A Soundtrack of Coming Back to Life | Posted June-09-2014
On May 27, 2014, one of the most personal and vulnerable hip-hop albums this reviewer has heard was released. It wasn't birthed out of a man's struggles to escape gang life or a man's journey through drug abuse, prostitutes and strip clubs.
It is, however, about a man coming back to life.
In a recent interview with Tedashii he said, "A little over a year ago, I lost my one year old son. In his passing, honestly I just wanted to quit life, not necessarily feelings or thoughts of suicide, but just, I don't want to live again, I don't want to go another day without him. It took a while for me to get to a place that I could express what I felt but once I got to that place, this album is what began to come out." The album is titled Below Paradise and in it Tedashii wrestles with the concept of living in a harsh world with a loving God.
The album opens with choral vocals and strings. We are welcomed into what is going to a moving piece of artistry. Then in classic Tedashii style, the bass drops and Tedashii goes off. The title track "Below Paradise" frames what we will be listening to for the next hour or so.
The first big feature on the album comes on track 3, "Dark Days, Darker Nights." None other than CCM mainstay Britt Nicole handles the chorus perfectly. Her powerful vocals play nicely against Tedashii's rugged and rough lyricism. Other CCM features on the album include Tauren Wells of Royal Tailor on "Paradise," and Crowder on "Angels and Demons."
The Reach Records crew show up on "Nothing I Can't Do" (Trip Lee and Lecrae), "Catch Me If You Can" (Andy Mineo) and "Earthquake" (KB). You'll have to buy the deluxe version to get KB's verse though.
The deluxe version is probably a good idea to get just so that you can recover from the final track on the standard album. "Chase" is the most precious moment on the album. The song is a direct song from Tedashii to his deceased son. About the song Tedashii said, "That song was my ability to admit my desire to express my undying love and affection for him and then in some way allow people in so that they can see the genuineness of the wrestle. I think often times people want to shy away from pain. For Christians, some of us are afraid to admit we feel hurt because in some way we feel like that will belittle God in our life or we'll say, 'Well God must not be big enough to handle that in my life.' We don't to communicate that so we'd rather wear the façade. 'Chase' was my way to shatter all those things. To sit like David did in Psalms and cry out, 'Again will you turn your face from me, again will you hide your face from me, O Lord.' Or to be able to cry out like Solomon said, 'There's a season for mourning' and this is that season for me. That song was definitely difficult to do but I think that that's necessary." Tim Halperin features on the chorus and does an amazing job in expressing the pain and the struggle.
Prior to this album I hadn't listened to much of Tedashii. Honestly, I wasn't a fan of his style or his flow. The transformation of the artist known as Tedashii is as great as the transformation of the man behind the artist. The lyrics are personal, his flow is on point, the album's production values are not in question and each and every feature is perfectly placed and works brilliantly in this album. This album is complete from start to finish. If you haven't yet listened to this album, or perhaps like myself, was never a fan of Tedashii, I encourage you to do yourself a favor and pick up this album.
Still 'The Best' | Posted April-28-2014
Fern and Marty are back with another hard hitting, fun loving, spiritually challenging, and God-blessing album. At first listen Misfits 2 is light and flaky like a Tenderflake pie crust, whether it be talking about a "Coogi Sweater" or being "Awkward," but upon listening closer it is deep and rich like a chocolate bobka.
The length of the album is as perplexing and misfit-like as Marty and Fern. Ten tracks is too long to really be considered to be an EP, but maybe a couple tracks short of being deemed a full-length album.
The beats hit hard, the majority of the production is attributed to Dove Award winning producer D-Flow, and in classic D-Flow style this album goes hard. It seems with each album that Marty and Fern release a new anthem. What started with "Strt Trbl" continued with "Bang" and on this album it is "Cops." The guys are unashamed of their faith and willing to shout it and start a movement.
