Style: rap crossed with hip-hop; compare to John Reuben, Eminem
Revolution
April 8, 2009
Top tracks: “Take on the World,” “It’s a Movement,” “You Can Be”
After a troubled upbringing that included abuse, struggles with suicide, and a hard-partying lifestyle, Steven Cooper, better known to fans as Lyrycyst, came to Christ through a friend. Now free of those demons, he’s still got his old street-savvy edge while making a career of recording and touring.
With his third full-length album, Revolution, the rapper is at the top of his rhyme and relatability game, pumping up those struggling with self-esteem and other challenges by using his own road to recovery as the forefront example—all with hip-hop rhythms that draw parallels to Eminem, John Reuben and KJ-52.
“It’s a Movement” and “Take on the World” are calls to action for believers, but pack enough production smarts to appeal to secular listeners. Acoustic hip-hop reflections like “You Can Be” come across like Mat Kearney’s early material. Lyrycyst is by no means derivative, but a developing artist who keeps sharpening his songwriting.
More: myspace.com/lyrycyst
Others worth noting:
Emmanuel Shall Come to Thee
Noel 4 StarsStyle: classically-inspired Christmas music
Top tracks: “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “What Child Is This?”
Near operatic vocals jell seamlessly with inventive string and piano arrangements of several traditional tunes, with a handful of original instrumental interludes to usher in a prayerful atmosphere. More: emmanuelshall.com.
Dan Rubright featuring Lydia Ruffin
Christmas Café 3 StarsStyle: acoustically framed Christmas music
Top tracks: “Mary’s Solitude,” “Backstreets of Bethlehem”
Self-penned, unplugged tracks centered around holiday themes trump well-performed but generic covers that could be played while sipping Starbucks. More: danrubright.com.
Regi Stone
Everything 3 StarsStyle: worshipful, soulful piano pop
Top tracks: “Prayer Is Rising,” “On My Feet Again”
When flanked by horn-infused grooves and bouncy piano rhythms, Regi Stone shines with worshipful abandon, but occasionally his backing choir is overpowering to the point of distraction. More: registone.com.
Shannon
The Real Thing 3 StarsStyle: adult contemporary
Top tracks: “Bad Hair Day,” “Long Way Home”
The founder of the If the Shoe Fits women’s conference demonstrates her country-infused pop pipes, drawing comparisons to Point of Grace and Twila Paris, in spite of some sappy songwriting. More: shannonperry.com.
Jon Shirley
Heaven Hear Us 4 StarsStyle: modern worship
Top tracks: “Heaven Hear Us,” “Who Can Ascend”
Splitting his time between artistry and worship leadership for the twenty-somethings at The Gathering Network near Kansas City, this troubadour is just as personal as he is congregational in this contemporary, Passion-inspired brand of praise. More: jonshirley.com.
To be considered for “Indie Spotlight,” send an UNWRAPPED CD and press kit to: Christian Music Today’s “Indie Spotlight” C/O Andy Argyrakis 465 Gunderson Drive Carol Stream, IL 60188
Copyright © 2009 Andree Farias subject to licensing agreement with Christian Music Today. Click for reprint information.
