Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Sometimes you get an indie hip-hop project where you really don't know what to expect. Occasionally, it connects with you in a deep way. This project from a USA-born, UK-based rapper is just that and shows an MC who knows God and knows hip-hop. Even some non hip-hop heads were feeling this one. "Good Morning" fuses a sample from an old song from soul man Don Covay, a swing time track featuring kazoo (I lie not!) and a laid back rap to produce an opener which points to Jesus whose mercies are new each day. A range of beats and instrumental backings fill the album, from piano riffs (such as in "Something To Say", "Obedience") and "When" where Neuma brings God's force of light, imploring people to accept Christ's life (and - to more 303 kicks as in "I Live For Change" and the bboy inspired "Luton". As part of Neuma's life growing up around the globe, he brings wordplay in both English and Spanish, such as in the deeply powerful, "Vuelve" encouraging us to come back to Jesus, "our first love". Later in the album the track is repeated in Spanish. "Drowning" is another deep track as life's struggles and doubts are brought to God to drown in his love. A nice roller comes along with "Thanks For Yesterday" as Neuma reminisces over his "third culture" upbringing. Roz brings a number of sweet vocals, nowhere more so than in "Friend, Brother". The album ends in a live, fresh, multi-cultural way it starts with "There's Nothing Better". Very nice.

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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