fact that it's a mid-tempo pop number with some straight-up churchy "sangin'" by Fred Hammond and Brian Courtney Wilson? Can a song be pop yet churchy? It is the combination all of those things that make it so special. It is one song that you will play over and over again.
No matter if the tempo is faster, a la "We Worship You," or slow such as "My Heart Is Yours," worship and encouragement is a big theme throughout the album. The fellas tug at the heart strings and deliver a relatable song in "Where Are You." This is a song that is vintage Fred Hammond because he writes in a way that "hits home" but still leaves you worshipping God.
Closing Thoughts:
So much has already been said, but to see these singers put aside any egos and have equal billing is refreshing. There is power in unity and when strong men come together to bring praise to God, there is nothing like it. Thank you Dave Hollister, Eric Roberson, Brian Courtney Wilson and Fred Hammond!
Bringing Something Different to the Fight Club | Posted April-29-2013
Carlos Whittaker is someone who is way "out of the box” in terms of his beautiful family, sometimes controversial tweets and blogs and approach to life. He now drops a short remix EP, The Fight Club Sessions, to accompany release of his album, Fight. (Read about THAT album here.)
This special EP was made as a thank-you to people who pre-ordered Fight through Carlos' website, RagamuffinSoul.com.
The first remix of "In the Arms” is called the "Los Whit British Knights Remix." (Who remembers the shoes, British Knights?!) This is a high energy/trance styled remix featuring raps by Keisha (not to be confused with Ke$ha). You may have to listen a few times to understand everything that Keisha is saying, due to her British accent to go along with the fast pace.
Enjoy the inclusion of rapper Propaganda who waxes poetic and spits a few bars on the Humble Beast remix of "Don't Give Up." The best part of the song is the bridge which says, "You're the air that I breathe / The life that I need is from You / The song that I breathe / The life that I lead is worship.”
Enjoy hearing the contrasting styles in the two remixes of "New Song." One is more electronica/techno and the other is a bluegrass version. Think of a night club competing with a blue grass festival right outside. Carlos finishes things out with another remix of "In The Arms." This time featuring the always-working, KJ-52. This remix features a lot more synthesizers and goes into a little dubstep during KJ's rap. The synths seem a little too long, but its style is a keeper.
Closing Thoughts:
I believe this is a good accompaniment EP. It's good for working out, cruising and even worshipping.
Looking out for the misfits and rejects of the world | Posted April-10-2013
Those Social Club misfits are not resting on their laurels. Back with a new EP titled (what else) Rejects, Marty Mar and F.E.R.N. continues with transparency and the hope of Christ.
Things get going with the slow, hard-hitter, "Losing Sleep." It features Marty singing the chorus with a cool rasp that is actually infectious. He sings, "I'm losing sleep on where to go / Where do I belong, I may never know / I feel like I'm far behind / so far behind." He and Fernie address times of regret and just seeking direction. Fernie... this dude's mellow voice grabs your attention!
There has been much tension and discussion around the subject of gay marriages. Enter Social Club and "Grace Song." Marty Mar speaks of truly loving those who are gay and not emphasizing one sin over another. Fernie addresses how God's grace has sustained him and blessed him, even though it was undeserved. He also talks about how he's seen someone delivered from the homosexual lifestyle. Spzrkt sings and brings chill vocals to this breezy tune. Crooner Z.G. seems to be the go-to guy when it comes to rappers who are Christians singing an ode to their wives. He does this on "Love," as Fernie and Marty pay homage to the women they love.
Only Social Club would do a song titled "Pizza Party"--and it bangs. One criticism that I would have for Social Club is that they don't stray often from the slow tempo music with the synths. They bring a more hip-hop banger, "Internal Review," featuring Anthony Rose and Alex Faith. Listen to this over and over again.
It is so good to hear rap veteran R-Swift hook up with the fellas to create "Misfit Gang." This is a rally cry for those who feel rejected by society and even Christian rappers who are rejected by the industry.
Closing Thoughts:
As I have said before, Social Club has music that people can play for youth and adults who feel that they have made too many mistakes to rebound or be used by God. Rejects is another soundtrack in this series of albums. Is a book series next?
A Free Album Better than Many For Sale! | Posted March-26-2013
Social Club is a group that is really carving its own niche in the industry of hip-hop. These Florida boys (rappers F.E.R.N. and Marty Mar) are starting to create quite a buzz with their Southern flow, nice choice of beats and their honest and transparent lyrics. It's no wonder why many youth are able to identify with this group.
