Reviewed by Ben Lilford

Out of Brooklyn, New York comes a new R&B gospel singer. Lawrence Williams, who writes under the name MDD (Modern Day David) has been learning various instruments since he was a kid. He's also been an apprentice producer under the wing of Jdibbs (Producer of Alliyh, Joe and The Winans) so it comes as no surprise that he has written, produced and mixed his first solo record (not counting his initial independent release) virtually single handed. For an R&B album this takes in a number of different influences. There's the praise gospel of "Nobody's Gonna Stop Ya", the fuzz guitar rock of "Unstoppable" and the R Kelly soul vibe of "Prayer Of A Dying Man". Refreshingly MDD thinks hard about his lyrics and subject matter, in that it's not all praise joints. "Mr Censor Man" takes on artists pushing the gansta vibe and "Christian Woman" tackles that sensitive area of loving, respecting and actively seeking out a Christian partner. On their own, none of the subjects mentioned are going to set the world ablaze, we're on well trodden ground here, the music is also tried and tested within the genre including all it's hip-hop and rock fusions, but an effort has been made here and you can hear it.

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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