What do others have to say about you?

In a time where being comfortable is preferred over honesty and truth suffers at the hands of convenience, Red Baron offers an album that looks to effect change in the hearts of men and women alike.  Transporting poignant observations on an eager lyrical soundscape, Red Baron will sure be to have the listening public in a frenzy.
-Adan Genesis of the Remnant-

The Red Baron has used his gift for holy hip-hop to tend the sheep of God, which so many have left behind.  My life has been blessed, my viewpoint has been changed, and my understanding of God's word has been transformed by the ministry of this 'mighty man of valor.
-Courtney Clayton (HIP4HOP Ministries, President/ Founder)-

[Red] is able to speak the words of life in a new era with a passion for the truth. This is what makes his talent and rap a bridge for a generation to cross over into a place where peace surpasses all understanding.
-Tony Rocker (Morehouse College Bonner Scholar Program, Assistant Program Director)-

What it means to be a Red Baron truly inspired me to do the best I can I adding to my Father’s kingdom.
-Jaketa Stoudemire (Spelman College ’06)-

[A] unique[ly] powerful experience with the Truth that is God’s Word and the reality that we as believers face in the world that we are in but not of
-Karla Gurley (Bayshore Christian Ministries, TeenWorks Assistant)-

Red Baron,
His passion ignites a flame in those when he delivers.  What we do remember the most about Red is his humbleness.  God’s word said that He would exalt those that are humble.  His spirit and readiness to serve has inspired us to continue to run this race with patience and boldness.  We need examples in our society, role models, and Red isn’t ashamed to put his name on the line for the one that died on the cross for our sins.
-Ricardo Flo of Platinum Souls-

His cool and unique style has soothed our souls throughout the years—exemplifying truth, honor, and pure hip-hop!  We appreciate knowing that he too represents winning 1 million souls and more!
-Ty Scott of Platinum Souls-

Red Baron’s stage presence is amazing, and the insight and message within his music is inspiration to people from all different types of faith… The first time I saw [Red] perform my mouth dropped.  This brother was spittin’ to Get By, and it was just raw… The line that got me was, “But it’s really hip, hip-hopcrisy, it’s gotta be more than [hot] beats and misogyny…” [Red] brings a very unique wisdom and energy to the art that shows wisdom beyond his years. 
-Smalleyez-

The first time I heard [Red] perform, I was reminded of the vital role of music in social change.  [Red’s] powerful lyrics and passionate performance carry the gospel vision of generations before him and will renew any listener’s belief in a better, more hopeful tomorrow.
-Christa Mazzone (Call to Renewal, Field Organizer)-

Red Baron’s rhyme scheme has the ability to reach you on both a spiritual and intellectual level.  While his style is still unique, his delivery attracts the average listener, and what’s more, it’s hot!
-Lyric-

The Red Baron brings the truth with tight beats and meaningful lyrics.  His message exposes the dangers of hip-hop, yet encourages young people to get excited about a relationship with God.
-Ericka Dorsey (Spelman College ’04)-

The Red Baron's poetic style and hip-hop gospel message are a true reflection of his character.  The words that are spoken from his lips are the words that resonate from his heart.  He is truly passionate about the message that he brings.
- Michelle Tyree(Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Georgia Tech, Program Assistant)-

[His] ministry is blessed, I truly know God uses [him] because [he] has spoken to my spirit and life's situations on several accounts. [Red] you are the best.  Thank you for being obedient :)
-Tara Taylor (Spelman College ’04)-

Besides the creativity that he labors after, the clever lyrics he waves, and the energetic show he offers, the Red Baron is above all transparent.  He is completely honest.  There is no pretense in him.  There is no fronting in him.  He is a person of impeccable character.  In a musical genre where protection of ego and pride are almost pre-requistes, Red is a blinding light of humility.  His relationship with God glows from him. STOP SLEEPING AND GO TO HIS SHOW NOW!!!
-Alex Trackstar-

Red Baron is an audacious musician whose vocal instrumentation and lyricism combined with his passion for Christ, captures the very essence of God’s heart.  A true minister of the Gospel…I’m honored to call him friend
-Tomeka "Epiphany" Carroll-

