Soul Anchor Music

Bumps INF – “Who Is Mark James?”

After controversy over the use of secular beats, this mixtape never got a proper review that it deserved. So here we are checking out the latest project from Bump Infinite. Since I don’t listen to Top 40 Rap, I only know two or three of the twenty instrumentals used. Which makes this project a banger to me, but it might turn off the average Christian listener. My favorite thing about Bumps using rap beats is the possibility to use it to minister to the everyday rap fan, especially since Mister INF has the illest rhymes and the best guest features.

01. Hello Again – The introductory track opens up DJ Wade-O asking the question; “Who Is Mark James?” Bumps INF bounces right in like a heavyweight boxer with more than punchlines, he also has jabs and uppercuts that will make Mike Tyson flinch. I would provide a quote for this track, but his entire verse is a hip-hop quoatable that would put Drake, Kid Cudi and Lil Wayne to shame.

02. Chris Broussard Drop – If you didn’t know whom Broussard is, Chris is an American sports analyst for ESPN who mainly covers the NBA. Most of the CHH realm knows about his passion for Jesus too. I must admit I was kind of surprise to hear this shout out to Bumps INF.

03. Who Is Mark James? – Bumps laughs at his own jokes. He gets into it quick with the serious humor. He has similes and metaphors galore. I love how he rhymes and then comes back to rhyme the same way again a few bars later.

04. Inkredible featuring Priest and KamBINO – I wouldn’t say Bumps is controversial or edgy, but he sure does know how to drop the lines that make your pause, think, & rewind. This beat slaps and Bumps is lucky enough to have Priest and KamBINO help kill this song. It was over before it started!

05. Pick The World Freestyle – I love that he kept the hook and added; “I pick this world up and I drop it on the devil’s head!” Bumps holds his own and flows just right on this one. I love how he goes from smooth to aggressive. This song gets stuck in my head and is definitely one of my favorites from Bumps INF. The song is biblical, and I love how he brings it all around at the end.

06. Reflections featuring John Blue – I’ve heard the original, but I strongly believe Bumps version is so much more refreshing. If you haven’t heard Bumps before, this is a great song to get the show on the road with. It could also be a great witnessing tool, especially to those that only know pop radio.

07. State of Emergency 1.5 Snippets – How better to advertise than by sharing snippets of your other works of art. Consider this a Bumps INF commercial. Great plug homie!

08. Up And Running featuring Jac Burton – This song is chill, but I wouldn’t say its one of my favorites. Bumps is rather diverse and able to blend into the track like a lyrical chameleon which I appreciate.

09. Identity Lost featuring Jacob Izrael – This one is a hit for sure. I really enjoy the hook. It’s aggressive and serious like a battle track. I want to cruise to this with the windows down. Bumps INF definitely doesn’t hold back on this song. I appreciate how well he can bless a track without compromise.

10. Dextas Lab Cypher – Think Bumps is the only rapper that goes hard for the LORD? He got the guests of guests on this joint. Guests include: Eshon Burgundy, Eddie Nigma, Wit, Knine, & Izzy Serious. My favorite lines probably come from Wit & Knine, but everyone killed this one.

11. Do You Think About Me – Bumps put the hook into a Godly perspective. Not just punches, but Infinite has some soul behind him on this song. It’s rather short and sweet, but that just makes you want to play it over again.

12. The Good News Snippets – Another quick commercial that helps display the skill and talent of Bumps INF.

13. If I Can’t Have You featuring Sauce Remix & Dre SR – On the chill level again, this song has a couple of great features. Bumps sure does know how to pick them. It’s not just to get names on a project, but each artist compliments Bumps’ style and the beat they share.

14. Christ Reigns – I love this instrumental. I’m not sure where it comes from but it reminds me of that ATL or T.I. style. In fact, his style of rapping sounds somewhere between Lil Wayne and T.I. – which I honestly think he is better than both of them – put together.

