True love for Christ is something that can’t really be faked.  Those who love Christ with their all can recognize when someone they’re listening to really loves God.  This sentiment really comes across in the Purpose.  This project exudes worship in rap form.  P-Lo and his team remind me of myself when I was just filled with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus was the center of all most every conversation I had and it felt like falling in love for the first time.  Their excitement for Christ is very refreshing.

Having said that, this is still music and there are certain things that need to be considered when making a rap album.  Though the love of Christ is evident, “The Purpose” falls short in some vital areas.  First, though the lyrics are quite passionate they are quite elementary.  The lyrics are something I’d expect from someone that just began rapping or hadn’t been rapping very long.  If this is not the case I urge P-Lo to challenge himself and the listener with more similes and metaphors.  These skills take time to develop but I’m confident P-Lo can take his flow there with time.

Secondly, the hooks are lacking greatly.  This is evident in songs like “Goin In”, “Glory”, “Alter Call” and “Hallelujah”, where male and female vocals are not very good and the lyrics are extremely simple.   Most artists will tell you that creating great hooks is the most difficult aspect of writing songs.  I would urge P-Lo to study study study the music of his favorite artists and seek to understand what makes him like their music so much.  

Fortunately, the album picks up some steam in the middle with “My God”.  The beat is action packed and is produced quite well.  P-Lo’s energy matched the intensity of the beat, which adds flavor to his message.  This track was a breath of fresh air since the first half of the album has very questionable production and songs that are easily skipped over.   However, songs like this and  “I Vow” restored my faith in P-Lo and the team.  The singing is really nice on this track and the lyrics are very well thought out and I could see myself humming that hook even when the song isn’t on.  The beat is dope as well.  

“Expose Me”, though well aimed, is a good attempt at being transparent, which I think is essential for all rappers, but is done to the wrong beat.  This track needs to have a more serious tone to it.  I highly appreciate his willingness to open his dirty closet but I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.  Songs like this should make me want to listen but it didn’t.  

In closing, there are many issues P-Lo needs to address on his next offering.  The hooks are just too simple to catch on with the listener.  This problem alone can kill an album.  There are also issues with the mix.  The vocals lack quality, and sound like they were done on a cheap microphone or in a room not treated properly for sound.  This strikes me as weird considering the vocalist who sang on “I Vow” sounded wonderful.  There are also the pitch issues with some of the vocalists.  None the vocalists fit on this project with the exception of the male vocalists on “I vow” and “Expose Me”.  On a positive note, songs like “My God” and “I Vow” should show many that P-Lo has a bright future if he is willing to take honest feedback.  

Categorical Ratings Breakdown:

Originality/Creativity: 1.5/5
Lyrics: 2/5
Delivery: 2.5/5
Beat Selection/Production: 2.5/5
Concept/Arrangement: 1/5

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