King David tha Vessel, Author at Five Twenty Co., LLC

[review] Samona, ‘Song in the Night’

I recently caught a quick blurb of a conversation with the Golden State Warriors starting shooting guard Klay Thompson.

Thompson is one-half of the best shooting backcourt of all time. In the clip, he mentions the rich history of culture changers who hail from the city of Oakland, California. If you add Song in the Night, the latest release from Oakland native Samona to that list, Klay would be correct in his assessment and do what he usually does…not miss.

The Gospel has a simple message that too many artists have failed in trying to complicate its delivery. The simplicity and power of the message are lost. Samona doesn’t allow herself to fall into the temptation to do too much. Capable of much? She is. She has tapped into a formula that works.

Be honest, quote scripture, and share JESUS. It works.

Leading off this project is “Cycles”.

Samona’s soulful vocals floss confidently over the pulsing production. She delivers portions of her verses in rap cadences better than some of your favorites. Don’t believe me? Listen for yourself. Next up is “Afflicted”. Released as a single and gaining major traction with physical and internet radio, the record is not what you think solely based on the title. It’s actually a story of trial and triumph. “Afflicted”, like Song in the Night in its entirety, is an attitude.

“Unnamed Woman” is a literal retelling of the Bible story of the woman with the issue of blood. Impactful and personal, Samona tugs on the heartstrings of the hurting, whether physically or emotionally, offering the solution. Touch the hem of HIS garment.

This project is unapologetic and aggressive, but extremely transparent in the right way.

Samona passionately paints a picture of the necessary level of desperation it takes to engage the LORD on HIS terms and see the results HE promises. Sonically, this assembly of heart songs is brave. Limits are pushed and the results are a sound that is not contemporary, but next level…now. The production, the arrangements, the mixing & mastering, all construct a cohesive audio portrait, not for the faint of heart or cookie-cutter consumer. There is nothing missing from this offering.

Song in the Night is available exclusively at Samona’s website: samonamusic.com.

In an effort to support what GOD is doing in this season through artists like Samona, we encourage you to invest in this Kingdom songbird.

Stand-out tracks:

The entire project…

You’re welcome.

Christon Gray has certainly made waves recently in CHH, probably not the way that you would expect though.

As you may have noticed lately, here at FiveTwenty Collective, we’ve made it a priority, in obedience to GOD, to discuss some of the harder topics making the rounds throughout the Body of CHRIST (and abroad). It is an effort to bring forth Biblical clarity and help foster unity.

We are not a tabloid or “Christian TMZ”. We are a media outlet covering indie Christian culture in hopes of giving a voice to GOD, indie artists, and kingdom prioritists (our first made-up word of 2023). It’s important, especially in the days and times we presently find ourselves, to make sure motives and intentions are made known and walked out.

Recently, a tweet from once-allegiant CHH artist Christon Gray was made.

Gray asserted that he was ‘bigger than the church’.

Just to be clear, I am much bigger than the church

— Christon Gray (@christongray) December 28, 2022

When given the chance to explain, or remove any confusion in the subsequent thread, Gray refused. Instead he, in what came across as somewhat in and out of coherence, doubled down with several cryptic responses. We talked about it. We wanted to attempt to make sense of what was being stated versus what was being conveyed. The goal was to discuss how The Saints should respond and, most importantly, pray for him.

Fast forward to a few days later and the embers of discontent seemed to continue to burn.

In response to a completely unrelated tweet, Gray responds with a “CHH (Christian Hip Hop) is dead…” response that raised more than a few eyebrows, attacking those who attempted to either clarify or contradict.

CHH died almost a decade ago. Only way out is low hanging fruit to another market.

— Christon Gray (@christongray) January 7, 2023

What followed was ultimately troublesome.

We offered Mr. Gray a standing opportunity on our platform to openly discuss his stance and position, to which he declined to accept. Then, along with several others, we found ourselves on his block list.

No, thank you. It’s in the music

— Christon Gray (@christongray) January 8, 2023

Disappointing? Sure.

