Grace Hotel
  Overall rating: +++-

Album Reviews

John Reuben, “the man who made hip-hop happy” is the best rapper in contemporary Christian music, and it was exciting news to his fans when it was announced that he was going to take the production reigns for the first time on Professional Rapper. The result is a great mix of ultra-happy dance beats, and slower, more serious songs that offer more emotion and social commentary than on his previous two works, with the overall theme being “Hey, life is short! Don’t waste it”.

The opener “Move” Is a good fun party number with little message, other than to “go ahead, turn it up and move”. On the following track “Have No Opinion?” John shows frustration at the never ending arguments we humans create: “Forget it!/ Religion, cultural differences, politics/ This could go on forever if we let it/ This repetitive rhetoric is pathetic/ Back to nowhere is where the argument's headed”. It’s a good song that draws heavily on a drumbeat, and throws in a nice mix of background guitar on the chorus.

“I Haven’t Been Myself” shows Reuben’s ability to open him self up. He passionately cries out to God to help him get out of the rut he’s fallen into mentally. This song also features Adrienne Camp; whose high vocal range fits the slightly eerie beat perfectly. This is a standout track.

Another highlight is “Life Is Short.” This song blurs the lines between a fun song and a serious one, making it possibly the best song on the disc. Mixing in Spanish guitars and trumpets, the musicianship is excellent and turns an average track into a party favorite. “Treats” is 100% irresistible, with a killer rhythm.

“Time To Leave” offers a skeptical view of doing anything one can to get to the top in this world. “Re-Record” is another fun one, following the likes of “Move”.

The most underrated song on the album is the closer, “Higher”. It’s different in several ways, the most noticeable of which is a gospel choir in the background. There’s also some neat stuff done with percussion.

Overall, it’s a very likable, if not lovable album, and is definitely worth your money .

~ Christian

On his third release, Professional Rapper, John Reuben forges ahead with pleasing grooves that bring the funk. Cuts like "Move" and "Treats" are likeable rhymes with Reuben frolicking in lyrical comedy, while cuts like "I Haven't Been Myself" take a more serious stance. Reuben's use of guitar riffs and Spanish-sounding horns on the tune "This Life" make for a unique number, while the cut "&Freedom to Feel" utilizes a very heavy drumbeat and eerie background nuances bringing the funny man to full center with a supernatural aura.Professional Rapper is a mixed bag of musical and lyrical diversity. The disc is evidence of a grown-up rapper who can still have fun, but who can also deliver the goods with social enlightenment.
 

~ Steven Douglas Losey

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