EXCELSIUS: The Final Evolution

Excelsius

The Final Evolution

© 2006 Joined at the Hip Recordings (635961054825)

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Crunk enough for the youth; Spiritual enough for the parents; Real enough for everyone; Deep enough for the soul. That's Excelsius . . .

notes

Excelsius started rhyming back in 1986. Having been introduced to hip-hop by his older brothers who were members of N-E-Fek, a very well established group in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, it made sense that he too would be influenced by the impact of hip-hop. In 1994, the Lord Jesus intervened by taking his enthusiasm for beats and rhymes & putting it to use for the advancement of the Kingdom.

As a sophomore in college, Ex was moved to rhyme strictly for the Glory of God. As he explains it, "God was really dealing with me about which direction my life was headed. When I was 19, I surrendered my life for the life Christ wanted me to have, and a lot of the stuff that I was into (i.e. secular hip-hop) just started rubbing me the wrong way." He endured an internal struggle about rapping for Christ because up to that point, all of the images he associated with rap were negative. But after 2 years of earnestly seeking God about if he could use this gift to be a blessing to the Body, he finally got his answer.

In the fall of 1998, God used a young solja named Courtney Walker to speak life upon Ex. "Courtney and I worked together at a pharmacy in Dallas, and I told him that I rhyme for the Lord. He let me hear Shock & Solo Christo by the Cross Movement, and I was blown away! I was excited and encouraged to hear cats that not only rap for God, but that were good too!" A month later, God extended favor upon him by ushering in a record contract with Renaissance Records.

While with Renaissance, Excelsius released his first single Holy Ghost Party, which was produced by Chris Priest (of SGR fame). Since performing that song at the 1st Annual Holy Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta back in 2000, the floodgates have remained opened. He has graced the stage with the likes of The Cross Movement, Corey Red, T-Bone, B.B. Jay, Red Cloud, S.O.M., Mike Shelton & Tripple Threat, Tre9, B.L.U.E, Tha Psalmist2, Trintee 5:7, Soul Fruit, Kid Sundance & the Boombox Titans, James Fortune & FIYA, Lil J Xavier, the Tunnel Ratz & countless others.

As a former youth pastor, Ex is also well-versed in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in ways other than music. He oversees Joined @ the Hip Ministries, serves as a co-chaplain for the Houston Rockets & is certified to minister in any prison in Texas. Even with those efforts, he still views hip-hop as the ministry with the greatest opportunity to reach our young people. "I believe that if we tell our young people not to listen to this, or not to listen to that, but do not provide viable alternatives, we do them a disservice. For me, this is a way to bring Jesus to an audience that in a lot of instances has not been open to receiving the Truth. A lot of folks seem to forget that music was created for God, by God. I am simply using hip-hop for its original intention."

reviews

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  • Good message, average album
    author: Stasz

    I really wanted to enjoy this artist's style but I could never quite catch the feeling I get from a great "holy hip-hop" album. It has some nice moments and there are some songs I like but I just don't feel what I'm looking for in Ex's music. It's just alright, in my opinion.

  • Hip Hop reconciled back to God
    author: David "Phlo" Hazer

    I believe that Excelsius definitely got something out that can stand up with any major Holy Hip Hop project out! As for the cover and packaging that was creative and eye catching! I love the message it gives – a message of hope for those caught up in the negative influences of hip hop! From having heard some of Ex’s previous songs, I believed that the project would be great and I was not disappointed! Plus, I love the fact of how he ministered thru out the project, explaining the importance of music and its connection to God! Everything is to be reconciled thru Christ back to God our Father and that is not to exclude music! Which means, hip hop has a place in that! It must be reconciled unto the Lord, brought under submission unto the Lord so that it would give Him complete glory! The album is a blessing and I am glad to have it amidst my collection!

  • Straight Ministry Heat
    author: DJ IRockJesus

    I’ve been waiting for this CD for a minute, and I’m glad it’s here! This is straight ministry heat!

  • I'm Diggin' the CD
    author: Aziz Brimah

    The song I think stands out the most is “Calling Out Names.” I think it’s a really powerful song. I like the message and how it addresses things head on. It’s time to call sin out! Content-wise, the album is on point. The lyrics, production, album cover and packaging all get a 10. Yes, it made an impression. I believe it is able to be an effective evangelism tool, and also good music that can bless/edify. I don’t say that with a bias either.

  • Good Work
    author: David Burroughs, II

    I listened to your CD. Good work! I'm quite sure God is pleased. I particularly liked "Calling Out Names". The lyrical content on that song is definately needed. Production was cool too. Props to everybody on that one. Overall, it was a good project. Keep it coming.

  • author: DJ Trust

    I played “Hit the Road” at a show last weekend, and the place went bananas!

  • Hot!
    author: Eric "Smidi" Smith

    Now I see why it’s taken 5 years for “The Final Evolution” to come to fruition! X has stepped up both the lyrics and the production.

  • Calling Out Names is Hot!
    author: Andrew Bar-jona

    Calling Out Names is the perfect song to address those secular artists b/c it’s done in love and not condemnation.

