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The best kept secret in music
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You may have heard him rock it with The Street Sweepers on their self-titled debut album. You may have heard him represent with The Cross Movement on the hot single "Eternal Cypha" from the Holy Culture album.
Now the time has come for R-Swift to exhaust his skills on his own project.
Native New Yorker, R-Swift (aka Rodnie Graham) energetically spews out 17 tracks that guarantee him a spot in the limelight as a promising new artist. He skillfully maneuvers the microphone to produce a refreshing East coast laden style that rides underground beats like a Brooklyn subway.
His solo debut Elevation 81.02 serves as a timeline that chronicles this young rapper's growth from his birth in 1981 to the conception of the current album in 2002. "R-Swift means to represent swiftly and without hesitation," he states, and even the connotation gives the listener a subtle hint of his "fast and furious" take on music.
R-Swift pours out fluidly to thirsty hip hoppers worldwide; his no-nonsense approach is heard in the heart-felt opener of the album, "1981", that silences skeletons of the past as he reminisces.
He blazes and shines with fellow Street Sweepers member, Ackdavis on "Face It- Pt. II." R-Swift no doubt delivers and drops a surprisingly explosive vibe on "Hosanna", "Elevation", and "Keep Your Eyes Peeled."
A definite "summer love" hit, "Dearly Beloved" explores the “romantic / wholesome” look at true love and hangs beautifully with harp chords, snares, and smooth R&P vocals. R-Swift then lets loose his unrestricted views on "Hypocrites on Wax" and "Lust".
Street Sweepers
Click on the album cover for the review of the Street Sweepers' CD.
One of the scorchers of the album "is Night Sweats", produced by The Cross Movement's, T.R.U.-L.I.F.E. It has all the components of a solid song: a piano/violin combination, catchy hook and lyrics blend together as R-Swift allows the music to flow through his blood stream like oxygen, and exhales a melodic creation.
Other noted tracks include party igniters such as "Chaos", "The Ultimate", and the obvious "Party Joint". The hidden groovy boom-bap track "Worship Joint" is an ingenious serenade to the Lord that leaves one awe-struck.
Elevation 81.02 boldly incorporates hip hop, hints of soul, jazz, rock, and R&P as R-Swift shows himself to be a rising rap star, offering a fresh new face and voice to the world of holy hip hop. Though the project is choc-full of brilliantly hype and relevant songs, this 20-something rapper relays a clear message about his premiere release:
"The only mission that I want this album to accomplish is to fully present the gospel of Christ Jesus to the lost and to encourage the believer to stand firm and to elevate by pursuing righteousness."
R-Swift
Producers: Various
album release date: April, 2003
review by Brenda M. Ingram II
- Gospel Flava
The track "1981" (The year R-Swift was born.) offers some flashbacks of R-Swift's life. Whether being called stupid or recalling his time when he consistently smoked weed, the track gives you a small glimpse into Swift’s life before he gave his life to Jesus. As you continued through the difference tracks, the first half of the album makes an attempt to give you a brief timelines of Swift’s life as the tracks speak of Swift's pains, struggles and victories.
Do you personally ever take time and think about where your life has been and where your life is going? Only a fool doesn’t mediate on his life. Even in this stage of your life, it is critical to spend time evaluating your time here on this earth. The reality is, life is like a vapor. It is here one day and gone the next. As I listened to “Evaluation”, this project often got me to reflect on my own personal pains, struggles, and victories. I believe that this project will do the same for you as you listen.
R-Swift’s solo project “Elevation” tells of his Christian journey over some hot head banging beats.
There are some pretty decent tracks through out this project. I think the best song on the album has to offer is the title track entitled “Ultimate”. The track speaks about God being the ultimate as Swift encourages his listeners to get to know God in a personal and real way. The beat will have your head moving up and down as Swift flows over this well produced track. If you ever get an opportunity to peep this CD, it is a nice one so check it.
