I've known about Second Wind for a minute, and when I heard it was coming I was nothing short of excited. Why? Well, one of my favorite Christian Rap albums in recent history is none other than 2Edge's While I'm Still Breathin' and I knew Second Wind would echo the sound of it's predecessor. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.



From the get go, the Midnight Run Intro bumrushes your eardrums with some Fred Junior production and in a short second, you are captured by Edge's flow. The electronical Florida sound shines right in your face and Edge lets us all know "why I do this music". Edge knows intros (Long Time Comin' off of While I'm Still Breathin') and this one definitely sets the mood for the whole album. 2Edge the MC flexes on this joint.



Remixes are abundant on Second Wind, but from an album like While I'm Still Breathin', it is truly a breath of fresh air. I will say my favorite remix track on the album is We Different (Hands Up) feat. Young Joshua, Butta P of Rhema Soul, DJ Morph & Fred Junior. If you are a Christian, you should be a new creation, you should be DIFFERENT, and the celebration of this fact comes through hardcore in this song. Edge and all the features pass the mic and deliver like the Postal Service on Christmas Eve. Notable remixes are Givin’ It Back To U feat. Juan Love of Rhema Soul & JusThoughtz, Why Lie (Today’s Scenario Remix) feat. Young Joshua & Eddie Nigma, and Why Lie (Stop Lyin’ Remix) feat. Urban D, Cheno Lyfe, Corey Hicks, Sonrize, G-Quinn & ILLumiNate. All the remixes are excellent, some with fresh lyrics, some with fresh beats, some with both, but all with head-bobbing heat. Guess Again is another hot one and features the producer, Tee-Wyla. Tee-Wyla is a newer producer and from what I can tell, you will hear more and more from him as time goes on.



Although there are many remixes on this album from the WISB (While I'm Still Breathin') album, Edge also includes new bangers and joints to let us all know he is still in creator mode like I’m All In (SRC Anthem), Alright, Independence Day, Forever Luv, and No Hook Needed. I'm Like Whoa... Yeah these are high caliber joints, and Fred Junior and Mpax make the beats rock nice.



Features, you ask? You see some of the line up in the tracks I have listed. Butta P and Juan Love of Rhema Soul, D-Maub, Young Joshua, DJ Morph, Eddie Nigma, and on and on... That is definitely a heavy hitter lineup on any HHH album. Edge always puts himself in good company and is a respected MC in the HHH Community with good reason. He's been putting it down for years. Excellence.



The message in Second Wind is typical of 2Edge. He lifts Christ high, giving God all the glory. Bouncing from topic to topic, he gives us fresh concepts to some of the key aspects to the Christian life. One thing I like about Edge's lyrical delivery is that he relates to all of us and connects dots that most Christian Rappers don't and won't. Each song is deeply thought through and crafted. Edge treats hip hop like a craft, and he the master craftsman, building the album one song at a time. I would recommend this album to any Christian Hip Hop head out there. Whether you are a 2Edge fan, a hip hop fan, or a holy hip hop fan, you will feel this album from start to finish.



Get it on iTunes now! Also check out 2Edge's website at 2edgemusic.com.



Author: Rodney Davis



Rodney Davis (RokDiesel) is a hip hop producer, owner of RokNice Records, and manager/executive producer for the group Rekonciled (rekonciled.com).

Let's put all the cards on the table. 2Edge has got a voice you want to hear from song to song. He doesn't attempt to do anything that he can't do - which is why his flow is effective. Clarity and well spoken dialog are the order of the day. Occasionally there are those bars that are crammed to capacity with cleverly twisted syllables - but not so much that it becomes tiresome. Apart from very slight in and out of pocket experiences, 2Edge's vocals compliment his tracks with styles that are admirably appealing. Production is top notch from the likes of DJ Morph, Teddy P, G Styles, and Tony Stone to 2Edge himself. Notable features include Young Joshua, Eddie Nigma, K-Drama, Mac the Doulos, and Mark J.

