Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Fresno, California-based Tha Gim stands for The God-In-Me and is pronounced "The Gem". This album is full of infectious, smooth and skilled rap for fans of Christian artists like T-Bone or Japhia Life, with a good hint of the Tupac about the album. Definitely feeling the unique flow that The Gim brings right from the off - "Got saved in '99, got 99 problems, well I nailed them to the cross of the Son, that's where I leave them." There's a real purpose to this album - to give an inspiring image of the rapper's life, relationship with Christ and the world around him. A number of jump-up tracks stand out, such as "Make It Happen." We find how Tha Grim got his flow and rose up out of the streets and found his purpose in "Reachin 4 Tha Sky". There is more class and classic Tony Stone freshness in the rolling "U R Me" where Tha Gim drops some gems. Varied producers keep the album original throughout with a number of production styles ("My Method", "Life Muzik") and ending with the banging "Real Love". Tha Gim aimed for a mix of Christ, social consciousness and making Biblical principles relevantly. Done with a flow, a grit and an edge.

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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