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Review - Flame - Our World Fallen PDF Print E-mail
Written by Trailblaza   
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
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It seems that just about every new holy hip-hop emcee seems to be coming from the Midwest these days. Just a few years ago, it seemed like everyone was coming from Philadelphia, but now it looks like St. Louis is becoming a breeding ground for up and coming holy hip-hoppers. One of the most notable names to come the Gateway to the West is CMR’s very own Flame. He was a smashing success with his self-titled debut album. For me, personally, it took a good while for his sophomore project Rewind to grow on me. This time around, Flame is set to release his third and fourth albums as two halves of a set titled Our World. The first up is Our World Fallen, which focuses on the fallen state of the world and mankind (with the follow-up to be released later this year called Our World Redeemed).

Now, when I first got my hands on this album, I had very high expectations, but I wasn’t sure what to expect, considering it took some time for his previous work to grow on me. One thing I do know is that Marcus T.W. Gray has a considerable amount of talent and I was expecting for it to shine through with a much greater level of maturity and deep Christian content. In my look at this album, there are a few things that I want to focus on, and they are: 1) the delivery, 2) the content, and finally 3) the production.

First and foremost, Flame’s delivery on this project is stellar. He kicks off the album with the track “Our World (Fallen)” where he rips it with a flow that is very reminiscent to that Nuwine/Wine-O sound that I used to love back in the late 90’s, but with a much sharper edge and focus on meaty lyricism. Marcus then gets down & dirty with a bass laden hardcore hook and crisp in your face lyrics on the song“Where God Placed You” as he discusses the sovereignty of God in placing us right where He placed us at this place and time. Collaborations are in abundance with this album, and there are plenty of repeats from his first two albums, along with a new face or two. The first tag team that’s worth mentioning is the drumline & marching band inspired “When You Step” featuring labelmate Da’ T.R.U.T.H.; the two emcees compliment each other perfectly on this track and I still think they should release a project together. Other collaborating artists include Trubble from Cho’zyn, Diamone, Tedashii, and J.R. to name a few. The one consistent throughout this album is the progression of growth from track to track and the diversity of rhyme scheme that is exhibited from one song to the next; it really kept things fresh from start to finish.

Right up there with the extraordinary delivery is the content that backs it up. As stated earlier, the focus on the album is on the fallen state of world as a result of the disobedience of Adam; it is from this perspective that he takes a wide variety of topics to show the world’s depravity, while still giving a glimmer of hope through Christ Jesus. “MySpace” featuring Diamone is one of the most notable songs that really brings home the purpose of this project. Here, Flame tells the story of a fictitious teenager named Chante Andrea Jones who is only able to find “love” through her MySpace page because she is unable to get it from her parents; I won’t spoil the song, but the reality of it is gut wrenching and makes you realize our need for a Savior. “Goodness to Repentance” is another track that shows just how good God has been, even in the midst of this fallen world. Flame spends a few moments talking about all of the war stories of rappers and hip-hop moguls who have been shot and had their lives spared; he uses these stories as an example of how God’s goodness (in sparing their lives) should lead them to repentance and putting their faith in Him. Nevertheless, they would much rather have the benefits of being God’s seed without living godly. I really like the song “Bad Ain’t Good” featuring Trubble as it depicts how we love to keep sin close to us and have a propensity to do those things that we know we shouldn’t be doing (Romans 7 in full effect). The last track that I want to mention is a song that Flame uses to discuss the sin of homosexuality and how we should respond to it, as the Body of Christ; the name of the song is “Desires in Conflict” and it features Tony and UnderFive. With this song, Tony and UnderFive are people that use the first two verses to confide in Marcus to share their dark secret of homosexuality, to which Marcus then responds with a godly perspective on this sin and God’s original plan for marriage and sexual relations. All in all, the content is superb and hits home to the very nature of sin and the fall of mankind; it makes you perfectly aware of the problem and even gives you a glimpse at the solution (even without giving away the entire focus of the forthcoming project).

Not to be forgotten in all of this is the strength of the production. As usual, J.R. and Official handle the majority of the production duties, but Tony Stone and NAB are also called on to share their gift of beat making. With this project in particular, Flame did a great job in picking the perfect beat for each song, and also uses them to challenge himself to take his rhyming to another level. An example of this can be found in the track “Worldview” where the beat shifts numerous times to represent different indigenous areas around the world, as he speaks about the suffering that is being faced in different corners of the world. “MySpace” is another perfect track as the music compliments the storytelling flawlessly and even aids in telling the story, especially when it reaches its climatic point. Our World Fallen ends perfectly too with the song “Goodbye” featuring J.R. & Json as the racing beat helps to display the urgency that is being delivering in the songs lyricism and story.

I’m hard pressed to find anything negative to say about this project. I’ve listened to it from start to finish every time and I can’t think of a single song that is worth skipping over. Marcus T.W. Gray exemplifies what it means to be a holy hip-hopper on this project and proved that he has what it takes to be a great emcee. He delivered on every track and was able to switch up his delivery without any sort of struggle whatsoever. The beats were stellar and the content was jaw dropping. If you’re trying to find an album that talks about the fallen state of the world, then this project is it. It’s flawless in my opinion, and stands to be a top 3 CMR release (only falling behind House of Representatives & Christology). If this project is any indication, I’m looking forward to Our World Redeemed.

