This week we look at four recent Christian hip-hop/rap releases:

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Song of the Week Lyrics

Nothing But a Word – Derek Minor and Propaganda
***

Nothing But a Word, a seven song EP, is the result of a plane delay that left Propaganda in Nashville with some extra time on his hands. He contacted longtime friend Derek Minor about recording and that led to this collaboration. It is Propaganda’s first project since 2017’s excellent Crooked, one of my favorite albums of that year. The new project was produced by Minor.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Dope – This song features John Givez as he shares vocals with Propaganda. He’s underrated and underestimated, and has some folks back home questioning how he made it. Life’s not perfect, but it’s worth it, because it’s dope. The song features finger snaps, backing vocals, synth and bass. A highlight.
Key lyric:
Remind me I ain’t crazy and the grace stay amazing
He came down to prove I wasn’t talking to an empty room
Remind me that the truth is that I’m looking at an empty tomb
Comments – This song addresses our online (Twitter, etc.) lives and how we can get pulled into debates by people we don’t even know. The information cycle is polarizing, and it’s beneath you to believe that nonsense (deep state, fake news). The song features a heavy beat, driven by percussion, bass, synth.       Contradiction – This song features Aaron Cole on vocals. He wants to honest, shares the many ways that his life is a contradiction, and that he is at war with himself. The song features a heavy beat, driven by bass and percussion, and also features some guitar.
Impose – Although he’s not one to hold his tongue, he has grown a little, and is working on his patience. He doesn’t want to impose or tell you what you already know. The song references Donald Trump, privilege and equality. It is driven by synth and a steady beat.
Overjoyed – He’s overjoyed, but not overwhelmed, living in California, where good churches and bad cops are on the same boulevard. He speaks of fine tuning his priorities, which seem like they are always at war with him. The song features some excellent guitar work.
Key lyric:
It ain’t love if you ain’t willing to fight for it
It ain’t real if you aren’t willing to kill for it
Change – This song is about some things that need to change. He asks what lessons can we learn. We are a culture in crisis. The song references such current issues of refugees and equal pay for women. The song features Daniella Mason on vocals, guitar and a bass beat.
Fallen – This song features Tobe Nwigwe and Liz Vice on vocals, over drums and a bass beat. The chorus includes “They say that we are fallen, then tell me why you follow”. Propaganda and Nwigwe handle the verses.
Key lyric:
When Lucy try to tempt you, remember that it was written 
Best songs:
Dope
Comments

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Work in Progress – Andy Mineo
*** ½ 

Work in Progress, the latest from Andy Mineo is a mixtape/podcast hybrid. It features 12 songs that are raw, unmastered and alternate versions of tracks recorded over the years. Each song has a clip from his podcast that explains what the song is about. The songs have been on his hard drive for years, some dating back to 2014, but have never been released for various reasons. The songs are classic Mineo. I’m glad that he cleaned out his vault, and that these songs are seeing the light of day.
Below are a few brief comments about each song:
Reflections – This song was written by Mineo, Joel McNeil, John McNeil and Evan Ford. It was produced by 42 North and Ford. The song is driven by keys and drums. Andy talks about an encounter with a fan, Jesus being crucified and questions which America we speak of when we say we want to make it great again.
OT OD – This song was written by Mineo and produced by BEAM and Alex Medina. It features BEAM on vocals. This song, with its many sports references, sounded like it would have felt at home on Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed Present Magic & Bird. It features percussion, synth and handclap.
Keepin It Movin’ – This song was written by Mineo and Guvna B. It was produced by Iggy Music. It features London rapper Guvna B on vocals. The hard-hitting song about their careers and daily life features synth and drums.
I Don’t Need You – This song was written by Mineo, Matthew Scott Cohen and GAWVI, and produced by Cohen and GAWVI. This emotional song features synth, drums, bass and handclap. He doesn’t need them. He’s built walls so as not to feel pain. By the end of the song he realizes that maybe he does need them after all.
1988 – This song was written by Mineo and produced by Nottz and 42 North. Andy is reflective about turning 30. He addresses time, which will one day go on without him. He considers how he might be remembered. Now he’s less eager to prove something, but more confident in who he is.
Anything But Country – This song was written by Mineo, GAWVI, Joseph Prielozny and !llmind and produced by !llmind, GAWVI and Prielozny. The song addresses stereotypes (music, girls), As he has gotten older, he’s formed his own opinion and stopped letting other people do his own thinking. The song features percussion, backing vocals and an infectious chorus.
Another Me – This song was written by Mineo and produced by GAWVI. This is a love song to Mineo’s wife. She’s his priority. He doesn’t want to miss any of her. The song features synth and some backing vocals.
Til Death – This song was written by Mineo and Brian Reath. It features Reith on backing vocals. The song has a catchy R&B vibe, and features keys, percussion, guitar and handclap. He promises to be there for worse or better till death do they part. The song was recorded in 2014 around the time of his wedding.
So Gone Easy – This song was written by Mineo, B.Keyz, Dave James and Ace Harris. It was produced by James and Harris and features B.Keyz and James. The song features percussion, synth, guitar, keys, and bass, and varies in style between rap and easy going. He’s been doing this for so long, it’s so hard to make it look easy.
Honest 2 God – This song was written by Mineo and BEAM, and produced by BEAM and Daniel Steele. The song features bass, drums, synth, and some backing vocals. He wonders how often we have honest moments. He addresses some doubt about his faith, depression, his wife and grandmother. The honesty here is similar to his recent EPs The Sword and The Arrow.
I Ain’t Done – This song was written by Mineo and produced by BEAM. A version of this song appeared on his 2018 EP The Arrow. This song features a heavy bass and drum beat. He addresses his depression and anxiety. He’s not done making music. As long as there is breath in his lungs, he’ll keep rapping.
Family Photo – This song was written by Mineo and Weathrman and produced by Weathrman. A version of this song appeared on his 2018 EP The Arrow. The song tells the story of Mineo’s father not attending his wedding.

