Continuous Motion| Posted March 30, 2017
Taelor Gray is on a mission to release somewhere around 10 projects in 2017. He released Jacob and Judas (executive produced by his brother, Christon Gray) via PledgeMusic only, and now he has released In the Way of Me. To keep pace with a seemingly impossible number of projects, Taelor's "pen game" is set to continuous motion. Taelor Gray is one of those artists who dares to deal with issues that plague society while also daring to tackle the joy and struggle of a man who is living a life with Christ, themes found throughout In the Way of Me. AG handles the majority of production on the album, with additional tracks from Wes Pendleton, Daniel Steele and Swoope.
At first listen, "Radio (feat. Christon Gray)" could be mistaken for just another radio hit with a dope hook from Taelor and Chris, but this song is so much more. You need multiple listens as they both slip some slick bars; catch the references. "Moral Tower" is the ill banger and a retrospective on a certain part of his life. Taelor recalls being a weed smoking college student who was a bit promiscuous and fell into depression. He found himself among students who were struggling, yet gained so much knowledge.
"Comfortable" has Taelor rapping to the slowed down beat that has become a signature tempo he's used on several projects. He reminds people not to get too comfortable in this life because we are only living on borrowed time. There is so much to chew on that you will have to listen to it several times and let it digest. He goes on to give praise and honor to God, the "Most High." This track is unique because many artists in this genre tend to have someone else (usually a pop or CCM artist) singing the chorus. However, Taelor just goes in by himself, not really aiming for a hook, but taking his time and letting the song build.
The "boom bip" drum pattern (provided by Swoope) of "Me Versus Me" is a nice setup for a cypher. Taelor partners with wordsmiths Swoope, Ki'shon Furlow and Kai to address a battle that no believer can escape: the battle against your own flesh and self-will. All the artists kill it.
One of the things that I appreciate greatly about Taelor Gray is his love for Gospel music and hip-hop, the Word of God and unity, yet also studying the richness of Black History. These elements are impressively molded together on the track "Close." I get a kick out of him borrowing for the F.C. Barnes classic when he sings "I'm coming up on the rough side of the mountain... / I'm doing my best."
The Bottom Line: Taelor Gray is hip-hop! Taelor marries hip-hop with the life of a Christian so well. In the Way of Me is a complete album with only ten tracks, demonstrating that sometimes it is smarter to condense the amount of songs to have a more potent album without throwaway songs.
Song to Download Now:
"Me Versus Me" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Unparalleled Lyricism| Posted March 15, 2017
With the reunion of The Elevationists (brothers Christon and Taelor Gray) on the Jacob and Judas EP still fresh on listeners' minds, Taelor Gray released his second project for the year in February, solo release In the Way of Me. Currently, Taelor holds the role of Associate Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Westerville, Ohio. Combined with being a faithful husband and a devoted father, you may think his passion for music might have to take a backseat in his busy life. The opposite is proven true through the quality of this new release.
Crisp lyrical delivery, solid production, creative uses of sounds and instruments and a features list of elite emcees (Tragic Hero, Christon Gray, Ki'Shon Furlow, Swoope and Kai) build a project difficult to ignore. Three overall themes remain constant on each track: authenticity, transparency and love for Christ and each other. Taelor Gray addresses social and personal issues informed by the Kingdom over effortlessly handcrafted beats and wordplay, leaving you to ponder some of these bars for weeks to come.
Tracks like "Comfortable" and "Solomon's Porch" reveal the heart of this artist, exposing Taelor's most intimate thoughts about the industry, the world and himself. "Most High" is a worship experience focused on faith and inner struggles. Swoope, Ki'Shon Furlow and Kai join Taelor on "Me Vs. Me," reminding that we need to die to self and lift not only each other up, but our faithful God too.
On "Moral Tower," we travel back to college life, a transition time for most of us. Taelor's storytelling capabilities are highlighted, a trait reminiscent of early 90s rappers. The mastery of the changed up beat on "In Your Blood" is brilliant itself, paired with bars that inspire and provoke. Unlike most albums rushed to fans in our culture of countless emcees, this project demands multiple listens, offering material deserving of study and discussion.
The Bottom Line: In the Way of Me holds lyrical mastery marked with elegant production soaked in issues of society and self. Not a single "throw away" track exists. Taelor Gray sets a hip-hop standard and model for others to follow. In a genre flooded with new artists, albums such as these are necessary to set the bar for quality and excellence.
Songs to Download Now:
"Comfortable" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Natalie| Posted April 01, 2018
In The Way of Me is one of my favorite albums to listen to. I got this album when I was looking for the bestessays discount code and that was great that I got both the things I wanted for a cheap price. It was a great day for me.
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