Post by docwatson on May 23, 2009 7:59:43 GMT -6
Artist: PRO
Album: The BlackOut
Label: C.L.E
Link: www.MyNameIsPro.com
Release: Early in Oct 2008 / Officially in Nov. 2008
RATING: 8.5 out of 10 B+
(due to having a noticable lack of Biblical reference and Christian Faith based Substance)
***THE BACK DROP***
There has been an age old debate amongst the Christian Rap, Holy Hip Hop community.
The debate is "Blatancy over Creativity."
Are you serious? why is there EVEN A DEBATE???
Why can't you "Creatively be Blatant" about your faith, your passions, your love, your ideas, and your convictions.
Now mind you as a Christian you profess to have a renewed MIND. so your Faith is JESUS Based, your Passions are JESUS based, Your Love Is JESUS & WORD based, your ideas are JESUS Based, your Passions are JESUS based, and your convictions are JESUS's pleasure.
There is nothing corny, bland, or unattractive about that.
If anything, THAT'S VERY ATTRACTIVE and BEAUTIFULLY-INTERESTINGLY-COMPLEX!
A Kingdom divided itself can not stand...PERIOD. So, I wanted to get that straight.
Now...Introducing Memphis via Tennesse Native by the name "PRO."
PRO is a raw rapper, lyricist, producer who has his album promoted by DJ Wade-O; he has his album sold on HolyCultureDownload.com but he says he doesn't want to be called a Christian Rapper.
AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!
That is so disappointing. NOT upsetting but, dissappointing and a little confusing.
When I say that PRO is raw [as me being a professional DJ, Producer, and Journalist who is STRICTLY CHRISTIAN] it behooves and becomes me NOT to lie to you. This cat is RAW talent.
Even though PRO is a dope EmCee (who doesn't want to be called a Christian Rapper) it's pretty obvious that he is of the Christian Faith. It's just dissappointing that he doesn't have an overtly blatant Christian Message.
PRO has a heart to expose the FAKE in the industry and reveal the TRUTH to the "HOOD."
BUT, MY QUESTION is how can you heal a cough with a Sugary cough drop. Or how can you heal an ailment with a watered down vaccine.
You don't have to deny or despise MONEY like LeCrae Nor do you have to be ALL ABOUT stacking checks to provide for your family either. Those are two wide extremes.
To be an extremist on either side is to crucify Christ Jesus "a fresh," due to the lack of Faith in GOD's word, believe it or not. I say that because it's a lack of that Faith will have you down play the value, need, luxury, and GOD given blessing of MONEY or Currency. And it's a lack of Faith to say that MONEY will answer all of my Wows. It crucifies JESUS a fresh because either side down plays Christ's sovereignty and omnicience.
A Just weight is the FATHER's delight (Prov. 11:1)
I can empathize with PRO's position because a lot of successful or respected Christian rappers talk like "doing music SOLELY for the sake of having a career is anti-Christ." They come across as IF music should only be used for a TOOL. And that school of thought couldn't be further from the truth. The TRUTH is that the Father can and will honor & bless a career in music just like he will honor & bless a career in being a regional manager of a fast-food chain.
Josh 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success
Deut 8:18 - But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
You don't have to disciple from a Distance like FLAME but, NOR do you have to rap about girls, search for fame, and your disgust with your temp agency or 9 to 5 like rapper Pigeon John.
You don't have to be Mr. Dell with a multi-million dollar major record deal who disassociates and disrespects the whole genre of HHH and all of it's associates (Per Mr. DELL's interview with Vessel Vibe Magazine). This is really a spit in OUR GOD's face based on the denial of His Holy Scriptures according to 1st Cor. 12: 14-18.
In verse 18 of 1st Corinthians chapter 12, it references
GOD's pleasure. So, the question NOW is what pleases GOD. This is something we don't have to take out of context or guess at. The WORD is very clear about His pleasure.
You may think that I'm ranting and that this is going beyond an album review. WELL...Here at DJW Reviews, I take sort of a DJ wade-O approach and that is that this is "More than Journalism...It's Bible Study via music as a back drop."
Here is some of the quotes from PRO on "The BlackOut" Album:
"...I Give Truth" "...I'm The Realist"
"...I'm a beast on the mic"
"...If I'm not in your top 5 your list is wrong"
"...Don't Bite My style" "...I get it poppin"
"...If you hate my flow, then you don't LOVE 'real'"
"...I crush competition, YES PRO is hot"
"...Dang Skippy I'mma boast on my flow (in the LORD)"
"...This Year Is Mine"
"...Yes I'm cocky cause I got it like that"
Now, PRO says that he isn't all about the doe. And honestly it would seem that way. Yet, some of his lyrics make you scratch your head regarding his position, and standards in relation to the KINGDOM of GOD.
