Artist: Band Of Brothas
Album: "believe"
Label: Christ Like Records
Link: http://www.myspace.com/bandOfbrothas
Date: November 2008
RATING: 9.0 out of 10 A
(due to needing more worship to balance out the album)
***THE BACK DROP***
Braille, Dillon Chase, Believin Stephen, Bobby Bishop, KJ-52, Sketch The Journalist, Tre 9, RapZilla, and Doc Watson all have a commonality.
To add to the fold is Band of Brothas (Gabriel and Jentile) from St. Louis, Missouri.
These guys have been around for some years. NOW…they’ve officially dropped their debut album “believe.” And it’s been well worth the wait.
Due to their hue and spiritual up bringing Band Of Brothas have been through back-biting, concision, doubt, lack of support, confusion, accusations, discouragement, and misunderstanding. Just as their secular artist comparisons have.
Around the same time that fellow St. Louisan Christian Rapper FLAME had released his self-titled debut album, Jentile had released a solo debut album in 2004. Between 2004 and 2006 Jentile met, fellowshipped, and united with Gabriel. At that point B.O.B was born but, from 2006 to present they were pretty much unseen and unheard.
After a couple of years in silence, in 2007 Band Of Brothas made an “head-turning” appearance on Wide Range Music recording artist MikeREAL’s debut album “The Solid Foundation LP” on Track 11 “Fight.”
It would seem as though Band of Brothas were on the back of the desert just grinding on their knees in prayer, scripture-digging, and sharpening their craft. In the earlier stages of Jentile’s career he rapped off of beat something terrible.
Now…resurfacing with their OFFICIAL debut album, these boys are coming with a forth with a BAAAAAANNNNNNGGGGG! “believe” the album is simply killing the expectations of the introduced and presented public.
Released on Christ-Like Records, “believe” is packed with 14 saturated tracks. Saturated with what…you ask? These tracks are saturated with Charisma, Style, Contrast, Character, Substance, Spark, Flare, and Music Production that holds its own.
Punch lines, similes, 16-8-32 bars, metaphors, and sound scripture flow from the lips of both Jentile and Gabe.
Gabriel has a vocal texture that SOMETIMES puts you in the mind of Eminem. He sometimes sounds like Eminem. He doesn’t rap like Eminem. There is a Difference.
Jentile has a groggily vocal texture that amplifies his passionate and emotional rhyme schemes.
Band Of Brothas are practically masters of the give-and-go flow style. They complement each other very well. Gabriel can seemingly rap a full sixteen bars without missing a beat or taking a single breath. Jentile has a way of slowing his flow down and gripping you with his vivid microphone aggression. Both are very good at getting you to SEE what their SAYING.
So, lets see how this SEEMINGLY “no-name” unit got an “A” rating without featuring prominent known conrads in HHH artist like Thi’SL, JSon, LeCrae or producers like G-Styles, Tony Stone, or So Hot Productions.
***FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS***
Being a professional Christian Music DJ, Producer, and Journalist it’s always great to be introduced to new talent and personalities in R&P, Christian Rap, and HHH. Having said that I get a couple of treats on Band Of Brothas “believe” album. To be fairly new to the public market place as it pertains to professionally released albums, all of the featured artist on “believe” peak your interest as to keeping up with their careers.
Melinda Maylee does an honorable job at lending some simply silky vocals on the hook of Track 4 “Where Do We Go.” On Track 11 “How Many Times” Devin Thacker brings a little diversity with the vocals reminiscent of New Kids On The Block. Rachael Elizabeth sang like Captain Hook had her walking the plank and the only way to be let back on the boat was to “sing” like her life depended on it, on Track 10 “Prisoner.”
As far as featured rappers are concerned Rio aka Kuntry Boyy lends two separate BLAZING 16 bars on Track 3 “Eye Gate Hustle” and Track 5 “Ayo.” To quote a line from Rio on Ayo he says “HE’s the potter and we’re in the Makin’ / You want to be an Idol that’s why your Clay be Achin’” That one made me drop my jaw.
The only other featured rapper goes by name of Yungen who lent his impressive flow on Track 6 “The Life.” Keep Yungen and Band Of Brothas in prayer because it has been reported that after over 5 years of discipleship by Band Of Brothas pouring Christ and Scripture into the once stable Yungen, Yungen has recently reverted back to an antichrist way. Please don’t let this damper your view of Band Of Brothas nor this release because it has been reported that this issue with Yungen was an after the fact and they desire your prayers that Yungen will return to the way of life that Glorifies Christ in WORD and DEED.
