Street Pastor & KamB.I.N.O. - They Should Panic Vol. 1 (2009) [FREE DOWNLOAD!]

01. Reason 1 - The Call
02. Reason 2 - Joyful Noize
03. Reason 3 - Bumpin My Music
04. Reason 4 - K.O.
05. Reason 5 - Check Me Out
06. Reason 6 - The Blessing
07. Reason 7 - Let Us In
08. Reason 8 - The Arrival
09. Reason 9 - Fight For The King
10. Reason 10- Gutter
11. Reason 11- Get Em' Freestyle
12. Reason 12- AMilli Freestyle
13. Reason 13- The UnderdoG's
14. Reason 14- Impossible
15. Reason 15- Downtown
16. Reason 16 - Project Window
17. Reason 17- The Big Connect
18. Reason 18- Say You Will
19. Reason 19- The Winner Is...

REVIEW:

I said it once before - do not to sleep on Street Pastor - but you better not sleep on KamB.I.N.O. either. Street Pastor and KamB.I.N.O., Slingshot Media Group label mates, have teamed up to release a new free mixtape that I can say without a doubt is one of the hottest free mixtapes I've ever heard.

The mixtape contains 19 "reasons" why "they", probably referring to the secular rap industry, "should panic". And panic they should, because the skill and quality of rap presented on this free mixtape is outstanding. Easily mainstream competitive and even transendent the lyrical content produced by the duo will likely blow you away. If you've heard of Street Pastor you probably know about his amazing freestyles (and if you haven't check out his Zoo freestyle here) and his songs that have you wondering if it was off the top of his head or written. KamB.I.N.O. is equally talented. His grimy, slick flow complements punch lines that are likely to induce cries of "ohhh snap!" from anyone within ears reach of the stereo. Combining these talents on one project, it's a no-brainer that whatever comes out is going to be an absolute treat to any rap fan that hears it.

They Should Panic's main reason for existance seems to be to showcase both Street Pastor and KamB.I.N.O.'s skill to the secular industry while still maintaining and promoting their beliefs and ministry mindset. To pull that off, to let loose with pure skill without ever compromising the faith, is an accomplisment in itself. And this accomplishment is made especially evident throughout the mixtape as Street and KamB.I.N.O. take turns recounting the events that they experienced during a high profile Christian freestyle contest from start to finish. Having the story chopped up into small tidbits and mixed into the project keeps the listener engaged, and wanting to hear what happens next. Apparently this isn't the first time something like this has been done before, and in fact at the very start of the mixtape Street gives credit to another rap group for giving him the idea, but it still really fits in well. Even though the mixtape would still have been a show stopper without the story on top of it all, it really compliments the rappers, their skill, what they stand for, and the hand of God over their work.

I'm not sure who some of the beats were produced by, but as is the norm with most free mixtapes, you will find several bootlegs throughout. These include Flame's "Joyful Noise", J.R.'s "Ridaz", "A Milli" by Lil' Wayne, "Fighters" by Lupe Fiasco and Matthew Santos, and even Kanye's auto-tune saturated "Say You Will". Something that you rarely hear on bootlegs is an outperformance of the original artist, but both Street Pastor and KamB.I.N.O. have actually managed this for the most part on They Should Panic.

DJ Bruce O'Brien, hailing from the Netherlands, helps to create an authentic mixtape feel with slight blends and flow between tracks and subtle scratching. His best work on the album is definitly the mixing of the "Get 'Em Freestyle" track in which Street Pastor lets loose over 4 different beats, one after the other. The mixing is nothing special in itself, but it helped to show off some amazing lyricism and make one of the best tracks on the mixtape.

It's nice to hear a mixtape that actually sounds like a mixtape rather than a random compilation of different songs, as is often the case with recent mixtape releases. It's quite subtle, but I'd much rather that than having to listen to a roaring DJ's repeated voice-overs and loud, annoying scratches that sound more like the record is being abused than skillfully manipulated.

I can say without any doubt that Street Pastor and KamB.I.N.O. are some of the most talented up-and-coming artists I've ever heard in Christian Rap...or rap in general. Lyrcism and swagger abound in both of these mid-west talents without having to compromise their belief in Jesus Christ and their mission in reaching the streets. If They Should Panic wasn't released free, I wouldn't think twice about spending my hard-earned cash on it. Download it now!



http://www.streetpastor.com/

KamB.I.N.O. Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/theyshouldpanic (listen to snippets of the mixtape here)

http://www.youtube.com/user/thestreetpastor

http://www.myspace.com/slingshotmediagroup

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.




