STYLE: Hip-Hop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 2442-26738 LABEL: Grapetree GTD0196 FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
This is Mr Real's second release and if you've never heard him before you need to know that he's not scared to mix up a whole pile of influences. These range from old fashioned artists like LL Cool J and Heavy D, as well as young turks like Dr Dre and Eminem (ahem, musically not lyrically of course!). There's boppy stuff like "Worldwide", with its party feel and a West Coast-influenced "Things Ain't What They Seem To Be", which is reminiscent of Eminem. Mr Real definitely has lots to say about the industry (Christian and mainstream) which is refreshing. This is radical stuff and he demonstrates his rhyming skill on "2nd Lookas" with it '80s vibe and his admission of the wrongs of the hedonistic lifestyle he used to follow. This album is packed with radical rhymes whether he's speaking out against sexual impurity or warning believers to be wise and avoid the deceivers who infect the Church. Overall, this is all okay with some moments where it comes to life but overall there needs to be more spark to sustain 17 tracks.
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.