There is no comparison in current music to Social Club, they stand alone in a category of their own. Just as Beautiful Eulogy has cornered the folk-rap scene, Social Club stands alone in the misfit-rap scene. On Misfits 2, the lyrics are original and the themes they touch on vary widely. The production is amazing and the features are perfectly placed garnishes on the plate. from Andy Mineo on "Coogi Sweater" to Marz Ferrer on "My Eyes Burn" to rapper/producer Gawvi on "Social Club Is NOT Dead." This album is perplexing, there will be people that love it and people that don't care for it. It may actually be that, "Social Club is the best."
They're back! Already! | Posted April-21-2014
Fast on the heels of their previous album, Only King Forever, Elevation Worship is back with their latest offering, Raised To Life EP. The album consists of three music tracks and one video. In terms of songs, there are two versions of "Raised To Life"--one studio recorded and the other recorded live as a video offering.
Although "Raised To Life" was on the recently released album, the other two tracks offered are new. "Unstoppable God" is an uptempo praise anthem that was studio recorded and Jesus I Come is a brooding worship song recorded live.
Going into the EP I had only heard their previous album, Only King Forever, so having a follow-up EP so quickly that only had two new songs was disappointing. As powerful as a song that "Raised To Life is," I just don't feel I needed it two more times in my library. The EP was released specifically for the Easter season, and in this regard I understand the impact that the songs can have in relation to such a critical time in the Christian calendar.
Aside from the album, the main thing that I appreciate about Elevation Worship is the plethora of free resources they offer on their website. From lead sheets to chord charts to drum loops, everything a worship leader would require to introduce new songs to their congregation.
The EP itself may serve its purpose as a quick worship set for a small group or even for a time of personal praise and worship. The mixture of live and studio recordings is perplexing to me (with the exception of the video). In this reviewer's mind, worship albums should always be recorded live so that the listener can have an opportunity to share in the anointing that was on that particular evening. As a ministry, Elevation Worship gets full marks for their willingness to serve the global church in the offering of free resources so that the music can shared to a broader audience.
Organic Worship | Posted March-31-2014
The setting to sit and write this review of All The Saints: Live From The CentricWorship Retreat No. 1 could not be more fitting. An overcast day, a bustling streetscape and a steaming, hot, chai latte. If I sit with my eyes closed long enough, I can picture the collective of artists from CentricWorship playing behind me.
As this album moves from song to song, it was as though it was recorded in one take from beginning to end. Each song seems to grow from the last, bringing the listener through a range of worship emotions—from high praise, to reflection to repentance.
I wish the other patrons of this café could hear this album. I wish they could experience how a true worship experience can grow from an acapella rendition of "Amazing Grace," through a variety of original songs, re-writes of classic hymns, to "Our Father".
"The Sound That Saved Us All"—a re-write of the classic hymn, "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name"—stays true to original, with the addition of a tag line at the end of each verse. With extremely tight harmonies, steel guitar, and gospel-style piano riffs, this one song exemplifies the organic nature of how this album was recorded. "Nothing But The Blood" is not the original hymn but rather a beautiful original song.
This is not an album that you will immediately be drawn to. Upon first listen, without a quiet mind and heart, the album may sound out of place among the noise that fills our hearts. But in a prayerful setting, this album can lead you through an intimate time of prayer and worship. This album moves, it grows, it is alive with the true heart of worship.
Mass Appeal | Posted March-19-2014
Save The City Records artist Benjiman's latest album Can't Stop is a mix of pop/urban and hip-hop. The artist, while being on his third release, is a new name to this reviewer. I can't speak to his spiritual or artistic growth from his previous release, S.K.R.I.P.T., but what I can speak to is the quality of this album as it stands alone under Benjiman in my iTunes library.
When I first pressed play, I was reminded of one artist, Je'Kob. You may have heard of him from his work with The Washington Projects or from his solo material. It sounds like Je'Kob for good reason. Je'Kob produced the album, features on three tracks under his name and one as part of The Washington Projects. He's also a fellow Save The City labelmate. This isn't a bad thing, however, the album begins to blend into the background and doesn't stand apart. The production is solid on the album. The album definitely carries a larger mass appeal due to the pop/urban nature.
