Victorious Hope Gains A New Beginning Posted October 26, 2023 By JoshuaGalla_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know:
One of Reach Records’ legacy members, Trip Lee, dropped his seventh studio album on October 27. Lee was only 19 and a recent high school graduate when his debut album, If They Only Knew, was released on July 10, 2006. This was the same year he also collaborated with Lecrae on what’s now a Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) classic known as the single “Jesus Musik.” Ever since his mid-teens, Lee has been fascinated with theological discussions and digging deep into God’s Word after becoming a Christian at the age of 14. His artistry has always been known to be gospel-soaked, abrasive, yet honest. He’s never ashamed of keeping the name of God as a constant in lyrics and describing balance between living as a Christian and being relevant in today’s culture. Lee’s an accomplished author releasing two books. Also, he’s pastored at various churches between Texas and Georgia.
As most know, Lee’s battled chronic fatigue syndrome most of his life, as the disease remains uncurable. The constant battle has robbed him of many things, but Lee presses forward as Christ helps push him forward to influence believers worldwide. For the first time in his nearly two decades of releasing music, Lee has released albums in back-to-back years with The End. delivered to fans on March 4, 2022. Prior to that, a musical drought existed where he didn’t release any projects for six years.
Contained within his latest release, Lee delves deep into the knowledge he’s acquired through decades of battling major health issues, serving as a pastor in various faith communities, and his unwavering belief in the faithfulness of God – a truth that sustains him daily. The topics in the album explored range from the human struggle for control, doubt, pressures of life, faith, and provides a transparent and genuine peek into the challenges Lee has persevered through often. Featured artists include KB, Lecrae, WHATUPRG, Hulvey, Kirk Franklin, Madison Lynn Ward and Jonathan Traylor. Lee dabbled in production with last year’s The End., but was able to showcase his own production skills heavily on this album. The Epilogue. is one of Lee’s greatest works, a masterpiece even.
What it Sounds Like:
One thing I admire about Lee’s newly found production skills is his attention to detail. Also, you can hear his love for worship and gospel music in his own art. Subtle live instrumentation such as piano keys, strings, and acoustic guitars are heard. Also, perfectly integrated samples adding to the creativity of several tracks. His last project was doused with heavy use of synthesizers and electronic attributes. It’s sparsely used this time around with more of a universal sound enjoyed by a broader audience. I love Lee still uses interludes in projects too. Being a vivid storyteller, he keeps it modern, yet keen on key hip-hop attributes. We even hear from his parents on this project injecting wisdom and advice to the masses.
Some of my favorites include “Mercy” featuring Kirk Franklin, “Undefeated,” and “Standby” featuring Hulvey. The first music video debuted with the release of the album. It’s incredible to see Lee perform with a childhood favorite, Mr. Franklin. “Undefeated” is a creative display of various deliveries from Lee alone with a mellow piano accompaniment throughout. “Standby” acts almost as a filmstrip detailing some of Lee’s difficult trials experienced throughout the years.
Lee’s music remains relevant, creative, and refreshing. He’s always possessed a unique southern voice with prominent fluctuations of the voice deemed pleasing to the ears. His skill with production is progressing above standards and Reach faithful fans will appreciate inclusion of half of his label mates on features.
Spiritual Highlights:
Along with Hulvey, Lee has always stood out from the roster at Reach Records as one of the spiritual leaders, especially considering his background as a member of several pastoral staffing throughout the years. His content has faithfully been drenched with theology, scriptural references, testimony and multiple references to God the Father. With The Epilogue., basics have not been altered. Fans are treated to sound teachings within some of Lee’s best lyrical deliveries to date.
Song titles such as “Glory,” “Mercy,” “Selah’s Song,” “At the Cross,” and “Heavens Interlude” lead more so towards worship than hip-hop. During “FTO,” Lee lifts a prayer about keeping him moving forward while everything else seems to try and pull him down. “Undefeated” is essentially a love song to God for his faithfulness time again and again. Point being, this album and all of Lee’s music pays homage to his faith. It’s inspiring, uplifting, and a reflection of who Lee represents.
Best Song:
“Undefeated” is my favorite of the 15-track collection known as The Epilogue. Something I thoroughly enjoy within soundscapes of hip-hop is the inclusion of a piano used as part of the track production. I love live instrumentation, but piano and strings are my heart’s desire. The track starts off with an acapella-like vibe. Also, the tempo of the track remains quite calm and more geared towards a soulful approach. Content-wise, a love song to our Creator and His faithfulness comes across beautifully. Knowing Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave is reassurance necessary to face the struggles of each day. Lyrics like, “truth kept me in the fight” echo outward as Lee affirms biblical reflections throughout. It transitions seamlessly into the last track of the record (“On and On”) as the tempo drops a few notches closing everything out. It’s a beautiful track with transparency emitted from the heart towards the skies above.
Most of Lee’s fanbase prematurely thought 2022’s The End. was in fact just that, an ending of Lee’s musical career. However, the opposite reigns true. Lee stepped away from pastoring at Concord Church to focus on his music for the first time in quite some time. The result was the first time Lee has released albums in back-to-back years. Also, Lee released five singles, beginning in May, from the project ramping up the hype of Lee’s newfound devotion.
The Epilogue. is a brilliant collision of soul, worship, hip-hop and gospel music. Live instrumentation combined with synthesizers, drums, and sonic surprises. Lyrically, Lee continues to master storytelling and bridging daily life with his faith walk. As a common recipe, fans see the translucent side of Lee and what troubles his soul faces. Now that we’ve witnessed The End. and The Epilogue to Lee’s lifelong trailing story, maybe a new beginning moving forward is set to be revealed. If this is, in fact, a closure, Lee has presented the people with seven triumphant albums, a mixtape, and a handful of singles to be proud of regardless of the near future.
