The Trap Which Sets Your Soul Free | Posted August-10-2018 What You Need To Know:
Nashville native Derek Minor is an iconic rapper and producer in the Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) industry. He's co-CEO of his recording label, Reflection Music Group (RMG), has compiled 13 commercial releases over the past decade and has directly invested in lives of other artists such as nobigdyl. The current release, The Trap, is a piece of art rivaled by few others in the genre. It's the third release in the "Up & Away" series from Minor with previous EP releases titled High Above and Your Soul Must Fly; both released in 2017.
What it Sounds Like:
The Trap is not a record the listener can ignore or just play in the background. Each track is heavily weighed with socially conscious topics relevant to racism, politics, stereotypes, culture, faith and real life issues. Essentially, the album tackles head-on the daily struggle of what it’s like to be an African American in modern society. There hasn’t been a similar hearty release since summer of 2017 with Propaganda’s Crooked.
Lyrics echo the words of, “The world don't care about us, but they want more for their cameras,” on the opening track to the project highlighting a flawed culture we tread within. “It Is What It Is” was the first single released back in February previewing Minor’s mindset about to be unraveled throughout the 15-track masterpiece interjecting faith, empowerment, and love as the answer to the sins of the world.
“Black Market” interjects that 90’s hip-hop elements vibe with deejay scratches, a return to the boom bap and a mid-track masterful switch up that fans will applaud. “Decisions” follows that era with classic storytelling which would make Slick Rick proud.
“Of Course” and “See You Win” gain my vote for summer anthems to just nod, bounce, and dance uncontrollably to in the car or gym. “Goodbye Lullaby” contends as one of my favorites of the project, as Minor reminds listeners he can harmonize and destroy tracks bar for bar with a fine-tuned flow unlike any other.
Spiritual Highlights:
Social injustice may reign as the overall theme for The Trap, but Minor’s references to his personal faith, God’s word, and the Kingdom are anything but sparse. Minor proclaims, “I tell the whole world I’m a sinner and Christ saves,” in the final track “Revolution.” He also declares “I’m not perfect, but I’m sticking to His plan. When I lose my life I already lost it for Him,” in “Don’t Cry.” Minor has always worn his faith open for all to hear and witness.
Best Song on the Record:
“I Have a Dream” is unmistakably my favorite track on the project. The song echoes the civil rights movement pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s historic 1963 speech striving for equality among all races. Regardless of our own environment or situation, Minor speaks of a better life through Christ. We’re all seen as God’s children and should be treated as such in human form. With several beats and flow switch ups displayed on the record similar to this track, Minor showcases to listeners the good, bad and ugly in all walks of life. Simultaneously, he exhibits the multitude of talents present between singing, rapping and even poetic highlights.
Derek Minor is masterful in his delivery. The substance of each track was researched and executed with near perfection. Social injustice and all of its accomplices (racism, inequality, hate) are not easily discussed topics to present to a culture consumed by the next Billboard hit or club jam. Minor crafted songs to reach people at their core, the heart. As Jesus defined, souls are won within the heart through love. He lyrically meets people regardless of their situation and points back to the cross. His extensive talents are wonderfully displayed throughout the project within his unique storytelling delivery through harmony and rhyme. Highlights like “Decisions,” “Goodbye Lullaby,” “Of Course,” and “I Have a Dream” walk the listen through unique audio experiences neatly packaged and what some will deem album of the year.
Worship in Hip-Hop Form | Posted October-26-2017
Canadian award-winning songwriter and worship leader Andrew Marcus surprised his fanbase with his latest release, Lift My Eyes EP. The project remains worship-based, as each track clearly resonates with biblical teachings and a vertical focus; however, it is presented in hip-hop form. Under the new moniker Addition, he crafted a seven track EP fully written and produced by himself. Addition's goal for the project is for listeners to have a tool to memorize Scripture and stand on the promises of God.
The opening track "Father's Heart" meshes the teachings of Jesus and His grace and mercy with the story of Adam and Eve. The focal point of "Under Your Wings" rallies around Ephesians 6, speaking about the armor of God over strong strings and a driving beat, creating a personal favorite. The title track breaks down the teachings found in Psalms 121 as believers call out to God in times of trouble.
The next track, "Still Waters," is laced with a mixture of beautiful keys, and the hook reminds listeners of Addition's worship roots. Variety is added with "Hiding Place," which takes on a spoken word vibe similar to Fearless Bnd's Jeremy Johnson in content and delivery. This is definitely another standout track enforcing the Lord's strength when believers put faith and truth solely in Him.
