ALBUM DESCRIPTION

We don't normally release much Hip-Hop on GospelReggae.com, but for this album we had to make an exception. Not only is he originally from Guyana, but he has make a special guest appearance on a few of our compilations over the years earning him an honorary position in the Gospel Reggae massive and crew. Here is the review as posted on holyridaz.com:

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"Some Urban Gospel music proclaims the truth, some of it makes ya nod ya head but is a little light or soft with the "message", but R.I.C.H. not only gets ya movin... it goes beyond the head nod and ministers health to both heart and soul!"

If I only had a few words to sum up R.I.C.H. by Richie Righteous they would be "Go Buy It...NOW!!!" Really that is what I would say, because not only is it a solid project, but purchasing a copy would aid him in his quest to sell 50,000 units. Released in January of 2009, R.I.C.H. (Resting In Christ Hands) features quality production from the likes of Tony "The Creationist" Stone, Twyla, Jimi Khendrix, Fresh Air, and Shawn Smith (of the Smith Bros) and contains a pleasant mix of east coast bangers, classic hip hop and feel good tracks you can groove to.

FIRST IMPRESSION
I couldn't wait to listen to my copy of R.I.C.H., and was both excited and curious as to what I would hear.���  I had heard and enjoyed one of the lead singles "Do What It Do" and wondered if the album would contain similar types tracks or if it would be full of the raw "ragamuffin" style circa old school Richie Righteous.���  Regardless of what I expected I was not at all prepared for what I heard.

If you are familiar with the review style here at Holy Ridaz, then you know we typically give a project 4 spins and then share our findings with you...I tried the same approach with R.I.C.H., but by the time I made it to the Title Track R.I.C.H., I found myself stuck.. literally! It caught me off guard and before I knew it I had put my pen down, put the track on repeat and listened to it more times than I can count.

That track alone was worth every bit of the purchase price of the CD, as it blessed me in more ways than I can explain.  I listened continually as it convicted me and made me realize that there were still areas in my own life and ministry where I was still trying to carry the weight and do it all myself instead of simply resting in His hands. Even now when I listen to that track my eyes tear up and it serves as a reminder that there is peace and rest when I place EVERYTHING in Christ hands.

With that said my first impression of this CD is that is reveals that there really is only two distinctions when it comes to music, either it's anointed or it's not...and this one is anointed. Listening to this album proves that Richie is without a doubt walking in his calling.

A CLOSER LOOK
As you listen to R.I.C.H. it's clear that Richie has a heart for the lost and our youth, and he skillfully uses a "Love First" approach to deliver the Message that there is hope and healing available for everyone. Contrary to what some might think this "Love first" approach is not synonymous with mincing words or beating around the bush, in fact Richie comes hard & heavy in his attack on sin and the fact that we all need a Savior  [Who You Represent] [Salvation 101], but he does so in a Love driven way, and tracks like [What The world Needs Now] help sooth any "ouches" that might arise when confronted with the truth, and the energy and hype-ness of [Who You Represent] makes it clear the Richie is merely going all out and reppin God the same way and manner people un-apologetically represent crime, sex & drugs and that he is not attacking anyone...just stating what he is passionate about.

Ideally any Gospel rapper in the industry wants to take the message and the meat of the Gospel and still present it in a way that the people can relate to or "feel"  and I think Richie does a good job of that with this project. Ironically this project has been in the making for quite awhile, but had experienced several setbacks, including having his computer crash and losing all of his tracks (you can catch the details by checking his interview on the Wade-O Radio Show) and yet in spite of those setbacks he managed to recover and create an excellent product.

DA BREAKDOWN
R.I.C.H. comes complete with 14 tracks and two bonus tracks all designed to en-r.i.c.h. the listener.

Review by http://holyridaz.com