Wolves Unleashed: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr- Rap

Rapping up the Wrap. Not exactly, we have a long way to go. I just liked the rhyme time. Let's get this party started.

Rap/Hip Hop

• Quinten Colblentz - We EP
• Aaron Cole - Not By Chance
• G.L.O. (God's Love Only) - Reborn
• NF - The Search
• S.O. - Augustine's Legacy

That does it for the ties. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

The Reckoning: The 2019 Platinum Vinyl Awards 2nd Qtr - Metal Rap

Rap/Hip-Hop and Hard Rock/Heavy Metal finish off our three megaposts. From here on in it is all one genre per post.

Rap/Hip-Hop

• Heesun Lee - Flying Cars EP
• Steven Malcolm - The Second City
• Tedashii - Never Fold

Hard Rock/Metal

• August Burns Red - Phantom Sessions EP
• Demon Hunter - War
• The Persuaded - Dawn of Destruction
• Within Temptation - Resist

Those who are solely familiar with the CCM Market may be unfamiliar with Within Temptation. They are a mainstream symphonic metal band from The Netherlands. They belong to the fringe. Their lyrics are full of Spiritual meaning, like LEAH, U2, Evanescence and others. And if you are wondering what happened to Demon Hunter's other album Peace, wait for the Rock section. Our first single genre post is Folk Music. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Backmasking Number Nine: The 2018 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Rap

Rap and its sister sibling Hip Hop accounted for 10 entries this quarter. That's a final genre plus an additional three. As many as this is, there are two other genres left which completely blow this one away.

Hip Hop/Rap

• Benjah - PainTings EP
• Brvndon P - Better Late Than Never
• King Chav - The Golden Lining EP
• Czar Josh - For Your Heart EP
• I Am The Storm - Fight Musik, Volume 1
• Andy Mineo - II: The Sword
• Jered Sanders - Hurry Up And Wait
• Skrip - The Trap
• Joey Vantes - The Fall EP

We are onto the final stretch. Next up is Gospel with 15 entries, and that isn't the winner. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Don't Stop Believing: The 2018 Platinum Vinyl Awards 3rd Qtr - Rap

We are finally at the end of our 3rd Quarter Wrap, and we do it with Rap. No, we don't do it with a rap. I'm not going to scare you like that. Let's get to the list.

Rap/Hip-Hop

• Marqus Anthony - Walking By Faith: Through The Storm
• Cory Ard - The Blackout
• Bizzle - Light Work EP
• Timothy Brindle - The Unfolding
• Aaron Cole - Virginia Boy
• Lecrae - Let The Trap Say Amen
• Steven Malcolm - The Second City, Part 2
• Andy Mineo - I: The Arrow
• Sareem Poems - Mind over Matter
• Prafitz - Nazarene Movements, Volume 2
• Shope - XXY 
• Joey Vantes - The Vantes Project III

Some Veterans, Some I Never Heard of. I said that Modern Worship did not win the quarter, and I was right, sort of. I also said Rap won, and I was right and wrong, sort of. Rap did not have thirteen entries, it had twelve. So did Modern Worship. So we have another tie for first place. Both genres can gloat. The third quarter is now in the bag. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

The Musical Industrial Complex: The 2018 Platinum Vinyl Awards 2nd Qtr (Jan - Mar, 2018) - Rap

The second genre in the Penultimate Tie is Rap and Hip Hop. Even though the genre had nine entries that does not get the top prize. That is reserved once again for Modern Worship, which had eighteen entries.

Rap/Hip-Hop

• Beacon Light - Loud Drive Home
• Flame - God Knows
• GodzG - Grayscale
• KJ-52 - Jonah, Part 2
• Steven Malcolm - The Second City, Part 1 EP
• Germaine Martel - Human 3: The Holy Trilogy 
• Social Club Misfits - Into The Night
• Swoope - Sonshine
• T-Bone - Broken English

A nice mix of established and newbies. Modern Worship wraps things up. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Falling Rocks: The 2018 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Qtr - Rap

The Penultimate post is upon us. Rap Music (along with its sister genre Hip Hop), had a dozen entries this quarter, but still fell just short of winning it all. Let's get it all.

