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| Release: | Born King |
|  | | MyHHHdb | |
| Media: | [Audio CD] | | Released: | 2006 |
| Recordlabel: | Beatmart Recordings |
| Info: | The album is released April 18th, 2006.
1. Intro Skit
2. Track 2 Intro
3. Revolution
4. Reverand Tithes 1
5. I'm Rich
6. Conflict
7. The Suffering
8. Hurricane
9. Higher Skit
10. Higher
11. Determination Skit
12. Determination
13. Tears
14. Wait
15. Reverand Tithes 2
16. So Far
17. Most Hated
18. Thank You
19. Outkast
20. Red Carpet
21. Pretty Ugly
22. Look At Me Now
23. The River
24. God Is Alive
25. Free
26. I'm Ready Skit
27. I'm Ready |
| Rating: | Our users rated this release: 6.8 out of 10
(Number of votes: 5) Sign up or login to submit your vote |
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| | Review: | Written by LaRosa
Tuesday, 02 May 2006
Rob Hodge - Born King
(Beatmart Recordings)
It’s not very often that there’s so much anticipation for
an album, and then it lives up to the hype. Rob Hodge is one
such artist whom fans have been anticipating for some time.
He’s released several mixtapes that all sold out before fans
like myself could even have a chance to purchase a copy.
Well, the wait has finally come to an end as Rob Hodge
releases his debut release Born King under Beatmart
Recordings.
When I first got this album in the mail, I’ll admit that I
was a bit intimidated. Why? Well, my eyes bugged out when I
saw that there were 27 tracks on this album. I settled down
a bit after seeing that a handful of these tracks were
interludes & track introductions; minus those interludes,
there are about 20-21 tracks of actual music. Other than
that minor setback, I was eager to check this project out.
The hype was set and everything so far (cover art included)
was telling me that this release was going to be something
special.
Once I put the disc into my player and finally started to
listen to the music, I began to realize something about Rob
Hodge; this emcee is a musical prodigy. If this emcee
weren’t a Christian, he’d probably be a multi-platinum
selling artist signed to some major label. From listening to
the music on this album, you see that he has plenty of
street credibility, and his testimony and experience shines
through on almost every track. With tracks like “The
Suffering” and “Tears” you can see that this brother has an
undying heart for the streets and is willing to do whatever
it takes to reach them in his music.
What I enjoy about Born King is the story telling & truth
that is behind each song. One of those songs is “I’m Rich”
where Rob Hodge tells the world that he’s rich. What you
don’t get until you really listen to the song is that he’s
rich in Christ and in his spirit, but not in his pockets;
from there, he goes on to give examples of how people are
all about money in this life, and how they’ll kill
themselves if they lose that money & power, but he
encourages those same people to get rich in Christ. Another
such song that speaks abundantly is “Determination.” It is
here that Rob gives examples of individuals who experience
unexpected hardships in their lives and are forced to have
the determination to overcome their circumstances. The truth
about this song is that, even against all odds, we have to
refuse to give up and continue to do our thing. This is
probably my favorite song on the entire album. One more
track to round this out is the song “I’m Ready.” The
interlude for this song shows Rob & his friend getting in
the car to go get some food, but end up getting into a car
accident along the way. The song then continues on to tell
the tale of how Rob fights for his life waiting for the
rescue team to arrive. The point of this song is to point
out the reality that we don’t know when or how we’re going
to die, therefore we need to make sure that we’re ready for
that moment by knowing Christ.
What makes this album so appealing is that its sound is
geared towards the streets. Seriously, sonically this album
sounds just as good as anything you’ll hear from today’s top
artists, if not better. You can tell that a lot of work went
into the production side of this album and Rob Hodge
choosing the perfect beat for each song. Some songs that
stand out in this aspect would have to be “Wait,” “Red
Carpet,” and “Most Hated.” Another thing that makes this
album stand out is that it has the feeling of a mixtape,
much like his previous works. This makes the album easy to
listen to and allows you to listen from start to finish.
Overall, this is a stellar project that was a long time
coming. If I had never heard Rob Hodge before, I would have
fallen in love with him after hearing Born King. I’ll admit
that some of the interludes (Reverend Tithes) were
unnecessary and that the album seems long & drawn out in
areas, but it’s still a solid listen. Rob Hodge put a lot of
work into this project and he carries out his theme from
beginning to end, making this one cohesive unit from start
to finish. This is going to be one of those albums that’s
considered a classic in a few years, so make sure you have
it in your collection. This is only the beginning for Rob
Hodge.
4.5 of 5 stars
| | source: sphereofhiphop.com, added: May 12, 2006 |  |
| Review: | Philly native Rob Hodge brings his rough and rugged hip hop
style to his Beatmart Records debut. Born King, a generous
27-track album, brings in production from the likes of Saint
Man, Kid Classic, J-Rippa and Todd Collins.
Cutting his teeth on 2005’s Best of Submissions Vol. 1
compilation, and also heard on Pee Wee Callins’ solo joint
(read album review), Hodge’s forte is the lyrical essay
surrounded by a smorgasbord of urban sound.
Hodge explains his origin and goals on the quick and bangin’
intro before moving to “Revolution”, with Saint Man and Kid
Classic at the production helm. Labelmate Japhia Life and
Emmanuel Parks sing the hook.
“I’m Rich” is a club jam with Hodge giving the deal about
being rich and fulfilled in Christ. We’re talking true
riches here, not the earthly stuff. Purveyors of 90’s hip
hop will revel in “Wait” with its simple and catchy boom
bip. T.K. drops a verse to add spice.
Hodge handles real life issues on this release. With a
simple beat often as the only backdrop, he tackles the tough
life issues. “Suffering” is a case in point.
Perhaps the best song on the album is “Higher”. Kid Classic
lays a beat that straight out of the Dirty South handbook,
and Hodge flows with passion and swagger overtop. Definitely
a track for those who like to max out their sound
systems.
Japhia Life joins Hodge again on the slow banger “Tears”.
The emcees take turns in addressing youth who suffer the
perils of street life, spitting compassionately and offering
God’s assurance.
“Outcast” is another banger that ministers to those who feel
left out. J Rippa lays the track and synth samples while
Janaa Paeden sings the chorus. Hodge shines on this one with
his knack for telling stories of real life, and how God is
the Answer.
Check out “God is Alive”, “Free” and “Determination”. There
is so much for everyone on Born King, that it could easily
have been double disc. Rob Hodge is here, and judging from
this first outing, is here to stay.
| | source: GospelFlava.com, added: May 14, 2006 | |
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