Reviewed by Andy Cooper

After almost 10 years in the industry, here is the first full length album by the driving force behind Souljahz/Washington Projects, Je'kob Washington. In fact, these tracks were first released as three EPs, 'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Love', and are well worth closer examination. Je'kob has a lot of similarities to TobyMac and Group 1 Crew: mixing fun loving rap with catchy chorus lines. The lyrics are easy to follow, the song structures are kept simple, and 21st century recording technology is used to good effect. It's an appealing recipe for young teenagers, and there are plenty of backing vocal lines to join in with! There's huge variety too: "Can't Have My Soul" is gritty and Je'kob raps like a young Will Smith; "Make Me Over" is more laid back and confessional; "Dreams" goes more gangsta but with a story of faith, and "John 316" is a fun way to convey the message of love. Je'kob had a hand in writing most of the songs and plays a bunch of the instruments too. It's impossible to not admire him for creating this set, and for bringing fun and faith back into hip-hop.

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