Street Gospel Defined | Posted March-21-2023 What You Need To Know
Famous Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae was born in Houston and lives in Atlanta, Georgia, near the home of Reach Records studios, a record label he helped co-found in 2004 with businessman Ben Washer. The brand has an active roster of nine artists, including Lecrae.
Lecrae, a philanthropist and community activist, founded the nonprofit organization ReachLife Ministries to inspire young people to reach their full potential through faith-based programs and activities. He has also been actively involved in social justice movements, speaking out against racial injustice and police brutality.
Since 2003, Lecrae has released ten studio albums and four mixtapes, the Church Clothes series, and participated in six Reach collaboration projects. Also, he’s contributed to six summer playlist compilations. We can add a Christmas album to the impressive resume, too. He’s been a tad busy over the past two decades. That’s not including the countless feature verses he’s been a part of.
During the last 11-year period, Lecrae released a collection of four mixtapes in the Church Clothes series dating back to 2012. He closed the series with the final mixtape, Church Clothes 4, on November 4, 2022. However, recently he’s released a deluxe version titled Church Clothes 4: Dry Clean Only, presenting six new tracks for fans to consume.
What it Sounds Like
Lecrae’s focus for any of the four mixtapes was always to bring the Church to the streets. The four releases had a specific focus on reaching out to the unchurched. They aimed to offer hope and build relationships by conveying that Christians and unbelievers are not vastly different. Also, they sought to bring hope and love to the places where they were most needed.
The six new tracks Lecrae presents in this deluxe edition are the perfect continuance of both the message and the hype. Like the tracks included with the deluxe version of 2019’s Restoration, they represent the best version of Lecrae’s skillset. These new songs feature fellow artists URSTRULYXYZ, D. Smoke, Torey D’Shaun, JP the Carpenter, and Rotimi.
“They Ain’t Know” represents the latest summer anthem of 2023 with its battling piano keys and 808s. Lecrae explains personal struggles throughout. “Double R Dreamin’” featuring URSTRULYXYZ details life before Reach for Lecrae. The soundscape goes crazy behind the drums. “Can You Hear Me Now,” featuring D. Smoke, contains rapid-fire lyrical delivery questioning if God hears us beyond the static. “Price Up,” featuring Torey D’Shaun, is another certified heater. The track discusses the worth of God’s people at the cost of the blood of Christ.
“Legacy,” featuring J. Paul, speaks to the foundation ‘Crae has established in CHH over the past two decades. Finally, “Best Thing,” featuring Rotimi, closes the project. The song has island vibes mixed with some dope R&B vocals. Lecrae talks about the most important person in his life, his wife.
Collectively, the six tracks fit perfectly into the original project like LEGO blocks. It transitions into the additional tracks smoothly, like an after-party. This speaks to the quality expected from the G.O.A.T. of CHH.
Spiritual Highlights
If you’re looking for an increase in JPMs (Jesus’ per minute) with the mention of God or His Son throughout, the Church Clothes mixtape series is not for your ears. Lecrae doesn’t smother the intended listener with “churchy” themes and overuses the multiple names God possesses. Instead, he “preaches to the streets” around interjecting hope into communities. Lecrae’s content with this mixtape focuses on real-life situations and his story. A story of trials, tribulations, and mistakes molded into love, hope, and the changes God has made in his life.
Best Song
I find value in each of the six included tracks. Then again, Lecrae stands as one of my top artists overall. I’m going with “They Ain’t Know” for multiple reasons. It’s the only track without a featured artist. It has radio playability. It represents the formula of a summer anthem. I loved using piano keys as they somewhat battle the chasing drums. The content feels like something on Real Talk but with a renewed treatment similar to something from Anomaly.
My favorite lines from the song are, “How you mad, but you still want a feature?/Kill me, I’m comin’ back like it’s Easter/By His stripes, I been healed like Adidas/Serpent under his heel, kill a demon/I got God on my side like a heater/If you mad at me, run it by Jesus.”
Church Clothes 4: Dry Clean Only represents a direct extension of its counterpart. All six tracks fit like glue in comparison to the original 11. The included message resounds throughout both installments; hope can be found in Christ Jesus regardless of your current situation. The message of hope has always been the key ingredient when comparing mainstream hip-hop to its Christian alternative. As Christians, we're responsible for speaking life, hope, love, and the name of Christ to all who are willing to hear with open hearts. Besides the original 2012 mixtape, CC4 is my favorite out of the four in total. The production and content are top-notch and stand above most of the industry's offers. Lecrae is and always will be at the forefront of the CHH space and has a seat in the hip-hop industry overall.
Stream Church Clothes 4: Dry Clean Only on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
A Voice to the Streets Exemplified | Posted July-07-2022 What You Need To Know
Born and raised in Stockton, California, hip-hop artist Nu Tone adapted to the west coast lifestyle most mainstream rappers boast about. When he was three years old, his father abandoned his family, so when he was older he turned to older gangsters in his ‘hood as role models, while mimicking their sinful choices simultaneously.
By the age of 16, Nu Tone rooted himself into hip-hop under the stage name “Filthy Tone.” Like most rappers, he sought after fame, women, drugs, alcohol, and anything capable of providing a temporary sense of fulfillment or satisfaction.
While constantly under the influence of alcohol, Tone would be plagued with vivid demonic encounters. One encounter in particular scared Tone straight to an altar call. He immediately gave his life to Christ (This happened in 2011 when he was 24 years old).
