Album Overview
Imagine a world where people served without the desire for recognition. Imagine music artists who wrote and produced great albums, but you did not know their name. Imagine people not looking for their reward, just willing to sell out for the glory of God alone. Just imagine. Now, stop. Why? The unKnown - Operation: Enduring Praise album made this more than imagination, that’s why.
I cannot lie, musically this is not my normal style of project. I did not repeat each track until I exhausted my ear drum with its symphony. I will however use this album when I get haughty, boastful, or prideful about myself. These artists really go out on a limb and walk out decreasing in order to give God the increase. Except for Noel, I cannot think of any other name showing up. His way of staying anonymous did not really work since he says his name, but I believe the intent was still there. What you will find when you play this CD for the first time is along the lines of what God desires for us. You get people with a heart for God getting all of the praise.
I pray you do not allow my personal musical preference reference earlier to throw you off. There are some really interesting musical arrangements to go along with some sweet lyrical concepts. This album is full of solid hip-hop. I found myself grooving often. I think this is an album for all kinds of people. The thing that trips me out is the unKnown group is out of Eielson, Alaska. I guess that answers the old question from my old hood, “Are there any rappers in Alaska?” No, seriously, who even thinks of Alaska when thinking of hip-hop? I didn’t before this album. I know my Alaska hip-hop history is not on point at all, but if this is the first group, praise be to God they are of the faith.
All in all, this is a great idea for a HHH group. Its concept is Bible based. The music is structurally tight and the production is fairly clean. There are a few bangers, but mainly soul edifying tracks that get you in the mood to praise the one true living God. I say that makes this a solid buy for the gospel hip-hop fan.
Spiritual Significance
Well, I guess there is not much too expound upon when you consider the concept of the CD. The fact that this group is purposely choosing to remain unknown is enough to display that the essence of Operation: Enduring Praise is on another level of godliness. With some gospel artists falling into sin recently and some even stepping out with what some would say is questionable theology, seeing a group keep it simple is refreshing. This entire album is all about making sure we give God praise, worship Him in His holiness, and give Him glory in all that we do. By not metaphorically but literally taking a back to seat for God, all I can say is that’ll do unKnown, that’ll do!
There are sub-themes working here as well. One is how praising God helps to deal with other areas of your sin nature. Many times we wait until we are struggling or in a jam to give God praise. Not to start a debate, but people really only go to God for blessings. What this album is saying, at least to me, is that’s not enough, nor is that right. Praise God at all times. Not because you want something for selfish reasons. You should praise God because of who He is. That is the motivation. Having a heart for God because of who He is should be the aim. I love that is what I got out of this project. Just praise God and forget self. I think this is a great message from the unKnown group.
Topics Covered
- Praise
- Worship
- Glory given to God
- Acknowledging God's worthiness
Key Tracks
I cannot really put any of the tracks as ‘key’ without really feeling that I am diminishing the project. I feel that may be stepping on the spirit of the album’s intent of not taking the shine away from God. So, in the spirit of the album, I will let you decide.