Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Not only do G.A.S from Kansas City do alternative hip-hop music with a strong Midwest and dirty south emphasis, they also encourage their listeners to choose the real alternative - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here you get 18 tracks of Midwest-dirty south crossover beats with a message filled with Scripture. In a sense 'The Alternative' is both a hip-hop and a teaching project. Vocal hooks and music are fused together with unique melodies as on tracks like "The Witnesses" and "The Kosmos". This is an album that grows on you as you play through. The beats and sounds have a unique edge and don't overload you with sound, instead the minimalist approach allowing the lyrics to cut through. "Adams Case" looking at the consequences of Adam's sin and "God Forbid" (standing strong against sin) having a low sub bass kick compared to the bass intensive yet chilled "Cry Out" encouraging people to pray to see God's will done. Other tracks are synth heavy like "Excuse Me", contrasting with the more gentle musical hook on "Water Reign".

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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