- wtw magazine
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12,2003 11:00 A.M. TO 1:00 PM Atlanta. November 17, 2003 – Holy Hip Hop Music Alliance, via invitation of the Office of the Military Chaplain, is coming to the Pentagon Concourse (Washington, DC) on a mission to share the Good News -Friday, December 12, 2003. Holy Hip Hop Ambassadors to the Pentagon include: R.Swift; Los-1;Platinum Souls (Ricardo Flo & Ty Scott); SINCERE ISRAEL; Corey Red & Precise; Street Sweepers; Canton Jones; and Gospel Gangstaz, along with DJ Lace and the Flavor.Alliance Break-Dancers.“Several years ago, seeds were planted in an effort to determine how the Holy Hip Hop community could be a vessel in uplifting the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of those serving in the US Armed Forces, as well as family and friends who support them. This effort was accelerated in 2003, as R.Swift finished his song titled “I Pray”- A special prayer for the troops serving in Iraq and their loved ones.We are humbly appreciative of this special and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as the primary demographic of the US Armed Forces is the same generation that loves hip hop and who may be currently unaware of the new thing that is being done through the Holy Hip Hop community 24/7 world-wide. For certain, December 12th will prove to be an ear-opening experience, awakening and early present for the millions of families, military men and women sacrificing daily as a part of the US Armed Forces world-wide,” said Minister eDDie Velez.For more information on the Holy Hip Hop Music Alliance, log on to the Internet at: HolyHipHop.Com and DJLace2003.Com.For more information on the Holy Hip Hop Ambassadors to the Pentagon, click on the Sonicbids EPKs or weblinks.Street Sweepers & R. Swift: www.sonicbids.com/
- Dj Lace Newsletter
Discography
R-Swift has worked with several artists such as Prodigal Son, Rocksoul ent., Street Sweepers, Truth, Dj Essence, J-Silas just to name a few.
Recent Projects include:
Street Sweepers... M:22
Rocksoul ent's... Rock of Ages vol1/ Urban Compositions vol1.
R-Swift's solo debut.... Elevation 81.02
Crossmovement's... Holy Culture
J-Silas... Breaks the silence.
Flame... "Self-titled"
Holy Hiphop... "Taking the gospel to the streets"
Lacrae... "Real Talk"
Beatmart Recordings... "Best of submissions vol.2"
R-Swift... "Revolutionary Theme Muzik"
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
R-Swift, a native New Yorker, now resides in Philadelphia, is an avid poet and lyricist. Although he began rapping when he was 11 years old and wanted to do things his own way, God inspired him to start his ministry at the age of 17 in 1998. Initially, he only rapped around his friends and in church until the lord saw it fit to move R-Swift's ministry beyond the four walls of the church.
Living most of his life in Philly; surrounded by the influence of sex, money, drugs, popularity, and the constant rush for fame. He began to put his hope in the wrong thins such as selling drugs, sexual immorality, and living a violent lifestyle. While on the road to becoming a product of his environment, he still wanted to do good. Attempting to do so he became a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Men's Choral, was an award recipient of the Concerned Black Men Inc., and a featured performer at the William Ross Scholarship Banquet.
Currently, Swift is actively involved with the Youth Study Center in Philadelphia (a detention center for youth offenders) where he ministers the Gospel.
R-Swift now makes it his duty to show the love of Christ Jesus through his lifestyle, spreading the gospel of reconciliation to all who will hear. From nightclubs to corner cypha's to underground hip-hop spots. Wherever the Lord sends him, he goes with the same message: Christ and him crucified.
R-Swift gives all Glory to God, who is the Author and the Finisher of his faith. He is a faithful member of Antioch Christian Fellowship (of Calvary Chapel) where Aaron Campbell is pastor.
Through lyrical evangelism, teaching and preaching, he is fulfilling the vision that God has given him - to tell the untold and reach the un-reached. To rebuild ancient ruins, to raise up age old foundations, to be a repairer of broken walls, and restorer of the streets; in accordance to Isaiah 58:12.
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