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B.A.S.S. is the fourth studio project from Mouthpi3ce in what seems like only months. With the focus on being on “B.ringing A.ll S.inners S.alvation”, there is no question that MP3’s focus remains singularly on proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ boldly to all who are in earshot. Each of his previous albums showed elements of both promise and room for improvement, let’s take a closer look at this project to see how things come together.
1. Each One Reach One: This piano- driven opener (produced by Marv4MoBeats) is a little bit of a switch from what you’d expect from an album of this title, but fresh nonetheless. Mouthpi3ce speaks about taking what we learn in the midst of salvation back to those who have not yet surrendered their life to Jesus. Not being of but in while making disciples is the key point here, a song that puts a different spin on the “disciple cycle”.
2. B.A.S.S.: Although it took a little bit of getting used to, the tandem that Mouthpi3ce and Anonymous have created/ are creating continues to improve with each project. This song shows MP3 in high gear, dare say Militant Moses mode, as bar after bar is spit aggressively for the Kingdom’s sake. His focus on being about the Word and balance is evident as he mentions both Creflo Dollar and John MacArthur as the flawed humans they are. The synth- based harmony is undergirded by snappy snares and bass drops that live up to the song/ album title.
3. I Wanna Stay: First thing that came to mind on this one is how much this track has a Mega Man/ Zelda meets Timbaland feel to it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it actually works the best on the hooks as Mouthpi3ce brings some worshipful harmony forth. The premise of the song is basically the desire to be in the Lord’s will, cutting off anything that would jeopardize that. It appeared Mouth slightly went of beat for part of the 2nd verse but that’s really a small detail. Overall a decent strong that may fit in that “acquired taste” category for some.
4. The Great Apostasy: Anonymous’ distinct drums help set the table as Mouthpi3ce shoots it straight from the hip about the state of the church outside of the Church, if you will. The excerpts of the sermon this song was likely inspired by play strategically on each hook and help punctuate it. This line sums up today’s society best: “civil rights back then made us comfortable in our skin, today they make us comfortable in sin”. Also, he explains the sinners he is intending to bring salvation with the line that speaks on cleaning up the church before hitting the streets. Good song that will surely spark some thought and conversation with it multiple memorable lines.
5. HollywoodMusicIndustry feat. Lavoisier & Bizzle: What happens when you get three of the best lyricists together on one song? About what you’d expect, as none of the three emcees featured disappoint. Discussing the negative effects of media and music is obviously center stage here and the way the topic is covered is not new, but still effective. The beat here is very subtle and airy, not even really hip hop in sound per se. It works well and actually meshed well with the vocal approach from Mouthpi3ce on the hook.
6. FlyTrap: As soon as the trumpet sound started, I got into my Rocky mindset and envisioned someone doing a speed bag workout. The bass drops and Mouthpi3ce speaks to the applicable listener on staying out of the (fly) trap. The drum programming for this track keeps it worth listening to but the repetitive trumpet sound does keep it from being that constant replay type of track. This is a solid song message wise that is a good in the midst of the track list.
7. Turn It Up: This is one of the standout tracks on the project, as Mouthpi3ce and Marv prove to be an effective team in their own right here. Bringing a laidback, jazzy feel to the melody, mixed with crisp drums, makes this one of those songs that’s a close of summer special. Even a song like this one that kind of has that “chilled” element to it still screams intensity at the core.
8. Broke Glass: Something about this beat made my neck snap from jump, Anonymous really is bringing his best stuff to the table on this project. Speaking to maintaining an attitude of humility, Mouthpi3ce draws a clear line on his stance in Christ. Considering the attention and admiration music brings, MP3 wants to be clear that he’d rather the Lord break him than try to touch His glory. Strong song that has some definite replay quality to it.
9. Oh Sinner Man: Mouthpi3ce takes us to the abstract section of his musical taste, with Gabriel Strong providing the canvas. For the most part this song works as Mouthpi3ce outlines the acts, effects, consequences of sin. The hook fits and overall this is a song that is in that category of headphone enjoyment.