Rap/Hip Hop

• B-L'atitude - Elevated Love
• Benjah - Guidance
• The Knu Black(fka Out of The Blue) - Ohana
• Beautiful Eulogy - Worthy 
• GAWVI - 954 EP
• KB - Today We Rebel
• Kevi - Barnabas
• Byron Juane - Life in the Evening EP 
• NF - Perceptions
• Nerva - One Way 
• Parxx - Unchained
• Young Saint - Transition (Live)

You know which genre comes next. Modern Worship is again the big winner. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Copernicus Rocks: The 2017 Platinum Vinyl Awards 2nd Qtr - Rap

We continue our announcements of the 2nd Quarter 2017 Pool Eligible Nominees for #PlatVnyl8. The multi-genre posts are behind us and we now move in ascending order with the single genre post, where the minimum bar is five entrants. Just coming in with 5 is Hip Hop and Rap. Let's get to it.

Hip Hop/Rap

• AMP - Futuregen
• Earnest A - From Father To Son
• Hollyn - One Way Conversations
• Steven Malcolm - Steven Malcolm
• Mike Teruel - Fragments

Not a lot of established artists this quarter. Hollyn hasn't been around enough yet to be considered "established", but her vocal versatility seems to predict longevity. Next up is Dance. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

(There appears to be a problem at Amazon. At the current time I am unable to get to the detail page of any products in order to post affiliate links. They will be updated later.)

Siberian Siren: The 2017 Platinum Vinyl Awards 1st Qtr - Rap

We begin our second grouping with rap. This grouping consisted of a full finals, that would be 7 entries, but even that wasn't good enough for number one. We continue.

Rap/Hip-Hop

• Sho Baraka - The Narrative
• Canon - Loose Canon, Volume 3
• Dead Heroes - Dead Heroes
• Heesun Lee - Beauty For Ashes
• Trip Lee - The Waiting Room
• S.O. - These Things Take Time
• Toby Mac - Hits Deep Live

That does it for rap. Really not much to say here as they are all solid releases from dependable artists. Rock is next. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.    

Dove Wrap: 2016 Edition - Song Awards

Continuing with the results of my predictions of the 47th Dove Awards. We move on to the Song of The Year portion of the awards. After the album section I was a paltry 1 for 4. Let's see how I fare here. Maybe I shall improve.

First up is Inspirational Song. Even though I thought it was a Worship Song, I decided to go with Christy Nockels and Let It Be Jesus for my pick. Not surprisingly, the Doves and I do not see eye to eye on such things. They went with Till I Met You by Laura Story. (Score 2/5)

From Inspirational to Worship. Now I have no problem with having both of these categories. The Platinum Vinyl Awards does as well. We just happen to skew things closer to the Adult Contemporary side of the spectrum in our awards, while it appears that the Doves go with two modern worship awards, which is sort of cheating. Anyway, for Worship Song I really liked No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music, more specifically Jonathan David and Melissa Helser. The Dove Committee agreed with me on this part. (Score 3/6)

Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song was next. Since the Doves agreed with me that Losing My Religion was the album of the year in this category, I thought they would Wanna Be Happy as well as I would. However, they liked Jonathan McReynolds The Way That You Love Me. Oh well, they can't be perfect all the time. (Score: 3/7)

Rock/Contemporary Song is up next. I liked a lot of the songs that the Dove's nominated, so much so that I made a rare backup pick. Even though it technically is alternative, I went with Live On Forever by The Afters for my pick and took God is On The Move by 7eventh Time Down for my backup. No Dice. The Dove went to Happiness by NEEDTOBREATHE. Maybe I should make four back up picks next time. You can't lose if you pick them all, right. (Score: 3/8).

The softer side of the coin is Pop/Contemporary Song. I weaved in and out with Pop this year. Weave as in Big Daddy Weave. I picked Beautiful Offerings as Pop Album and I went with their song from that album My Story here. 0/2 with the GMA. They went with Trust In You by Lauren Daigle. Can't really complain, though it wasn't my pick. Not doing too well this year. (Score 3/9).

The final song prediction, other than Song of The Year, which is in the General Field category, was for Hip Hop/Rock Song of The Year. While I like the genre, I am by no means an expert in it, but this is all in good fun so I waded in. To mirror my feelings, I guess, I chose Uncomfortable by Andy Mineo. Imagine my surprise when the Doves did as well. (Score 4/10).

So after two segments I have managed to up my rating to .400. That's Ted Williams Territory folks. Let's see if I can keep it up. The General Field is next. Until Then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

A Perfect Scale: The 2016 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Quarter: Rap Remix Compilation

The final multi-genre post is here. From now on it is only single genre postings. We covered four genres yesterday, and will cover three today. And there will be nine to go after that. Let's get to it.

