Minnesota-based indie artist Xross released his fourth album on February 12. OMG hearkens back to old school Christian hip-hop. There is a definite focus on the word of God and on living a Christ-Centered life.

 

The album opens with an interesting twist on the colloquial "OMG." Rather than the blasphemous nature that "Oh My God" would usually mean (Exodus 20:7), within the framework of this song, it is a cry to the heart of God for the brokenness of our world. Whether it be bloodshed in the streets or teenage pregnancy, rappers selling their soul to the devil or pornography. Xross' heart bleeds for the lost and it is an open call to Christians to have the same heart as Jesus for the lost.

 

"Monster" is dedicated to Treyvon Martin, Aurora, Colo., and Newtown, Conn. The song is a response to the age-old question of "Why does God allow bad things happen to good people?" The response isn't that God allows it, however, "the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:7). This is the monster in question in this song. 

 

The song walks through the Treyvon Martin murder and is followed up by the happenings in Newtown which may be a little fresh for some listeners. These are two very different cases with very similar impacts on their respective communities. Xross reveals his heart in a prayer for the communities at the end of the song, which is a welcome response from some of the hate-filled comments that we were inundated with at the time of the respective incidents.

 

The album ends in a similar vein to where it started. Rather than crying out to God though, Xross exhorts his listeners to "Pray On." In all situations we are called to pray. The chorus speaks to how much people want but don't want to pray about it. Do you want change in your community? Pray. Is your church dying? Pray. Truly, this is answer to the monster roaming our streets. 

 

This is a double album that can get fairly heavy at times. Xross deals with real life issues with straight talk. The production values of the album are good and the lyrics are biblically based and theologically sound. The album could have been stronger if shortened; there is no need for this to be 17 tracks when 10 or 11 would have sufficed. Xross has a heart for God and for his community and it shines through in the album.