You might say that the Godkins was born to represent. Not just because the three gifted brothers have a passion to spread the message and love of God through music, and not just because together their sizzling urban positive sound is already impacting audiences on both coasts, but because Ishmael, Isaac, and Israel were born into the Godkin family. That's right. Godkin is the family name, and a very fitting one at that.
They have made their mark nationally as well as locally, winning the prestigious San Diego Gospel Music Award Artist of the Year in 2006, and touring with The Katinas on both coasts this summer. Their full blend of tight harmonies, infectious beats, and hook-rich songs is described as ‘R-Hop’ by drummer Isaac, a mix of R&B, hip-hop with a sacred urban spin. Think Mint Condition meets Boyz 11 Men with a young, edgy appeal.
The album’s first up-tempo single, “Tilt ya Hat,†kicks the party off with all the energy of their concert performances, and the sizzle never stops, from the Reggaeton bounce and power lyrics of “Desire,†to the smooth R&B flava of “Call Me.†The empowering lyrical message is balm to troubled and confused souls of any age, but especially cutting into the hearts of youth, exactly who the Godkin brothers most hope to reach.
Keyboardist Ishmael shares a bit of the rich family history. “Our parents were married for two years and trying desperately to conceive, when my father, a preacher of a Samoan church, promised the Lord, ‘if you give me children, I will give them back to you for Your glory. They will share about Your goodness to the world through music, to encourage and uplift all in Your Name.†Today were seeing the fruits of that prayer lifted up so long ago,†he says, and his sincerity and gratitude are easily apparent. Ishmael, his identical twin Isaac, who plays drums, and their younger brother, bassist Israel, are truly living out that prayer of faith. “We are living proof that there is a GOD and He’s truly the reason why we live, sing, and Rock.†He grins.
The blessing of family, a gift strongly revered and cherished in their Samoan heritage is reflected in the airy opening and glimmering guitars of “Many Words,†and Ishmael’s poignant album closer, “Grandma Song,†is a sincere piano-driven tribute to their Grandma, who the album is dedicated to, an honor you know she would bear proudly.
Turn to the GODKINS when you want to hear the unfiltered message of the Good News laid out in vibrant urban reality, it beats authentic and urgent, its love displayed proudly and without hesitation. Living out the prayers of their forefathers, the Godkin brothers continue to represent.