Search - Sho Baraka :: Turn My Life Up

Live at a 10 (Stars)

Swope | Raleigh, NC | 01/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Instant Classic. 'Turn My Life Up' may be the most ambitious release in the holy hip hop genre. The cd has a wonderful mix of musical styles. Sho Baraka is a noted member of the 116 Clique. A group of rap artists whose very name is based on Romans Chapter 1, verse 16. "I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ(Check out their cd '13 Letters')." I find it very genuine and bold when, on the title track, Sho raps how "he's in love with a Man," and considers himself a "bride." A bold statement at which the secular world would never understand but, those of the household of faith, know exactly what he's talking about.



Rap has always been a very defiant form of music. A form that seemed very difficult to translate with christian values and still be interesting. Sho pulls it off with breathtaking success.



Instead of meaningless bravado and degrading of women, we have 'Love of My Life' a song that celebrates the greatness of a christian woman, and 'Who is like God?' a song that straight up brags on God ("He don't need no earthly Shaq, He ain't Kobe"). Every true christian feels the longing of always having a hunger for God, like the "I want more" chorus from 'Catch Me at the Brook.'



Other great songs include; 'Higher Love'(Oh, if the radio stations would only give it airplay), 'Great Day 2 Die'(We need to die daily from our flesh), '100'(The importance of keeping your cool in every situation because, as christians, we are always tested), and 'Rebuild the City'(We need a urban revival). The last few songs on the cd are in medley form. It sort of reminds me of the end of the Beastie Boys, 'Paul's Boutique' cd.



One more thing. 'Oh My Lord' could very well be the song that brings contemporary and traditional Gospel music listeners together (for at least a moment). With it's Gospel singing intro, choir driven chorus, and Sho rapping about things that both young and old can relate to, it is a truly amazing song.



All in all it is a classic. (Other classic Gospel rap cd's include, Phanatic's 'The Incredible Walk' and Lecrae's 'After the Music Stop') The last song is a dancefloor party song that says "Who on earth let the church through the door." I hope this release kicks the door in for the glory of Jesus Christ.

"

Unclassifiable

Jordan Williams | Cedarville, OH/ Fenton, MI | 11/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don;t know why this is listed as "The Buzz Word" and "Turn My Life Up" is listed under Books... but I'll put my review down anyway.



Wow... I am impressed. I bought the MP3s, but i figure the CD needed the review too.



First, i must say, this album may not appeal to everyone. It's some kind of uncanny balance between underground, mainstream, and soul, etc.! (and when i say 'underground,' Im not necessarily talking about the musical style compared to other underground sounds, but just the fact it's not anything you can really pin down.



However, if you have a developed sound palette... you're in for some "buttery hotness."



The musical arrangements are out of this world and unclassifiable. The vocal delivery is solid . They lyrics are right on. Sho's personality comes through on everything.



I'd have to say my favorite songs on this 6. Maranatha, 8. Great Day II Die, 9. Catch Me at the Brook, and 14. 100.



Maranatha is straight up NaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaSTY!!! Some sick flows by Sho, Tedashii, and Json.



Great Day II Die is this insane Rasta-man joint. I got this feeling like if all the Christian were rounded up and we were forced to walk to the Colliseum, this would be our anthem as we marched. Also, Sho makes all these Bob Marley references. So hot.



and Catch Me at the Brook is just CRaaaZEE. 100 is a killer.



Man, Sho just brings conceptual heat on this one over the craziest beats. so many styles and instrumental arrangements were somehow incorporated into this album... I guess that comes with having only 4 songs made by the same producer."

Its a good buy

C. Felix | 02/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is Sho Baraka's first solo release. He's also been featured on other albums from Reach Records.



On this disc, Sho displays his unique style, which is a blend of fluid storytelling and social commentary from a biblical perspective. He highlights differing aspects of contemporary society, questioning the futility of man's efforts apart from God. He stated in an interview on reach records website that he put effort in constructing the messages that he wanted to put across. Such messages includes, Christian Fellowship, giving God all of our lives, Being a witness for Christ, the Second Coming amongst others.



The music has an old school flava mixed up on some of the tracks also offering a classical touch. If you loved his other releases as a featured artist on 116 albums and other reach records artiste releases, you will definitely enjoy this.



He concentrates on causing you to be introspective while listening to the tracks and live up to the standards that God has set for us to be:'epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men' - 2 Cor 3:2"