Post by docwatson on May 23, 2009 7:54:07 GMT -6
Pro " The BlackOut" CLE
Released: 2008
Review by: Holy Ridaz
Committee Rating: 4.10 (of 5)
4.10 (of 5)
I have been a fan of Christian Hip Hop for more than a decade; way back when rats funneled through tunnels and artists moved the Cross and spit their rhymes, while simultaneously serving as lamp modes in an otherwise darkened Hip Hop environment. Back then it seemed that my Christian Hip Hop came in two different flavors, those who were connected to and trying to reach the streets, and those who took more of a straight-laced Biblical/Theological approach. Since then the genre has begun to transform and merge, offering much more than just those two flavors.
So what does my retrospective flashback have to do with the new release by Pro? Everything! Pro's new release "The Blackout" is one of the better comprehensive Christian releases aimed to reach the streets. Through the use of creative production and attitude-laden rhyme skills, Pro steps up to the mic and challenges many of the lies, deceptions and misconceptions that are so boldly being promoted in the Hip Hop culture. "The Blackout" is packed full of memorable, bangin music and Pro's rhyme skill is undeniable. I would pit this one against any secular project in the industry.
If I only had a few words to sum up the debut release from Pro, "The Blackout", I would have to use Pro's own words..."this is That Real Hop!" Released this year by CLE Records, "The Blackout" is well produced. The album is evenly balanced and features honest, heart-driven lyrics, bangin beats and some devastating lyrical and musical tag-teaming...putting the smack down on fake emcees and wannabees.
I think what I like the most about "The Blackout" is that it takes a stand against many of the things that are wrong in the culture. However, Pro does so in a skillful and logical manner that I believe will actually challenge and provoke the listener to reconsider and reevaluate what the industry and culture have been trying to shove down their ear-holes. Through tracks like That Real and I Bet He Lying, Pro challenges the pretenders who claim street credibility in order to boost their careers and record sales (a certain policeman turned rapper comes to mind when I hear these tracks). Other tracks like More, and Hate Me More, reveal a personal, vulnerable side of Pro...an everyday person who faces challenges and struggles just like the next man.
Although Pro demonstrates flexibility and variety in his flow, the one constant throughout this project is the starting point of a heart centered on Christ. Pro is an artist who is confident and secure in who he is in Christ and is determined to reach those still in the streets.
Pro flexes his production muscles on The Blackout, and gets some help from the likes of Doc Watson and Young Vizzy A Dot. Special Guest appearances include Soul P., Pettidee, Kingston, Willie Will and more. Shut It Down, which features Pettidee, is one of the hardest tracks on this cd. Hate Me More, which features Kingston is also an instant favorite that I could relate to.
All in all, The Blackout features 17 hard-hitting tracks that will keep your head nodding and foot tapping from start to finish. But don't let it fool ya, if you listen closely you will find that there is a lot more to Pro and his message.
Released: 2008
Review by: Holy Ridaz
Committee Rating: 4.10 (of 5)
4.10 (of 5)
I have been a fan of Christian Hip Hop for more than a decade; way back when rats funneled through tunnels and artists moved the Cross and spit their rhymes, while simultaneously serving as lamp modes in an otherwise darkened Hip Hop environment. Back then it seemed that my Christian Hip Hop came in two different flavors, those who were connected to and trying to reach the streets, and those who took more of a straight-laced Biblical/Theological approach. Since then the genre has begun to transform and merge, offering much more than just those two flavors.
So what does my retrospective flashback have to do with the new release by Pro? Everything! Pro's new release "The Blackout" is one of the better comprehensive Christian releases aimed to reach the streets. Through the use of creative production and attitude-laden rhyme skills, Pro steps up to the mic and challenges many of the lies, deceptions and misconceptions that are so boldly being promoted in the Hip Hop culture. "The Blackout" is packed full of memorable, bangin music and Pro's rhyme skill is undeniable. I would pit this one against any secular project in the industry.
If I only had a few words to sum up the debut release from Pro, "The Blackout", I would have to use Pro's own words..."this is That Real Hop!" Released this year by CLE Records, "The Blackout" is well produced. The album is evenly balanced and features honest, heart-driven lyrics, bangin beats and some devastating lyrical and musical tag-teaming...putting the smack down on fake emcees and wannabees.
I think what I like the most about "The Blackout" is that it takes a stand against many of the things that are wrong in the culture. However, Pro does so in a skillful and logical manner that I believe will actually challenge and provoke the listener to reconsider and reevaluate what the industry and culture have been trying to shove down their ear-holes. Through tracks like That Real and I Bet He Lying, Pro challenges the pretenders who claim street credibility in order to boost their careers and record sales (a certain policeman turned rapper comes to mind when I hear these tracks). Other tracks like More, and Hate Me More, reveal a personal, vulnerable side of Pro...an everyday person who faces challenges and struggles just like the next man.
Although Pro demonstrates flexibility and variety in his flow, the one constant throughout this project is the starting point of a heart centered on Christ. Pro is an artist who is confident and secure in who he is in Christ and is determined to reach those still in the streets.
Pro flexes his production muscles on The Blackout, and gets some help from the likes of Doc Watson and Young Vizzy A Dot. Special Guest appearances include Soul P., Pettidee, Kingston, Willie Will and more. Shut It Down, which features Pettidee, is one of the hardest tracks on this cd. Hate Me More, which features Kingston is also an instant favorite that I could relate to.
All in all, The Blackout features 17 hard-hitting tracks that will keep your head nodding and foot tapping from start to finish. But don't let it fool ya, if you listen closely you will find that there is a lot more to Pro and his message.