Get ready, get ready, get ready and brace yourself, for one of the most anticipated albums of the year is here. That's right folk, I don't know about you but I've been waiting for the follow up to Kingdom People since its release in 2006. Released by Reach Records, Kingdom people was the debut project of one their triple H (Holy Hip-Hop) artist Tedashii who also goes by the name T-Dot. With the consistent releases of solid albums by Reach's Lecrea Moore, Trip Lee, and Sho Baraka its no wonder that so many were awaiting the arrival of Tedashii's sophomore project entitled Identity Crisis. Identity Crisis being the tittle of the project doubles as the main theme as well. Its pretty self explanatory but this is a review so let's get down to it. The project revolves around how sin and the epidemic of believers loosing the purpose of their life, that is so graciously given to us by God. Each song points to particular areas in life that can decrease our desire of serving a just and Holy God by placing our thoughts and efforts on secular and in most cases meaningless things. As a result of this our focus is mislead causing us to put aside or abandon our true purpose, which is to worship and glorify God. Now to some who are ignorant to this, it may be more of a problem because it's up to people that are educated in these principles to teach them. Because we are all susceptible to the same distractions and temptations, this problem multiplies itself because fewer and fewer are being taught who they are. This as a result builds a community of people who don't know their identity, and the cycle continues as many follow the example of the majority. Knowing who you are effects many aspects of life, for instance. How you think of yourself, and your behavior. Just as knowing your identity is important, knowing your purpose is equally as important. Which leaves the question of how better to find the answers to these questions than by knowing and inquiring of your creator.
Now let's get into the music. If you know Tedashii's sound you already know that his music is very moving and that he spits his verses with power and authority in other words, Tedashii's music is filled with energy and invigorates the listener. I see this project as a wake up call to all to refocus our efforts on what the Lord has set before us in his word. It's uncommon to speak of vocal range when talking about rappers but Tedashii really puts it on display in Identity Crisis by speaking in various tones, and even whispering on some tracks. His range in lyrical style is equally as diverse, on one song he'll spit fast transferring energy to the listener with an elevated voice, in this case you may need to listen through a couple of times to get every detail in the song , and on others you can't help but feel the gravity of lyrical content by his use of a slow and calmer voice. Either way I'm sure you'll have Identity Crisis in heavy rotation in your players for quite some time. The production in Identity Crisis is of top notch quality as is with all of Reach Records products. Tedashii helps us to take deeper looks at ourselves by painting lyrical pictures of his own experiences. In doing so he it's encouraging to the listener as it reminds them of the measure of God's love. The intro track is a high energy banger that places you in the mood and feel of the tracks to come, it sets it all up by stating that sin entered in and changed the fate of man kind and how striving to reflect the image of God, you can make it. I Work the second track covers how we can equate the command to love one another to trying to please people. Tedashii states that he's found it impossible to please people all the time and that he's now working and directing his efforts and energy towards the father. 26s, the first single off Identity Crisis features Lecrae as well as a sample from the song The King off the After The Music Stops Project for the hook. This focuses on how nice ( pimped out ) cars with big expensive chrome wheels are glorified in hip-hop culture. This culture as a result of its powerful impact on the world and its youth lead many astray in pursuit of acquiring these things. Hollywood featuring Rozie Turnner on the hook uses movie titles to describe how what Hollywood deems to be true has an influence on how some people live their lives. The next track Identity pt. 1 WE Fall takes us back to the start of it all with the story of Adam and Eve. This track paints a graphic picture of the events that led up to the fall of man and how sin made its way onto the scene of history. Make War which features HHH artist Flame of Cross Movement records, puts emphasis on spiritual warfare and how we shouldn't wait for sin situations to come upon us to act, but to wage war on sin because we are constantly under attack on all sides. Both Tedashii and Flame tie in the fact that we have power and victory in Christ through what he did on the cross and how strengthening ourselves in his word and a relationship with him we can resist the temptations we struggle with. Gotta Believe features Diamone another familiar voice common to Holy hip-hop. This song points out situations and struggles in life that lead to frustration, confusion, and may make it difficult for some to even consider turning to Christ for peace and rest while being witnessed to. But besides pointing out these obstacles Tedashii places us in their shoes speaking from their vantage point. Track 9 Identity pt. 2 Adoption featuring Rick Trotter is the story of a fatherless child for whom God orchestrates a series of events to redeem to himself. Its quite intriguing and powerful to piece together how the Lord places things in our lives to lead or push us back to him. The next track I'm a Believer states just that, it features Tedashii's fellow reach records artist Trip Lee. In this song they declare that they're believers and why. Then they also highlight and reiterate why everyone should