Imade iN Truth

After getting an advanced copy of Sho Baraka’s Talented Xth album, I arrived at one important conclusion: Sho Baraka is Hip Hop’s Bill Cosby.  No, not in the cranky old man, frumpy hoodie, why-is-he-wearing-sunglasses-indoors type of way, but something much deeper.  Sho embraces his fatherly role in restoring true manhood.  His boldly discusses society’s void and God’s solution.  Talented Xth is the definition of a true crossover album.  It’s for bastards and church pastors, and everything in between.     

The review is super long, so if you don’t have time to read it, just check out the bold section titles! 

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Is it me or does your favorite Christian rapper refuses to be called a “Christian rapper”? Whether it’s Sho Baraka or Japhia Life, Christian Hip Hop isn’t so sexy anymore.  Even Mr. CHH himself (Lecrae) is planning to release a mixtape with mainstream artists like Don Cannon and 9th Wonder.  The issue is not the label, but the association. Artists are being identified with their relationship with the culture, and not with Jesus Christ.  In this HeatCasters exclusive, I examine all those arguments you heard on CHH message boards and spirited Twitter discussions.  But instead of bashing the opposing side, I arrive at my conclusion in hopes of unifying our hearts around Christ.  

Whenever I use the words, “Christian Hip Hop”, I get a twang of guilt.  In some ways, Christian Hip Hop has become a fanny pack term.  It’s a phrase that is pragmatic and comfortable, but awkwardly outdated.  Before I explain that, let me tell the tale of Christian Hip Hop’s sanctified older brother. Read More

When Sho Baraka left Reach Records, this was the music I was expecting.  Sho is bringing grown folks Hip Hop to the masses through his partnership with Atlanta based producer Jamm.  Hello Revolution is a duo that plays with religious norms with childlike innocence.  They are not trying to navigate legality, they are trying to completely overcome it.  And I certainly commend them for that.  Their live performance of an eye-catching song, “Kill Jesus, Praise Judas”, is proof of their radical commitment to God honoring creativity.  Though their song is counter-cultural, surprisingly, their production is quite accessible.  The toe-tapping jazz/gospel hybrid is something I would hear on Bobby Jones.  Even Jamm channels Ray Charles and has the sideways bop to match.  Of course, the meat of “Kill Jesus, Praise Judas” is it’s message.  Sho Baraka dissects a society that would rather crucify the author of peace than be reconciled to Him.  If you listen closely however, Hello Revolution is praying for the world to come to God in repentance.  “Hello Change” off their Protest Package 1 EP illuminates that.  It’s amazing to see a group transcend “Christian Hip Hop” norms through provocative social commentary and wide-ranging musicality.  What Sho Baraka and Jamm are doing is nothing less than legendary.  Buy Protest Package 1 on iTunes 

Christian Hip Hop can be the nerd you feel ashamed of when you’re around your cool high school friends.  (or was I that nerd?) There’s something about Christian Hip Hop that’s both endearing and embarrassing.  Knowing this genre’s potential, I want to enjoy Christian Hip Hop for more than it’s biblical content.  I often feel exasperated in my attempt to hear a Christian message that coincides with creativity.  And in creativity, I don’t mean sounding like “what the young people listen to”.  I mean innovative production and unique song concepts interwoven with an engaging discussion of spiritual truth.  

Thankfully, more Christian artists are recognizing that creativity is the cultural currency that opens up minds and hearts to the gospel.  In doing so, they’re unashamed of being associated with the broken people they’re called to reach.  Some of those artists include the High Society collective in their buzz worthy debut album, Circa MMXI and Wize of the Frontlynaz first solo album, Course Language.  Exemplified by glowing reviews, High Society rappers Sho Baraka, Suzy Rock, and Swoope, along with singer-producer extraordinaire J.R. have tapped into a cultural lifestyle focused on God-inspired innovation.   Let’s discuss the two major aspects of this movement.  

1. Song Concepts That Expand Outside Of An Overt Biblical Message

Crossover Christian Hip Hop has revealed that God’s relevancy doesn’t begin and end with scriptures.  High Society touches on illegal immigration, high gas prices, and child molestation with Mad About just as easily as they discuss demonic forces in devil.  Even Wize places himself fully in the psychological angst of a money chasing celebrity in Hollywood.  Instead of focusing on how traditional Christian thinkers may perceive their music, these artists take the gospel message to uncharted territories.        

2. Musical Freedom By Sound Architects 

Though I initially wondered how High Society could mesh four distinct artists into one cohesive sound, this group has made their loosely arranged songs into a thematic masterpiece.  At the heart of their musical landscape is J.R.’s edgy sound combining oddly used samples, in your face percussion, and melodic sensibilities.  With Circa MMXI, J.R. has finally shed his neo-soul label and I couldn’t have been more happier.  

