Kingdom Rising (Pt. 3): Rising Representatives

Whether they have been making noise for over a decade or are just now on the come-up, these five acts have been preparing the way for the kingdom of God to advance into the mainstream. Consider the impact they have have made as they have emerged as successful artists in secular and sacred arenas over the past year. 

Dee-1: Conscious Kingdom Ambassador

Dee-1 is one dangerous man (and I mean that in a good way). With a flow that’s infused with intelligence and an influence that impacts “the hoodest of the hoods,” he is a threat to the systems that seek to oppress those who are overlooked, misrepresented, and disadvantaged. Whereas most Christian artists hope to cross over to the mainstream, Dee-1 is a secular hip-hop figure who signed with RCA Inspiration, the faith-based division of RCA, in late 2013. With the release of his major-label EP, 3’s Up in February 2015 promises to be an exciting year for Dee-1 and for those who hear him.

Track to Download Now: “Against Us”
Notable Track: “3’s Up” also featured on The Focus Tape (2012)
Personal Favorite: “O.D. On Life” (featuring Stalley) (2014)
Throwback Track: “Jay, 50 & Weezy” from David & Goliath (2009)

Associated Acts: Lecrae, Mannie Fresh, Lupe Fiasco

Also consider: John Givez, Propaganda, Sho Baraka

The Walls Group: Leaders of the New School

Similar to the efforts of Kierra Sheard, The Walls Group is ushering in a new era of gospel music. As a collective of siblings, Darrel, Rhea, Paco, and Ahjah have gone from being YouTube sensations to Grammy-nominated artists who are also endorsed by Kirk Franklin in a reasonably short time. Although their self-titled debut effort, The Walls Group, does well in showcasing the group’s perfect ability to blend the anointing with a youthful sound, Fast Forward catapults their craft to another level. And when Kirk Franklin signs you, how can you not have anything less than wonderful? Moreover, Lecrae and Brandy lend their talents to this project, thus stretching the album beyond the standard contemporary gospel format. Truly, Fast Forward leaves you on a sonically refreshing, yet deeply spiritual, high.

Track to Download Now: “Love on the Radio”
Notable Track: “Satisfied”
Personal Favorite: “Beautiful”
Throwback Track: “New Day” from The Walls Group (2012)

The 4mula: “Satisfied” + “Great Is Your Love” + “Beautiful” + “Anything and Everything” = Str8 Up Worship

Also consider: Livre’, Erica Campbell, Uncle Reece

Michelle Williams: Return of a Sojourner

The first member of Destiny’s Child to go solo has returned to her gospel roots with her fourth LP, Journey to Freedom. It’s been ten years since Michelle Williams left us with with an album of this sort. Although she still offered the world her talents on albums such as Destiny Fulfilled (2004) and Unexpected (2008), I would argue that a faith-based endeavor has been well-anticipated. Even though it is gospel in nature, Journey to Freedom does appears to hold on to the pop/dance elements of Unexpected. Thus, the recording has the audio appeal of its predecessor, yet also touches base with an audience who most likely became captivated by her “heart-felt” songs for Jesus in 2002. Moreover, gospel and secular fans alike can easily appreciate the mini Destiny’s Child reunion that is offered in the album’s popular third single, “Say Yes.” Considering all things, Michelle has offered an exceptional work of art that does well in bridging the secular and sacred arenas that she navigates so well.

Track(s) to Download Now: “Just Like You” (featuring Chief Wakil), “Everything”
Notable Track: “If We Had Your Eyes” (featuring Fantasia)
Personal Favorite: “Free”
Throwback Track: “Love Thang” (featuring Dawkins & Dawkins) from Do You Know (2004)

The 4mula: “Yes” + “Fall” (featuring Lecrae and Tye Tribbett) + “Just Like You” (featuring Chief Wakil) + “Say Yes” (featuring Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland) = P² (Praise Party)

Also consider: Anita Wilson, Ebony Baskin, Jai

Swoope: The Storyteller

Swoope is a clever lyricist. Because he has an ability to paint a vivid picture in audio, any track he spits on is truly his canvas. Although I will admit that I am not completely enthralled by his latest release, Sinema, I will say that the album definitely solidifies him as a storyteller. Each track builds upon each other and takes the listener on a journey of a man who is navigating the desires of his heart. In essence, it is truly meant to be a musical film, hence the title Sinema. And just like any good story or screenplay, the album makes way for the listener to examine his or her own morality through the use of a narrative. Let this hip-hop griot take you on an odyssey that explores pleasure, examines pain, and opens the door to surrender.

Track to Download Now: “#SameTeam” (featuring Dre Murray, Tedashii, Yaves, JGivens and John Givez)
Notable Track: “LSD” (featuring Christon Gray)
Personal Favorite: “Fix My Heart” (featuring Denise Powell and Propaganda)
Throwback Track: “Take Off” from Circa MMXI – The Collective by High Society Collective (2011)

Associated Acts (aka Swoope’s #Teammates): W.L.A.K., High Society Collective

Also consider: JGivens, Canon, Andy Mineo

Christon Gray: The Renaissance Man

Singer. Composer. Rapper. Graphic Designer? Christon Gray does quite a bit and then some. Seemingly, he does it well. Notably, the crooner has crossed over in a major way with his 2014 release, School of Roses. With the album debuting on Billboard R&B albums chart at #5, Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums at #9, and Billboard 200 at #44, it is apparent that the artist has stepped away from the R&P and Christian Hip-Hop realms and has become widely recognized by ears outside of his regular listening audience.¹ Much like Mali Music, Gray pursues a venture into R&B with his newest album and, as a result, has received both praise and flack. As the artist schools us in an interview, the record is “layered” and contains God’s grace beneath the darkness and humanity in the tracks.² Indeed, it is the message that is layered in songs of love, lust, and life that makes School of Roses a creative piece of work. Honestly, after several listens I am still trying to excavate how the message of divine grace is communicated in its entirety. I will say, however, that I do respect the rawness of the album’s content because it stretches the mainstream market and opens the door for music with a Christian conscience to be in the mix with that which is contrary to it. Moreover, with a sound that is reminiscent of Stevie-like melodies, John Legend’s compositions, and JT’s vocal smoothness, it is hard not to appreciate the soulful and rhythmic feel that emanates from this album.

Track to Download Now: “Vanish” (featuring Swoope)
Notable Track(s):  “Nostalgious” (featuring Taelor Gray & B.Reith), “Hello or Goodbye”
Personal Track: “Moving On”
Throwback Track: “Attributes” (featuring Taelor Gray) from Even With Evil With Me (2011)

The 4mula: “The Last Time” + “Roses 101-After All” + “Roses 102-Burning House” + “Roses 103-Ghost” = Soul 4 Real

Also consider: Jor’Dan Armstrong, SPZRKT, Rudy Currence

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