STL gospel rapper Flame releases new video
St. Louis gospel rapper Flame, whose stellar CD “Our World: Redeemed” has been a staple on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart since its March release, just unveiled a new video from the project.
It’s ”Joyful Noise” featuring Lacrae and John Reilly, and Flame is likely to get as many new detractors as he’ll get new fans for this one.
Traditionalists unable to grasp the concept of gospel rap, and they are legion, might find issue with “Joyful Noise.” The production sounds like a straight-up Atlantic “snap” record, something a group like Dem Franchize Boyz would rap over.
And if the volume were turned turn and one only saw the hip-hop dancing and fashion going on, it’d look like nearly any rap video on BET. But turn it up and there’s no doubt where Flame’s spiritual commitment is.
We like his taking chances, and believe he has come up with a winner.
Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade. 
Hmmm…sounds interesting! I will check out that video one day soon so that I can decide if I am feeling it or not. Typically, gospel rap isn’t the type of gospel that I like to listen to, but the message in the lyrics is really what counts. I look forward to hearing what his message is about!
you are right, if one was to turn the volume down, you would think it was a rock-rap video ready for MTV….but the message is something very different.
i hope people will open their eyes, ears and hearts to embrace this young man.
Wow, that’s serious! I’m glad to see st. louis gospel rap artists stepping up and doing things in a major way. I heard the song a few times at the skating rink (you oughta try it) and kept thinking “Man, this is so up to par with the mainstream.” It’s what a lot of local gospel rappers have fallen short of. Flame is a level-headed, well-studied dude too. (Had a good conversation with him a few years back.)