15. EveryWord Snippet – The intro is a sample of a powerful sermon, and Bumps comes hitting the beat hard. He is smooth at first and then comes in spittin’ rounds swiftly. I love this song, and I’m sad it’s just a snippet. Aww.

16. Mr. Gospel Singer – I first heard this on the Grow The Heck Up Podcast and was blown away. It felt like I was hit in the stomach. I think it is a relevant situation as sad as it is. I didn’t know this song was Bumps until I heard it on this mixtape. I always wanted to find this song because of how powerful it is. This is more than a statement. I think if you cannot relate to this in one way or another, then you are probably lying to yourself. Every time I hear this song my heart sinks into my chest with conviction. I pray it touches everyone that hears it too.

17. Sanctification featuring Pastor AD3, Future, T-Word – Pastor AD3 puts it down as usual with the hook. It kind of has that Midwest vibe of course. I’m glad Mr. INF got the right emcees to be guests on this one. I begin to wonder if it was intentional that he threw this song on the mix right after “Mr. Gospel Singer”. Hmm.

18. Rock City Stand Down Snippets – More snippets? Yall better get all of Bumps INF’s projects! In fact, you can on his website and you can cop them all for quite a fair price. www.BumpsINF.com – in case you didn’t know.

19. Come On Baby featuring Word Life – Style? Bumps got some of that right here. He can flip it east coast if needed. Just give him a beat and he’ll make the flow go like nitro.

20. Exhibit A Freestyle – He just goes in for a minute or two. He kind of reminds me of a mix between Lil Wayne and Trip Lee here. Sorry, that’s an unfair comparison. I love listening to his rhyme, it just makes me want to use my everyday speech punch and rhyme like his lines.

21. Spread Love featuring John Blue, Captain Virtue, Nate Smith – I don’t see why songs like this one aren’t on all the radio stations. It provides a positive message and is musically balanced. Isn’t that what we expect to hear on the radio. I wish artists got more chances to share their great works of art.

22. The Bride – The church of Jesus Christ. You might be familiar with this theme if you are a 1-1-Six representative. But don’t let that turn you off on the theme, Bumps has some good points to point out the goodness of the Body of Christ. Although INF only drops one verse, that’s all he needs to help share the views on this one.

23. Lady – Uh oh. Mark James slows it down for the sacred feminine. If this song isn’t flattering, I don’t know what is. It rolls with the vibe and content from the previous song. Okay, so he puts these songs together on purpose. Not just a brilliant rhyme-sayer, he obviously has the artistry too.

24. Over (Making It Home) featuring Big Cleve – It’s over. The project is coming to an end, but he won’t leave you without a bit more of that fresh rhyming. He can easily use the hook to expose the theme of his lyrical content. Not just the end of the album, but Bumps is talking about the end of life. What’s next? Lord knows.

25. How The Story Goes featuring John Blue – Okay everyone knows this beat by now, right? Well, Bumps has John Blue on it and he’s singing a different hook than you’d expect. I love the new vibe this song has. It feels real refreshing. Lyrically, I think this is the best remix I’ve heard on this beat. I would enjoy seeing INF do this live at the end of his set. A delightful ended to a wonderful project.

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I refused to quote his lines in the songs because he has too many. I could have to quote a 16 quite often. He’s just that good of a lyricist. I’m surprised this mixtape wasn’t reviewed just because he used a decent amount of secular beats. I think lyrical content most definitely outweighs the instrumentation. And that content provided shouldn’t be overlooked or unnoticed. I love the intensity and passion independent artists bring to the table. I wonder if the lack of the limelight allows indie acts to push harder and further with their skills to get a bit of attention. Or perhaps they have nothing to lose. Bumps INF has everything to gain. He is definitely doing it right. Beat selection was impressive especially with the themes and styles he was diversely sharing on “Who Is Mark James?” I look forward to the next move he makes and the upcoming project he is preparing for the masses.

Be sure to go support Bumps INF by simply purchasing his projects on http://BumpsINF.com & don’t forget to follow him on Twitter!