Ironically, three days later, Tone had a dream involving his newfound relationship with Jesus and the kingdom calling in life. Tone’s life took an immediate 180-degree turn in faith. He’d take the steps to become a pastor and devote his life to urban missions, prison ministry, and spreading the Good News through Christian Hip-Hop (CHH). Tone even established his own record label, His Throne Records.
Tone's discography is quite extensive dating back to 2018 (In 2022 alone, Tone has released an album, two EPs, and 11 singles). His recently released album, Heavenly Legacy, dropped on Friday, July 8 (Tone’s birthday).
The 15-track record is smothered in features from some of the most prominent independent rappers to date: A. Ruiz, muted mike, Gabby Callwood, Adameant, and ZOU scratch the surface of emcees and vocalists assigned as compliments to Tone’s overall message and talent pinpointed at the streets calling the lost to be found in Christ.
What it Sounds Like
Heavenly Legacy bleeds CHH. Nu Tone captures the unashamed message popularized by music from Reach Records, Cross Movement, God Over Money, Gospel Gangstaz, and T-Bone from nearly two decades ago progressing forward. Regardless of the track, listeners will receive a generous helping of street ministry anthems assigned to glorify Christ, while adding numbers to the kingdom.
The album’s production credits go to Liam Bushey and 100graham; however, JXHN PVUL handled engineering duties. Tone’s furious pen game, catchy bops, mixed with the focus of God’s promises and teachings design an escape plan for the soul. His music not only encourages the soul but relates to the heart’s struggles of trials and tribulation.
Highlighted tracks include “Angel City”, featuring Gabby Callwood, “Light Work,” featuring Jay Steezy and A. Ruiz, and “Showing Me,” featuring JXHN PXUL and V. Rose. Each of the three possesses high energy, talents from indie artists, and infectious grooves prompting the body to move.
Spiritual Highlights
Unlike most CHH albums, the spiritual content is not hidden behind cryptic lyrics and symbolism as faith takes center stage. The name of the project, song titles, and overall message are laced with the influence of God. For example, in lyrics found in “His Throne,” Tone conveys, “No religion, you can call me a Jesus freak/I was blind, now I see/I was really dreamin.’”
Then, on “Kneel,” Tone says, “Kingdom solider, never bow to that culture.” Similar gems of faithfulness and allegiance to Christ can be found throughout. Tone wears his faith as a badge of honor proclaiming the name of Jesus to all willing to listen.
Best Song
Several tracks from Heavenly Legacy could snag the title of my favorite. However, “Right Here” featuring Ivon, stands out the most. One of the key components I seek out in a dope song is its fluidity from start to finish. It has to be smooth. It has to flow. It has to sound crisp and clean production-wise. “Right Here” checks all of those boxes.
The track has a solid mix of an R&B and worship structure. The song highlights how God and godly people in our lives are always there for us during our Christian walk. I truly enjoyed the melodic sonic values and hints of a piano. I can listen from start to finish and feel uplifted, encouraged, and smile afterward.
Heavenly Legacy is an album with the intent of outreach. For those of our friends and family who are unsaved and have ties to either street life, gangs, or addictions, this project can be used as a tool of ministry. The music of popular Christian contemporary artists, such as Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Matthew West, cannot reach everyone. That’s why God has equipped believers within multiple genres and spaces to minister to the lost in a unique, relatable manner.
The album showcases what Tone has experienced pre- and post-Christ. Many of the tracks are examples of how anybody can come to Jesus at any given time regardless of their past declaring no size of a personal mess is too difficult for God to redeem. Tone captured the iconic west coast sound, yet experimented with a range of sonics separating it from just another standard trap record.
Stream Heavenly Legacy on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
Art Rooted in the Fruits of Lyricism | Posted June-03-2022 What You Need To Know
Grand Rapids midwestern rapper Steven Malcolm is steadily overlooked in regard to the depth, transparency, and art found in his music. The masses are worried about finding song snippets to feature in their latest Tiktok or Instagram Reel. The lost art of lyricism is exactly that, lost on a generation fixated on the latest trends and not music transposed from the heart.
What people need to know is that Steven is an elite lyricist. His dynamic storytelling emits energy, emotion, transparency, relatability, and substance. From the early beginnings in 2013's offering Real Hip Hop mixtape until his recently released third album, Tree, Steven has nearly perfected the balance of testimonial content with soundtracks for the streets. Reggaeton, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and even hints of a random pop sound may be heard. Steven’s art born out of the gift of music is a continued journey.
With each release, Steven shares his personal story as he believes that it's the easiest way to reach people and relate to their own lives. The new album is an eclectic depiction of Steven’s past, present, and future. Listeners will learn of Steven’s upbringing, his dysfunctional family, his beautiful wife, and young son, and most things in-between. Tree embodies family, community, roots, and the love that binds all things.
What it Sounds Like
Tree presents itself as a complex sound, not specific to one genre, one soundscape, or one area of thought. The album challenges listeners to rethink how they cope with difficult seasons in life spilled over obstacles, faith hurdles, and daily struggles. The diversity exposed throughout the project uplifts and adds to the overall enjoyment.
As layers are peeled back, we find summer anthems like “Summertime” featuring rap artists Snoop Dogg and Jay-Way, “Fuego (R3HAB Remix)” featuring artists Shaggy and R3HAB in addition to “Jah Ah De King.” Also, we discover pure lyricism gems such as “RESPECT,” “Great” featuring artist Waldo, and “Rooftop Freestyle” featuring hip-hop artist Derek Minor. Collectively, there is a distinct plethora of musical genius to unpack and enjoy for months to follow.
