Collision Records – WLAK

The Biblical truth of what kingship is has been lost on the majority of culture, including the urban/ hip hop demographic, as the farce of false thrones continues to flourish. Yet, in the spring of the year, when kings go to battle, there were four who prepared to collide with the counterfeit crownholders of culture head on. Christon Gray, Dre Murray, Alex Faith, and Swoope come together on WLAK (We Live As Kings) to present the true Biblical definition of what/ who a King is. Proving to be capable artists separately, the aforementioned quartet has set a new bar in music with their recent projects. We’ll find out if the WLAK matches the talk around this much anticipated piece of art.

Musicality is one of the first words that comes to my mind when thinking of Collision Records’ calling card. The “Intro”, sounds like a grand entrance fit for kings, a little crescendo to begin the cinematic mathematic method. I’d be surprised if I didn’t hear it from MMA fighters pre-fight or MLB players before an at-bat. “Imagine” was pretty much the first song with WLAK in full force, and it’s restrained zeal feel is a great musical and lyrical presentation of what they’re about. Alex and Christon stand out with their verses, though there are no weak links. Arguably the best song on the album, “Long Way Down” with Christon and Dre, was easily the most requested in my household (my 5 year old son intently listened no less than three times per car trip). The video just dropped and the portrayal of a Spirited (pun intentional) proclamation to the enemy (Satan, his agents, and self) was captured in top form. The prince of the air has absolutely nothing on King Jesus, so high imaginations get humbled. Next, “All In” meshes the southern sensibilities of Alex and Dre as they speak on the resolute stance of real men. The intricate subtleties of the track, along with the heavy bass line, make this the melodic business.

Another track that is up for most outstanding has to be “Coward” with Alex on the verses and Christon on the hook (as follows): “Somebody show me how to use this power, somebody tell me am I King or coward?”. There are too many piercing, captivating lines from Alex to give away by quoting, it’s just something you have to hear and truly appreciate. Swoope absolutely euthanized the beat and because of the Outkast-feel, I will forever call him “Organized Swoope” in reference to his production. Christ and His position as The Royal Standard is championed on “Reign Is Coming” and the reprise of the intro closes this song out with class. Dre and Swoope manipulate their cadence with ease on “YHWH” as they spend time extolling the Most High over an addictive bounce beat that utilizes an Eshon Burgundy vocal sample for the hook. Swoope and Alex round out this section of the project with “ABNY (Marty McFly)”, an energy-filled anthem with shades (there’s that pun thing again) of Philippians 3:13-14 intermingled; this also seems to serve as a lowkey nod to Sho Baraka (creator of ABNY), who was originally slated to appear on the project.

As the project winds down, “Broken Kings” is executed well as Alex, Christon, and Swoope combine to appeal to the sensibilities of those who toy with, or ignore, the purpose that’s in Christ. Dirty Rice layered this beat really well and programmed the drums in such a way as to punctuate every point made. Organized Swoope then proceeds to jazz piano it up on “Eyes For You” and “WLAQ”, with the latter being a more personal ballad from Christon to his wife and daughter. The former is a majorly encouraging song as well, with all Swoope merging into the tribute lane to speak highly of their Queens. From keys to guitar and crisp drummage, this song is multiple replay worthy. Considering all the insightful, introspective music Dre Murray makes, some may forget just how excellent he is at bringing worship to the Feet of the Father (“More Than Life”). If that be the case, the masses are reminded as he and Christon speak on the glorious King from which all true kings derive strength on “Arena”. It doesn’t really get more epic than an all out worship track and I would have been cool if the album ended on this note but there are 13 letters in ‘We Live As Kings’, so we have one more. “King In Me” is that track and though it doesn’t necessarily hit at the level as much of the rest of the project, it will be a really good live performance track.

If it wasn’t obvious from the start, the heart of this project is to make King synonymous with Christ (we live as Christ) in word and deed. The Lord tells us clearly in 1 Peter 1:16 that we should be holy as He is, and the only way that can be achieved is to be covered by The King’s blood. Thematically, the Collision crew did a very solid job taking this idea and cohesively presented it with good sequencing. From a lyrical standpoint, each of the four gentleman played their role as Dre/ Swoope were the slashers with the wordplay/ double entendre game, Alex Faith was straightforward, no frills with his no holds bars, and Christon provided the utility of passion-filled vocals along with his lyrical prowess. The growth of each artist from their soloes to this album is evident in different areas but what impressed me most was how compatible all of them prove to be in such a short timeframe. There is no doubt in my mind that the Holy Spirit knitted this together, speaking from a ministry standpoint, as the Truth of The Gospel shined through in correcting the idea of kingship.From a production standpoint, was there any question about what we would be treated to? The lineup of Wit, Organized Swoope, Dirty Rice, and Joseph Prielozny is like this year’s Lakers in an alternate reality where they actually lived up to the hype. In all seriousnesss though, these musicians created a tapestry with textures that go way beyond the expected or accepted formulas. Collision really put something together that raises the bar and is a project that should keep on giving as time tests it. I definitely can see this album making people reexamine their idea of leadership in whatever their context/ kingdom (church, household, etc.) and in doing so surrender their idea of kingship to Christ. Let’s go ahead and assume our position as servants, get those crowns, and lay them at His feet when He returns.