George Moss releases a "timely" album | Posted November-13-2012
George Moss has been a very busy man--especially doing festivals, concerts, and other gigs with KJ-52, We Are Leo and more. He releases It's Time, an album of hip-hop with a good share of rock elements. He also adds pop elements and even some autotune.
I cannot put Moss in the category of what we hip-hop heads call a lyricist, but does have some very good elements. Anthony "A.R. FLEXX" Raglin produced the majority of it with musical accompaniment from Brian Kops, Jason Arntz and Daniel Rosas.
"Breeze" is a little throwback rock feel topped with guitars, smooth singing on the chorus and a little organ in the background. Moss raps about his prayers for salvation of family members, but he chooses to just cast his burdens to God and just enjoying life. The live instruments are definitely a plus on "Can't Stop" and it will make it easy for Moss fans to enjoy his live performances. This is a head nodder even with the fact that it would have been nice to hear a little more "fire" in his voice. It sounds weird to hear his chill flow with such "driving" music.
For those who love the dance/electronica songs, check out, "Hands Up" and the fun "Loud." Youth groups take notice of these songs because they will make a long trip more enjoyable. "Ridin With the Windows Up" has a Dirty South beat topped with a verse by one of the hardest working artists in Christian music, KJ-52. The problem with the song is the auto-tuned vocals of A.R. Flexx that sound like too much like a bad impression of T-Pain. "Go Hard Go Home" is a few years old now, but it is still the jam and Moss assures us that he will never stop his mission of being a vessel for Christ.
The title song ("It's Time") is a call to Christ in the midst of struggles and pains that people go through in everyday life. He wants people to stand and face their problems and not to run away from them. Amber Fugitt sings the chorus which says, "I think it's the right time to move / I think it's the right time to choose / I'm throwing a lifeline to you / Just hoping you might find the Truth / It's time."
Closing Thoughts:
George Moss offers the fun songs, but he is also transparent with his struggles and reliance on God. That is to be applauded. For some reason, I really believe that George Moss will probably kill his live set while performing songs from It's Time. However, not everyone will have the luxury of seeing him live and they will only judge him based on this CD alone. There are more hits than there are misses, but the misses are still there.
Propaganda is not afraid to tackle tough issues and real questions | Posted October-23-2012
Have you known (or known of) someone whom you appreciate and respect and you say, "I'm glad they're on our side"? This is the way that I feel about Propaganda, meaning I'm glad he is a Christian. Propaganda presents hip-hop and poetry in a way that those who are intellectuals will dig into even if they may not agree with him.
He is back with Excellent. Beautiful Eulogy serves as the lone producers, which means that the album is full of organic sounds with guitar riffs, innovative beats, no samples and the like. Coming into it I knew that Propaganda would offer thought-provoking poetry and clever wordplay in his rhymes. What I did not expect was the degree of how much he caused me to really ponder my relationship with Christ and areas where I still have question.
He starts things off by having the "audacity" to tell us, "Don't Listen to Me"--but why would he do such a thing? Obviously he really wanted to grab your attention and put you on a ride that will stimulate you spiritually and mentally. The title track has a beat that sounds like someone riding a horse to a cadence or nicely syncopated clock ticking. He makes it known that whatever he does; he tries to do it with excellence as homage and thanks to God.
"Redefine Cutter" has a sitting-on-the-porch-playing-the-blues feel, but the content is heavy. Props hits on the fact that his family's "manifest destiny" of moving from the ills of Jackson, Miss. to Los Angeles was not what they expected. It was more of a "war zone," but it was there that he learned the art of hip-hop and repping Christ. On "Forgive Me for Asking," he addresses many questions that we may not ask in public or with only our closest friends.
Although I am a fan of Beautiful Eulogy as a group and a production team, it would have been better to diversify the beats and music on this album. However, the music never overshadows the messages of each song. One song that totally overwhelmed me was "Precious Puritans" featuring the fancy cello work of Kevin "K.O." Olusola of Penatonix and Gungor. He takes pastors to task who quote Puritans of 16th and 17th centuries. Many of those Puritans believed in slavery, which still leaves a bad taste in the mouths of many.
