"Heathen" by GAWVI View All Reviews

Heathen is the third studio album by Christian hip-hop artist GAWVI. The 17-song album was produced by GAWVI and inspired by the letters of the Apostle Paul. The concept of a heathen is prevalent throughout the album, a word that GAWVI states has gotten lost in translation from how it was used in the Bible. He applies that to us, as we let labels influence and shape our identity.   
GAWVI worked with a number of producers and co-writers on the album. There are also some special guests who make appearances. This is an excellent album, featuring some excellent beats.  
Below are a few brief comments about each song: 
Difficult – This song was written by WHATUPRG and features vocals from GAWVI’s daughter Giana. The song was produced by Jonathan Barahona and GAWVI. The vocals come over keys and synth. If we knew him and we would hate him and disown him. He’s just trying to be different for his wife and children. 
Jit – This song was written by Aklesso, Wxlf, Rhomar Jessy, Andy Mineo and GAWVI. The song was produced by BEAM and GAWVI, and features vocals from Mineo. This song has a great beat. It was wonderful hearing Andy Mineo on this track about GAWVI’s story of coming to faith in Broward County, Florida.   
Skull – This song was written by Wxlf, Jon Jon, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI, and produced by Jonathan Barahona and GAWVI. The song has a driving, hard-hitting beat. This is his version of the Psalms. He brings in the concept of heathen at the end of the song.
Climate Change – This song was written by Aklesso, Wordsplayed and GAWVI, and produced by Kilawatts and GAWVI. The song features Aklesso and Wordsplayed. He doesn’t need lanes; he just needs God. He makes his music to the glory of God.  
Not Too Far - This song was written by Aklesso, Dalton Diehl and GAWVI, and produced by GAWVI. The song has an easy-going beat. No matter how far away one gets, when a heathen comes running home, God is going to love them (Romans 8: 38-39).  
Sin – This song was written by Daramola, Tray Haggerty, Ace Harris and GAWVI, and produced by Matt Cohen and GAWVI. The song features Daramola and Haggerty. The song features and easy-going beat, keys and backing vocals. He has sinned, and the devil wants him to think he won’t win, but through Christ’s victory on the cross, he has persevered.
Girl – This song was written by Aklesso and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI.
This is an upbeat, R&B flavored love song with a good bass beat. He loves it when he sees his girl praise the Lord that way.
So Alive – This mid-tempo song was written by Daramola, Konata Small, Ace Harris, Aklesso and GAWVI, and produced by Harris and GAWVI. The song features keys, percussion and bass. The song which at first appears to be a horizontal love song, is actually addressed to God.
All of Me – This short song was written by Aklesso, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI. The song features the vocal over keys. All that he asks is that God sees him as His own when he sins.
Who You Gon’ Be – This song was written by WHATUPRG, Rhomar Jessy, GAWVI, Israel Houghton and Trip Lee, and produced by Matt Cohen, BEAM and GAWVI. The song features Houghton, Lee and Cassandra Jolie. He asks “'Til you let go, 'til you let go, Who you gon' be inside?” Vanity – This song was written by Jonathan Barahona, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI, and produced by Barahona and GAWVI and features Cassandra Jolie. The song has an excellent groove/beat with percussion and bass. His biggest fear is losing his wife. Many of his heroes have cheated. He references his words at the Dove Awards, saying he’s trying to find his way, dodging the flames. Criminal – This song was written by Daramola and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI. The song features Daramola, and keys, bass, percussion, backing vocals and an infectious beat. He doesn’t take it personal when people take shots at him. He’ll still show mercy to those who hurt him.Jesus You Are – This song was written by Aklesso, Konata Small and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI. The song, about his complete dependence on God, has an easy-going vibe. He doesn’t know where he would be without God, who saved him from himself.
I'm Fine – This song was written by Konata Small, WHATUPRG, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI, and produced by Matt Cohen and GAWVI. He has been hurt by those in the church. People don’t really want to know how he is doing, so he’ll just say that he’s fine. Forgiveness is key to moving forward.  Feed Dah Gang – This song was written by Rhomar Jessy, BEAM, GAWVI and Wxlf and produced by Jon Jon and GAWVI. The song features Wxlf. The confident lyrics come over a driving beat. He knows the devil is scheming, but he has an army of heathens.Forty5 – This song was written by Wxlf, Rhomar Jessy, GAWVI, Parris Chariz and Tommy Royale, and produced by GAWVI. The song features Parris Chariz and Tommy Royale. The song has a driving beat, one PG-13 word and a number of basketball references. He’s been calling on Jesus for mercy.  
Sinners Chaos – This song was written by Wxlf and GAWVI, and produced by Matt Cohen and GAWVI. The song is driven by guitar. The chaos is all around us.  Key lyric:  
On and on I'm fightin' this war
I been on this journey, yeah
Pilgrim in his progress, yeah
No matter the past, He knows who you are
Best songs
Jit
Climate Change
Who You Gon Be
Vanity

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