The Face of the CCM Hip-Hop Movement
Posted March 19, 2012
By SarahFine_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Flame needs no introduction to the longtime rap fan. Having started back in 2005, he has released five full-length albums packed with lyrical punch and chock full of musical meatiness. Garnering multiple Dove and Stellar Award nominations over the course of his career, his biggest release came with 2010’s Captured, his first endeavor on Clear Sight Records--a label he founded. It landed all over Billboard charts--Christian and mainstream alike--during its first week in release, and garnered him the successful rap single, “Surrender,” featuring young up-and-coming Clear Sight singer V.Rose.
Taking a thematic approach to his sixth album, the appropriately titled The 6th, Flame chose to focus on the state of mankind.
“Really, it’s a study of anthropology as we look at mankind from many different angles,” he says, “God deposited so much meaning--and purpose--into us as humans. So I wanted to explore what that means. Are we still where He intended us to be? How far have we actually fallen from the pace, and how do we return to our original purpose? Those are the questions I explore in this album.”
The 6th stars off with the blaring “Try Me,” about the world trying to keep believers down, but God pulling them though, and transitions right into the project’s musical focal point, “The 6th Day,” reminding the human race of our purpose in life and of our God’s incredible love for us.
“The Great Deception”--coming almost as a sequel to the previous track--talks about the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. It’s a heavy song, but it ends with the ever present reminder that Christ came to break the curse of Adam over our lives and eternally set us free.
The punchy “Show Out,” featuring GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Lecrae, tackles the issue of pride and sends a much-needed reminder that it’s God who deserves the glory. This is an issue both rappers talk about constantly on each of their albums, so it’s only fitting that they would come together and produce something spectacular regarding the subject.
Other songs on the album such as “Scripture Alone”, “Christ Alone”, “Running”, “Against The World” and “Let Go”--a brilliant duet with CCM Southern rock group DecembeRadio--serve as three-minute musical sermons of sorts. They all ultimately lead us back to a place of surrender before God, and do so in a fresh and relevant way that never loses your attention.
It’s clear to see how much Flame has spiritually and lyrically matured since his last album, but there are still a few clarification issues on this project that are hard to overlook. Songs such as “Trap Money” (about the deceitfulness of riches), “Caught In The Lights” (another duet with V.Rose) and the haunting “Devil’s Bread” unfortunately send muddled messages to the listener. While it’s clear Flame has a boldly honest approach to his lyrics, they could be perceived by some as too aggressive and judgmental. (For example, “Caught In The Lights” talks about giving up on dreams. He’s talking about giving up on the world’s dreams, but it could easily be taken as giving up on one’s own.)
The true highlight on this record however comes in the quirky “He Did It Again” with rapper AD3, reminiscing our past lives without Christ and sharing the truth that living with Christ as our Savior is what gives our lives meaning. It stands apart from the other rap-focused moments on this record and uses a techno/pop beat to amplify the positive message in the lyrics. It has the appeal to become a radio hit if released, and I would love to see that happen.
Closing Thoughts:
Flame has established a name for himself in the Christian hip-hop/rap community and for good reason. His melodies are top-notch and his rhyming skills are unrivaled. Fans of this genre of music will love the relevant beats and passionate tunes found on this project. Still, while a phenomenal album from a musical standpoint, the lyrics tend to be foggy. While unintentional, many of the songs end up sending mixed messages, often sounding brash and condemning all the while singing about God‘s unchanging love. I suppose it’s all in the ear of the beholder, and regardless, The 6th serves up some of the most honest and thought provoking lyrics of Flame’s fast rising career.
For anyone who is looking to discover the urban movement happening in CCM, The 6th serves as a perfect place to start. Fresh, relevant and honest, fans of this style will love Flame’s bold delivery and world class approach to his music. View All Music And Book Reviews By SarahFine_NRT | View SarahFine_NRT's Profile
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