GRITS

Thank God, it’s the 21st century! A couple decades ago, hip-hop and Christianity were apples and oranges to one another—two fruitful enterprises that, largely for pride’s sake, had failed to merge. Now, however, it’s pretty common to see alternative forms of praise and divinely-inspired artistry, even when it comes to hardcore or rap: two genres known for their inaccessibility to outside demographics. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but GRITS have been at the forefront of the intersection of faith and urban fun.

Reiterate is album number nine, and before I further my analysis, let me first thank these guys for one killer career thus far. Their accolades are much deserved. Additionally, my research for this record has yielded some contradictory information, particularly considering the number of tracks on the album and their order; I will critique the album as it was given to me. Now, on to the main event…

Opening with the 80s-themed “Reminds Me,” I was incredibly disappointed right out of the chute. Haters, please: don’t assume I’m brushing this album off. But, frankly, for a duo as street-wise with so much musical and artistic merit under their belts—and considering how much hype this album has gotten—I expected more maturity than shouts-out to The Breakfast Club, eye-rolling spiritual references to “reflective visions” and the like. The rhyming isn’t tight, but eh, that’s not such a fault in the current age of pop rap. Complexity loses potential newcoming outsiders; GRITS still want to win fans, even among the uninitiated.

“Walkin’ My Way” is a respite from the embarrassing opener, with a middling tempo and better flow. Artistically, it still falls short for GRITS, but while the palette isn’t as strong as its competition this year, it manages to be a tight number with lyrical strength and fun synths that never cross the line between quirky and annoying. It’s a highlight.

From track three, “Fly Away,” a well-paced dancer that tastes strongly of Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, the album kicks into gear and pulls off more than a couple potential hits. “Turn It Up” is the best of radio-friendly hip hop in the post-post-Kanye West-debut industry, while “Something About You” and “Livin’ Dreams” offer more than shallow reflective fare.

The album starts slow, but it’s great fun after a couple weaker numbers. Even while it’s not a terrible album, and largely above average, it does surprise me that a duo with this much time clocked under their belts should resort to taking inspiration from Timbaland and Kanye, instead of schooling them. I’m surprised that we weren’t given even more, and that in and of itself should be a testament to how great their past is and how much confidence they inspire, rather than pigeonholed as the manic rants of some random critic seeking to thumb his nose at the giants of the industry.

Reiterate does just that: it reminds us of the glorious past, without branching off into new territory. It’s a pity, but not a great one.

Tagged as: GRITS, Reiterate

Does it Resonate with you?

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

URL