WLAK
Overview
With in the last few months we have been presented with an array of proverbial guided missiles, aimed right at the heart of man. And no, not from Pastor so and so from such and such, but rather from Rap Artists that are too many to mention. Plus I know I will leave someone out. [...]
With in the last few months we have been presented with an array of proverbial guided missiles, aimed right at the heart of man. And no, not from Pastor so and so from such and such, but rather from Rap Artists that are too many to mention. Plus I know I will leave someone out. Every time I turn the corner, hits after hits, full of gifted lyrical content and production, the content is tasteful, and the context on point. The growth of CHH has given artist and fans alike a greater opportunity to be influenced by the Gospel and continual reminders of His grace.
While sitting back listening to WLAK, I was immediately reminded of some lyrics by TONIC of CROSSMOVEMENT, from over 10 yrs. ago
And a few more bars within that track
Hitting pause, I was a bit taken aback; in that moment I realized what Tonic meant, that
I am paraphrasing. This is not to say we need to abandon our churches, by no means. I DO NOT BELIEVE that is God’s plan, but for us, specifically within our culture, we have to understand that God is using people in this industry to bring change and to set the trends. Because to be honest, and to be transparent I felt like the tracks on this Album continued to press upon me and face some things personally. I was expecting these things during service, but WLAK caught me of guard, like an overhand right. This Album is pact with delivery of connecting haymakers that I believe will make many a listener throw in the towel in surrender to God. To Collision records and everyone involved on this Album, BIG UPS!!
As a staff here at UBM, we pulled out a few of the tracks that we felt are outstanding.
The best track on the album, Reign is coming. The production done on this track by Wit, Joseph Prielozny, & Swoope is phenomenal. Proving why they are one of the best doing it in the hip-hop genre period. This track exemplifies the talents and skills of the entire Collision Records roster. The group goes in and lets everyone (believers and non-believers) know that the 2nd coming of Christ is coming, which He will take over all kingdoms on earth. During Christ’s reign, we (the saints) will reign with Him before final judgment. The song starts off with Christion Gray singing the hook on how we as Christians are waiting for the 2nd coming because of Christ’s love, while Christ is still waiting for us, the church, to rise up a nation and prepare others for His Kingdom. Swoope leads off this track with a memorable verse filled with metaphors and punch lines. Dre Murray picks up right where Swoope left off with his “in your face” reality rap warning people it’s time to wake up because the reign comes. Alex Faith follows his partners with probably his best verse to date.
This leads perfectly into the next track, YHWH. So just in case you forgot or maybe you just didn’t know but Yahweh is King. He’s the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega. Again, the production done on this track by Dirty Rice and Swoope is crazy. The “down south bounce beat” comes in hard with the bass knocking. Definitely the track you want your system glaring as you come down the block. While Swoope and Dre Murray go in and explain exactly who Yehwah is, the rightful place our sovereign ruler deservingly has, and how we should be living pleasing according to Him.
Dre Murray over a Wit produced track with Christion Gray on the hook is an instant classic, which is what Arena is. This song is one that we can all relate. As Christion Gray sings the melodic hook, Dre raps about how now being a Christian people tend to look at you in a different light. People are either looking at you for answers instead of going to the source, God, for answers. While other people are looking and waiting for you to fall because they don’t believe you’ve become a new creation made in His image. But as a Christian, all you can do is pray, keep your focus on Him, and seek His wisdom in order to live life one day at a time while going thru life’s struggles and pitfalls. Above of all this, you are joyful and thankful for being sanctified by what Jesus Christ has done for us.
King in Me is the last track on the last album and it sums up the concept of the project which is Romans 8:17. It’s because of the Holy Spirit that resides in us along with the fact we are children of God. This means we are heirs of God and co-heirs to the throne with Christ. Over a Swoope produced track, Swoope and Christion Gray let everyone know they are unashamed on what the Lord means to them. Swoope goes on to tell everyone that no one can stop you from achieving your goals and dreams when Christ is in center of your life. Christion Gray reinforces this on the hook.
This album is one of those albums that will stand the test of time. I know its early in the year and other projects are set to be uncovered but it is definitely going to be added into our choice for album of the year. As far as lyricism and production is concerned this album is a game changer.
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