Bar Exam: Andre Balboa – Don’t Shoot Feat. JGivens (Single)


“Don’t Shoot” is the first single from Andre Balboa’s album “Preaching To The Choir,” dropping May 18th. If you’re not familiar with Andre, we featured him in our first 5 Under 5k in January and highlighted him as artist to watch this year.

I press play on “Don’t Shoot” and am greeted by an electric guitar. Andre jumps in with a flow. He’s got different flavors to what he brings all in this first verse. He’s introduced the concept of “preaching to the Choir” off the bat, he brings in some thoughts from the Gospel, he changes his voice up in order to make him sound like he’s pleading with God, he’s also got a double time flow later in the verse. I’d say he’s bringing something for everyone here.

“Don’t shoot the messenger I’m tellin’ ya.” 

The beat progresses along with the song, and the bass is rattling my headphones as JGivens drops his verse. Like we’re used to from JGivens, it’s crazy intricate with wordplay and an impressive display of lyrical intelligence. The next thing I know, the song is over. Wow.

I’d say this single did exactly what it needed to. It wetted my appetite for more Andre Balboa (and soon, please.) From J. Rhodan’s wild west themed instrumental, to the message that Jesus is coming back and sooner or later you’ll need to deal with your vanity and idolatry, it’s a solid track. As far as flows go, Andre was At The Bar for me, but JGivens took it home with an Above the Bar verse. Overall I have this song Above The Bar.

Overall Rating: Above The Bar

Luc has been a worship pastor at LifeBridge Church in Longmont, CO for the past 12 years. Luc is passionate about reaching people through all kinds of music. In his free time he’s either watching baseball, on a date with his wife, or wrestling with his kids.

-Luc
reviews@newh2o.com

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The Breakdown

“Don’t Shoot” is the first single from Andre Balboa’s album
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