Talented 10th is the third studio album by American Christian hip hop artist Sho Baraka, released through his own label, Lions & Liars Music, on January 15, 2013.
Talented 10th is "not just a picture of Christian salvation but also focuses on education, relationships and social change - all filtered through a biblical worldview.
"[6] However, Talented 10th was controversial with some in the Christian scene due to the appearance of strong language on the song "Chapter 9 - Jim Crow".
He explained that within the past year he had been challenged by the African-American professor and theologian Anthony Bradley to move away from Christian literature and theology and read more sociology.
Du Bois and Frederick Douglass, and I started reading books about them and the struggle of slavery, post-slavery and the African American plight.
And so the whole concept of the album is, based on the book, is kind of like people who have time, talent and treasure using those gifts to the benefit of other folks.
[8] Sho Baraka expressed his frustration that because of their fascination with Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Charles Spurgeon, many artists and pastors do not talk about black Christian leaders such as Absalom Jones and Lemuel Haynes.
From Talented Tenth and Preaching With Sacred Fire, Sho Baraka delved into books such as The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, and The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, along with various works by authors such as Phyllis Wheatley, Frederick Douglass, August Wilson, and C. S.
[11] In an interview with Rapzilla, Sho Baraka explained that in the song, he is rebuking the use of the terms nigga, hoe, and bitch, not endorsing them.
Arnold of The Christian Manifesto stated that "I'm hesitant with the use of this sort of language in a public platform, primarily for the witness we are to have to the world.
"[3] The song "Chapter 7 - Denzel", where guest feature Suzy Rock drops the line "cause she don't think she sexy cause she's showin' her ass / ask me no questions I tell you know lies", was also viewed as potentially offensive.
[4][5] Calvin Moore and J. F. Arnold of The Christian Manifesto noted that despite the use of strong language in "Chapter 9 - Jim Crow", the song "Chapter 8 – Madoff" is perhaps the most incendiary track, as according to them the song's stance on economic policy and the abuse of wealth may offend fiscal conservatives and Republicans.
"[13] Similar to Michael Weaver of Jesus Freak Hideout, Skelton criticized Sho Baraka for giving too general a view of white males.
It will cause controversy, but I want to make one thing clear: sometimes it can be easy to disagree with someone for their message, or perhaps their methods, but in this case, regardless of my conclusion, Sho Baraka's earned my respect.
"[5] In the "Dual Impressions" session of a podcast of The Christian Manifesto, Nick Ahern agreed with Arnold and also gave the album afour-point-five out of five rating.
While his sophomore album Lions and Liars was remarkable, at times it felt as though Sho was holding back, trying not to lend heart to a passion that might fall on deaf ears.
"[16] Aubrey McKay of Wade-O Radio was highly positive and said that on Talented 10th Sho Baraka managed to bring back "real hip-hop".
"[14] With regard to the song "Chapter 9 - Jim Crow", Jeffries called the use of a racial slur on the track a revolutionary inclusion for Christian hip hop which makes the album a CCM release that parents will want to talk to their kids about before they listen to it.
[14] Jeffries concluded his review by stating "that said, Sho Baraka's writing is in top form, all the elaborate productions are on point, and his heartfelt performances here suggest he feels his art would be blunted if he compromised.
In addition to voicing his objection to the language and message of "Chapter 9 - Jim Crow", Weaver stated that "overall, Talented 10th is a mediocre release that is written heavily for a particular audience.