I wanna start this review by saying that I’ve not been a big fan of Christian hip-hop. Actually, I’ve tended to pass on it more times than not. And that had nothing to do with whether it’s “legit” hip-hop or anything like that… I’ve just never been bananas for hip-hop– Christian or secular. I’ve had about 5 good jams and I was done. 
But, when I took a listen to The Big Picture, the newest album from Da’ T.R.U.T.H. (in stores on July 21st), I was ASTOUNDED (and a little annoyed cuz I’ll now have to go back and listen to every holy hip-hop album in the market, just to make sure I ain’t missing something!). Da’ T.R.U.T.H. is a masterful lyricist. His words aren’t just fun and clever– they challenge your understanding of God, while encouraging you to consider Him in different ways. That’s something that no amount of squallin’ and riffin’ has been able to do for me.
But just in case you want some good singin’, he also does an excellent job of featuring great vocalists, who sing some very catchy hooks. It’s GOOD MUSIC. Guest artists on the project include Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, J.R., and Tia Pittman.
Stand-out tracks for me: “I AM Legend,” a dramatic reminder of who God is; “Lost,” the album’s first single and an acknowledgement of where we’d be without Him (with an infectious hook); “Fantasy,” a challenge to us to value Jesus above all else; and my personal favorite, “Can I Talk To You,” an electronic track with an evangelistic message. I’m also LOVING “Worship,” “Wall,” “How Long,” and a remixed version of his hit single, “Reward.”
THIS WEEK ONLY: You can listen to the full album at www.newreleasetuesday.com and post your comments about the record!
Folks, I STRONGLY urge you to buy this album (and I cannot stress it enough). At the very least, make sure you listen to it at the link above, or catch snippets at his official MySpace page. You won’t be disappointed by this instant classic. I’m a full supporter.
I'm not a huge hip hop fan either Ej, but I've been a fan of Da' T.R.U.T.H. every since his first album "Moment of Truth." Can't wait til the album comes out next Tuesday. It's definitely a must have!
I am def not a fan of hip hop. So called holy hip hop or otherwise. Not enough melody and lyrical beauty for me to even call it music consisistantly, IMO. Da Truth is the only artist I have fully appreciated for his biblical content. His theological base is soound. Love the message. Why the man gotta call himself the Truth? Ain't this Jesus' name? What does T.R.U.T.H. stand for? That's my only issue; if that can be cleared up I'm good.
T.R.U.T.H. means - To Reach U Through Him.
I feel the name is very fitting. Even in his name he's trying to bring glory to Christ. Hopefully now that you know what Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s name stands for, there won't be anymore issues.
Still ain't with the brother calling himself The Truth. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the Life...
Can't wait for this album. His album was the first Christian rap CD I bought. I see what you're saying about Christian rap, at first I wasn't really into it but then I found out about artists like Lecrae, Da' Truth, Shai Linne, etc. Since then, I find I listen to Christian rap more than any other genre. IMO, they have some of the most theologically sound doctrine out there and I am encouraged when I listen to their albums. I also feel that the lyricism is amazing and relevant as well.
@ EJ Thanks for the heads up bro! really preciate that! enjoying the preview as I type this can't wait for tuesday to come this album is sick! @ 116 I agree with you bro guys like Truth and 116 Clique are holding it down for Christ @ saint james don't write off nothing you never had before bro especially ...especially when it comes to enlightening you and feeding you with the true word of God
Da.Truth Saved My Life!?!? Truth is..Honestly I always Thought Gospel Hip Hop Music Was Supa LAME!....Until an Artist by a Name of Da.Truth Changed my Life 4eva!....I use to be a Secular artist( R&B)...For all the wrong Reasons....(another story) anyway. lol I seen the Stellar Awards My 1 st Time this Year and When the Da. Truth Came on....I heard his Message "That Great Day" Literally Went to my Television and Straight to my Heart! That Night I Gave My Life Back to Christ and Now....Im All about My Fathers Bid'Ness! Crazy Huh?!?...I thank God For Using Him! -GL ( @GeorgeLott )
Definitely excited about coping this new joint!!!! I appreciate Da Truth's heart for the people of God, thus, he puts a great effort into delivering a dynamic album. His ability to bridge the culture (hip-hop) and the ministry is great. I've been listening to a few tracks for a week and I got my money ready to get it next Tuesday. Christian Hip-Hop and Rhythm & Praise has come along way!!!!! Folks like Cross Movement, 116 Clique, Canton Jones and others have done an excellent job in making ministry relevant through their music!
@GL - Praise God!!! :)
Chad, If you read my earliest post I said that I fully appreciated this brother's ministry. I haven't written anything off. I have likes and dislikes as I am sure you do. I ain't down with his name. Though I can appreciate what he is trying to say in his name
I bought D.A T.R.U.T.H's new album the Big Picture this past Tuesday and from beginning to end,it's hottt!!! The lyrical content and the music production is really good,however, the most important thing is that his new album is really challenging us as believers to look at the Big Picture and to see all God has done for us, from Genesis to Now to Revelation.When it comes out next Tuesday go cop the album because it will bless you.
I BOUGHT OPEN BOOK after a long hustle.....I'MA cope THE BIG PICTURE TOO.....Mos Def spending money on. I must say though that there's been lot's of change in Manny's ministry since OPEN BOOK. whether thats good or bad.....we iz yet to see THE BIG PICTURE he he....MOVE
Saint James, So often we get hung up on the wrong things; is it right to heal the man on the Sabbath? Da' T.R.U.T.H. doesn't call himself "the Truth", we call him "da' truth". Call him "Manny" if it bothers you, but you miss 'the truth' in his message getting hung up on what is not there, while he's just trying to reach you through Him. This is one complaint the world has against us, (Christians); our righteous indignation. In all things -- Love.
