If we could all be honest, we could admit that cultural diversity sometimes causes divides in every area of our lives. At times those divides seem to threaten years of progress we have made in order to try to move forward as the “Human family.” It often complicates things even more when we add a spiritual component. People of faith tend to glaze over things like race and ethnicity like they are not there. We pretend that differences in culture and race do not affect how and where we worship and interact. Quietly, even though I think things are better now, Church is one of the most segregated places in this country. I believe if we would embrace cultural diversity we could learn from each other and understand why we think a certain way while others have another view of the same topic or event etc.

If we could all be honest, we could admit that cultural diversity sometimes causes divides in every area of our lives. At times those divides seem to threaten years of progress we have made in order to try to move forward as the “Human Family.” It often complicates things even more when we add a spiritual component. People of faith tend to glaze over things like race and ethnicity like they are not there. We pretend that differences in culture and race do not affect how and where we worship and interact. Quietly, even though I think things are better now, Church is one of the most segregated places in this country. I believe if we would embrace cultural diversity we could learn from each other and understand why we think a certain way while others have another view of the same topic or event etc.

Georgia emcee Billy D is a prime example of an artist whose diversity is on display. His debut album “Metamorphosis” is a refreshing collection of diverse music that ranges from raps mixed with rock and pop influences. Evident as well on this project is the influence of old school hip-hop and world music understood through the ears of someone who understands the power of musical composition.

The marriage of rap and rock has always been a tight rope act from either side of the fence. If you are a rocker trying to add a more urban edge to a song or a rapper trying to make a song grungy there is little room for error. Artists like Run Dmc, and the Beastie boys made this hybrid sound easy. Billy D handled his biz musically and lyrically with songs like the amped up “One shot” that emphasizes that we only live once so we better make it count. The instruments in this song are a musical dose of Red Bull that is packed with energy. “ Down with the king” Rocks with that old school flow meshed with guitar riffs, a certified Jesus anthem. Get out my mind is one of those songs that could grow on you based on the hook of the song and the Go-Go melody of the song. The musical arrangements in this song are bananas.

Billy further exhibits his ear for hot music with the introduction of the song “Gotta let go.” Let go utilizes the ever popular Auto-tune sound. I will have to admit that it was done tastefully and this song seems ready for the radio. The chorus of the song is supper catchy with its pop rhythm and simplistic flow.

The tone of the remainder of the album stayed in the melodic pocket making use of strings and synths. There were also a multitude of songs that were carried by singers vocals like“Still” and “Made me New.”Jesus is definitely being glorified on this album. Song after song shed some light on different aspects of the savior.

All in all as a debut album Metamorphosis is a solid debut project. Billy D’s stint as a DJ really shines through on this project as far as the technical aspect is concerned. Personally I felt Billy D has a great ear for production and the over all sound of the album is polished. The only down side I can hear is that some of the song arrangements sound dated and Billly’s retro delivery may not be palatable for everyone. Even though Billy has an ear for music there still seems to be much to learn as an emcee.

Lastly, We all appreciate diversity and transparency, especially in this day and age when things are often cloaked in mystery and people don’t appear to be honest. We have a front row seat to a grand event! We have a chance to witness a great change, The metamorphosis of the one they call Billy D.

Rating is 3.5 stars based on technical merit and sound appeal.