Out of Knowhere... Propaganda...

The album title and the artist’s name both indicate that there’s plenty of skilled wordplay going on. One listen to Propaganda’s album and it’s clear that the gifting goes much deeper than that.

23-year-old Propaganda, aka Jason Petty, is a West Coast based youth pastor and a member of the much-respected Tunnel Rats crew (see album review).

His debut solo joint Out of Knowhere recognizes that there is indeed a war going on (spiritual warfare), and that's where he (Propaganda) fits in.

In one interlude, he explains: “Propaganda. Why that for a name? It has a negative connotation, the spreading of a message through mass communication…but that’s what I’m doing, spreading my thoughts through this record.”

His thoughts are uplifting, not preachy, and despite connotations, pure and true. Propaganda’s approach is to offer hip hop poetics that reflect his life experiences. Production by Dert and Donavan Luke Henry makes for a tight project.

“Ya Never Know (Played By the Game)” is a jazzy mellow flow that leans on questions on relationship and love, and throws in a gentle warning or two. TR crew member Raphi (see album review) checks in on the track.

Macho of New Breed (see album review) guests on two tracks: “My Life, My Music” and “Move With Me”. The former has a soulful latin flow, with Macho delivering Spanish on the chorus, and could rightly find its way onto any number of radio formats. It's a killer.

Melodic sung hooks feature prominently on cuts such as “Time and Place”, which brings in Kuliah of Burning Star to lend a roughly and delightfully spun, old school vocal. With a vague reference to the familiar passage in Ecclesiastes, Prop tells how he "lives the Word” through every one of life’s experiences, laid over mellow keyboard deams and a soft rhythm.

“Keep It Live” is hype with fellow newcomer Dokument of Foundation anchoring the testimonial with occasional deep-voiced motifs on chorus. Sharlock Poems of LA Symphony graces “We Are”, a cut that confesses the Lordship of Jesus Christ with brass and strings in the background.

There's multiple other tracks on here that merit attention. The vibe is slightly chilled; the project is great. Know that Propaganda is here. Props!