RAPISH CD WITH CHRISTIAN MESSAGE
This is a collection of tunes I wrote, performed and recorded. It's not really rap in the purest sense, but the tunes (with the exception of the last one) borrow from rap, hip hop, R&B, Motown, opera and Euro-techno, with a splash of arcade. I didn't write it to please people in my age demographic (I'm 72), but am hoping to reach a wider younger audience that might more readily relate to the sentiments, sounds and production values. The tunes are as follows:
1.Waddo I Know, 2. Ernie's Song, 3. I Heard A Story/I Could Tell You A Thing or Two, 4. Soul Mender/Hurts So Bad, 5. Hook Line & Sinker and 6. By The Rivers of Babylon.
NO AI, NO PITCH CONTROL & NO AUTO TUNE
I have attached an idea for the cover. Your feedback on the project would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks.
Comments (12)
First, I would like to say that everything has high production quality and has pretty good messages that resonate with me. It seems like you really were after God’s own heart or something, as it echoes how I feel when reading the Psalms. I like the mixing and importation of other genres, but for some reason anything that reminds me of R&B falls flat with me. It’s just never appealed to me. I really liked the parts with piano and more classical or ancient forms, though. That always appeals to me somehow. For the parts that are more straightforward Hip Hop or Rap, I really liked the style and beat of the second one, as the beat seemed strong and motivating. The other parts that involved rapping didn’t seem to have the strong motivational beat, though. One of the strongest rappers in this regard is Eminem, who although arrogant and a pretty gross person overall is still a master in this genre. He just has a great craft and skill to emulate. I also liked the end song because it seemed to evoke melancholy but also a longing that pervades the life of the man in search of his true home with God, knowing that there must be something beyond the wretchedness we find within us and around us. Thank you for the consolation and good preaching. I hope these words find you well.
Hi Thomas, Many thanks for your thoughtful analysis. I think you are right about Eminem; he has a thorough understanding of the medium. The best rappers, in my opinion, come from a particular background; their sentiments and expression are an extension of that. I, on the other hand, come from an average lower middle class church-going family; thus, I am merely an imitator (to best of my ability). Yet, my formal musical training gives me the tools to put music and sounds together in an organized manner with continuity. The bottom line for me is counterpoint. I believe it is the foundation of any decent music, whether or not we like the genre. And, I'll be honest rap and hip hop are not at the top of my list in terms of my preferences. Notwithstanding I try not to let my personal taste prevent me from learning (if that makes sense.) Any way, once again thank-you for your balanced and productive commentary. I trust you are well, as all is well here. God Bless.
what sort of feedback would be useful to u, reg?
the genre-blending works i believe it to be varied without being discordant (and that it is, is not harmful) .mix balance i cannot say i have balanced headset (listening here) but i do find music loud > voice quiet. prolly problems on my end but idk what stage u at either. i know that lyrics dont have to be clear on songs for ppl to like them or listen to them (the..radio....lately..argh) but i just feel like it's more important to have clarity (audio lyrics) ..here where any scripture refs might be especially. (EPOS I Sennheiser GAME ONE Gaming Headset, Open Acoustic if that helps) .intro vs lyrics some introductions go on long, and i begin to wonder when the moment will arrive - before songs start. this cause me to miss opening lyrics. i think would benefit with structure of "lyrics > intro with musical lyrics", rather than...intro > then lyrics > then music". (i really hope that makes sense). after intros they sustain perfectly well imho. .transitions transitions between songs here obviously a file-upload decision but just gonna point out more pause between would be helpful on an album (u probly know) (not the length of the songs themselves). (i lost track of which was which so, that is why im not commenting specific per song here..also re:mix balance). .vocal choices i do not have vocabulary to describe parts of songs. but the secondary singing likely matches most people's inner thoughts they have or are about-to-have because of previous rapping. (looking back, i think rapping in the music scene invites second-look and thoughts anyways..always trying to say something or be subversive).... .....i also think u shine here (high voice) so u may as well. the change of register/voice increase emotional engagement which also drive points in from earlier rap. i-am-very-biased but humans like patterns when following sentence structures, so if they already had one (rap), then voice change/conclusion = more processing and understanding. or atleast more chance, anyways. .thematic/narrative i wonder what stages ppl are at in life (regarding the closeness of salvation to them in this time), and which songs could apply to them, and when and if they could be ordered that way (in album) as a rule. i hope many ppl listen to these songs and consider these things . relateability/younger audience. i dont know what age anyone is anymore (relatability). to judge.....but..people started growing...moustaches....and they are getting.........perms...............i do sense the search in the general-pop tho. they are looking for this. these songs. identity-politics-culture has thrown a wobbly and the "young" ones are trying to signal that they are not-that [insert newly public-knowledge sphere group here], and not-dangerous [insert forming/traditional/specific moral philosophy stance here]. by young i mean people new to moving with bigger or influential agency. ... lol im gonna hold the rest of my thoughts in for now, but ur capitals didnt go unnoticed reg
Wow, Reg, you’re incredibly talented. It really shows the hard work you put into each song, and I love how thoughtfully you’re in reaching different audiences. Even if just one song reaches one person and leads them to the Truth, that alone makes it a platinum song. Amazing!
Hi Al, Thank-you for the encouragement. I try to use what God has given me to reach the unsaved for Jesus Christ, and also to wake up the sleeping church. I'm constantly working on songs and recording them. God bless.
(edit because wayyyyy to long to be up in a Pinned comment)
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Hillis, I just want to say how great your lesson was this last Sunday. I hope Reg can post it here if possible. Thank you😊
Interesting 👍. Also Reg, what's the best day and time to call you this week? Looking forward to talking with you 😊
This afternoon around 2 is good.