The Christian Manifesto

GENRE: HIP-HOP/RAP

LABEL: INDEPENDENT

RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 15, 2008

Nutshell Version:

Overall, “The Chronicles Mixtape” is a worthy effort that I would like to see more of. Thankfully, this album is a foretaste of forthcoming or recently released solo efforts by each of these artists. The beats are thick and crispy and the production is surprisingly professional for an independent release. If this starts a trend, the Christian subculture may soon have some worthwhile female hip-hop artists on par with their male counterparts.

Full Version:

In both the secular and sacred spheres, hip-hop is generally a male-dominated genre. And while it is disproportionate in the two worlds, it painfully evident in the Christian subculture. This is partly because, in general, female emcees don’t come across as well as their male counterparts. As an art form, hip-hop is incredibly edgy and hardcore, often pushing the envelope of cultural expression (and, in the world, decency). The fact that we don’t readily accept female rap artists is proof positive that part of our design demand that women be softer than hip-hop allows. So, when I was contacted by the Christian Female Rap Network (CFRN) about their “The Chronicles Mixtape,” I was skeptical and wary. First, would these female rap artists I had never heard of be able to carry themselves well within the genre? Second, it’s a mixtape and as a general rule, I don’t like mixtapes very much. Third, Christian hip-hp is already a marginalized art form. How much harder would these women have to work to cut out a spot in the tiny niche? But, I was pleasantly surprised by this album.

The CFRN is comprised of several female emcees from across the nation who connected a little over a year ago in an effort to encourage and hold each other accountable in their faith walk with Jesus and their individual crafts. Consisting of Serenity, Octavia Harris, LaToria, Elle R.O.C., Regal, and Cameron, these artists step up to the mic and take all doubt away that they can hold their own in the boys club of hip-hop, Christian or otherwise.

Up to bat first is Serenity with the track “Yes I Do.” It’s a little bit slower than I would have expected from a kick-ff track, but the scratching is old school and by the time Serenity appears on the track with her sultry lyricism, your shoulder have dropped lo and your head is bobbing. The lyrics of the chorus aren’t exactly earth-shattering (I love Jesus, yes I do/I love Jesus, how bout you?), but the delivery is top notch. Next up is Octavia Harris with another slower track in the form of “Supa Man!!” It works well and I like her style. She reminds me of a more poignant Missy Elliott. LaToria offers up “Go Head” and looks at those who fight past stereotypes and bottom feeding in order to better themselves. To these people, Latoria says, “go head!” Elle R.O.C. drops “Get There” and the track just bangs. Fast-paced and slick, Elle R.O.C. raps, Got potential/Transcontinental hits from Japan all the way to South Central/Tans in Miami/Took a flight to the Grammys/Brought home my award/Spent time with the family. Cameron brings “Love and Grace” to the album and offers a more early 90’s vibe than I like, but its popular right now, so I can’t fault her any. She’s capable and does well with the style. The best track on the album is the closer “Gotcha Back.” Its one of the best rap tracks I’ve heard, period. As close as this album is going to get to a bonafide cypha, Octavia, Regal, and Cameron work well together, making it seem effortless. The beat is deep and militaristic, proving that these emcees are willing to be soldiers on the frontline of the faith and the genre. A call to Christian community and accountability (the theme of CFRN), the track bangs on all cylinders.

Interspersed throughout the album are testimonies from various artists on the project. Their stories are heart-rending, yet hopeful. A theme that arose out of many of these tales was the stark absence of and need for fathers in the lives of these young girls. It is a plight in the urban community made painfully evident in their testimonies. Another theme that arose was a struggle with homosexuality on the part of several of the artists what was more revealing than I would have expected. Initially I thought the inclusion of these testimonial interludes was kind of hokey and bothersome. But, as I listened to the album several more times, I was increasingly stirred by their honesty.

Overall, “The Chronicles Mixtape” is a worthy effort that I would like to see more of. Thankfully, this album is a foretaste of forthcoming or recently released solo efforts by each of these artists. The beats are thick and crispy and the production is surprisingly professional for an independent release. If this starts a trend, the Christian subculture may soon have some worthwhile female hip-hop artists on par with their male counterparts.

Track Listing

1. Yes I Do (Serenity)
2. Supa Man!! (Octavia Harris)
3. Go Head (LaToria)
4. Latoria & Cameron’s Testimonies (Interlude)
5. Come Back 2 Me (LaToria)
6. Heart Condition (Elle R.O.C. feat. Cameron)
7. Get There (Elle R.O.C.)
8. Octavia Harris Promo
9. Love and Grace (Cameron)
10. Regal’s Testimony (Interlude)
11. Victory’s Mine (Regal, LaToria, & Octavia)
12. Octavia Harris’ Testimony (Interlude)
13. Build You Up (Octavia Harris)
14. Redemption Songs (Serenity)
15. The Ultimate Change (Regal feat. Cameron)
16. Gotcha Back (Octavia, Regal, & Cameron)