Trendsetters: Hip-Hop

Description

Trendsetters: Hip-Hop is a multi-artist rap compilation released on KMG Records in 2000. Hip-Hop was one of four KMG samplers in the Trend Setters Series. The others were entitled Rock, Metal, and Alternative, respectively.

This is an interesting collection of early hip-hop pioneers and leaders from the south and the west. Barry G, Fred Lynch, and Kevin Lynch formed a group that held all bragging rights for the legit tag: Preachers in Disguise (P.I.D., Preachas). These were men proud of their heritage and charged with the Gospel of Christ. It was raw gospel that spoke on the street and seemed to make everyone feel more than a little uncomfortable.

Some years later, D-Boy, another young rapper, was discovered in Dallas. His skills were to be fully realized on his second record, ‘The Lyrical Strength of One Street Poet‘. His life however was tragically cut short by an assassin’s bullet in 1990. His Song, «Drop the Mic», seemed hauntingly prophetic. D-Boy’s sister, Ge Gee, and friend R.G. were more than musically discipled by his example and dedication. D-Boy was a soldier who fought the good fight and will never be forgotten.

A new chapter in Gospel Hip Hop would begin with the duo known as 12th Tribe in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. Although they were not gangsta rap, they would lead the way for labels to start signing such acts on the West Coast.

Alliance of Light, who later became known as The Gospel Gangstas, had a sound that was true and a look that could get them pulled over by any suburban cop. Former hoods, bloods, and crips, co-mingling in one group, was an ultimate testimony to the healing power of Christ. The initial offering, ‘Gang Affiliated‘ was banned by many bookstores due to the graphic nature of their cover and lyrical content. From racism in and out of the church to social-political issues. The O.G.G.’s would write the book on how to be leaders in a genre they helped define.

This disc is dedicated to all those, whether they are featured here or not, that helped create that genre that forever changed the face of Contemporary Christian Music. [CD Liner Notes]

This CD samples some of the early hip-hop artists who paved the way for today’s Christian rappers. Not a “best of” record, and not a chronicle of rap, the success of this CD is that it brings together some strong leaders of the genre, and some strong songs to back up the claim of “trendsetters.”

12th Tribe kicks off the record with the song, «Knowledge Is the Tree of Life», a big boom Bible lesson. Two more 12th Tribe songs follow. After 12th Tribe’s trio of tunes, CMC’s laid back, smooth rap style is represented through their triple play. The mighty and creative Gospel Gangstas and pioneers P.I.D. are also here with a set of three jams of their own. Texas is represented by one each from D-Boy, M.C. Ge Gee, and M.C.R.G. The fact that there’s only one from D-Boy is my biggest disappointment with the project. D-Boy was one of the fastest and most talented rappers ever in Christian music. He’s been dead for 10 years (shot while going home to the dangerous neighborhood he ministered and lived in), but he’s still missed. M.C. Ge Gee, D-boy’s sister, picks up the mic and the family’s hip-hop vision with a real choice follow-up to D-Boy’s song, «Drop the Mic», called, «I Caught the Mic».

If you pick this CD up, you may discover some new stuff or rediscover some old stuff, but I can promise a blessing either way. I haven’t been so encouraged by a CD in a long time. I was urged to fight the devil, evangelize, reach out to the needy, and love God above all else; all at high volume and with powerful bass and drum beats driving the truths home to my body and soul. I heard several inspiring sermons as I listened; the biggest difference between these sermons and the ones preached at my church on Sunday is the backbeat. The artists included here are some of rap’s best doing exceptional songs. Do not look here for a history of rap. Missing are SFC, DC Talk, et al, but the label “trend setters” is appropriate enough.

These brothers and sisters are no longer out in front beating a path. Rather, they are close behind us, pushing us on, encouraging us. Surely hip-hop loving kids in the streets or in the fields can be a strong witness and stand up for Christ when this kind of creativity and commitment has got your back. A moving listen. Feel the love. [Tony LaFianza, The Phantom Tollbooth, 9/6/2000]

> Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/album/7iGpgB3z9a6zKo7ZDS8kNs)

CD tracklist:

01. 12th Tribe – Knowledge is the Tree of Life (from Knowledge is the Tree of Life, 1991)
02. 12th Tribe – I C Things (from Knowledge is the Tree of Life, 1991)
03. 12th Tribe – Harvest of the 90’s (from Knowledge is the Tree of Life, 1991)
04. CMC’s – All in a Day (from Everyday Death Sentence, 1996)
05. CMC’s – CMC’s meets OGG’s (from Everyday Death Sentence, 1996)
06. CMC’s – S.O.W. (from Everyday Death Sentence, 1996)
07. D-Boy – Drop the Mic (from The Lyrical Strength of One Street Poet, 1990)
08. Gospel Gangstas – Backslider (from Do or Die, 1995)
09. Gospel Gangstas – Demon Killa (from Do or Die, 1995)
10. Gospel Gangstas – Mobbin’ (Gang Affiliated) (from Gang Affiliated, 1994)
11. M.C. Ge Gee – I Caught the Mic (from …and the Mission Continues, 1991)
12. M.C.R.G. – Simple Groove (from Think, 1991)
13. P.I.D. – Now Who’s the Suka (from Born with the Gift, 1992)
14. P.I.D. – Sleepin’ With the Enemy (from Born with the Gift, 1992)
15. P.I.D. – What Love Won’t Do (from Born with the Gift, 1992)