The Momentum Continues | Posted November-22-2016
Skrip has been making beats since the age of 12, which is an incredible feat in itself. With his past releases, he has shown the chameleon-like way he flows through various styles of music and hip hop. An emcee like Skrip who can also produce will be able to release music at a faster rate than others. Throughout the year, he has released a few extra singles that are not even on his newest album Exposition, proving how prolific he is.
As most will know, the word "exposition" or "expository" simply involves a clear explanation of ideas. Skrip lays things out, including pouring his heart out about the disappointing dealings of people he thought were his friends. This album only has two features, and they are from singers Ruby Sky and Breekay.
Skrip gets things rolling with "Sinners," which has a haunting chorus and candid acknowledgement of our sin nature and even our neglect of witnessing to the hurting. "Up All Night ft. Ruby Skyy" has a "music to ride to" vibe with the trap beat accented by Ruby Skyy's voice. Skrip spits in Spanish midway through the song and shows that an all-Spanish album from the Puerto Rican rapper could be a great idea down the road. I would listen to "Make It Count" next if you want to get amped and ready to live a life with purpose and no regrets. Skrip reminds people that he will have more of Christ, less of anything else.
Being a "Hip Hop Head," I am grateful for the head-nodder "God Level," topped with cutting and scratching. Skrip claims to be on a different level, especially because of the God he serves. His home Chicago gets some love on "My City (Chi-City)," while old school gamers will definitely feel a sense of nostalgia with keyboards reminiscent of theme music from video games of the 80s and 90s.
I love the vulnerability and honesty with songs like "Take My Fears" and "F@ke Friends." The former is more of a song of gratitude to God, showcasing Skrip's vocal chops. The music to "OML" is creatively deceptive. It has the trap beat going in one tempo, topped with a marimba going on a different tempo that would flow well with Justin Bieber's "Sorry."
The Bottom Line: Skrip is like a locomotive that is unstoppable until it is truly time to stop. That will not be any time soon. Exposition is dope!
A True Choir Album | Posted October-25-2016
Greater Emmanuel Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop J. Drew Sheard, has a few recordings under their belt, but it had been awhile since they had released an album. GEI Live had been a long time coming. Produced by their minister of music Derrick Starks and J. Drew Sheard II (son of the bishop and Karen Clark Sheard), this album is definitely a family affair featuring The Clark Sisters and Kierra Sheard.
Bishop leads the churchy "Press On," a hand-clapping, foot-stomping tune with a hint of ragtime. I could not help but smile when the choir goes into "I know He's alright" because several preachers love to sing that line. Church folks will definitely agree. Karen leads "I Owe You Praise," and her voice can really drive a song. I love the groove, chorus and the energy of "Worthy, Worthy." The simplicity of the song and simple three part harmonies with the singing of God's praises will also attract churches to this song.
The choir shines on "I Will Bless Him" while Kierra Sheard goes from ebullient to straight power-singing on the infectious "Hang On In There." This is in essence a choir album, even with the skillful and award-winning featured guests. The vocal overdubs are not over-indulgent. "Never Let A Day Go By" is my jam, while "Never Alone" serves as a reminder that God will always keep His promise.
"Look to the Hills" is a vintage Clark Sisters song as they share their signature harmonizing. Listen to this song and imagine the ladies looking at each other and making sure they keep the tempo. Dorinda steps out and offers what could definitely be a sermonic solo in the form of "The Hymn (I'm In His Arms)."
The Bottom Line:GEI Live has many great moments and includes several songs that should fit into church services, Baptist and COGIC conventions alike.
Personal Growth | Posted October-04-2016
Chris Jackson is an artist/songwriter/producer who is so well positioned in the mainstream industry that he could easily be an artist in that area, but he feels comfortable doing music that is inspirational and Christian in nature. When I listen to his music, it reminds me of the Bad Boy Records era where they ruled the charts. Puffy would sample and remix a lot of songs while Chucky Thompson, Stevie J and more were handling production. Although people would criticize Puffy's sampling, they could not deny that the songs jammed. This is true for Chris Jackson, but he uses live instrumentation and drum programming, and he cleverly intertwines familiar lyrics with his own. He also has nice R&B vocals with a definite urban flare. His new mixtape No Chaser is an improved follow up to the impressive mixtape No Pressure.