The music production on “believe” is all over the place in an orderly method…if that makes sense. They literally have music production that the East, MidWest, South, and West will gravitate toward. I found that to be pretty impressive for some MidWest artist that could have easily strictly catered to a dirty and mid-dirty south audience. Producer Vic lend production that leans more toward the west coast on Tracks 2 “Watch Out,” Track 4 “Where Do We Go,” and Track 6 “The Life.” Jentile sits in the producer seat to produce the album’s intro and a track that puts you in the mind of the 1988 sound track theme of the movie “COLORS” on Track 8 “Hold On.” Jentile puts a whole other spin on this track so biting doesn’t even seem to be an intention. John Burton Taylor II produces a beat that caters to the BOOM BAP of the East Coast but, the B.O.B put a mid dirty spin on Track 7 “Jesus Is The Light.” James Simms produces a beat that the East Coast can feel as well on Track 14 “One Love.”
Rio is not only a rapper he is a drummer turned HHH producer who goes by the name Kuntry Boyy. Recently signed to Christ Like Records, Rio does the bulk of the music production on “believe.” As Kuntry Boyy, Rio manages to help “believe” stand as a solid contender as a MUST HAVE in your HHH collection. Rio’s production is just that strong, consistent, and versatile. As a fellow producer I couldn’t HATE if I tried.
***TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY***
Tracks will immediately grab you are Track 13 “Endangered Species,” Track 7 “Jesus Is The Light,” Track 3 “Eye Gate Hustle,” Track 10 “Prisoner,” Track 6 “The Life,” Track 14 “One Love,” and Track 12 “Stand.”
I was very impressed with Band Of Brothas’ ability to ride the beats, make me laugh, drop my jaw, turn my head, be in shock, and bob my head. They flawlessly convince you that they are a UNIT not two separate artist who formed a duo. And over all, I was very dumbfounded by their capability to switch their styles up from stagger, tongue twist, ride, and staccato.
The arrangement of the songs makes for an interesting listening experience with “believe!” You don’t get bored when listening to this album.
I do wish that the album had a few songs more songs of worship. By worship, I don’t mean tempo…I mean content! How can you “believe” or convey belief without it? Honestly!
The mix was done by Da Myksta and he did a fabulous job. The vocals and production are very well accented and blended. Jimmy Gunn did the mastering of “believe” and I’ve heard some albums that he’s mastered before. It’s been hit and misses for most of the albums I’ve heard mastered by him. But, Jimmy did a darn good job with “believe.” Jimmy has helped “believe” sound crisp, warm, and embody a whole lot of PUNCH. To be plain and simple the sonic quality of “believe” (the album) is really darn good.
Packaging embodying “believe” is dynamic. The photography is amazing. Ricky Brewer does a great job of not making Band Of Brothas look like members of the Arien Brotherhood (even though Gabe is Bald…LOL). I suggest a smaller font for the credits and more photographs of the Jentile and Gabe if they are going to go with an insert of 4 pages or more for future releases.
The Band Of Brothas Official debut album will inspire and challenge you to diligently seek Christ; to forgive your friends and family; to love without pretense; to study the scriptures; and experience all that Father GOD has for his creation.
Even though I personally know Band Of Brothas I would have “busted their heads” with this album review If I felt that they put out a sub par release. But, they didn’t! I can not deny that this is record reinforce my belief. It reinforced me to believe in the following...
• Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
• 1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
• Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
On the last track, Band Of Brothas give a very accurate, compassionate, sober, detailed, yet concise, and powerful delivery of the Gospel.
Braille, Dillon Chase, Believin Stephen, Bobby Bishop, KJ-52, Sketch The Journalist, Tre 9, RapZilla, and Doc Watson all have a commonality.
To add to the fold is Band of Brothas (Gabriel and Jentile) from St. Louis, Missouri.
These guys have been around for some years. NOW…they’ve officially dropped their debut album “believe.” And it’s been well worth the wait.
Due to their hue and spiritual up bringing Band Of Brothas have been through back-biting, concision, doubt, lack of support, confusion, accusations, discouragement, and misunderstanding. Just as their secular artist comparisons have.