One of the most compelling parts of this spoken word piece is when he said, "Pastor, your colorless rhetoric is a copout. You see my skin and I see yours. They are beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully divinely designed. Uniqueness. Shouldn't we celebrate it instead of acting like it's not there?" He brings it home as he lets people know that it is even bothersome for people to quote him, but that God uses things that are crooked to make people's way straight--"just like your precious Puritans." Go listen!
Beautiful Eulogy and Joel from Ascend the Hill guest on "Lofty." The many wonders of the earth and more attributed to the infinite God of wonders are part of things that the guys tackle. Please take notice and lend your ear to "Conquer" featuring Theory Hazit and the compelling, "I Ain't Got An Answer" featuring Sho Baracka.
Closing Thoughts:
Be prepared to dissect, chew on and ponder all that Propaganda covers on Excellent. It is a free download on humblebeast.com. If you would like to support them financially, go to iTunes and buy it. I have already sent it to someone who likes to be intellectually stimulated. Hopefully, this stimulation will lead people to believe that our intellect is finite and Christ is infinite. Propaganda is surely trying to deal with real questions while pointing everyone to Christ.
When listening to Jor'Dan Armstrong, it is easy to realize that this guy could be in the mainstream competing with the likes of Trey Songz, Miguel, Usher, etc. He is a definite urban Gospel artist who is making waves. He may be new to some, but his new release, Stronger, is actually his second full-length album. He also released the mixtape, Jesus, Beats, and Fashion. He produced the majority of the album along with the help of partner, Tedy P and Psylence.
"What You're Made Of" is a pop/electronic song that speaks of how God steps in and shows Himself strong in dire situations. Impressive are Armstrong's vocals and his placements of the airy subtle backing vocals. He has serious "riding" music such as the banger, "I'm Down" feat. Canton Jones, Jai and Dee-1.
"Stay Clean" is a song that makes you want to nod your head, but do not expect something very spiritually deep. It is about staying clean of the things of the world, but also doing things in excellence.
A great aspect of Armstrong's music that stands out is the fact that he is very in tune with the type of music is popular and grabbing the ears of the youth. "So In Love" is an uptempo techno song where he speaks of his great love for God. This is a great song for working out and one that can get a crowd hyped up. "Love If You Wanna" feat. Psylence stays in the same vein, but includes hints of dubstep.
One of my favorite tracks is "Hearts Don't Lie." Why? Is it the nice synth rhythms melded with the light beat? Is it the lyrics speaking of God asking for our hearts? All of the above--check it out! He combines his urban flair with reggae to make a mix titled, "Tropicana"--a little ditty about thanking God for his blessings. He slows things down a bit to bring the song of worship, "Hands." He smoothly croons between his tenor voice and crisp falsetto tone.
Closing Thoughts:
Some may get annoyed about the few songs that include vocal effects and autotune. Don't get it twisted. Jor'Dan Armstrong has a voice that doesn't need neither element. However, he is a young artist that is looking to reach the youth for Christ. So he uses music and the "sound" of today's generation. No, Stronger is not an album that we would call a "classic," but it is one to take notice of. Buy it. Give it to someone who loves urban music. Buy yourself a copy and watch yourself be drawn in to the sounds of this album.
Vashawn Mitchell is Back to Bless the Masses Again | Posted September-05-2012
Vashawn Mitchell scored a colossal and impactful hit in "Nobody Greater." Although Mitchell had previous releases and he has written songs for many artists, "Nobody Greater" propelled him to one of the premier Gospel artists. So as a Gospel music fan, I would be tempted to look for a follow up song on his new release, Created4This. However, as a journalist and one who has followed Gospel music for a long time, I know that it is a lot to expect out of an artist. You want to see Gospel artists write songs for more than the purpose to score a "hit". He has grown and has new songs to share. Mitchell wrote the majority of the songs on the album. He, Phillip Feaster, and Calvin Rodgers worked together to produce a well-rounded album.
