review - Blog - The Oracle Mag2024-03-29T11:52:20Zhttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/reviewBook Review: ‘After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division’ by Samuel Goldmanhttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/book-review-after-nationalism-being-american-in-an-age-of-divisio2021-07-02T18:56:53.000Z2021-07-02T18:56:53.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/9195235669?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><div id="floatingEntry">
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<p><em>Daniel G. Hummel is a religious historian and the director for university engagement at Upper House, a Christian study center located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is the author of Covenant Brothers: Evangelicals, Jews, and U.S.-Israeli Relations.</em></p>
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<p>Three days after polls closed on one of the most divisive elections in recent American history, Joe Biden delivered a victory speech intended to unite a fractured nation. “I’ve always believed we can define America in one word: possibilities,” Biden said. Yet more than six months later, a majority of Republicans still <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/11/politics/voting-restrictions-analysis/index.html" target="_blank">insist</a> the 2020 election was not conducted fairly, and just fewer than one-third of all Americans don’t consider Biden to be the legitimately elected president. Samuel Goldman’s new book, After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division, helps to place both Biden’s attempts at unity and national partisan polarization in a broader historical context.</p>
<p>After Nationalismis a gripping, fast-paced, and probing study into how American political leaders and thinkers—ranging from John Jay to Abraham Lincoln to Fredrick Douglass to Dwight Eisenhower—have debated the essence of American identity and what binds the nation together. Goldman, a political scientist at George Washington University, tells a history of repeated failed attempts by these American elites to sustain compelling “narratives of belonging.” He offers three symbols, or myths, of American identity that progress chronologically: covenant, crucible, and creed. Drawing inspiration from philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre’s <em>After Virtue</em> (1981), which identified fundamentally different conceptions of virtue “in which people mean different things by the same words,” <em>After Nationalism</em> points to a similar ambiguity surrounding the word <em>nationalism</em>.</p>
<p>Like MacIntrye, Goldman does not just describe a situation but also suggests a path forward. Instead of endorsing another attempt to define a single American nationalism, Goldman calls for embracing pluralism and strengthening the “institutions of disagreement” that can lead to compromise between communities.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/july-web-only/samuel-goldman-after-nationalism-narratives-belonging.html" target="_blank">Click here to read more.</a><br />
Source: Christianity Today</p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>INTRODUCING MY NEW STREETWEAR BRAND, Y.A.H. APPAREL</strong></span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>CHECK ME OUT AT <a href="https://yahapparel.net/" target="_blank">yahapparel.net/</a></strong></span></p>
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</script></div>What I'm Listening to Now: HOG MOB - Mob Millennium, NF - Clouds (The Mixtape), Eshon Burgundy - Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Krum - Black Lung, Bumps INF - The Chaos Is Beautifulhttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/what-i-m-listening-to-now-hog-mob-mob-millennium-nf-clouds-the-22021-05-05T07:37:50.000Z2021-05-05T07:37:50.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8894561675?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/peep-the-new-project-from-hog-mob-mob-millennium-stream-it-here?context=tag-music">HOG MOB - Mob Millennium </a></strong></span></p>
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<div class="fx tagsHolder"> Peep this dope new project out and let me know what you think in the comments below.</div>
<div class="fx annotationsHolder"><strong>Artist:</strong> HOG MOB</div>
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<div><strong>Album:</strong> Mob Millennium</div>
<div><strong>Release Date:</strong> 2021-03-26</div>
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<div>01 4eva Mobn</div>
<div>02 Hog Mob</div>
<div>03 Clean up Nice</div>
<div>04 Forgiven</div>
<div>05 Rhil 4 Lyfe</div>
<div>06 Animal</div>
<div>07 Need God</div>
<div>08 Soldier</div>
<div>09 2020 Hog Mob Cypher</div>
<div>10 Reload</div>
<div>11 The Past</div>
<div>12 The Harvest</div>
<div>13 The Remnant</div>
<div>14 I Need You</div>
<div>15 Prayin 4 U</div>
<div>16 Murda</div>
<div>17 Made Men</div>
<div>18 Octane</div>
<div>19 Duct Tape</div>
<div>20 Out of Control</div>
<div>21 Not Asleep</div>
<div>22 The Gospel</div>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/new-music-for-you-to-stream-nf-clouds-the-mixtape?context=tag-music"> NF - Clouds (The Mixtape)</a></strong></span></h3>
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<strong>Artist:</strong> NF </div>
<div><strong>Album:</strong> CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE) </div>
<div><strong>Release Date:</strong> 2021-03-26</div>
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<strong>Listen to the full mixtape below.</strong></div>
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<div class="separator">01 CLOUDS</div>
<div class="separator">02 THAT'S A JOKE</div>
<div class="separator">03 JUST LIKE YOU</div>
<div class="separator">04 STORY</div>
<div class="separator">05 PRIDEFUL</div>
<div class="separator">06 LOST (feat. Hopsin)</div>
<div class="separator">07 LAYERS</div>
<div class="separator">08 DRIFTING</div>
<div class="separator">09 TRUST (feat. Tech N9ne)</div>
<div class="separator">10 PAID MY DUES</div>
<div class="separator">11 CLOUDS (Edit)</div>
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<p><img class="blogDetailPage-image image image-contain align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8536666253,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=1000" alt="What I'm Listening to Now: Eshon Burgundy -" /></p>
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<p><a href="https://eshonburgundy.bandcamp.com/album/dont-shoot-the-messenger" target="_blank">Get the new Project here: Don’t Shoot the Messenger:</a></p>
<p>Tracklist:</p>
<p>1. Don’t shoot<br />
2. Belly<br />
3. I knew you loved me ft. Lucius Rouser<br />
4. Nothing but the blood<br />
5. Sins of omission ft. Japhia Life<br />
6. Israel thoughts ft. Chevaun Benjamin<br />
7. Fall away ft. Zara Royalty<br />
8. Staircases<br />
9. Goggles ft. Chvrch + Tone Spain<br />
10. Angelic ft. Fern</p>
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<div><strong>Artist:</strong> Krum</div>
<div><strong>Album:</strong> Black Lung</div>
<div><strong>Release Date:</strong> 2021-04-06 </div>
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<div>01 Picture of a Killer</div>
<div>02 Hell Knows (feat. Propaganda & Derek Minor)</div>
<div>03 Danger Bag (feat. Theory Hazit)</div>
<div>04 Dust You Go (feat. Pigeon John & Jabee)</div>
<div>05 Black Powder (feat. Sivion & Ozay Moore)</div>
<div>06 Ultra Mag (feat. Solemn Brigham)</div>
<div>07 Chops Ahoy (feat. Copywrite)</div>
<div>08 Uptown Eyes Wide (feat. Sareem Poems)</div>
<div>09 Capital G (feat. Manchild)</div>
<div>10 Pho 99 (feat. Sintax the Terrific)</div>
<div>11 Not One Thing (feat. Tanya Morgan)</div>
<div>12 How Do Ya Do (feat. Stik Figa)</div>
<div>13 Riddle Me This (feat. JGivens)</div>
<div>14 Trials and Tribs (feat. Heath McNease)</div>
<div>15 Fruit Fly (feat. Freddie Bruno)</div>
<div>16 Rubber Biscuit (feat. Headkrack)</div>
<div>17 Dig Dug's Black Lung</div>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/my-2020-album-of-the-year-taelor-gray-touch-not-mine-anointed-alb?context=tag-music">Taelor Gray - Touch Not Mine Anointed</a></strong></span></h3>
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<div class="down">I didn't hear about <strong>Taelor Gray </strong>until 2015. That's when he dropped <em>The Mocker and the Monarch</em> independently. I loved everything he's put out since then. I never understood why he wasn't blowing up like some of the other rappers in Christian hip hop. Well, it's 2020 and it's time to stop sleeping! Pastor Gray clicked up with Swoope (There It Is) and they crafted a masterwork. Ok I might be exaggerating a little. But this album is defiantly fire. The eight-song project has features only from Tragic Hero and his mom, Leigh Ann Gray.</div>
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<div class="down"><strong>STREAM THE ALBUM HERE</strong></div>
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<div class="down"><strong>Bars</strong></div>
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<div class="down">Taelor Gray is a hip hop head that really cares about the art form. You can tell by how he put these bars together. “Take Me Back” is a song of reflection. This album is transparent and on this joint Taelor takes you back to a time before he was a Christian. Here he shows an appreciation for the Work Yahweh has done in his life. But after to tells you about some of the dirt he did when he was younger, the climax comes at the end when his mom talks about how she knew he would do great things for God</div>
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<div class="down"><em>Hey son, hey I just wanted to give you a quick call just to let you know how much I, um, appreciate you and what I've observed just about your journey<br />
I knew that you were going to be something great for God and, um, would be telling the world about Him<br />
So I saw that a long time ago and I just wanted to celebrate you and just to let you know that mom sees<br />
I see it all</em></div>
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<div class="down">Further evidence of Taelor's lyrical mastery can be seen on the second track, On My Way Up</div>
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<div class="down"><em>I'm not a man with answers, this is son of man thankful</em><br />
<em>I'm not a fan of phantoms, but that ghost man faithful</em><br />
<em>That was close man, he raised me</em><br />
<em>Went from casket to a Lazarus 'cause the [?] king with a natural [?] took compassion to save me</em><br />
<em>Yo was a known fella with no shelter</em><br />
<em>Now I go tell it with a propeller, and a red banner and an open book</em><br />
<em>These words written in a red grammar, that's red rum</em><br />
<em>The dead coming from the gravesides at the last trump</em><br />
<em>But I asked someone that's Revelation</em><br />
<em>That's chapter one and the last covenant</em></div>
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<div class="down">Them metaphors though.</div>
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<div class="down">Pretty Brown is one of the favorite songs on the album. has a message I don't think we hear enough in Christian hip hop, but isn't something out sistas need to hear, The beauty of the black woman </div>
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<div class="down"><em>You make this broken world whole until it starts to heal me<br />
And I can't find your ceiling this is every bit of brilliance black girl<br />
You be teaching your resilience black girl<br />
So keep on, grab your hat, get your coat, get your coat, girl<br />
You called us monarchs when you knew that we was broke, girl<br />
And this my feeble words told Swoope we needed one<br />
I see your pretty brown skin and yeah, I see the sun<br />
I like you with no makeup looking colder than the glacier<br />
And I'm like it how your makeup kind of show you how you playful and I love to see you playful<br />
Look, I can't leave you mad<br />
I still need your smile, 'cos nature needs your laugh</em></div>