We only want individuals in any actual Kingdom space to succeed. Period. Confusing? Absolutely. Why make statements or posts and expect no response or interaction, especially ones that may come across as divisive, or at the very least controversial? Surprised? Unfortunately, not at all.

While this generation has fought against being censored in any capacity, it has also, assuredly connected, become increasingly sensitive. Responding to the flesh in the flesh has become the issue to justify while walking in the SPIRIT is an afterthought. Through it all, we as a platform remain committed to the call of GOD and our desire to see you, in whatever you’re doing for JESUS, win.

To check out coverage of these occurrences and more, subscribe to the FiveTwenty Collective YouTube channel.

One of the goals of the FiveTwenty Collective platform is to advocate for unity within the Body of CHRIST.

First, and quite often, this involves having difficult dialogues with the intent of bridging any gaps in understanding.

We filter current events and issues concerning The Church through the WORD of GOD. We believe that we have to be willing to take these hard, unpopular looks and have engaging discussions in an effort to galvanize the troops. Doing so provides the Saints with actionable intelligence and CHRIST-like responses to use. Our job is to trumpet GOD’s heart and mind concerning HIS people as it relates to indie, CHRISTian culture.

We’ve seen an increasing onset of societally unsound doctrines. The FiveTwenty Collective podcast crew (Eric Boston, xeroforhire, and King David tha Vessel), along with special guest Switch of the That’s Not Christian Podcast, sat down to tackle one of those falsehoods currently making the rounds: “queer Christianity”.

Could it really be possible to love GOD, live Saved, and be in open rebellion to HIS WORD?

The short and direct answer to that question is a resounding “No”.

This live stream was inspired by a video from The Crew’s Hip Hop Corner. In their video Openly Gay Christian rapper Erica Mason Gives advice on dealing with Hate comments from Christians, The Crew shares statements made by the aforementioned artist. Mason stated:

“I understand that their feelings of anger, hurt, and frustration is their problem. Not mine. If a Christian dislikes me because I’m openly queer, that’s their burden to carry. Not mine. I refuse to allow someone’s anger, disgust, frustration, etc to stop me from seeing God clearly and being loved clearly.”

Our conversation centered on the numerous ways the enemy will attempt to get individuals to buy into his lies.

The sin that one chooses causes one to make other choices by default…like being ostracized. Is criticism always criticism?

If we love someone, is it our duty to say something? Do we, as Christians, do a good job of speaking the truth in love? Are we as consistent against other sin issues as we are against homosexuality? Should we be willing to speak the truth, even at the risk of a platform’s popularity?

This conversation covered it all and then some. All respectfully. All biblically.

It is the job of the Believer to earnestly contend for the Faith that was once delivered unto the Saints (Jude vs 3). It is our prayer that this, and other discussions like it, are fuel to the fire and encouragement to the CHH space and beyond. Especially as we continue to prioritize advancing GOD’s Kingdom, HIS way.

Be…lieve? Believe.

Happy 2022 (three months in, already)!!!

Yes, we know this year has gotten off to a grand start: continued pandemic behavior, the spit hitting the fan, wars and rumors of war, and more falling away from The Faith (all things prophesied in the Bible, but no less difficult to see played out in living color). All that being said, art hasn’t stopped being created. It is being more sought after now than ever as people are either looking to be ministered to and encouraged, or to escape altogether.

The people need the music and we as artists need to be ready.

One of the under discussed aspects of Gospel music, whether it be CHH or CCM, contemporary Gospel or Rhythm and Praise, is the amount of Faith found therein.

When I say Faith, let me be clear, not the amount of Faith that the content encourages, but the amount of Faith driving the artist making the content.

Far too often, we find artists falling by the wayside. Their personal or individual development takes a backseat to their talent and fandom. The result? Indiscretions and underdeveloped character come to the forefront. Because they weren’t addressed in private, they become fodder in public. Even worse (as if that’s possible), over time what’s at the root of the disinterested interviews and social media postings becomes apparent…the artist doesn’t believe in the content they’re creating.

Not buying it? Why is that such a huge leap to make??

Even JESUS warned against hirelings (John 10:12-13), folks treating the job of ministry like a job instead of ministry.