Like I said earlier you can pretty much tell that PRO is a Christian with convictions. However, his delivery on A LOT OF his tracks leave you to believe that there's more grooming to be done in that profession of Faith.
So, let's see why this album got a B+.
***FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS***
PRO is a producer (a dynamic one at that) so there isn't a lot of outsourced music production on The BlackOut. However, there are two other producers on the album...Doc Watson and Young Vizzy A-Dot. NO LIE...THE BEATS ON THIS ALBUM ARE INTENSELY FEROCIOUS. I'M REALLY BLOWN AWAY. I'm pretty sure you will be too. But, LIKE FOREST GUMP..."that's all I have to say about that." Honestly there's really not a lot of room for critique in this area. We're talking flawless victory, just about!
The featured artist that were brought into the composition of "The BlackOut" Album are Pettidee, eye Q, Coko Korrine, Brothatone, Kingston, Willie Will, Dorian Lee, and Soul P.
eye Q laces Track 4 "Let Me Know" his vocal arangement meshes with the beat seamlessly for a track that THUMPS so hard. coko Korrine sings so soulful, sweet, and musically accurate with her pitch on Track 6 "Without You." It's no wonder that Soul P is on this record because he and PRO seem simular approaches to rap in the Christian music genre but, none the less Soul P holds it down with a solid feature on Track 16 "IF I Don't Wake." Brothatone managed to bring a convicting, wisdom based, and Spiritually inspired contribution to Track 8 "Were You At." I think PRO can learn a lot from Willie Will. He has both the Spiritual and industry wisdom. It's obvious on Willie Will's feature on Track 12 "Bring It Back." Pettidee lends a well applie grittiness to the hook on Track 5 "Shut it down." Pettidee also has 16 bars on the same track yet despite the GRIMMY delivery of his verse, the content is a little loose fitting. Dorian Lee sings with a patient calculation of his approach which makes every note of his vocals of the chain.
For the most part the veterans help PRO in the ring. But, it's the new comers that are featured on this album that really help and prove that they aren't expendable. The new coming rappers and singers featured on "The BlackOut" will definitely turn heads.
***TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY***
There are several songs off of "The BlackOut" That floor you with their massive appeal. Track 4 "Let Me Know," Track 6 "Without You," Track 9 "More," Track 13 "I Bet He Lying," Track 16 "If I Don't Wake," Track 5 "Shut It Down," Track 8 "Where You At," Track 17 "Yeah," Track 15 "You Know The Deal," and Track 11 "What I'm Working With."
I have no information or names on technical notes to share with you but, I can say that "The BlackOut" should have a warning label on it, for the life of your speakers.
This album knocks. This album knocks. This album knocks.
The mixing is strong...making the singers vocals sound beautiful and balanced. You can hear the rappers distinctively. And the mastering is superbly SOLID. The quality of "The BlackOut" album supercedes amature status.
In light of every single angle and point of view regarding PRO's "The BlackOut," I'm impressed and vexed at the same time.
There is so much talent embodied in this guy and this album... Yet it seems that he buried it in the dirt by over shadowing substance with the consistant lyrical highlite of his skills as an artist/producer.
Longterm you just can't be successful rapping like this when you know better. The HOOD, The BURBS, and The 3rd World Countries are looking for TRUTH. If you have it then give it. And you don't have to be a theologian or seminary graduate to give such truth.
Christian Rapper J. Johnson (formerly J.Silas) says this on FLAME debut album...
"I got some lumps on my head from some Bibles"
"I gave some too, thank Christ for Survival (of ignorance on his part and others)"
So, I'm not saying that PRO has to bust heads with Scripture but, we know...so that we can understand and we understand... so that we can show.
PRO proclaims that he isn't "perfect." But, my prayer is that PRO matures even more as a SON of GOD through Christ. There's no shame in that.
Yes...WE may be the ONLY Bible that some people ever read but, we must be full OR full to the best efforts of the WORD because eventually your Mouth 'aint gon' be able to keep your Heart from Telling on you. Luke 6: 45
Hands down PRO is one of the illest producers and rappers to be on this side of heaven.
But, with more substance, humility, maturity, and wisdom THE HEAVENLY PROFESSIONAL of Professionals WILL UNDOUBTABLY exalt this PRO.
