Tracy RandallTroubled Times
Lavish Records/Tate Music Group (2012)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
Singer-songwriter Tracy Randall is a “gangsta fo’ Jesus.”
On “Gangsta Fo’ Jesus,” from his sophomore CD Troubled Times, Randall tells the listener he represents Jesus because His love and care demand respect and undying service. Baby Stone raps in response that “He got my back” and “it’s gonna be Armageddon when the boss man rides.”
It’s a street savvy way of saying, “Jesus is worthy to be praised.”
In representing Christ, Randall delivers lyrics that explore man’s relationship with God. “Missing Link” asserts that God’s presence gives life meaning, not the material possessions and “fake friends” that are often considered the symbols of wealth. “Money was my motivation/Now it is my soul salvation,” Randall adds. The anti-gun violence message of a bonus track, “How Many More?,” featuring Mississippi Queen, is unfortunately timely.
The music, provided variously by Lace, Dime, Fyngas, and others, is pulsing, gritty R&B and holy hip hop. When Randall is on vocally, he evokes Prince, such as during the smooth “I Am All You Need,” the best song on the album. In other cases—the title track, for instance—alternate takes could have evened out the rough spots. Randall has an impressive music resume but some of the selections simply do not showcase his talent as best they could.
Nevertheless, Tracy Randall’s Troubled Times will resonate with young worshippers who get their gospel groove on to the sounds of Lecrae, Trip Lee, J Moss, and Deitrick Haddon.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “I Am All You Need,” “Missing Link.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
Visit Today : 1232
This Month : 4555