Christian hip-hop artist Tedashii released his 5th studio recording on March 4, 2016. The EP, This Time Around, was marked at No. 9 on Billboard’s US Christian Albums that same month. The EP successfully shows his tremendous diversity and range. In addition, each track offers something different to the listener.
The first track, “This Time Around,” the EP’s namesake, is a soulful start with moving lyrics that tug at your heartstrings. The track is an uplifting mix of lyrics that speak on the subjects of making things work with a significant other. On the other hand, the song speaks about trying to make the problems of the world go away. In a way, Tedashii is comparing his own personal relationship with a significant other with the problems going on in the world.
“I Get It” is the second track on This Time Around and involves more rapping than the opening song. This is just the beginning of the immense diversity in Tedashii’s talents that can be heard throughout the EP. Tedashii remains close to the same theme of becoming frustrating with all of the problems going on in the world today. He shows this with lyrics like, “Like alarms in the morn I ain’t trying to hear it. Another victim to the system, trying to save ‘em hope you listen, somethings scarier than the prison.”
Track 3, “Jumped Out The Whip,” is the catchiest track of the EP. Pairing great instrumentals with motivating and uplifting lyrics, Tedashii showcases his talents by switching effortlessly between rapping and singing. “Jumped out the whip and we ain’t got no problems” is just an example of these optimistic lyrics.
Track 4, “Be Me, shows the Christian side of the singer/rapper. This song is about staying true to yourself and Tedashii references “He” and “Lord” throughout.
This track is similar to “Jumped Out The Whip” in that its beat, lyrics and instrumentals are very catchy.
Singer Crystal Nicole appears on This Time Around for track 5, “In My Life.”
“In My Life” plays as more of an interlude between “Be Me” and “808” and it is a beautiful addition to the EP. The repeating verse of, “You’re all I need and want in my life,” is soulful and moving.
“808” starts off slowly and builds to a soulful rap that yet again proves the diversity of Tedashii’s talents. The song is very reminiscent of Canadian rap star Drake, with lyrics about heartbreak. Tedashii confesses his feelings to his love interest saying, “I’ve been holding out for just you and holding on ever since the day I met you.”
The EP ends with a track that begins with a beautiful guitar solo and Tedashii’s smooth vocals.
This Time Around finishes on a very uplifting note, with lyrics like “I ain’t stressing I ain’t stressing nah, feeling real good about life, been a blessing.”
Tedashii takes his listeners on a journey through heartbreak, optimism and triumph.