Artist: William Wallace
Album: Open It
Label: Tate Music Group
Release Date:  June 28, 2011

Overview
Social Media continues to be a great tool for The Body to connect.  I began following William Wallace on Twitter to see what good things God is doing through this brother’s ministry.  It’s great to continue to see who is doing their thing on the regular.  One never knows.  Well, I am ready to dig in to see what is going on with the album “Open It”.  Let’s go in.

Ministry : 5 Stars
It is great to see that artists are out there not just trying to flow on the mic, but spending time in the Word of God to be relevant in what He is saying.  Many times, artists try to use the Christian Rap stage to fulfill a dream in the natural.  However, William Wallace connects his work to The Word and lets it shine.   He successfully make a connection to Philippians 1:6, for example: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV).  The message never changes.  When the heart of one is opened to accept Jesus as their Savior, He will do the rest.  This is ministry at its best

Production: 3 stars
William Wallace did his best to bring a variety of styles in the music on this album.  There was a great use of piano/synthesizer as a foundation for many of the beats chosen.  There was also hose/techno, a little Middle Eastern influence, and Contemporary Worship as well.  There are a couple of things that take away from the production.  Some of the beats that were chosen seemed to be dated.  It would have been great to hear more current material.  Also, there were some instances of hollow sound, as if some of the recording was done in an open area.  It makes it challenging to enjoy the quality of the message when that happens. 

SQ (Song Quality) Ratio: 2.5 Stars
There are a few songs on this project that have some good things going on.  I think the song that has the best balance overall is “In Jesus Name Amen”.   William Wallace talks about real things happening in our society.  He encourages our youth to look to the Lord and follow a path that will be pleasing to Him.  Some other songs that will be a blessing to you will be “Be Free”, “Lift You Up”, and “God’s DNA”.   There could have been certain elements included to add some explosion.  For example, if there was 3 part harmony in “Lift You Up”, I think that this would have put the song over the top.  Also, other songs could have off the chain if the delivery was better. 

Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars
You will be encouraged by what William Wallace has to say on this album.  All you have to do is open up your heart, mind and soul to the message, and God can take over from there.  All things are possible to those who believe, and that is all this brother is trying to tell you.  To get this album, go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id436361262 and enjoy it.

Review by @mrcwitdayeshr 

Artist:  Shepherdess @shepherdess33
Album:  Overcomer
Release Date:  August 25, 2011
Label:  Unsigned

Overview
Shepherdess.  When we think of what a person with title does, we think of a person who represents a leader.  This is a person that guides a flock, and even makes it her business to find a sheep that is lost.  This sister’s music definitely makes it her business to launch out into the deep and reach souls that don’t know The Lord and bring an encouraging word to those that are going through something only God can fix or heal. 

Ministry:  5 Stars
This woman of God doesn’t hesitate to let the listeners know that God is on their side.  Shepherdess reminds us that God has given us favor, we are conquerors, and that we are overcomers.  She lets us know, through her own personal testimony that forgiveness is a huge key to lightening the burden in our hearts.  I’ll put it this way; in order for God to elevate us, we will definitely need to listen to His word and apply it in our lives.  The Bible says faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  Her testimony proves that, and once listeners tune in, lives will be changed through Christ. 

Production:  4 Stars
The Overcomer project give the listener variety of sound, such as classical, house, and of course the head nodding hip hop that the listener expects.  Some songs are mellow and brings the listener to a relaxed state of mind.  Others cause the listener to dance and show a little more excitement and this is why there will be a positive experience. 
There are a couple of songs that have choice of beats/effects that could have been reconsidered.   One of the songs (You Shall Live) started out with bongos, leading to confusion regarding song flow, though it picks later and has a stronger finish.  In addition, “Redeemed” surprised me with a robot sound effect that took away from the song because it had an old school sound that missed the impact intended.  Outside of that, Dave Sims does a nice job. 

Song Quality (SQ) Ratio:  3.75 Stars
There are a few songs that will bless listeners for sure.   Three songs will accomplish this task on the next level.  They are “Overcomer, “Favor”, and “U R Holy”.  I am confident that people will be encouraged, full of life, and uplifted after listening to these cuts.  The repeat button will be used frequently in your car, on your computer, or smart phone.  If you are in despair before listening, you will be repeating Shepherdess’ message as a result.
What could be better in some of the songs is lyrical flow.  There are times when Shepherdess is off beat, or struggling with her delivery.  The message in her music is so powerful, when she misses in this area, it can’t go unnoticed. 

