Reviewed by Andy Cooper

This is the second full album from the New Jersey duo Eddie (aka Substance) and Jeremiah (aka Prophecyer), but the first release on a major label (EMI Gospel). It is truly down-to-earth Gospel for the streets, with unashamed use of this medium for evangelism and encouragement for believers, while generally keeping it credible with deep heavy grooves and rapping with attitude. It's not as creative as some current big hitters such as Eminem or Kanye West, but they have a genuine style of their own: the backing and samples are smooth, solid and well produced, sometimes drawing from R&B styles, while the rapping is deep and focused with good interaction between the two rhymists. Subjects dealt with include fatherlessness, life after death and the degradation of society, while the chorus from "Warriors" is the closest to worship I've heard on a hip-hop album for a long time! All credit to these musical missionaries for bringing such tough subjects to the places and people where they're most needed.

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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