STYLE: Hip-Hop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 173971-27766 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: Digital Only EP
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
Still Make Noise are a gospel hip-hop duo hailing from Philadelphia and this eponymous EP contains three tracks that tell of the challenges of being a Jesus follower in today's world. SMN members Alex Jolly (aka Lenny W.h.o.a.h) and Christian Daily (aka Yvng Dread) put their genre's penchant for forthright lyrics to good and wholesome use with the minimalistic opener "Balance" encouraging people to do the right thing in terms of rejecting racism, praying to God and treating women right and, whilst it finishes far too early with a rather swift fade, it does show that the pair are not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves in terms of walking with God. Elsewhere, "The Lingo" talks of walking the walk instead of talking the talk and the repeated mantra of "splash some water on me, holy as can be, no devils inside of me, I claim that victory" showcases Jolly and Daily's ability to come up with an earworm of a hook. Perhaps this EP's standout track, "Underdogs" is a candid conversation between a Christian and a person (possibly a partner) who rejects God, praying and church. Utilising a Greek chorus of sorts to the backdrop of some propulsive beats, it highlights the sort of intelligent gospel rap for which Still Make Noise are becoming known.
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