Rating: 
It is every day that I get the pleasure of listening to, and analyzing, new Christian music. It may not be my full time job, but it is something I love doing. I do have the opportunity to expose the world to some of the gospel songs out there, and hopefully help the artists with their ministry. I love what I do. While I was going through the queue I stumbled upon a mixtape that is being hosted by DJ. Blokka. Even though its not done (to my knowledge) the lead off single by the Christian Rapper Rapture is. So I’m reviewing it. By the way, its a free download too!
OK, this beat is dope. It is a really grimy and dirty affair. It has some elements of rock (like the guitar at the end) with a solid East Coast Boom Bap. The beat is balanced and lends itself really nicely to the track. The arrangement of the track is not that moving, but it does what it is supposed to do: transition the listener from one part of the song to the next. I do hear a beat tag, but since I know its being offered as a free download, I know there is no foul play. If it’s being sold, I would need to question what was going on. This is just good beat selection. And by the way, I’m digging that instead of using a secular track that is already out there, Rapture decided to use an up and coming producer. Bold move, but I like it.
Vocally, there are things I really like about the track….like the lyricism.
I’m standing in the gap for Generation X still/We entertained by xbox, by ecstasy and x pills/
The beginning of the first verse has some dope verbiage and flipping of words. I really like what he brought to the table lyrically. There are some issues with the recording though. It seems that his voice cuts in and out (as far as the presence is concerned) due to the lack of proper recording technique when using a cardiod mic. The problem is that cardiods pick up the proximity effect, and you can hear it in this track. The personality of Rapture still comes through despite the recording’s shortcomings. The chorus is decent, and would work well in the live event setting.
Lastly, the mix has some issues but isn’t terrible. I really do think the bulk of the issues lies in the recording. It’s not terrible, it’s actually pretty good. I would’ve liked for the vocals to be treated just a little differently and to have had more distinction between the chorus and the verses. Other than that, not too many issues.
