PRO "The BlackOut" by DJ WanablesU

Artist: PRO
Album: The BlackOut
Label: C.L.E
Link: http://www.MyNameIsPro.com
Release: Early in Oct 2008 / Officially in Nov. 2008

RATING: 8.5 out of 10 B+
(due to having a noticable lack of Biblical reference and Christian Faith based Substance)

***THE BACK DROP***

There has been an age old debate amongst the Christian Rap, Holy Hip Hop community.

The debate is "Blatancy over Creativity."

Are you serious? why is there EVEN A DEBATE???

Why can't you "Creatively be Blatant" about your faith, your passions, your love, your ideas, and your convictions.

Now mind you as a Christian you profess to have a renewed MIND. so your Faith is JESUS Based, your Passions are JESUS based, Your Love Is JESUS & WORD based, your ideas are JESUS Based, your Passions are JESUS based, and your convictions are JESUS's pleasure.

There is nothing corny, bland, or unattractive about that.

If anything, THAT'S VERY ATTRACTIVE and BEAUTIFULLY-INTERESTINGLY-COMPLEX!

A Kingdom divided itself can not stand...PERIOD. So, I wanted to get that straight.

Now...Introducing Memphis via Tennesse Native by the name "PRO."

PRO is a raw rapper, lyricist, producer who has his album promoted by DJ Wade-O; he has his album sold on HolyCultureDownload.com but he says he doesn't want to be called a Christian Rapper.

AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

That is so disappointing. NOT upsetting but, dissappointing and a little confusing.

When I say that PRO is raw [as me being a professional DJ, Producer, and Journalist who is STRICTLY CHRISTIAN] it behooves and becomes me NOT to lie to you. This cat is RAW talent.

Even though PRO is a dope EmCee (who doesn't want to be called a Christian Rapper) it's pretty obvious that he is of the Christian Faith. It's just dissappointing that he doesn't have an overtly blatant Christian Message.

PRO has a heart to expose the FAKE in the industry and reveal the TRUTH to the "HOOD."

BUT, MY QUESTION is how can you heal a cough with a Sugary cough drop. Or how can you heal an ailment with a watered down vaccine.

You don't have to deny or despise MONEY like LeCrae Nor do you have to be ALL ABOUT stacking checks to provide for your family either. Those are two wide extremes.

To be an extremist on either side is to crucify Christ Jesus "a fresh," due to the lack of Faith in GOD's word, believe it or not. I say that because it's a lack of that Faith will have you down play the value, need, luxury, and GOD given blessing of MONEY or Currency. And it's a lack of Faith to say that MONEY will answer all of my Wows. It crucifies JESUS a fresh because either side down plays Christ's sovereignty and omnicience.

A Just weight is the FATHER's delight (Prov. 11:1)

I can empathize with PRO's position because a lot of successful or respected Christian rappers talk like "doing music SOLELY for the sake of having a career is anti-Christ." They come across as IF music should only be used for a TOOL. And that school of thought couldn't be further from the truth. The TRUTH is that the Father can and will honor & bless a career in music just like he will honor & bless a career in being a regional manager of a fast-food chain.

Josh 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success

Deut 8:18 - But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

You don't have to disciple from a Distance like FLAME but, NOR do you have to rap about girls, search for fame, and your disgust with your temp agency or 9 to 5 like rapper Pigeon John.

You don't have to be Mr. Dell with a multi-million dollar major record deal who disassociates and disrespects the whole genre of HHH and all of it's associates (Per Mr. DELL's interview with Vessel Vibe Magazine). This is really a spit in OUR GOD's face based on the denial of His Holy Scriptures according to 1st Cor. 12: 14-18.

In verse 18 of 1st Corinthians chapter 12, it references

GOD's pleasure. So, the question NOW is what pleases GOD. This is something we don't have to take out of context or guess at. The WORD is very clear about His pleasure.

You may think that I'm ranting and that this is going beyond an album review. WELL...Here at DJW Reviews, I take sort of a DJ wade-O approach and that is that this is "More than Journalism...It's Bible Study via music as a back drop."

Here is some of the quotes from PRO on "The BlackOut" Album:
"...I Give Truth" "...I'm The Realist"
"...I'm a beast on the mic"
"...If I'm not in your top 5 your list is wrong"
"...Don't Bite My style" "...I get it poppin"
"...If you hate my flow, then you don't LOVE 'real'"
"...I crush competition, YES PRO is hot"
"...Dang Skippy I'mma boast on my flow (in the LORD)"
"...This Year Is Mine"
"...Yes I'm cocky cause I got it like that"

Now, PRO says that he isn't all about the doe. And honestly it would seem that way. Yet, some of his lyrics make you scratch your head regarding his position, and standards in relation to the KINGDOM of GOD.

Like I said earlier you can pretty much tell that PRO is a Christian with convictions. However, his delivery on A LOT OF his tracks leave you to believe that there's more grooming to be done in that profession of Faith.

So, let's see why this album got a B+.

***FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS***

PRO is a producer (a dynamic one at that) so there isn't a lot of outsourced music production on The BlackOut. However, there are two other producers on the album...Doc Watson and Young Vizzy A-Dot. NO LIE...THE BEATS ON THIS ALBUM ARE INTENSELY FEROCIOUS. I'M REALLY BLOWN AWAY. I'm pretty sure you will be too. But, LIKE FOREST GUMP..."that's all I have to say about that." Honestly there's really not a lot of room for critique in this area. We're talking flawless victory, just about!


The featured artist that were brought into the composition of "The BlackOut" Album are Pettidee, eye Q, Coko Korrine, Brothatone, Kingston, Willie Will, Dorian Lee, and Soul P.

eye Q laces Track 4 "Let Me Know" his vocal arangement meshes with the beat seamlessly for a track that THUMPS so hard. coko Korrine sings so soulful, sweet, and musically accurate with her pitch on Track 6 "Without You." It's no wonder that Soul P is on this record because he and PRO seem simular approaches to rap in the Christian music genre but, none the less Soul P holds it down with a solid feature on Track 16 "IF I Don't Wake." Brothatone managed to bring a convicting, wisdom based, and Spiritually inspired contribution to Track 8 "Were You At." I think PRO can learn a lot from Willie Will. He has both the Spiritual and industry wisdom. It's obvious on Willie Will's feature on Track 12 "Bring It Back." Pettidee lends a well applie grittiness to the hook on Track 5 "Shut it down." Pettidee also has 16 bars on the same track yet despite the GRIMMY delivery of his verse, the content is a little loose fitting. Dorian Lee sings with a patient calculation of his approach which makes every note of his vocals of the chain.

For the most part the veterans help PRO in the ring. But, it's the new comers that are featured on this album that really help and prove that they aren't expendable. The new coming rappers and singers featured on "The BlackOut" will definitely turn heads.

***TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY***

There are several songs off of "The BlackOut" That floor you with their massive appeal. Track 4 "Let Me Know," Track 6 "Without You," Track 9 "More," Track 13 "I Bet He Lying," Track 16 "If I Don't Wake," Track 5 "Shut It Down," Track 8 "Where You At," Track 17 "Yeah," Track 15 "You Know The Deal," and Track 11 "What I'm Working With."

I have no information or names on technical notes to share with you but, I can say that "The BlackOut" should have a warning label on it, for the life of your speakers.

This album knocks. This album knocks. This album knocks.

The mixing is strong...making the singers vocals sound beautiful and balanced. You can hear the rappers distinctively. And the mastering is superbly SOLID. The quality of "The BlackOut" album supercedes amature status.

In light of every single angle and point of view regarding PRO's "The BlackOut," I'm impressed and vexed at the same time.

There is so much talent embodied in this guy and this album... Yet it seems that he buried it in the dirt by over shadowing substance with the consistant lyrical highlite of his skills as an artist/producer.

Longterm you just can't be successful rapping like this when you know better. The HOOD, The BURBS, and The 3rd World Countries are looking for TRUTH. If you have it then give it. And you don't have to be a theologian or seminary graduate to give such truth.

Christian Rapper J. Johnson (formerly J.Silas) says this on FLAME debut album...

"I got some lumps on my head from some Bibles"
"I gave some too, thank Christ for Survival (of ignorance on his part and others)"

So, I'm not saying that PRO has to bust heads with Scripture but, we know...so that we can understand and we understand... so that we can show.

PRO proclaims that he isn't "perfect." But, my prayer is that PRO matures even more as a SON of GOD through Christ. There's no shame in that.

Yes...WE may be the ONLY Bible that some people ever read but, we must be full OR full to the best efforts of the WORD because eventually your Mouth 'aint gon' be able to keep your Heart from Telling on you. Luke 6: 45

Hands down PRO is one of the illest producers and rappers to be on this side of heaven.

But, with more substance, humility, maturity, and wisdom THE HEAVENLY PROFESSIONAL of Professionals WILL UNDOUBTABLY exalt this PRO.



BUY THIS ALBUM NOW: http://thebus-shop.com/shop.cfm?prod=498

Donate to DJ WanablesU Reviews:

.

Dre Sr "JuneTeenth" Review by DJ WanablesU

Artist: Dre Sr.
Album: “Juneteenth”
Label: Kingdom City Records
Link: http://www.myspace.com/dresr82
Date: June. 2008

RATING: 8.5 out of 10 B+
(due to needing more universal music production)


****THE BACK DROP****

This album BANGS. …SIMPLY PUT!

I can't lie. Cats that I know had said a few words in my ear telling me that they thought this record was WACK.

DOOOOO NNOOOOOOOTTTTT BEEELLLIEEEVVEE THEEEEE...HYPE!

This album is experimental, confident, charismatic, exciting, surprising, and it packs substance at the same time.

So…what exactly is Juneteenth as it pertains to the United States? Well…Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an official annual holiday in 29 states of the United States. Celebrated on June 19, it commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.

Now…what is Kingdom City’s recording artist Dre Sr’s meaning of Juneteenth? Well…it’s Romans 6: 6-12. Those verses read thusly (AMPLIFIED):

6 We know that our old (unrenewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective and inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin.
7 For when a man dies, he is freed (loosed, delivered) from [the power of] sin [among men].
8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
9 Because we know that Christ (the Anointed One), being once raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over Him.
10 For by the death He died, He died to sin [ending His relation to it] once for all; and the life that He lives, He is living to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him].
11 Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.
12 Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.