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<div class="down"><strong>Beats</strong></div>
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<div class="down">Yall need to stop sleeping on Swoope too, As an artist, in general, he's considered one of the top in Christian hip hop. But as A producer he is underrated. This project should be proof that Swoope doesn't play games. The running joke about Swoope is that he sounds like Kanye West. maybe even more than Kanye lol. Well here he's in full "Old Kanye" mode. I wish I could identify the samples used here. If anyone knows any of these samples please leave them in the comment section below. This takes me back to Jay Z's "The Blueprint". I could actually just listen to these beats alone. Overall, the production is fire</div>
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<div class="down"><strong>So To Rap This Up...</strong></div>
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<div class="down"> In 2019 one of my favorite Christian hip hop producers/Emcees Theory Hazit (Who is from Ohio like Swoope) clicked up with Krum to put together a masterpiece. In fact, I wrote a review calling <em>Here’s Mud in Your Eye</em> the most slept on album of that year. And now here we are with another album produced by one of my favorite Christian hip hop producers/Emcees, Swoope ( Who is from Ohio like Theory Hazit) clicked up with Taelor Gray to create my <em>album of the year</em> and the <em>most slept on album of the year. </em>Fire production, lyrical depth and substance. This is what I would call a complete album. Have You Heard it? Let me know your thoughts in the comment's below.</div>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Military Mindset Production’s Compilation Album - Behind Enemy Lines</strong></span></h3>
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<p>Military Mindset Production’s Debut Compilation Album, “Behind Enemy Lines” Is one of My fav joint's right now. This album is fire! </p>
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<h3 class="entry-title"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><a href="https://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/bumps-inf-the-chaos-is-beautiful?context=tag-music">Bumps INF - The Chaos Is Beautiful</a></span></h3>
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<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3ZVEHdXkqc/YIulFDqbkQI/AAAAAAAAEIg/ynNe2ZJyTZESY7SwFT8N34avDfukSq9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Cover.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="PinableImageContainer"><img id="image1" class="pinable" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3ZVEHdXkqc/YIulFDqbkQI/AAAAAAAAEIg/ynNe2ZJyTZESY7SwFT8N34avDfukSq9BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cover.jpg" alt="Cover.jpg" /></span></a>
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<strong>Artist:</strong> Bumps INF</div>
<div><strong>Album:</strong> The Chaos Is Beautiful </div>
<div><strong>Release Date:</strong> 2021-04-30 </div>
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<div><strong>Track List:</strong></div>
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<div>01 Licentia</div>
<div>02 Sophistry (feat. Datin)</div>
<div>03 Spazz (feat. Monster Tarver, Swaizy, Jonathan Baker & Drulegendary)</div>
<div>04 Dei Gratia</div>
<div>05 The Diner (Prelude)</div>
<div>06 Change (feat. Evan Ford)</div>
<div>07 Pressure</div>
<div>08 Words to Remember (feat. Evan Ford)</div>
<div>09 The Waitress (Interlude)</div>
<div>10 God Tho (feat. Jered Sanders)</div>
<div>11 Trauma (feat. Fern)</div>
<div>12 Hate to Love You (feat. Evan Ford)</div>
<div>13 If Things Were Different</div>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8487741898,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8487741898,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="8487741898?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="343" height="153" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>INTRODUCING MY NEW STREETWEAR BRAND, Y.A.H. APPAREL</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>CHECK ME OUT AT <a href="https://yahapparel.net/" target="_blank">yahapparel.net/</a></strong></span></p>
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</script></div>You Are Sleeping On A Classic Album. #throwbackthursday Album Review By Malachi: The Talented 10th By Sho Barakahttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/you-are-sleeping-on-a-classic-album-throwbackthursday-album2020-11-05T10:05:20.000Z2020-11-05T10:05:20.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/8125637259?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=320"></div><div><div class="media-body"> </div>
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<p>I’m going to be 100 percent real with you. This album is not for every Christian. This is next level Hip Hop that will challenge your mind. It’s like reading a book. If you like swagged out trap music you will be disappointed. I’m just being honest. Talented 10th is <a class="zem_slink" title="Sho Baraka" href="http://musicbrainz.org/artist/04abca83-827b-4a53-81ee-fbd1d0378c34.html" target="_blank">Sho Baraka</a>’s first full album since he left Reach Records and became an independent artist and I really feel it’s his best work yet!</p>
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<p>Let me give you some background. The phrase "talented tenth" was first used in 1896 by Northern white liberals like the <a class="zem_slink" title="Home Mission Society" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Mission_Society" target="_blank">American Baptist Home Mission Society</a>. They wanted to build black colleges to train Negro teachers. Later, <a class="zem_slink" title="W. E. B. Du Bois" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._E._B._Du_Bois" target="_blank">W. E. B. Du Bois</a> used the term to title an essay he wrote and published in September 1903.</p>
<p class="videoFrame"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/djMtJ-Zjfzo?list=PLkwuHRDRuNNvIQWsyxYKE-e6ag7tn8dtE&wmode=opaque" width="949" height="534" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>Talented 10th is more sonically diverse than his last album, "<a class="zem_slink" title="Lions & Liars" href="http://www.amazon.com/Lions-Liars-Sho-Baraka/dp/B0038RSJ78%3FSubscriptionId%3D0G81C5DAZ03ZR9WH9X82%26tag%3Dzemanta-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0038RSJ78" target="_blank">Lions and Liars</a>". The production is complexed but it's still simple and focused if that makes since. Lyrically, Sho is very blunt and raw. He doesn't tell you what you want to hear. He tells you what you need to hear. The album cover is designed to look like a book and his tracks aren’t tracks but chapters.</p>
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<blockquote>“I didn't want this to just be seen as another Hip Hop album. I wanted it to be seen as something that was both artistic from the expression that is creative and not trying to be like every other album. Even from how I title each song, how it’s listed and the [design of the] album cover. I wanted this to be an experience of education as well as entertaining... I want to educate as well as entertain in a creative way.”*</blockquote>
<p><br /> The album has two sides, part <a class="zem_slink" title="Martin Luther King, Jr." href="http://www.last.fm/music/Martin%2BLuther%2BKing%252C%2BJr." target="_blank">Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</a>, part Malcolm X. So listening to this joint will give you peace but also give you a sense of urgency. That sense of urgency starts from the first song “Bethesda ft. L.I.B.E.R.T.Y & J.K” In the bible, Bethesda is a pool in Jerusalem that was believed have had healing powers. Sho uses this song to talk about the power of healing in different situations like the death of good artistry, the flesh, and street violence. The song uses a sample from the negro spiritual "Wade in the Water" which refers to healing: see John 5:4, "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."</p>
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<blockquote>“The concept of the song is the whole wade in the water. There’s a lot of strain out there, there's a lot of struggle, there’s a lot of hurt. The thought process is hold on because there’s a healing coming. Ultimately we believe that Christ brings the healing. But I’m not just trying to say trust in Christ like in a sense that Jesus makes all things perfect. I’m saying though Christ there’s healing. And there’s many different areas of how Christ heals. Things won't be perfect but there is joy, there is fruit, there's love and there's peace in our Lord but you have to wade in that water sometimes”.*</blockquote>
<p><br /> This track is deep. Definitely one of my favorite joints on the album.</p>
<p>Another one of my favorite songs is “Michael.” The beat has an epic feel to it and the bars are razor sharp.</p>
<p>“On and on I know life goes, I’m on the death of a Michael, not Jackson but am missing in action…watch it burn baby burn, my coach is going down…”</p>
<p>“My hood needs more fathers and less bachelors, introduce him to the father no more bastards…”</p>
<p>“They may heard of our God but why bother they heard hell Marys but never knew our fathers, have they heard of the love of Christ , is heaven so far it’s outta sight?…”</p>
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<p>“She promised a hell of a night, all I can think to myself is how Lucifer right, brothas in the club throwin you some bucks how about the same brothas throwin you some trust…baby girl you mistaken your own value, your only worth the idol you bow down to”</p>
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<p>The song deals with people who are lost, looking for love and acceptance in all the wrong places, and how that can destroy us.</p>
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<p>On “Denzel” Sho, with a little help from Chantae Cann & Suzy Rock attack the idea of swag head up. The Song reminds me of one of my favorite bible verses, 1 Corinthians 13:11: When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Swagg is for kids. “Denzel” explains what characteristics a classy individual would have. The production and instrumentation is on point too.</p>
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<p>“<a class="zem_slink" title="Jim Crow laws" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws" target="_blank">Jim Crow</a>” is a song that takes this album to a different level in more than one way. It’s heavy and deep. It’s not for everyone but it's raw truth. I’m telling you now, LISTEN WITH CAUTION, but with an open heart and an open mind. Jim Crow was the name of the racial system of laws in the south, between 1877 and the mid-1960s. But it was more than laws, It was a way of life. Under Jim Crow, African Americans were second class citizens. Many Christian ministers and theologians taught that whites were the chosen people, blacks were cursed to be servants, and God supported racial segregation. Sho get’s into issues church folk are scared to talk about.</p>
<blockquote>“There’s a reproduction of ignorance and prejudice that is propagated in our country and if you accept it you will be stuck in this place that I call Ni**a island, or colored island. And the goal is to escape that or not find refuge, because that place is full of ignorance and there’s no real hope there.”*
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<p><br /> As impressed as I was with this project, it’s not perfect. I wasn't a huge fan of “Mrs.” Featuring JR. To me It just felt like a throwaway track from Common’s Universal Mind Control (that's an album Common dropped a few years ago that was produced by The Neptunes).</p>
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<p>The <a class="zem_slink" title="The Talented Tenth" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Talented_Tenth" target="_blank">Talented Tenth</a> is a Masterpiece. The production is on point. Blue, Swoope, ALi, theBeatBreaker, Blue, and JR come together to give us more than a bunch of beats. The production is creative and it even pays homage to classic Hip Hop. The lyrics are well crafted and delivered with precise aim at our minds. This is Hip Hop that you don’t see many people delivering nowadays (other than Humble Beast and very few others). And I know in time it will be considered a classic.</p>
