Excelsius’ “Liberation”: A Review
LABEL: INDEPENDENT
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 24, 2008
RATING: 3.5 OUT OF 5
Nutshell Version:
Excelsius’ new album “Liberation” is a decent outing by a more than capable emcee. Fans of Cross Movement, especially The Tonic, will appreciate his rhyme style and old school meets new school sensibilities. The album features a bevy of guest emcees of all different stripes who help Excelsius hold things down. Hitting on topics ranging from being set free in Christ to addiction to internet pornography, Excelsius delivers up 17-tracks of blazing hop gospel-infused rap.
Full Version:
Excelsius’ new album “Liberation” is a decent outing by a more than capable emcee. Fans of Cross Movement, especially The Tonic, will appreciate his rhyme style and old school meets new school sensibilities. The album features a bevy of guest emcees of all different stripes who help Excelsius hold things down. Hitting on topics ranging from being set free in Christ to addiction to internet pornography, Excelsius delivers up 17-tracks of blazing hop gospel-infused rap.
“Liberation” is an album that can rightly be called “gospel rap.” Taking a page more from the playbook of Cross Movement or Reach Records, Excelsius opts to jam pack Scripture or allusions to Scripture throughout a majority of the album. There’s a place for clean party music informed by a Christian worldview, but Excelsius and friends have taken a different route.
“I Had a Dream Last Night…” starts things off on a light note, as Excelsius opens up with a prayer about his insufficiency to face the day without the love and guidance of Christ. From here, the track takes off into a militant beat where Excelsius displays his vocal prowess. The rhythm of “Be Set Free” is one of those tracks that can be considered a throwback. It sounds like it’s a mix of 70’s jazz and 80’s beats, mixed with 90’s lyricism. It’s an interesting concoction. On “Get Focused” Excelsius rockets through the lyrics, which makes it difficult to pin him down, bouncing quickly from word to word. “Grace That Reigns” is one the weakest tracks lyrically, but the strongest track theologically. The word “grace” is used repeatedly, so it may turn off those who believe Excelsius cheaped out on having to be lyrically inventive. However, you could sit in a Bible class for a full semester and not get the teaching you get on this track. In terms of delivery, he really reminds me of Steven the Levite or shai linne here. That is a compliment in the highest degree.
“3rd Coast Cypha” is the best track on the album, featuring several different styles as DJ D-Lite, Big Nate, Gifted, Proof, Jacob Iz, 1God, and Cy all join Excelsius to deliver gospel truth. Not only is the track blazing hot, but these guys gather together and deliver a “down south” magnum opus. Some people will like “The Sing-a-long Song.” Featuring a chorus of Sunday school children singing the track’s hook line, some will feel Excelsius is biting Jay-Z’s style (ala “Hard Knock Life”). “Lead Out” and “Shame on Me” are both solid tracks, too—the former being hard-hitting and in-your-face while the latter is a bit more mellow and thought provoking. The album ends with a bonus track called “Draw Nigh” that offers hope for those trapped in the snare of internet pornography. It is definitely for mature listeners and doesn’t spend any of its time mincing words. I appreciate this track on so many levels.
“Liberation” is a good album. I like the beats and flows. It’s not on the level of some of the other stuff I’ve heard out there, but it doesn’t suck either. I don’t think people will be disappointed if they pick it up and give it a few spins. Some tracks you’ll have on repeat because you’ll never get tired of it. Other tracks will take a while to grow on you. Either way, Excelsius has set the bar high for his next album.
Track Listing
- I Had A Dream Last Night…
- Be Set Free
- Pick Up The Phone
- Get Focused
- Change or Die
- Grace That Reigns
- Yes, You Are
- FAQs
- 3rd Coast Cypha: Liberation feat. DJ-D-Lite, Big Nate, Gifted, Proof, Jacob Iz, and 1God & Cy
- Addicted (Interlude)
- The Sing-a-long Song
- Out Of The Closet
- Lead Out feat. Oppose
- Shame On Me
- The Word
- See Ya Later (hopefully)
- Bonus: Draw Nigh
