A New Gameface | Posted October-20-2014
KJ-52 has been hanging around on the down low for a while, but Mental is evidence of a strong return. Teaming up with Family Force 5's former front man Solomon Olds to create an EP filled with a new, aggressive sound, paired with some of the fun stuff that we remember KJ for, the hip hop artist offers a release that is surprisingly good and completely unexpected.
The new attitude show up immediately on "Gameface (1rst half Edition)." This hard hitting song featuring KB, Soul Glo Activatur and FLAME prepares us for something new. It is a harder, grittier KJ on the mic this time, and although the song is fun, it does not contain the tongue-in-cheek humor that we all remember as KJ's forte.
You know KJ has turned a new leaf when Propaganda and Lecrae show up on "Fight Music (I Don't Do Black or White Music)." Prop starts off the track with his signature style and then Crae gets the first verse talking about how his music was rejected by his own community, yet was welcomed by a mainly white crowd. KJ speaks of his similar struggles where he wasn't welcomed in his white community or the black community. The uniting force in it all is Christ. The music is not for a certain color, but rather is to unify the body of Christ.
Grit begets grit, and tongue-in-cheek begets tongue-in-cheek. Social Club shows up on "Island of Misfit Toys." There are few rap artists out there today who attack serious issues surrounding the broken in the church in one song and then have fun in another. KJ and Social Club make a perfect pairing. The song speaks to the truth that we are all misfits, but we are all loved by God regardless of our background.
It is a low down, dirty south party when KJ teams up with Tedashii and Soul Glo on "Mental" and then we hear something new from KJ on the first single from the album, "Tonight." This cut is an acoustic guitar driven pop song with KJ singing. It honestly sounds more like Toby Mac than KJ. It will resonate with mainstream Christian music fans, but hip hop fans may have an issue. The message behind the music is solid though as it focuses on surrendering to God. I am sure most of us have been at a Christian concert when we wondered what the purpose was. This is KJ refocusing us on the true reason for the gathering together of the saints.
After "Gameface (2nd Half Edition)" we get another pop interlude with the remix of "Brand New Day." The KJ we all know and love shows up on "Fresh Kicks." Nothing like a song about some new shoes to lighten the mood, but as always, the lighthearted surface is deepened with the truth about God and the real meaning of life and stripes that make a real difference in your life.
The album closes with a solid party tune in "It's Going Down." Who says that Christians can't party? This song is evidence that we can have fun too.
Closing Thoughts:
When I met Jesus, I had to put my old rap albums away. One of the first Christian rappers I came across after I gave my life to Christ was KJ-52. He was fun, refreshing and lighthearted (with the exception of "Daddy's Girl;" I still get misty when I hear that). This new KJ is no less about fun, but he has added an aggressive maturity to his music. He is ready to do battle. Call it Spiritual or artistic maturity if you like, I will just call it a new attitude and a new passion ignited. Grab this album. You won't regret it.
Song to Download Now:
"Fight Music (I Don't Do Black Or White)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Going Hard | Posted October-13-2014
There has been a recent shift in the world of Christian Hip Hop. All of a sudden it seems that each release builds on the strength of the last. It is no doubt that it is a close community of artists who maintain allegiance to the same team and will frequently proclaim that they represent the one one six. Reflection Music Group artist Canon has quickly become a fixture in the discussion. His third album, Loose Canon Vol. 2, is strong from start to finish, and although not industry changing like Lecrae's Anomaly, it delivers in quality of production, style and lyricism.
The album starts with the hard hitting "Go Off." In typical Canon fashion, he goes off hard with his unique rapid fire style and a beat that hits you deep in your soul. Rapid fire lyrics show a mastery of one's tongue and lyrics, but can be polarizing to the listener as it can be difficult to understand the words. For this particular reviewer, it makes me listen more closely to what is being said.
