“Some Urban Gospel music proclaims the truth, some of it makes ya nod ya head but is a little light or soft with the “message”, but R.I.C.H. not only gets ya movin… it goes beyond the head nod and ministers health to both heart and soul!”

If I only had a few words to sum up R.I.C.H. by Richie Righteous they would be “Go Buy It…NOW!!!” Really that is what I would say, because not only is it a solid project, but purchasing a copy would aid him in his quest to sell 50,000 units. Released in January of 2009, R.I.C.H. (Resting In Christ Hands) features quality production from the likes of Tony “The Creationist” Stone, Twyla, Jimi Khendrix, Fresh Air, and Shawn Smith (of the Smith Bros) and contains a pleasant mix of east coast bangers, classic hip hop and feel good tracks you can groove to.

First Impression

I couldn’t wait to listen to my copy of R.I.C.H., and was both excited and curious as to what I would hear.  I had heard and enjoyed one of the lead singles “Do What It Do” and wondered if the album would contain similar types tracks or if it would be full of the raw “ragamuffin” style circa old school Richie Righteous.  Regardless of what I expected I was not at all prepared for what I heard.

If you are familiar with the review style here at Holy Ridaz, then you know we typically give a project 4 spins and then share our findings with you…I tried the same approach with R.I.C.H. , but by the time I made it to the Title Track R.I.C.H., I found myself stuck..literally!    It caught me off guard and before I knew it I had put my pen down, put the track on repeat and listened to it more times than I can count.

That track alone was worth every bit of the purchase price of the CD, as it blessed me in more ways than I can explain.  I listened continually as it convicted me and made me realize that there were still areas in my own life and ministry where I was still trying to carry the weight and do it all myself instead of simply resting in His hands.  Even now when I listen to that track my eyes tear up and it serves as a reminder that there is peace and rest when I place EVERYTHING in Christ hands.

With that said my first impression of this CD is that is reveals that there really is only two distinctions when it comes to music, either it’s anointed or it’s not…and this one is anointed.  Listening to this album proves that Richie is without a doubt walking in his calling.

A Closer Look

As you listen to R.I.C.H. it’s clear that Richie has a heart for the lost and our youth, and he skilfully uses a “Love First” approach to deliver the Message that there is hope and healing available for everyone. Contrary to what some might think this “Love first” approach is not synonymous with mincing words or beating around the bush, in fact Richie comes hard & heavy in his attack on sin and the fact that we all need a Savior  [Who You Represent] [Salvation 101], but he does so in a Love driven way, and tracks like [What The world Needs Now] help sooth any “ouches” that might arise when confronted with the truth, and the energy and hypeness of [Who You Represent] makes it clear the Richie is merely going all out and reppin God the same way and manner people un-apologetically represent crime, sex & drugs and that he is not attacking anyone…just stating what he is passionate about

Ideally any Gospel rapper in the industry wants to take the message and the meat of the Gospel and still present it in a way that the people can relate to or “feel”  and I think Richie does a good job of that with this project.  Ironically this project has been in the making for quite awhile, but had experienced several setbacks, including having his computer crash and losing all of his tracks (you can catch the details by checking his interview on the Wade-O Radio Show) and yet in spite of those setbacks he managed to recover and create an excellent product.

Da Breakdown

R.I.C.H. comes complete with 14 tracks and  two bonus tracks all designed to en-r.i.c.h. the listener.

Here’s a peek at the track listing:

TRACK LISTING

1. They Call me R.I.C.H
2. Prayer For the Youth
3. Do Wut it Do
4. MRI
5. Rest in Christ Hands
6. Can’t Take it With You
7. I Need You in My Life
8. Who You Represent?
9. What the World Needs Nows.
10. New York, New York.
11. Patiently Waiting
12. 101 Interlude
13. Salvation 101
14. Independent Artist
Bonus Tracks
15. Can’t Take it With You ( Remix)
16. The Interview

