Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Missouri-based white rapper Steven Cooper goes by the name of Lyrycyst and 'American Dream' is his powerful debut album. The guy has a testimony that would shake you to the core if you check out the central song of this set, "What If I". Basically Cooper's mum was excruciatingly close to having an abortion that would have meant Cooper never arrived properly on earth. Instead she went through with the pregnancy and Cooper subsequently got saved and led most of his family to Jesus. Quite a life and it's reflected in the songs here. He creates a punchy style that is reminiscent in places of both Toby Mac and T-Bone and yet is distinctly his own. Songs like "Showbiz" and "Get Along" demonstrate that he has plenty of skills and songs like "New Hit" and "So Hard To Love" and the title cut show that Lyrycyst creates tracks that rock and minister simultaneously. In a world packed full of mediocre hip-hop, it's exciting to find an artist who has plenty to say and the skills and heart to say it. Essential listening for serious hip-hoppers.

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