ALBUM DESCRIPTION

If the name Richie Righteous sounds familiar, it's because you probably heard him on Raggamuffin Hip Hop 1, ("No We Don't" and "No Weapon Ago Prosper") or on chapter two of this installment ("Same Riddim", "Him Nah Believe Seh", and "Jesus"). Now it's time to get the whole story?

Always speaking metaphorically, "Double R" (Richie Righteous) is a modern-day lyrical prophet throwing out redemptive analogies over solid beats for a wayward generation. Just listen to the first track on this contagious CD "Welcome to Censorship". In just three verses Richie gives us a spiritual state of our nation that in many ways parallels Romans 1 & 2. This lyrical pattern continues throughout the following 14 tracks. On "Censorship", every song is packed with seeds of truth sure to reap a bountiful harvest for the Kingdom of God.

Born in the South American/Caribbean nation of Guyana, but now residing in Queens, New York, Richie is an urban street poet with an immaculate flow. With unparalleled precision, this once prodigal pastor's kid spits out lyrics that every writer, (including yours truly) wishes that he had written. While some may compare Double R to everything from the wit of Eminem to the looks of Dutty Rocker Sean Paul, Richie is in a league of his own. On "Censorship", Richie shows that he can write, rap, sing, deejay and produce with equal proficiency.

As you are aware, many of today's top selling general market albums include a parental advisory on the cover. On "Censorship", Richie takes this concept to a whole new level. In fact, he "flips it". I mean, let's be realistic. What are they really censoring out these days on T.V., and radio? And why don't those spam filters work? These are the kinds of questions that Richie asks. And regrettably, the little that the media does filter out leaves nothing to the imagination. But there is one word (or should I say name) that is left out or misrepresented more often than not. This is the theme of Double R's revolutionary recording. As he states on one of his tracks, "Jesus Christ (is) the most censored name in music," and later, "He is the name that is censored out on radio more than curses"--Sad but true.

On "Censorship", Richie also uses humor and his sharp wit to deliver urban parables that are crammed with spiritual nuggets of truth. Just check out these profound lyrics:

"God is up in heaven begging the church 'Do My will', but it's like the church had an overdose of Nyquil. We've fallen asleep. We need to wake up! We still argue things like 'Can women wear makeup?' So I take up the mic just to break up the fight 'cause the house of Jacob needs to wakeup tonight. Christ is more than a Sunday service. How could you go to church all your life and not know your purpose?" (Who We Are).

Amidst these similes and metaphors from the streets, this writer also gives you an intimate portrait of his life. Transparency is key in Richie's verses, as each listener gets a glimpse of this artist's strengths AND weaknesses, his ups AND downs. Needless to say, Richie keeps it real. Regrettably, this type of honesty is rare in the Christian industry.

I hate to admit this, but as believers in Christ, we often find ourselves listening to secular music that is "great" and then occasionally playing faith driven CDs that are "okay" but worthy of our support because the artist is "Christian". Rarely do you hear a CD that is both "Great" AND "Christian"--this is one of those prized CDs.

Before I conclude, I must state that even though this album is being sold on Lionofzion.com--this is NOT a reggae album. It is a hip-hop CD with one dancehall cut (Track 10 - Applause) and a few tracks that include elements of dancehall/reggae. However, this should not deter you from buying this album. In fact, if you have ever bought even one rap album in your life, then you will love this release. It is jam-packed with slamming beats and an uncompromising message. This project is all killer with no filler.

While most CDs play to your ears, these songs hit my ears, my feet, my heart and my soul. So grab your virtual shopping cart today and pick up a copy of a disc that will change the way that you view God and this lost world. Trust me, this record will not disappoint you.

Review by Mark Mohr