{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Infobox album | name = Below Paradise | type = studio | artist = Tedashii | cover = BelowParadise.jpg | alt = | released = {{Start date|2014|5|27}} | recorded = | venue = | studio = | genre = Christian hip hop | length = {{Duration|m=49|s=58}} | label = Reach | producer = 808xElite, Andy Mineo, Black Knight, DeCapo Music Group, Dirty Rice, Dre "the Giant" Garcia, Gawvi, Halo Hitz, Jacob "Biz" Morris, Joseph Prielozny, Mashell, TOD, Uforo "Bongo" Ebong | prev_title = Blacklight | prev_year = 2011 | next_title = This Time Around | next_year = 2016 | misc = {{Singles | name = Below Paradise | type = album | single1 = Dark Days, Darker Nights | single1date = 2014 | single2 = Nothing I Can't Do | single2date = 2014 }} }}
'''''Below Paradise''''' is the fourth studio album from Christian hip hop recording artist Tedashii, released on May 27, 2014 by Reach Records. Based on his struggle to deal with the death of his son, the album tackles issues of pain, suffering, and the love of God in the midst of hardship. It met with a positive reception from music critics. The album sold 13,800 copies in its debut week causing it to chart at No. 17 on the ''Billboard'' 200.
==Background== This album was the follow-up to Tedashii's third studio album, ''Blacklight'', released in 2011 by Reach Records. ''Below Paradise'' was released by the same label on May 27, 2014. The album was produced by 808xElite, Andy Mineo, Black Knight, DeCapo Music Group, Dirty Rice, Dre "the Giant" Garcia, Gawvi, Halo Hitz, Jacob "Biz" Morris, Joseph Prielozny, Mashell, TOD, and Uforo "Bongo" Ebong.<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/below-paradise-mw0002656690 |title=''Below Paradise'' – Tedashii | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |author=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi Corporation |accessdate=May 27, 2014|author-link=AllMusic }}</ref><ref name="liner notes">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Below Paradise |year=2014 |type=Liner notes |publisher= Reach Records}}</ref> ''Below Paradise'' was created after the death of Tedashii's young son in a car accident.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/tedashii-reflects-on-1-y-o-sons-death-rapper-cites-john-the-baptist-as-inspiration-for-saving-marriage-after-tragedy.html|title=Tedashii Reflects on 1-Y-O Son's Death; Rapper Cites John the Baptist as Inspiration for Saving Marriage After Tragedy|date=28 August 2014}}</ref> Tedashii stated in a press release that <blockquote>In March 2013 I had the worst day of my life. The loss of my son changed me forever. I experienced grief and sorrow to the depth of my soul. The veil was lifted, the smoke cleared and all I had was pain... ...The reality of being a Christian and suffering so harsh a thing was hard for me to grasp. This album is my journal shared publicly with everyone during this difficult journey as I worked to understand all I felt, experienced and believed. I am human, I am hurt, I am his. By his grace I am what I am. I pray this will be an album that all can feel, even if you can't relate, and be moved to true emotions about the reality of life in a harsh world with a loving God, below paradise.<ref>{{cite web|title=Below Paradise|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Below_Paradise_/53708/p1/|publisher=Cross Rhythms|accessdate=May 30, 2014|date=May 6, 2014}}</ref></blockquote>
==Music and lyrics== The album is described as an auditory journal that traces Tedashii's life over the last two years, from the death of his son, the strains this placed on his marriage, and the peace and grace he received from God throughout this time.<ref name=ivm /> In an interview with Reel Gospel, Tedashii explained that beyond dealing with suffering the album is also "a reflection on the fall, the result of the fall", and that the message that he is sharing on this album is that "We live in a fallen world with a loving God... Both are true, and to ignore one and only receive the other you dismiss how great a love God has for us."<ref>[http://reel-gospel.com/2014/05/23/interview-tedashii-talks-life-below-paradise/ Interview: Tedashii talks life Below Paradise]. Reel Gospel. Retrieved May 27, 2014.</ref> In addition, Mark Ryan of New Release Tuesday states that "The lyrics are personal, his flow is on point, the album's production values are not in question and each and every feature is perfectly placed and works brilliantly in this album."<ref name=nrt />
