Reviewed by David Bain

Imagine the urban landscape, lights flickering, smoky streets and dark nights.got it? Well, this debut album, courtesy of Philadelphia rapper R-Swift, delivers this image to perfection. Already appearing on the notable 'M:22' album, as part of the Street Sweepers outfit, Swift has developed lyrics fit to burst the most robust of headphones. We crash through tons of issues on these tracks with the Christian message kept firmly in place, yet not patronising the bopper. Beats are packed and jumpy, working well across the many moods represented on the 17 cuts. Check Swift when he gets laid-back and subtle - so hitting the spot. The methodical rapping style pulses like a rhythmical heart beat through standouts "Lust" and "Worship Joint" - respectively warning against the dangers of longing after loose women and, instead, staying focused on God. There is some hard stuff too: turn up the volume on "Party Joint" and "Chaos", with their cut-up beats and rhymes tough enough to drive nails through concrete. It's a little raw, overall, and could do with a few tweaks here and there, but this does not take much away from the strength of this release. Keep this one playing all the way to dawn.and then some more.

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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