Next up is "Motivation (feat. Social Club)." Whenever Marty and Fern show up on a track, it is reason to get excited. Combine Canon's hard hitting style with that of Social Club, and you are given a recipe for face melting. The beat is subdued in the track, allowing the lyrical prowess of the artists to take the forefront. Canon also produced this track, which shows off another level of his talent.
"Trippen" shows yet another side of Canon's versatility. In this track producer Eighty 7 skillfully incorporates multiple samples into the track, and Canon slows down the flow to deliver his message. "Point of View" features vocals by Tragic Hero and gospel new comer Adia. Canon is back to his rapid fire ways, and Cardec delivers a hard hitting beat. The song is smooth. And speaking of smooth, rapid fire over a smooth beat is what is delivered on "Common Sense."
The album ends powerfully with "Put Me On" and "Dreams." This is the epitomy of hard hitting hip hop music: a powerful message delivered with powerful lyrics and a hard hitting, soul crunching beat.
Closing Thoughts:
Canon delivers, as always. He goes off hard on this latest offering. Each song on the EP offers us a unique side of Canon, and we also get a taste of his production skills. He is a well-rounded artist and producer, and with this project, he proves he is much more than a gimmick driven, one trick pony.
Song to Download Now:
"Motivation (feat. Social Club)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
A True Anomaly | Posted September-27-2014
Once in a while, an album is released that changes the face of a genre. An album that garners so much attention that it cannot be ignored. Lecrae has done exactly this with his latest installment, Anomaly.
This is a fitting title for an album in a sub-genre of music that has typically been identified as poor quality from the mainstream market. A lot of mainstream music fans speak jokingly of Christian music in general, and even Christian music fans regularly discuss how the general market of Christian music lags behind other popular music by about a year in terms of style.
Lecrae has set each one of us straight, showing us that excellence in the name of Jesus is achievable and that we don't have to crossover to mainstream in order to gain mainstream attention. Excellent music cannot be denied its just place in our music libraries.
This is demonstrated by the fact that this album reached #1 in the Billboard Top 200 after its first week of sales, has spent two weeks as #1 Rap Album, #1 Christian Album and #1 Gospel Album. "All I Need Is You," a song devoted to his wife, has spent the last 2 weeks as the #1 Hot Gospel Song and "Messengers (feat. For KING AND COUNTRY)" is the #1 Digital Gospel Song with three other tracks rounding out the top four of the Digital Gospel Songs on Billboard.
This album ranges from calling out the privileged and showing how America cares neither for its own or immigrants on "Welcome to America" to calling out the mainstream hip hop industry for talking about "Nuthin." It excels both when having fun with Andy Mineo on "Say I Won't" and getting personal on "Good, Bad, Ugly," in which he talks about some of his past issues including a girlfriend have an abortion and being sexually assaulted as a child.
Closing Thoughts:
When I first downloaded the album, I heard something different, something new from Lecrae. I was not a huge fan of Gravity or either of the Church Clothes albums, so I had set an extraordinarily high bar for Mr. Moore here. He easily cleared it with this album.
As always, the production quality from Reach Records is second to none. The use of chanting and foreign languages as background sounds keeps our ears perked up, always wondering what is being said.
This is the new bar for all other Christian artists, hip hop or otherwise, to look at and know is possible. This album is as important to the Christian music industry as Roger Banister's four-minute mile was to distance running: it is evidence that something once thought near impossible can happen once, and in just a few years may become common place.
Boot Scootin' Boom Bap | Posted September-27-2014
Country and hip hop are not necessarily two things that go together. However, Whosoever South blend the two surprisingly well. Their very own brand of "country crunk" is on display on their sophomore release Come On In. Banjos and beats, a love of family, tradition and most importantly Jesus defines this trio.
The title track "Come On In" tells it like it is. It epitomizes the country attitude and welcomes us all to come on in and chill with them— southern hospitality at its finest.
