Trailblazin Ministries

Voice - The Crucible

Written by PeopleOfPromise
Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Album Overview

Some hip-hop artists put together a project, throw it out there, and hope it sticks. Yet a true emcee is one that is called by God, who is given a vision and a gift, and is able to portray life through music in a penetrating way. While many rappers become mere echoes of those who rhyme with purpose, this one in particular lives up to his name. Far from a perpetrator, Voice speaks as a man who walks with God, who can relate to people, and has something to offer. Rapping like a veteran, his flows are powerful and humble words that are delivered with the anointing of God. Prior to hearing his new album, he was unknown to myself; but as I listened, a conviction grew in my heart that this emcee is one that needs to be heard. Crafted in the Christcentric studios, these recordings no doubt bare resemblance to the sound of his up-and-coming peers in the Lampmode/Christcentric family: Stephen the Levite, Shai Linne, and Timothy Brindle.

At times, Voice spits hard like Corey Red. Then he transitions and draws you in with a hushed rap that reminds me of Shai Linne on "My Portion." This impressive versatility is skillfully kept under wraps, and thankfully results in an album that is interesting and fluid at the same time. This project is stacked with smooth jams that feature jazzy tones which fans of Sintax the Terrific will enjoy. Rockin' side by side with these slow rollers, are some very likable upbeat anthems that make you want to bounce, as well as a few tracks that hit hard with the "boom-bap." The smart production on this joint is sure to keep the headphones on the listener's ears, waiting to see what will be brought next. While the beats are far from mundane, they also house line after line of fresh wisdom, doled out like it comes from an artesian well. What I like most about this album is that it doesn't require a certain mood for me to enjoy it (like a Pigeon John or Pettidee album does). Each track is relevant, stands on it's own, and is enjoyable to listen to; and upon completion, you feel like you have been served a hearty meal of soul food without regrets.

My one beef with this album is that the production seems like it could have used a little more funds thrown at it. The creativity is there; it's just that the quality is good... but not top-notch. I imagine that with some more finances and support behind him, Voice could do some dangerously good things for the Christian hip-hop industry.

Spiritual Significance

Evidently, this emcee has signed onto God's proposition for "no idle words." This collection of tracks is a musical bible study and life application plan that isn't afraid to tackle big topics, including: love, death, grace, the church, and the cross. By side-stepping fruitless theological arguments, Voice navigates biblical landscape in a way that reveals he is more interested in winning souls and gaining spiritual maturity than he is in winning an argument and gaining bible scholar awards. His rhymes flow from the place that comes only after years of seeking God and submitting to His Word. The Crucible contains 15 solid tracks which are individually viable on their own, and combine to make a very solid album audibly and spiritually. On each song, Voice hands out over-the-counter prescriptions of "practical theology" to mend the ails of sin and a life void of God's understanding.

Topics Covered

"Welcome to the Crucible"
Voice opens it up with a banger that welcomes us to the place where the Father's hand is granted complete access to the impurities and evil intentions of our hearts.

"My Contribution"
This is a reflective jam intended to defend the relevance and importance of Christians in hip-hop. As Voice whispers on the track, he draws you in and offers you an intimate look into his motivation for the craft. He searches the Scriptures and looks for God's heart and divine plan for hip-hop music.

"Death Becomes You"
The true colors of this emcee shine through on this track, revealing that he is not out to give us spiritual junk-food and spoonfuls of sugar. While most ignore the subject of death, Voice reminds us all of our common fate. This track is a sobering shout-out to those who are not preparing for it today. "Earth is a portal, designed to be transient, and on the other side, God reveals if your plan was His."

"Fear of the Lord"
With a little help from Evangel of Christcentric, this cat tosses up a hopping expose on the fear of the Lord, making it obvious who is deserved of our honor and respect

"Take it There"
This is a "taking it to the streets" (gospel) anthem that features some more guest appearances from Christcentric, including a smooth female voice. Listening to this song makes you want to drop your fear of man, and get out there and proclaim the gospel. "And I don't just mean to other nations, though noble; what about the dude on the mobile? He needs the Lord as much as the people on the other side of the global, so think local."

"Consequences"
"Consequences" is set against a sound-scape that sonically paints a picture of gritty street life. With this somber backdrop, Voice artistically takes us on a journey of some familiar stories, citing the very real consequences of our sin.

"Get Up Stand Up"
Fear not Christians! For on the very next song, Voice reminds the believer that those who come to the Lord in humble repentance can stand up in faith and know that their sins have been wiped out by the cross! Set to the old Bob Marley standard, the track and its message are both victorious and off the hook.

Key Tracks

Death Becomes You, Take it There, Get Up Stand Up, Imagine