Big 7 – The Secret Place of Thunder

Big 7
The Secret Place of Thunder
Sixx1 Arts 2010
http://www.lets-pause.com/

Anyone who has seen Iowa-based gospel rap artist Big 7 knows about the trademark white hand towel he wears over his left shoulder. Those who have heard Big 7 recognize a rapper who deserves a closer look, especially when he spits rapid-fire rhymes with attitude.

In truth, the finest moments on Big 7’s The Secret Place of Thunder, the coolest gospel album title of 2010, are when he channels his tough rhymes and unflappable attitude into teaching opportunities. Big 7 chronicles – as do many holy hip hop projects – the protagonist’s transition from street life, or at minimum the allure and temptation of street life, to a righteous existence.  The title is a reference to Psalms 81:7 (“You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder.”) and serves as the project’s overarching theme.

While Big 7 rhymes after having chosen the straight and narrow, he is besieged – also like many gospel rappers – by the haters who liked him better when he was unsaved. Big 7 has plenty to say to them.  On the opening track, “Chauncey’s Song (Flyin’ Away),” the artist as disembodied voice taunts his haters by describing what he imagines Heaven to be, reminding them that they are heading to a place that is not so nice.

Big 7 rhymes that righteous living also applies to dating (“A Classy Affair”) and getting ahead (“Success Effect,” the radio-friendly selection on the album). The title track is a fiercely spat summary of the album, during which Big 7 delivers a not-so-subtle warning to haters, including church folk who aren’t as Christian as they appear.

The liner notes are meager, and it doesn’t appear that other rappers are involved, although a pleasant female voice appears on a couple of tracks. And at least on the copy I reviewed, the track list was incorrect and matching the selection to its place on the CD took puzzle-solving skills. I suspect that if the next album incorporates a more professional design and features other prominent holy hip hop artists as guests, Big 7 can extend his impact because he certainly has the chops.

Three of Five Stars

gPod Picks: “Lead Me On,” “The Secret Place of Thunder.”

Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.