believe on the Lord Jesus. The next track titled I'm Fresh speaks on being fresh, but not in the sense of having tight gear or material things but in the sense of being brand new and born again through the work of Jesus on the cross. Thank You is an up beat track that features military style snare drums that make the hook more of an anthem and gives the track a cadence like feel. If I may I'd like to say that even though I'm usually more of a crunk head this is one of my top picks of Identity Crisis. This song lists the things the Lord has done for not only Tedashii but for all of us. It also brings forth the changes that Tedashii has undergone as a result of having a relationship with Christ. But after all of that the main point of the song is to give thanks and show appreciation to the Lord for all he's done. All I need featuring Chris Davis is another favorite of mine. I particularly like the bounce in the beat with the piano keys and the guitar picking. In this song you can really feel the sincerity in Tedashii's voice as I mentioned earlier he has a very powerful voice regardless of how loud of a voice he uses. This track shows the love of Christ and how when everyone else abandons and laughs at us for our decision to follow Christ, He is and will always be there for us even when we fall. Identity 3 features Rick Trotter and has sort of a jazzy feel to it. It has a really deep bass and lush piano, soft strings, and punchy kick drum with layered hand claps. The song plays on the many things associated with church that don't make up the church. Tedashii beautifully gives a brief description of what the church should be and its purpose is according to the word of God. The last track is one that I'll leave alone, cuz if you guys are like me I hate to come to the end of a great CD. Identity crisis is very well rounded. In it, there are various styles of music that'll keep you asking what's next. Identity Crisis features a variety of guest artist, awesome production and overall is just a great album as well as a great investment in anyone's life. From D.J Sizzle and the Hipe Hope staff we would like to congratulate Tedashii, Ben Washer, Lecrea and the staff at Reach Records for a job well done.
Tedashii's sophomore album Identity Crisis is a great buy in stores and online so get your copy today. Identity Crisis gets five of five hype hope headphones for enlightening and encouraging lyrical and spiritual content, incredible delivery, and supa tight production.
Tedashii - I Work
Tedashii MySpace
© Hipe Hope Urban Gospel
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Album Review :: Tedashii :: Identity Crisis
Teaser trailer for Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself.
Based on the first of Perry's plays to feature his Madea character, film follows what happens when Perry's iconic Madea character discovers a 16-year-old girl (Hope Wilson) and her brothers looting her home and sends them to live with their Aunt April (Taraji P. Henson), a hard-drinking nightclub singer.
Knight will play Wilma, a kind of matriarch of the neighborhood and singer at Marshall Baptist Church, where Madea (Perry) also circulates.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Video Pop Off :: Young Joshua :: It's Cold
Young Joshua "It's Cold" from 317 MEDIA on Vimeo.
Debut music video for Christian Rap Artist, Young Joshua, "It's Cold"
Featuring:
Christina Faith
Antoine Mason
Elvin Shahbazian (Witness of the Frontlynaz)
Joshua Vann
Directed by Harry W. Pendleton, Jr for 317 MEDIA
http://www.317media.com
http://www.myspace.com/youngjoshua86
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Spotlight :: Sylvester Burks
Sylvester Burks started playing the piano at the tender age of 10 years old. He began teaching himself and by the time he was 12 he played for a church, by the time he was 18 he was asked to travel with the late Rev. James Cleveland but at his mother's request, he decided to further his education, studying to be a court stenographer and began preparing to work for the court system. Soon after Grammy award singer Tramaine Hawkins contacted him to go on a major tour in which he accepted. His first tour was an East coast tour to such cities as Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York and Bermuda. While in New York he played at the famed Apollo Theatre and Lincoln Center and was taped on the BET network. He also participated in a worldwide music video on A&M Records with Ms. Hawkins that was aired on the Grammy Awards show. After this tour ended his work was solicited by numerous major artists such as Patti Labelle, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McKlurkin, Shirley Caesar, BeBe Winans, Ed and Walter Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Daryl Coley, Beverly Crawford just to name a few. In all Sylvester has worked with 10 Grammy artists. He has also worked with some great and renowned Ministers such as the late Bishop G.E. Patterson, Bishop Charles Blake, Bishop Darrell Hines, Apostle Richard Henton and Bishop Noel Jones to name a few. Sylvester has also done work in the mainstream industry also. He was the musical director for the wedding of T.V. sitcom star Courtney Cox of the show '' Friends ''. He has had numerous offers from secular artists such as Prince and Frankie Beverly and Maze but decided to stay true to with his Gospel roots. Currently he is concentrating on his series of instructional keyboard videos that's doing very well nationally and internationally as well as receiving over 116,000 downloads and inquiries on the internet. He has also been busy as a songwriter along with his writing partner Mr. Skyler Jett who has receiving a Grammy for the movie Titanic and worked on many other movies such as The Body Guard, James Bond 007 etc.... God has truly blessed the life of Sylvester Burks but through it all Sylvester believes in the power of humility because without God's grace and mercy we would be nothing.
