DJ Caleb
Got Gospel? Vol. 2
Email: djcaleb@gmail.com
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
DJ Caleb is a gospel DJ, which means he spins gospel music for special events, not on the radio. Self-taught, DJ Caleb shows that anyone can learn to mix using a turntable. With dj finance options available, it doesn’t even have to be expensive to get started. He releases mixtapes to promote his turntable talent. Got Gospel? Vol. 2 is an excellent example of his sampling skills and mix magic.
The set opens with a selection of joyfully brisk songs from indie and major gospel artists-Mary Mary and Lecrae to Onitsha and Leah Smith-nearly all of whom have been reviewed and/or interviewed for The Black Gospel Blog at one time or another. DJ Caleb digs deep in the artists’ catalogues to introduce listeners to some of their lesser-known tracks. The result is a fresh and youthful blend comprised of praise and worship lyrics marinated in an aural blend of urban AC, hip hop, and Christian rap.
Standout selections include Sean Johnson’s “Well Done,” Onitsha’s well sung “Holding On,” and the light, airy vocals of Jade Harrell on “King of My Heart.”
Immediately after Harrell’s selection, about three-quarters of the way through the mix, DJ Caleb states the “essence of this CD: not to condemn you for wanting to have fun, not to create rules or a dogmatic theory of Christ, but to show that Christ is love, and in love, you can have a good time.” He goes on to express hope that the CD will help people not reached by church to love God and, through Christ, change their lives.
From then on, the set becomes an aural equivalent of an altar call, featuring full-length versions of Tye Tribbett’s “You Can Change;” Isaac Carree’s “Simply Redeemed;” “I Am” by Kirk Franklin; Leah Smith’s neo-soul “Beautifully Made;” and Dominique Jones leading Forever Jones on the family’s debut hit, “He Wants It All.” This tempo change to emphasize the message is what makes DJ Caleb’s Got Gospel? Vol. 2 so distinctive.
For more information or to obtain a copy of Got Gospel, Vol. 2, email DJ Caleb direct at djcaleb@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @djcaleb01.
Four of Five Stars
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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