Overall Rating: 4.25 Stars
Shepherdess ministers effectively to let listeners know that they are overcomers.  South Carolina should be proud because she represents the south very well with what she is bringing. I look forward to see what she will bring in her next project.  I anticipate that she will build on the variety that she capable of bringing with lyrics on the next level.  Also, for those who are struggling with abuse related issues in their life, you will want to hear this sister’s testimony. It will change your life.  Get Overcomer by going to http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/overcomer/id465991385

Artist: Blaze Torch
Album: The Journey So Far
Release Date: 4/30/2011
Label: Hold It Down Entertainment
Management: Man Up Management

Overview: 

I first got exposed to the ministry of Blaze Torch by watching him on The YES Hour via live stream on OWWR Radio.  His testimony was genuine, and he also showed what he was capable of as an artist.  He blessed the show and audience with a powerful freestyle that glorified God while showcasing his skills at the same time.  Now it's time to check out his work in The Journey So Far. 

Ministry: 5 Stars

This is the perfect album to reach the person that doesn’t know Christ.  Blaze Torch goes deep into his past to illustrate what man goes through without God’s guidance.  In the project, there is constant asking for God to come in, open up his eyes to see clearly in order to have the relationship with God that is promised in His Word.  There is talk of street life, partying, drug use, and chasing women as part of the things that he engaged in.  He even talks about the challenges of doing these things even after getting saved.  The best thing that he shows, to sum it up, is that a double minded person is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). 

Production: 5 Stars

I was very impressed with the production of this project. There was great misdirection, leading listeners to believe that they were in for a conventional hip hop experience.  The Journey So Far gives us a variety of influence musically such as Caribbean, Latin, Acoustic, and more. Of course, blending the musical styles, the listener will still get the head nodding experience that is to be expected.  Also, the singing on this album is superb.  I love to hear harmony when voices are coming together as one.  When the voices from these songs hit my ears, I was blessed instantly. 

Attention Ratio: 4¼ Stars

Of course, many are familiar with the hot single off of this album “Boom Boom Bap”.  This one gives you that blazin’ hip hop sound, the talk about The Lord puttin’ the BOOM on sin and the enemy’s plans, and reppin the king until the day he come back.  To me, one of the hottest songs is “Thank You”. As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the most complete songs, period.  Mr. Boom Boom Bap definitely shines lyrically, and the hook was crazy.  Blaze's singing got me stuck on this joint.  I got this on repeat right now.  There is a special anointing as I felt the Holy Spirit arise within me when this song plays.  When the praises goes up, the blessings come down. 

“Bright Lights” and “TSH” have some powerful warnings in each song respectively.  There are warnings about what can happen if living without the presence of God or try to live a double life.  I thought that “Bright Lights” had a drag effect on the hook that I couldn’t shake, and I thought that it took away from the song a bit.  Also, on “TSH”, the chattin’ didn’t work too well.  I don’t mind when artists touch on other cultures musically.  However, I didn’t believe that it was tastefully done in this case.

Overall Score: 4¾ Stars

Overall, this album is a must for your collection.  It certainly ministered to me at home, at work, and in the car.  Blaze Torch does an amazing job of sharing his experiences as a child, a husband, and as a man.  He tells us of his good times and rough times, giving God the praise for bringing him through it all and giving Him all of the credit.  You also need to check out the “Boom Boom Bap” Remix Feat. ThisIsSikc.  If you let Blaze Torch get in your ear, You will not be disappointed. 
Go to http://blazetorch.bandcamp.com/album/the-journey-so-far to see what I’m talking about.

Review by

Artist(s):  Impact, King Dom, Swade, and ODK
Genre: HHH/R&P
Label: Noiz of Zion Media
Title: Expansion Volume 1
Website: Facebook

Overview
There is always something special when we hear the talents of our young people giving praise to The Lord and using their talents to spread the Gospel.  I was first told about Swade by a mutual friend.   Now, I have the opportunity to hear the work of artists on his label, including himself on top of his production capabilities. 

