STYLE: Hip-Hop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 13713-5170 LABEL: Beatmart Records 881534400326 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2006-04-03 RRP: £4.99
Reviewed by T A Sutherland
Produced by Todd Collins of Beatmart fame, Bishop's debut obviously owes a lot to his mentor KJ as it reaches back a decade with a bass thumping club feel that Collins is also known for. The album is a colourful balance of fun stuff and songs with real serious issues that Bobby has to face as a youth pastor in inner city Boston. His empathy and insight of young victims is harrowingly displayed in "Amy's Song", a therapy group session of abused girls where he helps answer the eternal question , "Why do bad things have to happen to good people?". Some R&B singers vibe it up on "Pursuing Amy" and the classic "He Won't Leave You" (though sadly lacking some of the original bass) helps add some variety to the rugged street sound of this CD. An adequate debut, but displaying on too many rap cliches in its highly produced mix, eg, the inevitable party number "Get Down", the standard auto biog "Government Name" and the tired call and refrain of "Here We Go". Great production but a tad formulaic.
The opinions expressed in this article are
not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may
not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a
later date.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
Product Description
Bobby Bishop’s debut project, Government Name, has something for everyone, balancing fun songs with others based around the serious issues that Bobby faces on a daily basis. Bobby’s mission for Government Name is clear, 'I wanted to release a versatile record. One that any kid from my neighbourhood can connect with, but on the other hand, that a soccer mom can confidently play on the way back from practice… I want there to be pieces that any of the brethren on the HHH message boards will be yacking about, and I want those that haven’t even heard of Christian hip-hop to be introduced through this record.'
The sound of Government Name has the bass thumping club vibe that producer Todd Collins is known for. With Todd’s production work for KJ-52 in the minds and feet of many, Bobby musically sets a precedent, distancing itself from other TC productions. This is all Bobby, enhanced by Todd’s signature skills. The icing on the cake comes from fellow artist Pee Wee Callins. The R&B singer’s vibe on tracks Pursuing Amy and He Won’t Leave You add versatility to the more rugged, street vibe that appears on this album.