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Artist: GRITS
Album: Redemption
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Back again with their 7th studio release is the widely popular Christian hop-hop act, GRITS. Although the band themselves does not necessarily like the term “Christian”, that is where the majority of their illustrious career has been. Rightly titled Redemption, this album is the start of something new for GRITS. "This album is what hip-hop is meant to be and what it means to be a voice of and for the people,” says Bonafide, “Redemption, the rise of a new era, songs of freedom.” Moving on with a new stage in life, GRITS has recently launched a new record label, 5E Entertainment, which will be home to several new and upcoming hip-hop artists. Continuing with the theme of change, Redemption is the last album that will be released on Gotee Records.
Change may be in store for this all time best selling Christian hip-hop group, but they are still sticking to their same old ways – providing quality and positive hip-hop inspiration based on their lives. Opening with the track “We Workin”, the duo is able to catch the attention of listeners immediately with the amazing beats, rhymes, and lyrics that are presented early on in this album. One thing, however, that haunts the ear of this reviewer, is the likeness to the modern hip-hop movement of mainstream music, but like themselves the duo is sure to keep the lyrics and songs focused on one person – Jesus Christ.
Song number five, “Soul Cry” is just that – a cry for help. Repeatedly, the words “help me, help me, help me” are uttered from the lips of a guest singer. Then coming in to sing lyrics while the woman sings “help me” in the background, the duo is able to shed light on their personal relationship with God, showing how God is always there for us when we need help. The next song on the album is “Ambition”, and it sounds very similar to several songs I have heard of local mainstream hip-hop stations, but yet, once again, it shows their positive side discussing their ambitions. The song states how they never wanting the title “Christian rappers” because they are Christian, but they want to minister to all.
The rest of the album continues with this same theme of change. Truly, I have met this group and I know where their hearts are, and I hope the change really does well. This album is the first step in change. Sounding more like those mainstream acts that half the world loves, the band will be able to better connect with nonbelievers and share the good news of Christ with them. Redemption is the best GRITS album yet – yes, I know most people say that about the newest albums from bands, but after people hear this album – especially if they are a long time GRITS fan – they will notice that this album is distinctly different than previous albums released. The future of GRITS? I have no clue, but they will continue to tour and wherever Christ leads them is where they will go.
Timothy Gerst |
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