==Critical reception== {{Music ratings | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=am>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/below-paradise-mw0002656690 |title=''Below Paradise'' - Tedashii | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |last=Jeffries |first=David |publisher=AllMusic |accessdate=June 16, 2014 }}</ref> | rev2 = ''CCM Magazine'' | rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=ccm>{{cite web |url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/2014/jul01/rew43/CCM_Jul01_2014.pdf |title=Tedashii: ''Below Paradise'' (Reach Records) |last=Conner |first=Matt |date=July 1, 2014 |work=CCM Magazine |publisher=Salem Publishing |page=38 |accessdate=June 27, 2014 |issn=1524-7848 }}</ref> | rev3 = Christian Music Review | rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=cmr>{{cite web |url=http://christianmusicreview.org/tedashii-below-paradise/ |title=Tedashii 'Below Paradise' |last=Brogan |first=Amanda |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=Christian Music Review |accessdate=May 29, 2014 }}</ref> | rev4 = ''HM'' | rev4score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=hm>{{cite web |url=http://hmmagazine.com/blog/album-reviews/tedashii-below-paradise/ |title=Tedashii – ''Below Paradise'' |last=Mabee |first=Justin |date=May 11, 2014 |work=HM |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref> | rev5 = Indie Vision Music | rev5score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=ivm>{{cite web |url=http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2014/05/26/tedashii-below-paradise/ |title=Tedashii – Below Paradise | Reviews |last=Peronto |first=Anthony |date=May 26, 2014 |publisher=Indie Vision Music |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref> | rev6 = Jam the Hype | rev6score = 9.6/10<ref name=jth>{{cite web |url=http://jamthehype.com/tedashii-paradise/ |title=Tedashii – Below Paradise |last=Hartman |first=Jeremy |date=May 1, 2014 |publisher=Jam the Hype |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref> | rev7 = Jesus Freak Hideout | rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=jfhone>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/BelowParadise.asp |title=Tedashii, "Below Paradise" Review |last=Weaver |first=Michael |date=May 25, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=jfhtwo>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/BelowParadise.asp |title=Tedashii, "Below Paradise" Review: Second Staff Opinion |last=Rice |first=Mark |date=June 13, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=June 14, 2014 }}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=jfhthree>{{cite web |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/BelowParadise.asp |title=Tedashii, "Below Paradise" Review: JFH Staff's ''Additional'' 2 Cents |last=Hoskins |first=Kevin |date=May 31, 2014 |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=June 14, 2014 }}</ref> | rev8 = New Release Tuesday | rev8score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=nrt>{{cite web |url=http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/userprofile_reviewssinglepost.php?review_id=22389&user_id=58120 |title=A Soundtrack of Coming Back to Life |last=Ryan |first=Mark |date=June 9, 2014 |publisher=New Release Tuesday |accessdate=June 10, 2014 }}</ref> }}