Spiritual Highlights
Ever since a friend invited Steven to a local church, Edge Urban Fellowship, which incorporated worship, dance, and hip-hop, he’s been sold on creating purpose-driven art. Steven ensures his message throughout the music is always infused with God-centered content. Tree is Steven’s most revealing and transparent project to date. Even above all the trials, storms, and tribulations, listeners will find encouragement, hope, victory, and love found in Jesus Christ.
On the opening track “Heavenly Father,” Steven says “Had to look inside myself and ask who I am/Take a look above and give thanks, amen.” Then, in “Believe In Me” he proclaims, “Break any cycles? Right hand on the Bible/I’m teaching my son how to become a man.” The entire album is smothered in snippets of love, worship, and devotion returned to our deserving Lord for blessings poured upon Steven and his family.
Best Song
The album houses several standout tracks. However, “Ain’t Playin’” featuring Florida’s hip-hop band Social Club Misfits snag the title of best song personally. The production is simple but fits incredibly well behind the delivery of all three artists. Produced by Dayme, FNZ, and BoogzDaBeast, the trio delivered with the heavy 808s, carried by a speedy high hat, and strings in the background.
Steven and Social Club Misfits Marty and Fern slay each contribution to the track. The content speaks to the hard work poured into the rap game while creating space and names for each of them. In turn, each turns the glory back up to God. It’s a proclamation of noticing the fruits of your labor (grind) when in line with God’s purpose. It was one of Steven’s original singles picked prior to the official release of Tree and with good reason.
Tree represents a foundational project for Steven Malcolm. This work of art captures who he is as an artist, as a Christian, and as a husband and father. The album possesses various points of brilliance. His elite lyricism, crafty wordplay, crispy-clean rhyme scheme, and overall delivery have been overlooked and underrated since entering the industry.
However, I believe Steven’s time to shine has arrived. His versatile skill set remains on full display throughout. It’s time the CHH sub-genre and hip-hop generally speaking put some respect on Steven’s name. Being 16 tracks in length, I still had a difficult time assessing any particular song as skip worthy. Everything contains merit. Steven’s attention to storytelling has always been a key component I’ve been drawn to repeatedly. The entire project is a vibe and I’m hyped for the world to hear what God wrote through Steven’s pen. Tree will be in my steady rotation weekly throughout the summer and beyond.
Every Ending Has A New Beginning | Posted March-04-2022 What You Need To Know:
Recently relocating back to his hometown of Dallas Texas, hip-hop veteran Trip Lee returns to the active music scene with the release of his seventh project, titled The End. Designated as one of the founding members of Reach Records and the 116 Clique movement in 2005, the last 17 years have been quite the journey for Lee. His resume is as follows: authored two books and working on his third. A recent pastor at his childhood church, Concord Church. He’s also begun learning the craft of music production. Lee possesses one of the most authentic and hilarious personalities in the CHH space.
As most know, Lee has been relatively absent since his last project (The Waiting Room) was released, but with good reason. He stated, “It’s been about five years (2016) since I released an album and it wasn’t because I wasn’t inspired to make music or that I haven’t been creative,” shares Lee. “I didn’t have the time or energy to pastor and bring a project to completion. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to step away from my daily pastoring duties and focus on bringing the ministry through the music.”
Although, time in-between releases have been sprinkled with a few singles, touring, and appearances on music from his label mates. During this hiatus, Lee focused on pastoring, family, and managing personal health issues related to chronic fatigue syndrome.
Lee’s first signs of new music for the album appeared on the Reach Records Presents Summer ‘21 playlist with the track, "You Got It." Due to its popularity, the track was even featured on NFL ads during the regular season for promotion of the NFL Shop’s website. He proceeded forward with two more singles (“Supernatural” and “Stone”) leading up to the release of The End. on March 4. The artistry of Lee’s talents and creativity extended into three dynamic music videos accompanying the singles with a fourth dropping on the album’s release date.
The End. is a new beginning as fans will be captivated to learn the concepts behind the album and what’s planned in the near future.
What it Sounds Like:
With no lack of free time during the pandemic, Lee captured this opportunity to learn and experiment with music production. The end product was a renewed sound powered behind his witty wordplay and lyrical praise of our Lord Most High. A reasonable chunk of the album was either solely produced or co-produced by Lee. The mastermind production genius Mashell (Leroy) co-piloted the rest resulting in innovation and a thematic experience. The infusion of analog, synthesizers, and other common instrumentation mutated into a unique soundscape crossing an 80s video game or movie soundtrack with current production trends.
Mashell and industry heavyweight JUICEBANGERS tag-teamed the production efforts on the third single “Stone” presenting the best electronic representation of sound heard throughout all 15 tracks. The innovation is brilliant and new to the classic Lee sound, however, acts more as a complement to his already notorious flow.
Standout tracks include “Right Out The Gate,” “Witness” featuring Wande and WHATUPRG, and “Call It Life.” The stomping of the hardened piano chords on “Right Out The Gate” puts me in mind of the genius production Dr. Dre is famous far. “Witness” features one of Wande’s strongest feature efforts and stamps her current season of “Blande” and her skill to “rap RAP” over beats. “Call It Life” has a genius surprise fans are sure to applaud.
Fans are treated to something new related to the soundscape and overall production and something old in Lee’s iconic delivery, voice, and playful bars. Once the ears adjust, this record will be on repeat for any true Lee fan.
