The upcoming release contains some of the rapper's most raw and uninhibited work to date, displaying unfiltered emotion regarding the anguish of racial injustice, and dealing with experiences of systemic racism as a family man.
His Glory Alone takes the listener through complex themes that comprise of KB's makeup. Growing up on a military base and finding trouble everywhere he went, KB overcame the struggles of not only growing up in a disadvantaged area, but the obstacles that came based on the color of his skin. On his introspective new album, KB gives a first-hand perspective on what it means to be a person of color, which includes him witnessing a friend trying to "scrub the black off her skin," as he describes so vividly. Guided by faith with a clear interest in supporting those less fortunate, KB is a man with a message.
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01.
Let It Reign (feat. Bizzle)
02.
Lil Boy
03.
10k
04.
This Is Life
05.
Armies
06.
Masterpiece
07.
Libre (feat. Tommy Royale)
08.
Yes Song
09.
Dark Skin (feat. Black Violin)
10.
We Right Here
11.
Loyal Til The End (feat. Jon Keith)
12.
The Name (feat. Koryn Hawthrone & For King & Country)
From the Altar to the Streets| Posted September 25, 2020 What You Need To Know Kevin “KB” Burgess solidified his career in Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) after signing with the infamous record label Reach Records in 2010. In college, prior to his signing, KB was the leader of a hip-hop independent group known as HGA (His Glory Alone). It was through HGA, Lecrae Moore, and the team at Reach where KB realized his true potential. Over the next eight years, the artist has released a mixtape, two EPs, three studio albums, and a handful of singles.
His devotion to faith and fellowship with Christ through the originating mantra “His Glory Alone” carried into KB’s own clothing line: Native Supply. To date, the merchandising hub has over 62,000 followers on Instagram, selling thousands of items annually.
Never apologetic about his faith as a strong ambassador for positive, God-filled hip-hop, KB returns with a vengeance on his fourth studio album, His Glory Alone.
KB recently signed with Sony Entertainment in early 2020. The label released a recent snippet about what KB's goal is for the record, "KB’s latest release is a message meant for today, but tailored to a better tomorrow. Music for hope and change earned through blood, sweat, and tears. It’s what happens when KB speaks straight from the heart without a filter. The things that KB loves the most—prayer, celebrating God, and music—come together to hopefully encourage, empower, and heal." His Glory Alone takes the best efforts of each of the last three albums and combines a collective sound like no other.
What it Sounds Like KB has formulated an exciting bridge between worship music and the world of trap. It’s like an album from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, or Travis Scott and being revamped and rearranged by the likes of Kirk Franklin or Tye Tribbett. The message of the Gospel and the hard-hitting 808’s of trap wired together to create something beautiful and impactful.
Worship anthems such as “10,000 Reasons” (Matt Redman), “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” (Chris Tomlin), “Let It Rain” (Michael W. Smith) among others creatively flipped by KB and crafted into soundtracks for life to the streets.
KB also paid homage to his multi-cultural fanbase with two tracks featuring international heavyweights Tommy Royale, Bianca, and Musiko. “Libre” (Free) featuring Tommy Royale speaks about the freedom found in Christ and owed to all people regardless of color, race, or ethnicity. “Sí Canción" featuring Blanca and Musiko flipped a worship song from Vertical Worship with a Spanish twist. It’s unique, uplifting, and empowers the spirit regardless of your background.
“Masterpiece” is one of the album's standout tracks. It's an ode to KB’s daughter. As a father of daughters myself, this one especially hit home. The track displays KB's range of musical talent and honors the blessings God provides.
Spiritual Highlights Essentially, His Glory Alone is a worship album with the streets serving as a background. The entire basis of the project is giving God his deserved Glory and thanking his son Jesus for unbound grace, mercy, and love. Over three-fourths of the tracks have classic and modern worship favorites as foundations for the included material. The few which do not are plastered in appreciation, devotion, and examples of servitude of God.
On “10K,” KB explains, “I got a God, don’t change with the seasons, uh.” On “Armies,” KB confirms, “Life ain’t been the same since death died, won it by a landslide.” Listeners will discover similar gems of faith throughout the album from KB and his all-star roster of featured guests.
I challenge the listener to not only pay attention to the spiritual content of His Glory Alone, but to pay close attention to the effects and victories KB speaks on due to his unwavering faith, dating back to his teenage years.
Best Song on the Record Focusing on a single favorite track is no easy task. His Glory Alone doesn’t have one skippable track. However, “Let It Reign,” featuring artist Bizzle, has gathered the most repeat plays from me thus far. Several factors cultivate this track as a highlight. The driving bassline and infectious hand claps are hard to ignore. The classic worship line of lyrics from “Let It Rain” has been cemented in my memory since first listen: “Let it rain, let it rain/Open the floodgates of heaven.” That alone, driven by the handclaps, motivates you to move with the music.
Bizzle’s contribution acts as a cherry on top of sorts to an already blazing anthem. God Over Money’s frontman never disappoints in bringing the gospel forward with crisp and clear lyricism reminding us why God reigns over the lives of believers. Then, enter in KB’s lyrical contribution which has quotable lines one after another throughout. Personally, it’s one of the strongest tracks I’ve heard in CHH this year.
