Reviewed by Steve Hayes

The CD kicks off with "Hittin Curves", the lead single off the 'Dichotomy A' album from Grits, a Christian crew rightly enjoying critical acclaim. Next up are Philly's super crew, Cross Movement with "When I Flow" from the 'Holy Culture' album. As ever from CM we have an in-yer-face gospel message. John Reuben brings his fun and commercial vibe in "Life Is Short". TobyMac continues to show his flexibility in "Extreme Days". LA Symphony drop their underground flow to their synthesized funk sound in "Here To Party". Next up KJ-52 brings the tuneful and well delivered "Dear Slim Part 2", the second part in his message to Eminem from his 'It's Pronounced Five Two' album. In "Take Me Away" the 4th Avenue Jones band demonstrate their awesome hip rock soul sound. Pigeon John speaks encouragement to keep going in "Life Goes On" - featuring scratched samples from Nas, "I Can". We also catch a preview track from the very ill Mars Ill crew called "All Out" - from their delayed 'Pro Pain' album - bringing underground hip-hop to new levels. T-Bone brings his usual West Coast sound in "Blazin Mics". Ill Harmonics bring their distinct vibe on "Monkey Business", an acoustic and catchy look at the music game. Paul Wright with Lightheaded bring their jazzy and head-nodding sound in the awesome "Rock The Show". A move in the rapcore direction comes with Hero and "Raised In Harlem", a story of Jesus as healer. DJ Maj, Verbs, Liquid all bring heat on the album too crossing mid/west coast, dirty south and contemporary hip-hop sounds respectively. High production levels, commercial vibes, a hip-hop party album.

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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