"Truth is, I got a girl pregnant when I was in high school, and she ended up aborting the baby. And if that child was still alive, it'd be a teenager by now," said the introspective artist in the mini documentary-style visual directed by Scouts Honor Media.

"And that's a reality I have to live with. That was something I had to think about when I was writing one of the songs for this album."

Stephen the Levite, a devoted husband and father, describes Can I Be Honest?, which releases November 18, as "the hardest album I've had to write." It is also said to be his most transparent, sharing both the highs and lows of life and love-the latter being the focal point of his second single, "143," featuring Chris Jackson.

Along the lines of "S.O.S."-A previous lyrical ode to his wife Trisha-"143" (An incorporation of the pager code 143, which means I Love You), serves as a fresh public tribute to his "bae." "Who said love songs are an R&B thing? I'll do more in the Lord's name if it's pleasing," rhymes Stephen the Levite, real name Darrell Bell, reminding listeners that the open admiration of his bride is biblical in origin.

"There's proof in the Proverbs that my public praise is proper, personal pleasure, and props to God's work," he adds in one of the lines of the single that offers a glimpse inside his imperfect, yet God-honoring, union. As the release date of Can I Be Honest? draws nearer, Stephen the Levite continues pulling back layers of the complex project until the day arrives when the full spectrum of all he wishes to say is revealed.

The album is now available for preorder on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/can-i-be-honest/id932907165
Physical copies of the album can be preordered here: http://lampmode.merchline.com/

About Lamp Mode
Founded in 2003, Lamp Mode is a veteran independent Christian Hip Hop label based in Philadelphia, PA. For over a decade, its artists have been known as "Fine Purveyors of Lyrical Theology," impacting listeners thirsty for biblically sound content and high quality music. It is home to shai linne, Json, Stephen the Levite, Timothy Brindle, Hazakim, S.O., and God's Servant. Learn more at www.LampMode.com.

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