The Christian Manifesto

GENRE: HIP-HOP/RAP

RECORD LABEL: REACH RECORDS

RELEASE DATE: MAY 20, 2008

RATING: 5 OUT OF 5

Nutshell Version:

I have a feeling that Trip Lee is going to have a lot of eyes (and ears) on him with the release of his sophomore studio release, “20/20.” Returning to the scene older, wiser, and with a bit more swagger in his step, Trip delivers a streetwise Jesus for urban youth to embrace while not skimping on Gospel truth. Overall, “20/20” is a more mature sound from Trip Lee. In many ways, I was expecting more of the same that I heard on “If They Only Knew.” In a sense, that’ll make people need to spin the new album a couple of times before they regard it as an acceptable progression of Trip’s sound. After all, his debut was so good most people wouldn’t have been upset if he chose not to evolve as an artist. But, his sound has evolved…on every level possible.  Essentially, the Trip Lee of “20/20” is several notches above the Trip Lee on “If They Only Knew.” The Reach Records artist continues to set the bar higher for himself and other artists hoping to deliver fresh beats and theological truth into the urban community.

Full Version:

Let’s be honest. Titling your first song “Superstar (Eyes Off Me)” and telling people not to note your talent and to take their eyes off you (and turn them on Christ), is likely not going to work if you put out an album that is unparalleled. So, I have a feeling that Trip Lee is going to have a lot of eyes (and ears) on him with the release of his sophomore studio release, “20/20.”

It’s been nearly 3 years since Trip dropped his “If They Only Knew” album to critical acclaim in the holy hip-hop community. This kid literally popped out of nowhere with a swagger and rap intellect like he’d been on the scene for years, schooling hip-hop veterans in the art of flow and theological communication. Now, he’s back with “20/20” older, wiser, and with a bit more swagger in his step. This guy delivers a streetwise Jesus for urban youth to embrace while not skimping on Gospel truth.

The album starts off with a brief intro before launching into what will inevitably be the album’s first single, “Superstar (Eyes Off Me).” The song is in the same vein as his track “Give Him Glory” from his first album, imploring listeners to turn their eyes to Christ when they are tempted to give Trip any credit for the gifts he uses or the truth he speaks. The track is fast-paced and hard-hitting, lyrically, sonically, and theologically. “Real Vision” follows and continues the theme of “Superstar,” but slows things down substantially. The song crawls slowly towards a crescendo where Trip’s lyrics are met by sweet guitar licks and a nice synth undertone. Tedashii does a guest spot, which is always a welcome addition. “Who Is Like Him” draws its imagery straight from Scripture and asks the question, “Who is like God?” The answer? Nobody. “Cling To You” is a slower track with 70’s R&B/jazz influences, especially the piano line underscoring the entire piece. Lampmode artist shai linne guests on the track and you can really feel his influence on the arrangement of the number (as it seems more shai’s style than Trip’s). “Satisfaction (Hedonist)” is a track that talks about drawing your total pleasure from being in and serving Christ. This is an idea drawn from the writings of John Piper’s book, “Desiring God,” which showcases not just Trip’s street smarts, but his intellect. The Spanish guitars on “We told ‘Em” will make listeners feel like they’ve walked into a cantina in Mexico or into the movie, Desperado. Trip raps about showing the world we’re Christians through living out an example and looking different than the world. “Inexhaustible” is my favorite track on the whole album. The track drips with swagger and the beat will have you dipping your shoulders. The song takes issue with those who think they’ve figured God out through all their earthly knowledge and philosophy, something Trip has admitting to struggling with himself as an inquisitive mind. He raps, Whatcha know about this God?/He’s way too great, homie/I can’t grasp Him/Hey, what you know about this God?/He’s so complex my mind can’t fathom/Whatcha know about this God?/He’s amazing, behold Him, I praise Him, He’s golden/Hey, whatcha know about this God?/He’s inexhaustible, I’m amazed just to know Him. There are several other notable tracks on the album, such as “Who He Is” (featuring Lecrae), the 1920’s noir-influenced “True Security,” and “Come Close” (featuring Flame and Sho Baraka). 

Overall, “20/20” is a more mature sound from Trip Lee. In many ways, I was expecting more of the same that I heard on “If They Only Knew.” In a sense, that’ll make people need to spin the new album a couple of times before they regard it as an acceptable progression of Trip’s sound. After all, his debut was so good most people wouldn’t have been upset if he chose not to evolve as an artist. But, his sound has evolved…on every level possible.  Essentially, the Trip Lee of “20/20” is several notches above the Trip Lee on “If They Only Knew.” The Reach Records artist continues to set the bar higher for himself and other artists hoping to deliver fresh beats and theological truth into the urban community.

Track Listing

1. 20/20 Intro
2. Superstar (Eyes of Me)
3. Real Vision ft. Tedashii
4. Inexhaustible
5. Who Is Like Him?
6. We Told ‘Em
7. Cling To You ft. shai linne
8. Relief
9. Behold The Spirit
10. Satisfaction (Hedonist)
11. Come Close ft. Flame, Sho Baraka
12. Who He Is ft. Lecrae
13. Intimacy ft. Diamone
14. True Security
15. Eyes Open ft. J.R.
16. Hip Hop