Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

4th Man Records has signed two American rap artists - Illustrate and Tha Voice - for a grassroots vibrant hip hop explosion. Top quality, yet wonderfully obscure, when compared to the hype surrounding bands like GRITS or Knowdaverbs who have Christian music marketing behind them. Yet listening to this, it's every bit as good as any of the more heavily promoted Christian hip hop, and, more than that, Illustrate manage to add an edgy approach that takes a few risks and enjoys being more underground than most. I like the combination of his words with the creativity of the music. The title cut features a wonderful sample that sounds like monks singing underwater fl kid you not). The steal of the opening bars of Kool & The Gang's "Cherish" for the excellent "Death To A Radical" is an inspired move! "Word Play" and "Public Service Announcement" are a rapping reality check to stop you getting third degree burns if you want to sign a record deal or get famous. Illustrate clearly has a sense of humour! One of my favourites is the stripped down groove of "Pennies For Thought" where rappers Cosmo & Hector Hanglide investigate some of the tougher real life issues beneath the surface. There's a gritty reality to the rhymes and plenty of God grooves for you to get down to. if hip hop's your bag, you can't afford to miss these!

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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