Reviewed by Tony Cummings

New gospel rap acts are emerging onto the scene all the time but few have created the buzz of interest that this team of emcees have caused. One reviewer has even suggested that already Keno Camp are up there with Lecrae, Da'T.R.U.T.H. and Gospel Gangstaz (the latter act having taken Keno Camp under their wing) as one of gospel rap's leading lights. Certainly this West Coast team made up of Mario "Escort" Herrea, Gabe Taylor, Jesus "Lowser" Herrera and Terrell "Tee" Sales keep things fresh throughout by sharing the verses out amongst themselves and bringing in one or two well chosen guests like B C The Marksman and Todd McCray from Zoe 4 Life and singer Brittannee Haralson also work well. But it's the luminous authenticity of Keno Camp's flows which keeps engaging the listener such as on "Murder Me" ("You can't crack me bro'/I'm a grafted in/Coz he exchanged my sin and inputted his righteousness") and "Riot (We Here)" ("I serve the Rock of Ages not only to rock the stages/So awake I serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob"). The punchy accompaniments range from squeaky synths and undulating 808 drum rolls on the title track to the crunk-flavoured sound of "Obey". An excellent debut.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.