Aaron Sledge – Aaron Sledge (EP)

Aaron Sledge
Aaron Sledge (EP)
EMI Gospel 2009
www.emigospel.com

Last December, TBGB reported on Da Light, Chicagoan Aaron Sledge’s independently produced album. Infused with melodic soundtracks, creative hip hop beats and street-smart Christian lyrics, Da Light argued that being saved and material prosperity were not mutually exclusive; one can have bling and be blessed at the same time. Most importantly, the album featured the beautiful gospel ballad, “Did It All for Me,” one of TBGB’s top ten songs of 2008.

Things have gone exceptionally well for Sledge since the release of Da Light. This year, he signed with EMI Gospel. EMI re-packaged most of the tracks from Da Light into a self-titled album, and included a brand new song, “Extra Mile.” A six-track EP, the best of the best from the EMI album, also includes “Extra Mile.”

Sledge accomplishes what J Moss and the Christian rap group Frontlynaz have done to great effect: blend positive messages and street-cool toughness with electric melodies and hefty doses of heartfelt humility and honesty. Sledge’s music declares implicitly that sensitivity and being saved aren’t weaknesses but the keys to a better life. Jesus was no pushover, either. As Sledge reports in “Bad,” anyone who can command the blind to see and the mute to talk is the baddest man in town.

Aaron Sledge is an artist definitely worth your time getting to know.

Four of Five Stars