Big R - Rated R (2009)

01. Intro
02. Rated R
03. What's It Gon' Be
04. Re Up
05. I Tried
06. I Wanna Win
07. Love You Better (feat. Rossi)
08. Fast R
09. Mr. Secular
10. Hold It Down (feat. Knine)
11. Where Would I Go
12. On Fire (feat. Readywriter & Brinson)
13. Go Off
14. The Set Finale
15. Call To Salvation

REVIEW:

When you think of R ratings you probably think of explicit, graphic content and heavy restrictions. But what is interesting is that, in today's culture, Christianity is often viewed and treated the same way as an R rated movie, and even worse. It is, in a way, restricted from the hearts and minds of the general public. Christian content is often excluded, ignored, or shamed on public mediums. People don't want to hear about it, people don't want to talk about it. All the while, actual explicit and graphic content seems to be growing in acceptance over TV, radio, film, etc.

Big R, Godchaserz Entertainment's newest member, has decided to illustrate and address this secular worldview of Christianity through his latest and most anticipated album, Rated R. This is made evident right from the intro where a scenario is painted of Big R as an actor on the set of a film reciting Bible verses. Making the obvious statement that the verses are the "R rated" content. This theme is continued in two other similar interludes throughout the album and then concluded near the end with "The Set Finale" in which the imaginary crew celebrate the film's last day of shooting. While these interludes are cheesy, they do their job in conveying the album's central message.

Rated R has an overall dirty south flavor to it. And that's why I was surprised to see two tracks with West Coast, gangsta funk type feels going on. There is nothing wrong with either of them, they both are solidly produced. But it was definitly a surprise and an interesting addition.

One of these is the title track, Rated R, which follows on from the intro and further unpacks the theme of the album over a West Coast, gangsta-funk vibe beat. The other, Hold it Down, features West Coast rapper Knine and has a similar feel. These are some of those "bump in your low-ride" type tracks.

Other interesting diversions include musically-diverse, old school style "I Tried", which describes the pitfalls in trusting in the things of the world; and the rolling, R&B laced "Love Me Better" containing a moving message about forgiveness despite rejection. In a way, this track is similar to "I Tried" in that it also teaches to put our reliance in God and his love, and not rely on the love of man.

First up to bring dirty south into the mix is "What's It Gon' Be". It's expertly produced and easily one of the best songs on the album. It brings the tried-and-true message of materialism verses a life with Christ. And Big R's swag on the mic really complements the overall feel of the track.

"Fast R" and "Mr Secular" both show off the best of Big R's lyrcism. The first being more a display of his lyrical fluidity and flow and the latter, where Big R really shines, displays slightly more depth.

Big R shows reverance for his Saviour in "Where Would I Go", slowing down the pace a little bit and serving almost as a dirty south style worship song.

The heart of Rated R is dispayed in the last track, "Call To Salvation", which is just that. Big R makes a simple call to salvation to his listeners even giving out his personal cell phone number and email address. It is clear that Big R is personally interested and cares for his audience. He doesn't go to any lengths to water-down his calling. The fact alone that he includes this track on his album is proof that neither money nor fame is his priority.

Overall, there isn't anything lyrically spectacular about Rated R. But wherever Big R is lacking lyrically he makes up for with his presentation and swag on the mic. The way he holds himself, rugged, raw and bold on each track makes him hard to ignore. Which is always an advantage, especially on an album such as Rated R where the sole purpose is to catch the ears of the lost.

The production also, while not exactly mind-blowing, is still very solid . The dirty south flavours are handled very well and are commercially competitive. There are a few tracks that add some nice variety to the mix and the organizng of the tracklisting helps to diversy and keeps things fresh as well. Well known producers Tony Stone and Wit of Frontlynaz fame lend their skills as well as labelmate Brinson and D.J. Don Christ'on of Genuine Life Productions.

Rated R shows itself solid on all fronts. While its theme may seem cheesy to some, the point being made is still very clear and it does what it sets out to do. Big R's sincerity and heart is very evident throughout the entirety of the project. Due for release on March 31st, Rated R is definitly worth the purchase.




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Godchaserz Entertainment