This album is just plain fun. "Sounds Like Home" is a play on words given the fact that they blend musical sounds of the south with typical southern rap style to lyricize about the sounds of trains, rattlesnakes and country choirs.
"Crying Out" is a heart wrenching song that tells several stories of outcasts. From the boy from the broken home who is disowned by his mother and abused by his father, to the girl who looks for love in the wrong places and ends up pregnant, to the kid who loses his parents and turns to life on the street. I'm a sucker for these emotional stories. The chorus is powerful, especially the line, "Won't you cover me with your mercy, 'cause I don't know what to do Lord I know that you are worthy, so I'm crying out to you."
When it comes to lyrical style, Rowdy spits a solid verse while Sarah holds her own. Mike provides some very soulful lyrics, especially on "Rise and Shine," "Crying Out" and "War Goin On." "Nothin To It" is a solid party song. I have never heard anyone call a square dance on a hip hop album before, but part of the charm of this downhome trio is that they aren't afraid to pay homage to their roots while still enjoying the music they love. What caught me off guard was Mike going off rapid fire on a verse, but let's remember, auctioneers and square dance callers have been going off hard for decades.
"Living Water" tells the story of a boy named Jimmy. Unfortunately it is not a lighthearted story, as little Jimmy gets hit by a drunk driver while playing on the country road. There is a happy ending though: Jimmy is drinking living water and walking on streets of gold now. The song carries on with a story about a homeless man telling a young, successful business man about Jesus and the living water that Jesus gives. This is the biggest surprise of a song on the album.
The album ends with "Country Crunk Remix." This song goes off hard. There aren't a lot of lyrics, but this is the sound that epitomizes Whosoever South.
Closing Thoughts:
Family and faith are important in the south, just ahead of trucks with big tires, trains and tractors. This is a fun album that expresses those priorities and the sheer joy of southern style. The bass hits hard, and the banjo picking along with the harmonica is a nice touch. While the lyrics are fairly simple throughout the album and there isn't the level of lyricism fans of Christian hip hop have gotten used to over the last year, there is clearly talent and a high standard of production quality.
Is it country? Is it rap? It's boot scootin' boom bap.
Living Worship | Posted September-22-2014
One of the joys in reviewing music is the fact that well established artists can be brand new to you. This is the case with my knowledge of Dustin Smith. The Kansas City based worship leader has been around for a few years but this is my first exposure to him and his unique offering in worship. I say "unique offering" because each and every worship leader brings something to their craft that is different than any other leader. The anointing of the Holy Spirit does not look the same in every person's life, and as such, each worship leader brings a new revelation of the love of God through their music and lyrics.
Coming Alive is a live worship recording, which automatically garners respect in this reviewer's eyes. The specific move of the Spirit that was felt that night cannot be bottled and sold or replayed as an exact replica, but through hearing the sounds of praise on that night, we as listeners can sense a reasonable facsimile of what happened. The album opens with two upbeat songs: "Coming Alive" and "Now & Forevermore." There is a distinct sound to the songs reminiscent of some of the OneThing Live recordings. I am beginning to think that just as there are different sound in west coast, east coast and southern hip hop, there are also regional influences in worship music.
"Who Is Like Our God?" bring a slower pace yet no less passion. It is also a redundant question that does not require a specific answer, yet still puts one in a place of reflection that leads you to think on it and realize that there is no one like our God. The mid paced tempo continues with "He's Alive." I am always happy to hear songs about the victory we have through the resurrection of Jesus. It is a story that never grows old.
"Extravagant Love" slows the tempo, but the passion makes up for it. After singing about the resurrection, I am now singing about God's extravagant love for me, and I am left in a place of awe and wonder. These opening worship songs are followed by what can only be sung as a series of prayers.
The heartfelt cry for God's presence begins with "Breathe On Me," followed by "Come Rushing In," "We Want To Know You" and "Surround Us Now." This section of the album can easily finds its way into your daily devotion and prayer times.
