I edited my profile with the guidance of the Holy Spirit!! Dropping an Original Twist on Christian Soul
Only the most earnest songs that invoke a spirit of worship, fun, pain, and reconciliation and that create an authentic experience with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - can stand the test of time. With the release of his debut solo album Im Still Here, Singer/Songwriter Takim Brown has without a doubt created such long-term compositions for his fans. A musical blend of recollections that includes Takims tears, happiness, struggles, and his continued strength in God, Im Still Here is crafted just to the right of an urban hip-hop soul feel bringing listeners a unique but familiar taste of Christian Soul.
Well seasoned within the Gospel industry, Takim initially honed his skills by singing in choirs and playing drums for the church. He later became part of the Commissioned-inspired Gospel group, Selah. That association along with his incredible vocal talents began to open many doors for this inspiring gospel artist which led to the creation of labor-of-love project Im Still Here.
The uniqueness of Im Still Here can be credited to the partnering of Takim with producer Terry Bolen of New Walk/Gozpul Music, LLC (best known as a member of, and for his performance contributions with the Stellar Award nominated group Spiritual Pieces). Terry did the whole album because he has so many different flavors for you to choose from. He isnt just a producer, hes a coach, arranger, and a friend, Takim reflects about a partnership that came about after several chance meetings revived a friendship that began in High School. The finished 12-track product is a seamless combination of the type of material Takim had long hoped for. With the versatility of the songs on Im Still Here, and through the changes in feelings and moods, the shared vision of this team absolutely shines through.
Two standout tracks from the album, Once Again and Unrestricted Praise perfectly display this versatility. The mellow mood song Once Again showcases Takims ability to translate into song the times when he himself had to call upon the strength of God. Once again was sort of me just going to God acknowledging how much I need him to survive. With a smile on his face Takim sings, God, here I am again Oh, I really need you today Lord, Once Again Takim goes to the other end of the emotional spectrum with the joyous up tempo praise and worship favorite Unrestricted Praise, displaying his knack for presenting Gods truth in a variety of styles that all fall under the gospel umbrella.
Other benchmark tracks include an innovative offering of Amazing Grace. The resulting composition represents Takims desire to do a traditional tune for listeners of all ages. Commenting on the track that Terry put together for this cut, Takim says Im not traditional so this is what came out. I believe you still get the same sense of worship, but with a little more head nod. Such unexpected twists on the traditional continues with the neo worship arrangement of Psalms 27 Whom Shall I Fear, and the intense Caribbean drum and instrument heavy Celebration, which reflects Takims love for the musicality represented by the gospel reggae genre.
Takims life has been molded for the artistic and spiritual development that produced Im Still Here. With humble beginnings in Arkansas and after moving at an early age to Los Angeles with his Gospel singing mother, Takim began devoting himself to sports and music. After a successful football and baseball athletic stay through high school, he attended and played football for the colleges of Los Angeles Southwest College, Southern Illinois University, and Washington State University, where he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Even though he never totally left it, through the influences and suggestions of family and friends, Takim returned to his love for music. All of my friends did music and all of my family sings. It was a natural thing for me to find myself back with my first love, music.
Aside from just impacting fans with his artistic gifts, Takim passionately serves as the Praise & Worship leader at Faith Inspirational MBC in Compton, CA. A licensed minister, Takim is never exhausted of sharing his ministry through song. He has devoted his life to the will of God regardless of what obstacles, challenges, and threats of intimidation come his way. When he is not out performing, you can almost certainly find Takim simply at home with his wife and children, quite possibly there singing together. I just love God, my family, and my church, and want to always express that through song, Takim reveals.
However you look at it, Takim Brown and his musical gifts will not be going anywhere soon. Because he puts out music that is overpoweringly reflective of his own personal experiences, he is able to pass along anything that he has plundered from his struggles and life lessons. This type of willingness to be a vessel used to strengthen others above all else produces staying power in this industry. So like he says on the title track of his album, Takim will be declaring Im Still Here for years to come.