The highlights of the album include the title track, "Can't Stop" (feat. Jesiah Dzwonek), "Hopes and Dreams" (feat. The Washington Projects), and, "Absurd Hope" (feat. Je'Kob). Can't Stop is a guitar-driven anthem. The song speaks to how we as Christians can never stop representing Christ, regardless of our circumstances. We have to trust on the Spirit of Christ within us to make that difference we have been called to make. "Hopes and Dreams" has a completely different sound with a piano backed melody and Rachael of The Washington Projects on the hook. The song is about staying firm in your faith and not giving up on your prayers, God hears and answers, and will use you mightily through your prayer life.
I am a sucker for acoustic guitar, whether it's Shane and Shane, Eric Clapton or just a bit of acoustic guitar providing the melody underneath solid verses by a gifted emcee. This is why "Absurd Hope" made the highlights. This is a song that you just want to bob your head to. The song has a great message of keeping on even when hope seems absurd. It's a message that more people need to hear.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the album is solid throughout. The pop/urban tracks will have mass appeal, while the straight hip-hop tracks will fall short of expectations of hip-hop aficionados. Production is solid on the album and the features from fellow Save The City Records labelmates are well placed. The biggest detraction to the album is the lack of an original sound that would allow Benjiman to stand out to listeners.
Song to Download Now:
"Absurd Hope" feat. Je'Kob (Get it on iTunes here.)
Deraj Is No Mirage (He's the Real Deal) | Posted February-27-2014
The new Mirrors and Medicine EP from Reflection Music Group artist Deraj gives the listener an earful of sonic magnificence. Each song telling a story, and each song with it's own unique sound shows off Deraj's skill as emcee and vocalist. While some albums that don't carry a consistent theme and sound can become confusing, Deraj does is with style, flow and power.
Although Deraj is a relatively new artist this album has journeyman written all over it. The opening track, "Egypt," immediately caught my attention with the piano intro and the vocals in the first verse. The track makes you stop and listen, it doesn't get lost as noise as some opening tracks do. And in a quiet contemplative moment during the outro, strings are introduced to provide a segue into "No Fear."
This song is an anthem for those people who have been struggling with fear. It doesn't matter whether that fear is imposed by someone or something. In this track Deraj pronounces that, "a man from another land gave me the upper hand, he told me to heal the land and count the grain of sand, walk with the crippled man and teach him how to stand, talk to him in a way he can understand, all according to the plan." This song gives strength and hope to abandon all fear and walk in faith towards the unknown. Musically, this song hits hard and doesn't let up. Once again, Deraj shows off his diverse skills as in each verse the style changes ever so slightly.
"Solitaire" changes things up again. This time the narrative is from Satan's point of view and how he uses his cunning and devices and comes as an angel of light to trick us into sin and basically playing ourselves like when we play "Solitaire." Je'Kob features on the verse and the addition of a vocalist is the perfect touch. There is a suspenseful vibe to the song, like one would expect when something is at work behind the scenes.
"What You Say" is a pop driven song that has a message as strong as the bass line. The request is for a real friend who tells the truth not someone who is just there to appease our ego. The song is based around Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Sometimes we don't want the truth, but at the end of the day, when a close friend tells us something that hurts, it is like a tree being pruned. At the end of the day, we grow stronger.
The diversity of sound on this album continues to play out on "Runaway." Another pop song, one that would play out well on contemporary Christian radio, "Runaway," gives the message that running isn't the best answer. When running from problems, they tend to resurface, but if we are to face those troubles head on, perhaps with no fear, then we can move on.
The album closes with "Forgive You Much." A solid piano intro leads into an extremely hard verse. The song leads us thought the thoughts of a man who is has been hurt and is dealing with the raw emotions of the hurt and pain, but comes to the point of forgiveness. One of the highlights of the album is the inclusion of Vladimir Petit-Frere on the chorus. I love when I get introduced to new artists and this guy has a voice that rivals Christon Gray. It is a perfect addition to the track.