If there was one word to describe this project and it's sound - it would have to be "big." Is it going to satisfy the average consumer? If above average is the only way I can describe the overall experience, then a simple "yes" would be the response. Having said all of that, you have to know, lyrically - this is not a genre defining album, and that's OK. If you are already a fan or are familiar with 2Edge from his involvement with the group 1Way, you will want to cop the album asap. While this must be a defining moment for 2Edge personally, as this marks his first solo release, it will be more of the same for many.

While I'm Still Breathin' breaks out of the starting gate with a bang. It makes you want to review the video to make sure that it didn't jump before the whistle blew. From the opening act to the credits, While I'm Still Breathin' meets the beginning to end requirements. You will not skip a song when you are introduced to the album. Long Time Comin' sets the tone and gives you a reasonable expectation of what you are about to hear. The next three songs kick the doors open and fortify the albums position without apology. Heavy kicks, heavy synth, analog basslines, distorted guitar riffs, and some raw bottom end makes the sonic experience "big" and test the limits of your stereo.

I don't want to finger wag or accuse the album of sticking to an overall style though. Just when you get comfortable with the raw dirty tracks found within, you will be happy to meet it's textbook, heavy hitting hip hop neighbors. 'We Different' feat. K-Nuff & Proverb is a banger straight up. 'Why Lie' feat. Young Joshua, Eddie Nigma & G-Notes is what I refer to as Dirty Big Band - rugged and motivational by nature, while 'Grace & Mercy feat. Break Bread is it's Hip Hop Big Band counterpart. 'Back To You' feat. K-Drama & Aimee Fahnestock has the commercial appeal without selling out. 'Jericho' feat. Mac The Doulos & Mark J will make heads nod for years to come. 'Let It All Go' (Album Version) brings Tony Stone's signature melodic ear candy to a track laced with a chorus that will make you think you are dreaming. Keeping things contextual, you will not go far without being reminded that Jesus is the reason. 'Who Do You Say He Is?' and 'Hear My Prayer' both give the listener time to catch their breath, while 'Your #1 Fan' will have you fondly looking backward to all of the artists that have touched you throughout the years.

If there is any fault to be found with the album it is with the song ‘Have Your Way’. I completely identify with the lyrics - but in my estimation it didn’t work. It was like a break between breaks and brought the album to a complete standstill. Had the song been in a different place, it might have changed my perception of it - but this is a minor side note in an album with a lot of value. To quote my trusty iTunes rating system, 4 of the 19 tracks hit the 5 star mark - 11 of which hit 4 stars respectively. Long gone are the days of only squeezing out a hit or two from an album. 2Edge's offering attempts to continue that trend and succeeds on most levels. The presentation, production, mixing and mastering are all of the highest caliber.

While I'm Still Breathin' is not the everyday impulse item you will find near the cashier before checkout. It is by all means an entry into a growing genre with many talented contributors. Heavy with the sound, a fairly distinct measure of milk and meat, a moderate amount of word play, a little something for everyone. It is a combination of the fresh and familiar all in one. I am not in the habit of sparing a believers feelings in the name of the Lord. 2Edge is a brother that I would encourage to keep doing what he is doing. Enough said. If he is not already on your radar - check for the blip. If you are a fan of any of the names mentioned in the review, chances are that you will listen to this again and again - at least until he gives us the next chapter.

