Reviewed by Robin Thompson

This is the debut album from a Colorado Springs-based rap artist and quite a fine debut it is too. 18 original songs (is that a record for a non-compilation?) fill this CD and echo JayMay's mission statement - "To bring holy hip-hop to the Church and to the streets, putting God's word over beats." And he certainly does that, exploring oft-sung themes but with an approach that is quite fresh and invigorating. There are no great strides in theology here, but a real sense that God is as fresh and as new as ever. My favourite song is "Praise Him Mo'" which has one of those hooks that attaches itself to the inside of your head like a limpet and won't let go. The emphasis is very much on the words, rather than the beats, which means that this isn't one of those boom-boom hip-hop albums - so if you're looking for thumping bass you're looking in the wrong direction. You're more likely to end up in a web of words because this album tends to nag at you - but in a good way! An impressive debut.

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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