The Gadfly
LPG
Uprok

The Gadfly is an annoying fly that buzzes around cattle and agitates them into movement, ironically helping to save the cattle from dieing of muscular dystrophy. Dax and Jurny, known as LPG choose to be gadflys in hip-hop and the church, agitating those with lukewarm faith.

LPG's latest CD "The Gadfly" is artistic hip-hop that Dax and Jurny consider to be authentic to the pre-commercialism of hip-hop. On "record keeps spinning" they rap about hip-hop being a culture and Christianity a way of life. Outside of that, I have to struggle to grasp the meanings behind the songs. I also struggle with attitudes and impressions. LPG considers themselves to be "battle rappers" and they make reference to Jesus' cleansing of the temple on "First to Fight." However I struggle with their interpretation of this being mere violence and force to get ones way or to make a change in attitudes.

Much of the rest of "The Gladfly" is typical rants about being a rapper and the-now-common use of poetic intros and interludes. On the next to last track called "respect due," the duo rap about how even if you don't like their music, respect is due because of their work. This song is yet another point of contention, as the old saying goes respect is earned and not demanded.

I do commend LPG's integrity and commitment to hip-hop and the gospel combined, but I can't assent with all of their ideas. Personally, I'd stick to the more Gospel-driven rap like KJ-52, Playdough, or even the more "commercialized" TobyMac.

- Ken W.