Society always celebrates the records that top the Billboard 200 album chart. Back of The Billboards is a Music Times weekly segment that looks at the opposite end: the new record that finished closest to the back of the Billboard 200 for the previous week. We hope to give a fighting chance to the bands you haven't heard of.
Week of 12/06/2013
WHO: Black Nativity
WHAT: Black Nativity: Music From The Motion Picture
SPOT: 198
Black Nativity, the new film adaptation of the renowned 1961 Langston Hughes play, has not had the most warm reception from film critics. We can't comment on the film itself, as we haven't seen it, but we have listened to its soundtrack, a compilation of original contemporary gospel performances from the cast of the film (most of which is comprised of musicians).
Although the film might be set in modern times, the most pleasing parts of its soundtrack are the gospel tracks that would have fit just as well during the play's original incarnation. Jennifer Hudson was born to front a choir, as she does during "Be Grateful" and "He Loves Me Still." Actors Tyrese Gibson and Forest Whitaker prove their own vocal competence as well.
Jacob Latimore keeps the soundtrack's more hip-hop-oriented well grounded, and his collaboration with Hudson for "Hush Child (Get You Through This Silent Night)" cleverly adapts the classic Christmas hymn to reflect the issues faced by many among the African American populace today.
The only stumbling point comes with what seems should be the headlining track. Mary J. Blige and Nas combine for "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow." Blige gets by fine, but the sudden verse by the emcee is a jarring addition. On a somewhat unrelated and awesome note, Blige and Nas play characters named "Platinum Fro" and "Prophet Isaiah" during the film.
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