Final Thoughts:
When I saw the teaser video for "No Fear" from Deraj, I was intrigued to see what this guy had. Well, what he has is something special. From the self design of the album cover, to the solid vocals, lyrics, emcee abilities and production quality, Deraj has proven himself thoroughly on Mirrors and Medicine. Deraj is not a household name in Christian Music yet, but with solid offerings like this, there is no question in my mind that he will be among the upper echelon of Christian hip-hop a short time.
Theology and Worship | Posted February-26-2014
Lamp Mode Recordings artist God's Servant is out with his latest album, Diadem. The album is a fine mixture of theology, worship and lyricism. It is a rare event when a Christian hip-hop album blends the three elements so clearly. It wouldn't be a Lamp Mode artist without a solid dose of theology and lyricism, but as the album title suggests, in this work, God's Servant is laying down a crown before the King of Kings.
Things kick off with "Make Way," which is a great way to introduce the concept of worship and making way for God in our lives. God is greater than ourselves, greater than anything we could boast in, and because of how great God is, we need to come to an understanding of what real worship is. "The whole duty of man is to fear the Lord and keep His statutes." This song has more depth in regards to true worship than many worship albums, let alone Christian hip-hop.
Theologically the album is sound, however, sonically, the album left me longing for a little more. As deep as a song as "Areopagus" is, and the level of lyricism within the song, the lyrics at times feel forced to get as much theological references into as few as bars as possible and the hook on the song could use more musicality. "Ransomed" has a little more musicality and makes the head bob a little more without losing any impact of the lyrics, however the drops are almost non-existent. "Ransomed," of course, speaks to how Christ was ransomed for our sins.
"For Us" features the vocals of J. Williams on a really nice chorus that allows you to enter into worship. "He laid his life down and He didn't have to do it / I could never go through the pain, I could never go do the same / He went and died for us, He went and died for us / true love, yeah, that's real love." God Servant spits truth in His verses. This song is smooth and delivers the salvation message clearly and concisely.
Before "Look Ye Saints" there is an interesting "Choral Interlude" of "Look, Ye Saints, The Sight Is Glorious." Its is somewhat reminiscent of when Andy Mineo used "Come, Ye Sinners Sick and Needy" at the beginning of "Superhuman." Once again, however, the theme of worship is central, and not only worship but the thought of crowning God with a Diadem.
God's Servant's Lamp Mode brother Json, joins him on "At His Feet." Anytime Json shows up, things go off hard, and this song does just that, but once again, trying to go hard while saying, "'Cast yo crowns at His feet, throw 'em in" just feels forced. "Bring The Diadem" keeps the theme running strong. I am a big fan of thematically consistent albums. It allows me to focus on what the artist wants to say and gives me a glimpse of what they have may been focusing on during a certain season of their lives.
"Holy" starts off with some face-melt action. This one on high may blow your speakers so approach it with caution. Chris Cobbins features on the chorus and his vocals are a welcome balance to the roughness of Servant's verses. This song redeems some of the sonic issues with previous songs. The song is hard but still maintains a musical element. And if Chris Cobbins balancing off God's Servant doesn't fix it, then Benjah's feature on "My God and King" definitely does. This song is solid from beginning to end.
The last song on the album is "His." It is a declaration of all that is in existence, all of creation, is His. It is a great reminder of who is in charge and bookends the album perfectly when paired with "Make Way." I said last song purposely, as the last track, is "John's Prayer." This is simply John Piper praying a powerful prayer for Pastors.
Final Thoughts:
When I first listened to this album, I was underwhelmed with the lack of hard hitting beats and bass drops. In all truth, I couldn't make it through the whole album the first time. On second listen, however, I'm glad I didn't give up on it. The album speaks truth. Pure, redeemed, truth. There is a lull in the middle of the album, but the final third of the album is worth waiting for. If you are a fan of theologically sound albums that make you think while getting your groove on, then this album will meet your needs. If you're looking for a party album for youth group, then you may want to take a pass on this.