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Marty for President 2 EP – Marty
***

Marty takes a break from the Social Club Misfits for a solo outing. Marty For President 2 is the follow-up to his 2015 EP Marty for President. The seven song EP features a number of guest artists, song writers and producers, and will be enjoyed by fans of Social Club Misfits.
Below are a few comments on each song:
The One about the Misfit, Pt. 2 – This song was written by Dave James, DJ Pez and Marty. It was produced by Dave James and DJ Pez. The song starts with a slow pace, a talk-rap over synth, and then builds slightly with percussion and guitar. He states that during the Misfits best year he was depressed the whole time and that sometimes you’ve gotta go through hell on the way to heaven. The song includes a mild “adult language” word that I’m disappointed hearing on a faith-based project. Leave the adult language to the mainstream rappers.
The One Where I Talk to God – This song about needing to talk to God during difficult times, was written by Daniel Chrisman, Israel Hindman, Juice Bangers, Andy Mineo and Marty. It was produced by Marty and Juice Bangers. The song has an easygoing beat and features Andy Mineo and Tree Giants. The song is driven by percussion, synth and bass.
The One Where I Hate You – This song was written by Joshua Toala, Marty, Jung Youth, Ray Castro and Luis Calderon. It was produced by Luis Calderon and Ray Castro. The song, has an easygoing beat, and features drums, bass and keys. It’s about dating someone who is wrong for you. He’s so happy that she’s gone.
The One with the Presidential Freestyle – This song was written by Israel Steven Mercedes, Derek Minor and Marty. It was produced by Chino Dollaz and Derek Minor. The confident song has a hard driving beat driven by synth, percussion and bass. He’s trying to run the race of life without wrecking, while Satan is waiting for his downfall.
The One with the Emo TRL Sound – This song was written by Dave James, Hollyn and Marty. It was produced by Dave James and Marty. The song, which is very different from the others on the EP, features Hollyn. The song is driven by acoustic guitar and is about missing a loved on.
Key lyric:
What does it really mean to be in love?
It’s a choice you make every day even when you’ve had enough
The One with No Discounts – This song was written by DJ Pez, Israel Steven Mercedes, Gravez, Dmitry Lavender, GAWVI, Marty and Tommy Royale. It was produced by Dmitry Lavender and DJ Pez. The song, driven by percussion, synth and bass, features GAWVI and Tommy Royale. God’s everlasting grace is on him and he can’t waste any time.
The Last One – This song was written by Luis Calderon, Ray Castro, Marty and Wande. It was produced by Marty, Luis Calderon and Ray Castro. The upbeat song, with a memorable chorus, features Wande and is driven by drums and guitar. He just wants to shine his light, play his part, sing his songs because of the talent he has he received from God.
Key lyric:
Your work is not in vain, it’s only preparation
It’s about the journey not the destination
Best songs
The One Where I Talk to God
The One with the Presidential Freestyle
The Last One

