Episode 4 Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five- The Message - Pull Up Series

In episode 9 we pull up a song by Bounty Killer, a dancehall artist and legend, self-proclaimed ‘Poor People Governor’, Bounty Killer has always been outspoken on social issues that effect the lives of the poorest in Jamaica and also critiques policies at home and abroad that affect the marginalised. His widely acclaimed song 'Look' gives us a vivid insight to what poor people face and will do in order to climb out of real poverty in Jamaica. You won't be disappointed this episode, check out the song first and come back and listen to what Big Show has to say. 

*Disclaimer* - This episode was recorded before DMX sadly passed away on 9th April 2021 - RIP DMX. In episode 8 we pull up a song that has not got enough attention. DMX was without a doubt one of the best rappers period, and his rugged voice and style meant he was unique and gifted to bring both female and male listeners to his music. The song 'Ready To Meet Him' is a modern day psalms, where DMX has skilfully crafted an authentic and raw conversation with God, about life's struggles and what it means to live out our lives according God's purpose for us. Let's have a listen and see what Big Show makes of this song and what we can learn from this spiritually. 

Episode 7 will Pull Up a timeless and classic song by none other than LAURYN HILL. LAURYN HILL has shown that she can near enough do it all, she can rap, sing and produce. Her debut solo single Doo Wop (That Thing), was the first to reach American billboard number 1, that was written, produced and performed by a female hip-hop artist. The song is a warning to first women then to men about what it means to know your worth and also a critique to both genders who do not see the value of good relationships. Let's hear what Big Show has to say about this song.

In episode 6 we pull up a song from a group that changed hip-hop, a group of 9 MC's emerged with an unusual sound with a their own story they wanted to tell. This song C.R.E.A.M (Cash Rules Everything Around Me), has been a anthem that has stuck with many hip-hop listeners. A closer look at the song, and we can see that there is a deeper meaning in what they are actually saying. Is the song a glamorisation of materialism or is it a way to communicate that for people living in poverty this seems to be an anthem that will help them. Let's hear Big Show has to say about this song. 

This episode 5 we pull up a song that is from the new sound and generation of conscious reggae artists. Koffee has emerged as one of most listened to new talents in the reggae scene, she brings a unique sound & style with conscious driven lyrics that exemplifies Rastafari in being a conscious and critical voice in today's society. Her widely known song Toast is a celebration of life and success but not the type of success that is accustomed to wealth and material things. Let's hear what Big Show has to say about this song.  

In this episode we pull up a timeless classic and a game changer in the world of Hip Hop. This song changed the way how MC's started to become more recognised just as much as DJ's within the hip hop scene. The Message single has won various awards and was also voted the greatest rap song of all time in 2012 by a group experts listed by the 'Rolling Stone Magazine'. The song is a social commentary about the issues people face in the poorest areas of New York City, it was one of the first songs to speak about wider issues rather than the original concept of hip hop which was to party and have a good time. Let's get into this and see why this song changed the landscape of hip hop when this was first recorded in 1980.

This episode we pull up a classic garage banger, the bass line alone on this song used to go off. However the lyrics and meaning behind the song has a deeper message, one that I missed for many many years. So we explore what this song means and how can this song as well as some of the psalms in scripture help us to deal with mental health. Mental health has been a taboo subject across the Black church & community in the UK but over recent years we have started to address this area with a more balanced and compassionate approach. So let's get go!

This bonus episode is a preface for episode one - Buju Banton - Mr Nine, and also a call to action. Have a listen to why standing up and getting involved in the community is important. 

This first episode looks at Buju Banton's song Mr Nine, recorded in 2003. We explore how his song still speaks and resonates to the violent climate both here in the UK and also abroad. We look at a particular scripture in the bible where violence was not always the answer. Let's go! 

Intro episode giving you a preview of what to expect from the 'Pull Up Series'. Pastor David aka Big Show gives you a mini breakdown of what the show is all about. Let's go! *Credit to MattBlack Beats for the music*