The Sound Doctrine

Baliva’s realist album yet – Exclusive interview

Baliva, the London rapper with over a decade of making music under his belt, is releasing his latest project today called Imperfect. This album is a bit of a departure from his previous body of work, though. Or rather,a progression. Imperfect is the album where he can be more sincere, bold and honest. “The last album…

Has hip hop become the new shining light in Christian music?

Something historic happened in Christian music this past week. An artist from the ‘gospel’ scene became the first ever to reach the top of the US Billboard album chart. But the artist isn’t from one of the established gospel music families, or even the latest reality show winning singer or choir. It’s the rapper Lecrae….

Review: Treblez – #TheLiveTapes album recording

Who’d have thought? Hip hop works really well live. I’m not just talking about a live vocalist, I’m talking a rapper and full band. Dwayne Tryumf proved it could be done well when he recorded his album in 2011 and tonight Treblez did the same. Treblez, the GL Records artist appeared at El Shaddai church…

Review: Premier Gospel Week

It was the first of its kind, an entire week dedicated to all different types of gospel music across the London. Premier Gospel’s Gospel Week festival was 7 nights, 7 concerts and all in all a fantastic experience. The Gospel Finale took place tonight at the Rock Tower (a really noice church, by the way!)…

Biggest birthday party ever!

The event formerly known as Pentecost Festival has a new name and has gone nationwide. The Biggest Birthday Party Ever held its launch event in Sheffield, Birmingham, London and the Wirral. I headed down to the London launch event that took place at the Forum in Kentish Town. It was a great way to set off…

Review: S.O Live, The Garage

It was a long time in the making but after appearing as support for other artists, tonight was the first ever S.O headline gig. It exceeded expectations in every which way possible. After selling out the smaller room at the Garage in North London in under a week, the event was moved to the main…

Papa San releases Get Right video

It wouldn’t be wrong to call Papa San a legend but it sounds like making anthems is like riding a bike for the dancehall artist – he will never forget how to do it! His son Tyshane Thompson is on the buttons, fresh from producing for The Fever for Lecrae on his mixtape Church Clothes…

Review: Jahaziel album listening party

Do we have a very late candidate for album of the year in Jahaziel’s new album Heads Up? It’s rare to even ask such a question before an album’s release but last night Jahaziel treated a packed out crowd in North London to an advance preview of his latest project. My early verdict? It has…

Why I’m looking forward to the new S.O. album

The new S.O. album drops on November 13 and I’m very exciting about getting my hands on a copy. Here’s why. His last album So it begins was off the chain and introduced a lot of people to a very talented artist. Singles such as Sure Thing and Love Is are particular faves of mine….

Review: Tru2DaName and E Tizz @ Sunday Night Live

It’s interesting that when you hear someone’s testimony, you gain a greater appreciation of their music because you get a better feel of their journey and how they found God. This was certainly true with both rappers that headlined tonight’s Sunday Night Live event. Both were truly open about their stories and their tracks, with…

Pentecost Festival is live!

Pentecost Festival is well and truly underway and already there have been some great events taking place across London. Everything from music, poetry, drama, film, comedy and debates are all represented with the ultimate aim of celebrating the birth of the church. Tonight I was at my first event of the festival, which was Cafe…

Mary Mary – Go Get It

If you’ve watched the Mary Mary reality show online you might have heard the new single already. Go Get It is out now for download and is released ahead of the new album of the same name. The album is available for preorder now and you’ll be able to get your hands on it on…