Dre Sr. gives an honorable effort to put this TEXT on display by way of his own life. He conveys to us listeners his complexities. He does this with much clarity I must say. However, I don’t agree with the wrestling of Him against his own flesh. Musically it’s entertaining but, exalting GOD it doesn’t quite fulfill that requirement. I say this based on verses 6, 8, 10, and 11 of the above chapter 6 of Romans.

We are dead to sin and flesh BY FAITH. IT’S A FAITH THING! Dead beings don’t respond to attacks, slanders, ideas, etc. unless it’s witch craft :-(! Nor are Dead beings overtaken or overpowered by their lack of response to such things. THEY’RE DEAD…Period!

So, verse 8 and 9 say that we died with Christ and we (BY FAITH) believe that we NOW also live with HIM. In living with and in Christ…PRESENTLY, Christ will NEVER die again. Thus we, being in CHRIST, don’t DIE DAILY because verse 9 is true. Therefore, we reckon ourselves just as Christ was and that is DEAD to Sin and any relation to Sin based on verse 11. This is not a contradiction of the Holy Scriptures because the Living Word (JESUS) is the author and perfector of our FAITH. (Hebrews 12: 2).

Now…That is TRUE FREEDOM.

In light of those scripture findings, I was still very inspired and proud of Dre Sr. for tackling such scriptures with poise, excitement, and gentleness. He did a lot of looking at himself, which I thought was RAW. I thought it was RAW because just as I pointed out in the above scriptures, if we don’t get the proper view of our GOD and ourselves being reconciled by, in, and through HIM…then our view and perception of everything going on in, around, and outside of us will come from a defeatist angle. Thus we will have seemingly been given the MINISTRY of RECONCILIATION for naught because we would view this world and all of its wows as UNRECONCILABLE.

But, Dre’s Valiance to honor the authentic, unmatchable-freeing-power of GOD can not be over looked. Juneteenth is clearly ONE of THE BEST RECORDS TO COME OUT IN 2008, at least in the Mid-Dirty or Dirty South vein. This album might be under the radar but, I’m pretty sure that the Lord is going to help Kingdom City Records see to it that that won’t be the case very much longer.

The album Juneteenth is just starting to ripen in respect to how long it’s been in the market place. So, lets take a bite of this fruit and see if we can savor it’s juicy goodness.

****FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS****

The Producers on this album are phenomenal. Every producer seemed to contribute a track that kept this album in it’s lane. Sippi Boi produced a silky smooth beat that puts you in the mind of something JODECI era on Track 9 “Restoration.” Chrys Jones has some of the hardest hittin-amped beats on this album with Track 17 “Beat Drop,” Track 7 “Resurrected,” and Track 3 “Cross On My Back.” Pee Dee has an arsenal of production on this project that brings a gang of flavors like snap music to King Kong pounders on Track 1 “Not A Slave,” Track 14 “Know You More,” Track 11 “So In Love,” Track 2 “OHH,” and Track 15 “Phenomenal.” Biz contributes a beat that is gangsta-bananas on Track 13 “Die.” Elekt put a Christian Club, Non Alcoholic, Dance Crew blazer on this album with Track 10 “Devoted.” Boom Squad rightly earned that name cause their tracks GOT THAT BOOM and neck hypnotizing effect. They produced the Me Vs Me interludes Tracks “4, 8, 12” and a Christian skating jam on Track 5 “Worthless Purchase.” Now…Dre Sr took a stab at some of the production on this album. Now I respect Dre’s efforts. However I can’t honor them because the beats that he produced really aren’t that attractive. One thing that I can honor is Dre’s move not contribute more than two track on this 17 track disc. That was a very smart move. He produced Track 6 “Slave 2 Up” and Track 16
“Outro.”

Now…as far as the featured artist there are some bright shining moments and then there are some cringing moments. Dillon Chase has great content in his verse on Track 6 “Slave 2 You” but, he falls off beat a couple of times. I probably blame the beat more than I do him though. Biz killed his 16 bars on the same Track 6 “Slave 2 You.” Dub Jr. put some of the most perfectly soft vocals on the hook of Track 11 “So N Luv.” I’m praise GOD that Pee Dee is a humble cat because he is just SLAM TIGHT as a rapper and producer his swag is lovely on Track 5 “Worthless Purchase.” Dry Bonez Live could possibly go down in HHH history as one of the rawest Duos to grace this genre. Both of these cats are simply sick with their 16 bars on Track 3 “Cross On My Back.” Eric Ashby can really sing. At moments he puts me in the mind of Charlie Wilson from the Gap band. However I will say this that he needs to exercise a little more vocal control, rhythm, and softness on Track 9 “Restoration.” I really don’t want to make secular comparisons but, those are the best descriptions of the exact sound of these next two singers. Terrance Golden sounds like a Christian version of Chris Brown. He is vocally KILLING it on Track 14 “Know You More.” And Micah Smith is a guitarist how sounds like a Christian version of John Legend. But, he is singing so dominatingly on Track 15 “Phenomenal” that you thank GOD that we have a voice like this in the KINGDOM.

****TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY****

Tracks that jump off of the CD player are Track 5 “Worthless Purchase tt. Peed Dee,” Track 10 “Devoted,” Track 13 “Die,” Track 7 “Resurrected,” Track 11 “So N Luv ft. Dub Jr,.” Track 3 “Cross On My Back ft. Dry Bonez Live,” and Track 17 “Beat Drop ft. Tre, Isaiah, and 1-Lyfe”

Once again Kingdom City solicited the services of Top Spin Productions to mix this album. I take my hat off to TSP. I got to, because after what they did to azriELicia’s album “Help Wanted” I wouldn’t have used them again if I was KCR. But, I have to admit TSP did the SLAM thang on the mixing of Dre Sr’s “Juneteenth.” This record sounds beautiful to have been released by an intimate record label with humble resources. There is no other way to put it! TSP met the challenge. I don’t know who did the mastering but, “Juneteenth” bangs hard as well.

Dre Sr’s lyrical flow and rhyme swag is fluent, attractive, explosive, crafty, and multitalented. Out of 17 tracks he only dips in the quality of his delivery on about 3 songs. For the rest of the 14 his flow and delivery are pretty solid and he rides the beats well.

The album artwork is gripping. Yet, for a 3 page fold-out, the graphic artist doesn’t utilize the space very well. People want to see pictures of the artist; especially, if the label is going to go through the expense of printing a 3 page fold-out. The credit listings should’ve had a more manageable font so that there could be more room for pictures of the artist. The overall graphic art-direction and look is nicely done though. It’s like Dre said, “Elekt is a “Beast” with graphics.”

I couldn’t give the record a solid “A,” technically. But, in Essence I can. What I mean is this… this album is flawless for the Mid –Dirty, Dirty South lovers. For the Mid-Dirty and Dirty South genres, I could give it an “A.” However as a whole album in the market place I don’t think I’d be justified in giving this record an “A” because it doesn’t have enough Universal appeal. There’s no East or West Coast flavor on this record. Which doesn’t make it a bad album just not a flawless one, from an artistic point.

This album BANGS HARD. It was exciting to listen to. I didn’t get bored. I didn’t’ skip every other song. Dre even attempts the use of the famous AUTO-TUNE voice amplifier. He actually sang on a song…WOW! The song I’m referencing to is Track 5 “Worthless Purchase.” He did an awesome job. Who ever mixed or recorded his voice in AUTO-TUNE did a GREAT Job.

The interludes on this album are “SICK.” They sound so professional, interesting, entertaining, and intriguing. And the beats in the back ground are monstrous.

So, when it’s all said and done Dre’s sophomore album “JuneTeenth” is a Stellar effort. The veterans of Holy Hip Hop should be glad that new comers like Dre Sr. are putting out product that enhance the quality of the genre and Lift of the Uncompromising Standards of the KINGDOM of OUR GOD.

As a music lover and consumer, you have to buy this album!!!

Dre Sr is talking about NOT being a slave in reference to Romans 6 but, to me this album promotes Luke 6:42 "Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You actor (pretender, hypocrite)! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."

For a Believer/Christian to have that scripture activated and animated in their life, that is a FREEDOM worth celebrating!

That’s a JuneTeenth for your Momma!


BUY YOUR CD or DIGITAL ALBUM: (CLICK ONLINE STORE)
http://thebus-shop.com/shop.cfm?prod=104
or
http://kingdomcityrecords.com/index2.html

Donate to DJ WanablesU Reviews:

azriELicia "Help Wanted" by DJ WanablesU

Artist: azriELicia
Album: “Help Wanted”
Label: Kingdom City Records
Link: http://www.myspace.com/azriel816
Date: Feb. 2008

RATING: 7.0 out of 10 C
(due to needing better mixing, mastering, and complementary music production)


****THE BACK DROP****

There is so much greatness and sincerity that immerses from this husband and wife unit….azriELicia.

azriELicia are a husband and wife monadic that has met the Lord, like Paul on the Damascus road. I have been “Awe-StruKC” since I had the opportunity to witness the heart, ministry, and ability of azriELicia. They are truly beyond “on fire.” They bring such a fervent passion and soberness regarding the scriptures, the walk of FAITH, and Hip Hop. They strive to demonstrate and execute this in balance and they are so young.

The Lord is unveiling a generation of youth who are no longer satisfied with compromise. And azriELicia are just a few of the patriarchs or “first fruits” of that generation.

azriELicia is comprised of (wife) Elicia Horton and (husband) Damon “Azriel” Horton. They are from the Mid-West by way of Kansas City Missouri; and they are waving the Blood Stained Banner hiiiiiiigggggggghhhh!!! Their HEART is to present Christ in an uncompromised fashion 24/7. Their MINISTRY is to compassionately love, aid, and build their community through the Life given by the infallible scripture with the loving arms of the Church they Pastor. That church is Mount Washington Baptist. Their ABILITY is to articulate and fuse that HEART and MIINSTRY into Holy Hip Hop rhymes with eloquent-raw-convicting-intriguing precision and skill.

azriELicia has bottled all of those qualities into their Holy Hip Hop debut album, “Help Wanted.” They are pleading with the “unAwakened” to give The Bride of Christ (The Church) a second chance or a chance at all, if they never have. Azriel and Elicia are soliciting their local and regional communities to help them (The Church) help them (The Community)…using this as a model or example for the American Church nationwide. On this record azriELicia are even beseeching The Body of Christ to seek the Lord so that they can fulfill the need of HELP in every capacity.

azriELicia’s oldest daughter Bella says it best,”…We need more HELP, people! we need more GODLY men and women…!” Talk about training up a child.

