Reviewed by Mark Sherwood

Travis Tyler aka Thi'sl (which stands for "This House I Shall Live" the concept of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us) is now onto his fourth album. Thi'sl is currently getting airplay on the Cross Rhythms stations for the hugely powerful "I Hate You (Crack)" From the first track you realise this is going to be a no nonsense straight-in-your- face album as Thi'sl raps his autobiographical song about being introduced crack at age 12. Thi'sl then exposes the downside of the life of a hustler instead of the glorification it receives from many of the mainstream rappers portray. "On My Grind" featuring Brotha Tone bangs hard while Thi'sl raps his passion about bringing the Gospel to the street. "I Forgive You" is a plea to a locked up felon to turn to God, it's especially poignant as he murdered one of Thi'sl's close friends. Thi'sl also sings of his love for his "baby girl", his wife, and all they have been through. "I Ain't Turning Back" is the last track and more than that, is a statement of purpose for Thi'sl's future. A magnificent set of authentic, street-based songs.

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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