REVIEW: Propaganda - "Crimson Cord"

8.25/10

Los Angeles emcee Propaganda has released his fourth retail release, two years after his last album "Excellent".  He loosely follows a religious theme throughout his new album, "Crimson Cord", accomplished by means of relating his personal experiences and narratives interspersed with political and social commentary.

Propaganda begins the album with a spoken word introduction, "You Mock Me", in which he openly addresses the temptation and mockery of Satan. He sounds almost disgusted with what he is saying, speaking with a strong, unwavering voice. The raw emotion felt in his voice makes the track very powerful: "I tried to upgrade the way I speak and raise my daughter / But every time I open my mouth all I hear is my father / And that same foolish pride and pitfalls that he installed leak through my pores like poor me"

He uses the album's title track to speak on the suffering that children who have a parent in jail typically go through, and the effect it has on their mental health: "What it do to a boy's brain to see his father through glass walls / While Algebra homework less important than last calls / Collect calls come from up state / You eventually grow numb, it's a sad state". The track's instrumental is somber and eerie, with haunting background vocals heard during the chorus. On the uptempo "Daywalkers", guest artist Lecrae drops a great, energetic verse. The chemistry Crae and Propaganda showcase on this track make the listener hopeful for another collaboration between the two in the future.

Propaganda unleashes a spoken word critique of the public school system on "Bored of Education", speaking in a disdainful, almost snarling tone, he says: "Dear board of education, there's not a Scantron on the planet that can measure inspiration / This is what our teachers pass on that matters / But you'd rather them do a jig to the tune of an AYP score".  He admits almost having given up on Hip-Hop, his race, his country, and his city on the touching "I Ain't Give Up On You Yet", a solemn track with delicate keys in which he opens up on his past and relationships.  Prop reminisces about his life before the fame, and, seemingly in disbelief, he ponders how exactly he achieved this level of success over the synth-laden beat of "How Did We Get Here",  which also features JGivens and Andy Mineo, the latter of whom sings the song's hook. Prop concludes the album with an appreciative song that serves as a dedication to the people who helped him become the artist he is today with "Tell Me Yours". Near the end of the track, he asks the listener to share with him their own "crimson cords"—people that inspired them and pushed them to achieve success. 

With "Crimson Cord", Propaganda manages to deliver his religiously-backed message without becoming overly preachy. It's worth noting he also does not utter a single profanity on the entire record, making the album more accessible to a wider audience.  His conscious, positive lyrics, and genuine concern make "Crimson Cord" a refreshing, ultimately inspiring listen for people of any religious affiliation (or lack thereof).