Customer Reviews

Big Picture

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We live in a world where the media floods us with wickedness and perversion.
I go out of my way looking for substitutes to what the World offers. Why?

If we are Believers in the Lord we have to be very careful about what we consume. Both literally and figuratively.

Growing up as a hip-hop head I admit it was very hard divorcing myself from the likes of Mobb Deep, Nas, Wu Tang, Boot Camp etc, but I also realized that I was warring inside.

I loved the beats and the flows of secular rap, but as another writer stated, I began to listen to what was being said. I mean really listen.

How could I condone the violence, the ignorance, the disrespect and other issues that offend my God? I couldn't.

I urge you, the reader, to support Christian music in all its forms. Rap, Rock, Alternative, Praise. Gospel you name it.

I dare you for one week, listen ONLY to Christian Radio and Music.

Then go back and "try" to listen to secular radio and music. Listen to the messages being offered and decide which is more "healthy" for consumption.

Like it's title suggests, the directive of this album is to immerse the listener in a collection of songs that paint a vast picture. As a matter of fact, this album aims to paint the grandest of pictures imaginable: The fall of man and God's redeeming love shown towards humanity.

Like a cosmic jig saw puzzle, this picture is carefully pieced together starting all the way from creation (Legend) to the fall in the garden ("Tree to Tree", "Lost") to the future glorious appearing of the King of all kings, Jesus Christ ("Trumpet Blow").

The album also includes encouraging and uplifting songs which exhort the listener to live as Christ would have us to live until his return. ("Great Wall", "Fantasy", and "Talk to You" to name a few.)

One of the qualities that I most appreciate about Da Truth as an artist is his tendency to push the envelope in his music, often embracing eclectic beats and unconventional chorus'. The song "Great Wall" is a good example of this reality, with it's boistourous and joyful chorus urging us all to break down the walls and differences that divide us. I can't help but want to crank up the volume and be moved with emotion.

Stand out songs include "Lost", "Trumpet Blow", "You Made", "Fantasy", and "Great Wall".

Overall the album does an impressive job of covering such a colossal range of subjects and is a very worthy addition to any hip hop fan's collection. It has earned a 9.0 out of 10 rating from [...] (Christian Hip Hop Review - a site where Christian Hip Hop albums are reviewed and recommended.) which also translates to the album being a Gold Medal Winner.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the album, where each individual song is rated:

1. U Ready? - 8.5/10
2. The Big Picture Interlude - no rating
3. Legend - 8.5/10
4. Tree to Tree - 8/10
5. Intermission - 8/10
6. Lost - 10/10
7. Trumpet Blow - 10/10
8. You Made - 10/10
9. Applying The Big Picture - no rating
10. My President - 8.5/10
11. Great Wall - 9.5/10
12. Fantasy - 10/10
13. Talk to You - 9/10
14. That Great Day (Remix) - 9/10
15. How Long - 8.5/10
16. Pain - 8/10
17. Suitcase - 8.5/10

I've been a fan of Da T.R.U.T.H. since his first album because he was affiliated with the world's best hip hop group The Cross Movement. Da T.R.U.T.H. has been evolving with each album, which is evident with the creation of "The Big Picture". Da T.R.U.T.H. must truly love the Lord because with his gift, lyrical skills and production quality he could easily rival Jay-Z if he chose to serve the world instead of serving God with his musical ministry. It is obvious he cares more about walking on the streets of gold in Heaven than earning gold albums in album sales. I listen to "The Big Picture" every day and it truly gets my mind, heart and soul along with my body moving.

The album has 15 excellent songs and two interludes by Kirk Franklin (giving Da T.R.U.T.H. reciprocal respect for what he did on "I Like Me", which was featured on 2007's best album "The Fight of My LIfe). I know there are a lot of young people in the church that want to be true Christians, but they're torn between the superficial attractions of the world, which includes secular hip hop by the likes of Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z, etc. but if they gave a listen to Da T.R.U.T.H. they'll realize what the world has to offer cannot compare to what the Lord gives. Don't be fool by the beats of secular music because if you take them away and truly examine the lyrics you'll realize the songs are empty and void without meaning, but if you take away Da T.R.U.T.H.'s musical tracks you'll be left with sermons and testimonies of faith! "The Big Picture" is a gift from God, because not only will it get your head nodding from the beats, but it'll get your mind thinking from the lyrics and get your heart/soul open for what the Lord has for you to do.

