Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Slowly but surely a number of female rappers are establishing themselves on the gospel hip-hop scene and Memphis-based Murk is definitely one of the best. The title track of this five-song (plus an excerpt) has already attracted radio play Stateside and is a clever exegesis of the Proverbs 31 description of a Godly woman. As Murk declares, "I ain't no Barbie." In fact the topic of female righteousness is carried through the whole project making this something of a concept EP. "So Beautiful" is a telling reminder to young girls and all the other females to whom she directs her skillful flow that beauty is an inner quality not dependent on layers of makeup and fashion obsession. "All I Ever Wanted" is a loosely structured declaration of love for Jesus held together by an elegant piano figure. And it's a concert grand with beats which underpins "True Story" though it's a shame that the chorus has such an obvious rhyme: "Pretty girl you've had a hard life/All you've ever known was the pain and strife." Better is "Royalty", a celebration of being a member of God's royal priesthood which has some spectacularly quick rapping at the song's heart. With carefully considered production from the session-seasoned Mr Del 'P31' is a thoroughly recommended set.

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