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<p>Tracklisting:<br /> Chapter 1 - <strong>Bethesda: co-author L.I.B.E.R.T.Y</strong> (Prod: Blue Co-produced by Sho Baraka)<br /> Chapter 2 - <strong>Michael:</strong> (Prod: Swoope )<br /> Chapter 3 - <strong>Get Happy Intermission</strong><br /> Chapter 4 - <strong>Mahalia: co-author Duce Banner</strong> (Prod: Swoope)<br /> Chapter 5 - <strong>Mrs…: co-author JR</strong> (Prod: ALi )<br /> Chapter 6 - <strong>Ali: co-author ALi</strong> (Prod: ALi )<br /> <a class="zem_slink" title="Chapter 7, Title 11, United States Code" href="http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/341-meeting-in-chapter-7-proceedings.html" target="_blank">Chapter 7</a> - <strong>Denzel: co-authors Chantae Cann, Suzy Rock</strong> (Prod: theBeatBreaker)<br /> Chapter 8 - <strong>Madoff:</strong> (Prod: Blue)<br /> Chapter 9 - <strong>Jim Crow:</strong> (Prod: ALi)<br /> Chapter 10 - <strong>Peter Pan:</strong> (Prod: ALi)<br /> <a class="zem_slink" title="Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapter_11%2C_Title_11%2C_United_States_Code" target="_blank">Chapter 11</a> - <strong>Cliff & Claire: co-author Christon Gray</strong> (Prod: Swoope)<br /> Chapter 12 - <strong>ME!: co-author Lee Green, Theory Hazit</strong> (Prod: theBeatBreaker)<br /> Chapter 13 - <strong>KING: co-author Tedashii</strong> (Prod: theBeatBreaker)<br /> <a class="zem_slink" title="Chapter 14" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapter_14" target="_blank">Chapter 14</a> - <strong>Nicodemus: co-author Diamone</strong> (Prod: JR)</p>
<p>Bonus Tracks: (Only on Physical Copies of CD)<br /> Epilogue 1: Hello Change<br /> Epilogue 2: KJPJ</p>
<div><a href="http://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/throwbackthursday-malachi-s-exclusive-talented-10th-interview" target="_blank">*Inserts from an exclusive interview with Sho Baraka for The Oracle</a></div>
<div><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}8155327091,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}8155327091,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="414" alt="8155327091?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a></div>
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</div></div>Flame Dropped A Dope EP Called "Extra Nos" Read My Thoughts on It And Stream It Here!https://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/flame-dropped-a-dope-ep-called-extra-nos-read-my-thoughts-on-it-a2020-03-14T17:48:32.000Z2020-03-14T17:48:32.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><p><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51c20371e4b09c37644d200e/545d1214e4b073a05b499358/5e2f0190329c347c3421d7ce/1580311205911/flame314_82063139_103677751121400_5295254661617365550_n-1080x750.jpg?format=2500w" target="_blank"><img src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/51c20371e4b09c37644d200e/545d1214e4b073a05b499358/5e2f0190329c347c3421d7ce/1580311205911/flame314_82063139_103677751121400_5295254661617365550_n-1080x750.jpg?format=2500w&profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" alt="flame314_82063139_103677751121400_5295254661617365550_n-1080x750.jpg?format=2500w&profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Flame is a triple OG in the christian hip hop game. And he is a branch off the old Cross Movement tree. That means he’s been putting out dope hip hop for years, and it has been doctrine heavy. But Flame was a Calvinist. Well he went to Concordia Seminary in St. Lois. Got A Masters with a Major in systematic Theology and two minors in church history and counseling. And then he converted to Lutheran ideology.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Stream Extra Nos Here</strong></span></p>
<p><iframe width="1009" height="638" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gqHQY1I4ygQ?list=OLAK5uy_m6g6miugLBX_l0ZES0-NHb8FabvywG1RU&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">In a</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/Flame314/status/1219681351844220929?s=20&fbclid=IwAR1j3laEu2UszNNhgAIy5BQu2KdqKd81DWZz5_dSoPi00x105l2gMndQSX4"><span style="font-weight:400;">Twitter post</span></a> <span style="font-weight:400;">about his 10th project,</span> <a href="http://smarturl.it/ExtraNosEP"><span style="font-weight:400;">Extra Nos,</span></a> <span style="font-weight:400;">he tweeted “My first EP drops Friday! ‘extra nos’ discusses my theological journey over the past 4 years. My hope is that sharing these insights will bring you the Godly peace & freedom that I experienced”</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Flame dropped this EP to basically walk back the theology he spit over the past projects and show what he has learned over the past few years. Each song is full of theological substance related to Calvinism and why he left.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">This EP is 7 tracks deep ( 5 are songs, 2 are skits), and if you don’t know about Luthern theology, you gone learn today fam ( Sorry, I just wanted to say that)</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">Calvinism teaches that Yahweh has complete control over humanity and there is nothing we can do to change what happens. They believe your salvation has already been “predestined'' or determined by Yahweh long before you were born and there is nothing you can do about it. Lutherans believe that people can control their lives and Yahweh does not control their salvation. Your salvation is your choice.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">The first track, “Scattered Tulips” has a pretty dope beat and Flames flow is on point. The acronym Tulips gives you the basic ideas of Calvinism. </span></p>
<p><b>T</b> <span style="font-weight:400;">-- total depravity. This doesn't mean people are as bad as they can be. It means that sin is in every part of one's being, including the mind and will, so that a man cannot save himself.</span></p>
<p><b>U</b> <span style="font-weight:400;">-- unconditional election. God chooses to save people unconditionally; that is, they are not chosen on the basis of their own merit.</span></p>
<p><b>L</b> <span style="font-weight:400;">-- limited atonement. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross was for the purpose of saving the elect.</span></p>
<p><b>I</b> <span style="font-weight:400;">-- irresistible grace. When God has chosen to save someone, He will.</span></p>
<p><b>P</b> <span style="font-weight:400;">-- perseverence of the saints. Those people God chooses cannot lose their salvation; they will continue to believe. If they fall away, it will be only for a time.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thecaveonline.com/APEH/calvinTULIP.html"><span style="font-weight:400;">Source </span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">On the song he talks about how calvinism helped him understand God more but there were still parts of scripture he didn't understand,</span></p>
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<p><i><span style="font-weight:400;">Calvinism was sublime, Rescued me from my decline</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight:400;">Bigger picture painted God, Scripture get prioritized</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight:400;">Plus it fit my introverted, nerdy, burdened, quirky side</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight:400;">I’m persuaded by the Bible, Mr. John (John)</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight:400;">Sold his exegesis from Geneva, Switzerland, but it's crazy though</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight:400;">You put what you know to the five, Test the systematics with other crudite paradigms (What you find?)</span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">When he talks about the ‘five’, he’s talking about the five points of Calvinism or the acronym </span></p>
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer">Extra Nos Explained: A Conversation between FLAME and Jordan Cooper</h1>
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<p><span style="font-weight:400;">I can go on breaking down these songs but then I would have a whole book written. The bottom line is, this a dope piece of work and I recommend you peep it out. Less and less christian rap artists are putting out music that is rich in biblical substance. So it’s nice to hear Flame drop a project that sounds good and still feeds you. It makes me wish there were more songs</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight:400;">-Shalom</span></p>
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<div class="fb-comments"></div></div>Eugene Cho, Pastor and President of Bread for the World, Urges Christians to Stop Being Political Jerks in New Book “Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk”https://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/3153366-BlogPost-2229912020-03-14T07:49:18.000Z2020-03-14T07:49:18.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><p><a href="https://cdn.christianpost.com/files/cache/image/13/83/138346_w_760_428.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://cdn.christianpost.com/files/cache/image/13/83/138346_w_760_428.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" alt="138346_w_760_428.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
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<div class="entryBody" title=""><div class="content"><p>Eugene Cho wants Christians to stop being jerks, especially in today’s increasingly contentious political climate. </p>
<p>In his new book,<em> <a href="https://amzn.to/2W7sE7d" target="_blank">Thou Shall Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics</a>,</em> Cho urges readers to stop demonizing those they disagree with and instead follow Jesus and reflect His teachings.</p>
<p>Cho draws on personal stories, pastoral experience, and biblical examples to encourage Christians to vote their convictions while remembering that hope already arrived in the person of Jesus Christ.</p>
<p>“This book is meant to encourage and exhort readers with practical things, yet remind that God is still in control,” he told The Christian Post. “That’s not a license to disengage, but we need to remember that our hope rests in the good news that Jesus is Lord and Savior, and He will accomplish what He says He will do.”</p>
<p>Cho founded Quest Church in Seattle in 2001 alongside his wife, Minhee, and served there for 18 years before stepping down in 2018.</p>
<p>Passionate about the pursuit of God’s Kingdom here on this earth, the Korean-American pastor also founded One Day’s Wages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating extreme global poverty. Last week, he was <a href="https://www.bread.org/news/eugene-cho-new-president-bread-world" target="_blank">announced</a> as the new president of Bread for the World, a leading Christian anti-hunger and poverty organization.</p>
<p>Read CP’s interview with Cho below.</p>
<p><strong>CP: In your book, you say you felt “called” to write <em>Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk.</em> However, you’ve also expressed some trepidation about it. Why is that? </strong></p>
<p>EC: There’s always a little nervousness anytime you write a book, but the topic itself in today’s cultural climate seems a little more contentious. Like Paul or Jesus, you want to be mindful of the context of the world you live in. I care about people; I’m shaped by the bookends of loving God and loving people. Yet we’re called to engage politics. It’s one expression of our discipleship.</p>
<p>As a follower of Jesus, I’ve been burdened by this chaotic and confusing time. About 10 years ago, I gave a sermon on the Ten Commandments of how Christians ought to engage politics. The genesis of this book came out of that sermon back then. As I wrote this book, fear enveloped me. There were at least four occasions where I stopped writing it, thinking it was too difficult and messy and there would be too much pushback. But I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to keep going and write this book as an important resource for Christians at this time.</p>
