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[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.

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

<a href="https://hughholla.bandcamp.com/album/glory-up">Glory Up by Hugh Holla</a>

Tag: music review

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

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

Stand-out tracks:

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

Glory Up is a jewel, flaws and all.

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

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

Stand-out tracks:

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

Glory Up is a jewel, flaws and all.

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