Reviewed by Greg Inglis

UK MC Blessed Man brings us his third solo album, the follow up to 2003's 'Back To Basics'. With a name inspired by the Bible (taken from Psalm 1v1), it's no surprise that there is no watering down of the Gospel message in an attempt to sell records. "Urban Inspirational" talks of a life without God being "a life that is dead" before setting out how Jesus died on the cross and rose again. There is also a clear social conscience demonstrated here through tracks like "Stay In School" and "Stop The Violence" which are hard hitting tales of the dangers of drugs, violence and crime and the alternative that is available to those who choose to take it. Both tracks also appear here in remix form which unnecessarily pads out what is a strong release despite some occasionally repetitive beats on the likes of "Shame On Me". The sleeve only includes lyrics to half of the songs which puzzled me greatly. But that's a small quibble. An interesting and thought provoking addition to any hip-hop collection.

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