They released a free album, titled Misfits, which could have easily been sold on various digital outlets. They decided to get their music out for "FREE99," so that people could really get a full feel of what they are about. The Social Club Misfit Gang (or SCMG) is just getting started.
Hearing the female voice say, "Social Club is the best!" may throw you off and cause you to wonder whether or not this group has a pride issue. However, after listening to their music, you realize that these guys do not mean any harm.
Rey King provides the beat and provides a banging introduction with SCMG via the song, "STRT TRBL." "Glow In the Dark" has the elements that will people to scrunch up their nose and give the "stink face." Not because it's bad, but it's "the jam." Fernie (as he calls himself) and Marty Mar skillfully rap about being a light in this world. They do this over a Gawvi (a.k.a. G-Styles) beat while Gawvi flips the beat mid-chorus (which he's singing by the way) into dubstep.
SCMG realizes that they may be shunned by people in society and in the church because they do not sugar-code their shortcomings or issues while longing for God. Check, Marty Marr's bars on the the chill and reflective "S&G" which stands for Sodom and Gomorrah. "Look I relate to kids when they fill left out / I'm feeling all alone / feeling empty in this house." Marty Mar feels like a "misfit" for issues he is dealing with such as the fallout with his uncle and his cousin.
They continue to keep it "100"on the Hot Handz-produced "Venetian Blinds," featuring Tragic Hero while Marty and Rhema Soul's Butta P touch on the heartbreak of relationships that "got away." With "Chocolate Bobka," it's good to hear them talk about how far they have come--from the shunned high school years to rappers repping for Christ. Fernie especially kills his verse while you will get sucked into singing the hook, "It's the Social Club Misfit Gang… AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
To say that "Screwed Up Kids" is a certified banger is an understatement. Wit lays the dopest "boom bap" with killer bars from SCMG, Dre Murray, and Rhema Soul's Juan Love and K-Nuff. Don't listen to this one first because you will neglect the other great songs on the album. Fernie chants the hook that sums it up, "I thank God for the gift of grace / blessed my life for a few / when I change my ways / From the dark place to the throne room / I lay sitting just amazed at what the Lord's doing."
Closing Thoughts:
It almost seems like a crime to have an album this good to be offered for free. Download it! Give it to your friends. If you are an adult, give it to those who love good hip-hop. Give it to those who feel like outcasts and feel there is no hope. They are Christians who can identity!
Song to Download Now:
The whole thing. It's free, after all! Download here.
There was a time when Christian rap was nothing but a rip-off of mainstream or secular rappers. Today, Christian rap stands on its own with certain rappers as Propaganda, Theory Hazit, Eshon Burgandy, Macho, the Reach Records crew, D Maub and so many more.
Collision Records has a powerhouse crew of artists including Swoope, rapper and singer Christon Gray, Dre Murray, Alex Faith and Grammy Award-winning producer, Wit. Together they release a highly anticipated, "W.L.A.K." which is an acronym meaning, We live as kings.
Of course some people will look at the title and have the misconception that they are bragging to be the best rappers or establishing their role as the hierarchy of emcees. However, throughout the album they establish the fact that they are kings in the sense of being responsible husbands, men striving to be leaders and Godly examples in a society where men are M.I.A.
Dirty Rice and Joseph Prielozny produce and lay a nice track for Alex Faith and Dre Murray to boldly proclaim their drive to be "All In,"--not quitters in terms of their relationship with God and their families. I'm thrilled to write this review to introduce to some and present to others the great talents of Christon Gray.
When people use the saying of "Don't put your eggs in one basket," this is very true when it comes to Gray. I was first introduced to him as a singer, but it then he blew me away with his skills as a rapper. One of the best songs on the album, "Long Way Down," is musically equal to what many of us call, a "slow jam," featuring bass guitar, electric guitar and of course the slow tempo beat, all provided by Swoope. Gray sings and Dre raps in a bold stance and proclamation to the devil about knowing what he tries to do and how he basically has nothing on the real King, Jesus.
There's something about hearing the guys together in a cypher that brings great excitement. Lead single, "Imagine" is a Wit and Swoope hip-hop 101 banger. Each verse by each rapper is distinct and sick. Some will argue this point and say that may be an exaggeration, but they catch my ear with the wordplay. This allows me to really listen to what they are trying to say.
