"I really like the people we're becoming..."

It's safe to say that nobigdyl. has figured out both his art and his corner of the market. He performs one of the most popular music styles in the world, does so unashamedly for the glory of God, and has amassed millions of fans in the last few years. His honesty, faith, and pure skill at his craft come together beautifully to make him one of my current favorite emcees. And his latest studio album, The People We Became, only adds fuel to that fire.

"...but I hate the people we became"

The People We Became is a heavy album. dyllie takes the familiar phrase that's reused throughout his discography (see the first quote above) and sort of turns it on its head. The Church is ultimately becoming who God intended her to be, but she's also caused a lot of damage by not emulating Him. "Imago Interlude" is a particularly scathing rebuke of the Church's failure to love her enemies and the least of these ("Christian music or music that Christians use / to get their fix, just another hit of the clicks and views ... looked for Yeshua, I didn't see Him on the tube / I couldn't find Him on the web or in triple letter news / I saw Him on the corner begging for some drugs and food / I couldn't stop 'cause I'm a little late for Sunday school"). The final line of the song is especially convicting: "You don't know Jesus till you see Him in your enemy."

While dyl does rightfully point the finger, he also (and more often) examines the plank in his own eye. The People We Became is full of tracks that shine the spotlight on his own failures. Songs like "Leave It To God," "Empty Without You," and "Loved!" are rich in humility, but all point to the Father instead of wallowing in misery ("Lord I've gone too far this time, I must admit it / and I don't even know if I deserve forgiveness / He spoke into heart and told me only 'listen / grace is My decision, and I freely give it"). It flies in the face of mainstream rap, which often exists to glorify the performer. I've long been enamored by nobigdyl.'s countercultural message and attitude, and there's plenty of it here.

The lyrics and themes of the album are really the stronger aspects when compared to the music. dyl has moved a lot more into trap music since Canopy, which is a style I'm generally not a big fan of. However, I definitely wouldn't call this a trap album. Sure, the opening few tracks can easily be described that way, along with some other bits here and there (most notably "Swim"), but there's a lot more boom bap and conscious rap as the album progresses. "Art of War" is a great example, and one of the album's strongest offerings, with a really strong flow over an east coast-style beat and DJ scratches. "Imago Interlude" is another highlight. The song almost sounds like a freestyle, as dyllie just continuously flows over a fantastic beat. He has a real knack for blending old school and new school rap sounds, so there's honestly a little something here for everyone.

In recent years, I've found it a bit more difficult to enjoy many Christian hip hop albums and artists. Most of what's out there just isn't what I'm wanting to hear. But nobigdyl. continues to pump out high quality music that appeals to both the modern rap fan as well as the old curmudgeons like myself. The People We Became is one of the best rap albums of the year, and a personal favorite of mine, regardless of the genre.

- Review date: 12/10/24, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com