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There are plenty of reviews of Redemption for the quality of music, of which the general consensus is that Redemption_ is prime southern fried Hip Hop, No doubt about it there. However, there is little sense in saying the same thing here. If you want to see a review of this effort from GRITS from a pure musical quality standpoint, there are several sources. Use Google and put in "GRITS Redemption Review" and you will have a flood of links to reviews about the music. 

The purpose of this review is to talk about the lyrics. Rumor has it that GRITS is an acronym for Grammatical Revolution In The Spirit. GRITS has been well known for positive, Christ influenced rap. A parent shopping for a 'safe' rap album for their kids might directed towards this offering from GRITS. 

If that parent is careful and takes a look at the lyrics of the CD and takes a look at the past record of guest artists that are on the CD, then they are going to be severely disappointed with this CD. 

Let's start with the most confusing element of this CD – the guest appearance of underground rapper Canibus. First of all, don't forget that Canibus is a phonetic spelling of Cannibis, or pot, mary jane, Columbian gold, etc. More disappointing is the foul-mouthed absolutely base lyrics of Canibus' 'musical' offerings. One would be hard-pressed to find a more disgusting objectification of women in 'song' than on Canibus' CDs. It really boggles the mind as to why GRITS says they were, 'Afforded the chance to get Canibus to lend a hand' in "Ambition".' It really just doesn't make sense. This guy is nothing but sickening. Sorry GRITS, you lost it. While you might not want to take on the mantle of being Gospel rappers, that's what the world expects of you. You might want to deny it, walk away from it, but you will have to take the responsibility of introducing thousands of Christian kids to this absolutely foul-mouthed example of the opposite of what you have stood for in the past. You seem to claim that you believe in the Bible and the scriptures in other lyrics in past CDs and even on this CD. 

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 8:8-10

Why GRITS chose to dirty their record with this guest appearance is a mystery. Shame on Gotee for releasing this CD with Canibus on it as well. 

The disappointments don't end there. In "You Said" Bonafide and Coffee and Pigeon John are all talking about past rejections by women, divorce and culminates with this lyric: "You just took me for granted to be honest I wouldn't change a thing but just think if I was a pimp you would've been swiftly back handed, baby." 

So now GRITS stands for physical abuse of women? What is this going to teach the kids?

There are positive lyrics on this CD, even a few references to Christ and God. But there are some serious mixed messages here. Parents, keep this one away from the kids if you don't want them confused. 

Scott Lake 3/28/07