Music Reviews
Written by G-Rich
Sunday, July 13, 2008
For some reason, it took me forever to get to writing this review. Burned out by exams, with writer's block hitting me pretty hard, I finally got around to it. In fact, this album may have been the perfect one to get me back into the swing of things. The reason I say this is that Shachah's On the Move is what I would call a breakthrough in Christian rap, if it even fits that description (the rap part that is). As I popped in my headphones, I realized CMR had added some serious diversity to the record label, and this review would have me entering a musical territory I hadn't yet encountered in Christian music. Shachah is a funk rock/rap band with a very interesting sound, intent on worshiping the Lord, which is fitting, as the name "Shachah" is the Hebrew word for "worship." The group consists of Brenden McPeek (vocals/rap), Josh Wagner (vocals/guitar), Earl Mergelsberg (bass), and Stephen Anderson (drums). I've never heard such a unique, bangin' sound in Christian music. From the rap to the worship songs, the project brings a versatile collection of music for a wide range of listeners. And don't be fooled, these guys aren't rookies. Although this is their first album on CMR...
Written by George Sly
Friday, June 27, 2008
When is the last time you were able to fight the temptation to look at that girl's booty? Or how long has it been since you did not get wrapped up in the newest video on BET with the shiny wheels and money flashing on the screen? Are you able to resist stirring up strife when someone gets in your face or clowns you in public? If you struggle with dying to yourself in these or any areas of sin, then I suggest you get your Bible, grab a pen and pad, then be sure to visit: KingdomCityRecords.com to cop Juneteenth by Dre' Sr. today!!! Not since Trip Lee have I been so excited about the lyrical talent of a Midwest Holy Hip-Hop artist. This man is pouring his heart out on this project. His beats are unreal. His perspective on the Gospel is so refreshing. Not many people have the ability to bring the truth of God to stereo as effortlessly as Dre' does. This Kingdom City representative presents the Gospel in truth and in spirit. I guarantee that if you are hearing these beats, lyrics, and concepts you are not only bobbing your head, but being fed the word of God. Oh what a relief it is to be in Jesus! There is so much encouragement with the second installment from this Kansas City rapper...
Written by George Sly
Monday, June 16, 2008
Aight so I'm chilling one day and LJ gives me the chance to review a new album. I get it and start to listen. Oh baby! Ya'll better get ready for Life on Life by J'son. This is the second album by this St. Louis artist whose ministry (Hid In Christ Ministries) is rooted deep in discipleship. Let me tell you, when you think of what the Gospel is, you have to respect the approach this rapper takes in living the truth through his music. He's open, honest, and authentic in how he preaches with hip-hop. This album has everything you would expect and more from J'son. We got sick beats, crazy lyrics, and content that is not only relevant to this generation but also reaches out to older cats as well. So, prepare yourself to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit once you press play. As I look around at the countless emcees and artists that claim to be Christian but don't make music for God, I am more impressed with this new breed of lyricists like J'son. They have taken the challenge from veteran groups like Cross Movement to do just that, take the extra step to see how dope their rhymes can be by putting God first. Once you buy the record, then you too will see what I mean. He takes the challenge personal...
Written by G-Rich
Monday, May 19, 2008
I decided to do this album review differently than normal. Instead of sitting down with a journal as I went through the album, I put in my iPod and took in the sounds. I really liked Trip's first album, If They Only Knew, and was really looking forward to this one. I went through it a few times and it didn't take long for me to realize I had a lot of content on my hands. I was familiar with Trip's main message of seeing God through His Word, and was ready to dig in to the specifics. With 20/20, Trip Lee really pushed the importance of the Word for growing closer to the Lord and learning more about Him. It reflects John 8:31, which says, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine." Like this verse, the album will help everyone trying to grow in the Lord realize that they MUST consistently study the Bible; it's not an option for a true Christian. As you listen to the album, you'll easily relate to many of the rhymes, as Trip Lee is a very personal rapper. By this, I mean he has a knack for reaching the listener on a deep level to help them understand what he's saying. I'm impressed by the emotion behind his songs on the project, which is another thing that locks the listener on to his songs...
Written by G-Rich
Sunday, May 04, 2008
I'm amazed at how I always pick an album that relates to a situation I'm presently in. For the last month, I've been staring at the reality of really living out the Christian faith. Bangin' Trip Lee's "To Live is Christ," and talking to a few of my closest homies, I've started to swallow the pill. Walking in Christ's footsteps will bring me some serious loss as far as the world is concerned. At first I doubted my ability to endure this, but after a good look through the Scriptures and an ear to Love & Loss, I realized that I really had nothing to lose. On this album, Dry Bonez Live brings straight fire to the direct message of John 3:30: "He must increase; I must decrease." Facing this, we can all admit that it's a statement we must live out in our lives. Our worldly status decreases as we flee from our sin and cling to the Light. To show a positive twist on what may seem like a depressing situation, the album reveals the world's values for what they really are: nothing. With songs like "All Gone" and "Fallen," the world's fleshy idols are denounced, revealing the lack of satisfaction they produce. On the contrary, these tracks are accompanied by those lifting the King, showing the infinitely great God...
