Reviewed by Steve Hayes

The Nashville-based Derek 'Derek Minor' Johnson Jr has made considerable inroads into the hip-hop scene and this is his fifth album (his second as Derek Minor - previously he was PRo). 'Empire' is a search for meaning and grace amid the false gods and temptations of a fallen world. With varied beats and flows and guests like Tedashii, Colton Dixon, Social Club, Canon and big star Lecrae we're treated to sub bass rumbles, epic build ups and downs and some blistering lyricism. While filled with uplifting southern bangers, the album goes beyond in tracks like "Kingdom Come" demonstrating a creativity in production and more east coast flavours in "Stranger" and the guitar lick-filled "Last Forever". It's fitting that we end where we start, with a southern blaster of "Until The End Of Time". "Christ the King in this his empire, he don't deserve no less than that."

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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