Short on Songs, Long on Talent | Posted February-06-2014
Less than a year after having the pleasure of reviewing Heroes For Sale and giving it a perfect 5 stars, I sit here again reviewing a project by Andy Mineo. After watching all four episodes of Andy's YouTube series, "Saturday Morning Car Tunez," I was excited to listen to this album and see what was birthed out of the creative process that was outlined in the series. It is good to see an artist who doesn't quit on the creative process and who is continually wanting to push the boundaries of his craft and become better.
The album contains a mixture of songs and styles. The album title Never Land is a play on words. First of all, as in the title track, "Never Land," when we accept Christ and God takes us by the hand, we get so high that we never land. But secondly, there is the Peter Pan reference of a place where time stopped and there was no need to grow up. I see this reflected in the track, "Paisano's Wylin'."
"Never Land" features the vocals of Marz on the chorus. Her voice is a perfect selection for the transcendent meaning behind the song. "Paisano's Wylin'" features Marty from Social Club. This song is just plain fun. I smiled the entire time the first time I heard it. Any time Chewbacca from Star Wars gets imitated and mentioned you know you have something good. Similarly, any mention of gold chains, velour track suits, marinara, mozzarella and cannolis brings a wide smile.
"You Can't Stop Me" may be the hardest hitting song of the year so far and it will be hard for any to meet it. This is Andy just sharing the struggles he went through in trying to make it, and how with God he can't be stopped.
The best line in the song is, "I got two choices when I do this, make moves or make excuses." That really sums up what chasing dreams is about. We can listen to fear or we can listen to the Word of God. Once we understand who we are an we don't let fear (or ourselves) stop us, then no one can stop us.
Some sweet vocals by Kam Parker underline "Rewind." The song is Andy reminiscing about how he got started. His first rap, his first show, from getting his bible signed by The Ambassador to signing bibles the same way now, wishing to record with DJ Official to playing tours with him. All of these incredible things for which Andy unashamedly thanks God.
Sonically, the album flips a switch with "All We Got." It is a little more laid back with a bluesy/jazz guitar riff and bass line. Andy's verses are strong as always and the message behind the song that "love is all we got" is something that continues to run through the album.
"Paganini" is the craziest track on the album. With verses by Andy, KB and Canon—some of the fastest rappers out there right now—and then an amazing display of beatboxing by Anointed S at the end of the track, this tune has the mark of artistry all over it. Paganini, for those who don't know, was a violin virtuoso; he played so fast that people thought he was possessed by the devil. The song basically says that the reason they go so hard is because they are displaying the gifts God has given to them.
The album closes out with "Death Of Me." The theme of using the talents he was given to glorify God and pressing through the struggles of life continues. It's about how hard somebody has to work in the business and that it literally could kill a man if he isn't centered in God and understanding his priorities. Some could speculate from the lyrics that Andy is planning a sabbatical of sorts, similar to that of his Reach Records brother Trip Lee.
Closing Thoughts:
This album was long on talent but short on songs. To think that there were seven or eight concepts in the New York stage of production, plus whatever came out of Atlanta, leads me to think that there is another album out there, but perhaps those other songs don't yet live up to the standard that Andy is trying to put out. I would much rather see artists release an EP of seven solid songs, then to fill a double length album with maybe two or three good tracks, 10 OK tracks and seven tracks that should have never seen the light of day. This album is solid, you should go and download it now.
Song to Download Now:
"Paganini" feat. KB and Canon (Get it on iTunes here.)
Name Reverts, Music Pushes Forward | Posted January-17-2014
Roy Tosh (formerly known as 737) is back with his third full-length album. Revert goes hard from the get go. Even though this is Tosh's third album, it is my first exposure to this up-and-coming rapper. It has been nearly two years since Convinced released, but today I am convinced that Roy Tosh will definitely be an artist we will be hearing more from.