My head nods so hard on "The 1ne That Got Away" as the MPC gives that mid-tempo kick drum and snare that is so infectious. Denise Renee features with Chris, and this girl can sing! Both she and Chris Jackson bring their A game to the vocal booth as they testify about having lives that looked pretty bleak before, expressing gratitude to God for His redemption. "Right Here" has that "Juicy" (Notorious B.I.G.) or "Juicy Fruit" (Mtume) beat.
I love the autobiographical approach to the title track. Jackson's songwriting strength is showcased as he takes us on a journey of wrestling desires. The chorus, "Take this cup from me / It's not chaser in it / Cause it's hard for me right now" is a clever take of wanting the "bitter cup" removed a la Jesus in the garden. In a surprising twist, Chris adds lyrics from Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T." and Ashford and Simpson's "You're All I Need to Get by" to complete the construction of "Yeah Yeah (w/Javonte)." He goes smoothly for the verses and adds a little MJ edge during the bridge.
The whole album is not about only the struggle, but he also talks about overcoming and having the attitude of a winner. "Story of a Champion" is an ill song topped with some killer background vocals from Kennedy and Melissa Musique. Jackson knows how to bring in the right people with unique and butter vocals.
The Bottom Line: Jackson adds something fresh, and No Chaser is a fun ride. It is no wonder he has worked with rapper Pusha-T and has written for Toni Braxton. The songwriting and more personal approach help to display his growth.
A Crowning Achievement | Posted September-26-2016
Fred Hammond has been in the industry for well over 30 years, and his fans (including myself) want him to go on forever. He had an electrifying live recording in May of this year, and after that said that he is going to put the mic "halfway down." Worship Journal Live is ready to drop now, and listeners should get ready for a ride of a lifetime. The album is laden with scripture, and it has just the right mixture of upbeat gems and powerful songs that are vertical but encouraging at the same time. Fred produces the album with help from Calvin Rodgers, Philip Feaster, Lawrence Jones and Lehman Gray.
"The Lord is Good" has a mean groove courtesy of Lawrence Jones' guitar work and Maurice Fitzgerald's bassline. The horns were added in the studio because they were not at the live recording, but they add the "sauce." The song is already infectious, but when they get to the vamp "Good to me / Good to me / Good to me / I know He's been good to me," the song goes up a few notches. You will not be able to let this one go, though I wish Fred would have included the reprises that he did at the recording. Either way, this song snaps!
The arrangement of "Take Care of You" was carefully crafted courtesy of Fred, Calvin Rodgers and Philip Feaster. Of course, you are going to nod your head and sing along when you hear the interworking of "Clap your hands this evening! / I said it's alright." The familiarity of that Earth, Wind and Fire classic will resonate along with the powerful singing of "God will, God will / God will take care of you! / Through every day / Along the way..."
There is criticism of Gospel and CCM lyrics being contrived and somewhat shallow. However, for many people Gospel and CCM songs are a part of the soundtrack of their lives or songs that just basically take them to the throne of God. "One Touch" and "Let Me Touch The Hem" will be "those songs" to many. "One Touch" tells the story of Jairus' daughter who died, and Jesus healed her after people were very doubtful. The moral of the story that Fred gets at is that one touch from God changes things. This song is powerful. "Let Me Touch the Hem" has the makeup of an old Gaither Southern Gospel classic mixed with traditional Gospel. The way the two songs blend together is wonderful as they flow just like the stories of Jairus' daughter and the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5.
"God Is My Refuge" takes the dramatic beginning and segues into a pop ballad similar to "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins, minus the epic drum solo. This song soars as Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength / A very present help in the time of struggle" is the tag. Feel strengthened and empowered as you sing this line. Worship teams, the tag alone would work well on your song list.
Remember the In The House series on Integrity Music? Fred was one of the first artists to take praise and worship songs and give them a little different arrangement. He was doing this in the mid-90s when it was not popular. So it was wonderful to hear him end the album with "Worthy is The Lamb," "More Love, More Power" and "Call On the Name of the Lord."