Peep part of Christon Gray's verse, "Yes Lord I accept your septor / It's Solomon's song from the prodigal son who left you." Or maybe Swoope's verse, "Here for a reason, not a contingency / was an empty seed / just a fetus with a Matt Damon chemistry / until the Trinity's entity entered me with a reborn identity."
"Reign Is Coming" is another one that bangs, but its message resonates as the fellas ask God to let His love shower on them as they "prepare the way" for His return.
Christon Gray pays homage to his wife on "Eyes For You" and then he and Swoope use the same chorus as the former on "WLAQ," which means, "we live as queens." Swoope makes it plain when says, "You're in love with another man / and I don't feel cheated / Jesus." Alex Faith's transparency is so welcomed and needed. He shows his vulnerability on the fast paced, "Coward" and "Broken Kings."
Sit back and worship to the "Arena." Dre Murray raps about his love for the King Jesus, trying to lead even at least one to Him and a great anticipation for His return. Gray sings the hook as you hear almost a chant in the background which is a sort of interpolation of the chorus of Hillsong's "With Everything."
Closing Thoughts:
I believe this is another one of those rare 5 star albums. It is one that features nice productions, (and not just beats) by Wit, Swoope, Dirty Rice and Prielzony. The placements of the songs, verses, etc are well put together. It encourages you to really draw nearer to God, reach out to lost and read your Word. Even still, you can bang this in your ride and give it to non-believers and believers alike.
A Melting Pot of Greatness | Posted February-26-2013
Je'Kob Washington has an incredible work ethic. He has put out a few mixtapes, a Washington Projects remix album and 3 EPs in just a few years. Wow!
With his current release, Faith Hope Love, Je'Kob takes a few songs from each of EPs, titled Faith, Hope and Love. He also throws in some Eutopian mixes. If anyone knows Je'Kob, they know that he is not relegated to only hip-hop. He throws in electro, acoustic soul, pop, and rock in, too.
Lead single "Love Is All" garnered much airplay and went up the CHR charts. Why? It is upbeat, catchy and takes inspiration from the "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13. The Eutopian mix is more midtempo with only an acoustic guitar and bongos as the only music. This is enough to give the original a serious run for its money.
"In Your Hands" is a pop song of praise complete with airy vocals on the lead and an added autotune on the chorus. This song screamed, "tobyMac collabo," but it is still good, no doubt. Can you do a remix to this one Je'Kob?
Speaking of collaborations, Je'Kob enlists the help of fellow emcee, Conscience and singer Nena Lockhart on the banger, "Make Me Over." Conscience smashes his bars and Je'Kob shows even more growth as a rapper. Lockheart's vocals are the icing on the cake. This is not a song about bragging, but a prayer of petition for God to change them.
"Tomorrow's sun will rise in the East / and it will set in the west / that we will know who we are / when we are put to the test," sings Je'Kob in the chorus of "The Test" feat. Deraj.
Abortion, pornography, temptations are just a few issues that Je'Kob tackles over a pulsating drum patterns and guitar riffs with the jam, "Can't Have My Soul." December Keys guests on two standout songs of the album. One being the rock-tinged, "Let Go and Love" while they stress the power of bringing hope (the love of Jesus) on the musically adventurous, "Hope For Us Al."
Get up and dance when listening to the high energy of "Don't Let Go" and "Boom Shaka Laka." They are fun and inspiring, which is great when offering hope to those who are longing for it. Je'Kob and his WP partner/sister, Rachel wonderfully asks God to consume their being on the ballad, "Burn Me Out."
Closing Thoughts:
This is a great "stew" or "jambalaya," or one of those words meaning a mixture of several elements to make one great meal. Again, this is just a representation of Je'Kob's musical taste and of course his prayer to exude, faith, hope and of course, love. This is one to be enjoyed by music lovers, youth, etc.
I have to start off by saying that it is important for a review, listener, etc. to give albums and songs a few listens to understand the message. It's like watching a movie like Inception or even The Hobbit. You get something different each listen. I am one who love artists are out of the box with their approach to ministry such as: Je'kob, Sho Baraka, High Society, Family Force 5, Theory Hazit, Capital Kings, etc. However, I am grateful that rap veteran, Da' T.R.U.T.H. released Love, Hope, War, his second release on Xist Records. He brings a healthy balance of each part of the album title.