BUY THIS ALBUM NOW: thebus-shop.com/shop.cfm?prod=498
Donate to DJ WanablesU
Album: The BlackOut
Label: C.L.E
Link: www.MyNameIsPro.com
Release: Early in Oct 2008 / Officially in Nov. 2008
RATING: 8.5 out of 10 B+
(due to having a noticable lack of Biblical reference and Christian Faith based Substance)
***THE BACK DROP***
There has been an age old debate amongst the Christian Rap, Holy Hip Hop community.
The debate is "Blatancy over Creativity."
Are you serious? why is there EVEN A DEBATE???
Why can't you "Creatively be Blatant" about your faith, your passions, your love, your ideas, and your convictions.
Now mind you as a Christian you profess to have a renewed MIND. so your Faith is JESUS Based, your Passions are JESUS based, Your Love Is JESUS & WORD based, your ideas are JESUS Based, your Passions are JESUS based, and your convictions are JESUS's pleasure.
There is nothing corny, bland, or unattractive about that.
If anything, THAT'S VERY ATTRACTIVE and BEAUTIFULLY-INTERESTINGLY-COMPLEX!
A Kingdom divided itself can not stand...PERIOD. So, I wanted to get that straight.
Now...Introducing Memphis via Tennesse Native by the name "PRO."
PRO is a raw rapper, lyricist, producer who has his album promoted by DJ Wade-O; he has his album sold on HolyCultureDownload.com but he says he doesn't want to be called a Christian Rapper.
AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!
That is so disappointing. NOT upsetting but, dissappointing and a little confusing.
When I say that PRO is raw [as me being a professional DJ, Producer, and Journalist who is STRICTLY CHRISTIAN] it behooves and becomes me NOT to lie to you. This cat is RAW talent.
Even though PRO is a dope EmCee (who doesn't want to be called a Christian Rapper) it's pretty obvious that he is of the Christian Faith. It's just dissappointing that he doesn't have an overtly blatant Christian Message.
PRO has a heart to expose the FAKE in the industry and reveal the TRUTH to the "HOOD."
BUT, MY QUESTION is how can you heal a cough with a Sugary cough drop. Or how can you heal an ailment with a watered down vaccine.
You don't have to deny or despise MONEY like LeCrae Nor do you have to be ALL ABOUT stacking checks to provide for your family either. Those are two wide extremes.
To be an extremist on either side is to crucify Christ Jesus "a fresh," due to the lack of Faith in GOD's word, believe it or not. I say that because it's a lack of that Faith will have you down play the value, need, luxury, and GOD given blessing of MONEY or Currency. And it's a lack of Faith to say that MONEY will answer all of my Wows. It crucifies JESUS a fresh because either side down plays Christ's sovereignty and omnicience.
A Just weight is the FATHER's delight (Prov. 11:1)
I can empathize with PRO's position because a lot of successful or respected Christian rappers talk like "doing music SOLELY for the sake of having a career is anti-Christ." They come across as IF music should only be used for a TOOL. And that school of thought couldn't be further from the truth. The TRUTH is that the Father can and will honor & bless a career in music just like he will honor & bless a career in being a regional manager of a fast-food chain.
Josh 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success
Deut 8:18 - But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
You don't have to disciple from a Distance like FLAME but, NOR do you have to rap about girls, search for fame, and your disgust with your temp agency or 9 to 5 like rapper Pigeon John.
You don't have to be Mr. Dell with a multi-million dollar major record deal who disassociates and disrespects the whole genre of HHH and all of it's associates (Per Mr. DELL's interview with Vessel Vibe Magazine). This is really a spit in OUR GOD's face based on the denial of His Holy Scriptures according to 1st Cor. 12: 14-18.
In verse 18 of 1st Corinthians chapter 12, it references
GOD's pleasure. So, the question NOW is what pleases GOD. This is something we don't have to take out of context or guess at. The WORD is very clear about His pleasure.
You may think that I'm ranting and that this is going beyond an album review. WELL...Here at DJW Reviews, I take sort of a DJ wade-O approach and that is that this is "More than Journalism...It's Bible Study via music as a back drop."
Here is some of the quotes from PRO on "The BlackOut" Album:
"...I Give Truth" "...I'm The Realist"
"...I'm a beast on the mic"
"...If I'm not in your top 5 your list is wrong"
"...Don't Bite My style" "...I get it poppin"
"...If you hate my flow, then you don't LOVE 'real'"
"...I crush competition, YES PRO is hot"
"...Dang Skippy I'mma boast on my flow (in the LORD)"
"...This Year Is Mine"
"...Yes I'm cocky cause I got it like that"
Now, PRO says that he isn't all about the doe. And honestly it would seem that way. Yet, some of his lyrics make you scratch your head regarding his position, and standards in relation to the KINGDOM of GOD.