The Bottom Line: Fred Hammond outdid himself! There will be several songs that will resonate with many. This is an album that old fans will appreciate and new fans will latch onto. Worship Journal Live is vintage Fred!
Songs to Download Now:
"One Touch" and "Let Me Touch the Hymn" (Get it on iTunes here.)
A Catalog of Classics Delivered Fresh | Posted September-26-2016
If you have never been to a Donnie McClurkin concert and wonder how it would be to hear him sing some of his greatest hits, then you must buy The Journey. This new album is basically Donnie singing some of his greatest hits with some of his past and present exceptional vocalists.
He adds some more spice to his reworking of "Search Me Lord" while doing me a favor by singing one of my favorites, "Caribbean Medley." This medley is just a load of fun, but it is only a little over four minutes long and could have been longer. Longtime Gospel music fans will be thrilled to hear the choir classic "Speak to My Heart." The band flows well and dances so well with the melodic vocalists that it puts me in mind of seeing a perfect waltz where everyone moves so well together.
Donnie couldn't make an album of this nature without "Stand." This song never loses its impact. When they go into the vamp, it is like hearing it for the first time. It holds so much power and fervor. Donnie is driving this song with his adlibs, singing high and in full voice!
What is it about these songs that have very few lyrics but pack such a powerful punch? The title "I Will Follow You" is basically the whole song, with just a few other lines ("He is coming soon"). Not to sound cliche, but do not drive and listen to this song; it could be a hazard.
"My Help" is one of the new songs and gives me a Hawkins Family/Richard Smallwood vibe. This ballad has the big feel and music breaks topped with the different layers. Throw in his sister Andrea McClurkin Mellini, Nancey Jackson and Duwane Starling, and this is another Donnie classic.
"Victory Chant (Hail Jesus)" gets a little funkier, and thankfully it goes on for seven minutes. Listen closely as Donnie throws in "woo hoo" a la Michael Jackson. There are so many classics on here including "We Fall Down," "Jesus The Mention of Your Name" and "Great is Your Mercy," featuring the original singers.
The Bottom Line: Pastor Donnie McClurkin performs all of his biggest hits and nails it! Enough said.
Stepping Up | Posted August-12-2016
I am an extreme lover of music who looks at album credits and has a great appreciation for the musicians and the background vocalists. There is something to be said about great singers who serve other artists. There are some names that you see on the credits and instantly know that the background vocals are going to sound amazing.
Candy West is a great example of one who has served others gracefully. She was a member of God's Property and One Nation Crew, and she has been an occasional vocalist for Kirk Franklin for almost twenty years. She is currently singing with Myron Butler and Levi while also being a part of the TD Jakes' quintet, GRACE. In addition to all of this, she is a worship leader at Potter's House in Dallas, Texas. Now she is finally releasing her debut independently released solo project, Candy West Live. Candy co-produced the album with Myron Butler and Deonis Cook while writing six of the ten songs. Candy's sister Chelsea "Peaches" West is on background vocals along with Chadney Christie, Myiesha Duff and other great singers.
When listening to "Reign" (written by Candy's best friend Shanieka Bereal and husband Mike) and hearing her sing "Open up my eyes Lord / Help me to see / Open up my ears Lord, help me to hear... / please always stay in my life forever," you know it is sincere because that is the only way for her to do all that she is doing for so long. The melody and the vocals move fluidly throughout, and it has a simplicity that will make it easy to incorporate into praise and worship set lists.
Things get heavy with "My Praise Is My Weapon," although the title would make one think that the song is going to be an uptempo song with a serious drive. However, it takes an easy listening jazzy musical edge, giving way for Candy to interpret why praise is not just a set of fast songs, but a potent "weapon" than can change things.
Candy has led the praise and worship classic "Great and Mighty Is He" on several occasions when she is worship leading, so it is not a surprise that she recorded it with an added twist: a classic vamp that Candy drives home! "Contentment" is a break from the norm with a pop feel (in 3/4 time) to accent the more lyrical approach. We can all identify with lyrics like "Help me trust Your heart when I can't see Your hand / Because You're never without a plan / And You know what's best for me." Her voice is toned down and wonderfully melded with the guitar, but I predict that this will be a fan favorite. The bridge alone will tug at many hearts!