Big R Myspace

Godchaserz Entertainment

Sho Baraka - Barakology (2009) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

01. Intro
02. Get You Open
03. Great Day II Die
04. Kobe Bryant on em
05. Serious Rapper Skit
06. Jesus feat. Alex Faith
07. Glorious feat. Conviction and Dillon Chase
08. Let the Record Drop feat. Katalyst
09. Testimony
10. Barakaology

Applejaxx - Jesus High (LISTEN TO THE SINGLE!)

The first offical album by Applejaxx, described by Billboard magazine as one of hip-hop's next "up and comers", is slated for release some time during Summer this year. The album, entitled Born Identity, displays Applejaxx's unique style and lyricism over as equally unique and diverse beats. It will follow in the same futuristic, end-times theme of Applejaxx's recent Databass mixtape (check out the review on the site). Featured artists include Tonex, kimme, Ashleigh Nickole, Trini & Mr Coldstone. Producers include big names such as Tonex, G Styles and Battle Axe as well as newcomers Nelly B., Luke Witherspoon and Greg Huegel.

The best part is, you can hear a single off the album, Jesus High, in the player to the right! You heard it here first!

www.myspace.com/applejaxx

Applejaxx bio:

Applejaxx serves you music like a full course meal from mom dukes. This North Carolina-based emcee focuses on a diverse presentation of artistry and innovation. Applejaxx can give you commercial jams, underground lyricism and laid back joints without compromising the art form. In an industry that has forgotten quality lyrics in music, Applejaxx is now about to feed the world a form of hip hop that will spark a movement.Born into a musical family, Apple’s entire family influenced his musical development. In a family of amazing singers, mcs, musicians and producers, Applejaxx was groomed for success and now believes that it’s his time to shine. Growing up, his musical influences ranged from hip hop to rock. “I grew up listening to a lot of different genres of music.” Apple explains, “That’s why today, you might catch me riding to 4th Avenue Jones’, Tonex, P.O.D., Jay-Z, Switchfoot or Lauryn Hill depending on my mood.” In 1999 Applejaxx happened to catch a performance by Grammy nominated and six time Stellar Award winner, Tonex (Jive) and west coast rap group Camp 8. That one gig provided all the motivation that Applejaxx needed to spark his hip hop journey. It was time for the jaxx to start producing rhymes for the fellas to fell and music for girls to move to. “My approach to music is to impact culture with quality music that can change lives.” States Applejaxx with strong conviction. “I think the time is now for a new movement.”A student of the art form and the industry, Applejaxx graduated from Campbell University in North Carolina in 2004 with a degree in Business Administration. At CU Apple took the stage where ever he could, performing at clubs, in plays, talent shows and any other spot with a mic and a friendly sound man. Applejaxx has shared the stage with artist such as Tonex, The Souljahz, Pettidee, Grits, MOC, and Glue. Recent appearances of note include a nationally televised performance at the MGM Grand with Tonex and the 2005 Pass The Mic Urban Music Showcase in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2003, like a divine hip hop appointment, Apple reconnected with Tonex. The vibe was undeniable and after their initial meeting, the two began to forge an ongoing professional relationship. In short time, Applejaxx was welcomed into Tonex’s Nureau Inc. artist family. “APPLEJAXX is one of a kind” States Tonex. “Our chemistry is crazy because we both think exactly the same.”

Applejaxx has appeared on Tonex: Out the Box album, Higher Ground soundtrack and has recently released his debut EP: 805 P.O.P. With the smash tracks 805, Get Ready and Uptown creating solid radio buzz around the nation; you can bet that it’s only a matter of time before the world will be eating a full bowl of musical APPLEJAXX.

Hip Hope 2009 - Various Artists

01. One World (Liquid Remix) - tobyMac feat Siti Monroe & KJ-52
02. Reminds Me - GRITS
03. I Call Him G.O.D. - Canton Jones
04. When It Feels Right - Speech (of Arrested Development)
05. What You Want - KJ-52 feat. Bonafide of GRITS
06. Calculator Watch - Pigeon John
07. Future - Verbs
08. Come Back To Me - Washington Projects
09. Be Myself - Jade feat. Coffee of GRITS
10. Walking Loud - Braille
11. Gimme Dapp - Pettidee
12. Avert - Shonlock feat. Canton Jones & V3
13. Bottom of the 9th - Knine feat. B. Reith
14. Higher - Stefan the Scientist
15. Feel It Now - Flynn Adam
16. Cut Me - J Remy
17. MY - Proxy feat. Verbs & Stefan the Scientist
18. Chimpanzee (Digital Bonus) - Rootbeer

REVIEW:

The Hip Hope compilation series released annually over the past 5 years has largely failed to do its job. To showcase the best (or in their words, "hottest") of Christian Hip-Hop. Instead, all it has done is bring together a mediocre selection of music that does more to put Christian hip-hop to shame than bring out its best. Release after release of these bland titles have been extensively promoted by the well-known Gotee Records label and in so have caught the eye of various secular critics only to be looked down upon as yet another title to prove that Christians just can't do hip-hop like the big boys.

