Reviewed by Steve Hayes

It¹s challenging to find and hear hip-hop that has a lyrical depth and creativity yet retains its quality and essence as a hip-hop project. London's Royal Priesthood have achieved this with aplomb, not to mention dropping a number of seriously fresh tracks. What also strikes about this project is the humility behind it, as Smoothflow and wife Roucheon with Silas serve lyrically and musically and allow God's Spirit to do the talking. Over a rolling military style snare, "God's Army" invites us to recognise our call into God's revolutionary army. This follows the opening "Impossible", which over syncopated kick drum and deep delivery declares revolution not evolution as the aim - with Yahweh as the force to change the darkness over the streets. "Freedom" drops a grooving bass drum as Royal Priesthood offer a cry of hope, empowerment leading to freedom. "Daddy" is a shout out to all those who don't know where their father is, as the crew honestly reflect on their struggles. "Beautiful Woman" encourages and uplifts women in many different situations that they are unique and God has a plan for them, to keep going and let God take control of their souls. As "Freedom Freestyle" tells us, Christ is the emblem of this powerful album, which speaks Christ's hope into the urban darkness. 'Village Nation' is an invigorating project that is musically and lyrically rich.

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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