Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Foreknown resides in Phoenix, Arizona and brings a unique blend of underground hip-hop having first picked up the mic in the mid-'90s during LA's underground hip-hop boom. "The Quartermaster" is a clever parody about video games with the desire to play rather than work over eight bit sounds and arcade game snippets. One of the strengths of underground hip-hop is that there's often hidden depths below the surface of the lyrics and "Double Tap" certainly fits the bill here with the world pictured as zombies. Conversely, the equally good "Bird In Hand" is more overt in its challenge to materialism and wanting more. Track after track vigorously tackles current attitudes ("If it doesn't come with love then freedom's the ugliest word") with "Cathartes Aura" having an intentionally chaotic beat. There are amusing tracks like "Minivan" as Foreknown compares pimped out rides with drivers speeding along alone with himself and his family in his van. The title track is one of many standout tracks as Foreknown challenges himself (and us) to "just relinquish control and let the Spirit lead you where you're needing to go. spread your wings and feel the breeze. consider the birds." A powerful reminder of Luke 12 and a powerful album.

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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