Remix Album

• Blanca - Not Backing Down

Compilation Album

• Various - Soul: Inspired by The Epic Film Ben-Hur
• Various - The Passion: New Orleans
• Various - WoW Hits 2017 Deluxe

Hip-Hop/Rap

• The Ambassador - When Sacred Meets Secular
• Beacon Light - Lit
• Fedel - The Brave
• Derek Minor - 1014

That does it for the multi-genre post. The Passion Listed on Amazon seems to be earlier than the 4th Quarter and 1014 seems to have been dropped since Reflection released on October 14. The first genre up next is Alternative, part of a three way tie with 5 pool entries. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

The Seven Soundtrack: The 2016 Platinum Vinyl Awards 3rd Quarter - Rap/Hip-Hop

The second of our three way tie is here. Rap and Hip Hop had 9 eligible entries this quarter. That would be enough, if there were no judging, to fill a final category with two left over. There will be judging, however.

Rap/Hip Hop

• Adalid - Before Greatness
• Brinson - Black Canvas: UWMA2
• Brvndon P - Brvndon P
• Eshon Burgundy - The Passover
• Flame and Mike Real - Revival
• Scribbling Idiots - Good Morning Mourning
• Sevin - Purple Heart
• DA T.R.U.T.H. - It's Complicated
• Viktory - Tomorrow Came

A solid group of entrants which should make for a very tough category once judging begins. Rock, the final of our trio of nine, is next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Mistletunes: The 2016 1st Quarter - Rap

If you've been counting you know which genre has won this quarters prize for the most entries. The Penultimate genre is Rap, as well as its bouncier sibling Hip-Hop. Hip Hop is getting swallowed up by Dance and Synthpop these days, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. There were an even dozen entries into the pool this quarter.

Rap/Hip-Hop

• Alert 312 - The Upside Eternal
• Benjah - Motives
• GuvnaB - Secret World
• Alex Faith - Bloodlines
• Hollyn - Hollyn
• Monolog - Transparency
• Dre Murray - 34
• Puntin - Gold
• Rawsrvnt - Game Changer
• Skrip - Show and Tell
• Tru Serva - Eyes Open
• Various Artists - Holy Hip Hop (Vol. 20)

A nice mix of artists here. Most of them are veterans here, with the exception of Hollyn, who is debuting. Modern Worship Is next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Spring Tunes Up: The 2015 3rd Quarter - Rap

Rap and Hip Hop are next with 9 nominations this quarter. The genre is tied with Rock, which also had 9 nominees. We are now in the major genres, where each quarter produces a full final lineup. Needless to say there will be a lot of editing. Let's get to it.

Hip Hop/Rap

• Beacon Light - Open Eyes
• CJ Emulous - Light It Up
• Fedel - Flaw
• J Han - Tower Ivory
• Illuminate - Charismata
• KB - Tomorrow We Live
• SPEC - Vacancy
• Roy Tosh - Death Before Love
• Various - Holy Hip Hop, Volume 19

There is only one other comment. The artist J Han belongs to a rising crop of Korean Rappers (stop laughing, at least it's not Swedish Polka Artists). Anyway I listened to the album and I thought it was more R&B than Hip Hop, but that is how the label wants it. Either way it's a good album. Rock Is Next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Bad Moon Rising: The 2014 Platinum Vinyl Awards 4th Qtr - Rap

We are down to the Final Four, and two of them are tied for first. First up is Rap, and is sibling Hip-Hop. A very good quarter for them, with 13 releases, which is a very lucky number. Hey, the more the merrier when it comes to entries. So without further ado:

Hip -Hop/Rap

• Adia - Behind Enemy Lines
• Mr. Del - Hope Dealer 2
• J-Giles Son - Employed by The King
• Lecrae - Anomoly
• Canton Jones - God City USA
• Rachael Messini - Honestly
• Da T.R.U.T.H. presents Mixed Bag - Normal is Overrated
• NF - EP
• Phanatik - The Art of Battle Rap: Puns and Punchlines, V.1
• Red Coalescence - Killers
• Shope - EP
• Swoope - Sinema
• Various Artists - Pass The Mic: The Rise of Christian Hip-Hop

That concludes Rap for the Quarter. Next up is Modern Worship. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Rising Beats: The 2014 Third Quarter - Rap

Continuing on with our announcement of the Third Quarter Releases for the 2014 Platinum Vinyl Awards. There are only three album genres left. We are on to Rap and Hip Hop. After that there is only Gospel and Modern Worship. Which one is the big winner? Stay tuned.