The Bottom Line: This is how you release a debut album. Everything Candy has endured and all that she has learned was built for this moment, and she knocked this one out the park! Like she stated in the powerful "Small Seed," "Small seed, great faith can produce beyond impossible." Stellar Awards, get ready to nominate Candy West for New Artist of the Year!
A Cool Assortment | Posted August-01-2016
DJ Anomally has endured quite a bit in his time especially after dealing with a horrible sickness, his wife's stressful (but ultimately joyful) pregnancy, and debt that reached $165,000. Needless to say, bleak is just one word to describe his situation, but it changed. He took a more holistic approach to help his body heal, his wife had their child and he is debt free. Releasing this Dreamteam EP has to be a sweet feeling.
The "504" (New Orleans) is well represented on the Brvndon P produced, "Power To His People." Gifted (who now calls Houston his home), Governor Reiss and Dee-1 each spit their respective bars over this beat accented by a soulful bass guitar. Governor Reiss' hook is a huge highlight as well as he expresses how God's people will conquer whatever comes our way.
"What They Thought" features 1K Phew and Kishon Furlow rapping over Alex Hitchins' trap beat. 1K Phew comes with the singing and rapping while Furlow just brings this amazing energy to the track. Hitchins produced three out of the five songs and he shows his versatility with the chilled out hip-hop track that fits nicely for the Dream Junkies on "Down for the Count." All three emcees delivered, but RUSLAN smashed his verse. This is a crew of dope emcees that always give you the thought-provoking, "wait, let me listen again," lyrics.
When you have a compilation of various rappers placements of the artists play a huge role in making sure that the songs work. So to have a song with Japhia Life, Gemstones and Eshon Burgundy was so ideal for me. I personally wanted a banger with a hard-hitting boom-bap. However, "I'm Gone" is more laid back (Dáramólá on the track), but these brothers nail it as they are all rappers who know how to paint the vivid pictures with their rhymes.
Pop ballads to be the norm on CHH albums; "Hiding Place" is just that. Benjah sings of how God encourages people to come the "place" of real peace in the midst of even the darkest moments. He sings "I'll be your peace in storms / Your hiding place far from harm / Under my wings be warm / Your hiding place, be restored." It is so great to hear Von Won bring it home with that Southern flow.
Song to Download:
"I'm Gone"
The Bottom Line:
I do not really like when artists release EPs with just a few songs. I think this release could have been even better with a few more bangers. However, the songs on the album are definitely enjoyable. DJ Anomally should definitely be proud.
A Full Length From a Jack of All Trades | Posted July-29-2016
Dayna Caddell has a resume with many accomplishments. The multifaceted artist thrives on songwriting, a field where she was nominated for a Grammy and Dove Award along with Israel Houghton and Ricardo Sanchez for Israel's "Every Prayer (featuring Mary Mary)." She has done background vocals for Diana Ross, and she has worked in set and interior design. And Dayna has done all of this while dealing with an autoimmune disease. Her new album Push is finally out after releasing her first single "What He's Done" several years ago. Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell and Caddell's nephew Vonn Clayton handled the production.
"Happy Is He" and "Sunshine" are summer-ready jams that speak to where real joy comes from while "You've Got A Friend" carries an infectious groove while Dayna assures everyone of having Jesus as a constant and consistent friend. This album is organic, and it's not all over the place and sloppy in terms of production. With the fact that Dayna has friends in show business, a song like "God Loves You" could serve as a nice conversation starter, not to mention the fact that it will make you nod your head.
"Crazy" could have easily been a Mary Mary song, but Dayna makes you dance while making it her own. Joi Campbell, Warryn's younger sister, adds her background singing to Dayna's voice. The track is typical Baby Dubb with the uptempo vintage soul feel. Vocal master Eric Dawkins graces the album with his butter vocals for the song "Overjoyed." "My One" is a bit of a disappointment musically because it sounds so much like an old Mary Mary R&B ballad.