Production

8

Lyrics

9

Message

10

Overall Quality
9

Label: Cross Movement Records

Release Date: April 17th 2007

Tracklisting

1. Our World Fallen
2. Where God Placed You
3. Shinin' (Featuring Tedashii)
4. MySpace (Featuring Diamone)
5. Fallen World (Interlude 1)
6. Goodness To Repentance
7. Call Him
8. When You Step (Featuring Da' T.R.U.T.H.)
9. World View
10. Fallen World (Interlude 2)
11. Bad Ain't Good
12. We Apologize
13. Desires In Conflict
14. Heart Stops
15. Come To Christ (Interlude 3)
16. Goodbye (Featuring J.R.)

Comments (42)add comment

inspiring minister said:

No doubt! Our World Fallen is a clear "in yo face" view of the downfalls of man. Flame does a superb job in being led by the Holy Spirit to speak the truth with no holds barred. Only the words of Christ can give such conviction and still be filled with compassion! For those who have taken offense, go back to Matthew 13:18-21 and make sure your not in that category! Flame, God and God only is the One who justifies us! Keep up the good work and thanks for making a way for other real christian artist such as myself.
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November 27, 2007
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Big G said:

2008 im sorry lol
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November 14, 2007
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Big G said:

I love this album...classic to me...

His new album "Our World: Redeemed" looks like its coming out 1/08/1008...I looked on a couple sites and they have the same pre-order dates...no album cover yet though...

Don't remember him dissin pentecostal...maybe it was missunderstood...
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November 14, 2007
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Jeremiah Nichols said:

I'm pentecostal an I heard one of tha last tracks he dropped on his last album, Real One. He straight up disses pentecostals right in tha beginnin of tha track. Since then i wont even listen to anything he spits. If he was a christian rapper he'd do research an crap before he starts throwin anything outta his mouth. Probably dont even know much about pentecostals cuz no one does an people brand us as crazy an dont even bother really lookin at penetcostals.
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November 11, 2007
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fred said:

msuic video cool
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October 29, 2007
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dmt said:

any updates on Our World Redeemed? It was supposed to be released on Oct 2. Was it released?
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October 23, 2007
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juan bedoya said:

flame is the deal!!!!!!!! god is really using him and although his second album was great i think this 1 was up there. flame ur 1 of the few christian rappers dat i really believe who is doin this 4 the right reasons. stay encourage, cuz ur encouragin me
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October 18, 2007
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Jason1 said:

In my Opinion and as a fact, his first album is the BEST, and the best i've heard in HHH sooo far 9if i'm not missing people out my mind).

This album is alright, it's better than the second one and second top the first one. Although I learn't a lot from the second album.

I like the tracks and production growth, but tracks like "WAY OUT" from the first album, is awesome.
I think flame is versatile and i like that, but He should return a little back to the type of hard, in your face, beat banging tracks of "Way Out".

Peace.
Great Album
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October 12, 2007
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leslie said:

each track speaks to me. convicting us of how our world is fallen, man... this album speaks the truth!
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September 21, 2007
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Micah Temple said:

THIS ALBUM SUCKS!!! Flame is better known for his first two albums than for this one. in the song about goodness to repentance, he's just like everybody got shot in the club, etc.the rest were just songs with words put together. Even the song with da TRUTH (the best christian rapper ever)his lyrics were 6 types of suck. truth's part was better than his!!! he truly let me down. Flame's best song on this album Our world fallen is We Preach Christ off of Rewind.thats how much i dislike it.
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September 18, 2007
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King Josiah said:

Minister Flame is goin' after souls with this joint. I can feel that he was in prayer about this project.
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July 30, 2007
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Naomi Moka-Moliki said:

Flame has been one of the most spirit-led holy hip hop artists since the beginning of the movement. his purpose is clear in very track and anyone who takes the time to listen will be moved by the blatant, and in some cases, subtle messages shared through his God-given words. i wasn't surprised by this album...Flame is a great writer and more importantly, he not only believes in what he does, but he's made it a lifestyle, by the grace of God. what a privilege it is to bear fruit that impacts a fallen world. i thank the Lord for utilizing Flame in His effort to bring our Fallen world into right standing with Him.
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July 17, 2007
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Rita said:

Nice beats. Nice variety. The lyrics are the best.
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June 20, 2007
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Big O said:

dang this album was my favorite Flame album.. i love the song where he goes around the world and talks about the problems..and tha last song "goodbye" was deep man..i feel that..I like every single song on this album.. Flame got some hot beats on that album too..
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June 04, 2007
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Judeus said:

I just recently started getting into christian Hip-Hop, and 'Our World Fallen' is hands down the best HHH CD i've ever heard. There's not one song I don't like. I've been recomending this CD to everyone I know, saved and unsaved. And everyone I've talked to agrees that this is one of the best CDs out right now. I can't wait for the 2nd part of the series.
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June 01, 2007
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dilli said:

these cats ain't no joke. tha boy flame just continue to keep evolving on every go round, this is my personal opinion but flame always seems to be better when he does his own thing. but not to mention tha boy is dope when he guest appears.
much love goes to GOD, because He knew what it would take to reach us. it's been 10 years since I first heard any hhh and Cross movement was the trendsetters with Heaven's mentality.
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May 07, 2007
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luvin-flame said:

that line from goodness to repetance about 2pac was dope
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May 06, 2007
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Quiet Storm said:

Goodness to Repntence is Fire

5 shots couldnt drop me, I took em and smiled
thats a quote from Tupac, Wow look at him now

Hes dope...bottom line
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April 30, 2007
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Man Of God said:

totally peep Flames new album w/ some God given talent placed upon it God has blessed Holy Hip Hop beyond what I thought just seeing the few comments on here
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April 27, 2007
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Adrian said:

Just copped the album yesterday and I am already hooked. Flame is so creative in his wordplay and the themes for his albums. Love the title track and worldview is one of the most interesting songs I have ever heard in secular or christian hip hop. This album leaves me wishing the sequel came out next week.
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April 26, 2007
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Gideon said:

Man i;m waiting to get money to buy this album man. = THI'SL is bringing his new album out also -- Chronicle Of An X-Hustler, IT'S GOING TO BE SICK.
Peace ya'll
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April 26, 2007
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Mukinka said:

oh by the way , I saw a comment stating that you would like to add Trip Lee and Lecrae, i think the only reason they are not on this album is because they most definatly will be on the next!!!! it's a strategy to make those who know about trip and Crae wanna hear the second album even more!!!!!
BRAAAAAAPPPP, East Glasgow, Braaap braaap!!
Grace n Peace
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April 24, 2007
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Mukinka said:

Sorry fam, but i had to add another review to this one!!! this guy is totally fire, i just copped his song when you step from 3hmp3, i'm trying not to get it from there because i want the hardcopy version of it but when i heard the sample i just couldn't resist!!! and i don't blame myself, it's hot hot hot!!!!!
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April 24, 2007
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HolyHipHoppa said:

the only thing that i would change bout this album is add trip lee & lecrae...other than that it's perfect :) good job FLAME keep it up bro
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April 24, 2007
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itzdatholyghostfiremayn said:

This album is classic & should be apart of everybody's collection!!
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April 24, 2007
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Nick Schillerstrom said:

Most spirtual rapper out kills it every time love this guy, holy hip hop, nothin can touch it mayne
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April 23, 2007
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Phillip Holmes said:

Flame is hot..I can't wait for his next CD to come out.
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April 22, 2007
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Gabe-man of God said:

FLAME never dissapionts me mayne
ive only had this cd fo like one day and its all ready my favorite
FLAME all ways ministers to me through his songs
FlAME he keeps gettin better and better
the next album is goin to blow my mind bra.
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April 22, 2007
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Crossover said:

AWE YEA...He done got it goin on this one...Shinin is TO HARD...EVERYONE needs this album RIGHT NOW
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April 19, 2007
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hhh lova said:

from what i've heard this album is awesome, from the production to the lyrics to the delivery, and i know Flame never disappoints, so i'm gonna get this 1 in a few days :)
support HHH artists!
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April 19, 2007
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Nicole said:

I cannot wait to get this album.. He is a TIGHT artist and has had some TIGHT songs in the past.. lol.. He always has a GREAT message and is GREAT live.. He's a Great guy and when I get some cash this is going into my ipod.. lol..
:-) I'm sure its a 10/10!!!
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April 18, 2007
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RKOunlimited said:

This album is th biz....Flame combines raw talent with unrivaled beats to share the message of the fall of man.I give the album an A .
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April 18, 2007
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116 Reppa said:

i'm def coppin the album as soon as i can
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April 17, 2007
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Mukinka said:

finally he's back!!!!!! Yall know it's hot, it's droppin today
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April 17, 2007
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Dustin Dotson said:

I absolutely fell in love with is his first 2 albums i am stoked to hear this one.
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April 16, 2007
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isaac o said:

flame is goin to blow up wit this album
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April 16, 2007
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colemak said:

im about to order it now

wut up K1ng
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April 15, 2007
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flame fan said:

flame is one of the best holy hip hoppers around, he blows secular rappers out of the water with his delivery, insightful lyrics and his beats are just as good as theirs, if not better. i'm definetly going to continue to support these guys.
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April 15, 2007
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Matthew Kerr said:

Too bad it appears Lecrae won't be guest appearing (he was on Rewind - Flame's sophomore album - 2nd track). But Tedashii & Json are just as good (if not better) members of the 116 Clique. And Json was also on Rewind.
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April 13, 2007
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Dj K1NG said:

I cant wait for the album to drop! I'am getting it as soon as it comes out
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April 11, 2007
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anonymous said:

i love Flame and i know this album is gonna be fire!!! (no pun intented)
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April 10, 2007
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Trailblazin' Ministries said:

this album is the business! cop it when it drops!

lj.
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April 10, 2007
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