Shades of Grace

Shades of Grace recently received favorable reviews from Cross Rhythms. You may read an excerpt of the review below.

Standout song Have Plenty raises some hard-hitting questions for anyone who can relate to the lyrics “we have what we don’t want, we want what we don’t have”. It’s a song packed full of wisdom as the Philadelphia-based emcee raps, “If I have need of anything, I have need of the king.with him I have all that I need. I have plenty”. Red Baron showcases his talent for writing both serious and light hearted lyrics throughout the album. “I was getting more ‘A’s than a pack of Duracells,” he says recounting his school days on A Black And White Affair.  Southern Comfort contains more great lyrics mixed in with a brief rendition of classic hymn Blessed Assurance.

You may read more of the review by clicking here.

Red Baron was recently interviewed by ILiveHipHop.  You may read an except of the interview below.

And what are your views on how hip-hop is misunderstood by the media? How do you think hip-hop can rectify this problem to show it is a culture based on making a positive impact?

Hip-hop, when done right, is merely a microcosm of a larger cultural, economic, historical, political, spiritual struggle of African Americans in their quest for developing an identity in American society initially, and now other cultures across the world who have subsequently become impacted by that expression.  We have seen that recently with protests in the Middle East; some of its more prominent voices were hip-hop artists.  That is what hip-hop should be, an expression of the people.

The media has misconstrued some of this at times and cast it in an unfavorable light, but some of that falls on the artist and consumer.  We say this music speaks for us, then, “All we ever talk about is Ex and Coke/Sex and dope/Bling-bling and the gleam on the Lexxus spokes.”  The change has to “come from the lifeline, those who right rhymes.”  We as artists must be more responsible with our output.  If the artist will not be more accountable for their work, then the consumer must be more responsible by not purchasing music that promotes violence, denigrates women and endorses rampant drug use.  Hip-hop is more than that.

You may read more of the interview by clicking here.

Shades of Grace

I Live Hip-Hop recently reviewed Shades Of Grace.  You may read an excerpt of the review below.

Shades Of Grace is a great addition to hip hop and to my collection of music, I will for sure be keeping this album amongst the many great albums I have collected. Red Baron has done a great job in capturing his thoughts and emotions and presenting these two aspects of his personality to the world through music, Red Baron’s lyrical ability to construct a masterpiece is evident on every track of the album. Shades Of Grace tackles some real topics but has a very positive outlook, it will leave you feeling good and at the same time very open minded about the world and the life which we lead.

You can read more by clicking here.

Shades of Grace received favorable reviews from Chican’s Choice.  You may read an excerpt of the review below.

A BLACK AND WHITE AFFAIR-LYRICS-5 PRODUCTION-4 FAVORITE BAR(2 WAY TIE)-”YOUR NOT WHITE, WHY ARE YOU USING PIECES OF PEACH?” “I WAS GETTING MORE As THEN A PACK OF DURACELS” This also is one of my favorite Red Baron tracks. Once again, Red Baron gives you a jaw dropping piece of art on “a black and white affair”. He speaks on racism and streotypes on both sides of the specturm. I can personally relate to this song-so it speaks to my soul. This song would make a great video and is a universal song that people of all races would appericate. Powerful song.

IF HIP HOP IS DEAD-LYRICS-LYRICS-5 PRODUCTION-5 FAVORITE BAR-”IF HIP HOP IS DEAD, IT’S BECAUSE YOU KILLED IT” All I have to say is…WOW! I feel as though Red Baron is in his lane on this track and when the beat breaks down…classic sound and classic flow. He took it back to the essence and sounded like hip hop it’s prime.

You may read the entire review by clicking here.

“Pour les Amateurs de rap conscient et real hip hop a decouvrir Red Baron Premier opus bientot dans les bacs.”  Check out Red Baron’s latest feature on Rap-As Tv‘s Blog One.  Rap-As Tv’s Blog One is the official blog for Rap-As Tv, the largest urban music television broadcast in Europe.  The television program and its corresponding websites provide daily coverage of news in entertainment, along with exclusive interviews, music reviews.

