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Cephas & The Resistance | “Every Knee Shall Bow” featuring Datin

Every Knee Shall Bow is an east coast, boom bap, face melter mixed with a dub reggae atmosphere. The sample for the beat is taken from reggae legend Scientist’s “Every Knee Shall Bow” from the 70s.

Cephas and Datin trade 24-bar verses with witty wordplay and heavy punchlines. All give Jesus the glory due since we know, in the end, Every Knee Shall Bow.

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Listen to more music from Cephas & The Resistance here

Hello and welcome to the seventeenth installment of FiveTwenty Collective’s DIVE Series*!

Earlier this month, on the 5th, I dove into Back Soon by 1K Phew, featuring KB and Parris Chariz. Today, however, I will dive into Sheperd’s track TEAM, featuring Angie Rose, Kieran the Light, and Datin.

I typically recommend listening to the track near the bottom of this page before, during, or after reading this article. Remember that I will only dive into the most critical aspects of each part of the song. As always: Let’s DIVE!

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ‭‭- Phillipians 2:9-11

About the Track

TEAM by Shepherd is a Christian Hip Hop single featuring Angie Rose, Kieran the Light, and Datin. The record was officially dropped on April 7th, 2023. This is a hype track with a modern trap feel. The artists give us similar flows on this track, but the cadences and flows of each artist on this track are unique enough to keep most Hip Hop audiences interested.

Interpretation of the Track (Part 1)

Shepherd starts the track with the Chorus:

“Pulled up to the scene (to the scene). Ain’t no gettin’ in between. It’s a light show, got a beam (got a beam). Let me show you what it means. Yeah you know I got a team. Know I got a team. Ain’t no gettin’ in between. Yeah you know I got a team. You know I got a team. Ain’t no gettin’ in between. Yeah you know I got a.”

In the first part of the record, we have the Chorus, which is meant to hype us up and prepare us for the rest of the track. Shepherd mentions his team pulling up to the scene and beaming light. As the rest of the song will confirm, in context, this means as soon as they show up at a place, their primary goal is to be an example of Christ’s light by exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a complete list of the Fruit of the Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”

Shepherd makes it clear everyone featured on this track with him is a team, as this leads us directly into the first verse.

Interpretation of the Track (Part 2)

Datin comes in with the first verse of the record:

“Man I’ve got a team and we put God over a lot of green, our regime, honestly Father, he’s our God the Sovereign King. Check this, reppin’ 3-0-5 in jerseys on thе scene, and Angie Rosе is throwing up an “X” like Wakanda’s queen. It’s strategic, some disallegiance from different regions that we give ’em Jesus and intravenous for wicked heathens. This triple D has been rippin’ legions of frickin’ demons with the sickest team of believers and they lift a fist for freedom. Bizzle said, unleash the kraken someone beats I’m smashin’, triple D be snappin’, spittin’ fire like Khaleesi’s dragon. Eye of somethin’, be the dragon, where my team be rappin’, we emcee with passion, they just liars and they team be cappin’.”

Datin brilliantly begins his verse by referencing the God Over Money record label he is a part of by saying, “We put God over a lot of green.” He acknowledges God is their God and Sovereign King and mentions that he and his team represent the area code of Miami, Florida, “3-0-5.” Datin then references the Marvel Black Panther movies, comparing Angie Rose to Wakanda’s Queen with a depiction of her throwing up the “X” with her arms thrown up by Wakanda’s people in the Black Panther movies.

Datin raps about how he and his team spread the Gospel to people who do not show their allegiance to God. He then metaphorically references executing a triple-double in basketball by using God’s Word and prayer to make legions of demons flee in Spiritual Warfare with his crew.

Datin finally quotes Bizzle by talking about how he performs very well on beats while spitting fire like Khaleesi’s dragon (a reference to the Game of Thrones character Khaleesi’s dragon). He continues to rap about being the dragon, and he and his team are rapping passionately.

I believe Datin mentions “being the dragon” and “spitting fire” to reference being the world’s light, just as the Bible tells us, followers of Jesus, to be (See Matthew 5:14-16).

Shepherd comes in with the Chrous for the second time, which leads us into the second verse of the single…

Interpretation of the Track (Part 3)

Angie Rose hits us with the second verse of the single:

“He rose from the grave, he a shepherd to the sheep. Yeah I’m single but we all got a date in Elohim. Take God, crack the sky, and every knee’s finna bow. Yeah he hung up on a tree and then he saved me from the low. It’s a crowd when we pull up, we be walkin’ with the muscle. We don’t call when we pull up, even when they try to shuffle. I stay, when I shine, never call, but I decline. See a mountain that we’re climbin’ up, I move I change the climate.”

