Reviews and Recommendations: “Food for Thought” (The Menu)

i wrote this sometime ago, but forgot to post it on my blog..

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i don’t listen to alot of gospel.

since my earliest memory, i have spent my entire life in the church. born a PK (“preacher’s kid” for those unfamiliar with the term) i have been privy to the journey, trials, and pitfalls of those in the ministry from in front of and behind the pulpit. the reason why i am not a fan of modern gospel music is i’m usually met with the feeling that a disservice is being done. either the music comes across (to me, of course) as a faux attempt at grabbing youthful listeners via hip hop-ish drum patterns and production- or i feel that the message, while relying on concrete scriptural truth, does not offer any light for those who are NOT in he choir loft (“preaching to the choir” as the common saying goes). usually i am more moved by the gospel of past years, and more so by tradition hymns- written decades before i was born. still, timeless as the matter at hand may be, a fresh translation always has been, and always will be, needed.yet if said translation does not consider those outside of the church AS WELL AS those within- i personally feel much is lost, and the task at hand – by many gospel artists – is far from met.

SJP, tha menu, and generation genius (as a collective) are different..

*i hope lydia takes no offense to my concentration on her brother. knowing him personally, it is easier for me to write with a focus on him, though her contributions are far from unnoticed*….

the “PK Diaries” mixtape is not simply “a gospel record”. there are invitation to meets & know Christ explicitly throughout this record, but there is also a concentration on the ups and downs, hurdles and highpoints, of seeking and maintaining a closer walk with God through Jesus. whereas no TRULY saved artist can give you an EXACT account of the emotions and thoughts of the intentionally unrepentant sinner- the phifer siblings seem to place a great deal of effort in sharing the doubts, weaknesses, and even frustration of the sinner who continually strives for change. again, this is something i find to be rare in alot of christian based music, and something i admire gen genius for. if we all are sinners,  then none can claim “unshakable holiness” and unlike (unfortunately) many who seek to do God’s will- tha menu recognize this and remain humble to the fact. the effect, is a hospitable and inclusive christian message, arguably one closer to the intend message by Christ himself, before his teachings were taken up as “creed and code”.

far too often conviction gives way to an exclusive mentality- and many are pushed from the love of God by way of “those who elect to speak for Him”. SJP understands this, and seeks to doctor the wounds that are inflicted WAY too often: “…people tryna find God, we tryna help their search…” cries Stephen on “God Bless Ya”- a remarkable account of the steady mind needed for those with higher ideals who face back-biting humanity. over a 90’s era hip hop beat, SJP addresses the frustration that comes with fleshly judgment, and over-talkative tongues. whereas most would snap amongst this anger, S vents this slowly. his pain in this moment is eased by his knowledge and his response is to turn the other cheek and pray for those who persecute him. the response should not be unfamiliar to anyone who’s heard anything about Christ’s teachings, but the anger revealed in this song has a point. salvation is not with out its pain, but as the old saying goes “trouble dont last always”…or as SJP put it “it’s cloudy, but i know the sky’s bluffing”. let it not be said tha menu are unaware.

“Turn Off” (Remix) touches similar ground (over gen genius production by Luke “Lukiebabii” Witherspoon III) that lives up to both the name of the collective and the subject matter. the production utilizes the windows’ “shut down” sound bite, and effectively so. the on and off (or rather off, and off-reversed) must surely reflect the spirit of one filled by the spirit and drained by the flesh. SJP and Lydia sing of encounters with people who “push that button” and make them “shut down”. fortunately, this is the first song on the album, lest anyone think those who trespassed were victorious.

“I Know This” is an anthem chant if the menu ever had one…..another Lukiebabii production, where tha menu reps their city and their lifestyle with swag that serves as a greater sobriety campaign then D.A.R.E. and “above the influence” put together. “it’s all about the choice” claims S, and they announce their delight and knowledge with the mocking of a child “..I na-na-na-na-na-know this..”. if S and Lydia are no strangers to ridicule (as most positive thinkers are) they’ve learned by this point to “wear their weirdness” with pride, and even turn the tables on those who would tease.

“Conviction” serves a similar message, albeit directed towards bedroom matters- and while the message wouldnt be christian if you couldnt guess where tha menu stands, the production adequately serves and supports the sexual tension found in the lyrics. again the intention is clear- celibacy is not easy, and christains are not without desire but clear knowledge of what aids and obstructs peace can guide one through any temptation. with “Lukie” s production you can here the starry eyes that desire produces, and the lyrical contrast (or rather philosophical contrast) of a “clear mind” point once again to why tha menu proudly proclaims themselves as genius. rightly so.