"Unseen Guest" speaks of the presence of Jesus in our lives regardless of the situation. The EP finishes with "The Story," breaking down the Gospels and what Jesus can provide when a personal door into a soul is opened.
Throughout the EP, Addition achieved his personal goal of reviving the 90's hip-hop production, highlighting simplistic beats which power the tracks with strong keys or plucks of strings behind driving bass. Content-wise, listeners should be encouraged by the many promises God offers in Scripture, detailed throughout each of the seven tracks this EP has to offer. Also, the Scriptural references are easily located, assisting listeners to keep those bible verse themes in mind in times of personal struggle and defeat.
The Bottom Line: Overall, Andrew Marcus' fun hip-hop side project emphasizes God's glory and the teachings of Jesus similar to a typical worship track, but presented through witty rhymes schemes.
For Fans Of: Connor Flanagan, B.Reith, tobyMac
Song to Download Now: "Hiding Place" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Real Love On Display | Posted October-10-2017
The Puerto Rican songstress Blanca has reminded fans everywhere not only of her eclectic musical range but also her stance as one of the premier vocalists in any genre with the release of her new EP, Real Love. She joins a new wave of artists who are not confined to one genre or musical direction. The Real Love EP blends soul and worship with a handful of other music stylings, fine tuning Blanca's sound and expanding from the hip-hop and pop production styles her former projects were known for.
In recent months, Blanca quoted the words of A.W. Tozer: "What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." This thought serves as the underlying theme for the EP, expressing that we should experience real love when thinking about God in any situation. The concept is conveyed beautifully by the title track and first single off the EP. "Real Love" walks out the way Blanca discovered the real love of God during the last days of her mother's life.
Other standout tracks from the EP are "Undeniable" and "What If." Even in its shortened EP format, the listener gains a complete walkthrough of how God's undeniable real love doesn't change, regardless of the hill or valley of the current journey. "Undeniable" reinforces the strength of God's faithfulness and proclaims how believers are surrounded by His promises. "What If" challenges us to halt self-doubt and place complete trust in our Lord.
The production of "Remind Me" infuses that classic Blanca sound from her older work as the lyrics calls on God to remind us of His everlasting love even in the busy day-to-day tasks. The Dominican Christian Hip-Hop artist Redimi2 is the only standout feature on the EP, lacing the closing track "Give It All" with his native language and adding beautifully to the overall feel of the project.
The Bottom Line: Tastes of EDM, soul, hip-hop and modernized gospel are all accounted for aligned with a remarkable worship feel on Real Love. Blanca's inner emotions and struggles are molded into truth most believers can relate to and connect with. The Real Love EP appetizer sets the stage for eager fans to witness a breakout full length album in early 2018.
Breaking Out | Posted September-08-2017
This devoted husband and father of two breakout Christian pop rock artist is trending in unfamiliar waters with ease. Most of his younger career Jaxson spent dancing and performing with world renowned Gospel artists as he crafted his own unique sound. Jaxon is following his heart creating genuine, authentic music covered in encouragement, which he hopes people turn to in their time of need.
"I Need You," the latest single from Jaxon, has a prominent soft rock vibe with a soulful Gospel feel. The drums drive the track into a catchy chorus the listener will be singing along with by the end of the song. Jaxon exhibits a confident baritone melody with touches of a tenor, showcasing some range from this young Missouri native.
The Bottom Line: Jaxon meshes story telling with worship, formulating a unique auditory experience. Jaxon's creativity and vocal range should equate to a solid future cruising towards the next release.
Corey Wise is one example of the handful of independent hip-hop artists who have cemented Christian hip-hop (CHH) as a viable force to compete with across all genres in 2017. Midway through the year Wise has already released two meaty projects, with the release of Vision back in February and now his latest project titled Focus! in July.
Wise dropped two singles in advance of the EP. First up was "Motives" featuring Jarry Manna of the indie tribe. camp. The heart behind the single is both artists finding their motivation rooted in Christ and His example, regardless of the obstacles faced. The mellow vibes were produced by The Real Age, and this track is poised to become a weekend anthem. The next single, titled "Fire Emoji," is your classic hip-hop trap track interlaced with Wise's pronounced faith. The lyrics shine: "I was saved by grace and I'm looking ahead / bear a cross everyday by the Spirit I'm led." Wise handles the basic concepts of CHH to near perfection with samples, production and lyrical content.
Other standouts include "Welcome To Your Tape," which documents a devotion to his wife with lines like "Netflix and chill, that ain't really us, more like SVU, some popcorn cuddled up," and "New Job" which showcases Wise's exceptional flow, wordplay and love for hip-hop. A personal favorite from the overall project is "Fly Away" featuring Bee. The song highlights God's everlasting grace, our brokenness and the comforting strength from Him which we find in our faithful walk. The tempo is significantly slowed down from most of the other tracks, nearly mimicking an outcry of worship.