''Below Paradise'' met with positive reception from music critics. At ''CCM Magazine'', Matt Conner rated the album four stars out of five, remarking how "''Below Paradise'', opens up both the hip-hop playbook and the artist's soul for a meaningful mix that's bound to find the rapper's biggest reach to date."<ref name=ccm /> In addition, Conner vows it is not the collaborators that will impact people first "it's Tedashii's vulnerable message and dynamic production".<ref name=ccm /> David Jeffries of AllMusic rated the album three-and-a-half stars, commenting how Tedashii comes with a "provocative and 'no apologies' stance in full effect, and when it comes to that hunger for change, few other artists can make it so palpable."<ref name=am /> At ''HM'', Justin Mabee rated the album four stars out of five, stating how "Fans will flock and embrace the rapper after what he’s been through, and he’s able to offer them his best work, by far."<ref name=hm />
Mark Ryan of New Release Tuesday rated the album a perfect five stars, remarking how "This album is complete from start to finish."<ref name=nrt /> At Indie Vision Music, Anthony Peronto rated the album four stars out of five, writing that "For casual listeners who want only trap beats and catchy hooks, ''Below Paradise'' is bound to disappoint with its serious nature and soul-bearing transparency", but he says "''Below Paradise'' is an encouraging album from beginning to end."<ref name=ivm /> Amanda Brogan of Christian Music Review rated the album a perfect five stars, highlighting how "it’s more than just a stellar hip-hop album" because the release contains "more than pulsing beats and cleverly-placed lyrics – although there’s plenty of that."<ref name=cmr />
At Jesus Freak Hideout, main reviewer Michael Weaver, Mark Rice in his second opinion, and Kevin Hoskins in the 2 Cents review all rated the album four stars out of five.<ref name=jfhone /><ref name=jfhtwo /><ref name=jfhthree /> Weaver calls "Tedashii's return [...] a worthy one" because "''Below Paradise'' is easily a record you can throw on and listen to from front to back."<ref name=jfhone /> Rice notes the lyricism is "very heavy."<ref name=jfhtwo /> Hoskins states how "rap heads will be blasting ''Below Paradise'' for a long time."<ref name=jfhthree /> Jeremy Hartman of Jam the Hype rated the album a 9.6 out of ten, highlighting how "''Below Paradise'' is a powerful, soul-revealing album."<ref name=jth /> At Wade-O Radio, Branden Murphy gave a positive review of the album, remarking how "Below Paradise was a great listen."<ref name=wadeo>{{cite web |url=http://wadeoradio.com/album-review-tedashii-below-paradise/ |title=Album Review: Tedashii – Below Paradise |last=Murphy |first=Branden |date=May 22, 2014 |publisher=Wade-O Radio |accessdate=May 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526091641/http://wadeoradio.com/album-review-tedashii-below-paradise/ |archive-date=May 26, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{clear}}
==Commercial performance== For the ''Billboard'' charting week of June 14, 2014, ''Below Paradise'' debuted at No. 17 on the ''Billboard'' 200, No. 2 and No. 1 on the Christian Albums and Top Gospel Albums charts, respectively, No. 2 on the Rap Albums chart, and No. 2 on the Independent Albums chart.<ref name=ivmcharts>{{cite web|url=http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2014/06/04/tedashii-hits-the-billboard-charts/|title=Tedashii Hits The Billboard Charts|author=JoshIVM|date=June 4, 2014|publisher=Indie Vision Music|accessdate=June 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817034538/http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2014/06/04/tedashii-hits-the-billboard-charts/|archive-date=August 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition, the album sold 13,800 copies in its first week of sales.<ref name=ivmcharts />
==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = Standard edition<ref name=allmusic /><ref name="liner notes" /> | total_length = 49:58 | extra_column = Producer(s) | title1 = Below Paradise | extra1 = Joseph Prielozny | writer1 = Tedashii Anderson, Andy Mineo, Joseph Prielozny, Tauren Wells | length1 = 2:06 | title2 = Perfect | note2 = featuring Kam Parker | extra2 = De-Capo Music Group for Vakseen LLC | writer2 = T. Anderson, Darius Bryant, Kameron Glasper, Noah Nwachukwu | length2 = 3:34 | title3 = Dark Days, Darker Nights | note3 = featuring Britt Nicole | extra3 = Halo Hits of Air Tight Productions | writer3 = T. Anderson, Clint Lightfoot, Natalie Sims | length3 = 3:36 | title4 = Nothing I Can't Do | note4 = featuring Lecrae and Trip