Imade iN Truth

When I first heard JGivens’ latest single, all I could think of was this is a nice smooth it out joint for the ladies.  But “Can’t Say” is much deeper than that.  The Saint City based JGivens offers his most intimate account of his Egyptian travels with a G-funk twist.  Yes, you read that right.  JGivens busts out Nate Dogg-esque vocals while providing a behind the scenes diary of what it means to be Christian in a Muslim world.  The soulful, mellow track produced by Evil Needle subverts Westernized Christian ideals of being unashamed of the gospel.  The (Romans) 116 lifestyle that Lecrae popularized has more expressions than “how loud you can cheer” but it stems from “how you live it”.  JGivens saw first hand how believers go underground while watching their loved ones get persecuted (even to the point of death) for their faith.  Though JGivens thought this was first the “spirit of fear”, he matured to an understanding that this is strategic wisdom.  ”Can’t Say” is an eye-opening lesson that following the heart of God takes many forms.   Twitter  Facebook  Soundcloud  Bandcamp     

I’ve been to a lot of Christian Hip Hop concerts, but JGivens is the sickest emcee that I ever saw live.  He is freakishly good.  It’s almost scary. 

JGivens has been releasing visuals for his #OccupyMondays mixtape in a completely unique way.  While most rappers rent a whip, start a cook out, or get a bunch of mindless people to stand behind them, JGivens uses none other than the ancient landscape of the Middle East.  He’s captured his travels to teach at a conference for Christian leaders braving persecution in Northern Africa.

JGivens’ booming, sample laden beats and complex 100 mile per hour wordplay is the soundtrack to his amazing pilgrimage.  His latest video, “Caught In The Reign” (produced by Mighty Jay Mac) shows JGivens casually strolling through Israel’s ancient ruins while a stunning temple stands behind him.  The dichotomy of an emcee saying “trying to season the earth like Ms. Dash” while standing in front of an ancient backdrop may cause a double take, but it actually makes sense.  His music is so vertically centered on God that it has to power to bring the listener back to the beginning, when it was nothing but us and our Creator.   

Once you check out “Caught In The Reign”, check out my favorite video so far, “Kill Bill Collectors”, which was resourcefully shot by an iPhone.  Website  Bandcamp  Twitter  Facebook 

Correction: JGivens’ “Caught In The Reign” video was shot in Israel, and not Egypt as I previously mentioned :-) 

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JGivens must have a summer video anointing because this Las Vegas emcee has been in two back to back videos that I absolutely love.  After “Ifinite”, we get to see JGivens add a verse to DJ Aktual’s “Shoulder Bliss” off his upcoming Turntable Tapestry album.  The Dave Santos produced “Shoulder Bliss” places the DJ in the prominent role that Hip Hop originally intended.  The hazy turquoise visuals, mellow chords, and perfectly timed scratches makes “Shoulder Bliss” a chill summer driving song that I wish I could re-enact just like the video.  Bandcamp  Twitter  Facebook  Soundcloud     

There is nothing like a fresh video that gives you the summer jam hypeness of A Tribe Called Quest’s “Check the Rhime” video.  This time, Las Vegas emcees I.C. Jonez and JGivens partner up for the visuals for “Infinite”.  I love the artistic  choices where the scenic backgrounds go from muted gray to vibrant color.  It parallels the energetic chemistry that the two “Saint City” emcees have with each other.  I.C. Jonez and JGivens run a lyrical clinic proclaiming the “Infinite” nature of God compared to the finite gods of men.  What I really appreciate is I.C. Jonez retiring the banal phrase, “I sound like the holy Eminem”, or any other mainstream rapper.  Instead of defining themselves externally, I.C. Jonez and JGivens pursue their own lane in following Christ.   Facebook  Website  Twitter  Bandcamp

Courtesy of ChristianHipHop.TV             

JGivens is one of the most consistent rappers in the game.  He continues to release high-quality, God glorifying music punctuated with unforgettable wit.  The Las Vegas emcee provided an #occupyMonday surprise with his “YHWH” video after a series of outstanding songs.  Directed by Hassan “H” Muhammed, “YHWH” begins with a nice plug for REVIVAL ATTIRE’s YHWH shirt launch.  But when the beat drops, it’s all about the music.  Doc Jones produced a choppy, sample-laden instrumental that is perfect for JGivens “did you hear that?” punchlines.  With a bike park full of friends behind him, JGivens goes through a list of pop culture references (including Entourage, Living Single, and Juno) while unpacking God’s undefiled character.  ”YHWH” walks you through scripture while remaining authentic to Hip Hop culture.  The bearded wonder has done it again.  Twitter  Bandcamp   

JGivens is a gift.  The Las Vegas emcee is on a roll with his #OccupyMondays series.  I assumed these songs would be compiled as an album, but JGivens sees this as sparring practice.  That’s quite impressive because JGiven’s “Roll Rock Sk8” shows him in prime form.  His latest song has a cheesy game show feel with an interesting rhythm section properly used by Banda Black Rio.  When it comes to the flow, JGivens practically skates on the track.  JGivens’ rapid fire lyrics produces one head turning metaphor after another.  If you missed out on JGivens’ stellar “practice” songs, now is your time to catch up.  Twitter  Website

“Pleading BLOOD like a vampire interview / The Kingdom’s at hand / So this is finger food”    

JGivens - “Street Gospel” (prod. by @djayjuls) [OFFICIAL VIDEO] from JGivens on Vimeo.

No, that’s not Spike Lee’s nephew, that’s Las Vegas raised emcee JGivens.  From the start of his July album, Run, it’s apparent that JGivens has a heart for the gospel and an impressive musical canvas.  In listening to his evangelical rhymes and sophisticated production, you would think that JGivens has been spitting for a minute, but he only released his first mixtape a little over a year ago.  With support from his friends, including talented producers Jay Mac, DJ Juls, Doc Jones, and Hip Hop rising star, Eshon Burgundy, JGivens embarks on the sonic journey that is Run.  The somber opener, Beginning End, sets the tone for an album that will solely glorify God.  Throughout Run, JGivens uses classical, soul, and West Coast inspired beats to share his witty rhymes about God’s sovereignty and love.  Standout tracks like YHWH and Woe To have a Dilla inspired feel where JGivens uses his benevolent punchlines over a catchy, hypnotic sample.  Refusing to be a one dimensional rapper, JGivens puts on his storytelling hat for the Eshon produced King of the Jews to poignantly capture the crucifixion of Christ.   Even the understated hook by Special Jalissa highlights the irony of killing an innocent man.  JGivens lets us feel the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice in order to understand the importance of salvation.  In reflecting on Run, it’s the purity of JGivens evangelical passion that sets this project apart.  He genuinely wants to lead people to Christ on and off the mic.  And that’s the difference.  Bandcamp  Twitter  Website