"Psalms 150" is a song that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The title makes it obvious that this will be an album of praise and adoration. It encourages you to join in and worship God, and it doesn't help to hear the instruments such as nice guitar work by Lawrence Jones and horns arranged by Lloyd Barry. "Faithful" is a driving number that is self-explanatory in meaning, but continues in the anthem of praise to God.
Often times, artists (including Gospel artists) will do a song that may crossover into another genre for the sake of gaining more fans or getting a "hit". Although there have been some great songs written, it does not seem authentic, even forced at times. With Mitchell, this is not the case. He tends to incorporate various styles with Gospel music being his basis. "Lost" has a pop rock feel as Joey Woolfolk's acoustic guitar weaves through the verses. Lehman Gray and Shemia Crawford step in to share lead vocal duties with Mitchell. Israel Houghton, a person who definitely knows about diversity in music, guests on the Contemporary Christian-styled, "Greatest Man." I just get a sense of triumph as they sing of God's greatness.
For those who are needing encouragement, sit back and listen to "Turning Around Me" and "His Record." The latter is just a good reminder that Jesus has the best track record so we can rest assure that he will come through for us. Mitchell and Clifton Ross so effortlessly ad-lib in a way that is so smooth and accents the song.
Fantasia Barrino (season 3 winner of American Idol) and her mother, Evangelist Diane Barrino, guests on the Walter Hawkins/Tremaine Hawkins classic, "The Potter's House." Of course with the Barrinos, you are going to hear some squalling, but they were not singing over one another. They did some good "sangin" on this, even adding their own touch to it. My favorite lyrics of this song says, "Give Him the fragments of your broken life, my friend / The potter wants to put you back together again." Selah.
Closing Thoughts:
There are songs for the church, songs for Gospel music lovers, and songs to encourage those who just need that extra push or reminder. Vashawn Mitchell is a mainstay in the Gospel industry, and even underrated as a singer. For those who want to check out some Gospel-styled songs of praise and worship, pick up Created4this.
Covenant Church releases their debut on Integrity Music | Posted August-26-2012
Pastor Mike Hayes and the Covenant Church of Carrolton, Texas, have been purposeful in their pursuit of God's presence while making sure that they have music for people of different cultures. Their worship team and choir are led by David and Nicole Binion, Colin Edge and Josh Dufrene. They've release Standing, their debut CD on Integrity Music. This is an album for the church choir and worship teams alike.
The title track, "Standing," is a nice mid-tempo song of faith. The song almost has a false start because the lead vocals were a little shaky at the beginning, but it builds to a nice song accented by the horn. The album is not short of fun upbeat songs such as "Faithful" and "We Sing." The latter takes a more youthful approach with the rock-fused music and lyrics: "We join with all creation / We sing worthy, worthy... whooo hooo." The bridge is great and assuring: "We will, we will / praise you forever / nothing could ever / keep us from your love."
"Walls Come Down" serves as an anthem and speaks of God's people crying out to him for change and for those "walls" to fall that hold people back from serving Him. The choir basically takes the lead with David Binion only adding a few ad-libs.
If you have never heard Nicole Binion sing, then you have been missing a voice that is so beautiful that it is almost angelic. Well, angelic maybe a stretch, but she has the type of voice that can bring calm and peace into an atmosphere. So to hear her lead "Taste and See" is a great treat. The lyrics are also a highlight. The song starts off with the verse that says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good / Come and know a shelter in the night / Run and sing of His blazing love / Everyone is dancing in the night." It then builds to a rousing vamp: "See His power, His glory / rising all around / As we sing Holy / He's holy / Can you feel it now?" Amazing!
Though Nicole has does well alone, she works so well with her husband, Edge and Dufrene. "Heaven on Earth" proves that there really is strength in numbers as each worship leader takes their turn ad-libbing without overpowering one another. "Dwell" and "Your Great Love" are two great songs of worship with two different styles. "Dwell" is laid back and more soulful a la Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ and while "Your Great Love" definitely draws inspiration from folk tunes and Twila Paris.
