Like Paul – I AM…

Like Paul

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

I AM…, Like Paul’s first independent project, could easily be subtitled “Real Men Love Jesus.”

Born on the MississippiGulf Coast and now living in Birmingham, the Stellar-nominated Like Paul has been rapping Christian for more than a decade.  To minimalist beats, Like Paul, aka LP, aka LPZ, spits clever similes on I AM… and delivers a gym bag full of sports analogies.

Throughout the CD, LP lets the listener know that he “ain’t no gangsta” but he’s also no pushover.  He’s “Strong in the Lord,” unafraid to tell the world about his convictions (“Believing God”).  Jesus is the leader of his team and he’s the quarterback (“Let’s Do It”).  He is always on his grind, which means spreading the word of God (“On My Grind”).  In fact, he’s spreading God’s word “like the swine flu” and the shine he’s reflecting as a result has nothing to do with new rims (“Get Your Shine On”).

“I’m A King” feels autobiographical, as LP recounts his renewal from a life of negative behaviors to becoming a family man, repping for Christ, and “walking with my chest out because I’m a king.”  He adds,  “Not Jehovah’s Witness, but I witness for Jehovah.”

The two top tracks on the album are “In My Zone” and “Make Me Again” for their explicit melodies and memorable hooks.  “Make Me Again” is the most radio friendly; its chorus, “Let me be the clay, you can be the potter/Won’t you just make me again” is catchy.

Like Paul’s rhymes on I AM… are slow, steady, consistent, and crisp.