Jason Petty, a musician better known as Propaganda, is no stranger to Biola’s campus. An L.A. native, he has been performing in the area for some time, and has annually delivered his spoken word poetry at events such as Poetry Lounge at Biola for several years now.
He has two albums available for mp3 download, the earliest being “I Am Not Them.”
The 7-track album opens with the blistering “Like Whoa,” featuring a frantic drum and electric guitar track. Most of the criticism that can be attributed to this record can only go toward the production, as Propaganda’s lyrics and delivery are arguably among the best that hip-hop has to offer.
It’s certainly refreshing to listen to carefully crafted rhymes that don’t hobble along on the crutch of excessive profanity. Propaganda opens with an invitation to people from all walks of life to listen to the messages that he and his crew bring:“It’s it’s the future of spittin’/hittin’/ each an’/every subculture that taught you to represent/ it’s show toes, moccasins, new balance, E-merica/ watch me carry the/ Word to all.”*
Guest artists appear throughout the record. This particular track features Lightheaded and an unnamed artist–– which is interesting because he delivers arguably the only verse that is on par with Propaganda’s writing.
Individual tracks combine singing talent with thought-provoking lyrics
“Locked In” finds Propaganda flying solo and, to no surprise, he holds his own, leaving the listener with a lot to chew on, theologically and philosophically. The background beat is meant to be minimalist in style. Although it does feel a bit dry, this doesn’t prevent Propaganda from playing with the space in his delivery.
“Son” is a poignant ode to the support Propaganda received from his parents. The culture desperately needs the sense that good parental wisdom is precious and important. The fact that Prop was able to present filial piety with a legitimate swagger is exciting for both the genre and our entire modern society.
“Ready to Leave” confesses that life should be lived solely be for God or be rendered worthless, and features guest vocals reminiscent of Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. “I Am Not Them” is a bold declaration against assimilation with the shallow ways of the temporary world. It features several guest artists who all have a bone to pick with hollow world-views, but also bring truth to fill those voids.
“Tired of Lyin” seems to be Prop’s very personal mission statement, filled with confessions and convictions amidst his signature jam-packed writing style.
The final track, “We Phenomenons,” is the best on the record and one of my favorite of his entire discography. This time, the production gives Propaganda the backbeat he deserves. He uses it to establish his right to present the truth against the rival lies of mainstream music: “Gather round let me introduce you to two wonders/ not-so-new-comers and they move in huge numbers/ revolution changing music, who could do it, thought you knew it, grew it from the grassroots, perfect to the last loop… I watch record sales somebody got ta do somethin’/ just to keep the truth pumpin’/ through your stereo. ‘pare ta go/ where nobody dare ta go/ like the university, by day I school young ‘uns.”
Album seeks to bring God the glory
There are a slew of verses on this song that emphasize Prop and his posse’s desire to bring salt and light into the music medium and damaged culture.
Oftentimes in the hip-hop game, artists gain the right to be heard through ego. Instead of self-glorification however, Propaganda establishes his right through a divine commission to spread truth.
He also acknowledges the presence of his God-given gift–– he can out-write some of the best in the genre. Unfortunately, most kids will be drawn to the beats and rhythm elements of hip-hop rather than the word-craft, but I hope Propaganda will be able to rhyme over more gifted beat-makers and producers in the future.
Fans of spoken word might be more forgiving of drier production to enjoy lyrics that are definitely top-notch, and there’s a lot to glean from “I Am Not Them.” Doubtless it’s an enjoyable record— but more importantly, it’s a truth-filled record with biblical information and boldly-served challenges. I recommend it for the thinker.