Around the same time that fellow St. Louisan Christian Rapper FLAME had released his self-titled debut album, Jentile had released a solo debut album in 2004. Between 2004 and 2006 Jentile met, fellowshipped, and united with Gabriel. At that point B.O.B was born but, from 2006 to present they were pretty much unseen and unheard.
After a couple of years in silence, in 2007 Band Of Brothas made an “head-turning” appearance on Wide Range Music recording artist MikeREAL’s debut album “The Solid Foundation LP” on Track 11 “Fight.”
It would seem as though Band of Brothas were on the back of the desert just grinding on their knees in prayer, scripture-digging, and sharpening their craft. In the earlier stages of Jentile’s career he rapped off of beat something terrible.
Now…resurfacing with their OFFICIAL debut album, these boys are coming with a forth with a BAAAAAANNNNNNGGGGG! “believe” the album is simply killing the expectations of the introduced and presented public.
Released on Christ-Like Records, “believe” is packed with 14 saturated tracks. Saturated with what…you ask? These tracks are saturated with Charisma, Style, Contrast, Character, Substance, Spark, Flare, and Music Production that holds its own.
Punch lines, similes, 16-8-32 bars, metaphors, and sound scripture flow from the lips of both Jentile and Gabe.
Gabriel has a vocal texture that SOMETIMES puts you in the mind of Eminem. He sometimes sounds like Eminem. He doesn’t rap like Eminem. There is a Difference.
Jentile has a groggily vocal texture that amplifies his passionate and emotional rhyme schemes.
Band Of Brothas are practically masters of the give-and-go flow style. They complement each other very well. Gabriel can seemingly rap a full sixteen bars without missing a beat or taking a single breath. Jentile has a way of slowing his flow down and gripping you with his vivid microphone aggression. Both are very good at getting you to SEE what their SAYING.
So, lets see how this SEEMINGLY “no-name” unit got an “A” rating without featuring prominent known conrads in HHH artist like Thi’SL, JSon, LeCrae or producers like G-Styles, Tony Stone, or So Hot Productions.
***FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS***
Being a professional Christian Music DJ, Producer, and Journalist it’s always great to be introduced to new talent and personalities in R&P, Christian Rap, and HHH. Having said that I get a couple of treats on Band Of Brothas “believe” album. To be fairly new to the public market place as it pertains to professionally released albums, all of the featured artist on “believe” peak your interest as to keeping up with their careers.
Melinda Maylee does an honorable job at lending some simply silky vocals on the hook of Track 4 “Where Do We Go.” On Track 11 “How Many Times” Devin Thacker brings a little diversity with the vocals reminiscent of New Kids On The Block. Rachael Elizabeth sang like Captain Hook had her walking the plank and the only way to be let back on the boat was to “sing” like her life depended on it, on Track 10 “Prisoner.”
As far as featured rappers are concerned Rio aka Kuntry Boyy lends two separate BLAZING 16 bars on Track 3 “Eye Gate Hustle” and Track 5 “Ayo.” To quote a line from Rio on Ayo he says “HE’s the potter and we’re in the Makin’ / You want to be an Idol that’s why your Clay be Achin’” That one made me drop my jaw.
The only other featured rapper goes by name of Yungen who lent his impressive flow on Track 6 “The Life.” Keep Yungen and Band Of Brothas in prayer because it has been reported that after over 5 years of discipleship by Band Of Brothas pouring Christ and Scripture into the once stable Yungen, Yungen has recently reverted back to an antichrist way. Please don’t let this damper your view of Band Of Brothas nor this release because it has been reported that this issue with Yungen was an after the fact and they desire your prayers that Yungen will return to the way of life that Glorifies Christ in WORD and DEED.
The music production on “believe” is all over the place in an orderly method…if that makes sense. They literally have music production that the East, MidWest, South, and West will gravitate toward. I found that to be pretty impressive for some MidWest artist that could have easily strictly catered to a dirty and mid-dirty south audience. Producer Vic lend production that leans more toward the west coast on Tracks 2 “Watch Out,” Track 4 “Where Do We Go,” and Track 6 “The Life.” Jentile sits in the producer seat to produce the album’s intro and a track that puts you in the mind of the 1988 sound track theme of the movie “COLORS” on Track 8 “Hold On.” Jentile puts a whole other spin on this track so biting doesn’t even seem to be an intention. John Burton Taylor II produces a beat that caters to the BOOM BAP of the East Coast but, the B.O.B put a mid dirty spin on Track 7 “Jesus Is The Light.” James Simms produces a beat that the East Coast can feel as well on Track 14 “One Love.”