Ministry:  5 Stars
These young brothers definitely prove that they know the Word of God in their lyrics.  When I hear lines such as “I am more than a conquer-conqueror, Yes I am, Iaaaaam”, it truly ministers to me.   Of course, this is biblically sound (based on Romans 8:37).  The song “Conquerors” definitely remind the listener that no matter what we are going through, that we can overcome with the help of The Lord.  The artists on this mixtape are not afraid to tell you who they represent, which is their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  They tell you through their metaphoric approach that JC is the King and they are not changing their position.  That is enough for me. 

Production:  3 Stars
Swade shows his ability to be versatile.  He has some nice tracks that we can all nod our head to while in the ride.  He gives you that dirty south flavor in his hip hop tracks, some house music, and also some R&P flavor.  In addition, there is even some reggae on the mixtape as well.  One area that could be better, in my opinion, is the intro for each song.  Many of them had the same approach, which was the short instrumental before the vocals.  It would have been great to hear a variety in that area. 
There were also times when some beats had a lower quality sound than others.  This is important because this can distract the listener from the great message that the artists are delivering in their rhymes and songs of praise. 

Attention Ratio:  3 Stars
This mixtape has 19 tracks that are presented to the listener.  For me, I believe that 10 of these tracks will hold the attention of the listener.  Two are ready for airplay on radio stations right now.  I mentioned “Conquerors” earlier.   Impact and King Dom bring it on this one.   This joint will definitely encourage you and have you moving to the beat at the same time.  Also, there is a bangin’ joint that CHH stations should be playing right now:  Swade really steps to brothers when talking about “Delilah”.  I’m telling you, this one had me pressing the back arrow in my Droid on the regular.  He’s a beast on this one.  To me, this one stands out hands down. 
Other  surprises that listeners will enjoy are “Mountain” by King Dom, “Reppin” and “Walking With God” by Impact, and also “Who We Are”.  There are other nice ones too, but I just wanted to mention a few. 

Overall Rating:  3.6 Stars 
Noiz of Zion can’t be slept on.  Their sound is solid, and their ministry is powerful.  These young men have the platform and power to change the hearts of many young people through Christ.  They need to be heard so their peers can hear what God has in store for them from these ministers.  Today we talk about D-Maub, Ambassador, and Da Truth.  Tomorrow, Noiz of Zion has the potential to be at the top of the food chain.   Go to Itunes to hear what I’m talking about.

Artist: Rawsrvnt
Album:  No Ordinary Love
Genre: Contemporary Worship/CHH

Overview
When listening to each track on this album, there is one thing that stands out:  Worship.  Rawsrvnt makes it his business to let The Lord know that it is all about praising him and lifting him up consistently throughout the whole album.  He makes it a point to encourage the listener to join him, and engage in praising God as well.  Rawsrvnt shows that he is capable of doing many things musically, and executes well with different styles.

Production: 5
This album is enjoyable because of the different styles of music that Rawsrvnt touches on.   The first single “No Ordinary Love” is a cover that features Lisa McClendon that was done tastefully.   He starts with that 80’s vibe and touches on hip hop, alternative rock, and some nice praise and worship selections as well.  The musical versatility on this album can be enjoyed by many, as there is something for everyone. 

Ministry Appeal: 5
If you look at the title of some of the songs on this album, such as “No Ordinary Love”, “On Fire”, and “Bow Down”, you can see that there is a biblical connection.   The Bible says that “Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess.”  Jeremiah talks about a “fire shut up” in his bones.  John 3:16 talked about God’s great love for all of us.  This album has the ability to reach someone that doesn’t know God, and do so with people from many walks of life.

Attention Ratio:  3 ½
Out of the 15 tracks on the album, 10 of these tracks (from my perspective) are really strong enough to hold my attention.  Rawsrvnt’s ability to collab with the powerful artists he worked with testimony, and solid creativity are the factors behind those great tracks.  What takes away from the album is his old school flow at times, and the two versions of “No Ordinary Love”.  There was no real distinction between the two versions, and both sound the same as far as I’m concerned.   The first version was my favorite and should have been the only one on the project.

Overall Rating: 4.5
Overall, I really think this is a very good album.  There is lots to offer to fans of various music.   Most definitely support this artist because his music ministry has the ability to touch many.

Review by @mrcwitdayeshr

REQUEST YOUR ALBUM, MIXTAPE OR SINGLE REVIEW by DM @mrcwitdayeshr

Home | About Us | Say Yes! | Music
© 2011 The Yes Hour
PO Box 633
Hicksville, New York, 11802-0633
Web Solutions by Sharp Shutters

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________