Spiritual Highlights:
Equipped with a pastoral background, Lee’s no stranger to God’s Word and teachings. Spiritual content has been a mainstay of Lee’s music and this time around is no different. The End. is filled with scriptural references, influence, and content. “Stone” for example contains snippets from the founding pastor, Dr. E.K. Bailey, of Lee’s current (and childhood) church home; Concord Church. “Homecoming” speaks to the transition from this life into our eternal home. “Supernatural” talks about how much we need spiritual intervention in our daily lives. There are gems of spiritual content throughout.
Lee’s faith and spiritual walk are smothered over each track in one facet or another. One of my favorite lines is in “Supernatural” where he says, “I wish everybody knew my God, the healer, the cancer killer.” God’s strength and healing sustain Lee and myself included day-to-day.
Best Song on the Record:
The album contains quite a few standout tracks. However, I picked “Right Out The Gate” for several reasons. First, the production. The soundscape is diverse, outlined in synthesizer and analog vibes with moments of brilliance.
The low octave booming sound of piano keys that enter in around the 0:29 mark of the track is incredible. Add-In the string of synth keys that arrive around the 0:58 mark and a masterpiece is formed. Combined with powerful 808’s and light high-hat taps, this beat is stamped as one of my all-time favorites in CHH.
The content aligns beautifully with the surrounding sounds serving as sort of a reintroduction to Lee’s unique voice and wordplay genius. You just hear his love for artistry and rapping cemented by the lines of, “I would still do this for no pay (it would be kind of hard though I’m not gon’ lie).” This track has been on constant repeat since the release of the album and I do not sense that will change for weeks to follow.
Trip Lee literally self-taught himself how to play the keys (piano), produce beats and decipher the ins and outs of music production during the downtime of the COVID-19 pandemic. As hinted at, Lee basically produced the entire album with the influence of Mashell’s genius and a few other industry friends. The end result was a creative, innovative, and fresh sound serving as the playground for Lee to integrate his talents lyrically bouncing around witty wordplay, playful adlibs, and spiritual influence. Each track has a unique feel, as the project doesn’t seem redundant. The tempo doesn’t stray far from upbeat and energetic, but a few worship vibes exist such as “All Mine” featuring Taylor Hill and “Dreamin.” The story told reunites fans from old with fans of the modern-day. It’s classic Trip Lee with a fresh coat of paint one could say.
“Every season has an ending and every ending has a new beginning,” Lee emphasized during the beginning of the album rollout. These words of promise and of bright days ahead are encouraging and felt throughout. This may not be tagged as Lee’s best album to date; however, I definitely believe it’s one of his most imaginative and all-encompassing projects. His legacy throughout the last 17 years echoes from start to finish tinted with ingenuity. Lee ignored industry trends and standards creating a sound of his own. My springtime road trips have a new soundtrack and my ears couldn’t be more grateful.
Stream The End. on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
Masterpiece Between Foreign Lands | Posted February-24-2022 What You Need To Know:
CASS is an independent self-taught musician, producer, engineer, and talented individual all wrapped into one creative soul. Born as Cassandra Kandra, a native of Zimbabwe, she’s spent most of her life as a resident of New Zealand. CASS studied at the New Zealand School of Music and ARISE Ministry School before establishing a foundation as a well-rounded artist in 2017 at the age of 22. Her first album, Genesis, was released in 2017 after being handcrafted in the confines of her own bedroom. One of the positives of a constantly evolving world of technology tied to the music industry. The second album, Not For Sale, quickly followed her debut a year later in 2018. Both albums received numerous awards, recognition, and merit echoing back to the innovative genius CASS is known by.
CASS’s signature cannot be boxed into any specific genre or style, as it’s an infusion of R&B, hip-hop, EDM, and international grooves. With CASS defining love for instrumentation early on in life (age 11), such influence has transformed her art into playful moments only a visionary can manifest. Her latest album, Diaspora, is a sonic journey throughout diversity, empowerment, culture, and a healthy love for our Savior.
What it Sounds Like:
To honestly define all the soundscapes captured on the album, one would need a written medium similar to a short story. CASS captures the essence of two worlds collided between the cultures of Zimbabwe and New Zealand sprinkled with the influence of American artistry. Song selections are smothered with woodwinds, electric guitars, strokes of piano keys, and extensive use of all members of the percussion family. Two singles were released leading up to the album, “Clouds” and “Foreigner.” “Clouds” was an immersion of natural sounds behind powerful bass and high hats. The track highlights CASS’s vocal range and smoothness of her transitions between concepts. “Foreigner” spotlights her devout faith and believers’ position on this earth as foreigners in a foreign land empowered by God awaiting our heavenly call home. The guitar riffs go crazy on this track, pay attention.
Only a handful of featured artists join CASS on the album including V. Rose, Aklesso, Uzuhan, Cortes, and Eris Ford. All dope creatives with their own fingerprints on the CHH space. Other highlighted tracks include the vulnerable and raw pair of songs, “Two Letters” and “Alabaster” featuring Eris Ford.
CASS has defined her own lane in a smothered space of monotoned repetition. Her art adds a refreshed perspective of beauty defined in artistry through the medium of musical expression. CASS sets the bar high for aspiring artists to follow, a blueprint to call her own.
Spiritual Highlights:
CASS affirmed her faith at the age of 16 handing her life over to Jesus. Ever since that moment, God has consistently shown her calling of creating music as her gift to the world, especially those in need. She’s been quoted saying her obedience to God and her calling is the motivation behind her artistry. Also, whatever obstacles CASS may face are used ultimately as a tool to help and encourage others while personally growing in her own faith walk.
