KJ-52 - The Yearbook (Special Edition)

Published Sunday 2nd December 2007
KJ-52 - The Yearbook (Special Edition)
KJ-52 - The Yearbook (Special Edition)

STYLE: Hip-Hop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 23321-13244
LABEL: BEC BED88248
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
EXTRAS: dvd
RELEASE DATE: 2007-04-13
RRP: £14.99

Reviewed by David Bain

KJ-52 drops another slammer of an album capturing many of the issues dealt with in the life of this prominent, commercial rapper and producer. Allegedly the highest selling Christian hip-hop act out there, it is not surprising that we are treated to monster production and slick tunes from start to finish. Big tune, "I Won't Ever Stop"
featuring Goldinchild, speaks true of KJ-52's attitude to keep churning out top-notch stuff in the face of mainstream ridicule, perhaps notable his appeals to his counterpart, Eminem. It's tough to pick out the hot cuts from the mass of quality tunes on offer. "Do Yo Thang" is a straight up party number, "It Ain't Easy" rumbles along with an infectious hook on the chorus and the closing "Take Every Part Of Me" displays KJ-52's ability to weave his lyrics into heartfelt prayer. Producing the majority of this album, KJ-52 demonstrates astonishing talent, crunching through groove-ridden beats to live rock-rap numbers. I don't think every hip-hop fan will dig the eclectic mash-up of styles. But, once you get past the misguided attempt to span every possible genre of hip-hop related music in one record, there are such gems as the poignant track "Fanmail", partly written by troubled fans, and the encouraging "You Can Still Come Back" reminding us of God's forgiveness. For extra kicks, the Enhanced Release comes with an additional DVD, featuring music videos and diary flicks. Looking back through any yearbook is going to be a bit of a mixed bag. KJ-52 condenses all of that into one album and pulls it off.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.

NAVIGATION
CONNECT WITH CROSS RHYTHMS
SIGNUP

Connect with Cross Rhythms by signing up to our email mailing list

A Step Change...
Cross Rhythms Media Training Centre
MORE ARTICLES
DISCOGRAPHY
ARTIST PROFILES
Artists & DJs A-Z
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Or keyword search

 

PRAYER ROOMS
Dedication Room
Live on the edge and shout what you believe in our Dedication Room