Pre-Release Thoughts on Shai Linne's 'The Attributes of God'

Shai Linne has to be credited as being the one who brought me back to Christian Hip Hop. As you might know he's due to drop an album called 'The Attributes of God' which is based largely on the book of the same name by A.W. Pink (click the link to read a PDF version).

In preparation for the album, and also because the book has been on my list of Christian classics to read, I've begun reading A.W. Pink's book. It's short and incredibly easy to read whilst being packed full of Biblical truths about our God which are all firmly rooted in scripture.

One thing I noted in the preface to the book is this quote:

"If the reader is to truly profit from his perusal of the pages that follow, he needs to definitely and earnestly beseech God to bless them to him, to apply His Truth to the conscience and the heart, so that his life will be transformed thereby."

I hope that I, and all other listeners of Shai Linne's LP will have this approach to both the book and the music. It's actually a scary thing to be praying for - that we would be changed, change that will be and should be uncomfortable as we dethrone self and put God in His rightful place. Having said this, the preface to the book also reminds us from Job to:

"Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee."

So, the more we know God, the more we will be at peace although that time of refining may be uncomfortable as Psalm 66:10-12 reminds us:

"For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance."

Shai Linne has written some interesting posts relating to the release of the album over on his own blog (www.lyricaltheology.blogspot.com), one being his post entitled 'Why Do An Album on God's Attributes'.

For a taster of the album, which is released on 1st November 2011, check out these videos:

To order a copy go to the Lampmode Records Store.

'Stranger 2 Stranger' ft. Mac The Doulos - Evangel

It's been on my listen list a while now (it being a Lampmode release and all) and I finally got round to beginning to check Evangel's 'Expository Journey'. The first track proper is a duet with Mac The Doulos called 'Stranger 2 Stranger'.

If you're the type who learns from rap lyrics, and indeed learns rap lyrics by heart, then this track could really help you in situations where you're sharing the gospel. The unbeliever in the track throws up the most common objections to Christianity and the believer tackles each one graciously and succinctly - kinda like an easy-to-remember rap catechism!

Props to whoever uploaded this to Youtube with all the lyrics.

PRo and Odd Thomas - Two New Reviews

Have a couple more reviews for y'all to peruse:

First is PRo's 'Dying To Live' on Reach Records, which to be honest, was kinda the last Reach Records-ish release that I could listen to, having only recently reviewed both of Lecrae's latest releases. Because of this, it's possible that I reviewed unfairly but really 'Dying To Live' is very similar to other Reach releases - which is good, if you like that sort of thing. I must say though that their Gospel message is consistent and challenging and this is of utmost importance - they'll be reaching the folk who they intend to reach by continuing the way they are going.

Second is Odd Thomas' 'The Divine Use of Animosity and Ridicule' which I really enjoyed - much more my thing. OK, so Odd Thomas isn't exactly prolific with releases but that doesn't matter too much to me - at least I don't have to keep splashing out to keep up with him (even though this release is free as it's a Humble Beast jobbie). Want to hear some brave and bold emceeing? Then check this one out.

'The Rock Is Steady' - Theory Hazit (album review)

Just this: Theory Hazit 'The Rock Is Steady' review over at Sphere of Hip Hop.

Loved this release, as you may be able to tell from the review, and you should too (you being no-one because no-one reads this blog!).

Have also submitted reviews of PRo's 'Dying To Live', Lecrae's 'Hallelujah' single and Odd Thomas's 'The Divine Use of Animosity and Ridicule'.

I've also been listening a lot to Macho's 'Remember' which has prompted me to go back again to New Breed's 'Stop The Music' and Tunnel Rats' 'Tunnel Vision'. Also on deck has been 'One' by The Battery (ex-Tunnel Rats Jurny Big and Peace 586). I've also been listening to Wit and Dre Murray's 'Hell's Paradise Part 2' EPs - very good stuff.