  • God and Hip-Hop
    author: Pastor Hennon Cooper

    I’m sold! God can use hip-hop for His Glory. I know several pastors that need to hear this CD.

  • Good Stuff!
    author: Minister Floyd Cray, Gospel Vibrations Radio Network

    “The Final Evolution” is an outstanding project! It’s one of the better projects out right now.

  • Hip Hop + Christ = The Final Evolution
    author: Leethal

    Yes Sir That Excelcius is the realness.. Keep Reppin for Christ Homie!! The Disc Is Tight. I'ma be banging that boy for some time to come and Passin along the word to COP THAT DISC...

  • It's good!
    author: DJ D-Lite

    I HIGHLY endorse this album!

  • New York is loving it!
    author: Conquest

    EX.....you know you are killing them in the NYC with that album right...LOL! GOD BLESS bro'

  • You're exposing the enemy!
    author: Pastor Brian Galloway

    I got the CD, and it is really good...for REAL! I listened through the whole CD and will be listening to it again. You really did an excellent job X. I'm very proud of your endeavor to expose the enemies game through hip hop. Everyone will not be open to this avenue because we "Christians" can be self-righteous and more holy than God Himself (sometimes). Amazing Grace may have brought us in, but it's going to take a new route to reach the culture of today...new route, but the same gospel.

  • Cop dat!
    author: The Channel (KMR Records)

    I like that hit the road joint...it stood out more than any other track because the production is solid. I feel like the album covers topics prone 2 prick the attention of christians more. Someone who aint saved would probably like more songs like "Calling Out Names" though.

  • Pretty Good Stuff
    author: Cy from Much Luvv Records

    "Calling Out Names" is the best track on here...period!

  • It's off the CHEEZY-CHAIN-EZZY!!!!
    author: Vultcha

    PRAISE GOD IN THE HIGHEST FOR YOU FAM!!! Your apologetics on the subject of hip hop not being "inherently evil" , that was GOD GIVEN genius right there...awesome!!!! And all of this coming from a dude who don't give out props freely.

  • Something for everyone
    author: Chaka Street

    I just realized (again) how much I really enjoy everything that you put out. Not to mention the fact that u actually rap about the topic of your song..(imagine that??). There are so many good things about the album and i am torn between which song I like the bes, but this scripture came to mind: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Amplified Bible) 6 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. I feel that your album does all of these things. I cant just point to one thing and say its for the lost..or its street..or crunk..or edifying to the kingdom. Its all of those things and more. Thats why I love it.

  • Long time coming
    author: DJ Crossover

    Over all from packaging to art work i was impressed this is a project Ive been waiting for not only does it minister it also can stand up to secular Cd's my favorite tracks are changes, hit the road ,in your presence its great how the whole CD is well rounded with a little something for everyone and X is not scared once again to call out names.he is received well here in Monroe La on KTRY 93.9 THE SPIRITUAL HIP HOP SHOW we cant wait for X to come back and minister here again.

  • Christian Rap??
    author: Elliott Williams

    I'm not really into all of this "Christian Rap", but after sitting down and really listening to all that is being said on this album, I'd say it's definitely a solid piece of work. It's very radio friendly so I can see the kids really taking to this one...that is, if they can get away from the negative stuff.

  • On Point
    author: Kevin Yul

    This CD is on heavy rotation in my CD player. It's stacked front to back with hot beats, tight lyrics and powerful messages. What I like about this CD is that Excelsius knows how to move the crowd, but also bring the message of Christ without being preachy. That makes all the difference to me. I am over 30, and I like that it ministers to me, as well as my children. I recommend Excelsius' "The Final Evolution" CD to all those who love Hip-Hop, saved and unsaved. It will minister to all that hear the music, the minister, and the message.

  • I'm loving this!!
    author: Michael Bryant

    This album is PACKED with tight beats, tight chords and more importantly tight lyrics. I'm telling everybody I know that is seeking the Word of God in their hip-hop to check out your music X!

  • I have thoroughly ENJOYED IT!
    author: Stephanie Duran

    I can hardly listen to rap music beyond 1-2 songs, but was able to listen to your CD in its entirety 3 times so far. My husband is the same way and he actually enjoyed it. My teenagers LOVE it as well.

  • Slamming CD! HOT!!!
    author: Beridox

    Yo, X brings some heat on this here CD. My man gets deep, gets crunk but always keep it CHRIST!!! If you are looking for an album that is HOT on production, HOT on lyrical content and delivery, and more important HOT on repping the MOST HIGH GOD, then this is the CD for you. I got mines so you better get yours!!!

  • Slamming CD! HOT!!!
    author: Beridox

    Yo, X brings some heat on this here CD. My man gets deep, gets crunk but always keep it CHRIST!!! If you are looking for an album that is HOT on production, HOT on lyrical content and delivery, and more important HOT on repping the MOST HIGH GOD, then this is the CD for you. I got mines so you better get yours!!!

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