So he comes out the corner swinging with "D.O.S. (Death of Silence)", produced by Andre Atkinson, Maurice Tonia and Mark Mims. He pulls no punches (wait is that a contradictory statement?) as he challenges fellow believers to step up and be a vocal witness for Christ. This is amidst to efforts to keep Christians quiet in this day and hour. He also urges Christians not to be ashamed to preach what the Word of God is against in "Table Talk."
Before anyone criticizes him for preaching at them, T.R.U.T.H. gets introspective and honest on "Where Was I” produced by Joseph Love. He expresses his regret for not showing the love of Christ to his now deceased cousin and his vow to really be evangelistic even when he is not on the stage. This song brings great conviction to me.
The movie The Hunger Games and the book of the same name created quite a huge buzz in the last several years for teens and adults alike. So when T.R.U.T.H. hits us with his first single using the same title ("Hunger Games"), the interest was definitely peaked. Alternative soul artist/producer J.R. shows us that he can drop the hardest of trap beats. The beat starts, and I'm wondering if he is going to reference Katniss and Peeta. No deal. This "hunger” that he talks about is lust and gluttony and how this massive battle can be won through self-denial and reliance on Christ's means.
"The City" is another part of the hope portion of the album as B. Reith sings, "Everything is O.K. / still looking forward to that day / when I'm not a stranger / in the City of Hope.” Although the trap beats are nice, the album has enough of them so that is why producer GROC deserves props for bringing a different element. It still flows well with the album. "Hope" screams banger from the bars of T.R.U.T.H., Flame (he is killing all of his features), Trip Lee to the hook provided by This'l to the head nodding beat courtesy of Alex Medina and Geeda. The message needs no explanation.
It is no surprise that GROC serves as the producer for the song where T.R.U.T.H sings on. "Real Love" is a song where he shares his earnest intent to love people deeper in Christ and not the surface-type of love. It actually would have been cool to hear him sing the whole song and the autotune on his voice sounds really good. Yes, the autotune is an added touch. Ahh, the boom bip, smooth chorus and candid lyrics add to create that jam "Ugly Love." This is an ode to his loving wife, family, etc that loves in the worst times which proves how beautiful it really is.
Closing Thoughts:
The trap beats were a little excessive, but the album is wonderfully written. It is convicting, but not condemning. It's introspective, but yet serves as an encouragement and an admonishment for believers. This is not the same Da' T.R.U.T.H. from four or five years ago. He preaches love and hope just as much as he urges fellow believers to go to war.
Sho Baraka: Breaking new ground and making people talk | Posted January-28-2013
Sho Baraka has been an artist who has served some innovative content and music for the last few years. He shocked many when he left Reach Records, hoping to tackle issues that were not usually covered by Reach artists. He along with Swoope, JR and Suzy Rock formed High Society released a great album, High Society Collective.
It seemed as if his "stepping out" inspired others such as Lecrae to veer out and take his message to a broader audience. After hearing several interviews, many were anticipating his new release, Talented Tenth. This is an album that will have many talking and analyzing. The title is borrowed from the book of the same title by W.E. Dubois. The songs serve as chapters instead of tracks. The content is heavy and may not sit well with some listeners. He enlists the help of Swoope and JR to produce a few songs, but the majority of production is provided by Ali and theBeatBreaker.
This is an album where you will gain more and more insight with each listen. There are parts that will call for a rewind or two. It's thought-provoking and challenging. Even titles of each chapter (song) will require thought and pondering.
"Michael" is an ode to youth who have been abandoned by their father or have lost hope in life itself. These youth then go towards the wrong life, lose their life and the lust for power. The boom-bap screams "hip-hop," and the lyrics scream, "Hope--seek it from Christ."
"Mahalia" that has a straight Gospel music feel with the organ riffs and the looped and sped up singing of "Sooooooo good. So good to me." The clever wordplay is some of the best bars/lyrics that I have heard from a rapper in a long time. Check these lyrics: "Black belt in the wrong way / Ju don't know? / I did what my sin say (sensei) / I'm living well / may change my name to Jonah / I got a Hebrew walk keeping it Kosher / It's hard to be fly when you ducking the vultures." Who does that?
High Society cohort JR brings some progressive soul to the upbeat jam, "Mrs." Muhammed Ali always claimed that he is the greatest alive and he always followed that dream to be the greatest. Thus the title "Ali," on one of the tracks, but do not worry, Sho is not claiming to be the best rapper, yet he is saying that we should strive to be great in what God has called you to be.
