So How Ya Livin’?

Description

So How Ya Livin’? is the debut album by the American hip-hop group D.O.C. (a.k.a. Disciples of Christ), released on StarSong Records in 1991, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group.

The same year D.O.C. rapper Alton Hood was featured on “Holy War”, a track included on In the Kingdom by StarSong signed hard rock outfit Whitecross.

The word on this new R&B/rap quartet (*don’t get this D.O.C. confused with secular M.C. The D.O.C., since he had a nearly platinum album a couple years back, and the “he’s secular, we’re Christian” argument only goes so far) was set into motion with the appearance of «Deeper» on both Star Song’s ‘Ultimate Rap 2‘ and ‘Arise Skates‘, and the ensuing full-length debut is fairly strong.

«Deeper» reappears slightly remixed (couple different beat break-downs), and it lies amidst the musically mighty middle of the album. «Little Bit Further» is a post-house club workout, as if C&C Music Factory were urging you to run the race of faith. «Step to My Daddy» is one of the more imaginative evangelistic pleas in Christian hip-hop, buoyed by James Brown-meets-Parliament underpinnings. «Satan’s Madness» could have had a lil’ less lyrical confusion, but the sirens toward the end, and poetic correction, finally kick it hard.

However, these Disciples may be starting a trend that could insure the economic and airplay viability of righteous rap, though it leaves me with some unease. «Thank You Lord», save for a brief rap break toward the end, is urban balladry better suited to Freddy Jackson or Nicholas. That it could fit more palatably onto urban gospel or Christian pop radio formats than the group’s “harder” tracks makes it no less glaring. Conversely, the other overtly smoothed-out track, «Desire» (as in, don’t give in to it sexually, singles), is a sweet Brit neo-soul variant with jaunty beat and tasty trumpet marred by stiff rhyming.

Still, thanks to mostly “on” rap power and the production sheen of Tedd Tjornhom, the positive moments outweigh the negative. It likewise helps that Disciples of Christ can integrate elements of other act’s artistry, like M.C. Hammer, Flavor Flav, even Buddy Holly (!), without consciously mimicking. All in all, promise enough to sustain interest. [Jamie Lee Rake, CCM, September 1991]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/so-how-ya-livin/716193048)

CD tracklist:

01. Get Annointed – 4:43
02. Spirit Keep Movin’ – 4:45
03. Little Bit Further – 5:18
04. Thank You, Lord – 5:25
05. Deeper – 5:26
06. Step 2 My Daddy – 5:24
07. Satan’s Madness – 4:07
08. Desire – 6:09
09. Lies From The Darkside – 5:39
10. Final Hour – 4:01

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by StarSong Records.

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