<p><strong>CP: Your first chapter is titled “Thou Shalt Not Go to Bed with Political Parties.” This can be a counterintuitive idea for many Christians in particular. What are some dangers with blindly backing any one party?</strong></p>
<p>EC: I’m not suggesting we can’t be behind a particular candidate or give to a party, but there’s a borderline obsession that we’re seeing today. I wrote this book for three groups: those who have disengaged with politics for whatever reason, those who are engaged in politics but have become byproducts of what I would call cultural Christianity, but also for those who are obsessed with politics and allow politics to inform their theology as opposed to the other way around.</p>
<p>When we allow that to take place, it feels like we’ve gone to bed with political parties, that we’ve lost a sense of discernment and loyalty. We’re so behind a political candidate or party that it becomes idolatry. I believe politics are one of the main idolatries of our time.</p>
<p><strong>CP: You talk about how being a Christian means embracing tension. What do you mean by that?</strong></p>
<p>EC: If we’re human, if we live in this world, on this side of Heaven, we have to acknowledge that we’re resurrection people living in a broken Good Friday world. As a result, while we believe in the truth and beauty of the Gospel, we understand that the Kingdom has not yet fully arrived. The word to describe that is tension. Oftentimes, we want a black-and-white, binary perspective of everything. To be a Christian is to acknowledge we never relinquish the hope of the Gospel and resurrection, yet we’re living in this world. We need to learn what it means to be faithful in times of conflict.</p>
<p><strong>CP: How can Christians engage in politics and be informed without sliding into fear or, conversely, pride?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Click<span> </span><a href="https://www.christianpost.com/books/bread-for-the-world-president-eugene-cho-urges-christians-to-stop-being-political-jerks.html" target="_blank">here</a><span> </span>to read more.</strong></p>
<p><em>SOURCE: Christian Post, Leah MarieAnn Klett</em></p>
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<div class="fb-comments"></div></div>Peep This Book Review: ‘A Theory of Everything (That Matters): a Brief Guide to Einstein, Relativity, and His Surprising Thoughts on God’ by Alister McGrathhttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/b-div-class-fpeep-this-book-review-a-theory-of-everything-that-ma2020-01-10T09:30:00.000Z2020-01-10T09:30:00.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><div id="feedlyPersona"><div id="feedlyChrome" class="feedlyChrome--leftnav-open"><div id="feedlyFrame"><div id="feedlyPageHolderFX" class="fx"><div id="feedlyPageFX" class="container centered"><div class="board presentation-4"></div>
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A Theory of Everything (That Matters)<br />
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<p><em>Review by Greg Cootsona. Cootsona is a lecturer in comparative religion and humanities at Chico State University, a co-director of the Science for the Church ministry, and the author of <span>Negotiating Science and Religion in America: Past, Present, and Future</span> (Routledge). The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.</em></p>
<hr /><p>When I was a grad student in Germany, I remember visiting the city of Ulm. Two particular, commingled sights come to mind: first, pausing at the marker for Albert Einstein’s birth in 1879 (before his family moved to Munich six weeks later); and second, ascending the dizzying heights of the 530-foot cathedral tower. The combination strikes me as instructive: Most of us see in Einstein a mind that seemed to unlock the deepest mysteries of the universe. He sought a “theory of everything.” And many have sought to ascend with him into higher realms of insight, through many tiring steps.</p>
<p>Can Einstein bring us closer to God’s view of the world? Oxford University’s <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/december-web-only/alister-mcgrath-science-and-stories-declare-gods-glory.html" target="_blank">Alister McGrath</a> takes up this question in his book, <span>A Theory of Everything (That Matters): A Brief Guide to Einstein, Relativity, and His Surprising Thoughts on God</span>. McGrath—who holds advanced degrees in theology, intellectual history, and molecular biophysics—is a leading light in the dialogue of faith and science.</p>
<p>McGrath does a remarkable job of explaining Einstein’s rigorous and intricate theories. I was particularly struck by his elaboration of the four papers Einstein wrote as a Swiss patent clerk during the miracle year of 1905, including papers setting out the theory of special relativity and describing the “photoelectric effect,” which led both to the development of quantum theory—that light is both a wave and a particle, or, in Einstein’s words, “packets of waves” —and a 1921 Nobel Prize. McGrath, by the way, expertly explains the politics behind the Nobel committee’s decisions, shedding light on why Einstein didn’t receive a prize for his “greatest intellectual achievement—the theory of general relativity.”</p>
<p>Einstein’s theory puzzled many contemporary scientists, and it wasn’t until May 1919 that observations of an eclipse by the great English scientist Sir Arthur Eddington (and others) offered confirmation. As I write, the 100th anniversary of this event has received a tremendous amount of attention. Even then, as McGrath explains, many declared it “a ‘new scientific revolution’ that had ‘overthrown’ [Isaac] Newton.” Despite the media sensation, however, Einstein’s discoveries were more a “natural completion” of Newton’s theories than a decisive scientific break, as Einstein later noted and McGrath is careful to highlight.</p>
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<h4>The Path of Intuition</h4>
<p>What are the theological implications of the theory of general relativity? As the science writer Timothy Ferris wrote of George Lemaître, the Belgian Catholic priest and scientist who confirmed the theory mathematically, “the universe might have begun as an infinitely small pinpoint—a ‘singularity,’ in mathematical terms—at time zero, ‘a day when space was infinitely curved and all matter and all energy was concentrated into a single quantum of energy.’” This expanding cone of the universe would have a starting point, commonly known as the Big Bang.</p>
<p>But how does this match up with the Christian belief that God created the world <em>ex nihilo</em> (or “out of nothing”)? As both Lemaître and McGrath (in other places) have advised the faithful, it doesn’t make for a precise fit. Believers need to avoid making extravagant theological claims about the Big Bang, even if there are some parallels between Einstein’s physics and the doctrine of creation.</p>
<p>I found myself drawn to how Einstein brought it all together in his 1934 book <span>Mein Weltbild</span>, translated into English as <span>The World as I See It</span>. Arguing that the supreme task of the physicist is to search for general elementary laws that can be woven together to give a comprehensive “picture of the world” (<em>Weltbild</em>), Einstein notes that “there is no logical path to those laws.” Rather, they arise through the “intuition, testing on a sympathetic understanding of experience.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/january-web-only/alister-mcgrath-theory-everything-matters-einstein.html" target="_blank">Click here to read more.</a><br /> Source: Christianity Today</p>
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<div class="fb-comments"></div></div>Throwback Album Review – Tunnel Rats ‘The Tunnel Rats’https://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/throwback-album-review-tunnel-rats-the-tunnel-rats2019-09-26T23:52:22.000Z2019-09-26T23:52:22.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><div class="s_header_wraper bk-standard-layout"><div class="s-post-header container"><h1><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c0/Tunnel_Rats_-_Tunnel_Rats_%28album%29.jpg/220px-Tunnel_Rats_-_Tunnel_Rats_%28album%29.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c0/Tunnel_Rats_-_Tunnel_Rats_%28album%29.jpg/220px-Tunnel_Rats_-_Tunnel_Rats_%28album%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="454" height="454" alt="220px-Tunnel_Rats_-_Tunnel_Rats_%28album%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></h1>
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<div class="post-author"><i><b>Tunnel Rats</b></i><span> is the third studio album by West Coast </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_hip_hop" title="Underground hip hop">underground</a><span> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_hip_hop" title="Christian hip hop">Christian hip hop</a><span> collective </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnel_Rats_(music_group)" title="Tunnel Rats (music group)">Tunnel Rats</a><span>, released on March 3, 2004, through Uprok Records. Featuring several new members among the group's ranks, the album was well received by critics, with </span><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_Today" title="Christianity Today">Christianity Today</a></i><span> and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapzilla" title="Rapzilla">Rapzilla</a><span> considering it the best album so far by the group.</span></div>
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<div class="post-author">They say that the third time is the charm. The self-titled release marks the third time out for the Tunnel Rats as a hip hop collective. Certainly there are some charms to the CD, with beats spanning from old school effects to futuristic, synth-driven tracks and a diversity on the mic like none ever captured. However, it’s important to remember that there’s a dark cloud that fills out every silver lining. First comes the beats. Noticably, Dert has managed to break out of the monotonous compositions from the previous Tunnel Rats efforts, solo and otherwise. It would seem that he’s coming into his own and seems willing to lead the Tunnel Rats onward to the next level. The variety of beats and rhythms truly carries the album, compelling the listener to continue to listen. Then there’s the rhymes. Known for their braggadocio, the Tunnel Rats continue this legacy, filling out over half of the lyric sheets with reminders of who they are and what they’ve accomplished. Included are the rap standards like “don’t mess with us,” “we’re the best,” and various other chest-beating phrases. </div>
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<div class="article-body"><p><b>Release Date</b>: March 03, 2004</p>
<p><b>Label:</b><span> </span>Uprok Records</p>
<p>Buy on<span> </span><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=PCBQY0Rgn7c&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Ftunnel-rats%252Fid219988434%253Fuo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30" target="_blank" title="iTunes">iTunes</a></p>
<p><b>Tracklisting:</b><br /> 1. Born Again<br /> 2. True Underground<br /> 3. What You Got<br /> 4. Her Story<br /> 5. Let the Light Through<br /> 6. Never the Less<br /> 7. We Just Roll Deep<br /> 8. Planet Dok<br /> 9. Disposable<br /> 10. Misunderstood<br /> 11. Typical Tunnel Rat Topic (A)<br /> 12. Road to Success<br /> 13. Forever Yours<br /> 14. Point Taken<br /> 15. Slow Your Roll<br /> 16. My Name Is Griffin<br /> 17. Burn<br /> 18. Typical Tunnel Rat Topic (B)<br /> 19. Behind Closed Doors<br /> 20. Still Standin’</p>
<p><a href="https://rapzilla.com/2004-03-review-tunnel-rats-the-tunnel-rats/" target="_blank">Read More Here</a></p>
