A true champion of Christ, artist, army veteran, and educator, KING TYGUSS is one of the most authentic people you could ever meet. With a pure heart and a humble personality that is complemented by his charming sensitivity, he is a true believer who has been using his God-given talents to spread messages of hope, salvation, and empowerment, quoting directly from the holy scripture and backing it up with some ear-gracing beautiful and moving hip-hop instrumentals to take the message home and ensure that his music transcends the four corners of the church, reaching as many folks as possible. He is grateful that Yahweh gave him a voice, and you best believe that he will use it to reach as many people as possible and spread the gospel truth.
“Gospel Drill” is a 5-track masterclass in gospel creativity. To understand it in hip-hop terms, imagine listening to a playlist with Kendrick Lamar, Ice Spice, Pop Smoke, and Chris Brown…but now, in Gospel terms. Impressive right? That’s what I thought. So to say, this whole project exudes that healing energy and really cements KING TYGUSS’ legacy as both an authentic and versatile artist.
To get us off the music odyssey is “YAHUAH LIVES IN US,” a stunning masterpiece that sees TYGUSS cleverly and distinctly sample Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty’s” cadence but with a slower, more mellow intro and lyrics that are reflective and sincere, singing “I got Jacob, Judah, Solomon,…Yahweh inside my DNA.” As the song progresses, the sweet-sounding backing female choral harmonies add that uplifting vibe as they seamlessly blend with hard-hitting, haunting, and minimalistic soundscapes made up of sparse, heavy basslines and ominous synths with slow, menacing tempos. While the beat and arrangements are immaculate, the message is more fulfilling.
The second jam, “EXODUS 20” is a collaborative tour de force featuring JOEY GUSS. For starters, that beat is fire. The production here combines a unique blend of drill music with a playful, confident, and understated delivery. TYGUSS stands out for his ability to effortlessly ride the gritty, bass-heavy drill beats with a distinctive, melodic flow, creating this catchy, almost hypnotic quality to the song thanks to the rhythmic precision and infectious hooks he employs. Literally, this is the kind of song that blows you away from top to bottom and has such an inspiring message at its core.
“I KAN’T KEEP MY KOOL” features minimalist, hard-hitting beats with deep bass lines, sparse melodies, and sharp, syncopated percussion. The skillful production here leaves plenty of space for TYGUSS’ vocals to shine, allowing him to showcase his lyrical prowess and charismatic presence. The catchy hooks, “I can’t keep my cool when I think of you” underscores the artist’s unending love for Jesus the Savior.
“I NEED YAH” is another bona fide standout. It is the kind of tune that is mellifluent and reflective as opposed to edgy and high-energy. The uplifting female choral harmonies set an ear-worming foundation before TYGUSS jumps in with his lyrical intuitiveness, heightening the track’s appeal with the vocal ad-libs, “YAH” that contribute to the song’s dynamic flow, acting almost like a percussion accent that complements the beat. It’s repetition throughout the track helps to create a sense of continuity and identity, making it a memorable and defining feature of the song. I absolutely loved it. This tune’s lyrics reflect the never-ending need for Christ’s love, guidance, and protection.
The last song, “REIGNING MELODIES” is both fresh and familiar, and that’s because it samples Chris Brown’s “Angel Numbers/Ten Toes” with some strikingly efficient guitar riffs and high-energy beats, giving it a rock-drill vibe. This is the kind of track that heals your soul as much as entertaining you.
“Gospel Drill” is a stunning Gospel-fueled collection that blends the raw energy of drill with a more accessible, mainstream appeal backed by fulfilling messages meant to exalt God, uplift, inspire and give hope to the listener. Enjoy!
