PRo - Redemption Album Reviews & Song Lyrics

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PRo Redemption Album Cover

PRo "Redemption" album

- Release date : July 2010 -

"Redemption" is the second album from Christian rapper PRo, released July 13, 2010, on Reflection Music Group.

"Redemption" album tracks and lyrics

"Redemption" album reviews

"Redemption found only through the blood of Christ. By definition it's the payment of a ransom. A gift that none of us could afford...but that none of us deserve."- PRo

First, there was controversy over the braggidocious, swagtastic approach he introduced himself to the CHH world with. Then, he took some time away from the studio, deconstructed his views on faith and flow, only to return to a different type of negativity. In spite of it all, PRo remains focused on the task at hand, to provide a Gospel- driven light for the lost. I almost want to call this a second debut album, just because this truly is a brand new man that we're hearing. Let's take a look at PRo as he steps out of the blackout and into a brand new chapter of Redemption.

1. God - a portion of this song is a verbal intro that quickly switches gears into a synth- driven anthem speaking of the One and Only Most High. While I can honestly say I was impressed by the skill level that PRo displayed on his debut album, this song left me with a comparatively better feeling. PRo shows his growth on this initial track and it sets the focus of this sophomore release.

2. Hold Me Down - PRo brings an even melody to the hook as he spends some time narrating his life, past and present. The unmerited grace and mercy that The Father extends to us is the basis of this track. I like the track on this one, the piano and drum placement complimented the driven flow of the song.

3. Clear the Air (Feat. Lecrae) - "You barely do collabos, now everybody mad at you/ out to make disciples, not earn these rapper's gratitude!"... wow, who knew Lecrae had it in him? That's the most direct I've heard Lecrae be about things that Reach has been questioned on. I generally dislike the cliche songs that address haters but when there is a true intent to bring some correction to a love- lacking person or group of people, I'm down to listen. "I ain't no copy of Lecrae", PRo sums it up right there. The beat fits perfectly and should stay on repeat for several reasons.

4. Know You (Feat. Rick Trotter) - let me just say off top that when D-Free and Rick Trotter get together, a masterpiece is about guaranteed. I'm a true fan of the live guitar that leads to a blues sounding track to do work on. PRo does that work as he stretches his southern drawl to its limits in discussion of his relationship struggles with both his bioligical father and stepfather. Perfect summer track to roll to with the windows down to in a box or bubble Impala.

5. Low - PRo presents a track that some may try to "reach" to compare, yet he stamps his own style clearly on it. K-Drama provides his signature take on Rock- infusion that allows for a continued aggressive flow from PRo. Phillipians 2:3 is one of the scripture references that inspires this song of humility. Not necessarily a top flight song but good enough to listen through completely.

6. Aye You - continuing with the re-establishing of his new approach, PRo comes no autotune anthem- ready on this song. Walking through the incorrect thought process of the unsaved, PRo seeks to awaken the lost with a loud and clear "Ayeyouuuuu!". Solid track that hits hard with plenty of low end bass.

7. In the Club (Feat. Conviction) - so far, one of the things that have stood out most about this album is the consistency of the hooks. Employing female vocals over a radio- friendly track, along with a dose of Conviction, makes this a song that could translate to a good video that flips the world's ideals on their ear.

8. This Cage - yet again, PRo shows the hunger he always had since The Blackout. The source and management of that hunger has changed, allowing the listener to be treated to an artist that has the passion of Christ in mind. Heavily west coast in style, the beat fits the lyrical tone to a tee.

9. Merked - I wasn't sure what to expect when the track started off with the bells but once the bassline dropped I was relieved. Another storytelling track, PRo speaks on several cases of falsity that leaves the subject exposed in the light while embracing darkness. Each story comes close to sounding like something you're used to hearing hashed out but PRo throws a twist in on each one that catches the ear. Definitely a decent track that sticks to the theme of the need for redemption on this album.

10. Not Guilty - the start of the track, with the "ayes" and "whats" got my ears perked up and ready for a hard- hitting track. The buildup led to a bit of a letdown because though the song is nice, the trumpet sound on the hook left something to be desired. PRo spends time on the beauty of the payment of the ransom on our lives by Christ, allowing us to be released from the pending verdict that awaits us posthumously.

