Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Another banging project from the Columbia, Tennessee-based rapper. With a fusion of R&B hooks, some bouncing beats and a Jay-Z-esque style delivery (check for example the lead track and "1 Love"), Cooper pours his heart and energies into an inspiring album that encourages himself and all of us to pursue God dreams. With production from Dirty Rice, it's a tasty mix with tracks that are on point. "Better Days" has compressed breaks and a soulful instrumental track underpinning some exceptional flows and vocals while "Nightmare" features Steve Means and has some grimey electronic sounds. Another top rate beat is evident on a soulful autobiographical number "Middle Of Nowhere" while "Wake" is an uplifting dedication of spiritual intent: "This is what I was born for/If you never take a shot/No points on the scoreboard. . ./This fantasy I'm living is yours Lord." More vocal gymnastics from Darji, Derek Minor and soothing vocals from Jacque Jordan add to a beautiful synergy. "1994" features the lyrics and then vocals of Foure and is a good example of rap fusing with R&B hooks as Cooper takes us through early hip-hop history and his affection for the old school - "Making music that you feel/Gotta love that. . ." For sure.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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