Angie Rose begins this part of the single by rapping about Jesus, how He was resurrected from the grave on the third day, and how He is a guide to people. She’s single but points out that we all have a place with Jesus because He invites us to believe in Him and accept Him into our hearts.

Angie brilliantly ties the beginning of her verse into Bible prophecy and how Jesus will return, and every knee will bow (See the passage of the day, Philippians 2:9-11). She mentions how Jesus saved her from the low (eternal damnation in Hell) by dying on the cross and being resurrected.

Lastly, she mentions shining the same way Jesus did, just like the other artists did in the previous verses of the record.

Interpretation of the Track (Part 4)

Kieran the Light then comes in with the third verse of the song:

“This shift already begun, they’ve never seen this. Plus I’m on a team with the sun like we in Phoenix. This new life, so now I put Him first like a prefix. I’m born again, He let me do it twice like a remix. Peep this, if I’m not winnin’, I still got Jesus in me. Every time I’m still gon’ deliver like I got pizza with me. Too forgivin’, this God vision so I can see the envy. Devil lurkin’, I want all the smoke, so I don’t need a chimney. Holy Ghost influenced my people on the same thing. I hope you got insurance, ‘cause my team gon’ break chains. God sent ‘em, that’s why I keep tellin’ y’all this God-written. Never had no gimmick, but I’m rappin’, this what I’m livin’. The light.”

Firstly, by referencing the Phoenix Suns, Kieran the Light raps about how he and his team have the sun (a metaphor for the light of Jesus). Kieran continues about how life with Jesus is a “new life” (Spirit-led life) where he rightfully puts God above everyone (and everything) else.

In correlation to the first part of this verse, Matthew 6:33 states,

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Kieran mentions being born again (believing in and following Jesus) and notes how God allowed him a second chance to try life again in Christ. He also talks about how even if he isn’t winning, he still has Jesus in him, so he has nothing to fear.

He even disses Satan by rapping about how Satan is lurking, but Kieran has nothing to fear due to Jesus and His Word being with him.

Kieran brilliantly raps about being guided by the Holy Spirit and about him and his team breaking chains. By breaking chains, he means sharing the love and grace of Jesus with people to break their spiritual chains.

Finally, he similarly ends his verse he started it: By talking about how he lives what he raps, which is sharing the light of Jesus with people.

The Chrous runs for the third time, leading us into the last verse…

Interpretation of the Track (Part 5)

Shepherd ends off the track with some real banger bars in the fourth verse of the single:

“Welcome to the league. Now that’s my family. That’s more than DNA, no NDA, you know I gotta speak, I’m on my odyssey, just watch you rave, then I part the sea, so honestly, crooked stick pointed straight who that’s gotta be. Bring it to the table, can’t buy me with no [?], surrounded by them Draco’s, who through help but kept my halo. Had to battle that; watch me handle that. I kept my phone and take I almost lost my mind when my brother passed; you can’t hold me back. And I’m back again, follow the steps of my savior, you know I’m steppin’ in. I’ll make disciples, you rivals, chuck the idols, bring revival, got the title, roll the high note; now I kindly came to remind ‘em that it’s really him.”

Shepherd mentions his team being family not by blood but by how much they love and trust each other. He also says how he almost lost his mind when his brother died.

Shepherd continues rapping about consistently following Jesus and implies how he and his team make disciples of Christ.

He finalizes the last verse of the record by kindly reminding his audience that everything he and his team accomplish for God’s Kingdom is God working through them.

Conclusion

The track TEAM by Shepherd features Angie Rose, Kieran the Light, and Datin. The track has over 53,000 Spotify streams, making it Shepherd’s third most popular track as of writing this installment.

As with all DIVE-reviewed songs, these artists each reference key Biblical concepts.

The central theme of this single is about the main goals of Shepherd and his team:

To break chains by sharing the love and grace of Jesus with people and sharing the Gospel (story of Jesus)
To work heartily unto the Lord and put God over everyone and everything (ex. putting God over money)
To exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit at all times, including when around people and when alone

It is important to remember the core passage of this track:

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” ‭‭- Phillipians 2:9-11

I believe that this team of Christian Rap artists featured on this track created and performed this track with the best of intentions. These artists came together and performed a very relatable track. A single is about the primary goals of a Christian team, emphasizing shining the light of Jesus as a team.