The last and longest song (8:48) on the album is "Nobody Like You" and honestly, I really wish that I was there to witness this firsthand. Thankfully I can listen to it over and over again. It starts off with lovely piano solo with everyone (led by Nicole) singing in unison in a key that was comfortable for even the tenors. The momentum grows until Dufrene takes lead as they declare God's Holiness and sing of His glory filling the place. Please take notice of this song and you will see that it is a fitting end to a good album.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a great album especially when it comes to the slower songs. There are a couple of the praise songs that could have been left off of this release. Yet still, I would recommend adding Standing to your collection.
It has been said that contemporary Christian and Gospel music are two of the most divided genres of music. Kudos to the Dove Awards for being a conduit for change in this area. There are a few artists who have the heart and the music that crosses denominational, musical and racial barriers, including tobyMac, Kirk Franklin and Israel Houghton.
Praise and worship naturally crosses barriers with artists such as Hillsong, Jesus Culture, and Israel and New Breed. Houghton and his group New Breed are a collective of worship leaders and musicians who have made music that can be sung in the churches across the whole world. This is something that they did not do for the sole purpose of marketing, but it is something that is basically a reflection of the diversity within the group. They are back with their first live album in five years, Jesus At The Center.
The album just screams, "Classic!" from the beginning to the end. Recorded live at Lakewood Church in February 2012, Jesus At The Center is a two-disc album that has a DVD accompaniment. Does it get any better?
Things get going with each member singing a line from the title song and ending with Israel singing and reading from Colossians 1:15-20. Get ready to jump and sing along with "Jesus The Same," accented by the horns of the Oasis Horns. New Breed member Jeremiah Woods co-leads with Israel and plays the acoustic guitar on "Rez Power," a praise anthem that really encourages people to be "all in" during times of praise and worship. I was at the recording and this song really had the church in a frenzy of sorts. The beginning of the chorus says it all, "Clap your hands / All ye people / and shout unto God / With a voice of triumph, Woah!"
Aaron Lindsay and Israel are best friends and have been writing and producing music for Israel and New Breed since the first album, New Season. Their writing chemistry is obvious, but it is nice to hear them sing together. So Aaron adds some of his vocal chops and ad-libbing to the Go-Go-styled (look up "DC Go Go music") "No Turning Back." It's just so funky and will be very hard not to dance and praise right along with it.
"Te Amo" has a Latin/techno feel, starting from the Spanish/English lyrics to the rapping of Christian rap pioneer, T Bone. Infectious, addicting, and even amazing are just a few words to describe this one. To top things off, Michael "Big Mike" Clemons, Javier Solis and Kevin Camp treat us to some crazy drum and timbale solos. Without sounding corny and cliché, "Te Amo" is just another song to show how much fun and joy one can get out of praising God.
"I Call You Jesus" has some driving guitar work courtesy of Joel Camey and Jeremiah McConico with wonderful, vertical lyrics. It definitely has the tight vocals of New Breed melded with the feel of a driving Hillsong United worship song. Imagine yourself in a huge stadium or alone singing the vamp: "Nobody greater than You / Nobody stronger than You / No name is higher than the name of Jesus."
Keeping with the theme of worshipping the name of Jesus, Israel, Daniel Johnson, Onaje Jefferson and Charlin Moore (Wow!) each do their good singing on the "Worship Medley." It is so wonderful the way that Israel and New Breed can go the songs that are modern worship in style to the music that my mother and other traditional Gospel music lovers can enjoy. Title song "Jesus At The Center" is a soft ballad that is so meant for the congregation to join in and they are heard pretty well throughout.
Disc 2 is made up of more slowed down worship songs. "Speechless" and "Your Presence Is Heaven" are two beautiful songs that were previously heard on Echo, an album that features and was produced by Israel. "It's Not Over (When God Is In It)" serves to encourage those who feel that their lives are at a standstill. It features soothing strings and some crazy harmony by New Breed. Israel sings with great passion while Aaron Lindsay comes in on the tag and helps to drive it home. Aaron is such an underrated singer and I was amazed at his vocal range. "More and More" is a desperate cry and longing for more of God and it is very much a highlight on an already powerful album.
