Album Review: Braille “Weapon Aid”
Braille “Weapon Aid”
Released: 2010
Reviewed By: Brad Davis
Committee Rating: 9.5 (of 10)
[xrr rating=9.5/10]
If there was one word used to describe Braille’s music, it would likely be “transparent.” Over his lengthy career, Braille has always been one to bear his soul in rhyme. Weapon Aid is no different. Rather, it’s his most open and revealing work, revealing the human being that lies behind the microphone and booth. He leaves himself naked and exposed, displaying his insecurities and sins in a way I’ve rarely heard an artist in any genre go about it. All this, combined with fantastic production, and an inspiring message leaves us with a profoundly impactful album. Don’t miss out on Weapon Aid. Continue reading to find out why.
“Get Well Soon” is a solid introduction to the album, with a great drum line, and trademark Braille flow and personality. Following it is the lead single (and absolute masterpiece) “Give Myself”. It’s a moody, weighty, and eerily dark love song. Braille raps with progressively intense imagery and emotion driven by a passionate sample. As his delivery reveals a growing restlessness, one gets a hint that all is not right between him and his lover.
One of my personal favorites was “Thinking Shoes”. Though Braille has always been an open and transparent artist, much of his recent music has leaned towards the up-beat in feel. Songs like the classic “Blessed Man” exemplify this side of his music. If you ever felt that Braille was nothing more than a happy-go-lucky rapper, “Thinking Shoes” is the other side to the Braille Brizzy you thought you knew. It’s the most chilling song in a chilly, chilly album. Plus, there’s a great use of female vocals in the hook.
Rounding out the end of the album is “Revenge (The Right Way)”, the only track with featured artists. Of course, these aren’t any old guest emcees, Braille got the ultra-talented Ruslan and Beleaf of theBREAX to grace the song with their presence. “Revenge” expounds on the best way to handle the wrongs that people dish to us—namely, giving our hurt to God and overcoming the damage that’s been done.
The final track, “Surgical”, provides a perfect ending. It’s Braille at his most-vulnerable, revealing himself as a flawed, insecure man going through the roughest storm of his life. But he leaves us with the hope that his trials are being used for his benefit and God’s glory.
“Surgical” strikes at the heart of the Weapon Aid project. Nothing we go through in life is without purpose. For those that place their hope in the finished work of Jesus, there’s a confidence we can have that God is allowing our circumstances for a reason. And as Braille shows throughout the album, the greatest lesson to be learned through the circumstance is a greater dependence on God’s grace. When this poignant message is combined with phenomenal production and top notch lyricism, a legendary album is born. Weapon Aid is the best release Braille has given to date. If you like hip hop, or you’re in the deepest valley in your life (or both), this is one of the best investments you could make. Well done.
Music: 9 of 10
Flow / Delivery: 9 of 10
Lyricism: 9 of 10
Content: 10 of 10
Creativity / Originality / Relevancy: 10 of 10
Credibility / Confidence: 10 of 10
Personality / Character: 10 of 10
Presentation Quality: 9 of 10
Overall Production Quality: 9 of 10
Potential Impact: 10 of 10
