Reviewed by Steve Hayes

'The Farmer' is well summarised by the fun and harmonica-filled intro track, "Welcome to my field, there's lots of fruits and vegetables/Come and take a pick from the variety," as Houston-based Tre9 musically rhymes his way through the intro as he drops his seeds to rep Christ ("different seeds for different soils"). Variety is the spice of life and while the album has a dirty south feel, its remit goes beyond this with a mix of different producers. "I Be Comin' Thru" is a serious head-nodding, fist-pumping anthem with a "real hip-hop" feel, with a rolling thrust and a lowdown to Tre9's heart and his music. There are lacings of R&B vocal hooks, "Rise To The Top", "Bob Yo Head" and the lounge-rap smoothness of "Night And Day" expressing love for Jesus. Classy, flamenco-flavoured "Angelina Part II" mixes Spanish and English lyrics and Tre9 brings an incredibly smooth flow that mixes a profound message about fearing God leading to resisting lust. "Put Ya Hands Up" with ColCutz brings a Christ and wife-honouring focused track as Tre9 hypes the crowd to put their hands up and get crunk. Other hype tracks include "Take A Look At My Life", "One Question" and "Go Hard" featuring the inimitable Pettidee. There's a challenge to live the life and give respect in the groovy and fun "Respect".

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