Thank You for Reading DIVE!

I appreciate you for reading this far into the article! I hope you all enjoyed this installment of The DIVE Series* on FiveTwenty Collective. Stay tuned for the next installment dropping on the 5th of next month!

About The DIVE Series*

In this series, I DIVE into the precise and potential meanings of Christian Hip Hop singles, albums, and EPs.

In Special Edition installments of the series, I interview the artist(s) involved for the whole meaning of their art.

Thanks for checking out today’s edition of FiveTwenty Collective’s DIVE series! I drop a new installment of this series on the 5th and 20th of every month (except on Sundays).

God Bless,

DJ Expander

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**Listen to the full TEAM track at the end of the article!**

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Want more content from The DIVE Series? Check out the previous article now!

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Purchase* Team and support Shepherd!

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Listen to more music from Shepherd here

On the heels of the release of a slew of singles in 2022, DJ LostNFound has dropped his sophomore album CAESURA ll.

DJ LostNFound is curating this album to highlight 50 Christian artists inside CHH and within mainstream Hip Hop. His goal is to call attention to artists who, in his opinion, deserve a larger platform. He also hopes to continue the push for more unity in our genre. While an album probably doesn’t achieve this. The hope is it’ll continue the much needed discussion.

Fans can hear some from their favorite artists such as S.O., A.I. The Anomaly, Aaron Cole, 350, Datin, Big Breeze, Eris Ford, Battz, Reconcile, and more! CAESURA ll released worldwide September 2nd 2022.

Listen below and let us know your favorite songs and features!

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Check out the original CAESURA here.

There’s nothing quite like addressing the current status of society in America. Especially doing so through the medium of hip-hop.

For Menace Movement artist Cephas, his debut album does just that.

America Shall Be Saved is a 13-song journey through the eyes of Cephas. One that incorporates faith, politics, and lyricism. Recently, Cephas spoke with FiveTwenty about the project.

How are you doing now that the album has dropped?

“[I’m] feeling extremely grateful. Grateful that my latest album is no longer decaying away in my hard drive and finally got released.”

“Musically, [listeners] should expect a blend of jazz, funk, gospel, and vintage hip hop. Message wise, expect to hear an urgent call from the Holy Spirit to a deeper relationship with Jesus. A call to draw close and participate in a coming revival that’s about to sweep the country, directly following a great rise in persecution against the Body in America.”

Inspiration

“I took a trip to the Reinhard Bonnke School of Evangelism. I heard a sermon called America Shall Be Saved and it stuck with me. It’s estimated that Reinhard has won over 74,000,000 people for the Lord. So for him to shift from Africa (where he did ministry for 40 years) to America, and for him to say that revival was going to hit America, [it] influenced this album heavily.”

“I wanted to create a versatile palette of moods and vibes. Create a fluid listening experience from beginning to end. I didn’t want it all to just be boom-bap. There are heavy elements of Gospel, funk, jazz, and soul woven throughout. Even though I have a distinct vintage style, that doesn’t mean every song has to sound the same. I was very intentional in making sure every song was unique but fit into the rest of the project like a glove.”

Approaching Controversial Topics

“I’m not looking to offend people merely for shock value, [or] clout.”

“On the other hand, if what I believe is true ends up being controversial, I’m not sure I can stop that.”

“I pray over my material heavily throughout the whole creative process. That way He’s the one liable for any issues caused (lol).”

“[I] was a little shocked how divided we areally were once I started putting my own content out as an emcee. Equally surprised how many people felt like what I was saying was needed. [It] felt like could offer some balance to the game. Since I’m not a Democrat or Republican, it’s never a Left vs. Right thing with me. People can trust that I’m not just regurgitating the current divisive media headlines.”

Christians and Politics

“It’s mad important!”

“Probably more important than ever before in our nation’s history.”

“This is it. The last stand. Do or die. If not now then when? If not us then who?”

“I genuinely feel like it only takes a small handful of us to take a stand for the rest to follow. People just need to see others are doing it first. It’s in our nature.”

Being a part of Menace

“It’s been dope! D [Daitn] and I have been brothers for 7-8 years at this point. When he started Menace it eventually just became a no-brainer. Started off as creative director, just assisting where I could with different projects. The next logical step was signing. Its cool cause from the start D agreed I shouldn’t get rid of GO! Records, but co-brand as a collab with Menace for all my releases. That way, I can retain the GO! brand for when it makes sense to transition. He’s been mad supportive from the jump in that way.”