That being said, her faith and testimony are scattered throughout each song of Diaspora. The refrain on “Foreigner” accents the strength found in God. “God got me (Got me, got me) // Who can really stop me? (Stop me, yeah) // Seraphim army (Uh-huh) // Who’s gon’ stop me? These lyrics remind me of the message found in Psalms 84-9-12.
The song “Desperate” puts me in mind of a modernized worship track. CASS repeats how she’s “in desperate need of a Savior” throughout. She continues with her yearning for the imprint of Jesus on her life regardless of the situation. Quite transparent, raw, and cries from the soul.
No worries from her fanbase on this album about being vocal about faith and God’s calling on Cass’s life. Diaspora overflows with her personal testimony, biblical themes, and how faith is navigated from her own perspectives.
Best Song on the Record:
This album is one of those rare gems where any of the 12 songs could be deemed a favorite. Each is relatable, personal, artistic, and has a certified vibe. Therefore, it was difficult to pinpoint a single standout. However, “Priceless” featuring V. Rose tugs on a few strings of my heart while my head endlessly bops to the beat. Woodwinds and brilliant strokes of ivory keys drive the track behind rim shots and running high hats. The content expressed lyrically from CASS and V. Rose touches emotions deep down. Believers must realize we are who we are due to the sacrifices of Christ. His endless love, protection, servitude is all examples worthy of worship. I love the infections of CASS’s voice adding additional spice to the delivery. The two ladies flow seamlessly together creating a memorable track.
CASS provides the culture with the recipe for timeless music. Music that possesses meaning, emotion, cultural relevance, and a connection with listeners. Diaspora represents how residing in both Zimbabwe and New Zealand has shaped CASS into the best of both cultures. What CASS is able to create through production, artistry, and a tag-team effort with Chris Howland has been beyond exceptional. The album will be on constant rotation for weeks to come.
Stream Diaspora on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
Child-Like Faith All Grown Up | Posted September-30-2021 What You Need To Know:
Seven years (2014) after the original Never LandEP was released and a week delayed from the original drop date, fans are finally blessed with art from Reach Records / Miner League’s Andy Mineo in the form of a full-length album. Never Land II is a concept album inspired by the 1991 Steven Spielberg-directed film Hook. The movie’s storyline runs parallel with Mineo’s journey of life, faith, and art while exposing his internal struggle to protect a child-like sense of imagination and adventure while growing older. The album is a place of re-discovery for Mineo as he reclaims childhood memories hoping listeners do the same.
Never Land II’s feature list gathers a few long-time friends (Lecrae, Wordsplayed, Joseph Solomon) while engaging some artistic gems (Chandler Moore, JVKE, Ink) to join in the musical adventure. Also, the album is narrated by Mineo’s mother, Fran Mineo. In 2018, she passed away after a battle with Leukemia. He discovered some unused material leftover from Saturday Morning Car-Tunez, Season 3 (2015) retooled to fit the narration piece. The project contains some of the most vulnerable and transparent content Mineo’s released to date proving to nearly guarantee an instant connection to fans and their own faith walk with Christ.
What it Sounds Like:
Bridging over from the 2018 two-pack of EPs titled, the Arrow and the Sword, Never Land II is a continuation of that transparent internal display Mineo captures through intense emotion, personal struggles, and artistic expression lyrically as well as sonically. He welcomes his fanbase into his own thought process and trials of the heart navigating through a pandemic, daily life, and the trials created throughout daily situations. The first impression of sound listeners acquire will be echoes of Mineo’s heart poured into every bar.
Mineo is not only a superb songwriter, but a killer producer who assisted with production on four tracks and solely produced “Not Gon’ Do” featuring Joseph Solomon. This track happens to be one of my favorites as I love how Mineo chopped up Solomon’s vocals and inserted them into his own rhyme schemes. It’s a mixture of personal truths and Mineo’s stance on various life situations.
To be honest, the creative affirmations kick off from the first two introduction tracks and follow throughout. Listeners are treated to innovation from start to finish. Another standout track is “Nobody’s Coming” as we find Mineo harmonizing melodies while exposing vulnerable statements line for line, some of his deepest expressions to date. The simplicity of riding the melodies with production stripped to solely an acoustic guitar adds to the overall beauty.
For “Working On It” featuring Chandler Moore, Mineo’s creative juices are magnified and exemplified ten times over as he brings a different vibe and flavor to the track. It’s always a creative risk to step outside typical rapping over trap beats for an entire record. This risk pays off several times over. It’s different, unique and one of the stars of the project. The plethora of sound included forces fans onto their feet to erratically move to the infectious compilation of ear candy.
I could talk endlessly about each track as I love all of them for particular qualities, but just do yourself a favor and run this album all the way through countless times.
Spiritual Highlights:
This album is an explosion of emotional deconstruction while Mineo wrestles through faith, maturity, retaining child-like tendencies and adventures combined with artistic expression. Never Land represents a safe space reserved for self-expression, vulnerability, honesty, and the ability to question everything. It encapsulates the child-like wonder of youth with a vision free of judgment, condemnation, hypocrisy, and boundaries. Imagination at its finest.
Mineo correlates what faith should be in comparison to what Never Land represents as opposed to all that is dysfunctional with Christian believers. In theory, Christ-followers are to mirror Jesus. His purity. His endless love. His attention to the beauty which surrounds us in God’s Creation. His empathy for the entire human race. Never Land, to me, is a piece of what heaven has been described as.
Listeners are not going to get 101 references to the bible, the trinity, or theology. That’s reserved for teachings from your local pastor in the eyes of Mineo (and rightfully so). What fans will receive is uncensored truth about day-to-day life and how a man of faith navigates daily noise as a believer. Its lyrics are dominated by real-life applications. The wholesome approach to the trials and tribulations faced as Christians possesses a prominent place within art too.