“Laughin at You” serves as a bookend to this song, where Lydia address undoubtedly the same figure who she turned away in “Conviction”. he’s come back and the listener can imagine her standing behind a screen door arms crossed, or better yet dancing like “ha, aint you sorry”. the production, again Luke Witherspoon (i swear i’m not tryna focus on him, but he does his thing) has a west coast bounce to it, and a dizzy synth line that aids in the laughter suggested by the title. need i say it again? generation genius.

if “Laughin” was a bookend (and maybe i spoke to soon) “Wait for Me” is that songs alter-ego. SJP’s confusion over a former romantic interest, and whether she is indeed “the one” is sung masterfully over a beat-box hop that is far more than just a simple beat-box. if one needs to know the true vocal talent of SJP, they need look no further than this track right here. if i could explain to you the harmonies achieved in the 4+ minutes of audio here i would, but words cant do this justice. either you find it and listen to it or you’ll never know. if this is what the mind of stephen phifer sounds like (and i think it is) few ears are really ready for what he really has to share.

“Agape Love” is a letter to the future Mrs. Phifer and i would go into great detail if i wasnt familiar with this song from college. simply put, you wont dislike this song. and yes i mean you, i dont care who you are. church goer or not. the song is that perfect. evidence again, if any is needed, that SJP and his sister are no joke. they are the real thing.

“Lukiebabii” (the song, not the producer) is gen genius answer to any rapper or hip hop head that questions whether gen genius can hold their own on a strictly rap playground. it features 3 emcees, all of which are no joke, but SJP (not to be outdone on his own CD) shines the loudest:….

(yes, i’m about to type the verse)

“yo no sais
yo no sais
i’ma freestyle if thats okay
as the sample says sha-boing-boing-boing
a black face on coins in america
exists where my mind is going
the future’s ruler
is also my producer
do you hear the track?
its a roar of “the lukeness monster”
i’m shining
like my shadow eats lightbulbs
in churches and nightclubs
it even blinds mice
heat
i must eat water ice
this is not talent it’s a REFLEX
a product manufactured by God
who’s next?
past outer space
we dont need a space station
we live in God’s imagination
and Stephen Phiffer is my name and occupation
ya’ll need to sign me
like voter registration
somebody tell me where my mind is
i dont write,
i close my eyes and read what God wrote on my eyelids…”

…i’m stopping there…if you dont get it by that point you should prob take a break and come back. beyond Gospel, R&B, commercial, underground whatever. i’ve been writing long enough to know that even your favorite rapper couldnt write that. and this is not me speaking out of favor or desire for you to support this artist (even tho i do recommend you do). as one emcee speaking on another. SJP is that good, and it almost saddens me that 80% of listeners will not understand just how fast his mind moves, and the skill it takes to deliver a passage like this. let alone on the spot…..

“Sign Language” is an Xavier Tyler produced track that floats like the spiritual high gen genius is undoubtedly on, and both S and Lydia sing of their devotion to those they love with deep sincerity. the song is pure euphoria, and should not be missed. the only song that sonically and vocally rivals this is “I Wanna Know” where SJ and Lydia coo softly of their need and love for the peace that jesus provides them over a harp and string sample thanks to Cynergy Soundz. once again, the title of genius is done justice by what is delivered here. “if you told me sing, i’d sing forever…if you told me to walk i’d walk forever..” the complex harmonies created by the phiffer siblings are at a high point here, and if the saying about two people is true, jesus was among them in the studio and the listener can feel it.

tho i hate to end the review on a song about almost backsliding (lol)..i’d have to say my favorite song on the album is “Arriverderci” where S and Lydia let the listener hear them at there hardest moments, but still offer the truth that set them free. I suppose what wins me over more than anything with this track is the combination “Lukie” ’s production and the jazzy approach Lydia and S take to delivering the vocals. the whole thing is ridiculously “grimey” which fits the subject matter perfectly, and the result is an exhilarating experience, for all the afore mentioned reasons in this review…..

i’ve skipped many songs in this review, but it in no way means the songs weren’t applaud worthy. i choose to review the songs that stayed in my head well after i stopped listening to them. again, since i’ve known SJP for years, there are many other songs of his i’ve had the privilege of listening to that i hoped to find in this collection (one of which being “Irritable”) but i’m positive this isnt the last we’ve heard from gen genius, tha menu, or even tho sole figure of SJP.

dont get it twisted, i didnt “leave bad stuff out” to win favor or be nice or something. the CD is that skillfully put together and i think those who decline an opportunity to hear this CD in its entirety are doing their lives a disservice (heavy, i know, but im a music nerd- so music IS my life). within these 19 tracks is the truth for all those who seek it. i only pray that as gen genius progresses, they themselves never stop seeking the deeper, truer honest expression and enlightenment they so obviously seek here.

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you can  listen to and find info on how/where to purchase this mixtape here: http://www.myspace.com/thamenumusic