These cries for the heartbeat of Heaven lead the worshipper to a new place: "Home" in God's presence. A complete unnerving place to be, yet a place that you never want to leave. This is the goal of worship, to be at home in God's presence, worshipping unashamedly, forgetting what is around you and focusing on an intimate relationship with the lover of your soul.
And as we approach the throne of God, we can see "Eyes of Fire." This song thematically seems to fit prior to "Home," however, it also fits in perfectly here. The album closes with "(Be Exalted) In The Dust," a beautiful worship song about praising God in the lowest moments of life, as well as understanding that we were created from dust and from those lowest places we are built by God's strength and majesty.
Closing Thoughts:
I had no expectations going into the review and after listening, I am excited to hear what's next from Dustin Smith. The album moved from worship, to prayer and closed in encouragement. It is an album filled with wonderful moments and delivered in simplicity.
Successful Transformation | Posted September-08-2014
Worship, right after prayer and the Word, is the lifeblood of the Christian walk. I know that worship isn't reserved for Sundays and that we are called to a lifestyle of worship, however, modern worship music has changed the face of our Sunday mornings. With the latest offering from Jesus Culture, that face is changing again.
Reconstructed Volume 1 puts a modern twist on many of the transformative worship band's songs. The mad scientist behind the remixes is Lucas Hogg (Oh Snap It's Luke), an independent EDM (Electronic Dance Music) artist.
My personal preference for worship albums is live recordings, and if not live, then an acoustic studio session. Those formats seem to have a greater impact for me personally. What I cannot focus on with this album review are the songs, or the lyrics or even the vocals. The songs are all excellent and can easily be sung in any church on any Sunday.
What Jesus Culture has done is very similar to the White Album by United. On the plus side, all of the tracks are remixes of different songs. On the down side, it is the same remix artist on each song.
The artistry in remixing is to ensure that all of the remixes do not sound exactly the same, and this album achieves this. From the very synth-heavy "Forevermore" to the almost choral sounding "I Belong To You," each song is delivered cleanly with an original sound.
My favorite Jesus Culture song of all time is "Rooftops." It checks off all of the boxes for me in regards to a worship song: high energy, passionate vocals and a solid bridge. I was happy and leery at the same time when I saw it on the tracklist. No fan ever wants their favorite song toyed with. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the treatment given to this song.
Closing Thoughts:
EDM is rising in the Christian Music scene and it seems fitting that it is now coming to a Sunday morning service near you. If you are a fan of Jesus Culture, worship music or EDM, pick up this album.
A Solid Worship Surprise | Posted September-08-2014
With their sophomore release, Summit FutureNow gives us a little gem of an EP with The Now and The Not Yet. Never having heard of The Summit Church in Raleigh/Durham before (I'm Canadian), I was pleasantly surprised by the album.
Worship EPs are usually kind of like an all-in-one worship set for the busy Christian. Five songs, consistent theme, one Jesus. This worship set is a little different though. If I had to classify the type of music, it would be EDM. Each track contains several electronic elements, pulsating rhythms and vocal effects. It could be a worship set, or the soundtrack to your next five kilometer race.
The title track "The Now and The Not Yet" speaks of the hope of Heaven, but also of the fact that as we anxiously await our coming King, "we can praise Your name in between the now and the not yet." A "United" church is something I desperately pray for, and this song speaks how we are all united by the Blood of Jesus as one Church. In this song we get a special treat with a rap verse. It is well done, and fits well with the persistent bass line of the song.
"Magnificent" slows the tempo a little and does not have quite as strong an electronic feel as the first two tracks. It is beautiful worship song that plainly speaks of the magnificence of God.
Things get going again with "You Never Let Us Go." A great promise of God is that He will never leave us nor forsake us. This song takes this promise and proclaims it. To know that the Creator of the Universe loves us and will never leave us is the greatest promise that we have. It is from this promise that we can also claim that nothing is impossible.
