Review – Da’ T.R.U.T.H. ‘The Whole Truth’

Rapzilla Staff Rating:
Average User Rating:
{mainvote}

Since his premiere in 2004, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. has been a staple in Christian Hip Hop. With a highly publicized scandal being much of his latest media coverage for the past two or so years, I was more than excited with the opportunity to refocus light on Da’ T.R.U.T.H. for what initially garnered him the attention of the Christian Hip Hop world – his music. It is extremely hard to mention this genre of music without mentioning such albums of his like Moment of Truth (2004), The Faith (2005) and Open Book (2007). My personal favorite being The Faith. It was full of gut-wrenching lyrics that reminded one of the need to continually have their hope fixed on God’s truth in everyday life.

Da’ T.R.U.TH has always written and performed as though his life depended on it, and his latest release proves no different. With The Whole Truth now in the open, T.R.U.T.H. raps as one whose career as an artist hangs in the balance.

There are very few individuals who follow CHH and are unaware of the breach of integrity with the exposure Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s martial infidelity. When any Christian takes a fall that exposes the essences of our humanity, it is a very hard thing to bounce back from. T.R.U.T.H. exposes the lows and highs; that is, the consequences of and restoration from sin in The Whole Truth. He does not allow the listeners to wonder about his process of restoration, but instead walks them through it. He states, “its impossible to keep secrets covered/you should have been able to trust now, but I breached the covenant/what I preached in public is all out the window, cause sin contradicted a lot of what my pen wrote/especially what I wrote in ‘Open Book’/ apparently there was something in me that I overlooked.” The Whole Truth is without question a reflection of T.R.U.T.H.’s current life and mindset.

The lyrical content and transparency are beyond notable. T.R.U.T.H. looks to walk you through his experience but more importantly warn the listeners not to make the same mistakes that he and many others have made. Songs like “Impossible” featuring Pastor AD3 inspire you to continue to move forward in situations that are bleak and unimaginable. He encourages the listeners to “look past him and look at the One you can’t see”. Often we look at our situations instead of looking at God. He exhorts us to “go beyond what you ask or think” and believe in the One he represents.

I was refreshed when I heard “Forgiveness” which was produced by Jamal McCoy for Malski Music. It is one thing to know we are to forgive, but it’s another thing to be humbled by being forgiven. The chord and kick progression reminds you that forgiveness requires steps. “Unforgiveness is a poison, the choice is yours” he explains. It is a statement we unfortunately overlook often. The track gives the feeling of being finessed into the grace of God’s forgiveness. The bass line leads you through the process of “swallowing your pride and following God until you finish the course”. “Forgiveness” reminds you of God’s unbelievable grace to love us in the midst of our nonsense.

The previously released “I’m Alive”, featuring Jahaziel, is one of my favorite tracks on the album produced by G.P. for Dvine Muzic, whom many of us heard on The Big Picture. The track was originally released on the UK native’s mixtape as his own, but has been slightly modified for this album. Sans The Ambassador, the remixed version still holds its own. T.R.U.T.H’s bars go very well with the light 70’s sounding track. I’ve caught myself several times waking up singing the hook.

The features from The Ambassador, Sean Simmonds, Prazy1, Mia Fields, Donielle Rodwell add to The Whole Truth. This album is full of T.R.U.T.H.’s personal experience and needless to say, “it’s the whole truth and nothing but it”. Production by Joel Guerrero, IsRael Musiq, and Kelvin Wooten hold The Whole Truth together like glue. This album exemplifies Christ’s wonderful nature to continually mature His children through our mistakes. The production on the album is consistent with T.R.U.T.H.’s style. If you are looking for groundbreaking production you might be disappointed. However, the production manages to be consistent and emotional. T.R.U.T.H. is known for giving new producers a chance and did on this project with a notable track by newcomer Darion Javon on “Survivor.” Last but not least T.R.U.T.H. teamed up with JR who provided the classic feel of So Hot Productions for tracks like “Lights,” “Without God” and “God is Good.”

Overall, this album is a solid offering. Though it is not, in my opinion, a classic like many of his previous works, it is his most honest and most encouraging. Aside from the apparent play on words which reveal the completion of a man’s rebuilding process, I would gather that the real significance of “The Whole Truth” rests in the fact that God alone holds the power to restore His children from any fallen condition. This album went beyond music and told the story that everyone wanted to hear. Though it was painful for T.R.U.T.H. and his family, they allowed God to use them as a sign post of His grace, love, and mercy.

Release Date: September 13, 2011

Label: Xist Music

Buy on iTunes or AmazonMP3

Tracklist:
1. Lights
2. Impossible feat. Pastor AD3
3. Without God
4. Freedom feat. Donielle Rodwell
5. The Whole Truth feat. Mia Fieldes
6. Forgiveness
7. Can’t Believe feat. Eric Greene, Jr.
8. Do It For You feat. Irving Washington
9. Brainwashed feat. Prayz1
10. Survivor feat. Suzy Rock & Sean Simmonds
11. Ain’t Goin’ Back feat. Malski
12. God is Good
13. Alive
14. Alive (Remix) feat. Jahaziel
15. Cherished feat. CeCe Winans
16. GO, MISFiT, GO! feat. The Ambassador, Sean Simmonds, Mali Music & DoubleEdge

Chad Horton
Chad Hortonhttps://rapzilla.com
Chad Horton has been in the music business since 2000 with a focus on digital distribution, streaming, playlisting, and social media marketing. Chad is currently a Partnership Producer at hi5.agency working with clients such as Blizzard Entertainment, Google Pixel, and more. Chad also owns and operates Rapzilla.com. Originally from Northern California, Chad became a San Diego resident in 2004 where he currently resides with his wife and children.
RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular