ALBUM DESCRIPTION

**ABOUT THE ARTIST**
Born in 1974 on the island of Grenada, Bob David started revealing his musical abilities at the tender age of seven when he began playing the drums in a local church. In 1984, he moved to Brooklyn, New York to live with his father where he spent seven living the life of a hoodlum, involved in robberies and smuggling drugs. During that time he also learned about the sounds of jazz, hip-hop, and his native reggae. In 1991 his family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he and his brother Dan linked up with three new friends to form the group "Flexstyle," Las Vegas' first dancehall reggae group. Over the years Flexstyle grew in popularity and even ended up hosting their own radio show, "Reggae on The Radio." At the peak of their career, they graced the stage with artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Slick Rick, Beenie Man and Mad Lion.

In 1998 Bob's life was changed forever. While his friends in New York were either strung out on drugs or caught up in the gangsta life, Bob was going through his own emotional roller coaster with his girlfriend. In all of his instability, no man--including himself, could fix the situation. Bob finally called upon Jesus to intervene in his life. "I gave up my pride and ego so that I could obtain from the Lord direction and answers," he said. Bob ended up leaving the dancehall scene to followed Jesus Christ. Although it was hard for him to give up everything, the Lord ended up blessing him more abundantly than he could have ever imagined. In 1999, Bob married his longtime girlfriend Suwakon and they now have one child and another on the way.

After his conversion, Bob was given a vision from God to use his musical talents to glorify the Lord and reach out to the reggae community. He recorded his first gospel reggae album "PURE RIGHTEOUSNESS," in Miami, Florida with longtime reggae producer, Dr. Carl Patterson (a.k.a. Karl Pitterson). Carl, who mixed Bob Marley's "Exodus" also produced the likes of early Steel Pulse and Aswad. In addition to this, he the creator of the popular "corduroy," "broadway," "rae rae," and "faith," rhythms and produced Tanto Metro & Devonte, Frankie Paul, and even Dennis Brown's last recording. The 12 songs in this album relay Bob's life changing experiences and are packed with theology and apologetics. Every track delivers an clever blend of authentic reggae, dancehall, and an array of eclectic musical sounds.

**ALBUM REVIEW**
This debut solo album starts off with a church service vibe on the brief "Intercessory" intro. After this preface of prayer, Bob hits the listener hard with his hit single, "Salvation." This song includes a nyahbingi (heartbeat) kick drum, roots instrumentation, sweet sax licks, a catchy chorus, and a Dub Poetry">dub poetry style on the verses. In spoken word Bob relays that "Salvation set us free," quoting verses such as Romans 10:9-10 and delivering a flawless message of the gospel.

In track 3 Bob chats "Don't give me no money or no token, cause that cannot open the gates of righteousness for me." This is a Dancehall piece with an infectious chorus that you will keep singing long after the track is over. A phat hip hop beat hits off "To God Be the Glory," a modern raggamuffin hip hop tune following suit of artists like Beenie Man, Shaggy, and Baby Cham. With island toasting over an East Coast style rhythm, the last verse features a rap piece by Nathaniel "Nou Nou" Pierre.

"Life" is a straight-up DJ slam over an original dancehall rhythm packed with spirit-filled, enlightening lyrics aimed to reform the dancehall industry. An unusual interlude precedes the powerful "Foundation" (track #7) performed over the "Build Up" rhythm. This tight roots smash includes luscious saxophone licks performed by A. J Hill. "Rejoice in the Lord" is a skanking rocksteady mover that will give you "Joy in your soul" with its infectious beats, DJ piece and uplifting lyrics.

"Got to be Me," is a sing-jay number reminiscent of artists such as Anthony B and Everton Blender. Over this original rhythm, Bob relays that he is not doing this for fame, but rather to give glory to Jesus' name. "Jesus Christ the Answer" kicks off with a "Capleton" influenced introduction and a dancehall beat adorned with a popular '80s keyboard dance melody. Over a steady groove with pop sensibility, Bob relays that "Christ is the answer" and "the longing of our souls desire."

"Endurance" is one of my favorite songs on the album. The melodies and drum & bass line remind me of vintage Sly and Robbie, while the chorus, supported by background vocals and sax licks offer just the right amount of contrast to the tune. The next song, "Victory" is inspired by Ephesians chapter six and performed over the classic "Ring the Alarm" rhythm. This song succeeds in comforting believers with the truth that when a spiritual war is waged, "We have the victory in the Word of God."

On track 13, Bob continues to "Spread the Word" through his DJ style over a hip hop beat with sweet background vocals. After one listen to this song it is clear that this man is a student of the Word of God. In his overtly theological lyrics, he teaches the listener about the Trinity and quotes John 1. Over the stepping roots rhythm of "Blessed" Bob proclaims that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing from above. This heartening reggae bomb includes a hard-hitting bass line and honey dripping guitar licks. The album concludes with a brief charismatic declaration of faith on "Outflow"--similar to what you might hear proclaimed from the pulpit at a Pentecostal church in Jamaica.

**CONCLUSION**
Overall, every song on "Pure Righteousness" is aimed to inspire, convert, and give hope to its listeners. Bob David is a well studied man of the faith who has an abundance of knowledge to share through his DJ style lyrics. Though this album leaves room for growth, it is a promising freshman release from a talented artist with a genuine heart.

When I first met Bob he had set up a booth in the arts and crafts fair for Bob Marley day in Long Beach, CA. He was blaring his message music and sharing his heart with every inebriated passerby. After asking him some pointed questions about his faith, it was clear to me that he was doing to Lord's work. Bob David is a bright light in a dark world. Hailing from the unlikely Las Vegas, Nevada, this promising artist has set out to redeem the dancehall and boldly proclaim the gospel to all who will hear. I applaud Bob for this album and his efforts in the furtherance of the good news of Jesus Christ. The best description that I can come up with for this project is as follows: It is like taking a Bible class in Kingston Jamaica-- you enjoy the music, dialect and culture, while learning profound truths from the Word of God. So grab your text book (The Bible) and pick up a copy of the syllabus--Buy "Pure Righteousness" today!