The title track, "The Revert," is an ode to Tosh reverting his name back to something closer to his roots. Born as Jeff MacIntosh, Roy is his middle name and Tosh was his father's nickname as well as the last part of his last name. However, there is no reverting his sound; his album is leaps and bounds ahead of his last two albums. The album goes hard with "Pop Off," and "Bass Down Low" kicking things off. "Pop Off" has a very recognizable sample from "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne. These are typical party anthems from a CHH artist and the depth of theology in the lyrics in almost non-existent.
"Lean" features Black Knight and TJ Pompeo. The song differs in style from the first two as it goes a little more West Coast in style. "Vanity" comes next. The flow continues, but this time with true message behind the music. Tosh speaks to the need for reaching fame and celebrity status in our culture today, but rather than searching for these things which may leave us with money, girls, and fame, there is a Father in heaven that can give us something more eternal than these fleeting things.
"Losin' It" is a song of redemption. A song speaking of the challenges we all face as Christians. There is something reminiscent of the psalms of David in this song. Just a man at his wit's end, crying out to God. "Trust" follows in the same vein, thematically. The synth sample throughout sounds like it was taken from "Good Morning" by Mandisa. The song speaks to need to trust God in our darkest times. Regardless of the open wounds from our past, we need to trust in God, and move forward.
Benjah has been a mentor in Tosh's life, and lends his good friend a hand on two track on the album. "Take Me Back" is about the journey we take with God, and the question I know I have asked too many times. "Why do you take me back?" It is simply because of the grace and mercy of our heavenly Father. "Grace" is the second track that features Benjah. This song just speaks to how much Christ loves us.
Closing Thoughts:
It has been said that Roy Tosh is just another white rapper trying to sound like Andy Mineo. There are similarities in style, however, when one knows that Andy Mineo, along with Benjah, were instrumental in the decision to change his name from 737 to Roy Tosh, then one can easily figure out that Mineo is good friend to Tosh and would influence his music.
This is a strong album that fans of Christian hip-hop will be happy to download. The album can be downloaded for free from Roy Tosh's website. The production quality is top-notch and the message of redemption is woven throughout the album. The album welcomes us in with hard beats and leaves us thinking about God's love and the redemption that comes at the cross.
Song to Download:
"Take Me Back" feat. Benjah (Download the mixtape FREE here.)
A Talent-Filled Appetizer | Posted December-05-2013
I Need You is the debut release from Seth & Nirva Ready, blending gospel, R&B, hip-hop and pop, making the kind of "musical gumbo" tobyMac talks about. Speaking of tobyMac, fans of his will recognize Nirva's name and/or voice as part of his Diverse City Band. The thing is, Nirva doesn't sing, she saangs! This lady has an incredible voice that will make you get up and testify to God's goodness and giftings.
Prior to hearing the album, I had only ever heard Nirva sing, and yet Seth isn't a slouch in the talent department, either. The boy has some pipes of his own and whether it's the Gospel sound on "Praise Him" or the pop/CCM sound on "Free People," Seth's talent level clearly shines.
Somewhat of a surprise to me is that Seth & Nirva are not signed to Gotee records, but have instead chosen to take the independent path. Like a Bob Ross painting, it is a happy surprise. I am excited that an artist who has been so closely tied with tobyMac's Diverse City Band, can, in a sense, cut the cord and break out on their own. A few of Diverse City crew do have features on the album including Byron "Mr. Talkbox" Chambers on "Free People" and tobyMac himself shows up on the electro-dance track, "All Praise."
As good as the vocals are, and the solid production values are on the album, one thing is clear: the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Whether it is personal testimony on "Praise Him," upbeat praise and worship on "All Praise" or the evangelical message in "Whole World," Jesus is at the center of this album.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a refreshing break from standard CCM. Seth & Nirva are a diverse couple with a diverse sound. I Need You is an appetizer of something bigger to come. I personally can't wait for the main course.
MarkRyan_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