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</div></div>Christian Hip Hop Review Shon The Phenomhttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/christian-hip-hop-review-shon-the-phenom2019-04-27T19:36:07.000Z2019-04-27T19:36:07.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><p><a href="http://leaks.trackstarz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/image1-10-1200x565.jpeg" target="_blank"><img src="http://leaks.trackstarz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/image1-10-1200x565.jpeg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" alt="image1-10-1200x565.jpeg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
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<div class="fb-comments"></div></div>What I'm Listening To Right Now! Mahogany Jones - Sugar Water Illect Recordings: Mind the Rap Vol. 4, The Talented 10th By Sho Baraka, Jackie Hill Perry - Crescendohttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/what-i-m-listening-to-right-now-mahogany-jones-sugar-water-illect2019-01-29T10:52:09.000Z2019-01-29T10:52:09.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><div class="xg_headline xg_headline-img xg_headline-2l"><div class="tb"><h1>Mahogany Jones - Sugar Water</h1>
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<p><a href="http://mahoganyjones.com/">Mahogany Jones</a><span> </span>is an activist, an educator, and an artist. A former four-time 106 & Park Freestyle Fridays champion Mahogany Jones puts lyrics first, A Detroit resident, Jones’ music is consistent with the Motor City sound – soulful, thought-provoking, and unapologetic.</p>
<p>in the summer of 2018 she released her critically acclaimed album,<span> </span><a href="https://mahoganyjonz.bandcamp.com/album/sugar-water">Sugar Water</a>. The 13-track album displays Mahogany Jones’ versatility and growth as an artist and a lyricist. Sugar Water was produced by Mozaic, iRonicLee, and Darell “Red” Campbell.</p>
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<p>The album title,<span> </span><i>Sugar Water</i>, comes from the chorus on the first tune, "Bring Back the Soul." On this track, "soul" appears to be something from the past, a sweet drug that everyone was addicted to at some point in their lives, but have since replaced with things of lesser value. Jones' intentions are clear when she raps, "resurrect it, then perfect it, liquefy it, then inject it, in the hearts of the people when they least expect it, give 'em that sugar water" after verses of reminiscing on boom-bap, Michael Jackson, listening to music with her mother, and other touching memories.</p>
<p>After the second verse, it's clear we as a society have devolved from the purity Jones wants to bring back into music: "When being original was vital for survival, when having a rival wasn't about the image, wasn't about record sales, wasn't about the gimmicks, we was in it to win it and to win it didn't mean we had to mimic who was hot for a minute, cooled down by their second round, career was finished ... ain't nobody committed to making classics, you can feel the difference, we need soul." Amen.</p>
<p>All of this suggests that the potential millions aren't worth creating something that doesn't come from the soul. The value of the soul, and by extension, soul music, cannot be measured in gold. Jones and a killer guest feature are touching on an age-old cliché ("We broke but money can't fix") that proves the struggle of finding happiness yet needing money to survive as a human experience.</p>
<p>However, Jones bounces back from this state of confusion on the track "Untitled" — "lyrical Cassius, who needs cash when purpose is perfectly intertwined with rhythm and passion ... my words speak life ... resurrect the dead then they lead the masses." Here, Jones knows in her soul that her music provides fulfillment not just for herself, but for others as well. The rest of the song has two amazing features, and ends with more on the unifying powers of hip-hop. These dialogues all work to clue the listener in to what Jones is trying to do with the rest of the album.</p>
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<p>Jones is not afraid to dig deep and open up about some very intense and important topics. This album is not only excellent ear candy, but an important discussion about contemporary issues. Jones uses hip-hop as her platform to address not only personal subjects, but also to further discussions we as a society have yet to resolve. This album is jam-packed with killer rhymes, smooth beats, and important topics that need to continue to be talked about. Jones closes the album with a bit of encouragement to help you get through some things, proving she has indeed brought back the soul: "Never call truce, minds never lose. Never call truce, spirits never lose." <a href="http://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/mahogany-jones-releases-her-best-music-yet/Content?oid=2461720" target="_blank">Read More Here</a></p>
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<p>Illect Recordings dropped a 19-song album that hip hop heads will love!<span> </span><span> </span><em>Illect Recordings: Mind the Rap Vol. 4</em><span> </span>features over forty-different artists from all around the country, including all of Illect’s twenty artists.</p>
<p>The production had a number of contributors: Die-Rek, Ess Be, Freddie Joachim, Imperial, J. Rhodan, Raging Moses, Rheomatic, Sebastian Hochstein, SoulSeize, Stro Elliot, Sundance, Tee-Wyla, Terem, and Wes Pendleton.</p>
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<li>Crowd React featuring Stro Elliot and Lightheaded (Ozay Moore, Ohmega Watts, and Braille</li>
<li>Breathe featuring Ess Be, Red Pill, and Sareem Poems</li>
<li>Promise Land featuring James Gardin and produced by Terem</li>
<li>Feeling Like A G featuring Raging Moses</li>
<li>I Got The Spirit featuring Datin, Raging Moses, Tee-Wyla, Stefan Otto and Jered Sanders</li>
<li>Sweeter featuring WakeUp and J. Rhodan</li>
<li>Really His featuring Krum, Sebastian Hochstein, and Sivion</li>
<li>Know The Call featuring Imperial, Sareem Poems, and Sojourn</li>
<li>The Name Is Die-Rek featuring DIE-REK</li>
<li>Mad Men feat. Midcentury Modern, , the Terrific, Dre, and Evitan (Dres of Black Sheep & Jarobi of ATCQ)</li>
<li>Intergalactic featuring Raging Moses, Change, and Tee-Wyla</li>
<li>Flowers featuring Sadat X, Jurny Big, DJ Kair One, and Sebastian Hochstein</li>
<li>Doin It featuring Freddie Joachim and Ozay Moore</li>
<li>Fresh featuring James Gardin, Imperial, and K.I.N.E.T.I.K.</li>
<li>The Feels featuring WakeUp and Wes Pendleton</li>
<li>Transparent See featuring Ricky Valenz, Ess Be, and Ozay Moore</li>
<li>The Last Sunrise featuring Adam L, DJ Sean P, Sivion, Stro Elliot, and Sundance</li>
<li>Shallow featuring Finale, Ess Be, and Sareem Poems</li>
<li>Victorious featuring James Gardin and SoulSeize</li>
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<p>Follow Illect Recordings on<span> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/illect" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,<span> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/illect" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or<span> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/illect/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</p>
<p>You can buy it on<span> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Illect-Recordings-Mind-Rap-Vol/dp/B07LGH5FV4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1547857821&sr=8-4&keywords=illect+mind+the+rap" target="_blank">Amazon</a>,<span> </span><a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=B7fssayvacnyd3jgouic3yg4vry&tid=song-Tnzrxayzgv4fw53m5uxgmiqh3ze&hl=en" target="_blank">Google Play</a>, or download it for free on<span> </span><a href="https://illect.bandcamp.com/album/illect-recordings-mind-the-rap-volume-4" target="_blank"></a>. Stream it on<span> </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0jxZPF6GPvFq07LZKFhT8K?si=VnzxuaHYQb65pM7SyHcf0Q" target="_blank">Spotify</a>.</p>
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<div class="twitter-share">This post<span> </span><a href="https://jamthehype.com/illect-recordings-drops-40-artist-compilation-album/" target="_blank">Illect Recordings Drops 40-Artist Compilation Album</a><span> </span>was seen first on<span> </span><a href="https://jamthehype.com/" target="_blank">Jam the Hype</a>.</div>
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<div class="twitter-share"><div class="xg_headline xg_headline-img xg_headline-2l"><div class="tb"><h1>The Talented 10th - Sho Baraka</h1>
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<p><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a1/Talented_10th.jpg/220px-Talented_10th.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a1/Talented_10th.jpg/220px-Talented_10th.jpg" class="align-left" alt="220px-Talented_10th.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I’m going to be 100 percent real with you. This album is not for every Christian. This is next level Hip Hop that will challenge your mind. It’s like reading a book. If you like swagged out trap music you will be disappointed. I’m just being honest. Talented 10th is<span> </span><a class="zem_slink" title="Sho Baraka" href="http://musicbrainz.org/artist/04abca83-827b-4a53-81ee-fbd1d0378c34.html" target="_blank">Sho Baraka</a>’s first full album since he left Reach Records and became an independent artist and I really feel it’s his best work yet!</p>
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<p>Let me give you some background. The phrase "talented tenth" was first used in 1896 by Northern white liberals like the<span> </span><a class="zem_slink" title="Home Mission Society" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Mission_Society" target="_blank">American Baptist Home Mission Society</a>. They wanted to build black colleges to train Negro teachers. Later,<span> </span><a class="zem_slink" title="W. E. B. Du Bois" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._E._B._Du_Bois" target="_blank">W. E. B. Du Bois</a><span> </span>used the term to title an essay he wrote and published in September 1903.</p>
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<p>Talented 10th is more sonically diverse than his last album, "<a class="zem_slink" title="Lions & Liars" href="http://www.amazon.com/Lions-Liars-Sho-Baraka/dp/B0038RSJ78%3FSubscriptionId%3D0G81C5DAZ03ZR9WH9X82%26tag%3Dzemanta-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0038RSJ78" target="_blank">Lions and Liars</a>". The production is complexed but it's still simple and focused if that makes since. Lyrically, Sho is very blunt and raw. He doesn't tell you what you want to hear. He tells you what you need to hear. The album cover is designed to look like a book and his tracks aren’t tracks but chapters.</p>
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<blockquote>“I didn't want this to just be seen as another Hip Hop album. I wanted it to be seen as something that was both artistic from the expression that is creative and not trying to be like every other album. Even from how I title each song, how it’s listed and the [design of the] album cover. I wanted this to be an experience of education as well as entertaining... I want to educate as well as entertain in a creative way.”*</blockquote>
<p><br /> The album has two sides, part<span> </span><a class="zem_slink" title="Martin Luther King, Jr." href="http://www.last.fm/music/Martin%2BLuther%2BKing%252C%2BJr." target="_blank">Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</a>, part Malcolm X. So listening to this joint will give you peace but also give you a sense of urgency. That sense of urgency starts from the first song “Bethesda ft. L.I.B.E.R.T.Y & J.K” In the bible, Bethesda is a pool in Jerusalem that was believed have had healing powers. Sho uses this song to talk about the power of healing in different situations like the death of good artistry, the flesh, and street violence. The song uses a sample from the negro spiritual "Wade in the Water" which refers to healing: see John 5:4, "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."</p>
