FamilyFans Music

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REDEMPTION

GRITS / Gotee Records

Fan Appeal: Teens and young adults.

Genre: Hip-Hop

Parents take note: Redemption is a solid, well-produced hip-hop CD worth a listen, and a strong Christian alternative to some of the mainstream rap groups out there.

Teron “Bonafide” Carter and Stacy “Coffee” Jones make up the power duo that is known as GRITS, and they have again released a powerhouse rap album. This CD will probably be viewed with all of the critical acclaim, if not more, as many of their previous works. Although GRITS has repeatedly gained recognition and respect from the mainstream music world, they continue to feature their Christian faith and lifestyles through their music, and have appeared not to “sell out” like some other Christian groups that achieve mainstream success.

One of the best songs on Redemption is the opening track entitled “We Workin.’” This features a solid backbeat and some in-your-face lyrics. It also has many layers of music that blend together perfectly, creating a tight, innovative sound that we've come to expect from these guys. Additionally, I got a kick out of some of the cool background vocals which include “oowee’s” and “hey, hey, hey’s.”

Another highlight here is “Tight Wit These." This tune has some creative, interesting sound effects and music, including stringed instruments, piano, and snapping fingers mixed with a loud kick drum beat, and even trumpets and other horns. And in their ear-catching style, GRITS has also thrown in hip-hop poetry rapped out fast and furious - something that's always fun with this band.

However, no CD is perfect, and although Redemption does features many strong points, there are definitely some weaknesses too. For starters, Bonafide and Coffee have set the mark of innovation pretty high on their previous albums, and this one just doesn't measure up on the "originality" scale when compared to masterpieces like their CD, The Art Of Translation. The lyrics on Redemption often thoughtful and entertaining, but are simply not as fun and original as on some of their previous works. The cadence overall is also slower here, and that somewhat disappointing. One of my favorite things about The Art Of Translation was its fast pace and originality, because (to me at least) most rap music of recent years is just kind of slow and all sounds the same. Redemption tries to be different, but it has largely joined that group of rappers that all sound mostly the same. I expected more from guys as talented as Bonafide and Coffee.

Still, if you are someone who is looking for a professionally-produced, message-focused Christian rap group, GRITS would be one of the best ones to choose. Hip-hop fans (parents and teens alike) should find plenty to enjoy in Redemption.

FAMILYFANS RATING: B

If members of your family like this CD, then you may want to try…

-The Art Of Translation, Grits, Hip-Hop/Rap, a fun album that will make you want to jump and dance to the sweet grooves.

-The Syllabus, Knowdaverbs, Hip-Hop/Rap, a good Christian alternative to some other rappers, and his music is pretty great too!

--Tony Nappa

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