Why or how did you choose your bandname?

In all honesty, I didn’t first choose my name considering all of the hidden metaphors and symbolic nature of such a title—I simply liked how it sounded. After the passing of my grandfather, whom I closely resemble, people began calling me “Red” to emphasize how closely my features mirrored his (he was called “Carpenter Red”). Shortly after I began rapping, I chose Red Baron because the moniker “Red” had already stuck, and I also thought “Red Baron” sounded cooler and more distinctive than “Red.” Once I shifted the focus of my music, I began calling myself the baron painted red with the blood of Christ. When I researched the title baron, I discovered as with so much of our destiny, God had predestined what I initially deemed a mere coincidence.

Essentially, during the time of British nobility, a baron’s job was to add to his king’s kingdom. Rather than extending the boundaries of a given territory as barons of old, I lifts up the name of Jesus, that He might draw all men unto Him (John 12:32). In so doing, I add to my King’s kingdom.

What inspired you to pursue a music career?

I never intended to pursue a music career initially. Moreover, as a young man, my parents pushed me to find a respectable profession rather than gallivanting around with these songs of mine (I guess that is part of the reason I am an attorney today). Even when I expressed my creative impulses early on, I originally envisioned myself pursuing a career as a visual artist because I have been drawing since before I could write. In terms of the music, I was not even listening to rap for more than a year and a half before I started rapping myself. Yet something happened when I started listening. It’s as I said in my song This Music, “This was music, like I had heard through the grapevine/Percussion, base lines, people used to create rhymes/It changed lives, from that day it changed mine/I was in love, fighting only would waste time.” When I stopped fighting the music’s hold on me, I began to see my purpose in it. Again, in This Music I say:

But I kept rhyming/I kept writing, I kept fighting/Looking for a purpose in this, praying that I’d find it/And that’s when I gave God glory in all that I did/Flowing in His name/Knowing it wasn’t my gift/So I obeyed saying that I would do it in faith/And at each place they would say, “What must I do to be saved?”/And that’s when I would say I knew that my influence was great/I would preach this Gospel, I would do what it takes/I couldn’t do this any more to rock an audience/I’m held accountable when all of the applauses end

Can you recall any particular moment or experience that may have moved you to pursue a music career? If so, please explain:

In the fall of 2002, Clark Atlanta University’s Homecoming Committee invited me to participate in the school’s Homecoming Gospel Concert, scheduled to take place in the James P. Brawley Student Center. The organizer placed me at the close of the concert, in part because her unfamiliarity with my brand of music left her few other options. On that afternoon I presented a song I had recently written called, As in the Days of Noe. The song is based on a scripture (Matthew 24:37) where Jesus compared His second coming to the days of Noe (Noah).

The concert took place on beautiful fall afternoon. When it started, there was not a cloud in the sky. Most of the attendants took note of the picturesque weather because the Student Center had large windows that provided a good view of the campus. As I proceeded through the song, I glanced out of the window on occasion, and began to see storm clouds forming outside. Shortly after I concluded the song with the final line, “Because looking in the sky, it looks like rain to me,” the clouds seemed to burst, and the area had begun to receive a torrential downpour. The rain fell with such force that it compelled all of the concert’s attendants to wait indoors for the rain to cease, and all who were outdoors to seek shelter from the unexpected deluge. From that day forward, I knew this is what I am supposed to do.

What or who are your biggest musical influences (past or present)?

Surprisingly enough I did not begin listening to rap until my early teenage years, primarily because my parents’ introduction to rap came from the musings of 2 Live Crew. Naturally they forbid rap in their house, so I drifted towards their collections of the classics: Marvin, Aretha, James, Bob, Stevie, Michael, you name them. They also ensured that I learned to play the violin and piano at a young age, so by the time I actually encountered rap, my musical stylings were more influenced by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Otis Redding, Booker T & the MGs, Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson than any particular rapper.

