“I Don’t Know”
T-Juan
From the No Compromise Records CD The Arrival 2008
www.nocompromiserecords.com
Opening with faux snippets of radio reports about the shooting of sixteen year-olds in Jacksonville, Florida, religious rapper T-Juan’s “I Don’t Know” is a head shaker about the tragic consequences of street violence.
The young victims, a boy and girl, are good kids “attracted to the bad dudes;” the young man had a “heart you could see through.” The only thing they were guilty of, T-Juan infers, is wanting desperately to be loved and accepted. In the process, they make two different but equally poor lifestyle choices that take them to their graves way too soon. T-Juan regrets they never had the chance to know Jesus, who loved and accepted them unconditionally.
By the line, “now his mama walking slow with her head down,” the track struck me as a modern version of James Cleveland’s gospelized version of “In the Ghetto.”
“I Don’t Know” is technically not a single at the moment, but for those who appreciate or are open to Holy Hip Hop, this track by the 21 year-old Jacksonville native T-Juan is an effective listen and reminder that parents should never have to bury their children.
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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.
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Wow! I’ve never heard of him, but from what you just wrote, it’s worth me taking a visit over to his site.
It almost read like a scene from a movie–I hope his music is as rich as the lyrics:-)
http://www.booksnbeats.com
T-Juan’s site and myspace are great ! Didn’t know this artist before. Thanx for the discovery !
Peace
Fitiavana Gospel Choir