A shout of "Hallelujah" ends the album. I cannot think of a more fitting end to a worship set than to sing Hallelujah. The electronic feel of the first two tracks returns for the finale, rounding out the album nicely.
Closing Thoughts:
This was a pleasant surprise. Not being a huge fan of EDM or studio recorded worship albums, the gang at Summit FutureNow have somewhat chipped away at that dislike and have shown me that when something is done well it must be recognized. Well done, gang. I look forward to the next one.
An Emerging Voice | Posted July-28-2014
HilaryJane received her first wide scale exposure on the King Kulture album Stop The Traffic. In my review of that album, I suggested to the readers here at NRT that we watch out for more from this artist. Well here we are eleven months later, and HilaryJane has been signed to Infiltrate Music and is releasing her debut album Stix and Stones.
The first track, "Chimneys," eases us into HilaryJane's style of smooth soulful singing along with a penchant for spitting a verse. Female emcees are not hard to come by, but ladies worth listening to are. HilaryJane can rap, plain and simple. Thematically, the song is written from the viewpoint of a person who realizes that the devil is a liar and that he is merely blowing smoke with all of the condemnation and lies that he lays on us. This realization comes when we "surrender to our King."
Thi'sl features on "Celebrity." This song is a slow pace banger. The bass is low, reflecting the heart of the narrator. It comes from a place of despair. Being a celebrity seems to the masses to be a life of ease, but this song reflects the hurt and pain that follows fame, and that the only thing that fills the empty hole that is causes by earthly riches is the love of Jesus.
"Stix and Stones" has an incredibly smooth flow to it. The drums paired with the vocal sample put you in an almost trance like state. HilaryJane's vocals pair perfectly on this song. The message is about the power of words in a person's life, especially negative words. As humans, we have a tendency to allow negative words to define who we are and what we are capable of. HilaryJane uses a simple children's rhyme to remind us that words do not define us. It is our relationship with Christ that defines who we are as Christians. It is The Word that defines us.
Closing Thoughts:
This is an impressive sample of HilaryJane's abilities as well as an exciting foray for a new label. The guys at Infiltrate have built a solid roster of young talent that will continue to give us quality music for a few years. They also have ensured that production quality is not lacking in any way, shape or form. The main thing missing from this album for me was more straight rapping. HilaryJane can rap, and we don't get to hear her strut this ability on this offering. I was left wanting a little more after six tracks plus a remix bonus track on the EP, and I hope we hear more from her soon.
A Broad Experience | Posted June-24-2014
I may have been asleep for the last five years or so, because I had never heard of Covenant Worship prior to listening to their latest offering, Kingdom. For the uneducated like myself, Covenant Worship is the music ministry from the multi-campus, inter-denominational Covenant Church, with their main campus located in Carollton, Texas. If there is one word to describe the sound of Covenant Worship, it is much like a word used to describe their home state, and the God they serve: big.
At the start of the first track on the album, "New Every Morning," I was reminded of Lakewood Live – upbeat, rock and roll, adult contemporary worship. Honestly, it sounded like it may be about four or five years old.
Speaking of Lakewood, the tracks "Risen" and "Can't Stop Singing" feature Israel Houghton. The songs fit the iconic worship leader perfectly, and his presence is welcome. That said, they are fairly standard praise songs that do a lot to stir people up but left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
The album slows down with "Let The Name Of Jesus Reign." This is a beautiful song about the power of the name of Jesus. I found myself enveloped in this song after being somewhat put off by the earlier songs. This is a singable worship song. Production-wise they tried a little too hard to add electronic elements going into the bridge, but other than that it is a wonderful song. The album turns a corner with this song, as I'm sure the atmosphere in the worship service did.
