There was a time in hip hop when a great crew, record, cassette or classic album was defined by two things. One, was a great dj who knew how to produce and set it off on a set of turntables. And two, was a great emcee or two who could use his words to control the mic and move the crowd. For example: Eric B & Rakim, Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock and CL Smooth, MC Lyte and the Audio Two, House of Pain, 3rd Bass, Run DMC and the list goes on and on. So fast forward to 2008 where the art of the emcee and the dj seems to be lost in the hip hop world of ringtones, 808s and autotuning vocals, we found two brothers who are funky fresh to death (life). Theory Hazit and Vintage are a duo not to be messed with. My ears feel deceived because they think I've opened a time capsule of dopeness called Lord Fire.

Lord Fire is the new project from Theory Hazit and Vintage and is a hip hop showcase. On the first track "Yeah Ya'll" you instantly know that these brothers will give you a vintage sound (pun intended). A great blend of sampled vinyl and boom bap that will reach all across the globe. Theory proclaims that he and Vintage are the new Gangstarr and Reflection Eternal. Wow! Just what hip hop needs, a dose of freshness. Speaking of freshness the next song on this album "Deep Breaths" is just that fresh. This song will make the breakers and lockers break out the cardboard and pumas and get it started. Vintage shows in Deep Breaths his true dj-ing skills lacing the drums with a great sample of japanese flutes and other symphony instrumentals. Check out a couple of bars from this track:

With the superb word to reverse the curse of the nympho/ now what ya'll info/ I just wanna go home/

Out with a bang decisions. The same formula upgraded updated flipped and full circle/ Hazit and Vintage are the new ozone and turbo/ The Genesis of hip hop being brought to new demesions/ Competition is done there is no honorable mention.

If you're familiar with any of Theory's music (Extra Credit, Special Ed, Necrology 102) you know that he isn't afraid to battle. This infused the song "Soph Sissy" featuring Playdough. No he isn't dissing any rappers, he is spitting at the mindset of those nay sayers who doubt Hazit's walk in the faith of Christanity. Everything he said needed to be addressed and I applaud that. He states in the hook Jesus is the Way so let him lead the brother and back off SISSSSYYYY.

Let it be known now that Vintage should be named among the elite of producers that can make a pure hip hop album. Tracks like Grizzly, Bounce and Sonrise let us know that he can hold his own. One track stands out as a homerun by Vintage called "Nobody Say". Wherever you go this track can take you there. The added bonus is that this track features Braille and Raphi and they each bring stunning verses. Vintage used elbow grease on this track, he really put in work.

Lord Fire is laced with awesome beats, memoriable tracks and cameos. However, I would have liked to hear more Hip Hop Is Music alumni on Lord Fire. There is one eyebrow raiser from one of the guest. Holy hip hop veteran Freddie Bruno was featured with a verse on the song "Simply ill". Before I go there, let me say what he dropped was used in the appropriate context of the verse. A lot of people find this word offensive but I clearly understand what his intentions were. Good intention or not, many folks will have children listening to Lord Fire. One reason is because Theory and everyone involved is repping Christ and the other reason is that this a clean album. So with that being said some folks won't let their children listen to this one track because of this verse. Dropping the N word will ignite a lot of mixed feelings. If you're a parent, listen to the track for yourself and you make the judgement call. Just be aware that it is included. I guess i'm advising adults to do their duty of screening music anyway.

Release Date: June 24, 2008

Record Label: Indie

Track Listing

1 Yeah Yall introdution
2 Deep Breaths
3 All Love (Featuring Elias)
4 Soph Sissy (featuring Playdough)
5 Grizzly (featuring Aletta & Lindsay Orr)
6 Bounce
7 Nobody Say (featuring Raphi and Braille)
8 One Time
9 Jive Turkey (featuring Ohmega Watts)
10 It’s Over
11 Together
12 Angel (featuring Scribbling Idiots)
13 Sonrise (Lord Fire)
14 Rags To Riches (featuring Wonder Brown)
15 Simply Ill (featuring Klarity, Freddie Bruno, and Sivion)
16 It’s Now
17 Go Home (Remix)

Comments (15)

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written by Lamar Gibbs, September 09, 2008

No problem introspekt. I hope I didn't come off too harsh or anything. I can see what your saying and how that influenced your judgment of the album. I can understand you for that one song, look at what the reviewer said about that song and take that in as well. I know I don't agree with that other artist using the N-word, because its a distraction for many people who want to get away from all of that, I know I do. God most likely isn't happy about that use of the word as well, and Theory will account for that for sure. But I have been blessed by his ministry, if it isn't yours then don't force it. God Bless you!