written by Blue

Artist: 2Edge
Album Name: While I’m Still Breathin’
Label: Stagestalker Entertainment
Release Date: 5-12-09
Genre: Holy Hip Hop
Tracks: 19
Links: 2Edge; Myspace; and Facebook
First Impression after hearing the CD: Scripture-Based Fire. I have heard the whole album 3 times over the weekend. From the get go, Edge let’s you know exactly what’s about to go down over the next 80mins - While he’s still breathing, this is for Christ.
Album Review: Let me start out by saying, Praise God for raising up Holy Hip Hop rappers like 2Edge. You can really tell that this was a labor of love for all involved in making this CD. I love hip hop music, and I appreciate every aspect of this album. The songs are deep, the beats are fire, the lyrics are scripture driven, the featured artists and producers are among the best in the genre, and God is glorified. You can’t really ask for much more in a foundation for a good Holy Hip Hop album.
2Edge takes us on a journey from start to finish that makes stops at many destinations covering the cross, holy hip hop, forgiveness, giving, the sovereignty of God, prayer, challenges to live the Word, and much more. All songs are effective and excellent; anointed and written to lift up Christ. I can’t stop listening to this album. It’s one of those that you can find something new every time you hear it. The Holy Spirit will use While I’m Still Breathin’ in ways I can’t even imagine. Again, Praise God.

Definitely buy this CD as fast as you can.
A FEW TRACK BREAKDOWNS:

Track 1: Long Time Comin’ feat. DJ Morph
Producer: G-Styles
The first thing you hear after the CD starts is a “Welcome” from Edge and a G-Styles Beat that will melt your face. I mean this beat and lyric combination will get you ready to listen to what’s about to go down. 2Edge successfully draws you in and gets your attention. Flow is tight. DJ Morph scratches sick and gives it that raw hip hop sound. I can feel it - definitely a long time comin’. I love this intro. Definitely makes me want to hear more.
Track 3: We Different feat. K-Nuff & Proverb
Produced by: Fred Aviles

Edge, K-Nuff, and Proverb ask the question “are we different?” and follow up with a strong “yes”; separating themselves from the run-of-the-mill rappers and letting us know what they are about and that is Christ and Kingdom Building. These cats work their flow. Fred Aviles delivers a track that sets a serious mood and gets that head nodding while K-Nuff starts off a well-rounded verse comparing the things of the flesh to the things of the Spirit. Proverb then brings that classic, tight, original verse claiming a lifted flow for the cause of Christ and the cross, then 2Edge finishes it off making sure that we know the difference between Secular Rap and Holy Hip Hop, which is Christ and scripture based themes ,while at the same time showing us his excellent skills on the flow. I dig this song because the Christian Hip Hop cats (rappers and fans) need to know the difference between a scripture based hip hop ministry and positive rap. Don’t hide the message, SHINE IT.

Track 5: Back to You feat. K-Drama & Aimee Fahnestock
Produced by: G-Styles
OK, Saturday morning, the weather is 72 degrees, sun shining, middle of summer, you are driving to any destination and the track that completes this perfect scenario is Back to You. This beat by G-Styles delivers the feel good mood of a classic hip hop song while 2Edge cuts against the grain by talking about giving all he has back to the One who gave it to him in the first place in thankfulness; not talking about a few things, but ALL HE OWNS. The twist on this is the gratitude Edge portrays to God in his 2 verses for loving, saving, changing, and blessing him and wanting God to have it all back for His use and His glory. K-Drama shows up with a verse about contentment with what he has and reminds us that yes we have things, but the most important, like family, is what matters most and Christians are to be opposite of the world and to not rob God of His glory. On the hook, we have Aimee Fahnestock singing “Giving it all back to you” so effectively that it just seems natural. She adds a good element and change up to the song with some vocal adlib and a breakdown to close out the song. This song really hit me hard. We, as Christians, all agree with this, but do we all believe it? I need this song to keep me in check and at the same time put a smile on my face.
Track 7: Jericho feat. Mark J and Mac the Doulos
Produced by: Teddy P
“Let the horns blow, let your faith show, that the walls of Jericho’s comin’ down”
I love this song. Everything about it. Teddy P brings a feel-good, fun track that flows perfect with the hook. 2Edge drops some fire and let’s everybody know that Christian Hip Hop is a legit genre and ministry. He also adds the story of Jericho and incorporates scripture to display how powerful music can be when we just rely on God and his promises and do it for His glory. Mark J and Mac the Doulos back up the theme of the song with aspects of the Sovereignty of God and being part of the remnant that loves God and believes in His laws and decrees. I smile every time I hear this song because it covers so much area and it is so well put together that you can’t help but say hey, check this song out. This is the first single off of the album and well chosen. You can hear this song at 2Edge’s Myspace Page.