Singer Ali (Jamm) wonderfully constructs the production while crooning through the hook. Sho and Suzy Rock spit about men who love their wives, try to be a Godly example and the girls who are scholars and women of faith. They feel this is the ultimate example of class while having swag is more of an immature way of living the life. Since they are speaking about class, they properly titled it after an actor that has been deemed the ultimate classy man and actor, "Denzel." Chantae Cann brings her smooth vocals over the infectious beat.
"Jim Crow" is a song that has already garnered much attention because of the use of the "n-word" to drive a point home. It is a song about racism and the "island" or the negative persona that racists in society have wanted black people to have. The haunting singing or moans plus the strings add much to the theme of the song.
He calls out those in the black community who are loving this "island" of negativity. Lyrics that have also garnered much criticism, talk and praise include, "That woman you call ‘hoe,' that's my lover / That woman you call b****, that's my mother / them boys that you killed, that's my brothers / send a ship to the island we can rescue some others." Could he have used different words? Yes. Would it have had the same impact? I don't know. Understand what he is trying to do and remember to listen to the whole thing.
On the song, "King," Sho tells his "dream" to see harmony no matter what race, people wanted God "and didn't settle for good," but the way he puts his "dream", you can tell that he put great thought into this. This song is multifaceted with Tedashii joining in to put in his two cents while the pop vocals of Lizi Bailey are a welcomed and beautiful contrast. Please listen to "Me" for amazing old school vocals of Lee Green (how does he do it?) and the extremely candid verses from Sho and Theory Hazit. They both cry for God's help to deliver them from themselves.
The ballad-like "Nicodemus" serves as the ending and completion of this album. It's a song about trying to find out who God really is a la Nicodemus and coming "home" to Him.
Closing Thoughts:
Talented Tenth has to be one of the best albums to come out in a while. Even though I may have cringed a few times, it does not overshadow the gems, the refreshing music, ridiculous word play and fresh approach to music that Sho Baraka displays. This is a CD that deals with the "whole man" and one that could really bring intellectuals, social advocates and more to Christ.
Japhia Life (also known as "Lifey") would be considered a rap veteran whether in the mainstream or Christian hip-hop. He released his first album, Pages of Life: Chapter 1 in 2000. His second album, 2004's Hell's Diary, was considered a classic by several critics and fans alike.
He has released a few other full-length projects and several singles, and has garnered many faithful fans (including me) who stick with him even when frustrated with many delays on release dates. He is one to push the envelope in the Christian circles because of his quest to really reach those on the streets. After several delays, he finally has released Westside Pharmacy.
He gives songs that are introspective and relatable such as the banger, "I'm A Mess." He sings his own hook: "I wish I could be better, be better / Life's a blinder / I wish I could see better, see better / But I'm a Mess right now / Trying to do right / but going left right now." Hot Handz provides the beat and the far from subtle synth chords. "Last Night" is one of those songs that require a few listens just to see where he is going. The guitar and eerie sound of the whole song accent the storytelling.
Teena Jones, formerly of 4th Avenue Jones, lends her pipes to "Lifey's Revenge," the first single and a standout song. "Lifey" explains how he wants to give "life music" like that of a group like Switchfoot. This is such an infectious song in which the instruments only consist of a kick drum and electric guitar. Lifey and longtime comrade, Rob Hodge speaks on the ills of women who live vicariously in the wrong way on "Dime." Hodge provides the beat also.
"Pimp" is another one of those "did he really go there?" songs. Set to the backdrop to some ‘70s-style uptempo music, Lifey spits about a pastor who basically "pimps" the church out of money, etc. Thankfully, he does provide a balance as he points people to Christ on the slowed-down "Cloud."
Many times people (including, gulp, Christians) have criticized troubled Hollywood stars without offering a helping hand. Japhia offers Christ and an open book at his mistakes in "Letter to Lindsay (Lohan)," produced by J Rodgers.
I would like to personally shake the hand of David James for his production on the hard-hitting, "Cold Blooded." Lifey so candidly revisits a relationship that left him brokenhearted and it is one of those songs that seem as if it was written right after the breakup. Honestly this is "my jam!"
Songs "Dealin" and "The Exercise" are songs that lack luster because of bad mixing and beats that sound somewhat outdated.
Closing Thoughts:
Japhia will always keep it "100," meaning that he'll be honest, bold, and sometimes controversial. Westside Pharmacy is a good one with great lyrics and solid storytelling. Fans of his will really enjoy this one. If you know of someone who is skeptical of Christian artists and what they call the lack of transparency, get this one for them.
DwayneLacy_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