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On-Guard
written by introspekt757, September 09, 2008

Brother Lamar,
Ha thanks for the tongue-in-cheek repsonse. I needed it! You raised so interesting points and questions. Maybe I am hard on Theory, Braille's camp. I just got over secular music like 6 months ago and he reminds me alot of the music I used to listen to. SO thats kind of why I am really hard on those guys. And like every has been sayin, it's not MY job to jugde but God's. I'm still at odds with that ONE song but you I am going to pray and then give the album another listen. Hopefully I'll get something else out of his album with a open heart and an ear to listen.

-VA Spekt

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The message of Christ, not Theory Hazit
written by Lamar Gibbs, September 09, 2008

Thats how I'm feeling introspekt(I don't know why I didn't see this comment, probably because I was on a retreat lol), after reading your response. What do you mean we shouldn't ever have to decide, thats what you have done and still did with this next comment. I'm not sure if you were expecting Theory as a Christian artist(yes he claims that actually, not positive rapper who is Christian) to rap similar to Cross Movement and Lampmode. I'm not sure if you feel that that is the total representation of Chrst filled lyrics because they aren't. Both Theory and Cross Movement represents Christ, however Cross Movement intends on packing songs with theology("The work of evangelical fundamentalists/people we get into this"- Ambassador from Christology in Laymens Terms. Theory Hazit embeds his lyrical tenacity with the words and ways of Christ. SO for instance in a song like "Nobody Say". He speaks about his life and how he never used to listen to what anyone had to say, any rebuke that he needed to hear he would not hear it. Braille laces a great verse on that as well.(by the way, just go and check out Hip Hop Is Music, which is Braille's label, and see what they do on that label, check out Braille's music and see if he would ever sign a positive artist rather than a Christian artist). I don't know if your used to just hearing straight Christian theology in all of your lyrics so this may come as a surprise to not hear alot of theology, and even hear someone with such an in your face lyrical style, but there is a need for reexamination of how Christian music should be made. Honestly I wouldn't like if there was only Cross Movement around for Christian rap, because it wouldn't express the full heart of God, just one aspect of His heart, and that is why there is so much variety in the ministry that is given through this medium. It's hard for me to listen to Cross Movement and gain pratical insight from theological lyrics that they give(they largely deal with theoretical aspects of life not praticality), but I can listen to someone like Braille or Sivion, and see how to put to practice the ways that I can stop gossiping and check if I actually am(Soph Sissy and Gossip Synopsis). By the way Gossip Synopsis gives a more intricate biblical lesson on the sin of gossip than Sop Sissy does, check it out.

You said you couldn't speak for me but I should read my word and see if it lines up with Scripture. You actually just did lol. I already came across his music and have already examined to see if he lines up with Scripture and of course he does, it may be that he doesn't line up with what you listen to in Christian music. Period. I can see that some of his raps can speak on things humorously, but I can't see that he doesn't line with Christ and His ways.

I understand that the world's view of a Christian can go from being a Sunday saint to being a... Republican!!(ugh lol), but it still stands to say that through music and even through living life the world can actually tell if someone is walking the walk(that is why there are many in the world who reject God, although incorrect, they often reject God because of the hypocrisy of people). There isn't anyone deeming it Christian or not, the world sees that Theory Hazit isn't afraid to proclaim the name of the Lord, but unfortunately Christians are the only ones that I hear complain about that, and unfortunately Theory Hazit has to spend time to make a song just to speak against that type of gossip(you don't gossip but people often gossip questioning his aunthenticity, and even his relationship with Christ, which he wrote a song to set straight!).

He isn't just speaking about Christ, Christ is in the center of him point blank, "I am not a Christ-centered MC, Christ is in the center of me!"- Theory Hazit. That actually means that he isn't rapping about Christ, Christ is in the center of his heart and that is what comes out when he speaks, and that is such a huge difference. Theory has maturity in the faith and I have seen him grow through his albums. God has been good, and I just pray that Theory Hazit continues to proclaim the name of Christ and is not discouraged, because these comments are very discouraging at times, seeing that the point of a whole album is missed.

