On that hit (featuring P. Diddy), Mase mentions his salvation and lifestyle change. He overcomes urban snares and gives God the glory on “Gotta Survive” (“You don’t even know success until you know Him/And Him is Jesus. Jesus”). “Wasting My Time” promotes hard work and lists qualities of love. “I Wanna Go” and “The Love You Need” selflessly look out for women’s best interests. Isolated lines take pride in sobriety (“Welcome Back,” “I Owe”) and praise modest ladies who can party without shedding their clothes (“Keep It On”). The latter even discourages casual sex (“Like a car, you can’t let everybody test drive”). Mase hopes to influence society for the good, pledging, “I’m not druggin’, no bimbos/I’m saying N-O to the nymphos” (“Do You Remember”). Several cuts thank God for material wealth, however ...

It smells like prosperity doctrine that correlates riches with God’s goodness and favor. Ten songs brag about possessions and well-endowed bank accounts.

This reformed bad boy doesn’t only avoid sex, drugs, alcohol, profanity and thuggishness on Welcome Back, he preaches against them with spiritual fervor. Yet he remains materialistic to a fault. Advice to Mase: Nice swing. Sing for the King. Just fling the bling thing.