Album Overview

He says, "Ore-GONE!" I have never heard it pronounced like this before. He says, "So what that I'm corny for being faithful to God's word about marriage because it doesn't matter." (Paraphrasing a bit here) I have never heard anyone speak on God's word on marriage like this before. He says, "I don't blame you, for being so skepticold." I totally agree but never heard anyone spit lyrics on this thought so effectively before. Basically, I had never, in all of my head banging hip hop sessions, listened to Braille & Symbolyic One before. Man, what have I been doing with my life? I have not heard such a fresh spin on musical concepts with such a retro style in all of my life. Cloudnineteen brings some of those flows you got to rewind like 5 times to begin to grasp the meaning of. Crazy sick lyrics! It's like these cats have been freed and are now manipulating the Matrix and we're all still plugged in watching them do Kung Fu. Then there are the instrumentals. Can you say, "Oh no!" I mean your eardrums are met with funky jazzy rhythms behind melody that is unthinkably too incredible and extraordinary to believe human beings came up with them all on their own. I believe that is what God intended. I guess what I am saying is the quality on Cloudnineteen is fantastic enough that you at least will appreciate the effort if this (in some ultra-odd universe) album is not your cup of tea. I doubt that though, because this is real hip hop.

I think these artists bring something to the hip hop table that not too many artists can. If I could create an outdoor food court of sorts, with music metaphorically replacing physical nourishment, then I could not make the grave error to not preserve a spot for Cloudnineteen. There is something on this project for everyone. It includes God's example of marriage and relationships, to our true purpose as His creation, to addressing the non-believer. Anyone who is seeking something unique and flavorful will, in my viewpoint, not go away unsatisfied. I am glad these dudes decided to collaborate. It is obvious they go together like pancakes and syrup, so praise be to God they did not allow schedules or distance (Braille form Oregon; S1 from Texas) to hinder the progress. They also included various other artists like Shawn Lee , Rob Swift, Vursatyl from the Lifesavas, Lightheaded, Tony Cook from the JBs or James Brown band, DJ Idull, Ragen Fykes, Theory Hazit, and Strange Fruit Project. So, ask not what holy hip hop can do for you, ask what you can do for holy hip hop and go to: http://www.myspace.com/symbolycone to buy this album!

Spiritual Significance

Ok, so I am a sucker for deep theological sounding cats like Shai Linne and Lacrae. I will admit to that. So, when I say, "don't sleep artist who bring life stories or examples of how biblical principles play out in everyday situations," to the table, it is because I must concede that it is just as effective. Think about it. How many people in your circle or that you try to reach (assuming you actively evangelize) can always relate to deep bible concepts? If you are me, those people are far and between. Some of the people I know learn in different patterns. I personally will study every angle of something new to me until it is embedded into my brain before trying to apply it live. Others need to see examples they can touch to try and figure it out until it makes sense. Basically, the theory style learner versus the hands-on disciple is what I am speaking on here. I have a hunch that the majority of the listeners to hip hop in general are more hands-on. They need to apply it to a real situation before the deep biblical implications can have an impact. So, grooving to Cloudninteen and getting a good feel for what is being presented is a good key to open the lock of the door-to-discipleship.

So as far as the relevance to being significant spiritually I like the way this album plays out. Everyone is different and I know for sure many will relate to what Braille speaks on each track. He talks about so many everyday issues our youth deal with as well older fans. You may be struggling with relationships with the opposite sex and the way he presents marriage, as the best path is phenomenal. Maybe you are wondering why you can't figure things out and hear God speaking through this album that He can do all things, and then find comfort. Whether it is feeling a shadow of doubt, not being willing to forgive, or love more, especially those who hate you, I feel you will be encouraged and uplifted on this journey through TexaGon.

Topics Covered

• Godly relationships between the opposite sexes
• Representing strong for God at all times
• Realistic view of the Preacher
• Father son relationships
• Pessimism
• Filling empty spaces in our hearts with God's presence
• Relationship with God
• True understanding of God's nature
• Appreciation of women

Key Tracks

"For Life", "Skepticold", "From the Pulpit", "Megaphone Phonics" featuring Vursatyl, Rob Swift, and Tony Cook, "Frankenstein", "Heart of God".