Best Song on the Record:
Personally, I must agree with Mineo’s own declaration of his favorite from the project. “Trying” contains examples of his best songwriting in the past decade laced with levels of vulnerability rarely communicated anymore. The essence of the record is a million things we exhaust ourselves trying to accomplish. From the inclusion of a Son Lux sample to the acapella-like feel of Mineo’s delivery is exceptional. Run this track back a few times to capture the witty wordplay and brilliant cadence articulated. He bounces between the motions of any given day to passions and inner thoughts as well as goals and aspirations. Anymore, it’s far less often a record renders me speechless. This is one of those moments.
Never Land II conjures a multitude of relatable material, expressed through precise delivery connected from the innermost depth of Mineo’s heart. His continuous creative grind for the last decade pays off in massive dividends as this album ranks amongst his best. Mineo puts on his visionary hat with this one overseeing every little detail. As close as Mineo was with his mother Fran, the tribute of her narration contribution is not only fitting but a perfect compliment to Mineo’s ingenious creation. Never Land II doesn’t contain a skippable track, as each has lasting appeal and value regardless of the audience.
Stream Never Land II on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
Bringing Back the Live Experience of Music | Posted May-27-2021 What You Need To Know:
Zauntee is a 22-year-old independent rapper from Tampa, Florida. His passion for music began at the young age of 10 progressing forward to the age of 14 when he started to produce his own music. Zauntee’s made a prominent impact on the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) genre shortly after at the age of 17 when his first single and video debuted “God Taught Me.” To date, the video has nearly 9.5 million views.
Three years after exploding onto the CHH scene, Zauntee released his debut album titled, 3:34. Seven months afterward, three tracks from the debut album and “God Taught Me” received a minor makeover for his latest EP release titled, 3:34: The Warehouse Sessions.
What it Sounds Like:
Zauntee’s latest 4-track EP keeps alive some of his hottest tracks from the debut album released in November 2020. Also, “God Taught Me” is still going strong nearly four years after its initial 2017 release. The differences of each track are subtle, electric guitar-driven with more of an echoed delivery you’d hear if a fan at a live show. Besides a few new guitar riffs, bends and slides, the sound remains true to the original offerings. All of the original lyrics remain as well as the core production soundscape.
The EP presents more of the live experience missed from nearly two years of isolation caused by the global pandemic. Each track also received visuals in video form providing fans as close of a concert experience as possible given the circumstances.
Spiritual Highlights:
Like most within the CHH genre, Zauntee is unashamed of the gospel and spreading the Good News of Christ. One of the most prominent examples is the track “Glory.” Literally, it’s a worship-infused track with a whirlwind of impressive sounds and an ode to God our Creator. “Trust” dives into Zauntee’s personal trust in God regardless of the circumstance. “Die For You” explains his thankfulness for all God represents in his life and how he’d do nearly anything in return as a form of payment, gratitude.
There is no lack of God’s presence on this EP. It’s smothered and laced in faith, worship, and devotion. It’s a letter of encouragement during the difficult faith walk.
Best Song on the Record:
My personal favorite on The Warehouse Sessions would be “Glory.” It’s stuck directly in the middle of the track selection with reason. Besides “God Taught Me,” this track is my favorite track to date from Zauntee. I love the sonic appeal of the track. The added electric guitar components. The throaty, live vocals. The energy of the track. The crossover between the feel of a gospel track and a hip-hop track is incredible.
Zauntee’s follow-up EP to his debut album has a different, yet familiar feel. The content remains consistent and unchanged; however, differences are obviously noted throughout the soundscape and overall vibe. It’s a solid snapshot of the full picture of quality music present on the debut. The videos that go with the four tracks are worth watching, especially if you crave the concert venue environment as much as I do.
Testimony Exposed Between Valleys and Blessings | Posted April-13-2021 What You Need To Know
During the short-term period of just two years, Georgia's own Christopher Hulvey has exploded onto the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) scene evolving from scrubbing toilets in a local grocery store to a certified hip-hop artist signed to Reach Records, one of the most profound music labels within the industry.
Rapper, singer, freestyler, and producer credits contribute to one of the most famed up-and-coming artists in CHH. Before signing with Reach Records in January of 2020 and releasing his debut EP Prelude the same month, Hulvey released his personal agenda to God before fully encompassing what His creator planned for the now 23-year-old lyricist. Four EPs and a handful of singles later, fans are rewarded with his debut album, Christopher.
Transparency takes front and center throughout the new album, representing an audio timeline from high school to present day. Hulvey’s transformation in maturity, faith, and artistry is exposed through snapshot moments of time pinpointed as game-changers.
The idea of worship is true to form as a lifestyle and not concealed to musical restraints as Hulvey’s heart for God is spotlighted all for His glory. Christopher correlates the best of Hulvey’s arsenal in rhyme and harmony perfected while expressing how the last decade has molded him into the man he represents today.
What it Sounds Like
The beauty resides in the various soundscapes experienced throughout Christopher. Worship anthems, Friday-night bangers, pop-driven hits, freestyle perfection, and songs of remembrance assemble collectively. A correlation of meaningful strings, energetic keys, and masterful mixes seesaw between the pulse of the streets and the refuge of the sanctuary.
Standout tracks tagged begin front and center with the first track, “Can’t Tell It All.” The beat, including the switch-up, is infectious. Hulvey’s flow comfortably and elegantly sits in the pocket. Rhyme schemes are on point and the content pours out directly from the heart and blessings from God.
