ALBUM DESCRIPTION

In his first full-length release, singer/songwriter Dwain Walters packs a unique blend of reggae, dancehall, hip hop and gospel music. Dwain, a Jamaican by birth, surrendered his heart to Christ at an early age and still has an unyielding passion for ministering through music. In November 2002, He released his first single, "Magnify". Two years later Dwain followed it up with this freshman album, "Sold Out To Jesus," a true labor of love.

As a songwriter, Dwain is a "Jamaica Arts and Cultural Development" award winner, having worked with the likes of Joy, Randy, Restoration Singers and Spiritual Voices. In pre-promotion of this album, he has shared the stage with Stitchie, Junior Tucker, Marvia Providence, Prodigal, Claudelle Clarke, Glacia Robinson, Evangelist Sandra Brooks and Joan Flemings.

"Sold Out To Jesus" is different from your average black gospel CD. The musical arrangement is diverse, as it includes an assortment of primarily island sounds. Powerful praise and worship with a Caribbean flavor, R&B, ballads and dancehall reggae are heard throughout.

Opening this 14 track session is a dancehall intro, followed by a hip-hop banger that has a sweet hook and pumping beat. This title track explodes when dancehall deejay Wingy Danejah grabs the mic. Alongside Wingy is B-Fus and Judith. As the song proclaims, Dwain is totally "sold out to Jesus." The title of this original album is an effort put into practice in Dwain's day to day life as he currently serves as youth minister and choir director at a local Fort Lauderdale church.

On track two, Dwain has come to "Magnify Him" over the old school reggae/dancehall "Spy Fi Die Riddim". This song features the deejay skills of Randy, who adds a stamp of legitimacy to this standout track. Although initially taken-aback by the children singing on the chorus of "Good Looking Out," I am quickly overtaken by its contagious soca beat, percolating hand-claps and tight deejay piece.

What follows is a sequences calypso/salsa fusion with a bit too much AutoTune. But the message is not to be ignored; "He Reigns Forevermore!" The Latin vibes continue with an overwhelmingly canned audience on "Love to Praise," a song that will have you salsa dancing all the way to the altar. I love the fact that we can praise the Lord in other styles beyond atypical western gospel music. I could see many churches using this one to spice up their weekly worship repertoire.

On track seven, Dwain takes us back to the reggae genre with "Everything." But his "safe" church reggae takes the back pew on the next track. As the microphone juggling begins on "U.N.I.T.Y.," featuring Wingy Danejah, Dane-jah-rus and Monty G, it is clear that with the help of veteran Monty and his distinct sound, this album can be taken to higher heights. Just check Monty's lyrics on this plea for unity, "Yo we haffi stay close like lint 'pon one sweater." Where does he think up stuff like this? This should have been the first track on this album.

The reggae continues to appease my ears on "Jesus You are," the third and final track featuring relative newcomer Wingy Danejah. Keep your eye on this guy in the future. Dwain stays in the reggae vein for a little bit longer on track ten with "Use Me" and then on the polished "Everyday". From here Dwain goes where far too many reggae gospel artists have gone before; out of the reggae and into the gospel. I personally prefer Dwaine's reggae style and wish that he had kept his eyes on Jamaica for just a few more songs. This isn't to say that he isn't good at singing and writing black gospel, it just doesn't suit my taste the same as the "one drop." But rest assured, with the first eleven tunes featuring various Caribbean styles, there is "plenty nuff reggae fi spread aroun' pon dis ya album, so check it!"

It is often said that "there is strength numbers." Never has this been more apparent than on this album with the generous contributions of Joy, Wingy Danejah, Monty G, Dane-jah-rus, B-Fus, Randy, Divine Image, Minister C. Byron and Llamar. While there is still room for growth in some of the production and on a few of the vocal tracks, none of the album's weaknesses overshadow its apparent strengths and uncompromising message.

This is a quality release with sweet packaging from an artist that is truly "Sold Out To Jesus". I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of this album that is being "Sold" from this webstore. But above all, it is our desire to see you also become "SOLD OUT" to none other than Jesus. Hopefully this dynamic album will strongly encourage you to do so! So throw it in your shopping cart today! It is a must have to complete the catalog of any gospel reggae collector.

Review by Nosmo King