Reviewed by Steve Hayes Georgia, USA-based Jaawt is following a calling to minister God's word through song, worship and praise. In his own words, this album contains intricate music and intriguing flows, hard beats, smooth jams and psychedelic mixes. Jaawt opens up over crunk beat stating his hope to go to Heaven. In the meantime he will rock the mic for Christ until the day he dies. He challenges the listener to consider Christ too, in tracks such as "Follow The Son". Jaawt challenges Christian issues in tracks such as "Hello I" and "$$$ Buys". At other times, tracks are hard to pin down, with abstract flows that seem not to ride the beat ("The Lips Love", "Pick Up The Pieces"). Some psychedelic mixes can be found on "Give Your Life" which also includes some nice vocal harmonies, and the slightly bizarre "Rewind" and even "Speak My Mind" (with more abstract vocal harmonies). "The Heart's Beauty" and "Cash 2 Quick" have some challenges about Christians and their lifestyle choices. "WoW" is a nice track too, with a good flow and harmonies. Overall, however, this is an album where the abstract beats, mixes and flows seem to overawe the listener. Some tracks that start off very promisingly quickly become obscured in many layers of sound - and rap verses that seem to lack consistency. Don't get me wrong, Jaawt has potential and his sound is unique. With some guest producers, refinement and time, Jaawt will really grow.
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Here we have the debut release from Georgia based Christian rap/hip-hop recording artist James "Jaawt" Wade. As far as debut releases go, this is a well-produced effort. Professional sounding production helps add credibility to Jaawt.
This full length CD includes 15 tracks, with a total running time of just over 58 minutes, Jaawt definitely gives you plenty of music.
What I Liked:
I'm not the most familiar with this style, but I can differentiate between the more "street level" rap styles versus the more "party" styles. Jaawt falls into "street level", and I could see many of the more "real rap" fans enjoying this CD. The production includes much of the "thump bass" popular in the style, and includes many of the other "drum-and-bass" elements. Jaawt definitely knows the style and what to include.
Opening track "When I Die" has a slow reggae groove to it, and includes a easy to follow chorus. I bet it's a popular concert piece. I particular enjoyed "Give Your Life", as it has some bass guitar that sounded like they were sampled from Marcus Miller. Very cool groove.
Much of the lyrical content is evangelistic, and clearly presenting a Christian message. The lyrics are all fairly clear, and easily understood. For an outreach to kids into rap music, I could see Jaawt as a solid choice.
Overall:
Great Christian rap/hip-hop release. Definitely a good Christian outreach tool for those kids who fancy themselves "street" rap fans. Professional production, good variety, solid performance all add up to something worth checking out. If you like the urban street rap style, I'd recommend sending Jaawt an email, and get yourself a copy. Keep up the good work, Jaawt!!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review by Tim Hamm