1982
BIRTH OF THE MOVEMENT
44
YEARS ACTIVE
INFINITE
LIVES CHANGED BY THE GOSPEL
INFINITE
LIVES IMPACTED BY THE MINISTRY ART FORM
OLDHEAD CASSETTE REVIEW
Finally, a project that needs to be listened to from beginning to end. The Fight of My Life Vol. 2 is a powerful representation of what Christian hip-hop used to be about and, in my opinion, what it can still be. Every song, in its own right, feels like a sermon full of substance and meat. That kind of depth can only come from an Oldhead who has lived through some things and is now on the other side with enough wisdom to tell the story, the pitfalls, the pain, the blessings, and the lessons learned along the way. The project opens with a soulful transparency that immediately draws you in through songs like “So Free” and “The Lord’s Prayer.” “New Man” and “New Beginning” tell the story of starting over and trusting God to work all things together for the good of those who put their trust in Jesus. Then comes “Thank You Lord” featuring Kalib Nash, one of the major highlights of the first half of the project. By this point, you start wondering, How can this album possibly get any better? Then Willie hits you again with “Move On.” It lands almost as hard as the song before it. From there, the album continues delivering: “Grateful,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “The Cross,” “Broken,” and “Stupid in My Pain” featuring April Shantae all carry their own weight. Then you arrive at “Counseling Sessions Pt. 1,” “Counseling Sessions Pt. 2,” and “I Apologize” featuring Tone Jonez, which becomes one of the defining moments of the middle of the project. But Willie isn’t finished. From tracks 20 through 30, this album goes on an incredible run that practically puts you in a chokehold. Songs like “Singleness” and “Pray for Me” continue the vulnerability, while “Take Dat” and “God Is Good” feature artists who come ready to contribute. Every featured artists DMAUB, FM Savvi, Sharp Skills. R-Swift, Stephen The Levite & Pop Jr. carries their weight and ministers effectively. Then you get “Sweet Communion,” “What Kind of People,” and “Lift Ev’ry Voice” featuring Zhanea Jones songs filled with beauty, grace, and weighty truth. They highlight something we don't always talk about: how pain and prosperity, struggle and blessing, can exist in the same breath of life. That perspective is refreshing. The project closes with “Trouble Won’t Last” featuring Latin Rose and “To God Be the Glory,” which is a fitting conclusion to a project that feels like one long testimony. And if I had to identify one flaw, it’s probably the two-hour-and-21-minute runtime, not because the music isn't worth it, but because I know the average listener's attention span probably won't allow them to sit with this entire testimony. But not this Oldhead. There was no way I was skipping past anything. Willie Will’s willingness to allow his pen to bleed onto the paper is what makes this project flow. His pen game is at an all-time high as he gives you his body, soul, and spirit, unfiltered at times, crafting cautionary tales, confessions, encouragement, and testimony across these 30 songs. A special shoutout to all of the vocalists who serve as the glue holding this project together, with special consideration to Jazz Digga, Kalib Nash, Zhanea Jones, Noah Jackson and April Shantae who sung on “Stupid in My Pain” and “Pray for Me.” Knowing that such a heavenly voice is now singing in the presence of our Father hits differently. That realization adds another layer of emotion to these songs. The Fight of My Life Vol. 2 is the perfect project for a long drive, a quiet evening, or a season when you need music that actually has something to say. Virtually no skips. Great work, Willie Will. I pray people don't just press play on this album, they sit with it, listen to it, and allow the testimony to minister to them. As for me? I'm going back to listen again and see what I missed. 4/5 Cassettes
WILLIE WILL - THE FIGHT OF MY LIFE VOL. 2
OLDHEAD CASSETTE REVIEW