In regards to rappers, initially, I hung off every word of any emcee that said something of quality—someone that said things that really excited you about the craft. For example, Talib Kweli is one of those rare artists that never ceases to make me say, “Wow.” Eventually others would prove influential (e.g. ‘Pac’s versatility, Jay’s wit, Nas’ lyricism, Big’s delivery, The Roots’ chemistry, Common’s social commentary, Outkast’s dedication to artistry, Mos just being Mos, et cetera).

One of the more instrumental influences in shaping the music I make and helping me find my voice as an artist just so happens to be three great friends of mine that I went to college with—The Remnant. They taught me how to balance lyrical dexterity with relatability. In essence, they showed me how to be myself and not compromise my message. They helped me learn how not to lose sight of me when presenting the message. I learned how to turn my music into a ministry by watching how they reached people at shows. They also encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing and have fun in the process.

How do you describe your music to others?

The composer I work with said my music is what a beautiful painting sounds like. I believe that is an apt description. My work depicts the airbrushes of God’s handiwork in our lives, and hopefully offers the listener something beautiful to listen to as well.

Any memorable experiences while performing live or while touring “on the road”?

I don’t have many crazy stories about touring, but I have performed in some unconventional settings, the oddest being a grocery store. I got a phone call one Sunday morning from someone that had seen me at a previous concert, and he asked would I be willing to rap at the grand opening of the grocery store where he worked (The Whole Foods on Ponce de Leon for those familiar with Atlanta). I agreed, and within about an hour and a half, I was rapping in the foyer of the store. I got a great reception and a wholesome breakfast out of it all.

What kind of feedback have you received from your current release?

Like every musician, I just want to be heard. The greatest compliment any musician can receive is that a song the musician made resonated with people. That is what I aim for, to make music that reaches people and does not compromise the message. This project has been blessed to do that, and impact a wide range people in a multitude of ways, despite the fact I have not completed it yet.

For example, I was once told how a friend of a friend heard my song Ready to Live while in the hospital shortly after his doctors told him he had days to live. He told my friend hearing the song inspired him fight to live as long as he could and enjoy each of his last moments. The same song had the same friend’s young son running around their home singing it, and has had crowds in various other settings (e.g. churches, bars, clubs, etc.) on their feet rockin’ with me. My single Have Plenty has been generating a great response on various radio stations. Others have told me my song Live is Beautiful has brought tears to their eyes and that my song Good Faith has given them chills. Others have told me how other songs have made them rethink deep-seated notions, and the like. In all, it is humbling to hear and see such things, and I never take for granted the blessing that occurs when my music touches people.

What is the inspiration behind your current release?

The short answer is that this album is the continuation of the last. My first album sought to present the Gospel assuming you had not heard it before, and simultaneously give you good rap music. This album seeks to show what happens with that Gospel if you choose to take it home with you, while giving you good music in the process.

Conceptually this album grew out of a desire to navigate the intersection of faith and everyday living. How does my faith mollify our society’s urges to quench faith? How do I reconcile my faith with my racial identity? How does my faith drive my intellectual pursuits, or steer my quest to find a fulfilling vocation? How does it absolve the lingering doubts of my non-believing friends? How does it guide my search for companionship? These are the types of questions we all wrestle with once we leave our houses of worship. This project seeks to illustrate the subtleties of God’s grace working through our lives as we grapple with these issues.

Sonically, I wanted this album to embody a more holistic musical expression. Hip-hop as a genre has lost a sense of its compositional element, and too often rappers and their audiences have grown satisfied with monotonous melodies and looped drum patterns. That significantly diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the music, at least in my eyes. I envisioned this project showcasing the influences of genres that preceded hip-hop, in addition to other genres that grew along alongside hip-hop and those which contributed to its growth. I also, I wanted to display more of my own personal musical influences.