Also, a highlight stems from one of the pre-release singles, “We Against the World,” featuring fellow hip-hop artist Andy Mineo. The visuals alone are worthy of a Best Video of the Year award nod. Andy’s acting mimics the caliber of an Oscar winner for Best Comedic Performance. Besides that, Hulvey explains how life is impossible alone, as we need a loving God beside us to foster success.
“Nothing Without Jesus” brings Revelation 12:11 to life, accenting how important a believer’s testimony is personally and to others in need.
Spiritual Highlights
The listener doesn’t have to wait long to hear of how God’s influence is written all over Hulvey's life. His first name, for starters, means “Christ Bearer.” From start to finish, on his debut album, Hulvey's goal was to glorify God. The entire project bleeds of God’s blessings, protection, and love everlasting—on his life and the life of his peers. From mission trip miracles to God’s calling not always being popular among friends—and even times feeling apart from the calling—Hulvey details how good our God is and the impact felt from preschool years forward.
Empowering lyrics follow one after another such as, “Holy Spirit, come into my life/Won't You wrap me up inside Your light?” Also, “All praise to the Father, to the Son/To the Spirit, You're the one/Hope You hear it, He's the one.”
Christopher is smothered in spiritual content—just like Hulvey's life. The goal of glorifying God as the overall theme of the record was accomplished hands down.
Best Song
“Cold Nights” stands out on its own for good reason. As believers, we know how to praise and worship our creator when times are good. When life seems to ride on auto-pilot. However, how about the difficult seasons? The restless nights? The times we’re stuck in the valley? Those are the types of tracks I personally relate to the most.
Like many, 2020 was a year of struggle. The pandemic exposed many emotions usually well-kept hidden. Depression, anxiety, uncertainty, and a storm of negativity laced the year. Hulvey shares some of his own experiences and anxiety from that year and generally speaking. He calls out to us to reach out to those in need often and to always remember to praise Him even in the storm.
Hulvey infuses hope and passion into his brand of artistry. Christopher is a body of work well defined as a Christ-centered, unapologetic expression of faith. Listeners were treated to the raw form of Hulvey and his creative arsenal of talent. In the past 365 days, he’s provided a buffet of sound and material to marinate upon. The rapper has cemented himself as one of the top emcees in the space—and he’s only just began.
Stream Christopher on Spotify or purchase the debut album on iTunes.
Resetting the Culture One Track at a Time | Posted April-13-2021
What You Need To Know
Celebrating basically two decades involved in Christian Hip-Hop, Propaganda has nearly perfected the art of spoken word, poetry, and rap. In 2003, he collaborated with underground group Tunnel Rats, while beginning his own solo career with his debut album, Out of Knowhere.
Propaganda’s upbringing began in a Latino-dominated community in Los Angeles, followed by a low-income African American suburb (he was exposed to beautiful cultures from childhood). With his mother’s activist background, personal educational excellence, diverse cultural impacts, and life experiences, Propaganda has grown into a well-seasoned artist, emcee, and learner who can convey his message and sound through artistic mediums like poetry and music.
Propaganda presents to us one of his strongest works, to date—even in its shortened EP form. It’s definitely quality over quantity with his new Terraform: The People EP. He offers the idea of a cultural reset needed nationwide geared towards embracing America’s unique and numerous cultures, as opposed to berating individuals and mocking cultural differences often. To me, it says, "God made beautiful people worldwide who have gathered in our own borders."
What it Sounds Like
On the EP, On-air DJ Mal-Ski, from 102.3 KJLH, on Los Angeles radio, collaborated with Propaganda, thus adding a unique sound and flavor to the artwork. Also, Propoganda tagged some of the Christian music industry heavyweights—that is, Lecrae, Swoope, and V. Rose—to join him throughout this journey. Overall, the sound is a refreshing escape from what typical Cristian hip-hop singles have offered in 2021.
Between infectious handclaps and keys, Propoganda’s domineering delivery, echoing sounds of people gathered, and driving snares give listeners a different flavor. It’s not your typical trap sound. It’s not completely boom bap either. It’s a mixture of sonically pleasing instrumentation, highlighting how cultures express themselves musically.
“We Were Only 10” takes me back to the mid-’90s when storytelling rhyming was in its prime. “We All In,” featuring Lecrae, brings the idea of universal community to the forefront. It reminds us how beautiful culture can be defined when experienced firsthand.
“We No Entiende,” featuring Swoope, reminds us social injustice and police brutality aren’t concealed to “flavors of the month” for news sources. It’s a daily occurrence and needs to be broadcasted often, enabling the masses to never forget.
Propaganda wraps up with “Let the Credits Roll,” reminding us how important it is to appreciate the family and people who came before us and the roles they played in influencing lives of our own.
As mentioned, the recurring tone of a refreshing sound enters my mind when thinking about the overall content and soundscape. Each track stands out and could potentially shine on its own. Yet, collectively speaking, each track compliments the other quite remarkably. Again, quality trumps quantity with this EP, as it represents nearly 22 minutes of inner dialogue with self. A gut check. An introspection of emotions and thoughts against our actions and words.
Spiritual Highlights
Propaganda may not be known for his “JPMs” (Jesus per minute) on these tracks, however, his deeply-rooted faith can be found throughout this EP; in fact, his faith can be found on every one of his collections. He speaks more towards the actions and words of believers—or lack thereof—and exposes systematic injustice globally (this includes the church). Propaganda offers artistic solutions to situations that plague individuals on a daily basis—especially those of color.
