Album Review: Stone – “Reborn”

Stone – Reborn EP
Released: 2011
Reviewed By: Oz’el Varese
Rating:  7.1 (of 10)

A refreshing change of pace from the “skilled-challenged” albums coming out these days by anyone who has a computer, midi controller, and microphone, Stone’s Reborn EP displays the necessary aptitude required to deliver conceptually consistent vocabulary, with cadence – unfortunately a rare but appreciated trait in the majority of “holy hip-hop” that’s come across my desk lately.  In classic EP fashion, with just five records on the album Stone gives us a display of his styles.  Over the backdrop of West Coast, East Coast, and Southern beats, Stone articulates his rebirth in Christ to his rebuttals to naysayers of the gospel.  Don’t be confused though, Brownsville still shines through every verse.

His “Intro: Reborn” is laid over a G-funk style instrumental and introduces the listener to the emcee’s journey to Christ.  Bringing it back to the East, “Power in the Son” exhibits not only the saving power of Christ, but His “staying power” thanking Him for the strength to stand for Christ and resist these worldly trappings.  Calling all opposed to The Way of Christ, “Fall In” is an antagonizing battle cry, daring the ungodly to bring their arguments against the Word of God.

Stone states that this album’s purpose is to reveal the love and power of God to the poor and broken and to spur them on to salvation through His saving grace.  Putting his money where his mouth is, he also states that the profits from his EP will be invested into the Legacy Center, a not-for-profit organization committed to loving its neighbors and surrounding community by providing acts of compassion, justice, community service and intentional leadership development – expand the work of the Body of Christ outside of the church walls, into the streets.

Reborn is a solid EP and I look forward to the follow-up album from Stone.

Comprehensive Ratings:

• Music – 7 of 10
• Flow/Delivery – 7 of 10
• Lyricism – 7 or 10
• Content – 7 of 10
• Creativity/Originality/ Relevancy – 7 of 10
• Credibility/Confidence – 7 of 10
• Personality/Character – 7 of 10
• Presentation Quality – 7 of 10
• Overall Production Quality – 7 of 10
• Potential Impact – 8 of 10