The diversity continues with Michael Gungor playing the banjo and singing "You Have Me" with Israel. The song then transitions nicely into "You Hold My World," heard on Love God, Love People. A special moment on the album is when Israel's talented daughter, Moriah, sings a duet with her dad on the Bob Dylan classic, "To Make You Feel My Love." When the song builds to "Everybody needs love," you will want to throw up your cell phone (or imaginary lighter) and join in. For those who like stripped down versions of Israel and New Breed songs, check out the studio versions of "Jesus At The Center" and "Your Presence is Heaven," both produced by Mr. Ed Cash.
Closing Thoughts:
The term classic has been used too loosely even by me at times, but Jesus at the Center is just that. Israel and New Breed gives us something for everyone. The band is on point; the singers' vocals are tight and impressive. The songs are diverse and very well written. There are songs that can be enjoyed at many different types of churches. Some may not like the fact that Israel included a few songs that he contributed to albums by other artists, but there is just something hearing New Breed's take on them. This will be money well spent and you will want to buy it for others to enjoy.
J. Moss is back and he is on the other side of a victorious return | Posted July-31-2012
J. Moss is a man that has been very grateful with the restoration of his marriage, and even the repair of his image. When he released Just James, which was a collection of songs about Gods love during the restoration process, it was a less urban offering than we are used to seeing. Now he is back with V4…The Other Side. What is obvious from the beginning track is that J. Moss returns to a more urban-flavored album while blending in worship songs. The album is produced entirely by PAJAM, headed by J. Moss and Paul Allen.
He shows that he knows where to place his trust on "God’s God It," while he shows his street edge on the banger, "Imma Do It.” The latter has him going at life with great faith in God in spite of obstacles and those who doubt him. One of the things about J. Moss is his ability to have well written, but yet scaled down songs where people can understand and identify with the message. "Take Me" is just that. It is a song of turning back to God to seek refuge after being a prodigal son. It is a pop offering topped with Moss’ signature layered background vocals, and his soaring tenor beautifully weaving throughout.
"Good and Bad" is a repeat-worthy ballad that has Moss expressing passionate thanks to God for loving him in times of rebellion and times that were pleasing in His sight. When the song builds to the tag of "You keep on loving me," Moss sings and squalls in a way that only Gospel artists can pull off. "You Did" proves that one can bob their head to a slowed down beat while still sitting and giving God thanks.
J. Moss was blessed to be born into such a talented family. His late-father, Bill Moss Sr. had a group, Bill Moss and the Celestials. While his brother, Bill Moss Jr. is an accomplished musician and songwriter. Gospel fans are well aware of the fact that his first cousins are the renowned, Clark Sisters. One of the Clark Sisters, Karen Clark Sheard, joins guests on the uplifting, "Good Day," along with her daughter Kierra Sheard. Both mom and daughter sing background vocals and it is impressive to hear them sing it as if they were young children singing the chorus. Jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics are thrown in throughout the song without overdoing it. Dorinda Clark-Cole brings her jazzy vocal style to assist Moss and Hezekiah Walker on the foot stomping, "The Prayers."
Although there are fresh offerings and beats that keep up with today’s trends, J. Moss knows that people have come to appreciate songs like, "We Must Praise", "Praise On the Inside", and "Holy Is The Lord." It is the song that is vertical in message, but it still has that choir sound that has made J. Moss a mainstay in the Gospel world. You must check out the title track not just to hear the message, but also to hear how a banjo is actually played on this semi-urban song.
Closing Thoughts
J. Moss is back and not looking to quit. With V4…The Other Side, he will continue to get the attention of the youth without alienating the more seasoned church folks. He has found a great niche of blending the sounds of the street and mixing it with is Gospel upbringing. Let’s be honest, the brother can just flat out "sang," not just sing.
It was said in a song that "it ain't nothin' like hip-hop music." That is a statement I agree with, but sometimes it seems that the creativity in hip-hop is lagging, and too many rappers are sounding alike. Portland's Beautiful Eulogy should not be accused of sounding like anyone in mainstream or even underground hip-hop.