Final Word KB has always possessed an 'outside the box' mentality. Therefore, you cannot contain KB to one genre or one type of lyricism. His creativity overflows constantly. To combine the worship and hip-hop genre feels natural with KB’s persona and heart, wrapped around the art he provides fans consistently. Fans are treated to KB’s bag of talents. Worship. Check. International sound. Check. Innovative wordplay through raw lyricism. Check. As I previously mentioned, a skippable track doesn’t exist on His Glory Alone. It’s impossible to remove headphones and not walk away personally affected by the album's songs. KB has crafted a masterpiece.
Stream His Glory Alone on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
Worship-Flavored Release from KB| Posted October 30, 2020
This is KB’s fourth studio album, his first album since 2017’s Today We Rebel (see my review here), and also his first since leaving Reach Records. The new album features God-centered lyrics, samples from several worship songs, and contains themes including praise and worship, being a father, and race.
Below are a few comments about each song: Let it Reign – This song was written by Tee-Wyla, Michael Farren, Cardec Drums, Bizzle and KB. It was produced by Tee-Wyla and Drums. The song features Bizzle and begins with a sample of Michael W. Smith’s song “Let it Rain”. The song then moves into a hard-driving beat as he calls for Yahweh to reign over all.
Key lyric: Your throne won't end, Your crown won't move Lil Boy – This song was written by Cardec Drums and KB and produced by Drums. The hard-hitting song is about the example KB wants to set for his two sons. He wants them to be men of character and integrity.
Key lyric: God got a plan, stand up and act like a man 10K – This song was written by Jonas Myrin, Quinten Coblentz, Matt Redman, Wes Writer and KB. It was produced by Coblentz and Writer. This is a worship song that is based on Matt Redman’s song “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”.
Key lyric: I got a God don’t change with the seasons Ten thousand reasons I can believe in This is Life – This song was written by Michael Fatkin, Benjamin Hastings, Cardec Drums, Quinten Coblentz, Joel Houston, Wes Writer and KB. It was produced by Drums, Coblentz and Writer. The song samples Hillsong UNITED’s worship song "So Will I (10 Billion X)" The song is about our life praising God, just as the stars, mountains and oceans do.
Key lyric: ‘Cause if everything exists to lift You high, so will I Armies – This song was written by Wes Writer, Scott Cash, Mashell, Ed Cash, Chris Tomlin and KB. It was produced by Mashell. The song, in which KB expresses his confidence in the Lord to fight his battles, is hard-driving, and features backing vocals. The song samples Chris Tomlin’s “Whom Shall I Fear (The God of Angel Armies)”
Key lyric: When you come to handle me There’s another hand on me. Masterpiece – This piano-driven song was written by Quinten Coblentz and KB and produced by Coblentz. It is a song for KB’s newborn daughter. She is a masterpiece. The song builds with backing vocals.
Key lyric: There's nothin' that you have to be Already, you're a masterpiece Libre – This Latin influenced song was written by Wes Writer, Cardec Drums, Tommy Royale and KB. It was produced by Drums and features Royale. The song is about KB’s freedom in Christ. Yes Song – This worship song was written by Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Eddie Hoagland, Jason Cornet, Swoope, Cardec Drums, Tee-Wyla and KB. It was produced by Drums and Tee-Wyla. The song samples “Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship and features Eddie Hoagland. The song begins with piano and builds with backing vocals.
Key lyric: Hand in my face, I can't see I have nothing left to bring Dark Skin – This song was written by Cardec Drums and KB. It was produced by Drums and features Black Violin. This song addresses racism, and the incidents involving George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. Jesus is the answer. If we do what he commands and humble our pride, God can mend us. The song begins with piano, and builds with percussion, bass and horns.
Key lyric: Ain’t no left or right side in heaven We Right Here – This song was written by Cardec Drums, Quinten Coblentz, Wes Writer and KB. It was produced by Drums, Coblentz and Writer. A hard-driving song that is a rally cry for millennial-aged Christians. The song samples “KIDZ” by Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed.
Key lyric: They say millennials are leavin' God I just smiled, like you really need to see the squad Loyal Til the End – This song was written by Cardec Drums, DJ Pez, Jon Keith and KB. It was produced by Drums and Pez and features Jon Keith. It’s a hard-driving song about his loyalty to his friends that features some nice percussion.
Key lyric: All of my dawgs defiant Loyal ‘til the end The Name – This worship song about exalting the name of the Lord, was written by Cardec Drums, Quinten Coblentz, Wes Writer, Koryn Hawthorne and KB. It was produced by Drums, Coblentz and Writer and features Hawthorne. The song features an instrumental break mid-song and some nice drums and vocals from Coblentz and Hawthorne.
Key lyric: All my heavy chains gettin' broken And my weary heart's given hope
Come exalt Your Name Si Cancion – This is the Spanish language version of “Yes Song” and features Blanca and Musiko. Best Songs
10K
Yes Song
The Name
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