Reviewed by Steve Hayes

It's actually quite hard to place this album. Twyse, a native of Philadelphia, is described as having a hybrid style and a "ministry to many." In a very real sense this is true, despite the marketing speak. Twyse lists influences such as Jay-Z, Kirk Franklin and Da Truth. This is evident throughout an album that swings from a crunk street sound with west-side Philly influences ("Where I'm From", "Strugglin"), to the dirty south ("Changed" and "What You Know"), to serious soulful depths (such as "Heaven" and the Da-Truth reminding sound of "Can It Be"). It's clear why this album has cross-appeal. Lyrically, this is Christ-centric (think Cross Movement), but with a more blunt and streetwise edge. Rhyming styles abound, with simple and clear words that will no doubt engage many. Twyse also drops some tunes that are really quite melodic - and even song-like as in the heavy rock-focused "Who Would". In "Heaven", Twyse and the production team even drop a bridge to break up your average rap song formula. The album finishes musically with the truly beautiful and encouraging "Hold On". This album has its ups and downs in production and lyrics but this is a solid debut project for Twyse as he ministers from the projects to the churches.

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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