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May 1st will officially become a day of surrender once you are invited by Andale to begin to discover the meaning of “White Flag”, a 12 track offering full of introspection of oneself, to proclamation of the gospel as well as hypocrisy seen by the entire world in Hip Hop music.
The album starts off with a pretty cool introduction, for it has a bit of a pop to the beat and the lyrics, with the chorus kind of mellowing out the track. It sets the tone of the album, which is all about surrendering, because of the power of Christ that has brought Andale through and he expresses the joy of surrendering to Him. On the second track, “Supa Strait” one part I liked was when Andale kind of shouted out Lecrae when he said that he is in his car listening to the track “Go Hard”. I’ve always loved when artists in Christian Hip Hop are mindful of other co-laborers with them. One line I thought was ingenious is the part where he said:
“I’m supa strait, supa strait/ dyslexics I’m straight super”
I don’t know about you, but that part caught me when I first heard it. What’s great about the songs on his albums is that they aren’t just filled with witty punch lines like above, but there is content in his lyrics as well and great introspection. For instance on the song “Tearz of a Clown”, Andale really comes through with a song similar to Psalms of David in expressing his lack of reverence at times and how it makes him feel dirty before the Lord, and when others would say good job it wouldn’t look like it from his perspective because of his own double-standard of living, or even when people would look down on him for his shortcomings. Reminded me of Corey red’s line when he said you laugh but shed the tears of a clown. This song was very heartfelt and whenever I hear transparency on a record I always give respect to a person, whether or not the beat was worthy of it. Speaking of the beat, the beat for this song was very mellow with a dip of happiness sprinkled by the horns in the chorus which I can see as showing that side by side view of happiness given to the people but sadness sometimes received or lived in as well.
One of my favorite tracks on this album happens to be “Speakin’ Murder!” The theme of a white flag goes well with this as well, because CLE’s own Pro and Kingston come through with support on this track to pretty much rebuke the lies spoken constantly on the mic about rappers murdering people, as well as the people supporting this stuff, basically telling them to surrender that lifestyle of fakeness and be real with yourself. Check out Pro’s cut throat lines here:
“I don’t care, we don’t believe you/matter a fact your hardbody is see-through/ homie I done peeped you/ suburban guy, career is a lie/could never be God but still they try…listen “Thou shalt not kill or bear false witness”/I expose your lie, I guarantee we splittin’ it, murder!”
Listening to this track reminded me of what Lavoisier did with his video project concerning fake rappers, intentionally calling out T.I. and others, because of the fact that when people criticize them for their lyrics, all of a sudden its just entertainment.
Another track that deserves attention is the Let It Bang Remix with K-Drama featuring. I’ve always loved this track, and Andale took it to another level with his rapid fire flow, and it didn’t come off like he was stumbling by going to fast. K-Drama laid some fresh words of wisdom on the tracks as well. A very good remix indeed. Andale’s rapid flow was shown on his acapella as well, which was amazing.
The album was filled with great beats to spit over I must say, and filled with producers from Pro, T-Dogg, Doc Watson, Dirty Rice, K-Drama, and Kelvin Wooten. I must point out a surprising feature on the album as well from Verbs (formerly known as Knowdaverbs) on the track “Why I Call You Jesus”. Even though some people are tired of the T-Pain effect, I felt it came through pretty good. Other features on this album included Brothatone, and as previously noted K-Drama, Pro, and Kingston as well.
I honestly was expecting a lot more tracks than was given so admittedly 12 tracks may serve as a disappointment to many who have been waiting for an album from Andale, but this was a very solid release!
- DaSouth.com Stars
Discography
I'M Not Worthy
Trial By Fire
White Flag ( May 1, 2009)
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Bio
Andale’ (pronounced un-da-lay), a.k.a. Trey Williams, is a lyricist of real life experiences. He has mastered the art of introducing both the young and old to Jesus Christ using his powerful gift of music. It wasn’t always this way. Growing up in the inner city of north Nashville, Andale’ was heavily influenced by his negative environment. Run-ins with the law as well as expulsion from school was a common occurrence in his early days however, It was those experiences which helped Andale’ turn to writing music. Although secular at first, Andale was obviously gifted. He won many rap battles and talent contests using his talent for the enemy. One day while in a recording session he heard the voice of the Holy Spirit call him to do music for the Kingdom of God. Without hesitation he instantly said goodbye to the negativity of secular music. Since then God has opened door after door. He has had the privilege of recording with Grammy nominated producers Incorporated Elements (Grits and Talib Kweli, Nappy Roots) and Kelvin Wooten (Anthony Hamilton, Mary J. Blige, Outkast, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin); He’s also opened for gospel recording artists such Kirk Franklin, Virtue, J-Moss Lisa McClendon, Kurt Carr, Canton Jones. He has performed at such events as the WEUP June Black Arts Festival in Huntsville, AL, the Heritage Festival in Birmingham, AL and has appeared on the hit TV show Hype and Glory with world renowned gospel rapper T-Bone (“Fighting Temptations”). His live show is incredible and convicting. His energy bad sense of humor leaves the listener wanting more. Few have ever heard so much passion, anointing and versatility in one man's delivery. His gift is truly from God. Andale' has been influenced by an array of different artist and music styles.
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