The Bottom Line: Corey Wise has sprinted through the start of his CHH career with two solid projects offering promise for years to follow. It's evident that Wise is rooted in not only his own faith, but biblical principles found in God's Word. He is out to prove that being Christ-centered and energetic in music doesn't have to be corny, and his example is to be commended as some of the best material available.
Hit Single Gets Star Treatment | Posted May-24-2017
Derek Minor's October 2016 release Reflection birthed a single that exploded on the charts, gaining the number one spot for a 4-week run. "Change The World" featuring Hollyn continues to bask in the spotlight as the track remains in the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot AC/CHR chart. This wave of popularity transformed a single into a mini project, with Change the World (Remixes) uniquely duplicating the track times three through the eyes of three incredible producers: Cardec, Juice Bangers and David Thulin.
David Thulin's version is first up on the three-track remix project, driven by his signature heavy EDM influence. It's the only one to jump directly into Minor's verse, which is welcomed. Also, Derek's voice seems to be the most prevalent on this mix; it doesn't get lost in the production switches. Overall, it's a pleasant take on a standard EDM track with a Minor twist.
Cardec's version integrates an EDM feel with more of a pop overtone. Even a hint of Caribbean influence is detected with the airy vocals, snaps and slower pace. Claps were substituted with snares. Sonically pleasing, it's a track that relaxes the mind.
Finishing off the trio of remixes is the Juice Bangers edition. Strong 808's power this track, returning Minor and Hollyn to the closest resemblance of a hip-hop track. The welcome piano echoes from the original track once again, maintaining the creative masterpiece of the single. Personally, Minor saved the best remix for last, as just enough of a difference is added to the original to make fresh and pleasing to the ears.
The Bottom Line: Each of the three remixes differs enough from the original to warrant their creation. Each version of the hit single is personalized to the point where three remixes don't seem repetitive, but enjoyable. Minor discovered yet another way to stay cutting edge and one of the best artists and producers in the genre.
Song To Download Now:
"Change The Worldfeaturing Hollyn (Juice Bangers remix)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Ten Spaces to Perfection | Posted April-24-2017
Lawren exploded onto the Christian hip-hop scene in 2015 with his first EP release titled HVNTS. Equipped with purpose and a solid mentor (Marty from Social Club Misfits), Lawren moved forward to use his gifting with music to inspire, reach and influence. Just over a year and a half later, Pieces was released in August 2016, and As You Pass Go is set to release April 28 in 2017. The current project may only be a handful of tracks, but the content found in each song pulls the weight of a full-length release.
There is no greater calling upon us as believers than the Great Commission described in the book of Matthew, which is the driving concept behind this EP. Lawren expresses how we as believers pass from the old to a new life saved by Christ. Believers are called to go out sharing their testimony and faith, as disciples are collected like properties on a game board.
From the "Slums," traveling on the nearby "Railroads" through "South Miami Heights" while finding "Balance" in between, As You Pass Go highlights Lawren's perspectives through struggles and victories. Lawren's brilliance through slick word play, smooth cadence and creative concepts is evident regardless of the track. He is one of the few artists who can intertwine clear vocals with trap beats to the point where both seem inseparable.
In the just under 20 minutes of music, not a moment is wasted or skipable. "Railroads" hits fans like a train off track: with extreme force and no brakes. Lawren's faith is expressed vividly and openly as his love for Christ holds no filter. The first single released, "Slums," is a sonically pleasing exchange between WHATUPRG, Ty Brasel and Lawren, crafted into one of 2017's hottest singles.
"Balance" featuring ikilledmarlon possesses solid replay value. From the classic "Timberland-esque" repetition of the "find my balance" portion of the hook to the lyrical onslaught of pristine rhythmic flow, a few listens are required to digest the conceptual meaning of balance from Lawren's perspective. Rounding out the EP is "South Miami Heights," paying homage to Lawren's hometown and past experiences alongside with the title track, which speaks for itself as an incredible audio example of lyrical perfection. The track establishes Lawren as one of the best hip-hop emcees out there.
The Bottom Line: Lawren "monopolizes" the game with this release as each track is unique, trademarked with its own vibe. As You Pass Go will stay with listeners for months to come based on the amazing combination of cadence, flow, wordplay and lyrical breakdown. This project highlights Lawren's passion for reaching souls for Christ and impacting lives, certifying this release as a "must own."
Song To Download Now:
"Balance" featuring ikilledmarlon (Get it on iTunes here.)
