Reviewed by Steve Hayes

This ambitious concept album from the Ohio-based rapper deals with the difficult topic of sin as Swoope takes us on a journey of changing relationships. Sin is represented by a woman (Mya) as on "TGC2" with Sho Baraka. One needs to listen carefully to the entire album to understand each theme this skilful brings through but his flow is slick and on point while a guest vocalist like Natalie Lauren brings an appealing edge to "Best Of Me". Swoope's rolling, effortless, laid back delivery and tight production makes a track like "On My Mind" with its cracking vocals by JR and awesome beats a particular standout. Another gem is "LSD" featuring the soaring voice of Christon Gray as the emcee expresses his craving and battle with sin. "Beauty And The Beast" is equally powerful with a jazzy flowing break while the brilliant "Sin In Me" reveals sin's true nasty, evil nature. This is where the album reaches the point of confrontation to reject sin ("Inside the mire is Rosemary's baby/But my only hope is from the grave/Rose Mary's baby."). And the solution to our sinful nature? "Fix My Heart" (featuring Denise Powell and Propaganda) spells that out too.

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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