Consisting of rap veterans Odd Thomas, Braille and producer Courtland Urbano, Beautiful Eulogy released their first album titled Satellite Kite on Humble Beast Records. This album consists of fine melodies, hooks sung by the rappers, thought-provoking, Bible-inspired lyrics and out the box beats by Urbano.
"An Open Letter to Whoever's Listening" is a good opening as they explain their purpose and mission. Urbano adds eerie sounds and a light beat as the backdrop. To hear the song "Covet" would be to journey into the lives of many Christians who fight the temptation to covet the lives of those are experiencing the finer things in life. Each emcee speaks of the struggles of barely getting by at times and wanting to provide for their wives. The song ends with a chant proclaiming that Jesus died for all our sins and issues.
These guys could have "sold out" and been a status quo group who would fall in the same vein of rappers who make simple songs and hooks to draw the applause of society. Instead they make songs that will cause you to have many holy moments. Thankfully, they include the words to each song within the booklet.
Even with the fast, electro/alternative style, "Entitlement" is a song with a heavy message. What's the message? We often feel like we are owed certain things even though Jesus's sacrifice saved us from what we really deserve. They use the rapid-fire delivery that is also used on the fun track "Take It Easy" featuring Catalina Bellizi. Urbano brings strings and even a subtle horn sample to go along with perplexing percussion.
"Wonderful" is a "banger" without having a beat that actually bangs. The beat is still infectious; be amazed at how the "sampled vocals" are actually the vocals of the group. Nod your head and even worship God as Beautiful Eulogy proclaim how great God is. Propaganda delivers some great poetry. (If you are not familiar with Propaganda, please look him up!)
The term "Beautiful Eulogy" may seem like a paradox, but it is actually a very beautiful song that will have you celebrating the joy of living with Christ forever. Please check out the "String That Ties Us" interlude by Beautiful Eulogy's pastor, Art Azurdia, and it will give you a greater understanding of what the album is all about.
Closing Thoughts:
Beautiful Eulogy is a group that definitely has its place. Those who love theology made into music will love it along with those who love experimental hip-hop. Satellite Kite is an album that serves as a breath of fresh air with the way it causes one to examine their life. They are doing this to encourage people to put more reliance on God and make him the center of their lives.
A Pleasant Shift | Posted June-14-2012 There are some very interesting things about Jason Nelson. He took over as pastor of his dad’s church. He’s very low key and is not big on being in the “spotlight.” He plays the bass, and he is a twin. His brother, Jonathan Nelson, is a fellow recording artist, songwriter and also is a preacher. Jason releases his first CD on Verity Records, titled Shifting the Atmosphere.
He writes or co-writes every song on the album with the exception of one. This man has a voice that will rival any crooner that is out there in either the mainstream or Gospel music industry. This album is about worshipping God, living in victory and encouraging those who are going through rough times.
“God is Good” gets things off to a rousing start with great musicianship and Nelson singing of the amazing things that God has done for His people. Proclamation and the taking back of things “stolen” from him are the focus on “Jubilee.” There’s a recurring theme throughout this release of being who God made you to be and having God’s grace and favor. “Favor” is about just that as Nelson and the singers admonish people to walk in their God-given destiny. The singers are so smooth even with this being a more upbeat song.
Leon Timbo--a good singer in his own right--joins Nelson on the beautiful worship song, “No Words.” When they reach the vamp, it is so easy to get lost in worship as they say things like, “You are my God. You Are.” Timbo and Nelson take turns talking about God’s beauty and his majesty. Powerful! “Nothing Without You” is a worship song that has more pop/adult contemporary feel to it.
“Don’t Count Me Out” is an inspirational ballad admonishing people to never give up on or underestimate those who follow Christ. With God’s help, Nelson assures that there is a king in him and “Goliaths (obstacles) to defeat”. Marvin Sapp, who has written colossal hits such as “Never Would Have Made It” and “The Best in Me” shares co-writing duties on this one. Nelson takes us to go old fashioned church on “Power In His Name.” Then he goes into a “praise break” with some hand-clapping and foot-stopping music to “shout” to.
