Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The fourth album from Detroit-based hip-hop artist Elohin has been released in two formats - a 12-track commercially-released mixtape and this, an expanded free download edition. As per its title, some laidback boom bap beats and a helping of smooth soul are blended together and, when mixed in with Elohin's expertly delivered freestyle wordplay, the end result is a sumptuous feast of organic hip-hop that surprises and satisfies with every mouthful. As his chosen genre permits, Elohin delivers the Gospel message with boldness with tracks like "On My Knees" and "No Way" tackling gang culture and adversity head on whilst backing everything up by promoting a life with Jesus as the only solution. Elsewhere, Elohin's deft wordplay shines in the brilliant "Snakes" to confront the hypocrisy of American evangelicals "pimped out" by the Trump administration whilst the autobiographical "Road Blocks" sees Elohin at his picture-painting best in relation to the shamefully still relevant issue of racial stereotyping. Delightfully sample heavy, snatches of David Ruffin, Aretha and the like help add a touch of class to proceedings whilst a revolving door of producers - among them Tone Jonez, IQ, G Blaze and Dreamlife Beats - help to make each track a completely different listening experience. Cameos by the likes of Jenee Monica, Jess Aleakatino and Speez add the icing on the cake of what is simply a sublime mixtape offering from one of Christian hip-hop's most relatable and effortlessly talented exponents.

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