People who weren’t called to do the job, doing a job instead of walking in a calling. The two are not the same. If a pastor or preacher can just be working a job, why not an artist? That would mean that there are folks who are singing The Gospel who don’t really believe in it? Yeeeeeep.

The sooner we act like this is a reality, the quicker we can be about examining ourselves. To be sure of where we stand and making sure it’s not a part of our reality (2 Cor.13:5).

We often, from a strategy standpoint, make much about being able to connect with one’s audience.

Sadly, though, much like those in the secular music fields, our attempts to get our listeners to buy a Faith we haven’t bought ourselves becomes a gimmick. I hate that there are a few names that come to mind.

What’s the takeaway from all of this? Simple.

The best thing we as artists can do for our audience is believe. Be completely sold out for the Faith and confidence and hope that we convey.

That’s what the stories are missing. That’s the connection. My Faith in GOD doesn’t just serve me, it’s what sells my listener.

I can tell you about how good GOD is, but when I can show you because I know for myself? That hits different.

We’ve got to learn how to go through things and stop trying to avoid the trials that make us, or else this is the fruit we’re left with on our tree. The same fruit of fear, comfortability, complacency, and self-worship we want those who support us to digest. We owe them the same perseverance we’re pushing.

If I believe in what I’m offering (if I’m not just a spokesman, but I’m also a client), then I will go out of my way to protect and nurture that belief.

At the end of the day, when there’s no audience or platform, no mic, no speakers, no beats, no cameras, no filters or reels, that Faith is what’s going to keep me.

We have to be about the business of pushing more than just a hot sixteen, fire tracks, and hooks. We’ve got to push the substance that will provide our listeners with the hope they need. In these trying times, challenge us to be more than just artists (another story for another time…😁). If the Faith is secure, so will the content be.

Fam. Believe.

I love y’all,

Many would argue that the current wave of CHH artists has lost their intentionality in pushing a Gospel-centered message. Perhaps in over-the-top attempts to be relevant, cool, and ingratiating to one’s audience.

Hugh Holla is not one you’ll find falling into that category.

His latest release, Glory Up, is further evidence of that.

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Making his official splash onto the Christian hip hop scene with his 2020 Holla-Luja project, which garnered him well-deserved attention and recognition, Hugh continues to solidify himself as a consistent force in the genre.

The seven-song EP has a mixtape feel to it. That may have been the idea all along.

Holla is far from gimmicky. His flow is ice cold and his delivery deliberate, as if his faith has him unbothered on all fronts. His lyrics can’t help but convey that peace and staunch standing.

Tracks like Testaments, one of the project’s stronger records, make Hugh’s message and mission statement clear with bars like “I could ramble through some bars and tickle your thoughts/I’d rather help you water your heart and harvest the crops.”

Other stand-out records like Rooted and Untouchable offer more of the same gritty address and witty approach, that while are absent of any fluff, don’t waste any of the well-placed punchlines littered throughout.

Glory Up is refreshing for those who are looking for a pure Gospel message with a truly urban feel and relatable message. That doesn’t mean the project is without its flaws.

While the production is consistent and serviceable, it’s not spectacular. That goes back to the mixtape feel point made earlier.

The hooks and choruses are somewhat predictable, a bit time-stamped, but not detracting from the message of each song and the project as a whole. There is growth in this project and no apparent throwaway songwriting present.

Glory Up is a jewel, flaws and all.

Hugh Holla is so confident in his belief that the pointedness of this offering overcomes any technical or style issues that could be addressed. As stated, this is not a modern, current attempt to bring a relevant sound to the masses. This is an execution in delivering an authentic Christian message with a beat backdrop that doesn’t allow you to miss the intent of its content. Mission accomplished!

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Let us know in the comments how you feel about Glory Up by Hugh Holla. Do you agree with this assessment? Which songs are standouts and which are lacking? #SoundOff

Glory Up by Hugh Holla

Be Still.

Ok, so I know the last time we dropped one of these, we touched on being patient and the benefits of allowing that patience to help an artist discover their identity, musically, and organically. This isn’t the same.

Be Still.