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Doom – Social Club Misfits
****

Social Club Misfits, comprised of rappers Fern (Fernando Miranda) and Marty Mar (Martin Lorenzo Santiago), return with Doom, a six-song EP. I’ve enjoyed some of their previous music, in particular 2018’s Into the Night and its predecessor
2017’s The Misadventures of Fern & Marty. I really enjoyed Doom and look forward to their new full-length release.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Doom – This song was written by Jung Youth, Dave James and Marty and Fern, and produced by James and Marty. Jung Youth handles the vocals on the chorus, with Marty and Fern each taking one of the verses. If they can reach one person, it will be worth it. It’s never been about fame, but purpose. God never said it would be easy, but that He would be by their side and never leave them.
The song features keys and some nice percussion.
Key lyric:
I know that You’ll be there
Now there’s no more doom
Believe – This song was written by Fern and Marty, and produced by DJ Pez and Marty. Dave James adds vocals to the song. Marty has stated that the song is about struggling with faith, looking for an answer and waiting on a response. Do you still believe in what you can’t see? The song features keys, percussion and bass.
Tamo Aqui – This song was written by Fern, Marty and Israel Steven Mercedes. The song was produced by Rey King, who also sings the chorus. The song title means “We are here” in English. Fern sings the first verse in Spanish and Marty the second in English. The song features a good beat, horns and backing vocals.
God WYA – This song was written by Fern, Marty and Ben Lopez and produced by Lopez. He’s sorry for the time he’s wasted, when he took God for granted. Now, the more he prays the freer he feels. The song features a good beat, driven by bass, percussion, keys, backing vocals, and has a memorable chorus.
Enough – This song was written by Fern, Marty, Willyecho and Austin French. It was produced by Jordan Sap. Austin French handles vocals on the chorus and bridge. The joyful song features finger snaps, bass, keys and percussion. Even when we’re broken and tired, God is enough, enough, enough. A highlight.
Stones – This song was written by Fern and Marty and produced by Dave James and Marty. The song features guitar, backing vocals, bass, drums and synth. The song is about being honest about our struggles. We don’t always understand, but it’s the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Key lyric:
I know I’m not perfect
But You still said I’m clean
Best songs:
God WYA
Enough
Stones

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• Wheels Up. Check out the video for Lecrae’s song “Wheels Up” featuring Marc E. Bassy from his new album Restoration.
• Jackson Pollock. Here’s the video for Andy Mineo’s latest song “Jackson Pollock”.
• Conversation. Here’s the video for Michael W. Smith’s new song “Conversation”.
• “I’m Sorry (a lament)”. Here’s the video for TobyMac’s new song “I’m Sorry (a lament)”.
• Mercy’s Shore. Here’s the video for “Mercy’s Shore” by NEEDTOBREATHE from their new album Out of Body.
• Softly and Tenderly. Here is the lyric video for an excellent new version of “Softly and Tenderly” by Kristyn Getty and featuring Vince Gill, Ellie Holcomb and Sierra Hull from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s new album Evensong.
  

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“I Will Sing” by Sandra McCracken

This week’s song of the week is “I Will Sing” by Sandra McCracken from her excellent new album Patient Kingdom (review coming soon). Here is the lyric video for the song.

[Verse 1]
With my mouth
I will tell of Your faithfulness
I’ll declare, Lord, Your covenant
With my life
With my mouth
I will tell of Your faithfulness
I’ll declare, Lord, Your covenant
With my life

[Chorus]
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever
I will sing of the Lord’s good love
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever
I will sing, oh, I will sing

[Verse 2]
Lord, You are
The glory of all our strength
Your presence along the way
For all our days

[Chorus]
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever
I will sing of the Lord’s good love
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever
I will sing, oh, I will sing

 

[Interlude]
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh

[Bridge]
Oh Lord, God Almighty
Who is like You?
Oh Lord, God Almighty
None beside You
Oh Lord, God Almighty
All the earth and sky belong to You

[Chorus]
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever
I will sing of the Lord’s good love
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever
I will sing, oh, I will sing
Of His great love, I will sing

[Outro]
Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Oh, I will sing