Written by George Sly
Monday, April 28, 2008
Have you ever felt like you were the only one speaking up for God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, then maybe, like R-Swift's second album, it almost feels like you're a soapbox revolutionary. Soapbox, Cross Movement Records artist R-Swift's latest project is set to drop on June 10, 2008, so I suggest you get in line now 'cause God's hand is on this one baby. Swift is so, soooooooo! It's hard not to get down with a cat that spits fire for the Lord our God. I remember hearing this man on his first HHH album back in like 2004 and he's never disappointed me since. It's like the mic is the north end and his mouth is the south end of two magnets. Do yourself a favor when you buy the album, invite your friends, family, and church members over to hear it, and then press play. I guarantee heads will be knockin'. Worship will happen. God will receive the glory! One thing I feel when I get into R-Swift's work is his perspective on our walk with God. I love how he approaches teaching through everyday situations without losing the foundation of Bible based lyrics. There's nothing like being at a stop light and the beats are bangin' and I look over and see people giving me dirty looks as I'm blasting the sound...
Believin' Stephen - What I Believe EP
Written by G-Rich
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
After spinning this CD a few times, I felt like I had a good look at Believin' Stephen. Even outside of his work as an MC, I somehow sense a connection to him because of this CD, which is a good thing. He uses a very straight forward style, spitting very frank and just straight up reality, which comes off very personal. On the What I Believe EP, Stephen throws out all of his beliefs on the table, leaving nothing on his chest. I guess Timothy Brindle's little bro really had something to say. This EP is a solid project, with consistent high-quality production, including some beats from Tony Stone. Also, I liked the features on the album, including former Cross Movement man Cruz Cordero, along with Azriel, Christcentric, and Optimus. And did I mention Timothy Brindle? Despite having only 9 songs, the album packs a diverse collection of topics that he addresses in regard to his Christian beliefs. The instrumentals are very sound throughout, with my personal favorites being "Intro" and "Good News." Overall, Believin' Stephen did a fresh job on this album, not only musically but in throwing his beliefs at his listeners. I feel that this album stemmed from Stephen following a strong conviction...
Written by George Sly
Monday, April 21, 2008
So, I'm driving to work on the first sunny day in spring. I slide a CD in as I drive to the "8 to 5," then low and behold my ears got exactly what my mind had been thinking about for quite a while now. We need more Godly men, women, and kids... "we need more help people," is what I heard. I just about crashed because I was worshiping so hard! There are so many of us (Christians) that miss the mark when it comes to doing God's work. Either we refuse to or have not made it our personal mission to fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples happen. AzriELicia make it plain on their newest project, Help Wanted, that we need more Christians willing to contribute and work for the kingdom. With the help of fellow Kingdom City Records artist Dre Sr. and other artists that include Top Spin, Seyko, T-Mission, and John Pallozzi, this album is pivotal for the hip-hop community in 2008. Many preachers have taught about what our jobs as believers are, but none have come close to putting it in terms of hip-hop culture the way this husband and wife duo have. I guess when your name places God at the center (mathematically, 'EL' the Hebrew term for God forms the center)...
Tha Christologist - Defend Tha Faith
Written by George Sly
Monday, April 07, 2008
First and foremost, praise be to God in heaven for bringing Tha Christologist to Holy Hip-Hop. Your willingness to address the subject of apologetics with such creativeness, truth, and practicality is a true blessing to those believers all across the globe. I love being challenged, I love being engaged, and I love being compelled to dig in to God's word. Some people do well at reaching their audience in a way that accomplishes all of these things at once. So when you slide Tha Christologist's, Defend Tha Faith into your CD player, be ready to get this and more. What a blessing it is to hear someone stay true to the faith by addressing some of what I believe, as a youth leader, to be the toughest issues facing young people today. Enlightenment, evolution, and false teachings are common themes you'll hear as Defend Tha Faith bumps the message of being an effective apologist through your speakers. Tha Christologist enlists the help of his label Narrow Path Records and founding artist G.L.O along with Maurice and Harmoni to make this project hype for Christ. When you buy this album you will get sick beats; when you buy this album you will get solid doctrine...
Written by G-Rich
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
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