If we’re not careful, chaos can drown out the voice of GOD.

Daily to-do lists, life, the regular routine, and the unexpected. If not responded to correctly, these things can zap our zeal for even wanting to do what GOD has called and gifted us to. Additionally, being already a part of an industry that moves seemingly at the speed of light, with changing trends, sounds, and waves, can be overwhelming. We may know what pop culture is saying. We may know what life is saying based on what’s happening at the surface. But what is GOD saying??

Be Still.

Here’s a great reminder from the WORD of GOD:

Luke 10:38-42 (KJV)

[38]Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

[39]And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

[40]But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

[41]And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

[42]But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

This story of JESUS’ interaction with Mary and Martha is a perfect example of stark contrast.

Martha, in her being busy and doing what made sense (and in some instances, things that needed to be done), thought she was doing what the LORD would have wanted her to, what was important.

Mary, unlike her sister, wanted to simply sit and glean from JESUS, which JESUS noted was a good thing.

We can be so busy doing that we miss what GOD is really desiring and requiring of us!

For artists, this is important because, sadly, the marketplace is full of artists doing what other artists are doing. With the rate that things move, and with the appearance of busy equaling better, it can be easy to disregard and misconstrue the importance and the value of a more calculated, deliberate approach. A “let me sit at the feet of JESUS and get some direction” approach.

There’s a ton of benefits, including separation from everyone else out there, that comes from sitting before spitting. Remember, the goal of these posts is to develop the artist who will in turn develop the art.

When the foundation is sure, so is the process. When the process is sure, so is the product. We’re best served in every area of life, ministerially and creatively, when we prioritize being still so GOD can lead. Learning to be still will always be the precursor to periods of the right activity. These days, it’s better to be led and sent than to just go.

Be Still.

GOD bless.

Ok, so…I’m no stranger to risk-taking.

I’m going to throw one word out here that may get me cursed out, cancelled, or both (neither of which should exist in our space, but that’s another post for another time!).

Here goes:

Wait

Told you. That’s counter culture.

But as much as that word is offensive to a society that thrives on instant gratification and right-now satisfaction, learning to wait (to be patient) is a necessary key that an artist who represents the Kingdom of GOD and the Body of CHRIST must have in their wheelhouse.

Why? Why do I, or should I, wait? What am I waiting on??

Well, first I need to wait and see if this is what GOD has me intended for, even if it’s for a season.

Romans 12:7 (consider starting at vs 1 of this chapter):

“Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;”

Secondly, once I find out that this is a vehicle the LORD has licensed me to drive, I need to wait on HIS release to do so. Ability doesn’t equate to commission.

Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. –Isaiah 48:16

Lastly, and here’s the part that A LOT of artists don’t get the depth of, I need to be patient with myself…as an artist.

You see, artistry develops as the person does.

Talent is usually a misnomer. It can be obviously evident, but can also be misleading and deceptive. Talent doesn’t speak to depth, sound, construct, character – these are things that take patience in developing. We need to grow into ourselves as an artist. Allow ourselves to watch it come into manifestation.

It can take one album, it can take albums, to uncover what’s been building underneath all along.

You may know your audience out the gate, but your sound may not come until later. It’s similar to growing into your body, the ability is there, but the hybrid of talent and approach and wisdom is one that only comes with experience. Experience is not just going through, but growing through, that requires patience.

Gospel, Christian, CHH artists – wait on the LORD. Be patient.

I love y’all,

“There’s no new thing under the sun.” – Ecc.1:9

The Preacher, King Solomon, plainly and accurately states the obvious. Since it’s in the Bible, it must be true (pun very intended).

An idea doesn’t have to be new in order to be relevant or necessary.

What I’m about to propose won’t be something you’ve never heard of before. It may just be presented or suggested in a way you haven’t considered. In a day and age where the details are glossed over or left for later…what if they weren’t?

Instead of creating a culture that encourages and rewards content over character (without vetting the contents of that content), what if we prioritized character? What if the expectation was that developed creatives produce timeless content because of their character? How about if the horse was still, intentionally, more important than the cart? It’s not that the cart isn’t important, but the condition of the horse pulling that cart more so. The state of the carrier is vital if that cart is to be delivered on time and in a receivable condition.