It is gems like that the make this East Coast-favorable-feeling album a potentially classic effort.

Now…Christian female M.C.s (Shout out to Christian Female Rap Network) are probably in a ratio of 1 to a 1000 compared to Christian Male M.C.s. In that ratio you would probably still have to weed through them to experience which of them truly has the chops to execute Holy Hip Hop on a wide spread professional platform. Well…Elicia is one that has the chops. Her swag is true to East Coast boom-bap form. She’s simply DOPE with her delivery, style, and ability to ride the beat.

Azriel is the exact equivalent of Elicia. Even though Azriel and His wife were born and raised in the Mid- West, their musical love has gravitated to the likes of East Coast lyricism and flavor. Another gem to be found in this album is how both Azriel and Elicia compliment each other as though they audibly accomplish Matt. 19: 5-6 as a reflection of their lives off record. Azriel is a rapper’s rapper, a preacher’s preacher, and a teacher’s teacher. Elicia’s bars are thought provoking and encapsulating. Azriel makes you drop your jaw how he challenges himself outside of his musical preferences. He and Elicia both love that East but, this cat has successfully executed just about every lyrical delivery style from boom-bap, to snap, to crunk, to tongue twist all on this ONE album. This is what I wish Shai Linne would do. Cause in my opinion he’s too raw not to.

Elicia and Azriel have truly mastered the “back and forth” / ”give and go” rapping style. azriELicia should get Emmys, Oscars, Doves, Stellars, and New York Times Best Seller awards for their impeccable story telling. I mean YOU WILL…press “rewind” to hear the tales they tell.

Once again it is gems like this that make this record a POTENTIAL classic.

Now…you’re probably wondering why this album got a “C” rating and is considered a POTIENTIAL classic. If it has all of these “gems,” shouldn’t it at least have gotten a “B?” I’m glad you asked. Let’s dig in…



****FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS****

For the most part the featured artists make this record better; meaning they don’t take away from its potential. John Pallozzi adds this Brooklyn-Italian feel like he’s singing in a “Goodfellas Movie” night club on Track 12 “Uamazeme.” Top Spin brings that Mid-Dirty flow to the table with some on-point tongue twisting on Track 5 “Switch It Up.” Dre Sr. brings a lot of energy, character, and intrigue to both of his appearances on Track 8 “Love Triangle” and Track 2 “Who You?” The singer named T-Mission brings that vintage flavor like you’re in the basement of an old Jazz-swing joint in 60’s Harlem. Ms. Seyko adds some nice strong soulful-heart gripping vocals on Track 7 “I’am.” Seyko’s vocals were good but, I think if they were a little more “breathy” that would have been the icing on the cake.

azriELicia do a good job of balancing out there feature artists, since they are already a duo. They also do a good job of making sure their features could actually add fresh elements to their project.

As far as producers sharing in bringing the album “Help Wanted” to fruition, the overall collection of beats is just slightly above average. There are some shining moments, however. So Hot Productions have been doing their thing since 2004. So Hot Productions is a Christian Duo production team based out of the Mid West in St. Louis Missouri which is about 4 hrs away from Kansas City (home of azriELicia). The So Hot Duo is comprised of J.R. and NAB. Over the past 2.5 years J.R. has had more So Hot production on Holy Hip Hop and R&P projects and the public has rarely heard from NAB. But, NAB is starting to be like a beacon of light in the 2008. NAB has tracks on St. Louisan FUTURE’s debut album “Wake UP Call.” Now, he has three nice tracks (Track 1 “Help Wanted featuring Bella,” Track 2 “Who You featuring Dre Sr.,” and Track 9 “Decent Proposal”) on azriELicia’s “Help Wanted.” It’s great to see NAB behind the MPC again, bangin’ out KINGDOM joints.

Most of the production on “Help Wanted” is East Coast favorable. I think that’s why NAB was a great fit. J.R.’s sound is more Mid-Dirty and a lot of artist solicit that type of production. NAB’s sound is more boom-bap, sampling, hard-kicking, East Coast driven. Speaking previously of Mid-Dirty, azriELicia pulled St. Louis producer PRAIZ into the mix with 2 joints Track 5 “Switch It Up” and Track 11 “Christology (Gimme Jesus).” These two joints really bring diversity to this album and they challenge azriELicia to step out of their comfort zone.