When word started spreading that Sho Baraka was coming out of hibernation, our ears immediately perked up. If history has taught us anything, it’s that Sho doesn’t release music just to stay relevant. When he steps back into the spotlight, he usually has something worth saying. Once again, he delivers. Sho has long been one of Christian hip-hop’s most gifted writers. His wordplay is sharp, his rhyme schemes are creative, and his ability to bring humor, social commentary, theology, and personal reflection into the same conversation remains a signature strength. After all these years, his pen hasn’t lost a step. This project offers the substance longtime fans have come to expect. Sho examines life, growth, culture, and the human experience, with his relationship with Jesus Christ anchoring the conversation. His faith is more than an occasional reference tucked into a verse. It shapes the questions he asks, the stories he tells, and the perspective he brings. At OldHeadz Nation, we appreciate that. Christian hip-hop should never have to apologize for being Christian. The production gives Sho’s writing room to breathe, complementing his delivery without competing for attention. The skits deserve recognition, too. They add context, personality, and depth, helping the project feel like a complete listening experience. There’s intention in how these pieces fit together. Standout records include “Might Not Go,” “Still Got Faith,” and “Langston & Baldwin,” featuring Propaganda. That collaboration is especially rewarding, pairing two distinctive voices whose thoughtful lyricism and cultural insight make for a natural connection. These are seasoned emcees who understand how to give a song something to say. “The Bootmaker’s Ballad” and “The Shadow of Shame” also leave an impression, while “kNew Nostalgia” earns a nod for its clever nod to Ol’ Dirty’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.” That one might have a few old heads interrupting the listening session with a knowing grin. What ties it all together is Sho’s perspective. He can observe culture, expose its contradictions, challenge the listener, and still find room for a laugh. His writing invites you to enjoy the music and wrestle with what you’ve heard afterward. That balance is difficult to pull off, and Sho continues to make it feel natural. Projects like this remind us why OldHeadzNation.com exists. Our mission is to reconnect listeners with pioneers and legacy artists who continue making music with something to offer. Respecting their contributions means more than reminiscing about the records we loved years ago. It means paying attention to the work they’re creating now. Artists who prioritize substance need an audience willing to show up. Stream the music. Purchase it. Share it. Put somebody else on. Sho Baraka has delivered a thoughtful, challenging, and beautifully crafted project that rewards close listening. The lyricism holds up, the faith remains central, and the personality is unmistakably his. Sho still has something to say. We’re still listening.
The OldHeadz Nation verdict: 4.5/5 Cassettes.
Sho Baraka Returns to Remind Us Why We Still Need His Voice
RADIO & RESOURCES
OLDHEAD CURATED PLAYLIST
1
MC McSweet
2
Stephen Wiley
3
Michael Peace
4
The Holy Ghost Boys
ARCHITECTS OF THE ART FORM
Peter Harrison is MC Sweet, also known as Pete McSweet, who made the first christian rap record ever, called - Jesus Christ (The Gospel Beat), which was released on Lection Records in 1982.
Stephen Wiley, the first nationally known christian rap artist and pastor, began as a drummer, released his first rap album Bible Break (1985), served in youth ministry, and now leads Praise Center Family Church.
Michael Peace, pioneering Christian hip hop solo artist (1987) from New York City, known as the genre’s Grandfather, honored in 1994 for urban community impact by Mario Cuomo, awardee recognition.
In the early 1980s Christian rap group based in California, notable for featuring a young Stanley Kirk Burrell before he gained fame as MC Hammer. Formed in collaboration with CCM artist Jon Gibson (J.G.), the group performed at venues like The Lighthouse in Orange County and produced songs such as "Word" and "B-Boy Chill".
CJ EMULOUS - JESUS FREAK FT. LUL DREDAY
MAGIC & BIRD - STAMINA
NEIL T - WAKE UP
KB - TOO UNFAZED
SUPPORT OUR VETS
MANY OF OUR NATIONAL AND REGIONAL VETS HAVE RELEASED NEW MUSIC.
STEPH SWIG - LIGHT UP THE NIGHT FT. LADIE B, TY SCOTT KING & LUKE G (THEME SONG FOR THE SAINTUARY CHRISTIAN NIGHT CLUB)
CJ EMULOUS - FIGHT OF MY LIFE
Oldheadz Podcast Part 1 interviewed Stephen Wiley, the Godfather of Christian Rap, as he shares how his journey into music ministry began and how God used hip hop to spread the Gospel.