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<blockquote>“The concept of the song is the whole wade in the water. There’s a lot of strain out there, there's a lot of struggle, there’s a lot of hurt. The thought process is hold on because there’s a healing coming. Ultimately we believe that Christ brings the healing. But I’m not just trying to say trust in Christ like in a sense that Jesus makes all things perfect. I’m saying though Christ there’s healing. And there’s many different areas of how Christ heals. Things won't be perfect but there is joy, there is fruit, there's love and there's peace in our Lord but you have to wade in that water sometimes”.*</blockquote>
<p><br /> This track is deep. Definitely one of my favorite joints on the album.</p>
<p>Another one of my favorite songs is “Michael.” The beat has an epic feel to it and the bars are razor sharp.</p>
<p>“On and on I know life goes, I’m on the death of a Michael, not Jackson but am missing in action…watch it burn baby burn, my coach is going down…”</p>
<p>“My hood needs more fathers and less bachelors, introduce him to the father no more bastards…”</p>
<p>“They may heard of our God but why bother they heard hell Marys but never knew our fathers, have they heard of the love of Christ , is heaven so far it’s outta sight?…”</p>
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<p>“She promised a hell of a night, all I can think to myself is how Lucifer right, brothas in the club throwin you some bucks how about the same brothas throwin you some trust…baby girl you mistaken your own value, your only worth the idol you bow down to”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The song deals with people who are lost, looking for love and acceptance in all the wrong places, and how that can destroy us.</p>
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<p>“<a class="zem_slink" title="Jim Crow laws" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws" target="_blank">Jim Crow</a>” is a song that takes this album to a different level in more than one way. It’s heavy and deep. It’s not for everyone but it's raw truth. I’m telling you now, LISTEN WITH CAUTION, but with an open heart and an open mind. Jim Crow was the name of the racial system of laws in the south, between 1877 and the mid-1960s. But it was more than laws, It was a way of life. Under Jim Crow, African Americans were second class citizens. Many Christian ministers and theologians taught that whites were the chosen people, blacks were cursed to be servants, and God supported racial segregation. Sho get’s into issues church folk are scared to talk about.</p>
<blockquote>“There’s a reproduction of ignorance and prejudice that is propagated in our country and if you accept it you will be stuck in this place that I call Ni**a island, or colored island. And the goal is to escape that or not find refuge, because that place is full of ignorance and there’s no real hope there.”*<p> </p>
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<p> The<span> </span><a class="zem_slink" title="The Talented Tenth" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Talented_Tenth" target="_blank">Talented Tenth</a><span> </span>is a Masterpiece. The production is on point. Blue, Swoope, ALi, theBeatBreaker, Blue, and JR come together to give us more than a bunch of beats. The production is creative and it even pays homage to classic Hip Hop. The lyrics are well crafted and delivered with precise aim at our minds. This is Hip Hop that you don’t see many people delivering nowadays (other than Humble Beast and very few others). And I know in time it will be considered a classic.</p>
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<div><a href="http://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/throwbackthursday-malachi-s-exclusive-talented-10th-interview" target="_blank">Exclusive interview with Sho Baraka for The Oracle</a></div>
<div><h1><span>Jackie Hill Perry - Crescendo</span></h1>
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<div class="article-main"><img class="full" alt="Jackie Hill Perry" title="Jackie Hill Perry" name="jpg" src="http://cdn.hallels.com/data/images/full/15876/jackie-hill-perry.jpg?w=620" width="600" height="360" id="jpg" /><span> </span><br /><p> <em><strong>Crescendo</strong></em> is centered on Perry's sense of brokenness entrusted to God's care amidst a rich tapestry of sounds, beats and words, the constant thread running through the growth-aligning the album. </p>
<p><a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/sbml6/sjk91k/os04un" target="_blank">The Gospel Coalition</a> shared an in depth conversation with Perry surrounding <em>Crescendo</em>, where they marked the LP as a "a <strong>rich collection of hip hop </strong><b>songs exploring </b>exploring a wide range of topics (race, gender, social media, church) through the lens of glorifying God and growing in faith."</p>
<p>Critics are praising Perry's long-awaited return with <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/sbml6/sjk91k/4k14un" target="_blank">The Christian Beat</a> calling each track on <em>Crescendo</em> "<strong>saturated with honesty and sincerity</strong>...whether it's filled with <strong>bold fire</strong> or <strong>transparent reflection</strong>." <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/sbml6/sjk91k/kd24un" target="_blank">New Release Today</a> raved "I cannot remember the last time that a rapper spit such a strong verse" and <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/sbml6/sjk91k/0524un" target="_blank">CCM Magazine</a>, who gave the album five out of five stars in their review, described Perry as "intent on <strong>elevating expectations to another level entirely</strong> with her stunning sophomore album, <em>Crescendo</em>... likely to stand as <strong>the best hip-hop release of the year</strong>."</p>
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<a href="http://www.hallels.com/articles/19350/20180512/jackie-hill-perrys-crescendo-likely-to-stand-as-the-best-hip-hop-release-of-the-year.htm" target="_blank">Read More Here</a><br />
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<div class="article-main"><p>This album does not follow any rules when it comes to making music. You will be in the middle of a great hip hop track that suddenly turns into a beautiful piano piece, or you will be bumping some serious beats and then singing along to old hymns and it comes out lovely. Each part, no matter how out of the box it seems, flows perfectly and makes this a completely enjoyable listen from beginning to end. Jackie is honest, open, vulnerable, and encouraging as the listener takes this journey with her. The only potential drawback is that there aren't many light tracks, so it can tend to be a heavy/deeper listen. Those looking for upbeat, dance style tracks need to look elsewhere. However, that's the purpose of the album: to dig deep into this journey of life. If you enjoyed<span> </span><em>The Art Of Joy</em>, then I am sure you will be digging<span> </span><em>Crescendo</em><span> </span>as it has the potential to be among the best of the year.</p>
<p>Whether she is rapping, writing, and doing some spoken word, Jackie Hill Perry is proving that she has the gifts and talents to be producing something worthy of all rap fans for a long time to come. Again, in case you missed it, the mighty mighty Humble Beast gives their tunes away for free, so drop them a donation if you can when you check out this one.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Crescendo.asp" target="_blank">Read More Here</a></p>
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</div></div>#Flashbackfriday Album Review: New Breed - Ninehttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/flashbackfriday-album-review-new-breed-nine2017-06-02T22:36:07.000Z2017-06-02T22:36:07.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><p><b><a href="http://www.gospelflava.com/images/newbreedninecd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.gospelflava.com/images/newbreedninecd.jpg" class="align-left" alt="newbreedninecd.jpg" /></a></b></p>
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<p><span>This is the follow up to New Breed`s first album 'Stop The Music' and this duo has a good pedigree being involved in the collective known as the Tunnel Rats. This is a concept album exploring the nine fruits of the Spirit. The beats are fresh and the rapping is tight. What I like about it is that their lyrics come off nice, clear and understandable which is not always the case. The lyrics are printed on the cover as well if you miss anything. Macho and Elsie who make up New Breed explore a variety of different beats and concepts that breathe new life into hip-hop. These lyrics really aren't afraid to tackle life issues, ie, "Peace" explores a few scenarios with one common thread and that peace is only found in Christ, and "Self Control" tackles issues of pride that could come with even limited fame. The song "Gentleness" makes me smile as they point out, " Even MCs who carry the light, try to walk into the church like they ready to fight." Now I know we are called to fight a spiritual battle but this brings a bit of balance to the sphere of Christian hip-hop. If you are looking for something fresh in hip-hop then this would be a good place to start. <a href="http://m.www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/New_Breed/Nine/11646/" target="_blank">Read More Here</a></span><br /><br /><br /></p>
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<tr><td width="150"><img src="http://www.gospelflava.com/images/newbreed4.jpg" alt="Click for review" border="0" width="142" height="284" /><font face="verdana,arial,helvetica" size="-2"><i>Gospelflava.com</i> spent some moments with <b>Macho</b> to find out more information about the new <b>New Breed</b> album. Here’s what they had to say: <br /><br /><br />1. Why did you name this album "Nine"? (<a>Answer</a>) <br /><br />2. Do you think that New Breed has gone to another level with this album? (<a>Answer</a>)<br /><br />3. Why do you think that it is so important to "remain true" to the art and to God and not sell out? (<a>Answer</a>) <br /><br />4. What is some of the feedback you have been getting about the project? (<a>Answer</a>)<br /><br />5. How do you think this album will impact people? What do you hope to accomplish with this one? (<a>Answer</a>) <br /><br /></font></td>
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<p><i>Nine</i><span> embraces all of the qualities of New Breed's first outing, and offers a more in-depth approach to dealing with current issues. It is a also a concept album, the title representing the nine fruits of the Spirit as stated in scripture. New Breed flow candidly on the topics of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, meekness, faith, goodness, and self control.</span><br /><br /><span>Song composition is phenomenal, and is enhanced by the duo's fluid flow. Every element, including production, lyrics, theme and showmanship are at a plateau; a larger fan based is guaranteed due in part to Macho's clever verses and Elsie's sharp stanzas, reminiscent of </span><b>Eve</b><span> and </span><b>Missy Elliot</b><span>. Elsie even tries her hand in producing by creating the drum-driven track, "Self Control".</span><br /><br /><span>The introductory "Love" is an assortment of delectable beats, lush vocals, and sets the tone for the album. The repetitive acoustic guitar chord and traces of flute make this one a finger-snappin'-head-bobbin' delight.</span><br /><br /><span>"Joy" has a throwback feel as producer </span><b>Dert</b><span> lights a 70's fuse to it. "Peace" is loaded with signature </span><b>Tunnel Rats</b><span> flow and production from Dert as well. "Long Suffering" jumps off as the hardest cut on the album as the Rocky-style tune laces a story of uncompromising values and tells the tale of two that will never sell out for riches or fame.</span><br /><br /><span>The rest of the project is a bonafied hit, marked by fantastic imagery and word illustration.</span><br /><br /><span>Nine reaches above and beyond expectations for this sibling crew. Every song stands on its own, and the entire work is sure to spark excitement and rave reviews.</span><br /><br /><span>At the end of this musical journey, New Breed has everyone dressed 'to the nines'.</span><br /><span style="font-size:x-small;font-family:ARIAL, HELVETICA;">Producers:</span> Dert<span style="font-size:x-small;font-family:ARIAL, HELVETICA;">, New Breed,</span> Jermz<span style="font-size:x-small;font-family:ARIAL, HELVETICA;">, Kyle Hudnal</span></p>
