Glory Extended From Pews To The Streets Posted August 11, 2023 By JoshuaGalla_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know
Raised out of St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevin “KB” Burgees has expanded his artistic impact from the South to a global scale in the 15 years he's been in the industry. The roots began at Trinity College of Florida when a band of his brethren started the hip-hop collective known as HGA (His Glory Alone). HGA comprised young rappers, poets, missionaries, and students who all had God as their first love. KB’s involvement in HGA led to his signing with Reach Records in 2010. He fulfilled his contract in 2020 and signed with Essential Sound, a Sony Music label.
Combined, KB has released a mixtape (Who is KB?), an EP (100), and five albums (Weight & Glory, Tomorrow We Live, Today We Rebel, His Glory Alone, His Glory Alone II) since 2010. The latest is His Glory Alone II, a follow-up to his Essential Sound debut in 2020. The new album includes heavyweight features by fellow artists Lecrae, Niko Eme, Cardec Drums, Britt Nicole, Limoblaze, Brandon Lake, Scootie Wop, nobigdyl., S.O., Porsha Love, Wande, and Dayshawnx.
The first single released from the album was “Glory 2 Glory.” KB explains in a press release: “A lot of us grew up singing “Glory To Glory To Glory” by gospel great Fred Hammond. It was a cross-cultural charismatic hit. The song itself is a good record to sum up what this album is about. The first installment, ‘His Glory Alone,’ was 'Glory to God,' whereas this album is 'Glory 2 Glory.' There is always more when you are talking about God. He is infinitely inspiring, forgiving, and loving; every aspect of God is infinite and deeper. You never get to the top of the ladder; it just gets more beautiful. When we do get things in this life that are glorious like success, even those things pale in comparison to Jesus, and I would give up all of those for Jesus.”
What it Sounds Like
The second iteration of the His Glory Alone series sounds like an extension of the first release in 2020. However, it’s a deeper dive into KB’s faith, personal life, and talents. The intricate level of transparency rivals most. If fans ever desired a “backstage pass” into KB’s life, access has been granted.
“I never talked about my life like this on a record,” shares KB. “When you listen to it, I hope you hear and understand the passion of a broken but committed man. Maybe you can see yourself in this man. That’s who I am. I’m a son whose wounds are being healed as a father. I’m a husband who is serious about leading in my household. I’m an institution builder who cares about helping people.”
One of the standout aspects of this album is the tracks where KB blesses his listeners with his worship-driven ballads. These tracks are found on “Your Way” featuring Britt Nicole and “Daddy” featuring Dayshawnx. We’re accustomed to subtle hints of harmonies appearing in bits and pieces on tracks but never full-blown rhythmic, soulful masterpieces.
Favorites of mine include “Imagine That” featuring Porsha Love and Wande, “EZ,” and “The Son Who Sets Free” featuring Scootie Wop. These three songs shine above others due to their diversity in flow and structure, their energy throughout, and how the featured artists complement, not overpower KB’s contributions.
The mantra “it takes a village” reigns true in the music industry when discussing how an album comes together by its release date. This is especially true from a production standpoint. Many God-inspired and creative hands poured into this album. Names include WEARETHEGOOD, Cardec Drums, Scootie Wop, and several others. Combined, they fed the assist for KB’s excellence throughout. The selected integrated samples fit like puzzle pieces seamlessly on select tracks. Multiple beat switches on a single track, live instrumentation, synthesizer dominance, and an overgenerous helping of 808s all poured into the results of a near-perfect album.
Spiritual Highlights
KB is a man after God’s heart, just like David, Peter, Paul, Joshua, and other mighty men of the Bible. God takes the broken, the meek, and the lesser-known souls and uses them as a powerful voice for His kingdom. KB peels back multi-faceted layers of his own heart and journey, facing childhood trauma, abandonment, confusion, and doubt with unapologetic translucency.
Song titles (and the accompanying content) such as “King Jesus,” “Glory 2 Glory,” “Graves,” and “Who The Son Sets Free” cry out allegiance to our Almighty God and Savior. Also, the album's title alone signifies where KB stands in his faith walk. Without question, this album is an unashamed, unadulterated testimony to who God is and what God has done in KB’s life.
In the “Danza” track featuring Niko Eme and Cardec Drums, KB says, “Can’t sit still when the living God moves.” Throughout the project, listeners are treated to the testimony of how God has moved and continues to do so in KB’s life within the music industry and his daily journey as a devout husband and present father.
Best Song
Usually, I hunt for a deep cut as a favorite of any given album. However, I chose one of the five singles released before the album’s release date. “EZ” gained my attention as the best song of His Glory Alone II. Carvello and WEARETHEGOOD produced the individual track. The rhyme structure alone is noteworthy of some of the finest industry-wide. Coupled with the ingenious metaphors, wordplay, and delivery, few tracks this year can compete.
Let’s review some of his bars from the second verse, “Got a taste of fame, but the flavor didn’t intrigue me/I’m never gassed up, the squad an EV/I’ma tell ya vision every time I’m on your TV/Keep the P&L, the balance of my soul increasing.” Phenomenal, to say the least; lyricism in its most elite form. Factor in the energy of the track speaking through the beat switch midway and the sliding high hats atop synthesized seasoning, and “EZ” is next-level artistry at its peak.
Dove-award-winning and Billboard chart-topping KB has compiled an audio masterpiece that fits the chapel and the streets accordingly. The rapper, author, speaker, and podcaster has captured the essence of worship, handcrafting each of the 16 tracks into an exhibit worthy of the masses. KB has transformed several dated hymns into modern-day anthems. He’s bared his soul stripped down to its core so others may heal, reconcile, or move forward toward glory.
He’s been to hell and back to a certain degree, allowing others to lean upon his story while achieving restoration of self. His Glory Alone II displays what’s possible when God remains at the forefront of decisions and purpose. Fans are treated to various cultural stylings ranging from afro-beats to grime to worship and everything in between. The eclectic collection of soundscapes merges into a beautiful array of diversity. Similar to what heaven will look like in the next life. KB remains grounded as one of the Christian hip-hop (CHH) heavyweights without any objections.
Stream His Glory Alone II on Spotify or purchase the album on iTunes.
