The Last Missionary by Stephen the Levite

LABEL: LAMP MODE RECORDINGS
RELEASE DATE: APRIL 24, 2012



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The first quarter of this year has already been saturated with some incredible hip-hop with new releases from Trip Lee, Swoope, and Json, just to name a few. These artists have already set the bar really high for anyone else releasing music this year. Nevertheless, I knew I could count on Lamp Mode Recordings artist Stephen the Levite to come out with something that was not only topnotch lyrically and content-wise but also stylistically different than the roster of already extremely good hip-hop albums that have released this year. And he does not disappoint.

The Last Missionary is Stephen the Levite’s second full-length solo project and it is a full-blown, unapologetically, back-packer, underground hip-hop album. It is packed full of soulful samples, scratching between verses, and masterfully-crafted lyricism. There is not even one song with a hook being sung, with the exception of Wes Pendleton offering backup vocals on “S.O.S.” as Stephen leads the chorus. And Leah Smith does offer her smooth vocals on the end of “Reign & Rebellion,” but even that is more of a bridge rather than the chorus. Everything else is 100% rapping. So, needless to say, this album is not for everyone. He even states this on the transparent track, “Temptation,” when he says, “cuz I don’t do this for the fickle masses/ I do this for God, myself, and anyone else who can see the talent/ so if you dig it, cool/ if you ain’t with it, cool/ it wasn’t meant for you/ it’s for the kids who do.”

After the opening track, “The First Missionary,” it’s not hard to see why Stephen the Levite is an emcee’s emcee. His rhyme-scheme on this song is ridiculous as he expounds on God and creation followed by the messianic missionary, Jesus. This was an incredible way to start the album.

I especially liked hearing Stephen’s old Redeemed Thought comrade, muzeONE (also a notable emcee) on the neck-breaker, “Fight Club.” To hear them go back and forth like they used to had me giddy: I loved it. This album has other excellent features throughout from Mac the doulos, Zae da Blacksmith, S.O, Timothy Brindle, Hazkim, scratching from Average Joe, and of course, vocals from Wes Pendleton and Leah Smith as previously mentioned. Every guest artist adds their own unique flavor to the album.

Lyrically, every song is on point. You can tell that he is intentional about each line of each verse, making for a very well thought-out album. I might even go as far as to say this might be some of the best and most consistent lyricism I have ever heard on one project. It at least ranks close to the top. However, though I enjoy it, this will probably act as one of the turn-offs to some listeners who are not really entertained by this type of lyricism. There is, admittedly, a lot happening with his wordplay and rhyme-schemes which I can imagine will be a bit much for some. To me, though, this adds to the replay value of the album. I like catching on to something new every time I listen to a project.

The production of The Last Missionary will catch some by surprise. While a majority of the production appealed to me right away, there were a few songs that took a few listens before I caught on to them. “Reign and Rebellion,” for example, is led by a pretty basic bass guitar riff and drum kit while there are bursts of horns throughout. It has a slow build, leading to a climatic end where Leah Smith flexes those vocals that she has become known for. It took a few listens, but then I understood the appeal of this smooth and funky track.

So who is the last missionary? I am tempted to spill the beans, but finding out is part of the fun of the album. And the theme of this missionary can be found, weaved in some way, in every song, keeping it fresh and interesting. For fans of Stephen the Levite, you will definitely want to pick up The Last Missionary. For those unfamiliar with this emcee, I would still highly recommend you check him out. He’s not for everybody; but for those that get it, this album is a real gem.

Favorite Songs: The First Missionary, Fight Club, S.O.S., Temptation, and Rehoboam, just to name a few.