STYLE: Hip-Hop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 102260-17294 LABEL: FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £10.00
Reviewed by Steve Hayes
Coming out of London, Hiddenman unleashes a distinctive 13 track debut album. We start off in a battle as we're encouraged not to retreat despite the seeming overwhelming odds. "Gates Of Hell" uses a powerful operatic hook telling us that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against us. Hiddenman encourages us to utilise God's supernatural power to win the spiritual war. The MC has a great talent to mix an accessible, yet humorous underground flow while keeping the spiritual messages coming hard and true. A particular standout is the soul-filled "Use Me" as Hiddenman commits to be used and to do God's will while a similar vibe is found on "Real Luv". There is a fair amount of challenge and theology in tracks like "Can't Rob God" which takes an uncompromising look at tithing - a principle that splits Christians! But as Hiddenman encourages, "worship the Lord in your giving/I give credit where it's due!" As far as the tracks go, there's a mix of some tight beats and some understated rhythms with an effective mix of old-skool sounding tracks ("Victory") and those with a contemporary edge ("Praise Da Lord"). The favourite cut of mine is "Hiddenman Song" in which Hiddenman expresses his heart for integrity, truth and God, "Cos when I'm spitting yo, it's gotta have a purpose/If ya just wanna be entertained then just go to the circus". This impressive set ends with a tasty acoustic version of "Use Me."
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