In the way of content R.I.C.H. is in direct contrast to anything you will find in the mainstream these days.  While other artist are talking about having material things and being rich at any cost, Richie Righteous comes from a totally different angle, and offering a very real truth that even if you gained all of the riches in the world, without Christ there would be no peace and only emptiness, and that the bottom line is that you can’t take it with you when you die [Can't Take It with You]

As believers there is power in our testimony [Rev 12:11] and that power is evident in Track 7 [I Need You In My Life] as Richie makes a bold declaration that life isn’t worth the living without Christ in it, and he shares a part of his own testimony growing up as a preacher’s kid and he even share’s a story of being held at gunpoint as a kid as the robbers  burglarized his family.  You can almost see the motion picture in your mind as you listen to this one.  This track serves a dual purpose as both an admonition to God that he can’t live without him, and also a call to others to realize that God is the missing part of their lives and that He is able to sustain, deliver and protect them.

Other noteworthy tracks include;  [Salvation 101] which takes the greatest story ever told and places it in a modern day urban setting, told from the viewpoint of the repentant thief crucified at the same time as The Christ, Richie’s flow is perfect for this track and he keeps you on the edge of the seat listening to the tale like you hadn’t heard it before.  [Patiently Waiting] was a track that had me nodding my head in agreement to what he was saying as he addressed some common issues and feelings experineced by those who are trying to do the right thing, especially when that thing goes against the grain and flow of the mainstream.  As I mentioned before [Resting In Christ Hands] blessed me the most and it has a message in it that I think all believers can benefit from listening and adhering to. Rich even manages to squeeze a little comedy into the project [The Interview] (two words FUN - NEE)

The content and subject matter of R.I.C.H. are in no way elementary, but Richie does a good job of making some serious subjects easy to understand and follow along with him as he explains a few things.  Here’s a look at some of the tracks and the content:

• [They Call me R.I.C.H]  An introduction to Richie Righteous and his plan to be R.I.C.H., be a winner in Christ and see everyone else do the same.

• [Prayer For the Youth]  A call for the sleeping Giant to wake up and fight for the lives and souls of our young people (I pray we take heed)

• [Do Wut it Do]  A Bangin track challenging the gods/idols many people cling and bow down to, and Richies declaration to Serve the one true Living God, workin the talents and abilities that God has given him to allow the Light & Love of God to “do what it do” through him.

• [Rest in Christ Hands]  An inviting and engaging song encouraging the listener to trust it all to Christ.  The hook on this track is both contagious and soothing as it reveals that  True peace and joy can only be found when you let go and rest in Christ hands.  Don’t let em kill your passion, hang in there and rest in Christ! Highly recommend this track!!!!

• [Can't Take it With You]  [1 Tim 6:10] Stop chasing cheddar and get to know the cheddar maker.  Cash isn’t the end all be all, and even if you got a lot of it you can’t take it with you when you leave here, so instead of investing in things that will rust and rot invest in something that will never tarnish or fail you.

• [Who You Represent?]  The Christian Anthem!  Richie’s declaration that he is a ceritified, un-ashamed  representative of God, and at the same time asking the listener Who do you represent? What are you reppin?  Is it God?

• [Patiently Waiting]  Another must hear track for believers and those in ministry, as it reveals the seldom seen other side of the ministry, being shunned, not being paid, doing without while helping and blessing others, all the while being tempted by the call of the secular and other venues that would definitely produce the cash & acceptance but at what cost.

Final Thoughts

I might sound a bit enthusiastic when I say you really need to copp this one, but you do.  This cd is a blessing from start to finish, and it’s one that you can put on repeat and still get something new with each and every listen.  This cd has a vibe and beats that the street can feel and relate to, but at no time does it pull any punches or water down the gospel.   New believers will be encouraged, seekers will find answers, and seasoned veterans will find gems and nuggets of wisdom stashed within each track.  This one came out of the wrapper an instant classic get yours and start living the R.I.C.H. life today!

You can find out more or copp this by visiting any of the following locations:

Richie Rich’s Website

Holy Culture Download

The Bus Shop