Jesus muzik or edited G-Unit?
This CD sounds great - and is extremely catchy - but in the end is somewhat disappointing. The production is amazing and the sound is inspirational - but the lyrics are not always Biblical and the overall message is skewed because of that inconsistency.
Highlights: "Living Clean (My Life)," "Nobody Cared," "Kool"
Disappointments: "The Professional," "24's"
Canton Jones is obviously a talented singer. But some of his lyrics are just off the mark. Look at the song - "The Professional." The hook, "I'm a pro at / watch me go at it" suggests that he is better at praising God than others, that he is a professional - which is confusing and not Biblical.
Look at Matthew 6:5-6 (NLT) "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
The song "24's" is also confusing. This song sounds like an edited version of T.I.'s "24s". "we ride on 24's / we ride on 24's" is continually repeated during the song. It sounds more like the Big Tymers than Jesus Muzik. The song gives the listener the impression that you can - and should - have a sweet ride and salvation. As someone who has struggled with materialism, this message worries me. Because, while we can have nice things and still live for Christ - we are not to be dependent on material goods to find worth and salvation. Our freedom and our true worth is found in trusting Jesus Christ alone. That is a message that is very seldom taught - and is not taught at all in the secular/mainstream. Christian rap should be distinct from the world in lyrics and its message - or else it will lose its effectiveness.
To me, it sounds as if CaJo has tried to separate from the mainstream, but still hasn't completely shed all of the materialism that plagues secular hiphop.
CaJo does have a lot of good tracks on this album. "Vacation," "Living Clean (My Life), "Kool," "My Walk" and "Hater Day" are just a few examples of clean living for Christ and caring for others - and are definitely worth listing to. "Nobody Cared" is an amazing ballad and is deeply inspirational.
"Pimp Hard" is the wildcard. It is an extremely catchy song - I would say a good song - but also has a confusing message.
"I know that yous a pimp and wanna pimp haaard / But in your pimpin you can't never pimp God" - which is true, God cannot be manipulated/mocked.
"nobody gangsta enough / nobody thug enough / you aint that hard" (to get around God) - which is also true, everyone needs God.
So while the message may loosely be there, for me, there's just too much pimp-talk in this song before it gets to the message.
"she's a lesbian you discover. shoot you, then shoots at the cover...," "make a pretty girl feel like a smurf...," "manipulate your mind til your mind is mine..." etc.
It takes until 3:35 until he talks about God. So 1 minute of God and 3:30 of pimp life... My hope is that this song is just targeted towards real pimps, and if this resignates with them - then ok. But, for me, I'm hungry for some scripture - some meat.
Overall - this album is very well produced and lyrically OK. If you're bumping all mainstream - T.I., Usher, Lil Wayne - then you should enjoy this album and its positive message. I definitely recommend this album for non-Christians.
However, if you're a deep-rooted Christian looking for banging beats and in-depth Bible analysis - check out 13 Letters, After the Music Stops and Our World: Redeemed (to name a few).
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His Best CD Yet
You all must cop this cd. I love this cd so much. I listen to it all the time and I have so many favorites I dont think that I can list them all. But heads up this cd is different and you do have to approach it accordingly. No this is not a praise and worship cd so dont expect to have that type of element. This is for all those who like to listen to tight beats, nice production, witty lyrics, and blasting vocals, and not compromise the Gospel. Yes it is all of the above. You can put this in your ride and blast it all the way up and have your very own jam session. This cd will not disappoint.
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Canton's "Kingdom Business" CD - WOW!!!
This CD is on fire...I can't get enough of it...it's been in my CD player for 2/3 weeks and I'm not tired yet. Every song is HOT...full of the Word...every rap is thorough, better than any secular hip hop rap artist out there. This project is all that...the title says it all...it's without a doubt "Kingdom Business" I encourage everyone to check this out and be sure to get it for your children, especially your teenagers...I guarantee they'll love it. Canton, I thank God for you and your gift. Stay encouraged my brother and continue to represent Christ. I love you with the love of the Lord! Blessed!!!
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Gospel/Hip-Hop at its Best!
I didn't know I liked hip-hop Gospel music until I heard Canton Jones. Every song is a sermon. He literally preaches and teaches with every lyric. Recalling an interview I saw, I know his ministry targets youth. However, we "older" folks appreciate his message, also. I pray that God continues to bless his ministry.
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