“…we don’t rap about pimpin, we don’t rap about thuggin, this is anti-sin rap what you know about it cuzzin?!” -Excelsius

That quote sums up what The Alpha Project is all about!  Lyrical Truth laced with infectious beats…this is Anti-Sin music at it’s Very Best!

This was without a doubt one of the projects we couldn’t wait to get our hands on!  When we heard that Excelsius and DJ 1God were working on this we knew it was going to be good, and to be honest it is even better than we expected!  Before I even get into the review, I found the back story of how Exelsius and DJ 1God’s lives crossed on what was a clearly God ordained path, to be equally as interesting as this CD is.

Their first meeting occurred while they were both in college.  At that time Excelsius was the host of a hip hop program at the college radio station, and he would frequently have a group, which 1 God was a member of, on as guest, for a weekly on-air “Freestlye Show.”  A few years went by and the two crossed paths again, this time Excelsius was trying to complete the recording of his first full length Christian rap album.  1 God was still  a member of his group and was making his rounds in Houston’s Underground Hip Hop Scene.  While having a conversation, Excelsius expressed having difficulty finding a studio where he could be comfortable recording, it seemed that everywhere he went, the studios were overwhelmed with the stench of drugs, sex and a barrage of profanity laced music.  Remarkably, 1 God owned a studio, which only opened it’s doors for reputable clients, and shortly after that meeting, the two of them agreed to work together.  The beauty of the story is, that it was through this work arrangement, and the persistent prayers of Excelsius, that 1 God realized a new hope to make “music with a purpose” and agreed to be discipled, and The Alpha Project is one of the fruits of that relationship/discipleship.

First Impressions

From start to finish this CD was BANGIN!  The Alpha Project features 17 well produced tracks.  The final two tracks, 16 & 17 are remixes, or Mega-mixes by the world famous DJ Primo, the latter of those is a Chopped & Screwed version that is guaranteed to put your speakers in a headlock!   Excelsius and 1 God, take the listener on a journey toward the truth, without omitting details or watering down the truth each track challenges many of the current misconceptions within our communities and even some of our churches, while at the same time emphasizing relationship with Christ.  The Alpha Project features guest appearances from the likes of Octavia Harris, Dogfight, Gifted and The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S.  My first impression was that Excelsius took his own advice and “Stepped His Game Up” even more, as evidenced on the track [Step Ya Game Up] you can especially hear the passion, authority and conviction in his verses and the hook.  The Alpha Project has a nice flow to it and has varied mix of heavy bass laden tracks, fun rhythmic tracks[Get Up Stand Up] and even some smooth melodic tracks like [We Goin' Win].   Among my favorite tracks was track 8 [God Has Been Good] which features Dogfight.  I really enjoyed this one and was blessed by it in more ways than I could explain.  Needless to say my first impression of The Alpha Project was that it exceeded all my expectations for it, let’s take a closer look at the content.

A Closer Look

One of the biggest challenges facing the Christian recording artist, is how to share the gospel in a manner that is relatable to their audience.  Some try the route of sharing their story, but often times it comes across to the casual listener as a glorification of their old life, especially within the Christian Hip Hop Community.  Excelsius and 1God seem to have found a formula that works, instead of just  telling tales of their old exploits they offer a snapshot of where they came from and offer their current positions and lives as comparison.  Track 6 [Blood Money] is a great example of this.  The track opens with a modern day parable similar to one taught by Jesus in Luke 12:16-20,   the track goes on to acknowledge some of the past sins/mistakes made by the lyricist and the realization that the fact that they didn’t die in that sin was merely God’s Grace, by the end of the track Excelsius makes it clear that Blood Money represents the price of our freedom paid by Jesus Christ.  Another Good example is track 8 [God Has Been Good To Me], the track reveals that God has been and always is Good, even in those times that we are challenged in our faith, our we lose someone close to us.  From a content standpoint, this is 100% Street Compatible Gospel music, and as Excelsius says in track 4 [Life Music], it’s good for all ages and not just the youth.

Here is a brief breakdown of the track listing and the subject matter/content of them.

Da Breakdown

The Alpha Project is targeted specifically to those who haven’t yet completely committed to the calling of Christ on their life.  Each track reveals the Truth of scriptures and presents it in a manner to cause reflection and challenge the listener to repent, commit and grow!

