Reviewed by Steve Hayes

R-Swift hails from the excellent Cross Movement Records stable and this set rolls through mainly East Coast stylings but with cuts from the Midwest and with guests adding extra flava. He's joined by Sho Baraka, Monty G and Britain's very own Jahaziel. It's the collaboration with Monty G on the dancehall salted "No, No, No" where the duo let rip about their "transformed man on fire" over a remixed hook of Dawn Penn's classic "You Don't Love Me" which really stands out. Also affecting is the East Coast fuelled "The Anthem" on which R-Swift proclaims "My aim is to see the Lord reign. . . bottom line, no Christ, no hope." Interesting tracks like "The Beginning" assure us that the consequences of sin are death, both spiritually and physically, as the rapper tells the life-story of a lost soul in reverse, from death to birth. An attention-grabber is an open rhythmic letter "Dear Mr. President" where the MC expresses his heart to President Obama. Another standout is the roller "Flava Of Forever" with the towering triumvirate of Theory Hazit, KJ-52 and Braille bringing their inimitable styles and flows. A fine album.

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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