Transparent Artistry | Posted April-14-2017
Oscar Urbina continues to represent Miami and establish the state of Florida as one of hip-hop's hidden meccas. Released on April 11 through his personal site and SoundCloud as a free download, the feel of MP2: Darkness is more of a complex full album rather than random tracks laced together as you would usually find on a mixtape. The project is a unique life journey depicted in rhythmic form, from despair to struggle building up to faith, hope and glory. MP2 is the second installment of a mixtape series that began in summer of 2016, with underrated heroism as its core concept.
Heroism doesn't require specific criteria, but can boil down to the simplicity of an individual act or personal mantra. Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig) is historically known for the basic act of providing pitchers of water to American Revolution soldiers during the unbearable heat overpowering the Battle of Monmouth. That small act of heroism saved lives from dehydration and heat exhaustion. Oscar Urbina uses his art of transparency as his own simple act to bring relief to the unheard, the weak and the isolated.
The first single, "Teacher Chronicles," appeals to the educators nationwide who have grown tired of ineffective teaching strategies and generalized curriculum. Urbina offers the alternative of teaching through life application with a skill aimed to prepare high schoolers for real life circumstances and scenarios.
The second single to debut prior to the official release date, "Carousel," relates to the pattern of going through the motion of life that many individuals fall victim to. Urbina explains, "This is life in a nutshell, a never-ending cycle that many fall victim to as we become zombies to the mundane repetition, day in and day out." Mogli the Iceburg is featured, providing his own perspective as he lays out the difficulties of discovering the work and life balance. Each artist places a microscope over their lives to reveal how hope may be seen in between personal obstacles.
Other standout tracks are "Speak Your Mind," "Old Ways" featuring Jay Cabassa and "Bleed Confidence." Each song is brilliant in their own respect, showcasing Urbina's mastery of cadence and flow. Even his ability to sing is sprinkled in as a bonus. "Speak Your Mind" houses one of the best lines in hip-hop today: "my weapon of choice is my voice."
The Bottom Line: Start to finish, the project has a biblical feel similar to the book of Psalms. The first series of tracks shows Oscar Urbina guiding fans through struggle, despair and obstacles. The next series displays the inner battle of flesh and spirit, with the last series depicting hope and victory. This is a mixtape that feels like a full-length project as Urbina poured out his inner soul on this one. MP2 commands respect. It demands listens. Don't sleep, as this will most likely be one of the most underrated releases of 2017 by the year's end.
Song to Download Now:
"Carousel" featuring Mogli the Iceburg (Get it at Urbina's site 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.
A Reintroduction | Posted March-03-2017
KJ-52 could easily have decided to walk away after a largely successful effort over his 16-year run in Christian hip-hop, a span of time including Dove Award wins, features with some of Christian music's finest, and even setting a Guinness World record for freestyle rapping. Instead of calling all that good enough, he initiated a fresh start with an indie effort fueled by his faithful fan base, aiming to connect even more intimately with his listeners. Jonah stands as the beginning for the next chapter in KJ-52's treasured career, demonstrating all over again that KJ possesses range, skill, and a presence in the genre few others have been able to duplicate.
With Jonah, the tracklist may be short, but the list of features and quality content combines for one of his best projects to date. You can feel KJ's personal freedom, attention to quality and ever-evolving skill behind a microphone throughout each of the eight tracks. KJ took it a step further and has video snippets available for most of the tracks, providing a visual interpretation of the concepts.
The first single, "Hold On" featuring Chris Anderson, is an open dialogue representing the "what ifs" during KJ's career, recounting the many obstacles he overcame related to bullying, never feeling quite good enough and the white rapper stigma. Most of the team at Reflection Music Group (RMG) makes appearances spanning two tracks, with "Nah Bruh" and "Know About It" featuring Derek Minor, B. Cooper and CANON. That makes it easy to see why these two are the most lyrically strong efforts.
"Best Day Ever" features Chris August and Talkbox, sharing daily encounters we can all relate to as turning bad days into God days. "Get Down, Get Down" returns the staple comedic side of KJ. Jonah is rounded out by a few additional Christ-centric tracks reminding us why KJ-52 has endured through nearly two generations of CHH preeminence and is still seen as one of the true pioneers of the genre.
The Bottom Line: This album is short but focused. Even though Jonah has more of an EP feel, the concepts, quality and heart poured into it give the listener a sense of completion similar to that of a full-length LP. A ton of fuel clearly remains in the reserves as KJ-52 continues to be an artist to watch and expect greatness from.
Song to Download Now:
"Know About It" featuring Derek Minor (Get it on iTunes here.)
(Collaborative effort on this review provided by Dwayne Lacy.)
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