Bass lines heard from afar, slowed tempo lyrical output, and an energetic delivery define many of the prominent Dirty South artists from Florida. Reconcile, although new to the game, is no different. Only two years have expired since his rookie effort entitled Abandoned Hope (Frontline Movement – 2012)debuted. His latest project, Sacrifice, promises a personal, theological outlook on inner city life spanning from Florida to Texas as the bloodlines of the streets are dissected.
Reconcile, born Ronnie Lillard, used the hardships of his teenage years to fuel his strong faith foundation ranging from being kicked out of his home by his father, legal mishaps, and a collection of low points. Perseverance led Reconcile to Rice University on a full football scholarship where he met P.T. Ngwolo, his personal mentor that inspired desires within to live out Reconcile’s second chance in life as a Christian. These experiences pumped life into the lyrics contained within the 16-track collection appropriately named Sacrifice. Music became a tool for Reconcile to express the Gospel’s and his own love story with Jesus Christ.
Reconcile’s lyrics are a blended concoction of the Gospel’s, street life, and his personal testimony. Teamed up with label mate Corey Paul, “Forty8” encompasses the passion and drive of this entire project. The track reveals the commonalities of the street (murder, drugs, poverty) and provides an answer of what plagues ghetto-ridden regions; Jesus.
The phrase of “I won’t let you go” echoes throughout “South Central” as Reconcile relates the infamous city in California to his hometown of Fort Myers. A promise of how Jesus, regardless of the situation you face, will never let go of you and steadily protect you. The track dives further into inner city life mentioning all that troubles youth in such an environment; gangs, addictions, lives cut short, and prison time.
Both tracks reflect the continuous production throughout this project as Dirty Southauthentic. The nearly screwed and chopped-type tempo, delivery of the lyrics, the insane bass levels, and the depicted vocal picture of street life magnified. The production fits seamlessly with whom Reconcile represents.
One look at the cover art will solidify the connections between the concept behind Sacrifice and the tracks, which construct the project. Hands down, the cover puts Jesus in the forefront and everything inner city dwellers face on the day-to-day grind. All 16 tracks are theologically sound, portray the typical day in the life within the streets, and showcase Reconcile’s lyrical genius.
One of the gems spotlighted on the album can be found with “Put Dat on My Life.” A break is taken from the hood tales and focused is directly shined upon faith. If that’s not enough, Bizzle’s contribution to this track is flawless. The two rappers encourage us to see Jesus as our everything. This track serves as sort of the cherry on top, completing such a masterpiece.
If the message behind Sacrifice didn’t already feel complete, the roster of features brought lyrical heat and value to Reconcile’s album. The likes of Bizzle, Dre Murray, J’son, Canon, Alex Faith, John Givez, and a few lesser-known names solidified the album as the complete project. Classic southern sounds with a powerful, encouraging message builds up Sacrifice as one of this summer’s finest. A rookie no more, Reconcile takes on veteran status with this solid offering.