Musical freedom stemming from international influences seems to be a trait that both Wize and High Society share.  Wize provides a sonic glimpse of his Indian roots on Wanna Be’s (you know he’s not black right?) and takes on the salsa inspired track Above Water.  Of course, the mastermind behind the diverse sounds of Course Language is fellow Frontlynaz member, Wit, along with Nar8ta, Tee Wyla, and Matthew Robertson.  Wize knows how to surround himself with a team of producers that provide a sound as versatile as his rhymes.  

We are seeing the redefinition of Christian Hip Hop before our very eyes.  How do you feel about Christian Hip Hop’s evolution? 

Download High Society Album |  Buy Course Language on iTunes | High Society Twitter | Wize Twitter   

UPDATE: Thank you so much for the tremendous feedback on this piece.  Sho Baraka informed me that High Society doesn’t consider themselves CHH.  Also, Swoope was behind the stellar production of their album in addition to J.R.  I’ve learned so many things that will hopefully inform a more in-depth article.  Again, thank you!    

theBREAX - Breax Society feat. High Society by Rapzilla

theBreax are on steroids.  I’m sure they’re taking the same elixir that Beyonce hooks her IV up to before concerts.  In only this month, the San Diego group released their third installment of BreaxOver, premiered a video with Fonzworth Bentley, and performed at Rock the Bells.  From the beginning, theBreax showed that they were not just a “Christian Hip Hop” group. And now more than ever, they are not letting this title limit their creativity.

The one song that struck me the most off their latest project is Breax Society.  It’s a progressive, experimental dance song featuring High Society members Sho Baraka, Swoope, and J.R.  Here are my two observations:

1. This Sounds Like a “Come and Get IT” Song….   

“I love to watch you…out on the floor.  I like to dance with you and…maybe more…”.  This song has so much heathen flavor that I’m utterly shocked.  “Maybe more”? Is that an invitation to a private doin’ the nasty session at the Budget Motel?  I’m concerned.  No pandering Jesus mention?  No intentional wifey shout out?  I’m not sure about this.  Breax Society is breaking a lot of rules.  With verses that talk about everything from dancing to um, jock straps, they’re not telling you the song’s purpose.  It can be a dance anthem, a chill song, or a subtle hint that Christians can party in a way that is reflective of Christ.  

2. It Really Isn’t THAT big of a deal….

Outside of avant garde artists like Tonex or Mrenc, I haven’t heard a Christian song like this before.  And that is really pathetic.  I’m sure I’m leaving names out (like dope producers Theory Hazit and Dert), but why is sonic innovation such a big deal when mainstream artists (Little Dragon, Daft Punk) do it all the time?  Without a doubt, I know there’s diversity in Christian Hip Hop.  But ideologies that rigidly define Christian Hip Hop suffocates creativity.  

My final opinion is this: We need to hear more grown folks music like Breax Society.  Not everyone in Christian Hip Hop is 15.  But artists should also be aware of the associations they’re triggering.  Be dope as heaven, but don’t let your good be spoken of as evil if you can help it (Romans 14:16).  

Ambassador and Da T.R.U.T.H. Leaving Cross Movement Records

Though this is somewhat old news, the impact of Ambassador and Da T.R.U.T.H.’s January move to Xist Records still reverberates across the Christian Hip Hop community.  I still slave moan a little from the nostalgia I have for the Cross Movement Records I grew up with.  Da T.R.U.T.H., and especially co-founder Ambassador, physically embodied the principles of Cross Movement.  CMR wasn’t just a record label, but a movement of unapologetic Christian emcees with Ambassador at the helm.  To be honest, Amba was and is my favorite CM artist.  It amazed me that Ambassador has the wisdom of a Hip Hop theological veteran with the cultural relevance of an artist in his prime.  With Ambassador’s departure from Cross Movement, I’m confronted with the fact that I made Cross Movement the source of his identity and credibility.  In some ways, I’m grappling for the comfort of the past because I want to define Ambassador by what I’m most familiar with.  Hopefully, with this new move to Xist Records and an upcoming tour in the fall, Da T.R.U.T.H. and Ambassador can get to the core of who they are, which is hidden in Christ.  Ambassador Facebook   Ambassador Twitter   Da T.R.U.T.H. Twitter   

Sho Baraka Leaving Reach Records

Now to more recent news.  Sho Baraka made a recent announcement that he was leaving Reach Records (home to Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, and others) and starting a new music thingamajiggy called High Society.  In typical Sho Baraka fashion, he confuses some while intriguing others.  Personally for me, his departure doesn’t come as a surprise.  Sho would often differentiate himself from the ministry approaches of other Reach Record artists.  It seems that Sho wants to impact the culture through lifestyle entertainment ventures like High Society.  Leaving Reach Records could give Sho more time to direct music videos (like Bless’ED’s Run Away), work with other artists outside of the Reach umbrella (like Swoope), or do charitable efforts like A.B.N.Y. Shades to support those with autism.  Sho Baraka has a huge vision for his artistry, which is evidenced by the stellar arrangements and song concepts explored in his recent album Lions and Liars.  I’m sure that leaving Reach Records is not equivalent to some “moral failure”, but a launching pad to more creative opportunities.  Press Release  Facebook  Twitter  High Society