[Alpha Time] Intro track stating the purpose of The Alpha Project, sin-free, idolatry-free and profanity-free music representing King Jesus

[Still Grinding] Banging track, expressing the desire to go all out and represent Christ to the fullest, enticing others to be drawn to Christ.  Putting in work for the Kingdom of God, also offers a challenge to believers to put an end to the “hypocrisy” seen by many onlookers when gazing at the Christian Community.

[Step Ya Game Up] Acting with Acts 18:9 type boldness offering a challenge to take it up a couple of notches!  A call to be mindful of the Majesty of Jesus Christ, and to bring our best to the forefront.  Putting and end to shabby lifestyles and following the example of Christ.  A challenge for ministers/musicians to remember who they are representing.

[Life Music] Life Music is music backed up by Godly lifestyle.  Bringing Holy Truth to the  masses and not just the youth, a challenge to the listener to allow God to use them and their lives to reach others. Despite popular theories there is only way through Jesus Christ!

[New Christian Anthem] Fun song, profanity free, anti-sin song that you can turn up realllly loud.  Has a Theme of New Life in Christ and celebrating that New Life!  This one will have you with ya hands up movin side to side side to side!!

[Blood Money ft The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S.] You can’t pay the price for your own life no matter how many chains, cars or chromed out wheels you have.  There is no amount of money or act or sacrifice that will save you, only the Blood of Jesus. Blood Money represents the price Jesus paid for our sins (pay close attention to X’s verse at the end)

[We Goin' Win] Smooth track just about everyone can relate to this one, we all go through things at times, however for the Believer we know that in Christ we can press on and we can win! Encouragement to press on and trust God.  [1 Cor 9:24, 1 John 5:5]

[God Has Been Good To Me] God is Good All the time!  A reflection of how good God has been to us, keeping us in storms, and helping us through the challenges and things we face in this life.  This will have you reflecting on how Good God has been to you!

[Get Up Stand Up] Another fun hip hop/reggae track, reminiscent of Bob Marley’s Get Up,  challenging the listener to get up, no matter where they are in life, and stand up for Christ because He is Worthy.  Going all out for Christ! More than just correcting bad behavior, it’s a call to reverence the Savior.

[Yes Yes Y'all ft Octavia Harris] Hot track encouraging leaving the milk behind and pursuing the meat of the Gospel.  A loving rebuff for those who speak or are on the mic to first be called and second be sold out for Christ, having a life that backs up your words, let your words in the booth match your everyday life.  Be a student of the Word first before you try to be a teacher of it.

[This Is It] Lifting Up the Name of Jesus.  A reminder that Jesus is returning, and life changes after submitting to Christ.  Puttin in work for Christ.

[Christ Rules, Christ Reigns] Time is running out, Christ is in charge and possess all the keys, so put an end to our futile efforts to run things.

[You Can Still Be Saved ft Gifted] You are not too far gone to stop and get saved.  No matter who you are or what you have done or where you have been, if you realize that the price has been paid…you can still be saved!

[Addicted] Eye opening track challenging how people use music, many vices and negative activities take place to the backdrop of music, it sets the tones and influences the listener, and many of them are bound…addicted to it.  Offering freedom from these addictions through Jesus Christ

Final Thoughts

For the serious listener that looks to be challenged, edified and blessed by the music they listen to, this CD will not disappoint!  The content is such that bears repeating, and some of the music on this project will have you singing and humming it all day as they are catchy and infectious.   Meat eaters and those looking for substance will be equally pleased, and those not quite ready for meat will be able to vibe along and let the message marinate, or as X says, they can take smaller bites so they can enjoy the meal.   This is one for the collection, it’s strong enough for the hood but relate-able to just about everyone.   The added bonus tracks by DJ Primo are sorta like the icing on the cake!  Excelsius and DJ 1God, keep your head noddin while administering some much needed truth.   I want encourage you to give it a listen and let it minister to you.  Because of the nature of this cd, I would also encourage you to copp one for yourself and one (or more) to  get it into the hands of those you may have been trying to reach.

Copp The Alpha Project @ the following locations

JATH

HolyCulture Downloads