The title track (and lead single) speaks of the power of praise and worship and how things change when God is lifted. The song is so sweet in the fact that Nelson and the singers are backed by only simple percussion and piano.
Closing Thoughts: Jason Nelson serves to encourage the body with these songs of praise, testimonies and the power of the tongue. The background singing is wonderful and the musicians, led by bassist Morgan Turner, are amazing. Gospel music fans will love it and those who want songs of encouragement, give Shifting the Atmosphere a chance. Well done Jason Nelson!
Raw Beats Full of Inspiration | Posted June-06-2012
Christian hip-hop is a genre that has taken a great deal of time to gain mainstream exposure due to skepticism, lack of quality music and other reasons. It has grown by leaps and bound musically and lyrically, and it is very diverse. Stephen the Levite is an artist who is very theological in content, but he has that raw hip-hop sound that heads enjoy. He is back with The Last Missionary, a collection of dope beats, songs to his wife, many scriptural references and gritty rhymes.
Stephen pulls no punches lyrically on "Give It Up," a mid-tempo head-nodder which is definitely something heard on the East Coast. He speaks to people to give their talents, time, etc. to God and he even speaks to husbands to give up any selfishness to honor their marriage.
Next up is "Voltron." Zae da Blacksmith and Mac da Doulos step in to aid Stephen as they cleverly explain the role of the body of Christ a la the cartoon, "Voltron." For those who are unaware of Voltron, It is an anime cartoon where five pilots who commanded robot lions came together to form the body of the superhero Volton. This is why the title is appropriate and makes sense to describe the power of unity and the role of the members of body of Christ.
"Soundtrack for My Wife" is a very honest and beautiful look at how he and his wife met, courted, made some mistakes, repented and got married. The beat is not real hard-hitting, but it's definitely a raw hip-hop beat. One problem that I have with this CD is that a few of the beats sound the same. He continues this soundtrack to his wife on "S.O.S."--a melodic jam that is definitely a great example of how a Christian man should honor his wife. It is definitely not what you would hear on the majority of mainstream hip-hop songs. He says things like, "She's more than a thing. I put a ring on her. I see that Proverbs 31 steez on her."
Stephen reunites with his Redeemed Thought partner Muse One as they spit over the fast-paced, "Fight Club" while labelmate, S.O. kills his verse on "Dividing Lies." The latter track will be one that surely will get many replays from people like me who have a great appreciation for clever wordplay and nice lyricism. Whatever is lacking beat wise on some songs is definitely made up for lyrically on the entire album.
Check out "Wrote It This Way." It is so refreshing to hear Stephen the Levite, Hazakim and Timothy Brindle show appreciate the beauty of a diverse body of Christ while admonishing the body not to let doctrines divide us. They even allude to Ephesians 4:11-16.
Stephen has no problem being candid; just listen to his confessions on "Temptation." Those who love good ole hip-hop 101 with cuts, scratches and sampled drum beats while be in retro hip-hop heaven when listening to "Enter:missionary."
It is not secret that hip-hop is a powerful tool to reach a sector of youth and people that society considers "unreachable." There seems to be a carelessness and lackadaisical attitude by mainstream rappers when it comes to their lyrical content. Stephen addresses this and more on "Rehoboam," during which he keeps reminding listeners of the rebellion Solomon's son of the same name.
"Dead Beat" and "Reign and Rebellion" have to be mentioned together because they both have an infectious sound with slight hints of ‘70s retro soul. These songs are hard to pass over and if you listen to them first, you will have hard time listening to other songs. It is not because other songs are not good, but it is because those two songs are just that good!
Closing Thoughts:
Stephen the Levite definitely comes back with a vengeance. He is well-versed in the scriptures and isn't afraid to expose his own struggles. Even in his honesty, he still challenges the body of Christ and those who are not Christians to serve God wholeheartedly. Don't look for any autotune or any overproduced music. The Last Missionary is one of those stripped down hip-hop albums that give the target audience many things to ponder and enjoy. With great artists like Lecrae, Theory Hazit, Rhema Soul and more, Stephen the Levite definitely carves his own niche in the ever-growing Christian hip-hop ministry.
DwayneLacy_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