11. Bout Dat - once again, no autotune on the hook and it sounds good. PRo with another anthem for the Bible- believing bols and girls in but nor of the world. The track is serious and PRo stays consistent with strong punchlines and rhyme structure. This is another song that would go over well in video form. It would be especially nice to see how a director could bring the line "the blackout birthed a king and I'm casting my crown to the feet of the Savior" alive on the screen.

12. Power To Die (Feat. Brothatone) - man, I always can cosign a song that brings Biblical correction. Who better to help out on that endeavor than Brothatone. Both gentleman speak on some of the beautiful attributes of the Holy Spirit and how His purpose goes much further than many understand or falsely assume. This is another standout song whose formula needed to be duplicated more often to push this album to a whole different level.

13. Fight Music - in the same vein as "Make War", "Hold On", and other anti- flesh anthems, PRo keeps it aggressive. Marv4MoBeats creates a perfect canvas for PRo to put the war paint on. A summer banger that fits as the lead single for this project.

14. On It (Feat. Conviction, Cannon) - DNA takes shape on this crew track that proves to be a strong song in the midst of a declining playlist. PRo does the new usual him, Conviction fits well with a similar cadence, and Cannon provides the Chi- town rapid flow to balance his groupmates. Yet another song that can be played pregame or at youth camp.

15. All I Know - PRo may not be an all out singer but listening to the hook on this track leads me to believe he could at least hold a note for a few moments. I like how PRo speaks on the necessity for the believer to stay eyes forward to Canaan and back turned to Egypt. He sports a laidback flow that will bring thoughts of Jeezy to the people itching for comparisons, but remains in his own lane. The driving bassline along with minimal piano, drums, and synths makes this possibly the best song on the album.

16. Depend On You (Feat. Chris Davis)- this is definitely a strong song, and honestly, where I could've imagine the album closing and achieving a top 3 album of the year ranking. Chris Davis adds a lot to this quiet storm type track that advises the listener of the joy and security in Christ.

17. Slave to You - I will say that I think I see where PRo was trying to go with this track. With the stamp that Miami and the rest of Florida is placing on the rap landscape, its not unimaginable that the effort to tap into that sound would be heard here. The hook is about the only really catchy thing about this song, the track is about average and this would count as a filler song.

18. Blow My Mind (Feat. Roslyn Welch) [Bonus Track]- another bonus track that dabbles in the dance scene. This is a bonus track so I'll give it a slight pass even though it doesn't really fit the overall feel of the album. Roslyn Welch is talented and this almost feels like a song that features PRo and fits her skill set well.

19. Who I Be (Feat. Cannon) [Bonus Track]- the beat on this song feels like one from mid to late 90's and detracts from the lyrical barrage from PRo and Cannon. Again, this is a bonus and should be taken with a grain of salt.

20. Murder Swag [Bonus Track]- honestly, this fit in with the concept of the "official" part of the project and could've even possibly replaced an average song like "Low" or "Not Guilty". Great representation of the transition PRo made from being driven by the visibility of him as a rapper to being driven to keep Christ visible.

Overall, this album left me with an encouraged feeling on a couple different levels. When I first heard of the man who proclaimed how he was going to change the game back in 2008 or so, I took note of his ability but figured he'd run a 1 or 2 album course and possibly give up music due to a lack of sustained exposure. When I heard about his linking up with BJ and others from the Reach Records family, my eyebrows rose for reasons other than music. I knew that they would challenge the man more than the musician, confirmed by the short film PRo released not too long ago (if I were him I'd submit that to some independent film festivals, just saying). This album is much deeper than just about whether his content changed (it did), his crew changed, or whether or not he sounds like Lecrae (deaded by both artists on "Clear The Air"). This album is about substance over swag and the growth of a man who saw his present state but didn't lose sight of what the Word's mirror was showing him. With production handled by T- Dogg, Doc Watson, Big Juice, K-Drama, Marv4Mo, and PRo himself, this project is one that has a lot of polish in spite of having some tracklist imbalance. Regardless, folks will remember the Redemption of 2010 much more than the Blackout of 2008.

*** daSouth ***