Rap music was very well represented this time around, with a dozen entries. The genre itself is still in a state of flux, and between the rock influence and the dance influence, it will be interesting to see if there is a split in the genre soon.

Hip Hop/Rap

• +5ive Official  - Ain't Supposed to Be Here
• Headz Up FM Presents - Christian Hip Hop 2014
• +Chad Jones  - Keep Up
• +Shai Linne - Lyrical Theology Pt. 2: Doxology
• +Mali Music - Mali Is...
• Propaganda - Crimson Cord
• Serge - Off Season
• Social Club - Misfits 2
• Tedashii - Below Paradise
• Thi'sl - Fallen King
• D-Tropp - Away from Home
• +Da TRUTH - Heartbeat

I have attempted, when feasible, to include the artists G+ Page as well as the Amazon Links. As I said before, I encourage you to buy through the included links and support the Night Beat while you get some great music. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Polar Vortex Polka: The 2014 2nd Quarter - Metal Rap

We have reached the end of the multiple genre posts. From here on it is one genre a post. Heavy Metal and Rap Music had 3 and 4 entries respectively. Without further delay.

Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

• Demon Hunter - Extremist
• For Today - Fight The Silence
• The Overseer - Rest and Let Go

I know I'm going against the tide on Demon Hunter. A lot of people dislike that they have gone almost all ballad on this release. To me, however, it is artistic perfection.

Hip Hop/Rap

• Deraj - Mirrors and Medicine EP
• KB - 100 EP
• Andy Mineo - Neverland EP
• Shonlock - A Night To Remember

Next up in our quarterly  wrap up is Adult Contemporary. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

 

MVM Special Edition: Rap Video Nominees

We are almost through with the video portion of our Nominee Reveal. The next two segments will be much shorter. Today we reveal the nominees for Rap and Hip Hop Video of The Year. And the nominees are:

Goin' Home, +WHOSOEVER SOUTH 
No Sex, Still Trill Christians
Pharao feat +Tragic Hero , +Dre Murray 
Skyfall feat +Eshon Burgundy , Rekonciled
Sunglasses, Rod G Newman and Mr.Del
Just two more categories to go. Heavy Metal and Rock. I am Awaiting Your Comments.

Swing Season: The 2014 1rst Quarter - Rap

Two genres had eight eligible entries this quarter, and if we ceased the eligibility year right now, the 5th Awards would be filled. Of course the awards would suck, because even better entries might be coming. Like I said, this is the first hurdle.

Hip Hop/Rap is the first of these two. It was a very good quarter, and a few Perfect 5's graced the genre. Let's get to the contenders.

• Can't Stop , Benjiman
• Church Clothes Vol. 2 , Lecrae
• Haze & Reflections (Vanity Fare Remixed), Benjah
• Heads Up , Jahaziel
• Instruments Of Mercy ,  Beautiful Eulogy
• Mad Haven , Canon
• I Need You , Seth and Nirva
• Royal Flush , Flame

Now Seth and Nirva made 3 genres in their debut: Dance, Gospel and Rap. We shall see how it all pans out for the Diverse City duo. Heavy Metal is next. Until then, I am Awaiting Your Reply.

Music Video Monday: OMG

Welcome back to Music Video Monday. We are wrapping up Rap this week and next Monday we will start with Heavy Metal. We begin our tour with Benjah and Work.

It's about time that someone around here tells us DA T.R.U.T.H. And that is that there is always Hope.

XRoss is next, but all he can say at the moment is OMG.

And finally, we have Young Chozen, though I don't know if he is one of the chozen frozen (sorry, a little church humor). This is Right here, right now.

That does it for this edition of Music Video Monday. Friday we only have three videos as we rap it up. Until then, I am Awaiting your reply.

Music Video Monday: A Beautiful Place

Welcome to our regularly scheduled Music Video Monday. December is here, let the Christmas Music Begin. Things are hectic this year, so I have not decided if I will have a Christmas Parade this year as I did last. I have quite a few non seasonal videos. Rap itself will take up half of the month.

We Begin with Canon. Not, surprisingly, considering the name, the video is Loud Music.
Brinson is next up. Ironically, seeing I just referred to him, he says he actually has No Name.
In the world of Japhia Life, it's a Small World.
And finally, we close this week off with Je'kob and he says while it may be a small world, it is A Beautiful Place.
Two rap editions down. We have three more to go. Stay with me every Monday and Friday. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.