ALBUM REVIEW: “We Are & We Shall” by Cellus Hamilton
- Randy Bazile
- Oct 24, 2024
- 5 min read
Revised in 2024, Originally written in 2017
He’s back! The ATL-Native now NYC-based Hip-Hop artist/creative Cellus Hamilton drops his highly anticipated album “We Are & We Shall” which he also calls:
“Album Of The Year.”
I had the opportunity to be invited to a private listening party in Times Square, being one of the first people to not only listen to the album but also buy a physical copy. The listening experience was amazing! Cellus explained the purpose of the album, and the meaning of the album cover, which according to him (I’m paraphrasing) is an image that says “We walk as kings in God’s sight. Sometimes, Satan puts that apple on our shoulder to distract us from moving forward.” Very creative, indeed.
The album is divided into three different segments. The first one is Cellus’ story of where he came from in the streets of ATL. The second segment is Cellus’ cry and prayer to God. The last segment is his strength in Jesus.
Each song has a story, not just Cellus rapping over dope beats with dope bars. Anyone who knows me knows that I love storytelling in hip-hop. That is a big plus for me!!
Let’s dig into the album!
Cellus opens the album with “Seeds in the Ground” featuring Emily Thomas on the chorus over awesome piano keys. Cellus raps only one verse about what to expect from the “Album of the Year.” The rest of the track plays the piano. The song is very poetic and relaxing with the piano and Emily’s awesome voice. The album’s opening successfully pulled me into hearing the full album and I hope it does for you, too.
Cellus displays a great deal of lyricism and storytelling on “First Amendment”, “East of Eden” and “Law and Order”. He raps about his story on “First Amendment” from the streets of ATL, school, manhood, his family, his career, his move from ATL to NYC, his struggles being here in NYC, and much more! This song makes you feel like you’ve known Cellus for years like you’ve chilled with him for years. I love the lyricism and boom-bap production of the songs! The creativity of the allegories of the hood in “East of Eden” and the urge to sin in “Law and Order” shows that this ATL-native can flow!
Songs like “Never Get Old”, “Fire & Wood”, “Tidal Wave” & “The Lion & The Lamb” are the turn-up tracks of the album. “Never Get Old” is a song that you can cruise to in your car and turn up. It’s also about Cellus’ battle to stayhumble as he gets deep in his music career. I love the chorus of the song! The chorus will never get old (pun intended).
“Drugs & Rollercoasters” begins the second segment of the album. Cellus sings in the song about the “situationships” he’s been in (look up situationship). As Cellus sings the song, the listener can feel his excitement for the woman he thought was the one then his mood falls like a rollercoaster. He conveyed his emotions very well in the song. Love is addictive like a drug and it’s good one minute, then it goes down like a rollercoaster. It’s the anthem of a hopeless romantic. Don’t worry bro, your Queen is waiting for you :)
Everybody has haters. Haters love to pick and choose their judgement of someone based on what they see and do instead of looking at the heart behind the action and motive. Cellus’ chorus on “Pick Yo’ Poison” goes:
you don’t even know whaddap/ you don’t even know whaddap/ you don’t even know whaddap/ you don’t even know whaddap/
The album’s vibe slowly changes to mellow at this point. “Good Theology” is a song you must listen to and marinate on as Cellus raps his heart out over an organ, with a church-like production. I cannot begin to explain what the song is about. You should hear it! “Mary’s Song” is a tribute to Mary, the virgin who gave birth to Jesus, and a victory song for someone who just came to Christ. AJ Ryan kills it on the hook with his amazing soulful voice. It has a sound that could easily allow it to be a worship song with some rapping on it! That’s great in my book! “Loved You Well” is a story about a girl told by Cellus and Chino Hopes with Izaiah on the hook. The story tells of a woman that’s lost in the world and looks for fulfillment in the wrong places including men and money.
I believe “Tidal Wave” should’ve been released as a single promoting the album. That’s how dope it is! Cellus raps over a dark, trap beat with his lyrical guns. You can tell he had fun with it. One thing I respect about Cellus is that he’s a grinder. He speaks about his grind and lack of sleep in “Insomnia” over a chill production that would put a brother to sleep, ironically!
Cellus speaks to the lost in “Dead Bodies Thousands Deaths” and then speaks life about Christ in “The Lion and The Lamb”. Cellus closes the album with what only his fans for a long time know in “PSA for Everybody.” If you heard “The Most Beautiful”, Cellus’ previous album, then you heard “The Beautiful Freestyle,” the 50-second track with a preview of the song. I love this song, especially when he performs it live. Just know that Jesus is for everybody. Yes, even for you!
Overall, this is Cellus’ best album out! Not because of the name Album Of The Year, but because of the growth, storytelling, lyricism, passion, and dedication of making family-friendly music for the world. Knowing Cellus throughout the years, he’s always had a passion for people and music. His passion has equipped him with more wisdom and skills to better his craft. Cellus Hamilton wants to change the world with his music and ministry. God has put him through a lot to mold him into the man he is now! Remember:
We Are and We Shall.
FAVORITE TRACKS:
Seeds in the Ground
The First Amendment
Fire & Wood
Drugs & Rollercoasters
Pick Yo’ Poison
Good Theology
Mary’s Song
The Lion & The Lamb
PSA for Everybody
RATING:
4 out of 5
Follow Cellus Hamilton on Social Media:
Instagram: @cellushamilton
Facebook: Cellus Hamilton
X (Twitter): @cellushamilton
YouTube: Cellus Hamilton (@cellushamilton)
TikTok: @cellushamilton
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