Music is meant to inspire, motivate, and innovate. With our Creator as the main theme contained within the CHH genre, a relentless approach fuels success; continuous influence without ceasing. The banner idea of standing relentless with personal faith became an anthem not only for Viktory’s last two “R4” projects but also throughout daily endeavors.
Vik, born Sherrod Shackelford, altered inner adversities forming such into feats of accomplishment. Ordained minister? Check. Business owner? Check. Family man? Check. Viktory broke every male stereotype for African-American men raised in an urban environment like the streets of south side Chi-town. Several mainstream producers revere Viktory as one of the industry’s best. After 11 years, Vik maintains excellence with the second volume of the R4 project noted as his sixth album of his musical career.
Personally, I was introduced to Viktory’s lyrical heat back in 2004 on the Beatmart Recordings “Best of Submissions” project with two of the hottest tracks to date – “It’s the Man” and “Extra Extra.” Vik returns to the same archived type of gritty street anthems on R4 Volume 2.
Two-thirds of the 15 tracks feature some lyrical feedback from some of the most prominent artists in the CHH community. From the likes of Canton Jones, Marty from Social Club, ZG, Derek Minor, Canon, V.Rose and others, the lyrical content of this project shines brighter than the North Star from Bethlehem. Still, Vik’s prominent attention to presenting the Gospels musically and sharing the love of Christ is nearly impossible to ignore.
A few standouts while we discuss lyrical output are the tracks “Preachers Cry,” “No Price Tag,” and “Keep It Ahunit.” Transparency flows throughout Vik’s vocal output. Fans, the R4 Army, catch a glimpse of Viktory’s intimate life experiences and faith expansion. Therefore, listeners will directly relate regardless which track is banging out of your tweeters and subwoofers this summer.
The relentless concept works brilliantly for Vik between both volumes of R4 from 2012 and the current project. A steadfast approach built momentum to help his R4 Army listener’s progress their own views of faith, life, adversity, and what defines Christ followers. This album challenges you to repeatedly listen to each track thoroughly, a concept unheard of in the mainstream version of the hip-hop community.
From a production standpoint, the adverse tempos exhibit Vik’s vast range of wordplay mastery. A unique energy is discovered as the featured guests and Victory exchange lyrical punches. Only a few instances appear where either the background sounds overpower the lyrics (“I Am R4”) or the beats act more as an interruption than an accompaniment to Viktory’s flow (“Game On”). Overall, production efforts and wordplay team up for a victorious ending.
The faithful R4 Army fan base as well as individuals hearing Vik for the first time are able to both walk away with a feeling of satisfaction after listening the this 15-track project. Viktory remains attuned to his faith and shares his love for God in a manner which will not only deeply encourage those firm in their current relationship but also sparks interest to learn more from a non-believer’s perspective. Be relentless in your faith relationship and allow a new journey to begin!
