Reviewed by Steve Hayes

From his days with The Tribe, Lindz West has had a passion to see young people in Manchester and the UK impacted relevantly with the Gospel. 'Ruckus' is LZ7's first album - a fusion of hip-hop, UK grime and the occasional blast of heavy rock, with vocals addressing hard-hitting issues. More explicitly, think influences of The Tribe, TobyMac, thebandwithnoname, Linkin Park. Without doubt this will appeal to many young people across and beyond the urban scene. The hot production must be given a mention too, props to all the producers. Getting into the album we have tracks such as "Start Something" (in which Lindz displays his lyrical agility) and "Worldwide" which bring a rock-rap vibe. "Why" reminds me a little of TobyMac. "Cross I Carry" is a standout collabo with BlushUK, which builds up from the ethereal to the heavy. There's more of a UK garage/hip-hop feel to tracks like "Get Out Ya Seat" and "Come Around". Awesome down tempo hip-hop track, in "Colour" with Asian rapper Myles Dhillon, confronting racism. "Break The Beat" reminds a little of the Tribe's "Take Back The Beat". Greenjade guest on "Head Back" about regaining control of your head, asking, "Where's your head at." As LZ7 tours schools and youth offender institutions, the Gospel message will go out relevantly with quality and clarity.

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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