Best Song on the Record
Collectively, Terraform: The People will sit in my personal rotation for weeks to follow. However, one standout track is “We All In,” which features Lecrae. The soundscape throughout the song is near perfection. The themes of community, culture, and unity accented on the project are pinpointed on this particular track.
One unique aspect driving the entire vibe is the heartbeat-like sound pulsating until the end, again relevant to that of what keeps communities alive—the lifeline of its people. As a long-time fan of Lecrae, this song speaks volumes that I find this feature to be one of his strongest to date.
Steady in the pocket, rhyme schemes well-defined, and a memorable flow. Of course, Propaganda did his thing. He offers some of the best examples of creative wordplay while remaining confident in the delivery. I can definitely see this track performing well—even if Lecrae’s verse is absent. The song reminds me of someone speaking out in front of a crowd, primed to jump at any opportunity to move forward for the culture.
I’ll echo the sentiment once again—quality over quantity. Usually, I’m not the biggest fan of the shortened EP form of music artistry, as the complete story is usually unfinished. However, Terraform: The People presents itself as the opposite. A complete work.
Propaganda reveals his motive from start to finish, while walking it out sonically. The rapper reminds me of a street version of contemporary Christian singer Kirk Franklin. Orchestrating soundtracks for the people moving individuals into a call for action; driven by transparent bars, personal experiences, and a heart for the Lord.
I admire Propoganda's confidence. He's unafraid to speak on issues of the people and for the people. He's for moving agendas forward towards solutions. A front runner. The purpose is imprinted in everything Propoganda touches. This is one appeal I’ve always been drawn towards—regardless of the album title. Propaganda, once again, outdid himself with this one. A must listen.
Stream Terraform: The People on Spotify or purchase the EP on iTunes.
Worship Like No Other | Posted February-03-2021 What You Need To Know
Australian natives Planetboom are the youth ministry band for the Planetshakers Church in Melbourne, Australia. This 10-plus member band is composed of young musicians, songwriters, and vocalists who lead thousands of teenagers in praise and worship weekly. Planetboom’s style of music infuses electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, contemporary, rock, and soulful worship powered by energetic handclaps, bass, and overpowering vocals.
The youth worship band began their public musical outreach by being featured on a track from a Planetshakers’ album in 2016. Next, three singles were released in 2018 and their debut album was released in 2019 titled, Jesus Over Everything. Most of their early singles have gathered over one million streams on Spotify, and the last two albums have songs close to 500,000 streams.
The youth band recently released JC Squad, their sophomore album. The project was inspired by the diversity present during weekly youth services representing 60 or more nationalities. Their goal is to witness generations of youth and young adults encounter the love of Jesus. JC Squad was produced by Josh Ham, mixed by worship leader Joth Hunt, and co-written by youth pastor Andy Harrison. The album serves as a message about the global church body.
What it Sounds Like
A multitude of elements is present throughout the album. An ode to the diversity present, it’s near impossible to fit Planetboom into a boxed genre. This is one of the most attractive qualities of their music and influence, from my personal perspective.
The album opens up with “Walk” while listeners are exposed to thundering bass, funky electronic rhythms, as well as crowd involvement. These sure-fire anthems will be a blast live once concerts and in-person events are possible again. The opener is immediately followed by the title track from the album. “JC Squad” encompasses variety in every shape and form. It’s complete with tempo changes, earth-shattering bass, sounds of a flute, sermon snippets, hypnotic handclaps, and an electronic explosion of sound.
The overall sonic value of the entire album is insanity at best with what feels like 101 examples of unique instrumentation. It’s a full-on combined Chinese and breakfast buffet smothered with more options than Amazon. There isn’t any lack of creativity and experimentation on the album. Thankfully, regardless of how many twists and turns the album takes via the soundscape, it all worked out beautifully in so many ways.
The only hints of normalcy related to an atypical worship track would be on “ILY (Live),” “All I Need,” and “Jesus is The Key.” It’s like the band took a short pause from the energetic theme throughout to just sing in awe of the love of Jesus. From there, the music quickly returns to its regularly scheduled dance party finishing out the album.
Spiritual Highlights
Due to the fact that the album is considered a collection of worship music, listeners are not hard-pressed to hear the spiritual influence of the band throughout the lyrics, regardless of the track. Fueled by youthful, spirited devout followers of Christ, each song possesses its own heavenly sound praising our Father and Savior equally.
“Kamsahamnida (Live)” exclaims, 'Jesus is the best.' Several tracks, such as “Loved By You” and “All I Need,” are just personal and expressive outcries to God and how much His love is appreciated by believers. “Praise Over Problems (VIP Mix)” is a remix of one of their original blockbusters that assures believers regardless of the trials and valleys faced, we shall always praise God for all the positive situations in life we’re blessed with frequently.
Best Song on the Record
A difficult choice, but if I had to select a favorite, I’d chose “Walk.” It’s an amazing opening track for the album cementing what to expect. The energy is infectious. The call-and-response of “We Win” closing the track out. The booming bass. All combined, I’d say this track is one of my favorites of the worship genre in quite some time.
Planetboom achieved something few other bands and artists have, a unique sound. No other band sounds like Planetboom regardless of the track. It’s memorizing. It’s unique. It’s over-the-top. It’s everything I never knew my ears and soul needed. I adore all of the various instrumentation and eclectic soundscapes. This is one of the few albums I’ve listened to 10-plus times in less than a month’s time. I hope other youth group bands follow the creative mold Planetboom has set going forward.
Stream the album on Spotify or purchase the project on iTunes.
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