“He understood I had a vision for GO! so for him to allow me to co-brand was super gracious.”

“He’s been mad gracious with his platform in general. He isn’t just that way with me. He shares freely with his label and close friends too. Haven’t seen anyone else with his platform doing that. Another way we lead from the front. We are truly a community, not just a label.”

Goals for the Album

“America has a lot wrong with it.”

“Anyone following me knows I’m not shy about her flaws. But, it also has a lot going in its favor.”

“My goal was to restore faith in God’s heart towards the American church and the entire church by in large. Times are getting darker, but I think God wants us to shine brighter as a result instead of growing dim. This album was written to stoke the flame in hopes that we brighten up a bit. It’s a lofty goal.”

“People have been craving substance for a while, so I think this project fills that void. Also, people have been hungry for that authentic hip-hop sound. This seemed to fill that void too.”

Creation Process

“All the singles came out better than expected.”

“I made this album with zero singles in mind. It was meant to be, and is, a project you listen to from intro to outro. I had to go in and try to pick out singles from that kind of album. In the end, it was hard but, all of them were received well. I never focus on the singles; the radio; catchy hooks or trying to ‘make a hit’. I pray and seek God. He gives me downloads.”

“Usually titles to songs or song concepts (lyrics, sounds, instruments, etc.). Then everything flows from there, with purpose. The end result is usually a body of work that all ties into itself with a cohesive them. As opposed to ‘expressing myself’ through music, I try to empty myself. So I can express God through my music instead.”

What’s next?

“Shows!”

“As long as society stays open, we’ll be rocking a city near you this summer.”

“Shout out to the Menace team and my creative team. Without all of us working together, none of this would’ve happened.”

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What do you think of America Shall Be Saved? What are some of your favorite songs from the album? Let us know in the comments!

Avenue is an upbeat track that focuses on evangelism, featuring Datin & Shiwan. Datin speaks of his testimony prior to surrendering to Christ. Shiwan tackles the importance of fishing for those who are seemingly Hell bound. Avenue features production by OnBeatMusic and engineering by Jxhn Pvul. Cover art by outr.cty.

For those who believe, they also feel a call—this passage of scripture commands them to: Matt. 28:16-20. The duality of mission is a common thread, and it’s what gets emcees like Raging Moses & Datin awake and out of bed—literally. This new unified front single highlights this “go” sentiment. Part 1 profiles Moses’ gruff, “getting up,” timbre, while Datin’s Part 2 emphasizes the urgency of the call displayed in his signature flow. The track is unique, catchy, and will turn heads and open eyes.

<a href="https://illect.bandcamp.com/album/awake">Awake by Raging Moses x Datin</a>

Lyricism, punchlines, and intensity are not forgotten in the hip-hop world.

Menace Movement’s C4 Crotona is determined to keep the lyricist alive and well in Christian hip hop.

C4 recently created a Spotify playlist titled GrittyCHH. The emcee has curated this playlist with the intent to educate. When C4 was first introduced to CHH, it was difficult for him to find the sound that made him fall in love with hip-hop. C4 has a background in the battle rap scene and it was a task to find music that sonically matched what is typically associated with that world.

“[I was looking for] those hard hitting, east-coast sounding beats. With lyricism, punchlines, and intensity to match,” explains C4 Crotona. “As I have pursued this genre, I’ve provided that sound.”

While touring and performing, C4 has met fans and supporters that didn’t know that CHH could sound like this.

“I’m glad there is someone who is doing it!”

Though the compliments are nice, the remarks that the gritty sound does not exist in CHH are not true.

There are many artists, both old and new, that provide that sound. Putting a spotlight on that style is the heart behind the creation of the GrittyCHH playlist. It is a place where those who come to CHH, fans and artists alike, have the opportunity to hear what’s going on.

GrittyCHH consists of veterans such as Stephan The Levite, Datin, R-Swift, Selah The Corner, Mouthpi3ce, and Eshon Burgandy. Next to these legends in the genre, C4 has included newer artists like Q-Flo, Battz, Pastor Charles AR, Prodi Da Prodigal, and Kalom Montgomery. But these are not the only artists you will find. New additions to the playlist will be found on a regular basis.

Listen and Follow C4 Crotona’s GrittyCHH playlist on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4VJqoeiKh0H9THi2moHP0S

No matter who you are, we have all had to face limitations and obstacles that challenge our faith. JDun and Datin push the limits on a CHH banger for the ages.