banner1

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Street Pastor - The UnderdoG's Anthem (2008)



01. The UnderdoG's Anthem
02. Go Harder
03. Turn Me Up (feat KamBINO)
04. Rid'n Clean (Skit)
05. Forgotten (feat. Matthew Seward II)
06. The Box (feat. Richard Jordan)
07. My Lady
08. Fresh
09. Got to Run (feat. J-Flue)
10. The Getaway
11. For Family (feat. LaShae Bonne)
12. I Know (feat. Christian Gray)
13. Don't Cha?
14. Duck Down
15. Men Lose
16. Rejoicing
17. I Got It (feat. K-Drama)
18. Choose This Day
19. Non-Fiction
20. Goodbye World

REVIEW:

The name "Street Pastor" may not ring any bells for a lot of Christian Rap fans, but if this album is anything to go by he deserves a lot more recognition. The 20 year-old midwest MC from Ohio produces and writes his own music and is not new to the game, already having 4 releases under his belt. But his 5th album is something special and stands out far above the rest.

True to his name, the Street Pastor has a heart for the streets, and it clearly shows throughout the album. Every track has content designed to minister and relate to those living in the hood. And every time Christ is glorified. Which makes this album such a great evangelism tool.

The Street Pastor's ability to minister is further enhanced by his incredible lyrical skill and his metaphors are just classic. Right from the first song this is evident, which starts off in accapella, keeping all focus on the ridiculously smart similes and just when you're getting comfortable the instrumental suddenly kicks in and things really get popping. Even though it's more of an intro, the track is absolutely excellent.

It doesn't stop there though. The UnderdoG's Anthem is full to the brim with 19 other songs, making up a total of 80 minutes, and they are all outstanding. Never once will you get bored. Because even though this is definitly an album for the streets, the music hasn't been locked down into a set street-sounding vibe. It absolutely smashes open the box of what a street album is meant to look like, blending in a variety of different sounds. For example, the song "The Box" has a beat including live drums, bass guitar and acoustic guitar with a rock chorus. "Duck Down" mixes in strange sci-fi sounds. And there are more unique combinations and styles amid the whole joint. There are, of course, some good ol' bangers in there as well.

The UnderdoG's Anthem is a standout album. It's groundbreaking, bold, entertaining and has a heart for the streets at the same time. The Street Pastor is one of the most talented Christian rappers in the industry. Do not sleep on him.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Stay Tuned!

September is a very exciting month for holy hip hop. There's heaps of hot albums coming out, including stuff from Lecrae, Ambassador, J. Johnson, GRITS, DJ Morphiziz and more. Stay tuned to the blog for upcoming reviews on these releases and other updates around the site.