Christon Gray
Columbus, Ohio, United States | SELF
Music
Press
This dynamic group, led by brothers Christon and Taelor Gray, has taken the firm grip on their calling as musicians. It's almost hard to define them as simply Hip Hop artists or rappers because the fruits they bear sound like poetic masterpieces. Their sound has even been compared to the likes of Common, Talib Kweli, Slum Village, Mos Def, and Jay-Z.
One listen to their debut album "Necessary", and you will quickly question "How could talent this good NOT be signed to a major label?". Their lyrical content is delivered with divine precision and their production is radio-ready. Most importantly, their tracks are laced with reference to a life of righteousness, intriguing the mind of sinners into a genuine belief that God is real. - vesselvibe.com
www.vesselvibe.com - Vesselvibe
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
CD Review: ‘Necessary’ by Elevationist
CD Review: 'Necessary'
Artist: Elevationist
Rating:*****
Reviewed By: Dj RP
Listening to this CD was like … waking up on Christmas Morning and opening that present you wanted since you can remember, but didn't think you were going to get. Ya it's like that. It is hard to be in a sea of MC's and not be the 'Norm' and still deliver Hot tracks & certified Godsta rhymes. I was introduce to the Elevationist at the 2008 Holy Hip-Hop Awards, where I was able to experience two of the three members live. They performed '1st Things 1st'. Did I say performed they ministered and went into worship. Their commanding stage presence is directly attributed to living out worship on the daily. Your attention is not drawn to performance, but to the presence of the Holy Spirit! This is the very essence of Holy Hip-Hop. Period!
The album 'Necessary' is so necessary (you'll get that more once you have Listened to the album)! The album has everything from old skool Beatboxing to phenomenal word play. A fresh style that reminds you of Digable Planets, De La Soul, and Arrested development. Covering basic Christian topics such as the importance of the believer's foundation in 'Back to the Basement', and Christian dating in 'One True Love' as well as personal life experience and observations in songs like 'Super Book' & 'SMAK'. I can't forget exposing the enemy in joints like 'Last Dance', 'Hide & Seek' & 'Triumph'.
The Elevationist are a mix of rugged beats topped with a smooth jazzy feel and confident yet not cocky flows flavored with harmonizing melodies. This is one of those joint best enjoyed with headphones to get full effect. It will be had to get your Mp3 player off repeat. This is a premier album.
It's an Instant Classic!
Dj RP
CD Ratings
***** Instant Classic or Classic
**** Banger
*** Solid
** Descent
* Wic-wic-Wack - DJ RP from Holy Underground
Discography
EP: Even With Evil With Me
Singles: Even With Evil With Me, Mender of Broken Hearts, Flamingo
Streaming and Internet Radio: Flamingo, Even With Evil With Me, Attributes
Photos
Bio
At age 25, Christon Gray is an artist truly ahead of his time. Musically gifted to write, sing, rap, produce and design, there are no limitations on his ability to reach every demographic. His sound is a premium blend of classical, jazz, gospel, soul, pop and even rap in a sophisticated manner. His inspirations range from Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Bill Withers, Earth Wind and Fire, to Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Winans, Lauryn Hill, The Roots and Alicia Keys.
In 2006, he entered the Christian Rap genre writing, rapping, singing and producing for with the Christian rap group, Elevationists. While working on their first album, a large demand for their music became very apparent in the midwest region. The “Necessary” LP was released in May 2007. Elevationists continue to minister the Word of God in churches, prisons and other public platforms.
Christon has opened up for national artists Committed, Tye Tribbett, KeKe Sheard, Lisa McClendon, Cross Movement and have shared the stage with Tenth Avenue North, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Dwayne Woods, J Moss and Jeff Majors. His debut solo album, entitled, “Even With Evil With Me”, is currently available on Itunes, Amazon.com and CD Baby. He is happily married to his lovely wife, Cristina and resides in Columbus, OH.
Band Members
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