Snoop Dogg, one of rap’s OGs, has a gospel double album out. Yes, that’s right: The D-O-Double-G is doing G-O-D.
A humble, peace-loving, family-centered Snoop emerges on the 32-track double album “Bible of Love.” He quotes from the Book of Isaiah — “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” — and has nice things to say about his devout grandmother.
“I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody,” he raps in one song. On another: “The devil will show up/But we’re going to keep on doing God’s work/Yes, sir/Rebuke the devil.”
Snoop doesn’t perform on every track, preferring to showcase a variety of outstanding performers in the genre, such as The Clark Sisters, John P. Kee and Kim Burrell.
Thanks to Mr. Dogg, non-gospel folk will now be exposed to powerhouses like Tye Tribbett, whose infectious “You” makes hearts race, and K-Ci, whose voice flutters like a butterfly on “No One Else.”
When Snoop does drop in, his nasally, precise, laconic flow works in beautiful counterpoint to gospel stars such as Rance Allen (a terrifically funky “Blessing Me Again”), and B. Slade, who pops up all over the CDs and teams up with Snoop on the stunning, album ending “Words Are Few.”
Some big music names have joined rap’s doggfather on the project, including Faith Evans (on the show-stopping “Saved”), Charlie Wilson (the foot-stomping “One More Day”) and Patti LaBelle, with a spirited “When It’s All Over”).
Rising star October London, who sang the steamy “Kisses Down Below” and was last seen poolside with some bikini beauties knocking back expensive liquor on Snoop’s video for “Go On,” is a tad more conservative here with “In the Name of Jesus.” Soopafly offers a view of what a rap-dance-gospel song can sound like on “Praise Him.”
“Bible of Love” doesn’t just showcase talented gospel artists. It also shows off an elastic, big-tent version of the musical genre that can include flavors of soul, blues and R&B. Adding rap makes perfect sense.
Newark, NJ– The 24 Hours of Peace event, hosted by Mayor Ras J. Baraka was nothing short of electrifying. As the crowd funneled in, in droves, Newark’s own Zaraye took the stage and would deliver a performance that had the crowd and social media buzzing.
You felt the crowd’s palpable anticipation as some of us had first-row seats to watch her rehearse in the background before hitting the stage– and Zaraye more than lived up to the hype.
Making an immediate statement with her eccentric fashion choice– a sleek black leather jacket and top paired with a striking lime green plaid skirt. Zaraye’s edgy leather and vibrant plaid combo came together perfectly to showcase her unique style, fashion background and ensured to turn plenty of heads before she even dropped the beat to her first song.
Kicking off her set with her eagerly awaited single “23 Remix”, produced by Jersey’s own Kamillion, her vocals excited the crowd. As she and her background dancers, mirrored in her lime green and black color palate, delivered the high-energy, precise choreography crafted under the direction of her creative director, American rapper and choreographer, Sharaya J, phones shot into the air as fans were eager to capture every moment of the captivating routines.
The momentum continued to build as she transitioned into “Bougie”. Between Zaraye’s confident delivery and the dancers’ dynamic movements, the energy was on another level, showing an undeniable connection between Zaraye and her audience.
By the time her performance ended, social media was already buzzing and one thing was clear, she had made a positive impression on those attending the 24 Hours Of Peace event. The crowd raved about her standout moment with praises from her style to her stage presence and the electric atmosphere she created.
“I came out to the 24 Hours of Peace event to see one of my favorite artists, Honey Bxby. I was left excited to follow the journey of Zaraye. I think she will be a star soon too, Jersey stand up” said Jennifer Richardson– a 25 year old woman from Newark.
Zaraye performing Bougie at 24 Hours of Peace- Photo Courtesy of @nortographynyc
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Former NBA Player Lance Stephenson
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Courtesy of Newark Press Office
Lola Brooks performing at 24 Hours of Peace
Zaraye behind the scenes at 24 Hours of Peace- Photo Courtesy of @craigmartinpr
Zaraye’s performance was an amazing showcase of her amazing blend between music, fashion and choreography. She truly showcased herself as not only an upcoming talent but a formidable artist on the rise in the music industry. As videos of her performance continue to spread online, it will be pretty clear soon, her name will only get bigger from here.
The 24 Hrs of Peace event that took place on Friday and Saturday culminated a Peace Week in the city of Newark that started Friday, Aug. 17 and included an Artist Against Violence concert Wednesday, Aug. 21 at Newark Symphony Hall’s Terrace Ballroom on Broad Street.
“We fuse the power of hip-hop music and spoken word to lift, heal, and inspire peace in our city, empowering every resident in that process, and bringing healing, hope and happiness into everyday life,” Baraka of 24 Hrs of Peace said in a statement. “During this 24 Hrs of Peace, we celebrate the reality that women are at the center of our city’s evolution as a model of peace, progress and prosperity.”
