With the release of their debut album, Covered In His Blood, in 2007, 2Face's positive, West-coast style of gospel hip-hop had listeners in Southern California and beyond re-examining the list of their favorite rappers. Emails and requests poured into the website begging for another hard-hitting album with encouraging lyrics-- now, the two have tore up the studio again and come up with a compilation of twelve bass-banging, head rocking, trunk rattling songs glorifying the message of Jesus Christ.
Inland Empire's premiere gospel rap group, 2Face, is set to release their sophomore album, Never Going Back, under own label, Bind'Em Up Music online on January 31. The new album will be available via cdbaby.com, iTunes and countless other online music stores. The first single from Never Going Back, We Won, is a promising track sure to be one of the hottest singles this year. Bishop Craig W. Johnson, Th. D., Full Gospel Southern California Regional Bishop, in support of the new album, is hosting a listening party, followed by a release concert on January 30, 2010. Bishop Johnson who is also pastor of Cathedral of Praise International Ministries, where 2Face attends church, is a long time supporter of the rap duo and has volunteered to hold this event at one of his church facilities.
2Face fans across the U.S. have been anticipating a second album for the group since early 2008, when the duo performed songs from their debut cd, Covered In His Blood, at Universal City Walk. Fan response was overwhelming. In early 2008, producers of the hit Christian television show, The 700 Club, overheard a sample of a song from the Covered In His Blood album and developed an interest in 2Face. By October the same year, they were re-enacting their amazing testimony of victory and deliverance for the 700 Club production team.
Interest for the group continues to grow, and the need for a group like 2Face in the gospel rap world is becoming more evident. Justin Mensah, music blogger from thascript.com, boasts about 2Face, "Christian Hip Hop just keeps getting better and better every day, and with cats like 2face repping the mic, it can only get better". Their West coast flavor and steady flow is sure to be a great addition to the Southern and East coast dominated gospel rap world. We Won, the first single off of the new album, is an excellent song, featuring Kelvin Bell and GBS, proclaiming victory over all adversity. Secular radio stations are unsure whether to play the gospel track in fear of losing its non-religious listeners, but requests are sure to keep the song alive. 2Face has flawlessly blended encouraging lyrics and beat-worthy beats on Never Going Back, creating a gospel rap masterpiece, by any standards.
The free listening party and release concert will be held at 2591 Rubidoux Blvd., Riverside, CA 92509 at 5:30 pm, January 30, 2010. Merchandise will be available for sale. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.
(Via press release)