It’s a huge undertaking to exegete a text homiletically and hermeneutically and be effective. It is even a greater undertaking to set that teaching to music and keep it both theologically sound as well as audibly pleasing. The Hip hop collective Christcentric has taken on this tall order and it seems that they have delivered with their latest project entitled The Ephesians Project. It is aptly titled in that it is an exposition of the Book of Ephesians. Christian Hip hop is a small demographic on the mainstream hip hop landscape and the music Christcentric does shrinks that demographic even more. Christentric does what they describe as Didactic rap which is concentrated on teaching and in their case teaching others the gospel of Christ. Theirs is a message that is geared mostly to those in the body of Christ. Christcentic has been around since 1997; while they have undergone some personnel changes their focus has stayed constant, lyrical, East Coast driven, theologically packed music.

The album opens with an intro that gives you a glimpse of what is to come both sonically and lyrically. Evangel mans the hook with a type of sing songy chant the listener will either love or loathe because this formula is repeated in other parts of the album like on the song “Thanksgiving and prayer” Not withstanding the chorus this is one of the standout songs on the album based of the clarity the artists describe the text. Christcentric chronologically rolls through the book of Ephesians unpacking the reoccurring themes in the epistles like unity on songs like “One in Christ” that outline how we were at one time outside of Gods grace and covering and now we are one in him as well as “Unity in the body” that speaks of how all gifts and offices were created by God for the common cause of equipping the body and that no is one more important than the other.

There were also some gems among the relational pieces such as “Walk in love” which has to be one of my favorites, featuring former God Chasers artist Jovan Mackenzy who was known more for being a Lecrae detractor than an emcee. Also “Slaves and masters” was both insightful and weighty and was an excellently executed song. Outside of reoccurring themes Christcentric delves into some heavier subjects and the execution is on point as well on songs such as “Grace through faith” Featuring the Brindle brothers who stay spitting memorable lines even with heavy subject matter as well as songs like “The mystery of the gospel revealed” where they chop the text and break down how God grafted the Gentiles into His family. One of the coldest songs on this album has to be “Ephesians overview” Evangel and Zae Da Blacksmith rip this track while explaining the whole book of Ephesians in four minutes, whew!

The conundrum of the this record is that the same reason people will feel this album, will be the same reason others won’t- you would have to be plugged into that underground vibe to really get into this album. As far as production goes reference Cross movement’s “House of Reps”; if you have no idea what I’m talking about this definitely may not be the album for you! Conceptually the album was good in that they stayed on task through the whole record but based on the repetition of the beats they made for a long listen in spots.  Overall if you are an East coast hip hop head or a lover of good biblical teaching this album is for you. If you are looking for variety or what's “hot right now” you’ll be disappointed, there is no auto tune or constant 808 drums, this is strictly one to chew on.

Categorical Ratings Breakdown:

Originality/Creativity: 3/5
Lyrics: 4/5 
Delivery: 3/5
Beat Selection/Production: 3/5
Concept/Arrangement: 4/5