Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The origins of this album by the Missouri-based rapper go back a couple of years with the release of the independent album 'American Dream'. Now this new and improved version is getting national attention Stateside and clearly demonstrates the arrival of a huge talent able to mix up styles and genres, one moment rapping with all the swaggering power of a T-Bone, the next echoing the rock rap elements of the Beastie Boys. Lyrycyst's themes are personal and powerful with the track "What If I" on which he is joined by hitmaking CCM star Rachael Lampa, one of the best ever anti-abortion songs you're ever going to hear. Producers Rhod Davies and Paul Andris have done a fine job in putting inventive and eclectic rhythms to Lyrycyst's diatribes on the ugly face of America and when I report that "Showbiz", "American Dream", "Get Along" and others have been selected for Cross Rhythms airplay you get some idea of this album's exceptional quality. Whether you're into the street sounds of the hip-hop underground or Toby Mac's pop take on the rapping art, 'Masquerade' is an album you definitely need to hear.