ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Late last year, gospel reggae producer Mark Giles (Jah Servant), moved his studio from the Great White North (Canada) to the sunny southern Caribbean (Trinidad). The first fruit of this relocation is the debut release by Mention. Production for the project was shared between Mark Gile's Servant's Quarters studio and Sherwin Gardner's House of Flows studio. Using both sequencing and live instrumentation (including some blazing electric guitar licks by Jah Servant), this energetic album is a spirited first offering from a relatively new artist.

We first felt Mention's "Fire" on Trinity Mix 2001 (Lion of Judah Sounds). A lot has happened since then and Mention has developed significantly as an artist/songwriter.

Though his name may sound familiar, it is not to be confused with the song "Mr. Mention" on Yow 3 or the early Buju Banton recording with the same name. For this Trinidadian artist that is known as Mention is far more than a mere dancehall deejay. He also lends his hand at some singing on songs like the title track, "Hear My Prayer" in addition to his deejay/singjay flow.

The songwriting is solid, the hooks are catchy and the accompaniment is up to par with the best that has come out of Trinidad over the last year. While singing may not be Mention's strongest suit, his deejay skills more than compensate. For when he is toasting, Mention controls the microphone. On songs like the authoritative "No Fear" and the energetic ragga-soca "Love Is Ah Flag", we find Mention putting his best foot forward. On "Praise Till Ah Morning" Sherwin Gardner even jumps in front of the microphone for yet another brilliant collaboration.

Overall, Mention's "Hear My Prayer" contains 16 passionately delivered tracks performed by a genuine believer that has a tremendous heart for reaching the lost. It is the positive beginning of a hopefully long and fruitful relationship between two top gospel reggae producers (Giles and Gardner) and a valiant freshman effort for Mention. Order your copy today!

Review by Nosmo King