Track 13: Your #1 Fan
Produced by: Proverb and 2Edge
This track left me speechless after hearing it. The beat (by Proverb and 2Edge) is smooth and mellowed out and gives the song a finished sound while Edge covers an original angle by rapping from the aspect of the Christian hip hop fan (most Christian Hip Hop rappers were fans first). The influence Christian Rappers have on their fans is something that is never really talked about. This captures it. I mean it really covers it. The old generation of Christian rappers influences the new. I cannot wait for you to hear this. I can’t really tell you much else about this. If you are a Christian rapper or a fan, you will really enjoy this.
I encourage all of you Holy Hip Hop Heads to pre-order this album here. Support the Christian Hip Hop artists that are pouring their hearts into making powerful music and lifting up Christ and the Word.

2EDGE is a monster and has made me a believer. His flow is the truth, his beat selection was on point, the mix was easy on the ears, everything but the length of the album was right down my alley for me.

I was really feeling the throw back feel of “Back to You” and the high energy on tracks like “Long Time Comin’” and “Lady’s and Gentlemen” makes for a very rounded album. Add in features by Rhema Soul (got 5/5 on their review), Proverb from 1Way, Kdrama, Dj Morph, and Mac the Dolous (to name a few) makes for an album that breaks up the monotony.

All together, the album is just a little long. If it were shorter, it would hold my interest more. It’s not even that there’s any filler tracks, its just a little longer than I like. Still an amazing drop for real. A necessity for any real HHH fan!

Stand Out Tracks

•Back to You
•Long Time Comin’
•Lady’s and Gentlemen
•Jericho

When a reviewer is asked to appraise an album in a sub-genre of hip hop that he doesn’t particular like, the charge is always a challenge but also a call to duty to be as neutral while keeping in mind the audience for whom it is intended.

The latest release from 2Edge carries with it a distinctive southern hip hop flavor, even when it suffers from the same old caricatured heavy synthesizers, whining loops, fast percussion taps, bass-modulated background vocals, rousing cheers, and screaming. But this of course is Southern hip hop, and rather than agonize as another gospel MC takes a crack at the genre only to fall two steps behind its secular cousin, it’s safe to say that 2Edge is successful in making us believe he’s at the forefront of the movement.

What’s good here is the production value. Rich, multi-layered beat instrumentals accompanied by inspired vocals flourishing over every track. Stand out tracks include “Lord Forgive ‘Em,” “Gracy & Mercy,” while “Jericho” (the single that’s received the most hype off the album and features Mark J and Mac the Doulos) truly is off the hook. I was also pleasantly surprised by “Feel Good Music” which boasts a Caribbean sound that shows it’s not all about dance-hall reggae south of Florida.

At times I had trouble with 2Edge’s delivery. Sometimes the verses were too static and wooden to match the faster paced instrumentals. Other times, he seemed laden by a sense of pleading in his voice, especially the way he vocalizes and stresses some of his words. “Hear My Prayer,” while heartfelt and deeply personal, was syrupy and the vocals seemed strained. 2Edge is definitely primed for the task when the tempo is quicker. The slower stuff was less structured rhythmically.

Other than a few tracks sounding similar, I did think there was enough variation here to keep the average listener occupied. My only concern is I just don’t know if you lined up 100 albums with notable Southern influence in front of me, if I would hear anything here that hasn’t been done before. Artists not only have an obligation to produce music that speaks to the people, but I also think that requirement extends to pushing the envelope towards both shaping and evolving their own genre. As I mentioned earlier, I think 2Edge is right there in the fray, rather than playing the back. And I’d like to see him move from creating a solid album to one that’s over the top. Nevertheless, I’d recommend While I’m Still Breathin’ as an album that can stand with much of what’s out there.

For fans of: Mark J, Pettidee, J Remy, Mac the Doulos


Reviewed by Trey Palmisano