Description
I Can See Clearly Now is the third album by the American hip-hop group Gospel Gangstaz, released on B-Rite Music in 1999, manufactured and distributed in the US by Universal Music & Video Distribution. Also distributed by Word Music Group. The album was produced by Mr. Solo and Twenty/20 for The Committee, by Demarie Sheki a.k.a. Meech for On 1 Music & Prodigal Son, and as well by Tone and Poke for Trackmasters Entertainment.
After recording two more or less indie CDs with music pioneer DJ Dove – 1994’s Gang Affiliated and 1995’s Do or Die – and doing rockin’ live shows with the likes of Snoop Dogg that were known for bringing truth to Christians and hard-hearted street thugs alike, the Gospel Gangstaz have landed in a bigger nest at B-Rite/Interscope, the label home of Kirk Franklin, Trinitee 5:7 and others.
On its third release, I Can See Clearly Now, Gospel Gangstaz is seemingly in a position to achieve multi-genre success with a mature, smoothed-out approach.
The Gospel Gangstaz’ production team, The Committee, creates tracks musically laced with elements of producer Jermaine Dupree, Tupac, Master P and southern MCs, Eightball and MJG. Insightful, spit-fire lyrics bathed in the gospel are found in cuts like «Let Us Pray»: “Ain’t nothin’ proper about seeing my homies adie/ That’s why I keep my faith and my head up/ Hoping one day we gone finally get fed up/ God, I stand in the gap for the ghetto, please give us this day/ As we bow down our heads, repent, and pray.” One obvious high point is the rump-shaker «I’ll Be Good», on which the group is joined by Nu Nation. The track was produced by Trackmasters, the guys who made Will Smith jiggy last year.
It seems plausible Gospel Gangstaz is indeed being positioned to reap the same benefits that Franklin, dc Talk, Sixpence None the Richer and others have enjoyed from general market exposure. By the likes of this project, the musical mettle may just be there. These former Bloods and Crips definitely sound like they are ready to take it to the streets. [Anthony Jeffrey, CCM, August 1999]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-can-see-clearly-now/1517432619)
CD tracklist:
01. Amazin’ Grace
02. I Can See Clearly Now
03. I Call Your Name
04. Once Was Blind
05. Questions
06. One Way
07. Whatcha Gonna Do
08. They Don’t Believe That I’m Saved
09. Interlude #1 / Roll Call
10. Operation Liquidation
11. Live It Up
12. Let Us Pray
13. I’ll Be Good
14. Interlude #2 / Can’t Be Faded
15. Bonus: Once Was Blind (Gospel Version)
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by B-Rite Music. Original pressing was released on B-Rite Music, late re-press was released on Gospocentric.
“I’ll Be Good” (MUSIC VIDEO)
This is the music video, “I’ll Be Good” by Gospel Gangstaz (back when they were under “B-Rite”). featuring Kirk Franklin & Nu Nation, and Trin-i-tee 5:7
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