What is so heartbreaking about this is that Christian hip-hop can do so much better than what has been showcased for the most part on the Hip Hope series so far. There is a lot of talent to be heard from the genre, but it seems like so far Hip Hope has either been unaware of this or simply ignored it in favour of dumbed-down, crowd-pleasing "hits" for better sales.

Well I'm proud to say that with the 2009 volume, the Hip Hope series has made a dramatic change for the better. In fact, after my first playthrough I was left pleasantly suprised at the unexpected difference that had been made, even after looking at the playlist, which is interesting in itself.

The first thing you notice is that this edition feels much more free-spirited than the previous ones. In a good way, that is. A lot of the tracks have a fresh experimental sound to them and flavors of music seem more diverse with not just hip-hop, but also some R&B, Electronica, Dance, and reggae thrown into the mix. This may seem contradictory at first, but nevertheless, for the most part the tracks have an urban/hip-hop vibe to them.

Hip Hope 2009's artist selection this time round is as diverse as it is musically. The Hip Hope series has always had a reasonably well-spread list of artists, but never as diverse and as large as this. The usual big names you'd expect are still there. Such as KJ-52, tobymac, GRITS, Pigeon John, Canton Jones and Pettidee. But there are a bunch of newcomers such as Jade, V Three, Stefan the Scientist and Proxy as well as more underground or lesser-known artists like Braiile, Verbs, The Washington Projects, B. Reith, Knine, Flynn and Rootbeer (on the digital download version only).

This isn't even including the multiple underground and up-and-coming artists that make appearances in short hidden tracks between some of the songs. These include Pro, Braille, Othello, Freddie Bruno and Propaganda which was very suprising. These small snippets are done well and manage to show off the artists talents adequatly even in the short amount of time they are done in.

Overall the song selection, unlike the rest of the series, is actually quite good. In fact, 12 of the 17 songs are exlusives, which is another big suprise. The non-exclusives include the experimental "Reminds Me" off the largely exprimental album, Reiterate, by GRITS. The mellow, soulfull "Future" off the Groundwork Theory which is an excellent piece and one of Verbs' best. Then there's "Bottom of the 9th" from the UnderDogg album by Knine featuring B. Reith where the latter shows off not only his lyrical skill but his singing talent, evident in the backing vocals throughout and towards the end of the song. ("Bottom of the 9th" is marked as an exlusive on the album but it actually isn't. I'm guessing the only reason it was marked exclusive is because of the slight reworking of the drums and vocals, which make little difference anyway).

As well as non-exclusive there are also never-before-heard (apparently not exclusives, but this is the first time they have been released) tracks. Such as "Be Myself" by Jade which could have been incredible, and for the most part it was great, had not it been for the overly short feature by Bonafide of GRITS and the overall shortness of the entire track. It's one of those tracks that feels like it could have been so good but just missed the mark. There's the reggae song by Stefan the Scientist, "Higher", which includes a beautiful chorus with breezy backing vocals over an incredibly catchy reggae beat. After one listen to this song you will know that Stefan the Scientist is an artist to look out for in the near future. I have high hopes for his upcoming work.

But, for the most part, the exclusives are where the compilation really shines. "I Call Him G.O.D." is an R&B club-banger that, while it does feature the overly-used Autotune software every now and then, is hard to resist getting up and vibing to. The hardcore street heads out there don't miss out this time with Speech's (from two-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development) "When it Feels Right". Pigeon John steps in to represent the lighter side of Christian Hip Hop with the hilarious "Calculation Watch". Pigeon John is a genius on the mic, and he never fails in the comedic area either. "Come Back To Me" is yet another R&B-infused experimental hip-hop single from The Washington Projects, but hey, I don't think anyone's going to be tiring of them anytime soon. It features a message on the forgiveness and redemptive quality of God. "Walking Loud" by Braille talks about living a "loud" life as Christians and to put our passiveness behind, accompanied by an apt loud and rowdy beat. Pettidee brings in something for the Dirty South on "Gimme Dapp". "Cut Me" by Jean-Luc Remy comes with a powerful message but is so graphic it's cringe-worthy, for those strong enough to handle it it's ok, but others may want to skip the track. Especially since the song is written to a very specific audience.

Reggae gets more exposure than ever before in the Hip Hope series with two songs. "Higher" being one, and the other entitled "My". The latter features Stefan the Scientist and another newcomer named Proxy, as well as Verbs. It's nicely constructed with an evangelistic message over a mixture of reggae and hip-hop. Then comes one of the most interesting songs on the album, "Avert". It starts off as a thumping party track and then, just over 1 minute in, completely switches into a rock-infused anthem for the rest of the track. All the while there is so much musical detail happening throughout with multiple effects and sounds while Canton Jones and Shonlock swap mics. The mixture of Canton Jones' smooth vocals and Shonlock's rapid fire spitting is very, very nice and adds to the overall diversity and depth of the entire song. It's really quite amazing how much was packed into it. Avert's message is one of repentance and turning away, or averting from sin. And really, it couldn't be conveyed any better.

Out of the entire compilation the only big problems I had were the two tracks that featured KJ-52. Yes, I said it. Stone me.

But seriously now. Despite the fact that the "One World" remix is not incredibly different from the original, the addition of KJ-52 was a bad idea. On both "One World" and "What You Want" KJ-52 is as boring as he has been as of late. Honestly, I'm tiring of his lyrcally-lacking and basic stye he has sunken into. Hip Hope should be showcasing the best of Christian Hip-Hop and while KJ-52 might be quite popular, he certainly is far from the best, especially in comparison to just about all the other artists featured on the compilation. Then again, I can imagine the outcry from his hoards of fans if he was ever excluded from a Hip Hope CD.

To sum it all up, I must say, DJ Maj has finally compiled something worthwhile this time around on Hip Hope 2009. I applaud his effort. There is a diverse selection both in the artists and musically. The content is, for the most part, of a higher quality than ever before in the series and actually does a good job towards showcasing good Christian Hip-Hop. Don't get me wrong though. This isn't the best compilation HHH album out there (check out DJ Morphiziz - International) but it is a big improvement and step foward for the Hip Hope series. If Hip Hope continues to move foward in the fashion it has here and, even improve on it, the series will be at the very least a respectable one.

Rootbeer - Pink Limousine Album Cover Revealed + Free Download!

There it is. The cover art for the Pink Limousine EP has been revealed!

For those who don't already know, Rootbeer is a hip-hop duo comprised of former L.A. Symphony member, Pigeon John, and current L.A. Symphony member, Flynn Adam. Individually they each have a unique and quirky, yet talented rap style. Together they create a style more bizzare than ever . Their up-tempo, light-hearted songs are sure to put a smile on your face and give a refreshingly different taste of hip-hop. The release date is set for March 10th, so be on the look out for it soon.

Check them out at their myspace here: http://www.myspace.com/rootbeersound

Download the single "Pink Limousine" below.

Pigeon John & General Elektrik - Crush (2009) [FREE DOWNLOAD SINGLE!]

Pigeon John has a new song for free downloaded entitled "Crush" with General Elektrik. Check it out by clicking on the button below.



Don't forget to get the latest info on PJ at his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pigeonjohn

Andale - Voice of Reason (2009) [FREE MIXTAPE DOWNLOAD!]

01. Intro
02. See Me
03. Who Is Andale
04. Speakin Murder ft. Kingston & Pro
05. 1997 - 2009
06. Fly Away
07. The Man, The Music, The Method
08. Aint Me
09. Change
10. Change Gone Come ft. Beckah Shae
11. Temptation
12. Ride Out
13. Stay In Your Lane
14. Do Me
15. Take Responsibility
16. Homie Please ft. Brothatone & Pro
17. Final Thoughts
18. Trouble Don't Last Always

The first project from Andale' since "Trial by Fire" is available for Free. The "Voice of Reason" is a blend of old and new Andale' tracks that are sure to feed your hunger for strong hip hop and quench your thirst for urban Christian quality. Trig of Corleink Radio interviews Andale' for an indepth look at the man, the music and the minsitry behind The "Voice of Reason." Special guest features include, Kingston, Pro, Brothatone, and others. Be sure to download yours today.

Click the "Download" button below to get "The Voice of Reason" absolutely FREE! Includes mixtape and album Art!