Reviewed by Steve Hayes

Renowned South London emcee, Dwayne Tryumpf returns with his fifth album, and a live one at that. Unlike rock music, there are relatively few live hip-hop projects for the obvious reason that most rappers when they perform in concert use backing tracks. But accepting this situation Dwayne has managed to deliver an album which, drawing in the atmosphere and appreciation of the crowd, is an excellent showcase for Dwayne's rapid delivery flows and the bevy of guests who include Armor & Brandon, Guvna B, Jahaziel and Reign Of Fire, make this also an impressive calling card for the whole UK Christian hip-hop underground. The classic "I Don't Pack A Matic" lands the listener straight into the centre of the crowd as Dwayne testifies about his life so far before landing the powerful chorus, "I don't pack a matic, but I pack a Matthew, Mark, Luke and John." The album also lifts up our heads with furious double-timing and energy in the fresh "Thy Kingdom Come" (featuring A.Star, Tru2DaName and Matthew Allen) and the extraordinary rapid delivery of "777" which features Reign Of Fire. "Changed My World" sees an R&B fusion with a slight Latino vibe as Dwayne gives his testimony over some outstanding musicianship. Dwayne shows his skills on a couple of slower tracks too, like "Proverbs 31 Woman" while we end with a raging untamed epic of a track "Never Be The Same" with Reign Of Fire and Dwayne both unleashing double-timing verbal assaults. Altogether, an outstanding album and whether you were or weren't at the University of London Union (ULU) on 18th November 2011 when this was recorded, you need to check out 'Live In Concert'.

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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