Published Tuesday 8th November 2005
| R-Swift - Elevation | 
| This product is currently not available from Cross Rhythms Direct |
Reviewed by David Bain Imagine the urban landscape, lights flickering, smoky streets and dark nights.got it? Well, this debut album, courtesy of Philadelphia rapper R-Swift, delivers this image to perfection. Already appearing on the notable 'M:22' album, as part of the Street Sweepers outfit, Swift has developed lyrics fit to burst the most robust of headphones. We crash through tons of issues on these tracks with the Christian message kept firmly in place, yet not patronising the bopper. Beats are packed and jumpy, working well across the many moods represented on the 17 cuts. Check Swift when he gets laid-back and subtle - so hitting the spot. The methodical rapping style pulses like a rhythmical heart beat through standouts "Lust" and "Worship Joint" - respectively warning against the dangers of longing after loose women and, instead, staying focused on God. There is some hard stuff too: turn up the volume on "Party Joint" and "Chaos", with their cut-up beats and rhymes tough enough to drive nails through concrete. It's a little raw, overall, and could do with a few tweaks here and there, but this does not take much away from the strength of this release. Keep this one playing all the way to dawn.and then some more.
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this album is so inspirational, this was the first time i heard gospel rap be so hip hop and motivatonal. Its packed full of Spirituality and dosen't sound at all corny. Rhyme play keeps you at the edge of your seat, enjoying witty punchlines while accepting a truthful message. This is the type of album that can bring a non believer of christ to a point of reconsidering his life and seeking god using the messages here as his guidlines.