Jason Stephens

Kingdom Music Group LLC

• Atlanta,
• Ga
• US

• Lead Singer
• Microphone
• Vocal Monitor
• Monitors

G-Status "Targeted"

When it comes to singers, there are several cities that seem to produce the majority of the best to put harmony to wax. One of those cities is Atlanta and J Stephens, bka G- Status, represents the A very well for the sake of the Cross. Presenting a 20 track studio album that is designed to encourage, exhort, and challenge, let’s take a closer listen to Targeted.

1. Targeted: the title track jumps off right after a non-musical intro that may run a little too long. What jumps out is the pronounced drum programming that matches well with the subtle strings and bells. G-Status uses his controlled melodic rhyme styling to speak on the unsurprising “hits he takes” in relation to The Faith. Good song to start this project off with.

2. Go Ft. Credo Clay: this song is a call to action of sorts and the track compliments it well. The sounds used on this fit well until the hook comes in, I feel the trumpet sounds bring an older feel to the track. That said, Credo Clay does work on his verse and tells an effective story with his time. Overall a good track and things are starting off pretty well.

3. I Can Only Be Me: a little ATL snap on this one here as G-Status makes it plain about who he is in Christ. The strings drive this track along with well- placed drums and trumpet sounds (better ones). This is one of the songs you just ride out to. My only critique would be that I would like to hear more to the music to fill this song out even more.

4. Tip My Hat Down (Remix) Ft. Jayreed & Zerrubbabel: one thing I notice about G is that he will harmonize and hit a ouple runs but he does the sing/ rap thing most often, which definitely works for him. Enlisting Jayreed & Zerrubbabel to provide bar support, this is a strong song about maintaining humility in the midst of the pitfalls of pride while doing music.

5. She Ain't Saved: story type track from G-Status walks us through a situation where he was dealing with a young lady who wasn’t worried about living a Christ- centered life. The beat itself is okay but has a vintage feel to it, almost like a late 90’s, early 200’s Jagged Edge in a way. Strong writing and singing from G helps but the weaknesses are still there.

6. Come To You: G continues to show us just how skilled he can be when making some smooth, slow jam- type tracks. The minimalistic track is strategically light on bass so that the testimony he gives can resonate even deeper with the listener. Definitely one of the stronger cuts on the project.

7. I'm Sorry: a heartfelt track from G- Status continues the musical memoir over another lowkey backdrop. G’s voice continues to prove steady and certain as he sings an apology to various family members.

8. Visitation: straight worship from G- Status as he earnestly asks for the Lord of Hosts to be hosted in his heart. This track has that feel to it where it would sounds great live with him sitting at his keyboard playing this out as he sang. Although the track worked well for the tone of this track, there’s a part of me that wonders how much more crisp this song would’ve been with live strings and flutes on it.

9. Jesus You Ft. Diane Stephens: another song of praise from G, there’s no question that ministry is the focus for G-Status. His writing ability continues to show strong but the music on this track just doesn’t keep up. Between the flat drums and guitar-like sound, the track doesn’t feel as joy- filled as the lyrics would suggest.

10. Crank It Up A Notch: another anthem type of track from the Georgia boy shows the versatility that’s showcased all over this playlist. Although the beat is on the average side, the passion and arrangement of vocals shows how skilled G- Status is.

11. So Sick Ft. Mark Griffin & Threat: this track actually sounds a little like a “Crank It Up A Notch” remix in some ways as G- Status invites two rappers to add to the song. The beat is better than the previous song but there still is a feel like the track could have a couple added elements here and there to make it more rich. That aside, everyone brought their A- game lyrically and this song is worth a good listen.

12. Tip My Hat Down (Remix) Ft. Result, Jayreed, Zerrubbabel & Zion: see above for my feelings on this song but I will add that Result and Zion absolutely brought another level to this remix to the remix.

13. Where Is The Love Ft. Diane Stephens: this has an old school feel to it but that definitely isn’t meant as a negative. G teams up with Diane Stephens (related I’m sure but not sure how), who provides a nice subtle addition to the the hook.

14. Meant To Be: living single while saved is not always easy, especially when there’s a desire there to be married. Such is expressed, in so many words, by G on this heartfelt and candid song. The approach that he took on this song is an important one, that perfection is not something he claims or desires to prove outside of the Lord’s. Musically this song is pretty cool, I wouldn’t be surprised if this got on some wedding reception playlists.

15. I'm Still Here: G- Status takes on the role of strong minded rapper on this song while lacing the hook with his trademark melody. The drum beats, added with the trumpets and strings, helps create a nice piece of production for G to flow well on. Again his testimony is on display and this proves to be a track that will connect with many a listener.

Overall, Targeted is an album that proves to be a strong introduction into who G-Status is as a man and artist. With a theme focused around being proud of the differences inherent to being a child of the Most High, G- Status executes in the area of writing and articulating each song to fall into line from start to finish. Musically is where things are a little less impressive in some ways. The bulk of the album has a late 90’s, early 00’s (think Jagged Edge) sound to it, partially due to the keyboard- heavy feel of most every song, as well as the way the drums hit. G- Status is a skilled producer and its evident in the majority of his songs that he can only get better with a wider database of sounds to work with. From the angle of content, G is one of those singers that speaks a lot of truth in his music while electing to not overdo the runs and vocal histrionics as others tend to rely on. There’s something for just about any listener, saved or unsaved, and the transperancy is probably the biggest reason why. Its only the beginning for this young artists, I definitely look forward to the continued growth and development of this R&P representative.

For More Info:

www.gstatus.net