Over the next few weeks, and articles, we’ll take a look at developing the artist before developing the art. How God intended this to be an ongoing relationship. We only stop growing in the LORD if we choose to. There is no zenith.

Be Called

Whether we argue music’s entertainment value or its merits as a vehicle to deliver a message, for those of us who are Believers, our perspective of and approach towards music should always come with the understanding of the chain of command that’s in place and the responsibility we’ve been given.

Let me address a couple of things that will prayerfully bring some insight and also weed out a few mythconceptions:

Just because you have to work to develop at something doesn’t mean you haven’t been called, or assigned by God, to do it. Acknowledge that your Grace may operate, and be administered, differently for who you’re called to. That is why “comparison” is so breathtaking in the negative sense.
Just because something comes easy to you doesn’t mean that God has commissioned you in that area. Just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should. Or that you were created to. Destiny matters.

Now, to both of these points and how being called to do music is important and factors into them.

Even if I’m talented in an area, if God has not called me to go forth in that area, I’m doing myself and the people who are introduced to me outside of God’s perfect will a disservice.

Because even with the gifts God has blessed me with in tow, my use of them outside of ordained purpose changes their intent. It corrupts their effectiveness. It’s not up to us to determine whether or not we’re being impactful in a lane we’ve not been licensed to drive in. Our impact, even in the right lane, is always determined by God. The fruit we bear comes in the form of other people.

The issue we face too often is that we, instead of waiting to get the license, try to skip the necessary test(s) along the way. We grab the keys and permit ourselves. Because this is a vehicle we’ve not been vetted or completed instruction in, we end up in a lot of accidents as we go. We don’t like to wait on the calling (Rom. 12:7). We like to volunteer ourselves and go.

No grace, no maturity, no understanding, no discipline, erroneously believing that just because we can do means that we should do. We don’t ask God.

One of the things that I love about Salvation is that it makes living life much easier.

I don’t have to rely on myself to determine where or if I should go and who or what I need to connect with or avoid.

I can always go to God and plainly ask. That really means that the more I seek God (get to know HIS ways, HIS voice, etc.), the more I discover about my purpose. My calling. Understanding whether or not God has wired me, or will, to do something in particular, like music, helps clear space internally for me to focus on that task. In spite of the obstacles and opposition that will present themselves. That clarity is fuel to keep going when results or current seasons may not encourage me to do so.

If God has called me to this, HE’s with me in this! When it comes to removing weights that can hinder creativity, that’s a true heavy-lifting tool every KINGdom creative needs in their wheelhouse.

Be Called!

Talent without direction can be dangerous.

Knowing that your gift or talent has been assigned purpose grants a perspective of responsibility. The casual participant, enthusiast, or hobbyist won’t and can’t share, and shouldn’t be able to.

Being around and under people who can help you hear and understand the voice of God and discern HIS will for you is vital. Another reason church and faith community are necessary lifelines.

For the Believer, this should never be firstly or primarily for the sake of entertainment. There are people who will, literally, live or die on the words an artist raps or sings. To help reiterate the pure intent these posts represent and desire to inspire, this series is being written with the insight that what’s generally good for the artist is also good for the audience. As CHRISTians, what and how we do should be more?

Many are called. We need to know that we are and once we do, make that calling sure.

GOD bless,

KD tha Vessel

I believe in the responsibility that music is.

With all of its detailed and intricate nuances and various interpretations, one thing we should all be able to agree on is that music is one of the few vehicles that is easily as potent as a force for good as it is for evil. This is because of the way it relaxes barriers to get its message across.

Music (and those who do it) is vied for vigorously. When you control the artist, you control the content, which controls the listener.

That’s the responsibility.

The message needs to be clear because the impression that’s left on the listener is indelible. That’s a super long opening rant, but it was needed…

Honestly, I’m a fan of transparency, as long as it points to what God has done and reliance on HIM as the answer. All 4 GOD, the latest submission from Brooklyn, NY artist and poet Sammie King, is a clouded offering of honest writing that doesn’t offer a clear solution.

