Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

If you're a hip-hop fan you'll already have encountered the underground sound of the cleverly named Mars Ill. The duo of Greg Owens (Manchild) and Nate Correna (DJ Dust) have been creating uncompromising hip-hop for a while but now they break the surface with an album on American label Gotee Records. And what an album! With creative rhymes, well chosen samples and a selection of rhythms that separate them from the crowd, the duo are surely destined for great popularity. "Planes And Trains" is designed to establish their true hip-hop credentials whilst the disturbed rock feel of "PSA#428" neatly underpins the lyrical content of the song. This is a million miles from the pop pap rap fellow Gotee artist John Reuben and hopefully an indication that the American labels are seriously investing in hip-hop talent. Mars Ill belong in the premier league of Christian hip-hop and make music that is every bit as good as anything that's out in the mainstream.

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