Big R - Rated R
GCE is at it again! With a Solid message and hard hittin beats to match, Big R’s latest project Rated R is just that, Rated R, and the R stands for RAW!
When it comes to GodChaserz Ent, man you already know, that whatever is coming out of their camp is gonna be preachin Jesus all up in yo speakerz. This latest release from them is no different. When it comes to presenting the Gospel and bringin it hard and heavy, Big R is up to the challenge. Armed with the calling of a pastor and an ear/ heart for the street, Big R comes out blastin and the end result is a smokin hot album that gives the listener plenty to think about and a groove to while sending demons duckin for cover!
Although I was pretty familiar with GCE, I knew very little about Big R, and Rated R served as an introduction to this artist, and I was thoroughly impressed. Big R’s Goal with this project was to give the listener something to relate to, emphasizing relationship over religion. He does this through giving the listener a glimpse of His own personal relationship with Christ, and at the same time extending and invitation, in the hopes that they too would enter into a relationship with Christ as well. Big R was so committed to that goal that the last track is in fact a personal invitation to accept Christ. (In keeping with the GCE standard)
The production on this was absolutely beastly! In addition to Brinson, Rated R features production from the likes of Tony Stone, BeatLab 7’s Crucial, Wit of Frontlynaz and Genuine Productions. Guest shots include K-nine ReadyWriter, Brinson, and Rossi. The lead single “I Tried” is already poised to heat things up this summer. Using bangin beats, catchy hooks and passionate delivery, Big R easily proves that the anointing isn’t just reserved for those who stand in the pulpit, and that the Spirit of God is not “R“estricted!
First Impression
Typically when you hear the term Rated R, it is in reference to the movie or music rating of restricted, meaning the content isn’t suitable for all audiences. I like how Rated R begins with an intro track, a skit that features Big R, responding to a “pastor” trying to get him to tone it down. Big R poses the Question: “Is The Spirit of The Lord “R“estricted?“ This and the other skits on this project set the tone of a movie set, playing up to the title Rated R. (I would really love to get this into the hands of those who feel that Christian Hip Hop isn’t a viable outreach/ministry tool and see if they still feel the same after listening.)
I was pleasantly surprised with the music on this one, it really bangz, and features some clever musical arrangements. On the downside,this was another one of those CD’s that ended too fast for me.
Although Big R, is new to the GCE Camp, he is a veteran of the industry. With that said I still didn’t know much about Big R, I can tell that he is a preacher, you can hear it in his voice when he is speaking and in the tracks. I could also hear the sincerity and compassion in his voice when he extends an invitation to accept Christ at the end of the project.
I am pretty sure that whoever listens to this project will be blessed and find the subject matter covered, to be relate able and that they will equally be encouraged.
A Closer Look
I think what I enjoyed most about Rated R is how it presents a Christian who is confident in who he is in Christ, and I know we keep overusing the word swagger, but Big R has it. Too many times when we are faced with these “restrictions” being put on Christians we back down and remain silent, or we adapt this false sense of humility, but not Big R, he shows that those who know the King and rep the Kingdom have nothing to be ashamed of [Re Up]is a good example of that.
The mix on Rated R was a good one, in addition to some bangin heat, Rated R also features some “feel good” soulful tracks that will have you feelin better no matter what mood you are in. Tracks like the lead single [I Tried] was instantly one of my favorites, and is a perfect example of one of those “feel good” tracks that many will be able to relate to as it deals with trusting and being let down. Another example of a “feel good” track is, [Love You Better] which features Rossi on the vocals (she really has a soothing voice) reminding us that no one Loves us Better than God, even when we don’t deserve it.
Among the heaterz on Rated R, is the track [Hold It Down] which features K-nine, witty lyricism and a hot track makes this a winner. [Go Off] is simply ridiculous, and the track [On Fire] features the triple threat of Big R, ReadyWriter and Brinson. This hot track will melt your speakerz as they encourage you to Get up and get something done for Christ, and before you can catch your breath they pick up the pace and get ya movin even harder with the next track [Go Off!] (warning: please stretch first and drink plenty of water before listening to this one)
Da Breakdown
Rated R, comes packed with 13 power packed tracks that will move ya, physically and spiritually. Here is the complete track listing at the time of review:
1. Intro
2. Rated R
3. What’s It Gon’ Be
4. Re Up
5. I Tried
6. I Wanna Win
7. Love You Better (feat Rossi)
8. Fast R
9. Mr. Secular
10. Hold It Down (feat K-Nine)
11. Where Would I Go
12. On Fire (feat ReadyWriter, Brinson)
13. Go Off
14. The Set Finale
15. Call To Salvation
Big R, proves with this one that neither God, nor His Spirit are Restricted. Likewise I think there are no restrictions on who this Cd will be able to reach. Believers and Non-Believers alike will be able to glean from this one. Here is a brief breakdown of some of the tracks and the content/subject matter
- Rated R: The title track, rejecting the restrictions being put on God and His ability to move and use who He wants. Preaching the Declaring God in spite of being rejected by radio and media for Preaching Christ.
- What’s It Gon’ Be: (hot) God or The Gold? Eternal Life or the ice? You can’t serve two masters are you gonna choose God or will it be the fast life and material things? For those who choose the latter what will you do when those things are long gone and this life is over?
- Re Up: (hot) Going all out to rep Christ.
- I Tried: (hot) In life and especially in the Christian Walk, people are gonna let you down, there is only one who will always stick closer than a brother. This track is relate-able by all, sometimes you try to confide in people and sometimes they let you down, but Christ won’t.
- I Wanna Win: Losing is not an option! Using the gifts God has given us to reach the World! Pressing on in spite of opposition or resistance.
- Love You Better: (Love This one) No One loves or will ever Love you better than God Will.
- Mr Secular: Challenging the faulty messages being presented by the mainstream.
- Hold It Down: (Hot) Remaining faithful, continuing to Kingdom Build at all times.
- On Fire: (Fyah!) A hot track , Being fired up in and for Christ! An energetic track declaring boldness in representing Christ.
- Go Off! (Fyah) Celebrating Life in Christ! The Hip Hop equivalent of a shout song! Guaranteed to make you move! Taking the Gospel to the people and not wating for them to come to you!
That’s a brief breakdown of the content you will find on Rated R, but I must add this is one of those CD’s that will speak something new to you each time you listen. One of the things I have picked up on with each listen is the fact that as God’s people we are the one’s who should be celebrating and enjoying life. One of the biggest attractions of secular music is the fact that all of those artist seem to be the ones enjoying life and having nice things, but you and I both know the truth about that. Big R does a pretty good job of addressing some of those issues and misconceptions while at the same time displaying both confidence and commitment to living the Godly lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to GodChaserz Ent, they have proven time and time again that they are committed to doing more than just entertaining you. The addition of Big R to the fold is a good move and a good look. Rated R may be Big R’s debut project with GCE but his veteran experience is evident. If you are looking for Christian music that you can ride to and still be built up and edified this is it! This project is Rated R indeed, and the R stands for RAW! Then again it could easily stand for, Real, Relevant, Righteous, or even Rida (rider) Music. Whatever the case Rated R is sure to minister to all who give it a listen.
Rated R drops on March 31, 2009, and is currently available for pre-order at GodChaserz Ent website. The lead single “What’s It Gon’ Be?” is currently available on Itunes. To find out more about this project you can visit any of the following spots:
