This is Michael Mixerr. Today I will review Faze - Just Tryin Ta Stay Up.
Those of you might remember that Faze was once a winner of the 'Golden Gloves Boxing Championship' from Austin, Texas by way of Ohio that was part of Grapetree Records for a one off deal in 1995. Faze of Faze Blaze Ministries releases a religious based album with electric guitar funkiness. Not only that! This album uses real live instruments in a live manner. VMF incorporates his Dago Funk sounds in this album by lending a hand in production. In fact, VMF produced over half the album! Knolly Williams, Josie Williams, Angela Torres, and Sir Crown all lend a hand in production as well. Faze plays on several tracks himself with an electric guitar. He plays that on all tracks of the album. Pastor Carlos Kelly helps bring out the Word of God on this album.
On Brain Damage, Faze calls out all bigots and racists lyrically. Faze comes with a dose of dopeness that will cause brain damage. The world is an evil place toward people. Only God can judge us. The additional instruments were played by Fuzzy and The Blues Band.
Slippin in the Darkness is where the album gets into a real dark mood. The additional instruments were played by Fuzzy and The Blues Band. Once again, Faze calls out bigots and racists lyrically. Faze comes with intellect to reject ignorant people. In retrospect, it reflects. Even when it's sunny, you can still slip into darkness.
Modern Day Prophet is about believing in yourself and religion. He has a right and you have a right to believe in any religion you want. Faze is a modern day prophet in his own right. Faze is just trying to stay up in this world during these trying times. This is a very inspirational track. Production skills on this track is where VMF really shines! His sultry Dago Funk laces the track with that West Coast sound. Add that on top of the live guitar played by Faze and you have a perfect key combination. VMF really brings out that G-Funk on this track!
Just Tryin Ta Stay Up is a deep dark track about trying to stay alive in this tough world during these trying times. Faze is just trying to stay up in this world. He is trying to keep his insanity. This track has a mourning dark mood. His lyrical delivery is rough especially on this track. Faze describes the world is falling apart and going crazy. Faze is already waiting "to meet his maker just tryin' ta stay up." He goes religiously deep on this album. He asks God why must things be this way.
This Is Your Day samples George Clinton - This Is Your Day. Pastor Carlos Kelly brings out the Word of God on this song. Faze plays the guitar and moog synthesizer on this track.
Faze boxes against sin and darkness on this album. His lyrical delivery is rough. Most of the album has a deep mourning dark mood that fights emotional battles. Faze shows himself from his champion side. He feels this albums experience is self-rewarding. Faze comes with an East Coast vibe in his voice. Despite all that, the debut album of Faze was overlooked by news media, magazines, and fans for its time. It did not get the recognition or appreciation it truly deserved. This album was one of those Christian hip hop albums that got lost in the music shuffle of the 90s.
I rate this album, Just Tryin Ta Stay Up, 5/5*****!!
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