From the Turntable to the Limelight: DJ Official Releases Debut Album

Candi Marshall
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Courtesy of Amazon.com

   In previous years, the disc jockey's primary job involved combining multiple tracks, blending them skillfully. With the attention being on the Master of Ceremonies (MC), the DJ drifted into the background. DJ Official's debut album "Entermission" causes a change of focus by taking him from behind the turntables into the limelight.

    Official, a nationally known DJ and Reach Records member, proclaims the mindset of a Christian should be that of a missionary. With a  faux passport serving as the album's cover, listeners can automatically detect the tone and message Official intends to relay.

  Pastor Eric Mason of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pa. begins the first track with, “The Christian, by identity, is a missionary. We don’t just do missions. That’s the most important thing we have to understand. Mission is not a trip you go on. Mission is who you are. And that call of God for his people to go into the world, based on the ‘Great Commission,’ is his call and his command to mission.”

   Official, who produced each track, takes the previous job of the DJ and artfully twists it. He takes multiple artist from across the globe, over 20, blending them skillfully producing a 18-track CD. Each artist, different in technique and sound, help create a very diverse album. Although diversity is prevalent, the mission of making Christ known remains the same.

   “Use Me” with Tedashii stands out. Tedashii shows his willingness to be used by God with these lyrics,  “Use me however, man Lord I’ll give it whatever, my time my talent my treasure It’s all for you no exceptions." Although difficult for most, Tedashii expresses the need to give God our all because he made the ultimate sacrifice. And because of this sacrifice he said he will “enter  the mission.” A bold statement from the southern rapper.

   After saying God you can use me, the next step includes working. The track entitled “Get Busy” with Trip Lee encourages listeners to go to work for God. The chorus says, “Gotta work, gotta labor, gotta get out in the field for the Savior, so get busy, gotta grind, no slackin' we ain’t got no time.” Official combines bass drums with Trip Lee’s laid back style to create a dynamic track.

   “Love Fallen,” the most diverse track on the album features Gems, Jahaziel, Benjah and Dillavou. The track showcases reggae sounds with British rap. Official took a chance with this track but the message of grace takes center stage. The track talks about being segregated by sin in our lives.

   Sho Baraka, a Reach Records member, stands out the most. His debut album “Music of Life” did not showcase his lyrical talent. Official brought him on and brought him back. Featured on “Chaos,” Baraka gives listeners and fans a taste of what his new album “Lions and Liars” will bring. It drops March 30.

   Official also features R&B-style singers J.R. and Cam. They slow things down relaxing listeners with “Nothing Without You” and “Forward Me.”

   Although Official took a chance bringing on so many different artists with different styles, the album is worth listening to but what else can you expect from the Reach family?

   Official's album can be purchased at Reach Records and on iTunes.

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