Izzy Produx – God Mornings
Reviewed by: Lee Callaghan
Evolution Music Press
Immediate Release

The marriage of Gospel with hip-hop creates a modern dilemma of reaching all targeted audiences. For a
minister attempting to reach his congregation, the effective use of hip-hop to deliver his message can be
effective in reaching a younger, street savvy demographic. For Izzy Produx, the creation of a Gospel hip-hop
crossover is the medium and the message to deliver his sermon to the masses. With the release of “God
Mornings”, Izzy has effectively captured his message and is delivering in it in a high-quality hip-hop package
meant to inspire and challenge his listener.
With the opening track, “The Light”, Izzy creates a theme of the congregation gathering to the angelic choir,
the gateway to the heavens. When all in attendance are open to the divine power, Izzy unleashes the sermon
in a deep bass rhyme. “The Light”, creates a tension throughout the track, as a buildup to the overall theme of
the EP, the tension builds through the crescendo only to be released with the next track, (“Kingdom”). As an
opening track, “The Light” is well-orchestrated as a tease to the underlying message of “God Mornings”.
Using a sample of the classic Muddy Waters song, “Mannish Boy”, Izzy Produx is able to upbeat the classic
blues track into an uplifting gospel, in the title track for “God Mornings”. A song of inspiration, finding your
hidden strength and pushing forward, “God Mornings” utilizes empowerment to create the connection Izzy is
aspiring to. “Everything is going to be alright, don’t give up, don’t give in”, the power of faith can lift the spirit.
The backbeat of this track, mixed with the subtle guitar lick samples propel this track with a head-bobbing, hipswaying
groove which will have the listener encapsulated in this imagery as they receive their spiritual
upheaval.
The highlight track of this six-song EP is “Will Power”, a fast-paced, freestyle rap over a melodic groove,
channeling the energy and dedication of this project. Izzy manages to bare all in this soulful surrender as he
taken to the “Promised Land”. The straight-up in your face rap gives a definitive account of how the Promised
Land is everywhere, in your school, in your living room, wherever the listener takes it. “The moment you found
out you had willpower”, is the moment you need to use it and stay the course. A well-crafted metaphorical
approach to empowering the listener, “I got the real power”.
Being groomed for the ministry since birth, Izzy Produx is able to achieve a perfect crossover of modern hiphop
and classic gospel themes in this innovative offering. Lending from his influences in modern hip-hop, Izzy
creates a product which inspires faith, preaches the scripture, educates the listener, and maintains his street
credibility’s with the over-produced beats, well-placed samples and overall mix which captures the dynamics
of a modern hip-hop hit record. This album would make an excellent addition to youth groups in churches as
it relates to the angst and insecurities of the young, as well as the dance clubs with its hard-hitting freestyle
rap. The production values on “God Mornings” are brilliant, as every frequency is well-mixed in its respected
listening space yet blended together to create a satisfying whole. The professionalism and maturity presented
by Izzy Produx’s performance showcase the dedication he brings to this project, and the uncanny ability to
bring modern art to classic scripture. Although we cannot cover all six tracks in the scope of this review, we
can say “God Mornings” is an enjoyable album, with a clear message and theme. We may not hear these tracks
having much airtime on pop/urban radio, but the mood it leaves us in is fulfillment