Transparent - L.I.F.E.
February 2009 was a busy month for Holy Hip Hop/Christian Rap, and there were several veteran artist droppin new releases and several new comers as well. Among those new comers breaking on the scene and releasing new projects were, L.I.F.E.Style Records recording artist Transparent, and his new project L.I.F.E. (Living In Favor Everyday)
L.I.F.E features production from Jason Bahou (Firestrong Productions), Marv (MARV4MOBBEATS) and guest appearances from the Bay Area’s own TRUCK, Jason Bahou (J.B. Blue), C.O.G., Jen & Jaquie (J.B. Blue) to name a few.
First Impression
I wasn’t sure what to expect, and I was quite anxious as I unwrapped the cd from it’s packaging. I was anxious for a couple of reasons, partly because it was a debut cd, (and I have reviewed a lot of debut cd’s and some of them weren’t that good…real talk) partly because I had the opportunity to see this young man perform before once at a New Years Celebration several years ago and I had very high expectations of him, and partly because I have met and know this young man and I really didn’t want to be the one to have to say “nice try but…”.
I loaded the cd, and pressed play and my anxieties were calmed as the soulful soothing music and lyrics of the opening track, Intro invited me into the L.I.F.E. of a young man intent on chasing after God and becoming transparent so that others might see Christ through his life and actions.
from start to finish L.I.F.E., takes the listener on the “ride of their life”!
L.I.F.E. features a unique blend of Urban/soulful, hip hop worship and west coast bangers that from start to finish takes the listener on the “ride of their life”! Transparent recognizes his position as an Heir in Christ and compassionately interjects this throughout the CD, and He shares the love by extending the invitation to the listener all the while encouraging other believers and fellow heirs to do the same.
My first listen revealed some instant favorites, [Agape, Radical, P.U.S.H., H.U.S.T.L.E.] and while there were no tracks that I disliked some of them grew on me more and more with each listen.
A Closer Look
Musically, this CD knocks and to be honest it is pretty impressive for a debut project, but how does it stack up content wise, well if I had to sum it up with just two words they would be “Real Talk!” L.I.F.E, addresses issues that are often neglected from the pulpit. Issues like the Christian Walk not being an easy one, and it is a Lifestyle that requires living out [Who Knows] Issues like going through things and having to be persistent in our prayer life [P.U.S.H.] and also the issue of being open and honest about struggling with sin and growing up in Christ [Transparent] In addition to addressing issues, L.I.F.E. also speaks of the joy of experiencing God’s Love for us [Feels Good] and speaks of God’s unconditional love [Agape]
Transparent, focuses his efforts more so on being a “paramedic” trying to help and offer healing to those in need rather than merely being the “christian police” out to get sinners or those who have fallen. Layer by layer he peels back the old garments of “holier than thou” and engages in the introduction to, and forming and cultivating a relationship with Christ.
…cause I know we’ve had enough of this holier than thou stuff/ let’s start being real give the people what they need/ start being paramedics and stop being the police
Transparent - Intro, L.I.F.E.
Da Break Down
L.I.F.E. features 15 bangin tracks that are guaranteed to motivate ya and bring your speakers pretty darn close to cardiac arrest, here’s a peek at the track listing including featured artist:
- Intro feat Jason of Bahou of J.B. Blue
- L.I.F.E. (Livin In Favor Everyday)
- New Breed
- The Greatest
- Agape feat C.O.G.
- Passion feat Jason Bahou of J.B. Blue
- Navigation
- H.U.S.T.L.E. (Hurry Up Save The Lost Everywhere) feat Truck
- Who Knows
- Radical feat C.J. Emulous and The Vessel
- Feels Good feat Jen & Jacquie of J.B. Blue
- Lion Chaser
- P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) feat Jason Bahou of J.B.Blue
- Transparent
- P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment)
Transparent’s personality & creativity come shining through in this cd, proving that you can be a Christian and still enjoy life, and still expose people to Christ with more than just your words but also your life. Among my instant favorites were [Agape] in which Transparent comes to appreciate and understand the awesomeness of God’s Unconditional Love for us and how many who sing about love are missing it because God is Love and Love is God. (I kept this one on repeat for a good minute)
Another instant favorite was [Radical] and urban hip hop/rock blend that presents a radical concept indeed, proposing that we make it hard for people to go to hell and easy for them to get to Heaven, letting our everyday Lifestyles be the connections. Every time I listen to this it reminds me of an old quote from a Spiritual Giant Charles Spurgeon:
If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.
Some of the tracks suck you right in from the start, for example [Who Knows] had me hoarse with a sore neck as I was head noddin and singin/yellin along
“♫you think you know you think you know you think you know…but you don’t! Unh Uh You Don’t! ♫What you know bout this lifestyle♫/somebody flipped you the bird…and all you can do is flip open your Word…♫”
Oops there I go again. L.I.F.E. stays on point from start to finish, and Transparent’s lyrical flow is such that you can keep up with him along the way. Without getting too deep He keeps it Christ centered throughout the entire CD. Here’s a brief look at some of what you will find in the way of content on L.I.F.E.
L.I.F.E: Living and walking in God’s Favor daily.
The Greatest: Nope not Muhammad Ali, the Greatest of ALL time is the Undefeated King of Kings, God Almighty!
Agape: Celebrating, realizing and acknowledging the Unconditional Agape Love of God
Navigation: The safest and best way to travel is by Letting God Guide You
H.U.S.T.L.E.: making the most of our time and moving quickly and aggressively to reach those that are lost.
Radical: Living life radically for Christ, letting our lives be the bridging connection that connects people to God
P.U.S.H.: Being persistent and consistent in our prayer lives
Transparent: A raw, open honest testimony/expose on Transparent and his failures and struggles in an attempt to stay true to His name ( a track that many Christians might find relate able)
Final Thoughts
L.I.F.E., does not beat around the bush, nor is it a watered down presentation of the Gospel, at the same time however it presents the message in a format that will bless believers and non-believers equally. Believers can listen and be encouraged to “do better,” while non-believers can hear, relate and respond to the Gospel message as Transparent opens up and shares both his victories and his failures in learning that this is a life style. All in all this is a CD worth adding to your collection, and it is one that you can benefit from listening to several times…and before you know it you just might be encouraged to get ya H.U.S.T.L.E. on 
If you are interested in finding our more about Transparent L.I.F.E., L.I.F.E. Style Records or to purchase a copy of Transparent L.I.F.E. visit any of the following sites,