[Red] is a musical genius!  His ability to create music that speaks to today’s generation is incredible.  I have heard some of the tracks from his upcoming release and they are blazin’ hot.  Trust me when you buy this CD you will not be disappointed!
-Reverend Derrick Hill (Ray of Hope Christian Church, Youth Pastor)-

Whenever [he] minister[s] I can tell that it’s not coming from a place of pride or self-centeredness, but always from a place of knowing and loving God.  Seeing [him] minister is witnessing love expressed and fulfilled purpose in action
-Titilayo Tinubu (Georgia Family Council, Communications Manager)-

If a blessing is what happens when God moves from the eternal background to my momentary reality, I can definitely say that I’ve been blessed through the messages in this music.  They have comforted me, disturbed me from complacency, put words to vague conviction, and helped me to deal with some of the hardest times of my life.  I thank God for the gift that He’s placed in [Red], and I thank [Red] for being a humble and responsible steward over it.
-Kwasi Agbottah (Doctoral Candidate at the University of Delaware)-
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Red Baron: The Road Less Traveled: 
In the effort of full disclosure, I have to admit I am not a fan of Christian rap, or Holy hip hop (all apologies if that is considered a derogatory term).  My issues have nothing to do with the message.  It’s a matter of preference, likely from my realm of church socialization of music; I prefer to hear my spiritual songs in the ilk of John P. Kee and others.  Beyond that, my issue with spiritually based rap that I’ve heard on the radio is that the production quality is poor, the lyrics are not limber enough to stretch beyond the weight of the message, and the delivery typically sounds like someone is trying to preach, speak and rap all in the same breath.  My experiences have been so consistent, I was wary when I received a CD from Atlanta-based artist Red Baron.  I can say unequivocally, that Red Baron is a true hip hop artist, whose subject matter happens to be uplifting the Christ and that he shatters all of my preconceived notions about widespread viability of this segment of the art form. 

Blame me on not providing you a more well-rounded backgrounder for Red Baron.  My schedule during my review period didn’t provide time for an in-depth interview.  Had I had time to visit with him, I would have wanted to really politick with him about his track “Hip Hopcrisy”, featuring a beat that sounds like a Jay-Z layover about the music industry pushing a legacy of terrible music almost like an agenda.  I would have asked him more about the production of the track, “One” which felt like early Wu-Tang production, a la “36 Chambers”, with the haunting background strings.  I would have pressed him on the track “Red Baron” with the resident artist going on an ego trip, powered by the Spirit, saying, “Can we change our ways/in these last and urgent days?”  I think we would have had some interesting discussions about “Long Kiss Goodbye” a tale about being young and in love, including being (too) young in the spirit.  Two of my favorites would be “As In the Days of Noe”, with xylophones reminiscent of early ‘90’s Native Tongues production and “I Still Got this Praise.”

What separates Red Baron from others I’ve heard is not simply the subject matter, but the lyricism and the delivery.  The album is both hopeful and direct about redemption and all of the opportunities for redemption through the spirit.  It doesn’t profess an easy road to salvation, but a realistic look at the world and the behaviors the someone on the path exhibits.  Red Baron’s voice sounds like an American version of Kardinal Official.  The production here is strong.  There are strings, violins and guitars, reminiscent of Fishbone in their heyday.  There are a few missteps in my mind, including the mic levels which, at times frustrated me as much as Bahamadia’s.  Also, the vocal support from guest vocalist Epiphany is much stronger on “If this Sense were Common” than “”Long Kiss Goodbye.”  But, these are minor items on a solid outing.

Now LD Fam, this does not mean that you now need to flood the LowDown office mailbox with much more.  If I am provided bluegrass, heavy metal, whatever I likely will review it once and then move back to my wheelhouse, evidenced on other albums I’ve covered here.

As for Red Baron, the album is well worth the listen, the burn and all of that.  I enjoyed it thoroughly.  You can find Red’s album at most of the local record stores here, as well as on his site: http://www.paintedred.net .

My name is Kinetic and I approve this album.
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