We do not normally delve into the hip-hop scene, but we had to make an exception for this project. Not only was it headed up by the MVP of our annual GMA Artists vs. Industry flag football game, MG! the Visionary -- it is a standout work of Christ-focused hip-hop.
Like most thematic praise and worship albums, Sinner's Prayer takes on classic and modern worship songs like "As the Deer," "Awesome God," and "Lord I Lift Your Name On High." Unlike most thematic praise and worship albums, it does not merely sonically transmogrify popular praise songs. Not only are there original numbers, but the 'covers' themselves are almost unrecognizable. This is a good thing. In fact, the creativity, intelligence, honesty, production value, and pure skill involved in this project smoke just about everything in the modern hip hop world. It even brings to mind the stylings of hip hop greats like Pharcyde and Roots.
The multi-layered masterpiece was composed via MG!'s skills on the mic and in the studio, and through the talent courting and combining of Dave Tosti (Pax 217), Robin Banks, Ill Harmonics, Jesse Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu, The World Inside -- finally Jesse gets his hip hop action), Page One, the Tacoma based 3NP crew, and many more. Even if you don't love hip-hop, you may get something out of this surprisingly legit, truly worshipful and God-glorifying album.
