Reviewed by Tim Clewer

You may know that this is the most successful hardcore hip hop album to come out of Christendom and it's great to see it at last achieve a UK release. It is far more than just music including some theatre, use of interviews, a humorous application of Queen's "Flash Saviour Of The Universe" redefined and a prayer. To increase my expertise I visited the secular Classic And Vibes soul and reggae store in Reading. They assured me this is high quality hip hop but more specifically gangsta rap -music from the street gangs of the USA usually based on violence and anarchy. In this case the lyrics, which it took me practise to follow, are hard hitting but Bible based throughout. Some tracks relate to band members' before and after experiences whilst others are preachy. One track tells secular gangs that Christians are not pushovers, another bravely tackles the issue of police brutality. The band, apparently expecting to be misunderstood, use interviews to clarify their realistic views. Personally, I find it exhilarating to hear Christians willing to tackle issues where the Church traditionally plays ostrich. A brilliant CD for street youth into gang culture, but I hope also an enjoyable challenge for the rest of us.

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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