Higher Ground: Hip-Hop Reformed & Reborn - CD
Voices of Contemporary Gospel Music - DVD
Image Entertainment, Inc.

Ever wonder why Jesus shared so much of The Truth via parables? There are, of course, numerous answers to this, one of which is given in Mark 4:33 (look it up!).

That is the theme behind this CD & DVD-how do we reach a generation of unchurched youth? The answer: through a language that they understand. In this case, it's the language of contemporary gospel music.

The DVD tells several fascinating stories of African-Americans who brought new styles of music to the church, often fighting against the church for acceptance. From "the father" of contemporary gospel, Thomas Dorsey, who was criticized for being "too bluesy," to current-day rapper T-Bone, who's been told his music doesn't belong in church, this story isn't about a reformation, but a revolution.

As more than one artist says, their music is their ministry, its about reaching people where they are, people who are hurting and searching for answers.

I wish the DVD would have included an entire version of Kirk Franklin's genre-breaking "Stomp," rather than just a few excerpts from the video. The same for Mary Mary and "Shackles." The DVD is primarily interviews, with three songs from the "Higher Ground" CD as bonus features.

The CD contains all hip-hop and rap. Given that it's a companion to the DVD, this strikes me as odd. I would like to hear a song from some of the pioneers, such as Edwin Hawkins, Mahalia Jackson and The Clark Sisters. I guess I'll have to dig through record bins.

I will admit that I am not a big listener of rap music (much of it strikes me as sounding the same), but a few tracks caught my attention. "The Invite" by The RockSoul Family has an interesting calypso sound, while "Cry No More" by The Cross Movement reminds me of Revelation 21:4. Applejaxx's "805" has a sparse techno beat that sounds like the 80s group Trio, while "Fiendin'" from Christsyde has a excellent rap with a 70s R&B bridge. Jah Word's "I Know" also reminds me of a 70s R&B song with its Sly and The Family Stone-style guitar riff.

As with rap and hip-hop music in general, this CD has a glaring lack of female voices.

However, the audience exists for this kind of music and the story told in the DVD is eye-opening. More power to these artists and their mission.