Lee | extra4 = Gawvi | writer4 = T. Anderson, Gabriel Azucena, Jamal "Perfekt" James, Lecrae Moore | length4 = 3:26 | title5 = Catch Me if You Can | note5 = featuring Andy Mineo | extra5 = Dirty Rice and Joseph Prielozny | writer5 = T. Anderson, Chris Mackey, A. Mineo, J. Prielozny | length5 = 4:29 | title6 = Paradise | note6 = featuring Tauren Wells of Royal Tailor | extra6 = Andy Mineo, co-produced by Dre "The Giant" Garcia for Odd Soul Creative | writer6 = T. Anderson, Dre "The Giant" Garcia, A. Mineo, T. Wells | length6 = 3:40 | title7 = Fire Away | note7 = featuring SPZRKT | extra7 = Black Knight Creationz | writer7 = T. Anderson, Xavier Adams, Brandon Peavy | length7 = 4:23 | title8 = Be with You | note8 = featuring Lester "L2" Shaw | extra8 = Uforo "Bongo" Ebong | writer8 = T. Anderson, Uforo "Taktix" Ebong, Torrance Esmond, Lester Shaw II | length8 = 5:03 | title9 = Back to You (Interlude) | note9 = with Jennifer Holm, uncredited | extra9 = Dirty Rice and Joseph Prielozny | writer9 = T. Anderson, Jennifer Holm, C. Mackey | length9 = 1:02 | title10 = Angels and Demons | note10 = featuring Crowder | extra10 = Dirty Rice and Joseph Prielozny | writer10 = T. Anderson, Jeremy Ezell, Keith Cook, Jr., C. Mackey, J. Prielozny | length10 = 4:34 | title11 = My God | extra11 = Jacob "Biz" Morris and Joseph Prielozny | writer11 = T. Anderson, Jacob Morris, J. Prielozny, Tyshane Thompson | length11 = 3:00 | title12 = Love Never Leaves | note12 = featuring Natalie Lauren | extra12 = Dirty Rice and Joseph Prielozny | writer12 = T. Anderson, C. Mackey, J. Prielozny, N. Sims | length12 = 4:02 | title13 = Complicated | note13 = featuring Christon Gray | extra13 = 808 & Elite, Mashell, and TOD<ref>{{cite web|author1=808 & Elite|author-link1=Tyshane|title=Tedashii (Feat. Christon Gray) l Complicated (Prod. by 808XEliTE x Mashell x TOD) [Below Paradise]|url=https://soundcloud.com/elite808prod/belowparadise|website=80XElite|publisher=SoundCloud|accessdate=June 6, 2014}}</ref> | writer13 = T. Anderson, Serge Gustave, Mashell Leroy, Matt Massaro, T. Thompson | length13 = 3:34 | title14 = Chase | note14 = featuring Tim Halperin | extra14 = Dirty Rice and Joseph Prielozny | writer14 = T. Anderson, C. Mackey, A. Mineo, J. Prielozny, T. Wells | length14 = 3:29 }} {{Track listing | headline = Deluxe edition<ref name=itunesdeluxe>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/below-paradise-deluxe/id864834081 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626082637/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/below-paradise-deluxe/id864834081 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |title=Below Paradise (Deluxe) by Tedashii |author=iTunes |date=May 27, 2014 |publisher=Apple Inc. |accessdate=May 27, 2014|author-link=iTunes }}</ref> | total_length = 60:20 | extra_column = Producer(s) | title15 = Magic | note15 = featuring Katt Rockell | extra15 = Big Blizz, Young Focus | writer15 = T. Anderson, Katrina Russ, Brian Reid, Jamal Thodat | length15 = 3:12 | title16 = Earthquake | note16 = featuring KB and Dimitri McDowell | extra16 = GAWVI | writer16 = T. Anderson, Kevin Burgess, Dimitri McDowell, G. Azucena | length16 = 3:22 | title17 = On Ten | note17 = featuring Derek Minor and Transparent | extra17 = Derrick Omondi Okoth, Perfekt | writer17 = T. Anderson, Derek Johnson, Jr., Dwight Taylor, Sr., L. Moore, J. James, Derrick Omondi Okoth | length17 = 3:48 }}
==Chart performance==
;Album {| class="wikitable" |- ! Chart (2014) ! Peak<br>position |- | {{album chart|Billboard200|17|artist=Tedashii|accessdate=June 5, 2014}} |- | {{album chart|BillboardChristian|2|artist=Tedashii|accessdate=June 5, 2014}} |- | {{album chart|BillboardGospel|1|artist=Tedashii|accessdate=June 5, 2014}} |- | {{album chart|BillboardIndependent|2|artist=Tedashii|accessdate=June 5, 2014}} |- | {{album chart|BillboardRap|2|artist=Tedashii|accessdate=June 5, 2014}} |}
==References== {{reflist}} {{Tedashii}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2014 albums Category:Tedashii albums Category:Reach Records albums Category:Albums produced by Gawvi Category:Albums produced by Beam Category:Albums produced by Andy Mineo