Reviewed by Howard McCalla

‘Urban Compositions’, self-described as hip-hop rhythm & praise (RnP), features the laid back vibe of MC J-Silas on four of the 16 tracks, making sure the name of Jesus is at the forefront of his message. The opening track “1-2-3” has a catchy chorus that makes you just want to bob your head and get involved; typical of J-Silas quality. Shai Linne continues with his hard-hitting lyrics that simply tell it how it is. “Issues” is original, educational and will be a wake up call to many. This is WAR. Production is excellent with a hint of old-school flava interspersed with a jazzy double bass in the background. ‘Urban Compositions’ is an album where the women are also well represented. Sistah Dee brings her excellent rootsy MC skills to the fore on “Leaving Norm”. An East Coast vibe is how she drops it and adds effective lyrics as she features on the RnB laced “Faithful” with Michelle Bonilla. Some of whom I call the old school players, Monique Walker, Cross Movement and Ambassador, make their mark as expected, although their tracks are back by popular demand. I love “Free” by Monique as it shows how well her voice would feature on an RnP album as a soloist. This one's certainly on the playlist. Cross Movement’s “Last Writes” tells of the urgency of spreading the Gospel in the last days. “Where You At”, Sistah Dee featuring Shekinah, is a challenge to Christian girls to maintain standards. A simple track with a thoughtful interspersed piano taking the musical lead. The more I listen to Sistah Dee she reminds of Juanita Bynum doing hip-hop. More from these would be great. Now if you're into hip-hop karaoke (what do you mean, am I kidding? No!) then the instrumental versions of “1-2-3” and “Leaving Norm” should be great for getting the party started, for all you freestylers out there. Produced by Lee 'Tubs' Jerkins, yes another of the Jerkins clan (cousin to Rodney 'darkchild') the album is a good follow up to ‘Rock Soul Rock Of Ages Vol 1’, although I would have liked to have seen more new tracks.

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