Encouraging music in times where much encouragement is needed this song hits home and is right on time for all of us whether you're going through or coming out, this inspirational track reminds and points us to the source of our ever present help. Although the music is on point and well put together the emotion in the voices of the song shine through clear as day. "Til Morning Comes is powerful and beautifully produced" says D.J Sizzle. We at Hipe Hope are looking forward to see whats to come for Sylvester Burks.
Till Morning Comes - Sylvester Burks featuring Derick Hughes and Ashling Cole
Sylvester Burks MySpace
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Video Pop Off :: Marvin Winans Jr. :: You Never let Me Down
Video stars his wife Monique Winans and was directed by Joel Kapity.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Album Review :: Lisa McClendon :: Reality
Welcome readers you already know who it is and what time it is but if your a first time visitor, I'll give you a proper introduction. I go by the name D.J Sizzle of Hipe Hope Urban Gospel and this is another hipe hope music review. Today we're going to get into the new project from the soul sister herself Lisa McClendon. I can remember a while back hearing Lisa's voice lacing background vocals on various holy hip-hop tracks. I can also remember becoming an instant fan when my wife picked up her sophomore album Soul Music. Lisa's extraordinary talent as a singer, and song writer has landed her in various venues and has given her countless opportunities to share her belief in the Lord Jesus Christ through heartfelt music that touches and ministers to people across the globe. Lisa brings a style that can be related to some styles of poetry, but she dose so with a neo-soul, jazzy package that invites the listener to relax, relate and enjoy as they place themselves in the music. Often compared to some of today's top artist Lisa has coined a musical sound that's all her own. Before we get any further I must say that I strongly urge you to check out the Soul Music and Live from the House of Blues albums by Lisa McClendon. That being said its now time to take a look at Lisa's latest project titled Reality. Released on her self owned label Momentum and Vision through Blu Soul entertainment Lisa is back with another classic. Reality like her past projects is a smooth soul filled album loaded with a variety of songs that hit home and comforts the listener. The production is outstanding, the music perfectly surrounds Lisa's quaint voice while allowing the lyrics to reach out through the music to set a tranquil mood that eases the listening experience. The hit single and video Pause is a laid back track focusing on how sometimes the elements of life can seem to get a little overwhelming. If you pay attention to the background you can hear phones ringing, knocks on doors, answering machine messages and the sound of children calling. This song deals with the simple things many of us encounter day to day that can easily compile and become bigger than they are. In this song Lisa places emphasis on the fact that no matter what's going on in our lives that we as Christians can always use the peace of God or God's word as an escape from the pressures of this world. Thank you is another song notable for having that bounce that gets your head nodding while keeping your attention on the lyrics of the song. Its laced with lush guitars, a smooth kick and a layered clap that gets your whole body into the song. And Ultimately the song is simply listing the various reasons she personally and all of us have to render thanks unto the Lord. Immabeeme is the last song we'll get into but it's just to show the depth of this album, its has upbeat yet still smooth sound. If you like to dance, ride, or just sit back and chill, this song meets the purpose of it all, that's why its one of my favorites. Well that and the beat is super tight. This might not be the accurate interpretation of this song but here's what I think about it. The way I took this song is that Lisa is bringing to light how when we give our lives to Christ certain aspects of our lives change causing people close to us to notice the difference in us. Once this change has occurred we become conscience of who we are in God, being that he made us in his own image and God being the image and very essence of love. Lisa's saying she's going to be who she was designed to be and show who she is in Christ by loving herself and loving others. Declaring 'I'm a be me I'm a be love today'. Lisa has truly captured herself and musical style on this project by writing and co-producing most of the songs in it. In closing I'll just say job well done. Reality is a different take on what Christian is and what it can be, it's definitely her best album thus far.
