ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Every man is given his own gift from God. For Jamaican born D'Arthana "Ordinary" Burrell, this gift was that of writing. It didn't manifest in the form of songwriting until in his late teens when a friend told him that his poems could very easily become songs. Inspired, at the time by Assassin (another young artist, known for creating shockwaves in the dancehall music industry because of his strong lyrical content), he ventured into the world of music. His secular career was short-lived as he re-dedicated his life to the Lord seven months after migrating to Florida in 2003. It was then, the content of his lyrics drastically changed.

Over the years Ordinary has shared the stage with artists such as DJ Nicholas, Prodigal Son, St. Matthew, Wingy Danejah, Dwain Walters, Dahlia Ashley, Craig C, Carlene Davis, Stitchie, Papa San, Monty G, Sherwin Gardner, Wayne Stoddart and Yankee B. His heart is on fire for God and though it is his namesake, his music is far from "Ordinary".

On "The Verbal Journal", Ordinary comes with his third self released volume of flows. On this project he invites us to take a look into his private thoughts and see what's going on inside of the mind of a born again sanctified lyricist. Regarding this album, Ordinary, a.k.a Mr. Amen states that he is; "Bent on protecting and warning others through my lyrics and the most intimate and personal details of my life--the good, the bad and the ugly, and how God brought me out."

Sonically this album is straight up dancehall with touches of raggamuffin hip-hop and culture in the vein of Baby Cham, Assassin or the Vybz Kartel. The majority of the tracks were produced by Dale "Dr. Dizzle" Virgo, with contributions by various other producers. There are also a few vocal collaborations on "The Verbal Journal" from artists like Na Tural, Dane Jahrus, Debbi Verbs, Jay D and the boisterous DJ Nicholas!

One noteworthy track on this album touches on a very hot-button issue in Jamaica and the entire Caribbean. "Perfect Sinner" rails on many of today's hypocritical parishioners that claim they love Jesus yet hate homosexuals. This song is a bold attack on the common practice of gay bashing in the Jamaica. Just check out these lyrics;

"Please tell me why you condemn the gay scene when you're both guilty of the same thing? It might not be the same sin but in the Lord's sight you're guilty of the same--sin--not the type of sin, just the fact that you sin is the main thing... How do you claim that you love your brother when you defame and judge your brother? But if you're saved you should pray. Pray that King Jesus touches your brother."

Lyrically this CD is the heart cry of a Christian soldier fighting on the frontline. Whether he is singing about God's excellence (Excellent), Abstinence (Abstinence) or spiritual warfare (Soldier), every verse is a paragraph and every song is a page, so listen to the words clearly and get ready to delve into his personal journal--The Verbal Journal. Check it out today!