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.

'Jerus & Gentiles' - Knew Jeru'slum (album review)

Here's a review I did a while back now of an LP from the UK:

Rowdy and militant – that’s how I’d describe ‘Jerus and Gentiles’. Now you must understand; I use both words with all possible positivity. Knew Jeru’slum’s debut LP disturbs the peace with its no-nonsense approach to Hip Hop although it’s not all heavy fire.

‘Intro’ featuring cuts from First Word’s Andy H, ‘Thirty Twos’ and lead single ‘Non-Apologetix featuring US MC Manchild are pure aural assault with the album’s three producers Eliphino, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Brutal Artistry each taking their turn to match the MCs’ impassioned rhymes. ‘Dreamcatchers’ featuring JND (as heard on Certified Banger’s ‘On The Radar’ series) and ‘Kaleidoscopic’, whilst remaining equally as heavy, provide a slower tempo and a rest in the trenches before ‘Speakwise’ explodes into the ear canal with renewed fervour.

Label mate Chief Wigz must have influenced ‘Move Mountains’ featuring Larbi; the interplay between Jonny Alpha and Watson G on the chorus makes for one of the most memorable tracks on the album. Another US MC, Pigeon John, joins the ranks for the summery ‘Hibernation’ on which Belinda’s vocals are showcased beautifully. ‘Aircon’ does what it says on the tin – provides a breather and a chillout moment which is backed up by the serious message and the laid back vibe of ‘One Foot In The World’.

‘Plan To Prosper’ brings the funk and the juxtaposition of the haunting background vocals with the MCs frenzied words is fairly close to surreal, and that’s before it ascends into Drum and Bass chaos. Narykcin provides a heartfelt chorus on ‘Penitent Man’ and if you hadn’t caught onto the fact that this album is inspired by the Christian faith of its proprietors by this point then this will track will point you in that direction, causing you to re-think everything you’ve heard so far.

‘Memoirs’ serves as a decoy before ‘Bobby Legion’ devastates the situation; the track, featuring singer Stevie Heath’, has the most mass appeal because of its chorus which is insane considering the earth-shattering hardcore-ness of its Hip Hop beat – definitely the album’s atomic charge, talk about saving the best ‘til last! In fact, it’s not the last; ‘Hunger’ featuring Rini of Sons of Light and Ragga artist Wizkid bring the final frontier of variety as old school Hip Hop, R’n’B and Dancehall rub shoulders making for a crowd-pleasing product.

You can download this now for £2.50 by going to Bandcamp (http://knew-jeruslum.bandcamp.com/album/jerus-gentiles) and typing 'halfprice' into the discount code box. Not sure what that will work out as in dollars but it won't be much and paypal does all the money changing malarky for you. Do it.

'Persuaded' ft. R-Swift - Macho

Macho, of New Breed (one of my favourite Christian Hip Hop groups) and Tunnel Rats, is preparing to drop a new album entitled 'Remember'. He's already dropped a few tracks which you can listen to at his Bandcamp page.

'Persuaded' sees Macho lays bare his life and faith in Christ without being cryptic about it: "...Y'all ain't gotta convince me that Christ is king, the reason death lost its sting, Jesus is more than magnificent, the antithesis to the curse that we've been smitten with... I'm recommending repentance to any and all who'll listen...".

'Persuaded' features R-Swift and his lyrics "It ain't easy; the path of a believer, but the grass ain't greener on the other side either" also really caught my ear on this track. I just liked that reminder that even when life as a Christian gets tough, it's immeasurably better than life without Christ. In fact, clever as it is, this lyrics is a bit of an understatement!

'The New Raw' ft. DJ Rob Swift - Braille // Matthew 25:14-30

Those reading this will already know that Braille Brizzy, the Christian rapper with the most secular fans (not official, just probable), very recently dropped his seventh album 'Native Lungs'. He dropped it for free on his Humble Beast label and you can go get it now.

Several tracks on 'Native Lungs' stand out to me - 'Native Lungs' for its production, '48 Prisons' for both its Xperiment production and the lyrics and content and also a track called 'The New Raw' which features Rob Swift on the cuts and Ohmega Watts on the beat.

With lyrics like "...and keep it raw 'til I hear 'Well Done'" and "Well done is the new raw" it's clear to any believer who knows a little scripture what Braille is referring to. Matthew 25:14-30, where the quote "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'" comes from is about what we do with what God has given us. Those who use their gifts wisely will hear a 'Well done' from God, and will be given more. Braille's play on words and Hip Hop culture references are clever and his message and desire is serious - the prayer of a Christian hoping that what they do in life is God's work.

I noted with interest that this isn't the first time Braille has referenced these verses. At the end of 'Surgical' from 'Weapon Aid' (also free from Humble Beast) he raps "Who I am is a man; a husband, a father, a son, striving to here 'Well Done' in all of the above, 'cause I only got one life".

Well, as well as inspiring me to actually pay money to have a CD version of a free download release shipped to the UK, 'Native Lungs' has re-inspired me to ensure that the way I use God's gifts and blessings are worthy of the giver of those gifts. Pray that this would be the case in your life too.