Joey DeLaCruz brings a track that sounds like the God Father’s Holy Hip Hop theme on Track 3 “Sent Back.” Saint Joe the Servant takes it back to “Bricks” with Track 6 “Street Sweeper.” Giovanni orchestrates a Wu Tang Clan type joint on Track 4 “the eXodus.” If you use to love Wu Tang that joint is for you to enjoy on THIS side of the KINGDOM. museONE produced a beat for azriELicia to perfectly display true love on Track 10 “I Still.” JDMG laced a beautiful Spanish guitar joint on Track 7 “I Am featuring Seyko.” Unseen dropped a joint that sounds like Raekwon (from Wu Tang) would pay Grands to have this joint on Track 13 “Status Quo.” But, Unseen is using his production skills to glorify our Faithful KING…Wow! And Track 8 “Love Triangle” is Cello laden and sounds like a classical Digable Planets track from ‘92. It is produced by Bruce Lesun.


****TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY****

Tracks that blatantly stick out on “Help Wanted” are Track 4 “the eXodus,” Track 8 “Love Triangle,” Track 5 “Switch It Up,” Track 9 “Decent Proposal,” Track 7 “I Am,” Track 11 “Christology (Gimme Jesus),” and Track 10 “I Still.”

Now we come to the most critical area of this album. Overall, “Help Wanted” is packed solid with radiant lyricism, creativity, and provocative subjects. But, that is the frustrating aspect of this beautiful record. It’s beautiful for the aforementioned qualities yet it suffers from simply average production. The fact that this album is more East Coast flavored doesn’t affect my view on this matter. As a full time professional STRICTLY Christian DJ and Producer, I have heard some bangin’ East Coast joints were the beats really are attractive and captivating. The production on “Help Wanted” isn’t straight WACK but, it doesn’t PACK the punches needed to highlight the amazing heart of this album.

Elicia and Azriel are so ‘dag-nabbit’ gifted that I feel the production on this record just doesn’t catapult their heart, love, passions, talent, compassion, servitude, and message. No pun intended but, YES…they needed more “Help.” Now, I’m sure that they hand picked these beats but, in the future I would love for them to be overwhelmed with stacks of bangin beats to PICK from. Not one mediocre beat in the pile…Ya dig?!

As far as the album packaging and design, it was reported that the manufacturing company’s graphics department (who will remain nameless) was entrusted with the task because KINGDOM City Record Execs trusted that company’s ability. Yet…as it came time for the release of the finished product, the manufacturing company totally DROPPED the ball and there was no time to go back to the drawing board. So, I won’t hold that against azriELicia and the KCR staff. But, the actual CD face design is bangin’ yo! No lie!!! I love the Red and Silver. As far as photography, I will say this, the manufacturing company messed the picture quality up for the CD Cover design but, the actual picture of azriELicia still shows that they are truly a beautifully-gorgeous family.

Now…Kingdom City Records solicited Top Spin productions to do the mixing and mastering. In my professional opinion TSP didn’t do a superb job on the sound quality of this record. And maybe that’s because of the Heavy East Coast production. I’ve heard better quality from TSP on more Mid-Dirty and Dirty South joints.

Mixing and Mastering are ABSOLUTELY crucial for a records enjoyment. TSP did a fair job on the mastering in the since that all the songs are of equal volume as they flow from track to track. But, as TSP probably knows as well, that is not all mastering is. Mastering effects and affects the transitions between songs as well as the digital flow from song to song. This is where I found a problem. As I was listening to “Help Wanted” all the way through for continuous play, I noticed “pops” as the cd would move from track to track. My lcd timer was also jumping and glitching as it flowed from song to song. I also noticed how the mastering had started the begging of some tracks in the wrong place. Now ladies and Gents, HAVE NO FEAR, this won’t mess up your CD, iPOD, or MP3 players. It just makes continuous play from track 1 to 13 a little annoying due to the technical quirks between songs.

As far as the mixing is concerned the first thing that disappointed me was Track 1 “Help Wanted featuring Bella.” This song was also confusing because as soon as Track 1 starts there’s some distortion of the beat. The beat and kick drum just sound so distorted and initially this doesn’t sound intentional. It’s bearable, yet noticeable. But, that’s were the confusion comes in because Azriel starts talking says “A lot of people in the Church have a ‘DISTORTED’ view of the gospel, ‘NO PUN INTENTED!’” So…I don’t know. Yet, I strongly doubt that it was intentional just because I know mixing, and how certain things should sound.

The quality of the record starts off shaky but, there’s good news! By the halfway mark things start to get better and more enjoyable.

I would have loved to hear Elicia on every track (with her “sick flow”) just because the groups name is “azriELicia.” However, in their defense Elicia was pregnant and did give birth to their beautiful baby girl, Ms. Lola Ann, in June. But, I absolutely feel she should have been on the HOTTEST joint which is Track 11 “Christology (Gimme Jesus).”

Overall if you love solid lyricism, artists who try different styles, and East Coast flavor…azriELicia’s “Help Wanted” is worth buying. This husband and wife unit simply have tooooooooo much to offer for you not to support and pick this record up. They are so qualified to be on this Holy Hip Hop platform that I’m 100% positive that their sophomore release is going to be practically flawless.

If you love East Coast Christian Rap then you will kick yourself in the butt, for not buying this album before it goes out of print. Some of the quality issues actually justify BUYING this album NOW, just because of historic value as we watch their ministry and career develop. Mark what I tell you! azriELicia have a wealth of Word, Wisdom, and WOW to offer the Holy Hip Hop culture and community…on and off stage; in or out of the booth.

