Reviewed by Steve Hayes

R-Swift, out of Philly, is back with his latest release 'Apply Pressure', an effective 10 track project (plus one interlude). Think some seriously gritty east coast beats and flows with tight production. In a genre dominated by the latest fads, this album is refreshingly real and straight taking the best of production and crossing it with contemporary old skool beats and R-Swift's cutting flow (for example, "Problem" where hip-hop's problems are confronted). Track after track offer banging breaks as R Swift confronts a wide range of social and political issues from a Godly point of view. After the original "Dear Mr President" we now have Part 2, where Swift paints the scenario of a town-hall meeting with President Obama. The track asks some deep social questions with real-life samples. Even more powerful is "Don't Go" where an unborn child cries out to his mother to allow him to live. "Love Story" featuring Butta P's rapping skills and the smooth vocal tones of JR is told from two sides in a head-nodding exploration of true love. If some albums are for the underground, 'Apply Pressure' has great commercial appeal and has the potential to reach where few Christian albums can.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.