Can't you all read with understanding? I ENJOY the man's work!!! I choose NOT to embrace the name. Who is hung up? You seem stuck on MY preference. If this blogsite cannot tolerate diversity of idea and thought from within the commmunity of believers where is the love in that? Can't I embrace the man and his work and have reservations about his STAGE NAME? Sheesh! As far as the false dichotomy you attempt at separating 'Da Truth and The truth....sigh It is indigantion that is self righteous that the world rejects and so does Christ. Though I don't think this comparison is fair Jesus turned over the tables of the money changers in righteous indignation. The world will reject whatever is of GOD because godly things are spiritually discerned.
Saint James, Are you yelling? It's alright for you to have a preference and feel free to let it be known, but no one else??? Just a discussion, man. It's really not that serious. You want an award for "coming DOWN to the level of hip-hop" to say you appreciate the fella, but his acronym just doesn't suit you. Thanks for visiting.
In defense of Saint James I think his question was taken for more than he intended. As far as I could tell, he simply wanted someone to explain what the acronym meant. He got his answer and was good. Let's ALL support Da' TRUTH's project bcuz it's good music for the Kingdom. I appreciate each of your posts... Let's keep 'em coming.
PS I also have a problem with gospel singers who call themselves the prince of praise, the queen of, the king of too; if that helps to bring some balance and clarity
Saint James, Yea. It's all balanced out, and very clear. Da'T.R.U.T.H. has so much, straight up, truth to his message, and the delivery style just makes the gospel message more accessable to some who maybe can't hear it through other genres, venues, etc. God Bless the man who brings the truth, and represents The Truth, with passion and integrity.
I got the album today. This is the best HHH cd I have ever heard! For once, Da Truth has stepped out of his usual box and did knew things on this album. It actually sounded like he was enjoying himself. Lyric, production, hooks, theme, etc, they all are so high, that this has become a classic. All other albums will have to be compared to this album now. Please purchase and support this man of God. Money well spent!
Manny aka Da T.R.U.T.H. is a minister of the gospel, teacher through artistry. He's blessed my soul and taught me a lot in terms of my walk with the Lord. From Moment of truth to present album (The Big Picture), there's a lot to be learnt. I'ma cop the album and yes dive into it and enjoy it and worship God. Thumbs up to CMR Grace and Peace!
To answer in love to saint james, We have to watch the perfection that we want others to walk in without considering our own flaws. None of us are perfect by nature, which is the reason Jesus was sent on our behalf to die for our sins. You praise the DA T.R.U.T.H. and his theological base and choose not to embrace his name. You're right! It is your preference. However, for this painfully misled generation of young hip-hoppers it's a catchy name and the acronym does not call him JESUS. I do believe it could be fitting though, given the fact that we are instructed to do the best we can to walk in JESUS likeness. If you've followed this brother in Christ, you would know that the spirit behind his stage name is a very humble and serving one. If you get a chance, check out his DVD release called the Da Truth and Friends a local bible book store. His personal interview explains his true heart and sincerity about his purpose in the ministry of Jesus Christ. May God Continually Bless You! Peace
Please let's leave it at my preference. My preference does not negate anything the brother does or did. I am well aware of his ministry. I know of his education, his theological stance of charasmatic gifts, the fact that he himslef once was not at all a fan of gospel rap, etc. I will certainly stop short of calling anyone "Jesus" in the context in which you feel it would be appropriate. Even Paul said; Follow me as I follow Christ...not call me Jesus...pause. I am only looking for perfection from the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus. For the sake of peace I really don't want to continue with unfriutful dialogue related to his topic.
What's up Fam! I've been reading this entire blog from July 16th until today and I really have never blogged before, But I am a personal friend of Da' TRUTH and I just found it very interesting how passionate everybody was about his music and ministry, and i think Manny would be happy 2 know (if he does'nt already) that his music is blessing so many people. I also think the talk about saint man was well handled by all involved and was handled well, just goes to show that God's people can agree to disagree. Bless U all and let's keep supporting OUR artist. Tommy Jones.
@Tommy Jones: thanks so much, man. i'm encouraged by that!
This album is great, I just got it the other day. I feel as though a lot of Christian music is getting improving in quality - 5-10 years ago Christian music only sold because it was labeled as Christian, so they released a lot of poor work. Ever since Switchfoot, I think Christian music is improving in quality, and there are some other great hip hop acts out there like 116 Clique and especially Pigeon John. I think the bigger proof that the music is improving is that non-Christian society is beginning to accept it - for instance, Pigeon John's "Brand New Day" is featured in an HBO tv promo that's out right now (check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuAoq2G04pM)
A issues, wasn't sure who to hit at, so here goes: 1. I'm desperate for lyrics to THE BIG PICTURE. Last project? Truth threw out the lyrics in style, that was so helpful especially when giving a copy to someone new to HipHop or teaching from the songs. 2. Truth's website still has quite some old stuff on it, I wish they could keep it fly all the time. 3. I'm in love with THE BIG PICTURE so go cope dat if you aint done that yet. MOVE
Hey fam, word. I guess they slept on this one. Am sure, (I hope), they will consider this on their marketing campaigns (Gessie, that is). If I remember correctly on the Faith, it took a while to have the lyrics uploaded. But I'ma look as well. Grace and Peace! Dj Whasspopin?