The Flatline Movement – Gotta Die

The Flatline Movement
Gotta Die
Independent (release date: June 15, 2023)

By Robert M. Marovich

Gotta Die is the ten-song debut album by The Flatline Movement, a ministry of Flatline Church at Chisholm in Montgomery, Alabama.

Founded by Pastor Dewayne Rembert of Flatline Church at Chisholm, the group consists of DeAndre Burns, a few of his family members, and several others. The Flatline Movement—the church explains that the name is based on how “people are dead in their sin until God brings them to new life”—aims to engage youth through Christian hip hop.

If the four singles from Gotta Die are any indication, The Flatline Movement has a promising career ahead. Each cut is vibrant, original, focused, and melodic, with effective hooks and glimmering beats. Popular female Christian hip hop artist and ordained minister Murk (“Ms. P31”) features on the Eastern music-influenced title track. The most compelling of the four singles, it reemphasizes the “flatline” concept—that one must first die in order to live.

The penetrating “Purpose” employs tuneful singing amidst atmospheric electronica to encourage listeners to embrace their spiritual destiny. “We Need Your Love” is a bouncy piece that, despite its title, is not about seeking the Lord’s affection but about affirming its presence. “Just Coast” moves to an easy-as-a-California-afternoon tempo. Artists Deseray, JusDri, and Makaio lend their estimable talents throughout the effort. No flatlining among this group of singles.