by mmog

First Impressions

After reviewing “Operation Rapture Ready” the teaser/appetizer to “Jihad” by Jovan Mackenzy, I was looking forward to the drop of Jihad. The Ep was cool so I was interested to see what he would do on a full album. After hearing Jovan on “Operation Rapture Ready” I had put him on my “Ones To Watch” list. I found that I was impressed with the fact that as a young man Mackenzy had a lot of zeal and a clever flow/style. My opinion is sill the same after listening to “Jihad.” First Impressions of Jihad, I found that it was pretty much what I had expected. The production was solid Brinson did his thing, and for the most part Jovan manages to stay focused throughout the album some songs more than others. Jihad also features some guest appearances from Dae Lee, Ready Writer, Excelsius, Uncle Reese to name a few. I gotta hand it to Brinson and GodChaserz Ent, during a time where many people are toning down the message or sticking to making “feel good” music” they are traveling down the road that is less populated, Jihad is definitely not going to be nominated for any popularity contest. Overall Jihad was well rounded, it had some tracks that compelled me to sing along, some tracks that made me want to bounce to em, and other tracks that simply made stop and reflect and really think about the Price that Christ has paid for my freedom. All in all I really enjoyed Jihad, I must admit however that the jury is still out on the album art, which builds on the Jihad theme right down to the Arabic font,(more about this in A Closer Look). Musically Jihad had me head noddin and foot tappin from start to finish, after continuing to listen to Jihad I began to realize that for some listeners Jihad might pose a problem which brings us to A Closer Look…

A Closer Look

The first few listens of “Jihad” I found myself buckling in and then just sitting back and enjoying the ride. Tracks like 39 Lashes, Red Carpet Treatment and Class of 08 had me head noddin and vibin out, while other tracks like Capital G, Hands Up and Grown Folks Gospel had a feel good uplifting feel to them. The next few listens I listened more analytically, tuning my ear for those things that might pose a problem for the listener and then on the last few listens I tried to listen from different perspectives (more critical than analytical). By the time I was finished I had broken “Jihad” into three categories…The Good, The Bad, and The Not So Pretty

The Good:

Jihad tackles the very real concept that as Christians we are at war…but it is not a war with Muslims or even other Denominations, instead we are at war with ourselves. The struggle or war is one that takes place within each of us as we move toward living the Holy/Godly life that God intends for us. Jovan Mackenzy also manages to shine some light on some very real issues, that are not limited to the holy hip hop scene but to the Christian Community in it’s entirety. Issues such as seeking the presents over the presence of God (Red Carpet Treatment), appreciation and understanding of the price Christ paid for us (39 Lashes), the change that takes place once we become saved (I’m So Glad I’m Saved). The title track Jihad makes the declaration that there is but one true God and that the answer isn’t found in other religions or even in a specific denomination or even in any person we can name except Jesus Christ. One of my favorites was definitely [I'm So Glad] the track featured Uncle Reese who had me singin along and singin that hook all day. I also enjoyed [39 Lashes] . Jihad has all the right stuff…the music…the lyrical content…it is witty, clever and metaphoric as well. Jihad opens our eyes to the “struggle” that we are involved in[Jihad], but it also celebrates some of the battles and victories that have already been won in this war[I'm So Glad, U Know He Is]…and the reality that we actually have a fighting chance…and even more so that we really should be going all out [Keep it High] when we realize the price that has been paid[39 Lashes] and the power we have been given!

The Bad:

Well like the saying goes…you can’t have Good News without there being any Bad News…right. The Bad News about Jihad is that like most times when we begin dealing with truth there is the tendency to ruffle a few feathers, so part of the bad of Jihad is that for the listener who doesn’t listen objectively they just might get offended by some of the things Jovan has to say on Jihad. One of the problems I had with Jihad was when I tried to identify the target audience it was hard to do so. I realize that it is a dilemma that many artist face, as they want to reach as many people as they can…but sometimes that can be a bit overwhelming as what appeals to one group may not work for another. The title and the theme would suggest that Jihad was done for a Christian audience…but at times some of the tracks seem to be addressing non-believers and are kind of scolding in tone, one example was the track [Coals of Fyah] it kind of got my attention, as it opens with Romans 12:19-20, which instructs us as Christians to not seek vengeance against those who would be our enemy…but instead feed and clothe them when we have the occasion to do so, and in doing so we heap “heap coals of fire” on their heads…the final verse of that chapter sums it up that we overcome evil when we do good. The tone of the track doesn’t really stay focused on that verse….but really does seem to be focused more on pointing out the evils that men do, than ways to actually feed, clothe and smash on evil by doing good to our enemies. In my opinion the lack of a target audience kind of places Jihad on middle ground.

