Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Many a rapper comes with a story. But Jordan Copas, hailing from Tennessee has a particularly powerful testimony telling of overcoming adversity, learning to trust people and fighting through the pain. The introduction to Jordan's second full-length album, "Welcome", is laid down with speed, passion and fire as Jordan sets the scene of his life with both drama and lyrical skill. Drawing on a range of southern influences both in production and lyricism with some heavy basslines ("builtUP" featuring the legend that is KJ-52 and some quickfire words from Jericho), Jordan builds both storylines and the message of Christ lucidly. Jordan seems to lift off when he's rapping over a banger ("Rooted") and when he brings things home with his life stories (the powerful "The Valley" as a standout example). Slowly but surely, you sense that as God has released Jordan from his past, Jordan is bringing that message of hope through rap.

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