Lisa Mcclendon's latest album Reality gets five of five Hipe Hope Headphones
for originality, production, delivery, lyrical and spiritual content
Immabeme - Lisa McClendon
Lisa McClendon MySpace
© Hipe Hope Urban Gospel
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Album Review :: G-Notes :: Bright Lights Magic City
What's up saints, I am so excited about this review we about to get into called Bright Lights Magic City from your man G-Notes. I'm trying not to be bias because G-notes and I share the same home town but I really don't think it matters because after listening to the album I know that believers as well as non-believers can appreciate and will definitely enjoy this project. G-Notes is of Peruvian descent and resides in Miami Florida. It was at a young age that G-Notes was introduced to to hip-hop music and through it G-Notes was able to quickly learn the culture as well as the language and life of hip-hop. Living in the city of Miami where virtually everything is at your finger tips its very easy to fall upon a path that can leave one in some pretty undesirable places and situations. While in a situation leading to a uncertain end, G-notes realized the there was a need for change in his life. it was later in 1998 when G-notes gave his life to Christ while at a Holy Hip-Hop concert. With his early interaction with hip-hop and his new found love for the Lord, G-Notes began to record his music aimed to encourage believers and to introduce the love of Jesus to those that don't know him or have never experienced it. Released in 2005 on underground blaze records G-Notes debut project entitled Life Situations and Stories G-Notes brings you into his personal life testimony and life experiences and how interjecting the will of GOD can change anyones life no matter what there past. With Bright Lights Magic City G-Notes takes you on an eye opening Matrix type audio journey. Exposing the lies fed to us by the media, that keeps blind to our spiritual needs by keeping us busy chasing wealth, social status, and many other things that can only give temporary satisfaction. Similar to the Matrix by presenting a false virtual world people all over the world are being kept spiritually sleep and unaware by being blinded by the flash of money, clothes, fame, nice cars, mansions, care free living and the list goes on. I know first hand and can personally relate to the the topics brought to light in many of the tracks found in this project. Like you have the chase for money, I mean its Miami when you think of a place like this you think palm trees, beaches, parties, clubs, drugs, exotic women, exotic cars, basically what the world defines as the only way to have fun. With all this flashed in your face on a day to day basis its easy to become distracted, and start to focus more on how you too can live this life and before you know it the time you spent with your family decreases, your prayer life suffers and before you know it all that use to be on the top of your list of priorities have become last in line behind worldly desires of riches. As you strap into this project you will quickly begin to see the vision G-Notes has and expresses through out the album. Bright Lights Magic City flows through seamlessly in and out of each track this makes it that much more easy to listen to from start to finish. It starts with Bright Light which introduces the theme and goes into one of the hit singles Stunna Shades this track speaks metaphorically to the theme by referring to shades for use in protecting the eyes from bright lights, and then you go from that to a track called Night Lights featuring Maria Z. As you see just from the first three tracks the thought that went into carrying the theme all the way down to the track arrangement. The project has excellent production from Juice 20/20, Beat Mechanics and many more. The music carries that M.I.A flavor while putting a new synthy sound to accent G-Notes classic flow. If I had to choose a few, some of my favorite tracks would be Magic City with my boi Pettidee, Take a Picture, On Me with Probly Poblo and Mike Hiciano, Heartfelt, and with American Dream K-Nuff. Overall Bright Lights Magic City is a very consistent solid project full of energy insight truth and just good music that can be enjoyed by people of various ages and musical preferences.
Bright Lights Magic City is a five of five hipe hope headphone selection
due to its cleaver theme, witty word play, lyrical/spiritual content, awesome production and effective delivery
G-Notes - Take a Picture
G-Notes MySpace
© Hipe Hope Urban Gospel
Friday, May 1, 2009
Spotlighting Holy Hip Hop and Christian Urban, Soul, and Gospel Music Artists. As well as whats going on in Christian News
and Entertainment.
