Tha GIM “Eternal Sonshine EP”
Tha GIM “Eternal Sonshine”
Released: 2009
Reviewed By: APX
Committee Rating: 3.84 (of 5)
[xrr rating=3.84/5]
Tha Gim is one of the few consistent emcees out on the west coast to hold it down on both the musical aspect as well as the personal integrity aspect of music ministry. He has several albums out, along with his most recent effort, “This iz my Life,” under distribution with Infinity Music Distribution. Tha Gim has also been featured on the “Holy Hip Hop 4” compilation as well as Kurtis Blow’s “Tha block iz Hot,” both of which were physically distributed nationally. This particular project is entitled “Eternal Sonshine” which is not only a hip hop type of misspelling but is actually a play on words…his FREE EP often speaks of himself as the son of a strong woman who raised him through various obstacles. The other part of the meaning of the title includes him being a son of God. This EP is apparently a prequel to a forthcoming record, and as it stands, if this prequel is any indication of what should be coming, definitely be on the lookout.
Tha Gim leads off with a track fittingly titled “Tha God in Me” that basically describes his name and how it’s “more than a name.” The track is catchy yet hard and edgy, produced to a sound that fits Tha Gim’s voice and delivery. It’s evident that this track was chosen to be the leadoff record for a reason. You can hear Tha Gim’s hunger and zeal to clear any confusion about his approach to this music ministry. “Game Over,” the second track, also showcases Tha Gim’s witty rhyme metaphors, but falls short on the spacey, futuristic, Jetson-like voice effect. The beat is decent and offers a different sound but with Tha Gim’s rough and rugged style, the stellar lyrics get lost in the music simulation. On the other hand, “All that I Am” is probably one of the better songs on this EP, and quite frankly, its one of the more solid songs I’ve heard Tha Gim put together in terms of pure heart, emotion, theological infusion, and honesty. Tha Gim cries out “Dear Lord, you are all that I am…” and you can tell that he’s not just saying it. The marriage of this particular beat and his voice inflections, paint a clear and honest portrait of where he is in his relationship with the Lord; totally given over to God. “Get Rich” is a decent track and plays on the word and concept “rich,” something we’ve heard often in holy hip hop. “Higher” is another decent track that’s vintage Tha Gim, with standout metaphors like “Lauren told you though, it all falls down.” It’s a FREE EP so he cuts it short at the 6th track with “Home Coming” which actually serves as a perfect song to end off at. The way the record is produced, at mid-tempo, with samples, high violins and an east coast feel, it wraps up this particular offering, yet leaves the listener wanting more. And that’s exactly where I’m at with Tha Gim…excited about what he’s got coming soon. Tha Gim tells his mom “I’ll see you when I get there” the message of Eternal Sonshine clearly ringing through his vocals and the violins.
Honoring the Lord, Tha Gim presents a solid EP, and does so with grace and skill worthy of an eternal sonshine on the countenance of God. If you’re a fan of Tha Gim, you’ll enjoy this record. If you’re looking for a groundbreaking, hip hop culture shaping record, it doesn’t quite reach that realm, nor do I think Tha Gim was approaching this album with that in mind. I applaud him for this honest rendition of what his life is like and what his mindset is. I’m certainly looking forward to hearing what Tha Gim has got cooked up for his next nationally released record.
Tha Gim is one of the few consistent emcees out on the west coast to hold it down on both the musical aspect as well as the personal integrity aspect of music ministry. He has several albums out, along with his most recent effort, “This iz my Life,” under distribution with Infinity Music Distribution. Tha Gim has also been featured on the “Holy Hip Hop 4” compilation as well as Kurtis Blow’s “Tha block iz Hot,” both of which were physically distributed nationally. This particular project is entitled “Eternal Sonshine” which is not only a hip hop type of misspelling but is actually a play on words…his FREE EP often speaks of himself as the son of a strong woman who raised him through various obstacles. Ther other part of the meaning of the title includes him being a son of God. This EP is apparently a prequel to a forthcoming record, and as it stands, if this prequel is any indication of what should be coming, definitely be on the lookout.
Tha Gim leads off with a track fittingly titled “Tha God in Me” that basically describes his name and how it’s “more than a name.” The track is catchy yet hard and edgy, produced to a sound that fits Tha Gim’s voice and delivery. It’s evident that this track was chosen to be the leadoff record for a reason. You can hear Tha Gim’s hunger and zeal to clear any confusion about his approach to this music ministry. “Game Over,” the second track, also showcases Tha Gim’s witty rhyme metaphors, but falls short on the spacey, futuristic, Jetson-like voice effect. The beat is decent and offers a different sound but with Tha Gim’s rough and rugged style, the stellar lyrics get lost in the music simulation. On the other hand, “All that I Am” is probably one of the better songs on this EP, and quite frankly, its one of the more solid songs I’ve heard Tha Gim put together in terms of pure heart, emotion, theological infusion, and honesty. Tha Gim cries out “Dear Lord, you are all that I am…” and you can tell that he’s not just saying it. The marriage of this particular beat and his voice inflections, paint a clear and honest portrait of where he is in his relationship with the Lord; totally given over to God. “Get Rich” is a decent track and plays on the word and concept “rich,” something we’ve heard often in holy hip hop. “Higher” is another decent track that’s vintage Tha Gim, with standout metaphors like “Lauren told you though, it all falls down.” It’s a FREE EP so he cuts it short at the 6th track with “Home Coming” which actually serves as a perfect song to end off at. The way the record is produced, at mid-tempo, with samples, high violins and an east coast feel, it wraps up this particular offering, yet leaves the listener wanting more. And that’s exactly where I’m at with Tha Gim…excited about what he’s got coming soon. Tha Gim tells his mom “I’ll see you when I get there” the message of Eternal Sonshine clearly ringing through his vocals and the violins.
Honoring the Lord, Tha Gim presents a solid EP, and does so with grace and skill worthy of an eternal sonshine on the countenance of God. If you’re a fan of Tha Gim, you’ll enjoy this record. If you’re looking for a groundbreaking, hip hop culture shaping record, it doesn’t quite reach that realm, nor do I think Tha Gim was approaching this album with that in mind. I applaud him for this honest rendition of what his life is like and what his mindset is. I’m certainly looking forward to hearing what Tha Gim has got cooked up for his next nationally released record.
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Review Committee
Review by: APX
Rated by:
DJ Guardian – Avg Rating: 3.59
APX – Avg Rating: 4.13
E Pluribus Unum – Avg Rating: 3.8
