Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The two mini-albums released by this young man from Seattle, Washington as Isaac Peabody were more than competent folk-tinged pop but Peabod's move into hip-hop is a revelation. I've no idea what the independent mix tape version of 'Healthy Snacks' sounds like but this, his re-recorded debut for Centricity, is an absolute delight. The clever production is the perfect framework for Peabod's rapid delivery flows which bring a bright and sunny vibe to the often dark and angry hip-hop arena. Whether he's telling us about his "Roommates", revelling in a Latin groove on "Sweet As Coca-Cola" or expressing his love and admiration for his godly girlfriend and her ability to see Peabod's good side on "Steady" ("You show me just how this grace thing works even through the dirt you've seen/Dang, I love my steady introverted favourite human being"). Even when he's recounting personal problems, like on "Dang!" on which he chronicles the trauma of a Christmas time burglary, his wit and effervescence shine through. And the album ends perfectly with "A PEAceful Outroduction" on which he advises his listeners if they remember nothing else about his flows, remember the Jesus message in the song. Here's hoping Joe Public picks up bigtime on this refreshingly original wordsmith.

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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