Rio is not only a rapper he is a drummer turned HHH producer who goes by the name Kuntry Boyy. Recently signed to Christ Like Records, Rio does the bulk of the music production on “believe.” As Kuntry Boyy, Rio manages to help “believe” stand as a solid contender as a MUST HAVE in your HHH collection. Rio’s production is just that strong, consistent, and versatile. As a fellow producer I couldn’t HATE if I tried.
***TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY***
Tracks will immediately grab you are Track 13 “Endangered Species,” Track 7 “Jesus Is The Light,” Track 3 “Eye Gate Hustle,” Track 10 “Prisoner,” Track 6 “The Life,” Track 14 “One Love,” and Track 12 “Stand.”
I was very impressed with Band Of Brothas’ ability to ride the beats, make me laugh, drop my jaw, turn my head, be in shock, and bob my head. They flawlessly convince you that they are a UNIT not two separate artist who formed a duo. And over all, I was very dumbfounded by their capability to switch their styles up from stagger, tongue twist, ride, and staccato.
The arrangement of the songs makes for an interesting listening experience with “believe!” You don’t get bored when listening to this album.
I do wish that the album had a few songs more songs of worship. By worship, I don’t mean tempo…I mean content! How can you “believe” or convey belief without it? Honestly!
The mix was done by Da Myksta and he did a fabulous job. The vocals and production are very well accented and blended. Jimmy Gunn did the mastering of “believe” and I’ve heard some albums that he’s mastered before. It’s been hit and misses for most of the albums I’ve heard mastered by him. But, Jimmy did a darn good job with “believe.” Jimmy has helped “believe” sound crisp, warm, and embody a whole lot of PUNCH. To be plain and simple the sonic quality of “believe” (the album) is really darn good.
Packaging embodying “believe” is dynamic. The photography is amazing. Ricky Brewer does a great job of not making Band Of Brothas look like members of the Arien Brotherhood (even though Gabe is Bald…LOL). I suggest a smaller font for the credits and more photographs of the Jentile and Gabe if they are going to go with an insert of 4 pages or more for future releases.
The Band Of Brothas Official debut album will inspire and challenge you to diligently seek Christ; to forgive your friends and family; to love without pretense; to study the scriptures; and experience all that Father GOD has for his creation.
Even though I personally know Band Of Brothas I would have “busted their heads” with this album review If I felt that they put out a sub par release. But, they didn’t! I can not deny that this is record reinforce my belief. It reinforced me to believe in the following...
• Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
• 1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
• Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
On the last track, Band Of Brothas give a very accurate, compassionate, sober, detailed, yet concise, and powerful delivery of the Gospel.
Although Band Of Brotha's hue is a minority in the majority of HHH, after you've been introduced to this album "believe" you have to give this album an HONORABLE MENTION when you talk about bangin contributions to HHH/Christian Rap that have come out of the MidWest (particularly St. Louis, MO)!!!
I guarantee that you will be satisfied when you purchase this album.
If you aren’t…then be the first person to email me at djwreviews @ gmail.com with a copy of the receipt of your purchase of the “believe” album and I will personally refund the total amount of one “believe” album (CD or Digital) purchase or $10 (which ever is greater this doesn’t include Singles or individual song downloads).
Band Of Brothas are humbly offering their Time, Treasure, and Talent in this life before the KING. If this remains to be seen…WELL...FRUIT, signs, and wonders follow them that “believe.”
I guarantee that you will be satisfied when you purchase this album.
If you aren’t…then be the first person to email me at djwreviews @ gmail.com with a copy of the receipt of your purchase of the “believe” album and I will personally refund the total amount of one “believe” album (CD or Digital) purchase or $10 (which ever is greater this doesn’t include Singles or individual song downloads).
Band Of Brothas are humbly offering their Time, Treasure, and Talent in this life before the KING. If this remains to be seen…WELL...FRUIT, signs, and wonders follow them that “believe.”
I must say, thus far, they've made a "believer" out of me.
BUY THIS ALBUM NOW: CLICK HERE
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