Why should potential fans be turned on to your music?

There’s a distinct difference between the music you hear and the music you to listen to. Music you hear is the organized noise that periodically clutters your ears, and is soon forgotten. Music that you listen to captures your attention, resonates within your spirit, touching your soul in ways that you often lack the ability to describe. In hearing my music, you are forced to listen, because it commands your attention; and if you’ll just listen, you’ll know all you need to…

What sites can fans find you at online?

Fans, supporters and those who are simply curious about this emcee called Red Baron can find more information on my music at my site: www.paintedred.net, can hear two of my new singles, Have Plenty feat. Tomeka Carroll and Invincible feat. Kurtis Parks, at: http://www.airplay.jango.com/red+baron, can buy my first album on iTunes, Cdbaby, Walmart Music Downloads, and Great Indie Music and can read some of my thoughts on my blog: www.thepaintedone.wordpress.com. I also may decide to stop being a dinosaur and join Twitter some time in the near future. Hopefully I’ll decide to do so before Twitter goes the way of the dinosaur.

What can fans expect from you in the near future?

I am presently nearing the completion of my second album, entitled, Shades of Grace. The album is the natural progression of my debut in terms of content and instrumentation. The music itself includes a deft fusion of jazz, blues, soul, rock and yet still ring true of hip-hop. The actual content will tackle some of the more compelling issues of our day—conversion, the intersection of race and faith, overzealous religious fervor, unity of mankind, the search for love, satisfaction and purpose–all neatly packaged into great music. It will be available on iTunes, Napster, Walmart Music Downloads, Great Indies Music and Cdbaby.

Anything else you may want to inform our readers?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this. Be on the lookout for Shades of Grace. If you’re in the Tri-State area, look me up, and drop by a show. Take care, and until next time, get painted red.
- NEXT MUSIC BLOG (MAY 3, 2010)

Categories:
Beats: 4
Rhymes: 4
Quality: 4
Content: 4
Consistency:4
Overall: 4

Open your text books turn to chapter seven and you will find a man invading the streets of Atlanta college campuses with a red paint brush. This man is Red Baron with his debut album, Paint The Town Red on Strange Fruit Productions. WARNING: This album contains 13 tracks chock full of God’s Word, dope lyrics, and cinematic production.

The album’s opening song is “One” in which he tells of how there is one God and we are one in Christ. “Beautiful” is a song describing and encouraging a women’s true beauty. “HipHopcrisy” talks about how Hip Hop has been perverted by money and self glorification. Red Baron spits, “Now our kids are starving cause we’ve been feeding ‘em garbage, we produced it we rapped it and then we bought it, we call these neo pimps and hustlers artists, gave them awards when their thoughts are Godless”.

Red Baron spits about how financial aid payments, no food, and parking tickets won’t take away his praise on “I Still Got This Praise”. He also gives you a descriptive tale of the day our savior was crucified on the album’s closing song, properly titled, “The Cross”.

This album’s standout tracks are “Long Kiss Goodbye” and “Eyes Wide Shut” (my favorite). “Long Kiss Goodbye” talks about the relationship between a man and the women we were once faithful to, the world. Red Baron spits about how he had to end this relationship due to the pull away from God that the world so strategically cast upon us. “Eyes Wide Shut” features The Remnant (shouts out to Fan Club). The production on this song will place you into a movie setting as these four mc’s talk about those walking and leading blindly. Lyrically and conceptually the best song on the album.

The only weak points of Paint The Town Red are the songs, “Red Baron” and “Paint The Town Red”, though good songs, they just don’t measure up to the rest of the album. Other than that this album is a straight banger. Please cop three and don’t front. Be sure and lookout for more Red Baron projects, this is only the beginning for this bright emcee.

For more info and to cop the album and see Red Baron log onto:
www.paintedred.net and www.sonicbids.com/redbaron.

Peace Until Next Time!

Double
DOUBLE – BYOBB (OCT 5, 2005)