The 29th Chapter - Underdogz

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

'Full Time' really began putting these four hip-hop evangelists on the map. The crew have honed their live performances to include video elements and synchronised moves so it was only a matter of time before they got a larger distribution for their music and here it is! 'Underdogz' combines the three things that make The 29th Chapter so good: catchy melodies, solid imaginative fresh grooves and lyrics that pack a punch every time. An attention seeking soulful track like "Lose Control" exudes confidence with every syllable whilst "For The One" which features Birmingham rapper Sammy G is a hilarious attack on faux rappers. Similarly "This Little Gangsta" attacks the downside of hip-hop culture and lifestyle. I love "29 Train" which is a Kingdom manifesto with each member of the group adding their vision for what the world would be like if it was turned upside down by Jesus. Jahaziel makes a guest appearance on the ragga flavoured "Don't Shake It" which speaks out against the, ahem, more sexual nature of club and rap video culture that feature too much explicit behaviour and images. The social commentary continues on the haunting "Short Stories (Alone Tonight)". The album closes with another collaboration with worship man Tim Hughes on the vertical song "Saviour". Rap worship anyone? I think what I love best about these songs is the way the group aren't afraid to tackle some difficult stuff which they manage without becoming preachy. The 29th Chapter are creating a positive hip-hop culture which at the moment seems defined more by what they're not as much as what they are. From start to finish this is packed with engaging fabulous songs and I can see myself playing just about everything on the radio. At last, it's The 29th Chapter's time and this is powerful, creative, spiritual hip-hop that is strong enough to stand its ground against the best that's out there.