| SUBMIT Your Music NOW: Click Here |

 

Nomis

“Royalty” ft. Sareem Poems

Ryley Michael

“2 Free 2 Fail” ft. Bartholomew Jones

Ryley Michael

“First Love” ft. Saint Marcel

Andrew Puckett

“Over It”

BHAM

“Do It”

Jude

“Letter to Q”

Austin Joyce

“Father”

Profect

“3X” Maxi Single

 

A few months ago, I had the privilege of reviewing Profect’s previous full-length release, Foggy Mirrors. A redemptive laden offering that truly showcased Pro’s heavy heart for outreach and mobile discipleship.

A sort of “rolling-the-church-out-on wheels-to-those-in-need” mentality.

On his latest seven-song EP, entitled Beauty for Ashes, we see where a lot of that heart was cultivated.

 

Ashes is a themed compilation, focused on giving the listener uncanny insight into the Seattle emcee’s well-chronicled arrest and subsequent time in prison.

Profect is not one to shy away from the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual realities of what it means to be incarcerated (please see: https://youtu.be/06iZWdl18p0). Taking us on a journey from the beginning of this type of process with “Sentencing Day”, the harrowing retelling of the day Pro would learn he’d be ordered to serve 15 years locked up.

In the detail of the retelling, you learn to appreciate it. He runs through the gambit of emotions he felt that day, from feelings towards his Mom, siblings, and an absentee Dad. 

 

While Profect’s previous singles feature a more blatant religious overtone in terms of pointing individuals to CHRIST, this project’s redemptive clarion call is more of an underlying current. As Ashes, a reference to what’s referred to as the Bible’s “great exchange” (Isa. 61:3), is very much a deep dive into the prison experience of someone that doesn’t belong in that setting; someone created for more, but who finds themselves in that environment due to the consequences of decisions made.

The highlight of Ashes is its actual title song, which showcases Profect’s aforementioned heart of outreach over the project’s most well-rounded production. It’s easily the EP’s standout composition.

 

Beauty for Ashes is a very pointed and intentional work.

Those who either have been in prison, or have been, or are currently close to someone who may be, will understand this project and quite possibly, due to the music’s authenticity, end up at the desired result: a relationship with Jesus, nurtured and fostered out of one of life’s more challenging situations.

Overall, though, this project may not resonate with the masses.

If that’s the intent of it, then this work needs to be positioned so that it reaches its core audience.

Beauty for Ashes represents a great idea, but the execution leaves a little to be desired. Profect is a great storyteller and this project is yet more proof of the potential he brings to the table. 

 

Available now on all streaming platforms. You can hear the project below.



What are your thoughts on ‘Beauty for Ashes’ by Profect? Were you able to connect with the message? Let us know in the comments below!

 

Seattle resident Miguel “Profect” Esparza clearly has a heart for outreach


It shows in his 2017 Sheepfold Music release Foggy Mirrors. A twelve track project that shares Profect’s compassion towards those who have been in similar situations to his own. 

Some of the highlight tracks from the project:

We Everywhere – As outreach is a familiar theme throughout this release, the first song on the album features nice production and better than average bars with a particularly strong second verse. Profect reminds of the necessity to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere.

Foggy Mirrors – The title track from the project leaves a bit to be desired. It’s a good idea but misses, somewhat, in its execution. As with most of the songs on this project, the content is good, but the working parts aren’t always cohesive.

2 Piece ft. Jus Josef – One of the things about Foggy Mirrors is that the project, overall, is mixed and mastered extremely well. This holds true for the track “2 Piece”, featuring a nice verse from usual Profect collaborator Jus Josef. The production and hook are a bit dated, which takes away from what could be a very strong single.

Reflections – This track impressed me, as it’s written from the perspective of a father to his son, similar to instruction David left for Solomon in 1 Kings 1. The production is strong and the chorus encouraging, but some of the baby talk cadences in some parts take away from the overall strength of this record. A video-worthy tune.

Taking Flight – This one starts off strong, reminiscent of LeCrae’s “Jesus Muzik” smash from a few years back. The song quickly falls off, however, as the energy of the production is not matched by the verses.

Not Holding Back – One of the more live performance tailored records on the project, “Not Holding Back” is sure to be a fan favorite due to its energy alone.

What I’m Worth – Quite easily one of, if not the strongest, record on the album. The chorus vocals are beautifully done and the verses are much more cohesive. The production leaves the ’90’s early 2000’s feel the dominates a lot of this project to offer a glimpse of what Profect is capable of with a little more of a musical backdrop. A very strong record.

As a whole, Foggy Mirrors leaves a bit to be desired as the subject matter throughout doesn’t deviate much.

As stated earlier, Profect’s heart for outreach is clear, but his ability to convey his message of outreach to those who would be his core audience needs some development. The mixing and mastering stand out on this project, but the songwriting hasn’t scratched its surface, just yet.

Profect has a message and a skillset that work; ‘Foggy Mirrors’ reveals that Profect is full of potential that needs to be unearthed. We’re looking forward to seeing stronger, more consistent projects from Profect in the future.

You can check out Profect’s newly released single “Fight”, available now on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/profectofficial/fight

What are your thoughts on ‘Foggy Mirrors’ by Profect? Take a listen below and let us know in the comments!