The Not So Pretty:

I mentioned in First Impressions that I was undecided about the Album Art, I didn’t think it was bad…I really do get the intention and the Idea behind it and it was a clever thought, but in a post 911 society, and in the middle of a war with a middle eastern country I am not so sure that it was the best choice. If I were to be honest and blunt, had I not heard Jovan Mackenzy on Rapture Ready, the album art would not have inspired me to purchase it at all, and the funny part is that the theme of the album is far from the idea or concept of Jihad or Holy War that we have come to know, hear and see in the news. Another Not So Pretty aspect of Jihad, is the reality that war is ugly, especially if that war is within us, and because of that it is always easier to declare Jihad on those who don’t believe the same as we do

Da Breakdown

All in all I enjoyed Jihad, or should I say I still enjoy listening to Jihad. I still keep it in rotation on the mp3 player. For the most part it covers items and issues that I/we need to take a closer look at in the Body of Christ. I gain something new from it every time I listen to it, even those tracks that I had a problem with (see disclaimer below) Jihad serves as a reminder that holiness is war, war with ourselves, a war to remember the value of the gift that Christ has given us. Jihad by definition is: A crusade or struggle ; for centuries religions and even the church have made that crusade be against people/non-believers/and other religions…the album Jihad is a reminder that the struggle is an inward one. Living for Christ is a struggle and for those in fields like the entertainment that struggle becomes even more intense as they must fight to stay focused on doing God’s will and avoiding the lure and temptation of the Lights, Cameras and The [Red Carpet Treatment.] Here’s a breakdown of some of the tracks and topics covered on Jihad:

• Holy War, not against others, salvation found in Christ not other religions or even in well spoken religious leaders [Jihad]
• Modern day rebuke to part-time Christianity, wearing the name should have supporting action [Coals of Fyah]
• The reality that a lot of people are in it for the glitz and glam, seeking after the fame more than seeking Gods Guidance feat K-Nine [Red Carpet Treatment]
• An infectious melody you gotta sing along! A story of change since being saved, life after Christ [I'm So Glad]
• Metaphoric reminder that Jesus was whipped & beaten for us, a reminder that some of the sins that people still find themselves in have been paid for on the back of Christ, [39 Lashes]
• Urban worship song, challenge to live holy [Hands Up]
• Tag team feat Dae Lee, emphasizing living with God as the Head/main focus, representing God to the fullest extent [Capital G]
• Going all out for Christ [We Keep it High]
• Passing the torch, introducing the young bucks of the Godchaserz, Conduit and Royal Order Families [Class of 08]
• A short live demonstration of Jovan freestylin [Freestyle]
• Head nodder reminding us who He (Jesus Christ) is [U know He Is]

Final Thoughts

As I said earlier Jovan Mackenzy is on my “Ones to Watch” list. I can’t wait to see what his future release hold as he grows and matures and becomes even more seasoned in the industry. As debut releases go, this was pretty good. It clear that he has a zeal to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jihad will continue to get some rotation. Jovan Mackenzy’s Jihad has the power and potency of an old school preacha, with a bit of musical smoothness to help ya swallow it down, but ya gotta drink it quickly to avoid the after taste.

You can find out more about Jovan Mackenzy or how to Purchase Jihad by visiting the following places

http://www.godchaserz.com/store/

http://www.myspace.com/jovanmackenzy

http://www.myspace.com/godchaserzent

********************************************************************************************************

**** I feel like I should add some sort of disclaimer that is not only appropriate for Jihad but any Christian music for that matter, and that disclaimer would be “Eat the Meat….and Spit Out the Bones!” In other words as you listen…hear what the holy Spirit is speaking to you, if something hits or rubs you the wrong way don’t just chalk it up to being wrong, but instead discover what is bothering you about it…if it is because there is some truth in it…then just say ouch and take it and grow from it. If it sounds un-scriptural or un-sound then get into your word and dig into it until you resolve whether it is actually wrong or if it merely puts a hole in your theology or religious beliefs. Take what you can use from it and leave the rest behind…that’s easy enough right ****