Closing Thoughts: The main drawback of the album is the mastering. With such an accomplished songwriter and great producers, the album should have had a crisper sound, and it sounded a little dated at spots. However, it is definitely still album worth purchasing and enjoying.
An Album For the People | Posted July-27-2016
V. George Smith is a name that has that certain ring to it. This Connecticut-residing family man has been involved in online radio, having linked up with Kev On Stage and Bonnerfide Radio to co-host The Remix. He is also a part-time comedian with his crazy antics on social media outlets, but music is his main gift. He usually begins any day on social media with "Hello beautiful people," which is what his sophomore is aptly titled. George wrote every song on the album, and he allowed various singers to interpret the songs in their own way. Overall, the tone of the album is chill and melodic with George really making sure that songwriting was not cliche.
The intro is noteworthy because the Playmakers Kevonstage and his brother Jason Fredericks are featured, and it is pure comedy. It starts off as if they were going to worship, however, it quickly goes into hilarity. They begin to rap as if they were truly some gangsters for Christ, saying things like, "Judas, you a snitch / You don' wind up in a ditch."
The jazzy and skillful Paula Champion duets with the multitalented singer and producer Doobie Powell to weave their melodic voices throughout "There will Be Peace." Don't overlook this song! "Purchased by God" has a funky yet soulful vibe to it. Ashley Merrell adds a nice touch vocally while Pastor YPJ exhorts at the beginning and towards the end of the song. "For Always" is so smooth, but it is all about the way R&B artist Micki Miller (who just released Summertime Chi) nails it. Her phrasing and intonation is on point; George picked the right person to interpret this one.
Smooth baritone Josiah Martin leads "You Hold My Heart" with conviction. With all that he has experienced, this song is personal: many are praying for him as he goes through dialysis and waits for a kidney transplant. Sister group Jckson Ave. (signed to PJ Morton's label) sing over the reggae-tinged "God is Right Here" while Darien Yancey-Mackey paints a vivid vocal picture on "Just Believe."
Closing Thoughts:
V. George Smith has put together a compilation album that encompasses what music should be about. He wrote and arranged quality songs, picked the right singers (none with a huge name, but artists who are all doing great things in mainstream and Gospel), and he continues to carve out a place in the industry. Radio, music lovers, record executives: everyone should take notice of Hello Beautiful People.
Proving Resilience | Posted June-23-2016
Pastor William Murphy III leads Dream Center Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and he also serves as Tasha Cobb's pastor and mentor. Even after the tragic family experience of losing his brother Devaughn to an illness, it seems that Pastor Murphy has just become even more intentional in building people up, be it through his church, social media or his music. His new album Demonstrate is proof of that resilience. Aaron Lindsay, handles production.
Pastor Murphy describes "Lies" as a song that will cause people to roll down their car windows down and ride around in. It has that light summer, family reunion feeling. It calls people to look at the Truth of the Word and not the lies of the devil.
It is hard not to acknowledge the musicians on Gospel albums. I love the duet between Pastor Murphy and Tasha Cobbs on "I Have Found," which is another mid-tempo summer jam, but this one leans more pop stylistically. The transitions, the breaks and more add to the excitement of "Alive," which starts off like Michael's Jackson's "Working Day and Night." I would start pop lockin' if I was not writing this in a coffee shop.
The boisterous tenor gets to adlib and exhort on "Walls Came Down" and its reprise, "To God Be the Glory." I can imagine fists pumping as the guitars riff while Murphy and the group sing "The walls came down and the people went up." "Light It Up" is a driving slow call and response with Pastor Murphy and the singers asking people to basically let their light shine so that the world sees that Jesus is alive. "Grace to Overcome" is self-explanatory in meaning, and turns out to be one powerful ballad! Murphy's range is showcased as he sings "Hallelujah, grace to overcome."
The Bottom Line: Do not neglect to enjoy the wonderful “Let Us See You” featuring Nicole Binion, who has one of most beautiful voices around.There are many standout songs on Demonstrate, and this is another album that Pastor Murphy can be proud of.
Song to Download Now:
"Let Us See You (featuring Nicole Binion)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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