For you, me, the Church, and communities worldwide to live out an UnCompromised Faith through Christ is what azriELicia and our GOD “WANTS” for us all. And to know that we have an inspiring, motivating, and accountable example in Christ through azriELicia sure “HELPS.” Put that in the WANT ads.




BUY YOUR CD or DIGITAL ALBUM: (CLICK ONLINE STORE)
http://thebus-shop.com/shop.cfm?prod=11
or
http://kingdomcityrecords.com/index2.html


Donate to DJ WanablesU Reviews:

Brinsons "Escaping Me" by DJ WanablesU

Artist: Brinson
Album: “Escaping Me”
Label: GOD Chaserz Entertainment
Link: http://www.MySpace.com/GodChaserz
Date: Aug. 5, 2008

RATING: 7.5 out of 10 C+ (due to needing more solid music production and consistently stable lyrical delivery from Brinson himself)

****THE BACK DROP****

“I’m Solar Powered, We Solar Powered, I’m Solar Powered…Powered By The Son!!!”

That’s a hard Line…LOL. Actually that’s the hook of Track 8 entitled “Solar Powered” Featuring D-M.A.U.B which is the song from CEO/Recording Artist named Brinson of GOD Chaserz Entertainment. The song is just one of the many bangers on Brinson’s 2008 Release entitled “Escaping Me.”

This album is chalked full of character and charisma. It clearly deserves nothing less than a 7.5 C+ rating.

However, I honestly can’t really give it more than that.
Brinson is an ordained minister of the precious Gospel of our KING, Christ Jesus. He has his identity in priority by recognizing that He is a Son of GOD first and above all in reference to being a minister and a rapper. That’s RAW, because as a DJ and Producer I’ve seen so many Holy Hip Hop artist that are so in love with Hip Hop that they identify with it (Hip Hop) more than they do their identity in Christ as a Son of GOD.

Proverbs 23:7 (“A” sector) says “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…,” which effects and affects our perception of our identity. If our perception of our identity is faulty then we are going to be tricked and deceived. Brinson seems to have the perception in proper focus and context. He’s full of the WORD and passionate about the BLOCK.

LeCrae has a song on his junior album entitled “The Bride” which is in reference to the Church. Brinson has a hilarious yet convicting mirror of the standards that should be upheld, valued, and respected of the Church, The Bride of Christ.

Brinson has a little twang in his voice that has a piercing distinction which is the perfect tool for his message. His flow is pretty respectable. However, Brinson doesn’t seem to “be one” with a lot of the tracks on the album. On some of the tracks his flow is spacey. Brinson’s flow would be more enjoyable if he rode the beats more. He flows and delivers his rhymes next to flawlessly on the mid to fast tracks like track 16 “Super Bad.” On the slower tracks his flow is staggerish. Yet…through all the up and downs of his delivery, Brinson manages to get his point and message across in an appreciable manner and display.

Brinson is no “Jelly Back” (if I can even say that based on his music)! He blatantly calls out the stunna, gangsta, and playa in and out of the church…Yeah I said “In.” There is a gem to value in this record and that is the gem of “Proclamation.” Brinson is Proclaiming the Lordship of JESUS so hard that there is no mistaking, wondering, or misunderstanding of what type of music and artist you’re listening to.

Watch one of his witnessing videos from his Witnessing 101 Series

“Escaping Me” The Album has an energy oozing from it as if to say Brinson is trying his darndest to be crafty, catchy, appealing, entertaining, shell shocking, brow raising, and self examining. He hits the mark. He also misses the mark a few times, too. According to Brinson, his own wife doesn’t always feel his music. So…let’s dissect Brinson’s “Escaping Me” to see if it is “Wack” or “Packed!”

****FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS****

There are 16 of 17 tracks that have solicited music production for “Escaping Me.” There are Seven music producers in all who have contributed their talents to trying to help make “Escaping Me” (The Album) a KINGDOM banger. Tony Stone pitched in with a nice “throw back” feeling track on Track 3 “Long As I Live.” Teddy P banged out a vintage sounding east coast track on Track 11 “U Want Hip Hop?” Jimmy B put in a Mexican salsa vide on Track 17 “Why I Need God.” Rik Reed blasted on the scene that salutes our GOD who created and owns the proclaimed Dirty and Holy South on Track 9 “Hear What I’m Talkin’.” Tenth Leper produced a track that sounds like it came from the Luther Vandross era on Track 2 “I can’t see my self.” Now…Brinson is not only the CEO of the label that put out “Escaping Me” (The Album) and the lead rapper thereof; he is also one of the producers with the most solicited beats (he produced 5 tracks). However, producer J. Pierre leads the pack of producers with 6 beats of music production on the album.

