Unparalleled Lyricism
Posted March 15, 2017
By JoshuaGalla_NRT, Staff Reviewer
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.)
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