Taelor Gray - "Jacob and Judas"

Jacob and Judas,  a Taelor Gray project executive produced by Christon dropped exclusively through Pledge Music with limited time to purchase in 2017. Well now everyone can bump it!

 


“Executive produced by his brother, Christon Gray, the album will be upgraded version of the sound fans have come to love, while exploring a deeper level of vulnerability concerning family, friendships, marriage, the church and the music industry,” 
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Brinson - "Reversing Tomorrow"

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Reversing Tomorrow. While you may not comprehend exactly what that title means, the message inside Brinson's ninth solo project is (and remains) abundantly clear: The creator of the universe loves us so much that He provides a miraculous plan of salvation through belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, His one and only son. 

The attractive 11-cut package (Have you seen that cover art?!?) finds the rapper/label owner flipping between modern and classic hip hop sounds to cover a variety of topics.

The song "Aquadrip" taps into both the author's affinity for comic book culture and the superhero mythology of the Marine Marvel. Its trap-heavy track blends an ocean's worth of water references into a believer's anthem about the confidence the Holy Spirit brings to one's identity.

"Mind Clear" showcases the artist's increasing proficiency as a lyricist and even includes a pleasant Easter egg that will be familiar to long-time listeners of Christian hip-hop. Later, Brinson uses a soothing piano loop on "Talk To 'Em" to straightforwardly address the intersection of faith and mental health.

Elsewhere, "No Rewind" employs a super-catchy chorus to urge the audience to live a life without regrets. Even the non-music skits and interludes emphasize the value Brinson places on a life in service to his Savior.

"It's been a while since I've had this much fun writing and recording an album. I believe my joy can be felt throughout the project and pray it helps listeners connect with the message on a deeper level as a result," Brinson said.

 Atiba Halisi - Psalms of War


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Right off the bat with the first track, Corey Red, the listener should realize that this is not one of those albums that’s going to be a feel good album. It’s not one you’re going to walk away saying it’s a hot album because of the beats or anything surface level. Psalms of War is an album you have to receive both intellectually and spiritually. What I mean is that this album challenges both your faith as well as have the listener consider why we do what we do.

Psalms of War is a charge to those who claim to stand on the side of Christ, but it’s also a transparent view of how Halisi sees the things that are taking place around him. He challenges what’s considered the norm in society.

With a solid 16 tracks, there’s so much that could be said about this album. Each track opens your eyes to see things differently and creates a new outlook on our relationship not only with Christ but also our relationship and interaction with the world around us. Out of the 16 tracks, there are six I wish to briefly highlight that stood our to me.

The track Halo,presents the message of doing what the Father requires us to do. Halisi talks about how Holiness is required to walk this walk with Christ and that in doing that he’s album to walk in both the peace and authority that has been bestowed on him. It has to be understood that there’s a certain mantle that has to be carried out. There’s a consistent message that His ways are not our ways and that His thoughts are not our thoughts. This is a humbling and yet challenging perspective for believers. It’s a relief that His ways and thoughts are not like ours because He has so much in store for us but at the same time, we need to face the reality that what we think we know and believe is only but a grain of sand. Knowing that truth can make it that much harder to fully give ourselves over to the Father but Halisi gives another peaceful truth that despite of us, the Father is always mindful of us and won’t lead us where He won’t guide us.

The following track I wish to highlight is RealNiggvz?? This track plainly charges that we need more people to answer the call of dominion and authority. It’s time out for worrying about whether we are real niggas but time to proclaim ourselves as heirs of Christ, claiming our rightful place in the Kingdom. This track attacks the identity that has been falsely created and because of pride and other fleshly reasons, we prefer to claim our throne here on this earth instead of realizing the true throne awaits for us in the heavenly realm.

Track #13, How Many, brings about the reality of the innumerable amount of times we have failed, that we have fallen short. There are so many times when we (myself included), have given in to our sin nature and fleshly desires, knowing that we’ve let our Father down. Yet despite of it all, He’s forgiven us, He’s loved us and wiped our slates clean. Right along this message, Atiba reminds us that we are who we are because of Him. The track Ptrv Mvsvdv tells us that Christ is our refuge and our strength. It is through Him that we are able to achieve any true victory. It is through Him that we can press on and continue on this path for He walks with us.

The last two songs I wish to cover are A Hunnid 44 and Save Art. I feel that A Hunnid 44, based on Psalm 144, is the entire theme of this album. Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle (v.1). The joy we have is that despite the battle, we know that our victory is already guaranteed. This Psalm and song go hand in hand that although man is like a passing shadow, He’s mindful towards us. Save Art is a worship song. A true song of vulnerability, transparency, but the greatest thing about this song is the heart of submission. The willingness to lay down our life as Christ did and sincerely say, Your wish is my command. Recognizing our Majesty in His Sovereignty and obeying His Will no matter the plan.

Get Psalms of War here.

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Social x Club – Royale Deluxe 

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Download the entire mixtape here

Listen to the full mixtape below!

I stumbled across a mixtape from them called Social x Club – Royale Deluxe (Hosted by DJ Destiny). It features songs from older projects, as well as some unreleased items.

The mixtape is a classic in my mind, from beginning to end. The playfulness of Martymar, the businesslike approach from F.E.R.N. It’s the perfect balance. My favorite song from the album, one I still play heavily two years later, is “Hawaiian Punch”. I have no idea why that is the tile of the song, which will happen a lot when you listen to Social Club, but the actual song itself was a perfect example of the duo’s implacable compatibility.

 

With all the hardships they have had in their lives, you could understand if they just sulked around all day. Thankfully they haven’t. They have brilliantly allowed their hardships to be a catalyst to allow God’s glory be shown. It has reached a point that if you consider yourself a fan of Social Club, you can’t help but use the term misfit to show that you badly fit in with the world but perfectly with Christ.

 

Another thing I think puts F.E.R.N. and Martymar on another level is their interactions with their fans. It seems genuine. Don’t get me wrong, I think that the entire Christian Hip Hop community has done an incredible job of connecting with their fans.

The advances of social media has enhanced the experience. However, it seems to me, Social Club has used it better than most. I don’t think it was done purposely, I think for them it just happened. I watch concert footage from the duo, and I can feel the energy. It feels authentic, organic… real.

 

If you’re looking for something that will give you tingly feelings, and come to Jesus moments, Social Club might not be for you. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t take itself too seriously, shows a love for Christ, and has some fun along the way, I suggest you check them out.

 

Have you heard Social Club before? What do you think of them? Which of their songs is your favorite?

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Prince Malachi is the founder of The Oracle Network and the Streetwear brand Y.A.H. Apparel

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