Reviewed by Steve Hayes

This is the latest step forward from Believin Stephen aka Stephen Brindle. Like his brother, Timothy Brindle (to whom the project is dedicated) and the Philly-based Lamp Mode crew, Believin Stephen produces music filled with and fuelled by Christ. He mixes lyrical ingenuity with Biblical and theological concepts, all set to some crunchy and mainly underground beats ("Persevere"). One thing I respect about this album is the honesty and lack of self-promotion throughout the music, in stark contrast to much hip-hop! "God Is Diesel" is an ode to the all-powerful God who sits above all others. Throughout the project, Stephen brings a clear message about Christ, the Gospel and the Word. From track to track Stephen and guests quote Scripture and point to the saving and on-going work of Christ. Throughout, Stephen and crew drop witty lines, "I'm an alien, like Dan Ackroyd. . ." before bringing Biblical truths back round, "I reap what I sow." The project is East Coast in tone and projects Christ, with the MCs acting as Christ's servants throughout the mixtape, pointing upwards not inwards. There are some tight beats throughout, such as the grace-laced "Jesus, Jesus", across to more underground beats like "Ya Kept Me". Interesting flows cross the project as guest MCs and Stephen keep it varied. This is a great project to understand God's Word and purposes. Plus you can download it for free. Can't say better than that!

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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