Christian Review Magazine Issue 4 - April 2015 | Page 40

KB article - click here MUSIC REVIEW K B is a rap/hip-hop artist. Tomorrow We Live is KB’s sophomore album, his first being the 2012 release Weight & Glory (he also released an EP titled 100 in 2014). Artist: KB Album: TOMORROW WE LIVE Rating: Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap For Fans Of: Lecrae, KJ-52, Trip Lee Label: Reach Records Reviewed by: Leah St John Release Date: April 21, 2015 40 > CHRISTIAN REVIEW MAGAZINE Having never listened to KB before, I wasn’t sure what to expect from his sophomore release, Tomorrow We Live. Well, I was blown away buy just how amazing this album actually is! Song after song, not one track on Tomorrow We Live failed to impress me - it warrants more than one listen for sure. At it’s core it is a hip-hop release, but it also incorporates a variety of other genres and musical influences. And lyrically speaking, KB audibly shares his heart through the meaningful and inspirational lyrics contained within the songs on Tomorrow We Live, which ultimately offer a message of hope. From the first track, Tomorrow We Live draws you in and makes you long to hear what the next track has to offer, and the next, and so on. But because there are 14 tracks (which includes a bonus track and 2 interludes) on the album, I’m not going to break down the album song by song, but I will highlight a few (honestly, it was super hard to choose just a few). “Always & Forever” is a sweet love song, which features a bass heavy, funky R&B vibe mixed with 70’s era disco sensibilities. On the other hand, “Calling You” is one of the most intense songs I’ve ever heard backed by hip-hop music, KB tells the heartbreaking story of a man who lost everything after coming home from serving in Iraq, and wants to commit suicide. “Lights Go Out” is another fantastic track, which features solo artist Blanca’s powerhouse vocals as well as composer/producer Justin Ebach’s vocals. A combination of both pounding percussion and warm synth collide in this track - I wouldn’t be surprised if this track became a hit radio single. And last but certainly not least, “Crowns & Thorns (Oceans)” is a remix of the popular worship song “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED. Musically speaking, it mixes hip-hop beats with violins and keys, and alternates female vocals with KB’s rapping. Again, it was really hard to select just a few tracks to highlight, because the entire album is awesome! From beginning to end, Tomorrow We Live is an outstanding release! KB really hit the mark with this one, and I would encourage fans of the hip-hop/rap genre to seriously check this album out!