Gotee Brothers

Item: Erace
Author: Jimmy Moore

Erace

(1996)

Reviewed by Jimmy Moore

Discogs YouTube

Label Gotee RecordsThe LighthouseDecember 1996

funk hip hop rap

Slavery. Affirmative action. Civil rights. L. A. riots. O. J. Simpson trial. The Million Man March. Each of these have had negative connotations, and many have had an adverse effect on American society. The underlying problem can be summed up in one word: racism! It is a problem that has plagued us for many generations and seems to get worse all the time. But there are people who are trying to do something about it. One of the efforts to this end is a new project from the Gotee Brothers. The project is called Erace, a project to call attention to the fight to eliminate racism. The Gotee Brothers' goal is to completely wipe out racism. Some may say that is impractical and unrealistic. But don't tell that to these guys! They are dead serious about the subject they sing about.

There are some voices and artists on Erace that may be familiar to fans of Christian music. First, two members of dc Talk, Toby McKeehan and Kevin Smith contribute to the project with lead vocals, instruments and production. Second, Gotee Records artist Christafari gives the project a little reggae feel to it. Third, Eddie DeGarmo bestows his talents on this hip-hop, funky groove, rap project. Finally, believe it or not, Andy Griffith contributes his whistling talents on this diversified album. The sound is obviously geared towards fans of rap music to talk with them about the subject of racism and the issues that go along with it.

The project itself is one that is born out of a frustration that racism is still a problem that lingers on to this day. The purpose of the project is not to point fingers at any particular race for the problems that still exist today. Rather, it is an encouragement to all people to stand up and take responsibility for their own actions. Once we realize the sinful nature in us all, only then can God heal the wounds that have developed as a result of racism. The result of this ideal is a musical project that hopes to Erace the stereotypes that keep racism alive.

Each of the songs speaks to problems that help stir up racism. One of these songs is "Poetry, Prose, and other Sundry Items." This song gets to the heart of the message of the album. It brings up numerous issues in the debate of racism. Another good song is "Brother's Keeper." This song challenges us to be accountable to our fellow brothers in Christ by helping them in their time of need. Showing kindness and compassion to a member of another race helps tear down the walls that separate the races. The best song on the album has to be "Why Can't We Be Friends." It asks a simple question that many people have a hard time answering. The song offers reasons why people of different colors should befriend one another.

This album may have been produced by the guys who bring you dc Talk; however, this is unlike any dc Talk album you have ever heard. This album deals with the problem of racism at its roots. It is a call for people to look beyond the color of skin and to begin to Erace the problem of racism. In the words of the Gotee Brothers, "for us to focus on color in trying to solve racial injustice, would be like a doctor focusing on the symptoms of a disease rather than the disease itself, which we all know is a backwards approach to healing." Let's all do our part to absolve the conflicts among us and to begin to see each other as God sees us: unique creations for His glory. When we realize that God created us all in His image, only then can we understand what it means to Erace.