And not one D-word is on this album, write Theory yourself and ask him, that is what Myspace is for right?

www.myspace.com/theoryhazit

Message him as well as get back to me, and tell me what he said. God Bless!

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Theory is hot!
written by Kenny W., September 09, 2008

Theory never lets me down. This record is great but it should be on the Christian entertainment side of the house than the ministering side. TH brings knowledge of the Lord to the listener and presents His statuates. I call it entertainment because its something I can listen to without the perversness that the world puts in all their music. Yet and still I wouldn't throw it at a new believer. In all love, this is for someone who is firm in their walk with Christ. New believers should stick with the Reach ad Cross Movement Records...

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written by Tallon, August 27, 2008

After leaving and returning, I reread my own post and the replies to it and see that I was very reactionary and irate about what I had to say (not to nix my thoughts, but it was not kind, nor gentle, etc) And also, I didn't mean to come across as attacking anyone personally, so that's my bad. The wisdom from proverbs is of course true and a good reminder to not just believe everything you hear, or jump into something without thinking, so thanks for that correction.

I also know this is a place for commenting on the album, and not a message board for theology, but in a way the two are connected (since the music has sparked conversation, and the context of our thoughts stems from it). That being said, as I see it, words are just sounds. For example, in the United States, we say that dogs 'bark'. But in Korean, dogs say 'mung mung'. In reality, dogs don't "say" either, we just refer to their sounds with a albel, a sound in English, or Korean, etc. My point in saying that is that words are universally recognized sound groupings to express an idea, and that means the *idea* is what is either good or bad. I could say a lot of messed up stuff without saying any 'bad' words, and vice versa. So I don't feel that I am breaking any law by the words I *use*, it is what I *am saying* that is important, and that I believe is what is meant in the Good Text about keeping it clean.

In regard to my comment about the men who will bring the Kingdom to Earth, my quick response did not explain my thoughts completely, that's my fault. I think what I meant to say is that they both probably would (though it's not my place to actually say), but the one who steps out of the church to engage the world, meeting it where it is at, not demanding the world to stop cussing first, to stop smoking before, etc, would seem to me to be more fully acting out the two greatest commandments (the two hypothetical men are based on stereotypes and I admit I am judging them).

I personally have grown in my own relationship through lots of music, some that has 'cursing' and some without. It is what is *said* in the Livesavas album that grows my soul, or Socail Distortion, or Cross Movement. I know this is long, sorry for taking up the megabytes. I hope I will not come across as that bull headed a-hole anymore, I'm just passionate about autheniticity...

Peace.

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written by Are You Serious, August 27, 2008

Really it depends on how he used the N word and the D word to qualify as a curse word. I haven't heard the record, what is the context.

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written by introspekt757, August 27, 2008

Brother Tallon,
It's truly not about counting numbers. If you'll note in my initial review I acknowledged I LIKED the MAJORITY of his lyrics. I said it conflicts with me spiritually. I am not attempting to judge him or anyone else. My bible tells me in Proverbs 19:2, "Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way." so that's why I urge caution not because I think TH is bad or evil but because it's a slippery slope when when start twisting the infallible message of Christ. You say the cursing Christian will get into heaven but where in our bible does it ever say the Lord tolerates such behavior. Even when Jesus hung with "sinners" he was witnessing not partaking in it. From my understanding the man living squeaky clean is righteous. Imo the Ephesians 5:11 lifestyle is the way to go. The cussing christian needs to read Ephesians 5:6-7 repeatedly.
-VA Spekt

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written by Tallon, August 27, 2008

So we are counting how many times the n-word's dropped? And he *might* have said "the d-word" once?! Tell me, exactly how many positive things are said? How many times is the word Christ used? I imagine that you didn't bother to count...you are only looking for what's wrong with it. And that sums up alot about why our religion is irrelevant today. Get over cussing, "the gays", etc. and start letting this music show you how to meet needs before talking about Christ, to love without an agenda. Cussing Christians will make the Kingdom on Earth, not a squeaky clean man chained to his pew...

