ALBUM DESCRIPTION

Coming straight outta' Trinidad, the K.O.T.I.J. Crew delivers one of the most impressive debut albums we've seen here at GospelReggae.com. Produced by Sherwin Gardner, "The Big Man", is an excellent mix of reggae, dancehall, hip hop, soca, and calypso.

The four-man Crew (whose name stands for "Keep On Trusting In Jesus") is comprised of long term friends Slimwonda, King, The Young One and The Specialist. All four of these youths were raised by musical families in Arima and Morvant, Trinidad .

Track one, "To The Hills," leads off the album with an superb roots riddim and a truly uplifting message. With a modern roots/R&B delivery similar to T.O.K., the K.O.T.I.J. crew sing "I look up to the hills, from whence cometh my help? My help comes from the Almighty! I need you Lord, I can't do this by myself. My help comes from the Almighty!" Other stirring roots songs on this CD include track nine, "Joy," and track twelve, "Love Jah Jah."

For fans of pounding bass and exciting ragga/soca/dancehall, K.O.T.I.J. delivers with "The Big Man," feat. Lazarus and Iris, and "Wild World," feat. Sherwin Gardner and Shelly Thunder. "Locked Up," "Jump Up," "Wave," and "Reason To Praise," also seamlessly blend calypso, soca, and dancehall with Spirit filled lyrics and quality production. The intense hip hop of "K.O.T.I.J." and the smooth R&B/worship of "Testimony," and "Thank You," round out this notable debut release.

With clean production courtesy of Sherwin Gardner and an exciting mix of various styles, the K.O.T.I.J. crew has made an bold first step into the realm of Gospel reggae/Caribbean music. Grab up your copy today!!!

Review by: D.M. Gahn