King shares his perspective throughout this five-song EP that is supposed to give insight into his journey of growth and maturation. But the mentions of GOD seem more gratuitous than anything.

The performances are convincing. The modern trap overlay of the project only leads to more of one of the things that are wrong with the current CHH landscape, meaning the songs seem to lack conviction.

**The bright side of All 4 GOD is the production.**

Trap vibes and all, the well-selected samples and dirty, distorted feel of the tracks is, oddly enough, a perfect backdrop for Sammie’s music.

There’s a stand out performance by the vocalist Vaughn on Not My Song. A spoken word blend by King, in which the track’s feature is confident and clear in what she’s singing, even if the thought of the song appears to fall in and out of consciousness.

To be clear, this review is not to say that King does not have talent or ability; what I think this project lacks more than anything is clarity.

Sammie King has potential and I pray he can harness a clearly pointed message and re-up.

All 4 GOD has some value but undersells what Sammie King can be capable of and become.

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Give us your thoughts!

Check out All 4 GOD by Sammie King and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Being an active member of the music industry and recording community for 30 years now, I’ve watched tables turn and tides shift.

Sounds and trends progress and regress (and not necessarily in sequential order), but one constant has remained through all my years of examination: NEW.

People love new things, even if those new things are recycled versions of predecessors that the presenter prays either no one notices they’ve seen before, or that consumers are so enamored with the product that they won’t care about running it back. One of the more glaring absences I’ve noticed in that same time… artists not knowing how to let their art breathe.

In pursuit or prioritizing of new, we neglect the growth or life of old.

That long diatribe was necessary because today’s review of 2nd Samuel 151’s Now Born Again: The RetCon is a strategically genius move in that the East Coast artist released revised, updated takes on a previous project.

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This is actually cutting edge and really honest.

Most artists I know, even when putting out great projects, can still hear twists and turns and highlights and tweaks that could have been added the first go-round.

Deluxe albums don’t count because those concepts mostly consist of reissued projects with songs that either didn’t make the first cut or new records that come up in the residue of that offering and the artists decide to make them inclusive.

But listen: 2nd Sam put out the entire same project AGAIN, but with polishes and upgrades making it new.

Because the music we make as Christian artists should not include an expiration date (especially if we’re not trying to ‘ride the wave’ of current currents), this idea is a gem. What’s dope about the RetCon is that you wouldn’t know it was a reboot.

2nd Sam has ‘it’.

From the opening lines of Wh0 Am I?, the Staten Island, NY native lets you know he belongs in this space. 2nd Sam is a musical vet with years of experience under his belt. His ability to navigate confidently around the featured production is not surprising. The production itself could be seen as dated considering the current musical landscape, but the vintage late ’90’s early 2000’s feel works for this project.

The bars are relevant (and there are actual bars, here), the features hit, and the well put together interludes give the project a fluidity that’s missing in a lot of today’s full-length endeavors.

The Beautiful Bride Records release sees very vulnerable bars from 2nd Sam on records like Beaut1ful Bride, Go Ther3 With U, I 5urrender All, and the Tone Jonez produced Forgive M3. The RetCon even features 2nd Sam’s son, along with others, on the Church Boys & Girls Remix.

After listening through to the consistency of a project, that only seems to sputter when it comes to a few of the album’s choruses and hooks, you come to appreciate Now Born Again: The RetCon for the body of work it conveys and the solidifying place in the CHH marketplace that it should readily afford 2nd Samuel 151.

And then the project ends with Lov3.

The perfectly sampled chorus and melodic production create a highlight at the END of the album. That an already dope, and fairly detailed, project ends with arguably one of its best records speaks volumes about 2nd Sam’s strengths as an artist.

For those who favor artists deliberately keeping the Christ in CHH, a sincere Gospel message, and professional execution – Now Born Again: The RetCon by 2nd Samuel 151, strong start to finish, should be on your list.

You’re welcome.

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What do you think of this project? Hit the comments and let us know!

Author: King David tha Vessel

Be honest, quote scripture, and share JESUS. It works.