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written by introspekt757, August 25, 2008

Brother Lamar,
I understand where you're coming from. This was my introduction to Theory Hazit I d/l'ed a couple of his other albums &mixtapes after I listened because I enjoyed his music. But that was on a surface level. As Christians we shouldn't EVER have to decide if a message is Christian or just positive Christ does not want us to be lukewarm. We are followers of The Light and therefore should cast away all ungodly things. IMO the n-word & Christ should never be in the same paragraph irregardless of who spit the verse. I did listen to TH's verse, it was dope. But it doens't sit right with me b/c of the aforementioned. If it feels like a sin to me I am not going to continue in that path. My spirit won't allow me no matter how much my fleshwants me to. I can't speak for you but I would suggestyou read your word and see how TH's album lines up scripturally.

As a fellow brother in Christ I caution you against what the world deem's "Christian". I read that article too not long after I downloaded that mixtape. But should we as Christians accept that? In a world where it's okay just to be "spiritual," where the Sunday-only saint is deemed righteous is the worlds view important. I take sinner opinions with a grain of sale b/c how can they truly KNOW what it means to be a Christian when they are not Christians? That's like the my Pastor telling me what it means to be President, he's never been one how could he know. It's easy to say he talks about JESUS so he must know him? But the Bible shows us even the Philistines knew of God and even they did not receive the kingdom of Heaven. Even so,I'm not downing you or TH it's not my job to judge. But the Lord does give us discernment, so I try to use it to the best of my abilities.

Finally, I offer this concession. If perhaps I have erred in judgement would you mind breaking down the Christian themes/messages of his songs.Maybe I missed them,I'm not perfect I'll admit. Soli Deo Gloria
-VA Spekt

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written by Lamar Gibbs, August 24, 2008

Um..introspekt what are you talking about? Not spirtually edifying? Not sure if its Christian but positive??? The song Soph Sissy was actually for people who question the exact way your questioning actually. n the song where the N-word is said(I disagree with it as well), Theory's verse(which I highly doubt you heard), he speaks all about Jesus Christ, he even says the name, what more does he have to say to make it a Christian album. The title Lord Fire is even a Christian reference. You missed the whole entire point of the album and I'm sorry that you did because you really missed out on alot of edifying lyrics that came out of his mouth.

The fact you said its the first one from him you have heard would actually prove that you really need to hear more, your entitled to a judgement but I'm here to say you used poor judgement on this one. I probably sound annoyed because I actually am because its always a problem that I hear whenever Theory Hazit comes up. Even a secular website that reviewed his Extra Credit album(before this one) noticed that this guy was a Christian artist and tlked about Jesus Christ. Its a shame that the majority of us can't it really is. Your imagination of sinners not recognizing his affiliation is deeply flawed and I would implore you to give a listen and see what he is saying because your doing him an injustice by making such poor judgement.

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written by introspekt757, August 11, 2008

Lyrics: 9/10
Message: 4/10
Beats: 9/10
Overall: 22/30

I find this album conflicting spiritually. Use of the N-word and on one song doesn't one of the featured guests say the D-word (I'm not sure I played it alot of times and I'm still unsure on that one)... Anywho I get alot of mixedmessages with this record. It's the 1st TH album I've listened to and no doubt the man is lyrical and I love it. But as a Christian I need things that will edify and helpo sustain me in The Spirit. It's not just enough to be like,"Well atleast he's positive." This isn't an attempt to play holier than thou but I feel like he fell short in his ministry with this album. From the world looking in I imagine sinners looking at this with the mentality, "ok, all I need to do is live right and I'll be straight." But as Christians we know "only God is good" and so therefore without him we can never be right. I played the album multiple times and I really just didn't see his call to Lord. If I was still listening to secular music this would be in heavy rotation. But as a Christian. I ain't feelin it.

-VA Spekt

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written by VintageLimited.com, August 11, 2008

Awesome album! A must have for any hip-hop purist out there. Love the beats, lyrics, artwork, the whole nine. Was glad to be a part of it in a small way. Classic.

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written by Strom, July 29, 2008

I dont get how Theory only got a 7 on the lyrics?? Theory ripped the lyrics, what more could u ask for? Creativity, in my mind, was top notch.

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written by MAK6793, July 14, 2008

People overlook the fact that Theory is an excellent producer himself. True, he didn't do anything on this album, but check out the tracks he did do (like his mixtape, "Hip Hop For Dummies"; nothing but remixes produced by him), and you'll see that this rapper is definitely on fire.

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written by Bill Russell, July 14, 2008

I guess I can see why points was taken from the lyrics by the N Word. But it is still one of the dopest album out. I think a overall 9 is still great.

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