Brinson is not selfish with the spotlight. He’s shinning and sharing Christ’s light and platform with a total of 13 featured Artist. This is where the CEO characteristic in Brinson can really be seen. He doesn’t do a bad job picking the artist. For the most part every single featured artist carried their weight in “Fellowship Gold.” Verses poetically flows and Oppose saddles the beat on Track 10 “Remember That.” Both ReadyWriter and H.E.A.V.Y bring enigma type lyrics and delivery on Track 11 “U Want Hip Hop.” D-M.A.U.B kicked hellish booty on one of the hottest tracks on the album Track 8 “Solar Powered.” Rossi lends some Pretty and Beautiful vocals on both Track 3 “Long As I Live” and Track 6 “It’s Alright.” Pettidee and Jovan MacKenzy grittily cut up on Track 13 “Super Badd.” Ryan Horton is no studio singer with his gently applicated vocals on the title track, Track 14 “Escaping Me.” K-Nine undoubtedly sinks his teeth into both Track 9 “Here What I’m Talking” and Track 12 “What Should I Pray.” Tenth Leper has a vocal tone that commands attention has he fries Track 9 with K-Nine and Brinson on “Here What I’m Talking.” Brinson’s nephew Oatmeal gets an honorable mention for his bridge on Track 15 “Who Wanna Be Free?” JaHaziel sent sixteen bars of heavy Heavenly gold on Track 16 “Super Badd UK REMIX.”

The featured artists are spread out pretty well but, the interesting thing about all the featured artist is that their presence on the tracks seemed to challenge Brinson. On the majority of the tracks with featured artists, Brinson’s verses and delivery are simply strong.

****TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY****

As a DJ and Music consumer the tracks that really made my “doggy ears” peak up are Track 9 “Here What I’m Talking featuring K-Nine and Tenth Leper,” Track 16 “Super Bad REMIX featuring JaHaziel and ReadyWriter,” Track 12 “What Should I Pray featuring K-Nine and Jovan MacKenzy,” Track 15 “Who Wanna Be Free? featuring Oatmeal,” Track 8 “Solar Powered featuring D-M.A.U.B,” Track 13 “Super Badd featuring Pettidee and Jovan MacKenzy,” Track 6 “It’s Alright featuring Rossi.”

Out of 17 total tracks and 16 actual songs there are only 3 tracks that are weak in their appeal, delivery, and production. Unfortunately these 3 tracks are all produced by Brinson the Minister, CEO, Rapper, and Producer. 2 of the 3 are just plain unattractive and they are Tracks 4 “We Need The Savior” and Track 5 “These Are Things.”

Track 4 “We Need The Savior” seems to have madd potential but, it has mechanical glitches and it drags. It sounds like it’s not quantized. This beat has truly hampered Brinson’s flow because his flow is staggerish like his trying to catch up with the beat. This song just is a disappointment because the concept is really good but, Brinson unfortunately wasn’t able to connect the dots and execute this one to the fullest. Track 5 “These Are Things” suffers from the same symptoms and these two tracks are back to back. So close yet so far away.


The 3rd track that I aforementioned is Track 10 “Remember That.” Track 10 “Remember That” has a raw idea to take us down memory lane yet the beat just isn’t that appealing.

Now…The quality is pretty descent. The mixing is and mastering bring this album up to par. The are a few misses in this department…for instance Track 12 “What Should I Pray featuring K-Nine and Jovan MacKenzy,” has vocals that are too loud. They aren’t loud to the point of uncomfortable listening but, they are louder than the beat which is can just annoying. The Beats Bang; The rhymes have distinction and audibility; and the arrangement keeps things interesting.

As I stated earlier “Escaping Me” (The Album) has a lot of Charisma and Character. Brinson can flow. He comes across seemingly with ease and comfortability on faster tracks. On slow tracks Brinson seems to struggle with riding the beat. Brinson is witty. He is convincing. He is convicting. He is Charismatic. Brinson does a great job of switching up his vocal delivery on a lot of songs.
This album has Great Concepts; Great Composition; Fairly appealing lyrical Delivery by Brinson; and Honorable music production.

When I worked for one of the largest record store chains in the Mid West, cats who just loved music would take risk and buy recording artist they never heard of. They did this to keep their playlist fresh, variable, and most of all interesting. They had all of the more mainstream, highlighted, spotlighted, celebrated, or popular artist but, they would frequently take a chance on a recording artist, group, or duo that may have been under UNDERGROUND.

In my professional critique Brinson’s “Escaping Me” is worth checking out. Is the Best Holy Hip Hop or Christian Rap record ever to grace Cyber Space or a Record store’s shelf…maybe or maybe NOT.

But, one thing I can say is that you’re going to get 1000% Brinson. You are not going to get Brinson trying to be Stephen the Levite, Dillon Chase, FLAME, Bobby Bishop, or Tonic. You’re going to get truth. You’re going to be pleasantly and unpleasantly surprised. Take the risk for your playlist sake because although this album isn’t totally PACKED it also isn’t totally WACK.

It’s PACKED enough to where you won’t be contacting iTUNES, Bus-Shop, or 3Hmp3 for a refund. They wouldn’t give it to you anyway but, I’m just sayin’…

What’s really valuable though, is you’re going to get an artist who isn’t scared to risk “Escaping His Self.”

BUY YOUR CD or DIGITAL ALBUM: (CLICK)

http://thebus-shop.com/shop.cfm?prod=452

If you found this review Helpful

we welcome you to

Donate to DJ WanablesU Reviews:

.