Reviewed by Steve Hayes Lakeland, Florida-based rapper Elijah brings a confessional and hope-filled seven-track EP. With a distinctly Southern flavour, the project gives us an insight into the struggles that Elijah has been through. Back in 2014 he was questioning himself, allowing Satan to convince him he had gone too far in sin. The rapper here brings a project that is clear and transparent, as "Take Me Back" reveals, letting us know that "what the devil meant for evil, God worked for my good." In a world full of sin, full of temptation, we are reminded that God is there to help us and restore us even when we mess up. This is not an excuse to sin, it's about God's grace to set us free from sin, reminding us in "Oh No" that "Your word ain't changed/So it's me that's twisted" and letting God know that "I am in need of your presence." As we move through the set, Elijah brings things down, giving us time and space to reflect on his words and thoughts. But we're not left there, hanging. The emcee takes the listener upwards and onwards with the banger, "You Reign", a mix of Southern hip-hop and anthemic vocal dance, reminding us and giving us hope in the promise that "Jesus, you reign."
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