Like I said earlier you can pretty much tell that PRO is a Christian with convictions. However, his delivery on A LOT OF his tracks leave you to believe that there's more grooming to be done in that profession of Faith.
So, let's see why this album got a B+.
***FEATURED RAPPERS, SINGERS, and PRODUCERS***
PRO is a producer (a dynamic one at that) so there isn't a lot of outsourced music production on The BlackOut. However, there are two other producers on the album...Doc Watson and Young Vizzy A-Dot. NO LIE...THE BEATS ON THIS ALBUM ARE INTENSELY FEROCIOUS. I'M REALLY BLOWN AWAY. I'm pretty sure you will be too. But, LIKE FOREST GUMP..."that's all I have to say about that." Honestly there's really not a lot of room for critique in this area. We're talking flawless victory, just about!
The featured artist that were brought into the composition of "The BlackOut" Album are Pettidee, eye Q, Coko Korrine, Brothatone, Kingston, Willie Will, Dorian Lee, and Soul P.
eye Q laces Track 4 "Let Me Know" his vocal arangement meshes with the beat seamlessly for a track that THUMPS so hard. coko Korrine sings so soulful, sweet, and musically accurate with her pitch on Track 6 "Without You." It's no wonder that Soul P is on this record because he and PRO seem simular approaches to rap in the Christian music genre but, none the less Soul P holds it down with a solid feature on Track 16 "IF I Don't Wake." Brothatone managed to bring a convicting, wisdom based, and Spiritually inspired contribution to Track 8 "Were You At." I think PRO can learn a lot from Willie Will. He has both the Spiritual and industry wisdom. It's obvious on Willie Will's feature on Track 12 "Bring It Back." Pettidee lends a well applie grittiness to the hook on Track 5 "Shut it down." Pettidee also has 16 bars on the same track yet despite the GRIMMY delivery of his verse, the content is a little loose fitting. Dorian Lee sings with a patient calculation of his approach which makes every note of his vocals of the chain.
For the most part the veterans help PRO in the ring. But, it's the new comers that are featured on this album that really help and prove that they aren't expendable. The new coming rappers and singers featured on "The BlackOut" will definitely turn heads.
***TRACKS TO WATCH FOR and OVERALL QUALITY***
There are several songs off of "The BlackOut" That floor you with their massive appeal. Track 4 "Let Me Know," Track 6 "Without You," Track 9 "More," Track 13 "I Bet He Lying," Track 16 "If I Don't Wake," Track 5 "Shut It Down," Track 8 "Where You At," Track 17 "Yeah," Track 15 "You Know The Deal," and Track 11 "What I'm Working With."
I have no information or names on technical notes to share with you but, I can say that "The BlackOut" should have a warning label on it, for the life of your speakers.
This album knocks. This album knocks. This album knocks.
The mixing is strong...making the singers vocals sound beautiful and balanced. You can hear the rappers distinctively. And the mastering is superbly SOLID. The quality of "The BlackOut" album supercedes amature status.
In light of every single angle and point of view regarding PRO's "The BlackOut," I'm impressed and vexed at the same time.
There is so much talent embodied in this guy and this album... Yet it seems that he buried it in the dirt by over shadowing substance with the consistant lyrical highlite of his skills as an artist/producer.
Longterm you just can't be successful rapping like this when you know better. The HOOD, The BURBS, and The 3rd World Countries are looking for TRUTH. If you have it then give it. And you don't have to be a theologian or seminary graduate to give such truth.
Christian Rapper J. Johnson (formerly J.Silas) says this on FLAME debut album...
"I got some lumps on my head from some Bibles"
"I gave some too, thank Christ for Survival (of ignorance on his part and others)"
So, I'm not saying that PRO has to bust heads with Scripture but, we know...so that we can understand and we understand... so that we can show.
PRO proclaims that he isn't "perfect." But, my prayer is that PRO matures even more as a SON of GOD through Christ. There's no shame in that.
Yes...WE may be the ONLY Bible that some people ever read but, we must be full OR full to the best efforts of the WORD because eventually your Mouth 'aint gon' be able to keep your Heart from Telling on you. Luke 6: 45
Hands down PRO is one of the illest producers and rappers to be on this side of heaven.
But, with more substance, humility, maturity, and wisdom THE HEAVENLY PROFESSIONAL of Professionals WILL UNDOUBTABLY exalt this PRO.
BUY THIS ALBUM NOW: thebus-shop.com/shop.cfm?prod=498
Donate to DJ WanablesU