Even in Christian Hip Hop, you will notice that there is a certain level of hype toward some album releases. There are some releases that are discussed a year in advance and some that sneak up on you. The latter was the case for me when it came to “Rhyme and Reason” by Willie Will. You may know his 2007 project entitled “Reflections” released on Beatmart Recordings. Since Beatmart closed their doors, Willie Will has been independent artist, however that has not affected the quality of music that he releases. With a rapid delivery, this artist challenges and encourages throughout all 21 tracks of this new project.
While listening to the album you will notice the number of songs that have familiar samples. Honestly, I was shocked that these samples were done well in the spirit of excellence, since (being honest) there are Christian rappers that have tried to pull this off and failed. “You are everything” by The Stylistics was used on a song called “Everything” which is a Hip Hop Worship song that tells Jesus that he is everything. This is such a beautiful track and Willie Will does a wonderful job highlighting the attributes of Jesus. With the awesome love of Christ, we as believers should never need a reminder that God is everything, however it is very nice of Willie Will to but the Lord on display. Every word in this song contains power and this is one of those songs that deserve to be memorized for those hard times! Another soul classic by Teddy Pendergrass was used for “Let it go” which discusses letting go of the world and the old thinking. This is another cool soulful song that is nice to cruise to, but contains a powerful message. “The most liberating feeling you can ever know, is attached to the ability to let it go.” So if you are holding on to the old way of thinking, “I think you better let it go”. While letting it go, you will experience the liberty and boldness to become transparent with God and true to yourself. Transparency is yet another topic that is discussed in the song featuring Theory Hazit entitled “What you see”. Using a sample of a 70s song of the same name by The Dramatics, this song discusses being true to yourself allowing you to be truthful to others. This is definitely a standout song on the album. With the perfect marriage of soulful horns and consistent delivery by both artists, this song is a instant classic.
Willie Will's verses are very solid, but there are a few songs that Will could have used better word choices on the hooks. Even with those songs, there are 21 tracks on this album with a length of 79 minutes. Even if you choose to skip those songs, there are still plenty of listening time left, some of which may feature your favorite Christian Rapper. Although Willie Will is an independent artist, there are many guest emcees on this project. Theory Hazit, Braile, R Swift, Young Joshua, Muzeone and many others offer verses to this already solid album with hit songs such as “Warrior” with Jazz Digga, K-Drama and J.Johnson
Bottom Line: This is a solid album that I believe could have slipped through the cracks of many people and as a music reviewer for the Kingdom of God (and KindomSwag.com) I feel that it is my duty to bring this album to your attention. I feel that Willie Will is an underrated emcee in the Christian Rap Community and this album may have been mistakenly overlooked by some. Believe the HYPE! 4/5 Crowns.
To purchase “Rhyme and Reason” and to listen to some tracks by Willie Will go to:
www.myspace.com/itswilliewill
Even in Christian Hip Hop, you will notice that there is a certain level of hype toward some album releases. There are some releases that are discussed a year in advance and some that sneak up on you. The latter was the case for me when it came to “Rhyme and Reason” by Willie Will. You may know his 2007 project entitled “Reflections” released on Beatmart Recordings. Since Beatmart closed their doors, Willie Will has been independent artist, however that has not affected the quality of music that he releases. With a rapid delivery, this artist challenges and encourages throughout all 21 tracks of this new project.
While listening to the album you will notice the number of songs that have familiar samples. Honestly, I was shocked that these samples were done well in the spirit of excellence, since (being honest) there are Christian rappers that have tried to pull this off and failed. “You are everything” by The Stylistics was used on a song called “Everything” which is a Hip Hop Worship song that tells Jesus that he is everything. This is such a beautiful track and Willie Will does a wonderful job highlighting the attributes of Jesus. With the awesome love of Christ, we as believers should never need a reminder that God is everything, however it is very nice of Willie Will to but the Lord on display. Every word in this song contains power and this is one of those songs that deserve to be memorized for those hard times! Another soul classic by Teddy Pendergrass was used for “Let it go” which discusses letting go of the world and the old thinking. This is another cool soulful song that is nice to cruise to, but contains a powerful message. “The most liberating feeling you can ever know, is attached to the ability to let it go.” So if you are holding on to the old way of thinking, “I think you better let it go”. While letting it go, you will experience the liberty and boldness to become transparent with God and true to yourself. Transparency is yet another topic that is discussed in the song featuring Theory Hazit entitled “What you see”. Using a sample of a 70s song of the same name by The Dramatics, this song discusses being true to yourself allowing you to be truthful to others. This is definitely a standout song on the album. With the perfect marriage of soulful horns and consistent delivery by both artists, this song is a instant classic.
Willie Will's verses are very solid, but there are a few songs that Will could have used better word choices on the hooks. Even with those songs, there are 21 tracks on this album with a length of 79 minutes. Even if you choose to skip those songs, there are still plenty of listening time left, some of which may feature your favorite Christian Rapper. Although Willie Will is an independent artist, there are many guest emcees on this project. Theory Hazit, Braile, R Swift, Young Joshua, Muzeone and many others offer verses to this already solid album with hit songs such as “Warrior” with Jazz Digga, K-Drama and J.Johnson
Bottom Line: This is a solid album that I believe could have slipped through the cracks of many people and as a music reviewer for the Kingdom of God (and KindomSwag.com) I feel that it is my duty to bring this album to your attention. I feel that Willie Will is an underrated emcee in the Christian Rap Community and this album may have been mistakenly overlooked by some. Believe the HYPE! 4/5 Crowns.
To purchase “Rhyme and Reason” and to listen to some tracks by Willie Will go to:
www.myspace.com/itswilliewill
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