I love all the songs on the album, but the few that truly stand out to me are "U Ready" that instills in us that we're all soldiers for Christ, so get ready for the spiritual battlefield. "Legend" is a song of inspiration that details the Earth's creation and how awesome our God as the creator is. "Lost" expresses where we would be without the Lord's mercy, and that is lost! "Trumpet" is simply a holy hip hop classic with Trip Lee that extols what we can expect after the trouble of this world is over. "You Made" gives props to the Lord for everything He has made. "My President" shows that Da T.R.U.T.H. knows current events and speaks to the world we live in now. I highly recommend this album because it's simply awesome and anointed. The beats are amazing and you can bet I'm listening to this album when running/working out because it gives my mind, heart and soul a workout while I'm getting my physical workout on. God is Love!

I always see 4 and 5 star ratings for Christian music albums. I am not going to sugar coat this review. The three previous albums from Da' T.R.U.T.H. are much better than this one. I'm not saying that there were no good songs on this album at all, neither am I saying this album was pure garbage, but this album had songs that were mediocre, and others that were skip worthy. When I heard the song, "My President", which is reminiscent of the song by Young Jeezy featuring Nas, I felt that this song is not genius in its effort, but actually very corny. Lambert was going through a period of his life during the release of this album that I think took a toll on the full potential that GOD has put in him. I don't blame Da' T.R.U.T.H. as a fallible man for such a horrible album, because we war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities. I blame the enemy and the principalities of the situation that he was going through for hindering him. Da' T.R.U.T.H. can be used by GOD much greater than this. I pray that now that he has come to a point of restoration in his marriage and with GOD that his fifth release at least reaches if not raises the bar already set by Moment of T.R.U.T.H., The Faith and Open Book.

Well at first I was a scratching my head wondering where this album was going.....but the Lord revealed to me that the only will of His children should be to glorify HIM. In this album there is definitely a aura of constant praise and unlike most Gospel rap..... he is preaching the Gospel! It did take a few listens for me but I am a believer in the Da Truth. Go get it an expect to be blessed and not entertained and you will come away refreshed spiritually.

For the comment from another reviewer that he uses secular rap catches well that's what most of our youth are engaged in. I believe he is meeting most of them where they are at. I am not a listener of the secular rap poison that is out there but I don't see a conflict no more than us mentioning a popular secular movie catch.

Give it a listen and see the BIG picture........

Da Truth was the first Christian Rap Artist I listened to, and he never disappoints! This album does a great job of showing us the big picture and putting life in perspective. Not only are the beats banging, but the lyrics are even more outstanding!
From creation, to the fall, to redemption on the cross, and finally to applying the Gospel in our lives, this album covers it all..Listening to it, I could feel myself walking through God's plan for the world, and I am better able to appreciate "the big picture."
The album will arouse many different feelings: encouragement, challenge, conviction, inspiration, but most of all, perspective. I truly love EVERY song on this album, but some standouts are "Lost", "You Made" , "Great Wall", and "Pain."
Everybody should get this album!!

I am a believer in spreading the word and Truth actually was the first christian rap artist that I listened to, due to the fact that I was trapped in traditionalism. Now I have a vast collection that I use as tools when ministering to a younger crowd. This album falls right in line with all the others that this brother has produced. From beginning to end it's packed with the Word. Listen before you judge and let the words touch your heart. God Bless!

For those who are unfamiliar with this artist,I would say that he is the Jay Z of Christian Hip Hop. The Big Picture is lyrically accurate and has all the ingredients of a classic hip hop great album. I was so impresssed with this album that I PURCHASED copies for all of the men in my family for Christmas. My inital purchase had stemmed from the comment that there were no real great gospel rap artists out there. In response to that, I went to the Christian bookstore and started searching. I had to have someone that had that hardness, beats, delivery, biblical relevance and accuracy and everything else to compete with the Little Wayne's Jay Z's, and Jeezy's, but was doing it for Jesus!

Our children live and hear things in the world, but if we tell everyone about Da T.R.U.T.H. and have his lyrics fly out of the mouth of our boys and men, we bless, encourage and spread the gospel in such an effective way. Music is a powerful tool and Da T.R.U.T.H. utilizes his gift in such a strong, compelling, storytelling, intimate way. I love to hear my child say "You gotta be still and know that he's GOD." and "Where would I be if there was no remission of sin?" It's such a great feeling. This is also the only CD that my son wants to listen to in the shower as well as the car. Lastly, you do not have to skip a song on this CD as they are ALL good, Every day I have a new favorite AND If you purchase the gifts from Amazon you can have them shipped directly to each recipient. :)

The Big Picture is a wonderful collaboration of some of the most important biblical and spiritual truths presented in an array of musical stlyes I think the listener will very much enjoy. I especially enjoy " Great Wall " And " Suitcase " must hears, all in all a very good gospel rap album to add to the repertoire!

I absolutely loved this c.d. Its good when you can play a c.d. from beginning to the end and not have to skip to get to the good ones. I love when artist show variety and he gives it too you.