Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

This is the first in a compilation series (the second released in April 2009) showcasing indie and upcoming artists promoted through gospelengine.com. It is advertised as featuring inspirational music from contemporary gospel, hip-hop, rock, jazz and reggae artists with an uplifting message similar to the Wow series. There is certainly a good spread of different styles and influences represented here, primarily hip-hop and gospel, and some artists that clearly deserve wider exposure due to both vocal and music quality. Tracks that particularly stand out are "Lift My Handz" by Crystal Cameron, an interesting-sounding track encouraging us to constant praise, "That Girl" by Annette, which sounds remarkably like Mary Mary, and "Rep Yahweh" by Xstatic, a strong declaration of God including the wonderful lyric "Tell the devil 'Get back!' or he'll get whiplash/We're covered in the blood and he can't get past." There are only really a couple of more mediocre tracks. The best thing though is that none of these artists is afraid of nailing their colours to the mast, with very overt messages about the need for repentance, how God has delivered, how suicide is not a way out, how God cares for us and yet challenges our everyday living. If hip-hop is your style of music then this is a great alternative to the negativity of so much mainstream hip-hop.

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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