Trailblazin Ministries

Yuinon - Genocide: The Sequel

Written by LaRosa Johnson
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Album Overview

When you think of secular hip-hop, what are some of the things that come to mind? Money, sex, bling, and drugs? Those are definitely some of the more prevalent things in the secular hip-hop arena. If you were to ask this same question to the Yuinon, you would get an entirely different answer: genocide. In their eyes, they see the secular hip-hop realm as a proponent for causing mass genocide. What is a genocide? In this context, it is the "deliberate and systematic destrution of the hip-hop generation." In response to the destruction that is being sown through secular hip-hop the Yuinon collective is attempting to infiltrate the airwaves with their brand of Christ-centered hip-hop music. The name of their latest project is aptly titled Genocide: The Sequel, which is a follow-up to the 24-track mammoth Genocide.

This particular album is nowhere near as heavy with the number of tracks as its predecessor, only boasting 13 tracks (a little less than half of the original if you don't include the intro and interlude/skit). Don't let the lack of tracks fool you, though, as each track is an absolute banger. If you thought the original was good, then you'll be blown away with this project as it is better by leaps and bounds. The list of emcees making an appearance on this project includes: Jack, Pryzna (aka Minister Zion), Techniq, Mahogany Jones, EP, Bee Lee, Rigz, Mad Prophets, Cel-D, and Janee Bradford. The majority of the tracks were produced by Maji with I Ron Ic Lee and Alexis Wilson lending a hand on a couple tracks.

From start to finish, you are presented with a solid east coast lyricism that is fierce and in your face. I haven't heard east coast rap like this in a long time, and I'm pretty sure that you haven't either. The lyrics are real and speak to many of the issues that are facing the streets while offering a biblical solution to their issues. Pryzna and Jack were the definite standouts on this project as every rhyme they spit was pure gold. Jack clearly set the tone with "I'm Feelin' That" and ended it on an evangelistic note with "Warning;" while Pryzna offered up a remix to "Death to the Flesh" and spit rapid-fire mind blowing lyricism on "Let's Get It In." Not to be forgotten on this album are the Yuinon ladies who offered up probably the best track on the entire album with "Get Live." As far as the production is concerned, I must take my hat off to Maji as he truly stepped up his game and continues to further cement himself as the go-to man for that pure east coast sound. Seriously, there wasn't a single beat on this album I wasn't feeling and they are all equipped to keep my trunk rattling.

I'm not one to call stuff a classic shortly after a release, but this album is on that level and one that will be remembered for some time. Don't sleep on this project.

Spiritual Significance

As already stated, the name of this album is Genocide: The Sequel and we are dealing with the deliberate and systematic destruction of our hip-hop generation by the secular community and evil powers that be. With that in mind, it is the purpose of the Yuinon to be a voice within the hip-hop community that is bold in shining the Light of Jesus Christ the Savior. Just as Jack says in the opening track, there is a whole nation of us Yuinon-ized who are ready to share the gospel with the streets. This album in particular is perfectly slated to meet the needs of the hip-hop community on many levels. First, they are presenting a clean and uplifting alternative to all of the negativity that is being promoted through popular media. Secondly, their rhymes are full of gospel truth that is relevant to the hip-hop culture, reaching them with Jesus Christ right where they are at, instead of making them come to where we are. Finally, this album proves that Christians don't have to merely imitate, but can innovate and create music that is better than what's being pumped through the airwaves.

Not only is the gospel presented on this album, but it seeks to break down many of the stereotypes that are being lived out in the urban communities. Challenging the listener to raise their level of thinking, they make the listener want to "Raise Up" while learning about social issues like "The Dollar" and that even though "Life Is Short" there is more to live for than the paper chase and the street life. The Yuinon does a great job of blending the need of sharing the gospel truth with its listeners while also giving them the tools to have a leg up in their community and in society as a whole. That's what real Christianity should look like, not merely giving a hand out, but helping brothers and sisters by giving them a hand up.

Topics Covered

There were many topics covered on this project, but they could be easily broken down into two categories: gospel and social. Each track has a distinct purpose, and as a whole it paints a complete picture towards giving the answer to the secular community's attempt at a mass genocide.

• Gospel Message (Repent, Warning)
• Living the Christian Life (Get Live, As I Walk, Death to the Flesh)
• Changing Your Life (My Story, Life is Short)
• Money (The Dollar)
• Social Awareness & Uplifting (Raise Up)

Key Tracks

I'm Feelin' That, Get Live, Let's Get It In, My Story