Reviewed by Steve Hayes

James Gardin (formerly known as P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.) is a Spirit-led indie rapper/singer/songwriter from Michigan. Anchored by the single "Selah", this five-song set of east coast hip-hop is a journey through spirituality, romance, depression with touches of soul, boom-bap and old skool breaks. In his own words, ". . . jazz rap, well dressed, swell blessed, class act, renaissance flashback. . . on a rap track." With a history of fighting for cultural unity and HIV/AIDS awareness, Gardin has also found himself at Flavor Fest 2014 and on RapZilla's 2014 Freshman 10. With an underground boom-bap style, James is smooth, free, clear and on the up.

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