<p><b><font face="ARIAL, HELVETICA"><font size="-2">album release date: June 1, 2004 </font></font></b><b><font face="ARIAL, HELVETICA"><font size="-2"><i>BEC Recordings</i></font></font></b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gospelflava.com/reviews/newbreednine.html" target="_blank"><font face="ARIAL, HELVETICA"><font size="-2">Read More Here</font></font></a></p></div>K-Drama - Winds & .Waves Album Review By Malachihttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/k-drama-album-review2013-10-01T01:30:00.000Z2013-10-01T01:30:00.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><div><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XBUV8cHZL.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XBUV8cHZL.jpg" class="align-left" width="283" height="283" alt="51XBUV8cHZL.jpg" /></a>When I wrote the review for <a href="http://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/album-review-andy-mineo-heroes-for-sale" target="_blank">Andy Mineo's "Heroes for Sale"</a>, I said the album was very open and personal. K-Drama's 7th studio project, "Winds & .Waves" is also very personal. K Drama gives you a look at trials and tribulations as a Christian emcee. A lot Christian artist like to put on a front like they have everything perfect in their life. Most do it because they feel they have too. I hate cliches but this album keeps it 100%. Drama is telling you, "This is what I go though; this is what I been though, even as a Christian artist and minister of the Gospel."</div>
<div><span style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';" class="font-size-3">Background: </span></div>
<div>K- Drama started working on the project in February of 2012, finished it in July of 2013 and, independently released it on September 24th, 2013. It features guess appearances by D-Maub, Chrade Jones, Lindsay Orr, Sunny Jones, his kids, Ricardo Lambert, Deacon Das, and Matthew Bracey. Drama handles his own production except for the track "Working Out For My Good," which was produced by Caryl "Beatman" Reid. When I asked Drama about the title and theme he said:</div>
<blockquote><div>"As I rap about my life's winds & waves over .wav files, I pray all see that Jesus controls them for His glory."</div>
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<div>The project has been getting pretty good reviews from fans and websites like <a href="http://dasouth.com/" target="_blank">dasouth.com</a> since it dropped.</div>
<div class="im"><blockquote><div>"K-Drama touches on a variety of topics on Winds and .Waves that range from struggles as a full time artist, to verbal and emotional child abuse. This review could have been filled with quote after quote and well deserved accolades, but in all honesty it wouldn't do this album justice. You just have to hear it for yourself to appreciate it. It’s always encouraging when you hear CHH that’s created for the common man. Winds and .Waves displays a vulnerability that we all deal with at some point. In a brief conversation with K-Drama, he described Winds and .Waves as the Dark Knight of all his albums. His comparison is not at all far-fetched because, in my humble opinion, this is K-Drama’s finest work."</div>
<div><a href="http://www.dasouth.com/reviews/11957-k-drama-winds-a-waves" target="_blank">-Dasouth.com</a></div>
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<blockquote><div>"There were several reasons why I gave this album 4 ½ stars. Wind & Waves is a 16 track album, with that being said ALL the songs were good, but some I didn't really get into like I wanted too. With that being said, I wholeheartedly believe in the ministry that God has placed on and in K-drama so I know that what may not be appealing to me, may appeal to someone else. The five songs that I picked as well as some others did everything for me, they were great! I appreciate the heart for God that K-drama has and his transparency."</div>
<div>-<a href="http://z180radio.com/writerz-block.php?id=44" target="_blank">z180radio.com</a></div>
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<div><span style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';" class="font-size-3">Lyrics & Message:</span></div>
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<div>The first single was "FWD". It's a solid message about being patient as an artist and as an Christian man.</div>
<div class="im"><div> </div>
<blockquote><div>"I was facing things that I wished I didn't have to face such as my father passing away, lack of beat placements, financial hardships, doubts, etc. that lead me to ask God why I had to go through all of those things. Eventually I learned patience & endurance through the struggle & wrote FWD."</div>
<div>- K-Drama</div>
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<div>This is a joint K - Drama fans will love. The beat reminds me a little of K-Drama's big hit "Air Jordan On Em". "Rocket" is a sermon that will connect with anyone who is a fan of comics and video games. "You Don't Need That" is a message every Christian artist (and blogger) needs to hear. Drama talks about chasing after mans approval and the things Christian artist will do to make themselves seem bigger then they really are.</div>
<div class="im"><blockquote><div>"I've seen a number of Christian rappers who seem insecure because they don't have as many Twitter followers as others. Some have even bought fake followers to make it seem like a lot of people follow them. We shouldn't give people a false impression so that they value us. God values us no matter how popular we are. We should be seeking His approval, not the approval of man." -K-Drama </div>
</blockquote>
<div>"Shine" is powerful and moving. I needed this song when I was younger. It was kind of dope to hear his kids bringing the inspirational message home at the end. I see a Jones family album coming soon lol. "Stadium Praise" will get you amped. The beat goes hard. It sounds like something Young Jezzy or Rick Ross would be on. I really look forward to hearing this joint live.</div>
</div>
<div>I feel like an insider when it comes to "Hundred Or A Thousand". The first time I saw K -Drama perform was at Flavorfest 12. The crowd was a pretty decent size but K - Drama brought the heat like he sold out Madison Square Garden. I was trying to get an interview with him at Flavorfest but it didn't work out. About a month or so later he hit me up to tell me he was performing near me and if I came to the show I could get an interview. So I met him there and to be real, you can tell he was a little disappointed with the turn out. He even sent texts to his friends and family. The same family that picked him up from the airport the day before. I think about 15 people where there. K-Drama told me he felt bad because they (the promoters) had to have all these car washes to bring him out. But when he hit the stage...My lawd! He rocked it like the room was packed. There are some Christian artists and even preachers who will not show up for a low crowd. </div>
<div>"Let It All Go" is my favorite track on the album for a few reasons. For one the production is dope. I'm a fan of beats that use a lot of keys. The synths are hypnotic. I also felt connected to this song through the message. It's almost as if this song is about me. In this track K-Drama talks about the death of his dad and how it affected him. He digs deeper and talks about his flaky relationship with a father that spent more time with cocaine than his own family.</div>
<blockquote><div>"My dad hurt me to the core, for most of my life, by him I felt ignored, when we did talk he always said he would take me fishing, but he never took me though, he was always missing. He treated crack like it was his son, and when he made his runs, me and moms where struggling just to get it done...and thoughts like this could make me bitter, but through the power of the Holy Ghost he makes me bigger."</div>
</blockquote>
<div>I lost my Dad three years ago. He was not addicted to drugs but we had a rough relationship that still affects me today. This is not the place to get into the details; but I really feel where K-Drama is coming from.The song gets more serious in the second verse where Drama talks about his own faults.</div>
<div>"I was holding on to secrets, the Holy Ghost kept telling me that I can't keep it, what's done in the dark will come to light." Drama talks about how keeping his sins a secret created a burden and stress that made him sick</div>
<blockquote><div>" I called my wife in the room, and took off my mask and costume."</div>
</blockquote>
<div>This verse spoke to my spirit because I also had secrets I thought I would "take to the grave." </div>
<blockquote><div>"Let it all go is a true story. It was spawned from my dad's death and the bitterness I felt because of all the things we didn't do together. That only made me face my own skeletons. God used that moment to make me realize I must forgive others as He first forgave me." </div>
</blockquote>
<div class="im"><blockquote><div>- K-Drama </div>
</blockquote>
<div>Yahweh really used Drama on this song.</div>
<div><span style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';" class="font-size-3">Production:</span></div>
</div>
<div>People who are familiar with K-Drama will tell you he is more than a good emcee. He's actually one of the dopest producers in Christian Hip Hop. So dope beats are what you would expect here and he does not disappoint. The beats on this joint bang. Songs like "Stadium Praise" knock like the onetime at the door in the projects. The violin loop on "Hundred Or A Thousand" sounds like Miri Ben Ari has a guest spot on the song. But this also leads to the only issue I have with the album; K-Drama producing the whole thing. I would like to either see Drama work with other producers or I would like to see him experiment and play with other sounds and flavors. 808's are cool but maybe a few boom bap, hip hop joints sprinkled in will take him to the next level to get him closer to a classic project. And for all those not knowing, Drama studied under Theory Hazit so I know he has that raw in him.</div>
<div>Winds & .Waves is good food for your spirit. It's raw, open and honest. And when you look at the total package, the music, production, message in the songs, the fact that K-Drama designed the cover himself... this is a manual for the independent Christian emcee. Not just because of how it was created, but also the message it delivers. This is what christian music should sound like!</div>
<div><span style="font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';">BUY THE ALBUM NOW FROM THE ORACLE</span></div>
<div><table class="products" cellspacing="0">
<tbody><tr class="imagerow"><td><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/theora00-20/detail/B00ETQFNDK/178-4267670-6460608"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51XBUV8cHZL._SL125_.jpg" alt="Winds & .Waves" /></a></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="textrow"><td><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/theora00-20/detail/B00ETQFNDK/178-4267670-6460608">Winds & .Waves</a> <br /> <span class="price">$8.99</span></td>
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</div></div>Peep The Key Features Of The iPhone 4S And HTC One Xhttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/peep-the-key-features-of-the-iphone-4s-and-htc-one-x2012-06-12T04:15:08.000Z2012-06-12T04:15:08.000ZThe Oracle Maghttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/TheOracleMag<div><p></p>
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" id="be216ac2e0ae5e96_main" class="selectedEntry">
<tbody><tr><td valign="top" id="be216ac2e0ae5e96_entryHolder" class="entryHolder"><div class="u100Entry itemscope"><div class="entryBody" id="be216ac2e0ae5e96_entryBody" title=""><div class="content" id="be216ac2e0ae5e96_entryContent"><p>The iPhone 4S remains probably the most popular of mobile phones, but it is confronting growing competition from a number of competing manufacturers, particularly those which use the Android software, HTC as an example. In this article I am going to review a few main features of the Apple iPhone 4S with those of the brand new HTC One X, the manufacturer’s newest flagship smartphone.</p>
