Mike “Sarge” Manning is a new rapper from Atlanta who, although born into a religious family, did not embrace Christianity until 2009. While in college, he survived a car accident with just a few scratches, and sometime afterwards, he committed his life to the Lord at an outreach event on campus. In 2013, Mike Sarge began rapping, and while also enlisted in the United States Air Force, Sarge wants to serve both God and his country. His new album, Broken Heartz Club, demonstrates the musical talent God has given him.
The intro, “Welcome,” gives listeners an idea of what the album is about, with Mike Sarge’s first words being, “Why is it that we worship things that are created but not the One who created man?” He ends the intro by saying we need God’s love to fill the void inside of us, instead of trying to fill it with idols. The acronym for the next track, “A.T.L.,” stands for “About That Life.” Sarge uses this to refer to fakers – people who claim to live a certain way, but their lifestyles do not back that up. Guest artist Mouthpi3ce warns them that while they are wearing a disguise, “The end is coming closer / That’s no act. Don’t be surprised.” In “Now or Never,” Sarge challenges the listener to make the decision now that will lead to eternal life.
Sarge acknowledges in “The Struggle” that the Christian life can be tough, but he reminds us that God told us “to be anxious for nada” and to go to Him with our problems. “Cold-Blooded” turns the focus onto the world itself and its current issues, such as violence, poverty, and drugs. Sarge uses this track to raise awareness to how sin is destroying the world. In “Broken Canvas,” Mike Sarge reminds listeners that everyone has worth, and no one has to try to act like someone else to look good in front of others.
“Smooth Criminal” is dedicated to the women who have played a large part in men’s lives. Mike Sarge tells men to “appreciate any lady that is in your life – wifey, girlfriend, sister, mama.” Sarge raps, in “Who Dat,” about having fun while praising God, using the phrase “turn up” as a reference to getting excited and have a “praise party.” In “Watch You Leave,” he addresses broken relationships, reminding us that while people on earth may treat us badly or leave us hurt, “the love that my Lord gives is flawless…never lies, never cheats…And when you fall He’ll never leave.”
One of the catchiest tracks on the album, “Monster,” is also a convicting track about the spiritual battle within us, with the “monster” referring to our fleshly desires. At the end of the track, a speaker reminds us to set our minds on the things of the Spirit and not the flesh, “for those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” “Broken Dreams” is about the belief that it is easy to reach our dreams, but in reality, life is tough. In the title track, “Broken Heartz” closes the album by discussing the many areas of our lives that cause us to be broken. Sarge closes by stating “we’re all jacked up / But that’s why Jesus came down in the first place / So that we can be healed.”
It is amazing to hear that Mike Sarge has only been rapping professionally for a year or so. I was impressed with Sarge’s smooth delivery that does not sound forced. While still a new rapper, Sarge does not shy away from giving listeners the wake-up call they may need. He addresses the areas in life that Christians and non-Christians need to change, and he reminds us of the void that can only be filled by Jesus Christ. The beats used are catchy, but not generic, giving Sarge his own sound rather than conforming to that of other artists. Hip Hop fans need to pick up a copy of Broken Heartz Club and experience solid beats with convicting and relatable rhymes.
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