... Takim Brown then chips in with a few comforting lines to further hammer in the loving lyrics Escort’s just expressed, “no matter what they may say, no matter what they may do, I trust in the God who reigns, I trust You. By your stripes I’m healed, this must be in your will, I run to you, to touch your Love Scars.”
From the outset of the record, it is clear that the quartet’s intentions are to get things live and keep the listeners out of their seats, an intention which is taken to the next level with the first single off the record, “We here.” The sound-scape, provided by Tyler, TX native Orlando Williams, features echoing claps, squeaky synths and undulating 808 drum-rolls which, when paired with Gabe’s chants of “We Here” on the chorus means this track is truly reminiscent of some of CHH veteran Flame’s best work. Tee sets it off on the first verse with punctuated lines like, “That’s how we do it, or else it’s fruitless, esteem each other as greater, cause Yahweh rules this.” All the while, the song gains steam, leading to LowSer’s second verse, on which he proclaims, “When it comes to God we don’t play games. Holy roll with real saints, at the altar there’s real change. Came one way but won’t leave the same.” Perhaps saving the best for last, Escort rips the third verse, channeling his inner Twista. In the process, he makes it clear that his mission is deeper than rap, spitting, “I really gotta stay focused, dopest emcee, man I’m really far from it. I’m too busy tryna live this life and compete with sin, man I really wanna conquer it.” He ends his verse with perhaps the slickest lines on the whole song, “I serve the Rock of Ages, not only to rock the stages, so awake I serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Repetitive chants of “We here” and “gotta let ‘em know” close the track out, and the album as well and, after enjoying the 12 stunning tracks on Riot, there’s certainly no arguing with them, Keno Camp are here, and they’re here to stay!
All in all, Riot is a quality, well produced album which keeps the listeners’ ears buzzing with 12 quality tracks heavily laced with the gospel and sound doctrine. Something that may go unnoticed about Riot and deserves to be praised, is the fact that Keno Camp keeps things fresh on every track by sharing the verses on every one of the songs, not one song on Riot features only one emcee! If I was to be hyper-critical of Riot though, I would say that, for the most part, it doesn’t possess the uber-lyricism some spoilt Hip-Hop fans have come to expect from artists, but that’s me desperately searching for something to criticize, as there’s always room for improvement, but, with Riot, Keno Camp have an album to be extremely proud of and it’s an album that will become many a Christian Hip Hop fan’s soundtrack for 2014. Not only that though, it will certainly join many people’s favorite CHH albums.
Do not hesitate to buy this album from the hottest new group to emerge from the Christian Hip Hop scene for many years as you will regret it if you don’t. Once purchased, turn that volume and bass up loud and enjoy, whether that be sitting back, chill-axing and taking it in or up on your feet throwing your best moves and getting crunk while praising God. To think that Riot is only the debut album from this group of talented emcees is a seriously scary thought and Riot will leave you craving more from Keno Camp. I can not wait to see what’s next from this group…See you, I’m off to turn it up loud, get crunk and throw my *cough* best moves!
PG 14