Da T.R.U.T.H. - Open Book

By Peggy Oliver

Since being saved in Christ Jesus at age five, Emmanuel Lee Lambert, Jr. would be preparing for a massive ministry assignment.   At age 19, while developing his game as a rapper, the moniker of Da T.R.U.T.H. (To Reach You By Him) would be placed. 

The latest CD, Open Book, examines how our lives are impacted by living Christ daily.  This project is already the third off the recording presses in just three years, after the Grammy‑nominated, The Faith, from last year, and the debut, Moment of Truth.  Considered a member of the rap group Cross Movement’s (CM) family, Da T.R.U.T.H. played drums and listened primarily to Contemporary Christian music, not really immersing himself with rap until a friend joined in some rhymes just for fun. 

Eventually after working with a regional group, NIV, life has been extremely fruitful.  Most recently, the Philadelphia native was part of Kirk Franklin’s HERO tour, and concentrates a lot on major Christian festivals such as Creation.  Now a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and The Institute For Jewish Studies, this Bible scholar has been embraced by various media; Charisma Magazine, INSP’s “Mixx Master’s Lounge”, and currently hosts a monthly radio show, “Truth w/Da T.R.U.T.H.” on KISS FM 98.7. 

Open Book’s intro is more than a skit, but a blessing upon Lambert, Jr.’s to accept Christ in his life: “We’re all living epistles read by all men” (2 Corinthians 3:1-3).  The head-nodding, hand‑clapping first single, Who Am I, reveals how we should balance public and private life to the glory of God. 

Man Up administers to future fathers and leaders: “Now I’m off of training wheels since I had a father that taught me God…I’m equipped to train and build.  Spitting samples of Memories Are Here To Stay (1972) by The Intruders, Star Struck states dreams are void if not for being disciples first.

Serving Christ or the world in the music industry?  That’s a principle subject on Price Tag: “Try to justify saying that it’s just a job, It’s a customized line that they use to compromise.”  Age doesn’t always determine maturity, as 13/30 drops important Biblical persons serving Christ while teenagers: Joseph, Daniel, Samuel.

With eerie keyboard lines flanked by Tia Pittman’s floating alto on the hooks, Every Day encourages all that we’re created to use our gifts for changing lives.  Why I Do is the essence of what is possible in Christ: “Landing a record deal with Cross Movement was not part of my goals.”

Now for the ‘feel good’ song, That Great Day, complete with laid back vocal harmonies, and the key reward for fighting the good fight: “Henceforth, there is a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  Setting the tone with the spiritual, Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen, I Need You talks about the world checking our every move: “I’ve got disciples and a wife who watches my every step, With a mind like memory chips they hold onto what you says.”

The title track finds God’s camera capturing every little move from fibbing to sneaking food into the movie theatre.

An acoustic ballad, Rose conveys T.R.U.T.H’s concern for his daughter as she grasps purity, and his wife to continue protecting her Godly heart.  Click (No Regrets), tackles more accountability areas, whether cheating on tests or premarital sex.

Various producers are on hand (i.e. J.R., Kevin Arthur).  Through the pulsating loops and beats, T.R.U.T.H. with his extra musical versatility also tosses mellow acoustic soul, jagged rock edges, plus the rarely heard East-Coast Go-Go music, and adds production.  The brother also lays down sweet vocal drops with Lisa McClendon on Rose.  Other supporting players include CM’s The Ambassador & The Tonic, a surprising spoken mini-sermon from Pastor McClurkin and Tye Tribbett flexing some warm vocals both on That Great Day.  Just another soldier in the Lord’s hip-hop army that rhymes for real, and no issue is too big or small as far as Da T.R.U.T.H. is concerned.

Go to www.datruth.net, which can be linked to Da T.R.U.T.H.’s MySpace page.