<p>Screen</p>
<p>One of the most noticeable differences between the Apple iPhone 4S and the HTC One X is the measurements of their touchscreens. The Apple iPhone 4S, like all previous iPhone devices, boasts a 3.5 inch screen. What the iPhone 4S may lack in touchscreen dimensions, it certainly makes up for with its display quality, because of the famous retina display, which brings about individual pixels becoming indistinguishable with the naked eye. The One X has a much larger screen which measures up at 4.7 inches. It is one of the largest screens on an HTC smartphone to date, and the biggest touchscreen on an Android phone from the brand. Regardless of its large size, this touchscreen includes a high pixel resolution, so display quality is superior to the vast majority of its opposition.</p>
<p>Processor</p>
<p>Because the One X is a much more recent phone, it features a quad-core processor chip. It has a 1.5GHz clock speed which gives it with nearly incomparable performance which extends to several parts of the handset’s software and hardware alike. The Apple iPhone 4S features a dual-core processor, which during the product’s release was a particularly desirable feature. The 1GHz A5 chip is additionally utilised in the iPad 2, so its effectiveness speaks for itself. Although this is not quite as hi spec as the chip found in the One X, it still provides excellent performance, and is definitely a step up from its predecessor the iPhone 4.</p>
<p>Camera</p>
<p>The Apple iPhone 4S and the HTC One X share a pixel resolution of 8 megapixels, and also the capability to capture videos in as much as 1080p which is of course full HD. The two cameras capture high quality snapshots and movies, however the HTC One X boasts a selection of attributes which that of the iPhone 4S does not have. Included in these are the ability to capture simultaneous pictures and videos, and also a function which snaps several sequential shots, and you can then select the best one to keep or share via social media or messaging formats. Nevertheless, both devices have several downloadable apps in their respective app markets (AppStore and Google Play) from the photography category and many others.</p>
<p>Since the HTC One X is newer, it’s got more innovative specifications, although the Apple iPhone 5 is set to be released later in 2012, and this will likely give the HTC One X together with other flagship smartphones a run for their money.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">HTC One X</span></strong></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7936050677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7936050677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="118" class="align-full" alt="7936050677?profile=original" /></a></p>
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<td valign="top" class="td2"><p class="p3"><b>HTC One X Unlocked GSM Android SmartPhone - No Warranty (Black) with Beats Audio<br /></b><span class="s1">From HTC</span></p>
<table cellspacing="0">
<tbody><tr><td valign="top" class="td3"><p class="p4"><b>Price:</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" class="td4"><p class="p5"><b>$588.03</b></p>
<p class="p5"><b><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/theora00-20/detail/B0078LXM4A" target="_blank">CLICK THIS LINK TO BUY THIS PHONE FROM THE ORACLE</a></b></p>
</td>
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<p class="p2"></p>
<p class="p6"><b>Availability: </b>Usually ships in 1-2 business days<br />Ships from and sold by WorldWide Distributors</p>
<p class="p7"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0078LXM4A?tag=theora00-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380553">19 new or used available from $566.99</a></span></p>
<p class="p8">Average customer review: </p>
<p class="p9"><span class="s3">(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B0078LXM4A?tag=theora00-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380553"><span class="s4">30 customer reviews</span></a>)</span></p>
<p class="p9"><span class="s3"> </span></p>
<p class="p9"><strong><span class="font-size-3">The Apple iPhone 4S</span></strong></p>
<p class="p9"><span class="s3"> </span></p>
<p class="p9"><span class="s3"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7936050485,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7936050485,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="210" class="align-full" alt="7936050485?profile=original" /></a></span></p>
<table cellspacing="0">
<tbody><tr><td valign="top" class="td1"><p class="p1"></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" class="td2"><p class="p2"><b>Apple iPhone 4S 16GB - AT&T - Black<br /></b> <span class="s1">From Apple</span></p>
<table cellspacing="0">
<tbody><tr><td valign="top" class="td3"><p class="p3"><b>Price:</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="top" class="td4"><p class="p4"><b>$538.88</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p class="p1"><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/theora00-20/detail/B005VGFQXE" target="_blank">CLICK THIS LINK TO BUY THIS PHONE FROM THE ORACLE</a></p>
<p class="p1"></p>
<p class="p5"><b>Availability:</b> Usually ships in 1-2 business days<br /> Ships from and sold by abe-123</p>
<p class="p6"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005VGFQXE?tag=theora00-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380553">80 new or used available from $456.50</a></span></p>
<p class="p7">Average customer review: </p>
<p class="p8"><span class="s3">(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B005VGFQXE?tag=theora00-20&linkCode=sb1&camp=212353&creative=380553"><span class="s4">57 customer reviews</span></a>)</span></p>
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</table></div>REKONCILED | STRUGGLES & VICTORY Reviewhttps://www.theoraclemag.com/profiles/blogs/rekonciled-struggles-amp2011-04-22T07:28:40.000Z2011-04-22T07:28:40.000ZPrince Malachi The Firsthttps://www.theoraclemag.com/members/Malachi<div><div><div><a href="http://theoraclemag.net/ent/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DigitalCoverSVDE-1.jpg"><img height="216" width="216" src="http://theoraclemag.net/ent/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DigitalCoverSVDE-1.jpg" title="DigitalCoverSVDE (1)" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1816" alt="DigitalCoverSVDE-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div><strong><strong>Artist</strong>: <span style="font-weight:normal;">REKONCILED</span> <br />
</strong><strong><strong>Album:</strong> <span style="font-weight:normal;">Struggles & Victory Deluxe Edition</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><strong>Record Label:</strong> <span style="font-weight:normal;">RokNice Records</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><strong>Release Date</strong>: <span style="font-weight:normal;">4-26-11</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Production: <span style="font-weight:normal;">Zone Beats, Eyesee Media, WHP, Vybe Beats, Scarecrow Beats, MISTER K.A., Zone Beats, Trak Exekutives, KUSH</span></strong><br />
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<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<br />
</div>
<div>I have a confession to make. A couple of weeks ago I was told about a dude named Rok who had some music he wanted me to feature on The Oracle. I asked Rok to email me what he had and told him I’d check it out, but I wasn't to excited. To be honest, I get music emailed to me everyday and quite frankly, a lot of it is wack. So I wasn’t expecting much from a group I never even heard of. The moral of the story is “Never assume and never prejudge". Oh yeah, the kid was wrong. I was very surprised with the music I downloaded.</div>
<div><div>Background</div>
<div>REKONCILED was formed in January of 2009 by Redeemed and KT. They've been friends since childhood.</div>
<blockquote><h3>“They both remained close, but were walking in 2 different directions spiritually.”</h3>
</blockquote>
</div>
Redeemed was focused on becoming a Christan emcee, but KT was trying to build a secular career in music as a Rapper, Producer, and Audio Engineer. After KT got saved, they formed Rekonciled and focused on making hardcore Christian Hip Hop that really connected to the listener.<br />
<div>This is a very personal project for both of them. They were going though a rough time spiritually. One day they were having a conversation when it hit them. Even though they have struggles, they also have victory in Jesus. That led to the creation of their first CD together, <em>Struggles & Victory</em>. The group names Lecrae, Trip Lee, and 116 as influences, and you can feel that while you listen to this project. KT actually kind of sounds like Pro and Lecrae and they shout out 116 a few times on the project. But that doesn’t take away from the quality and originality of the project.</div>
<h3>Recording</h3>
<div><ul>
<li style="list-style:none;display:inline;"><div><ul>
<li>All of the album's recording sessions took place at Rekonciled Studios in Mesquite, Texas.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</li>
<li>They started recording in early August 2010 and wrapped up in March 2011.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div><br />
SUBSTANCE AND SPIRITUAL TRUTH<br />
This album is true to it’s title. It’s a personal testimony. It’s written, packaged and delivered in a way that's very relate-able. For that reason, the songs will really connect to the listener. You can feel every single emotion. You feel the passion. You feel the victory that we have in Christ. You feel the struggle of trying to connect with GOD on a higher level. One of the most powerful songs on the album is “So Far,” a song about a personal relationship with GOD how it has become damaged because from a lack of prayer and Bible study.<br />
<br />
</div>
<blockquote><h3>“I used to seek your face, I used to love to pray, but as of late GOD, I feel so far away...Rescue this sinner,father I surrender, rebuild your temple because I feel so far away.”</h3>
</blockquote>
Listening to this song brought tears to my eyes. It speaks to the confused and broken hearted.<br />
<br />
“<em>Fight in Me</em>” is a song that will get you ready to go to war with the evil one on one. This song reminds you that the battle is already won.<br />
<div><br />
"<em>Swagger Change"</em> is a hypnotic track that really thumps but the message hits even harder. It has a solid message about being a new creature in Christ.<br />
<h3>BEATS</h3>
</div>
You wouldn't expect this on the first album from a group you never heard of, on a label you never heard of, but this joint has quality production. Not only is it well produced but it’s mixed and mastered so its clean and crisp. KT, one of the members of the Group is an engineer and when he mixed this you can tell he paid attention to every detail. What? You don’t believe me? Check out “Swagger Change.” WHP did a fiYAH job with the production, but KT mixed it so you can feel every layer. This album has other trunk rattling music like “Ridin’ 66” featuring K-Drama , and "<em>I'm Gone"</em> featuring 2Edge.<br />
<h4>The Verdict</h4>
<h4><span style="font-weight:normal;">This is my favorite album right now. The beats are on point and the and the lyrics are razor sharp but its deeper than music. See a lot of times you get an Christian artist who will try to sell you an album that's full of spiritual truth but the music is sub-par so they are really giving GOD a mediocre sacrifice. Then you have Christian artist who trys to sell you a product that’s a beast musically but spiritually its dead. Here we have a project that not only knocks but is full of power, passion and purpose. The best part is that this is their first album. You will be looking forward to whats to come. Take my advice and get the deluxe version only available at Rekonciled.com. It contains a lot of fiYAH like "Throw Down", "Ridin 66’s" featuring K-Drama and 9 bonus tracks.</span></h4>
</div></div>