"More Holy Spirit" is a nine minute heart cry for God's spirit to be poured out on the people: "Lord I decrease / As You increase / it's all about You / it's not about me." They park on this line for a bit in what turns out to be an extremely intimate moment and leads into the solo female voice singing "Holy Spirit break us / come and overtake us / You're the one we're living for / Holy Spirit lead us / to the heart of Jesus / there is nothing we want more." It is a beautiful, heartfelt prayer. This is what changes worship leaders to lead worshippers.
As that tender moment ends, we are smacked upside the head with a tom drum solo and a somewhat confused mixture of Gaithers meet Rend Collective with "Your Kingdom Come." After that track, things slow down again with "Closer." This is followed by "Here Waiting," which adds a sense of prophetic worship similar to Misty Edwards. "Not Ashamed" is a worship anthem, and the album closes with "First Loved Me."
Closing Thoughts:
It seems as though Covenant Worship hasn't fully decided what they are going to be in terms of a worship band. There are songs that will appeal to fans of Lakewood, Misty Edwards, Vineyard, Centric and even the Gaithers. The album was rather confusing to listen to from beginning to end, but had very wonderful moments on it with "Let The Name Of Jesus Reign," "More Holy Spirit" and "First Loved Me." The other highlight of the album is that it was recorded live, just as all worship albums should be.
Hard Hitting Grace | Posted June-24-2014
In his third offering, Ain't Supposed To Be Here, 5ive gives the listener his personal testimony, a story of redemption and salvation. It is a relatable story that we have all heard before: a boy with feelings of hurt whose father left at a young age, who turned to drugs and porn to fill the gap, and in a miraculous turn of events was set free from all of it with a single prayer. The story is powerful, and the album that explains it does it artistically and goes to the heart to the issue.
The title track, "Ain't Supposed To Be Here," frames the album perfectly. It talks about his history, the confession of people around him that told him he would end up a deadbeat just like his own father, and the people who doubt his ability to deliver the gospel. It really is a story of a man who shouldn't be where he is, but thanks to the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, he can walk victorious and free, rejoicing in his Saviour. This is a song of thanksgiving. Chris Cobbins lends his vocal stylings to the track and adds a worshipful vibe to the song.
Any time Dre Murray and Corey Paul feature on a song, you know you will get something raw and rough. "Winning" gives us this harder edge. From losing to winning, this is 5ive's story.
Being on the Save The City label means that we get features from Benjah and Je'Kob. Benjah shows up on "Come Home," a song calling people to turn from lives of sin to turn to Jesus, much like Jesus called the prodigal son home. This song is about open arms. 5ive shares more of his own story on the track as well. It is refreshing when artists bare themselves and their scars in order to speak to people who may be caught up in something to turn to something better, something eternal.
A great piano intro followed by a solid drop is how "All Things" opens. The song is a reflection on Phillipians 4:13. Rachael Messini from Washington Projects and Souljahz adds her voice to the chorus and paired with the piano, the song is absolutely beautiful.
"Church" hits hard. SPEC and Je'kob feature on this track. This is the hardest track on the album, by far. The bass comes heavy, and SPEC's verse is incredible. In somewhat of a surprise, Je'kob drops what may be the best verse on the album. Interspersed throughout the song are tidbits of 5ive preaching. This song delivers the heat that the album was missing up to this point. Je'kob features on "Do You Believe In Love As Well" but this time in his usual chorus, hyper-synthesized, unmistakable Je'kob sound.
The album closes out with "Freedom." This is 5ive's entire testimony from fatherlessness, to marijuana, porn, suicidal thoughts, cocaine, crystal meth, to freedom. He searched for freedom in all of those other things just to end up in chains, but Jesus spoke to him and gave it all up. This song will speak to the hearts of many.
Closing Thoughts:
This is the first time I've listened to 5ive. I was hesitant going into the album, but after hearing a man expose his heart and his story so that God can be glorified and others who may be in similar situations can receive hope from another person's testimony, I think I can clearly say that I "ain't supposed to be here" either. Thank God for His grace and for the reminder that can come through music of such an Amazing Grace.
MarkRyan_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