10. He Done It All feat. A-Smoove & M.A.L.I.: Let me get right to it, we hear a lot of theological songs from the Reformed/ Calvinist side of things but not too much from any other “stance” or approach. Mouthpi3ce takes TULIP straight on with his verse as he says “He done it all, not half homie…that’s why I laugh when they blab limited atonement”. Much respect for his decision to discuss something that is in the touchy subject area. A-Smoove introduces himself, not only on production but with a fire verse that includes some well position metaphors. M.A.L.I. also brings a solid sixteen with his time, as the project makes its way to a strong close.
11. Sound The Alarm: This is the first single I heard off the album and it definitely had me wondering how diverse this project would be. It features the staple sound that Anonymous builds from the Triton and a simple straight forward hook. Call this the “altar call” on wax as Mouth spits about warning everyone who takes Christ likely. I can definitely tell this is aimed at the streets while also bringing conviction to those within the four walls taking Jesus lightly.
12. Real: Now, this is how you bring an album to a close. Number one, A-Smoove is someone to keep an ear out for on the boards as he formulates a smooth southern melody that allows Mouthpi3ce to show off his rapping and singing dexterity. Number two, Mouth weaves together elements of storytelling, introspection, and just plain fair warning as he ties together three verses that will be heard by those who have an ear. This probably is the song that will get the most long term play from me as I revisit the project over the years.
Categorical Ratings Breakdown:
Originality/ Creativity (3.5/5): Mouthpi3ce is a true rapper's rapper, and true rappers don't like rappers that bite. It's hard to put a finger on Mouth's influences, so that leaves a refreshing feeling that you're listening to someone that is comfortable in their skin. The reason I limited this score to 3.5 is because creatively, I know Mouthpi3ce can give us even more than he did on this album. The Gospel message needs nothing fancy or gimmicky to make it relevant, that's not my point. But, I feel like B.A.S.S. is very similar in approach to his past couple releases. I know Mouthpi3ce is looking at the mess that the choir is but I definitely has some more in him to speak on.
Lyrics (4/5): One thing about a Mouthpi3ce album is that no matter the musical side of things, which was very good this time around, his lyrical ability stands out. As I said before, he's a rapper's rapper that gets his point across with great clarity. This album Mouth took more pointed stances against different doctrinal issues and did so in a very clear, concise manner. Mouthpi3ce is definitely in the upper echelon when it comes to sharing the things the Lord places on his heart.
Delivery (4.5/5): Direct, unflinching, and convincing are just a few adjectives that describe the thoughts that cross my mind when listening to Mouthpi3ce. Whether he's on a laid back track or a heavy hitting bass beat, Mouthpi3ce raps (or sings) in near perfect tune with whatever the track's styling suggests. Mouthpi3ce definitely has breath and cadence control that is top notch.
Beat Selection/ Production (3.5/5): As I've mentioned in my previous reviews of his albums, I've always felt like Mouth has missed slightly on finding the most potent tracks to match his message. Each album progressively improved from a sonic standpoint but he about hit right on with this project. Out of the 12 songs on this album, I'd say only two of the tracks were in the average/ above average range, while the rest were in the good to great neighhborhood. Even with the wide range of production styles on the album, there really is not too much of a disjointed flow to it. Overall, the musical element was the weak point on his previous projects but Mouthpi3ce turned it into a strength here.
Concept/Arrangement (3/5): B.A.S.S. is an album that is more or less directed at the churchgoers who want to leave a foot in the world and stay comfortable as a grey line. This isn't too much different than what was discussed on The Flood and No Grey Lines, but the additional focus on doctrine and denominations is an addition. The ordering of the songs made some sense but didn't necessarily flow in a flawless manner, but didn't take too much away from the album. He also had just the right number of features on the project to accent the songs without giving it over to a compilation feel.
Overall, this album is Mouthpi3ce's best work and most challenging to the listener. As I've called him before, "Militant Moses" is in full effect here as he brings Biblical truth to challenge the listener to step out of their comfort zone and pursue God and His word to the fullest. His whole purpose behind this album is to provoke change and not allow what's acceptable in the world to become passable in the Body. If you have not grabbed any of Mouthpi3ce's albums to date, now is a good album to start getting familiar with.
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