Entering into the urban choir ranks is L. Spenser Smith & Testament, with their debut project, Assignment No. 1.

Heavily dosed with hard hip hop vibes and street-savvy production (courtesy of John Jackson, who also serves as musical director for American Idol finalist Ruben Studdart), these newcomers hail from the Greater New Testament Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

In addition to serving as senior pastor at the church, Smith also has writing and vocal talents, both which are evident on the project, as the 20-voice choir Testament throw down fourteen potent tracks.

Class starts with the high-octane, vocoder-propelled, funky "Out of the Box", setting stage for the next couple cuts, including "Under My Feet", featuring rapper BBJay, who steps back onto the scene on with electricity. The NY phat pastor throws down his recognizable, fast-patter lines.

The summer will be that much sunnier with soft jams such as "God Will". With L. Spenser Smith and Q. Bailey trading soulful lines over a sweet track and Testament's softly rendered vocals, the song lifts and picks you up with references to God's willingness to heal and deliver. Mark Blair's acoustic guitar nicely accents the piece.

Things take a jazzy detour on "What A Friend". A strong organ bed anchors the cut, as Smith's freely ad-libbed lines serve as testimony to the incredible truth that our Creator offers us friendship.

Choir takes prominence on "That's Our Praise", punctuating their monotone praise lines over organ and horns. Then alto Charmayne Moyowa takes the mic on "Focus", a down-tempo, reflective composition written by Romel Gibson. Moyowa takes her time with the song, and that helps emphasize the song's message, an encouragement for us to hone in on God's character and Person (as opposed to simply his blessings).

"Give Thanks" has Kevin Bennett on lead, his soaring tenor pipes flowing over the busy, rhythmic arrangement that incorporates some punchy brass from HONCHO Hornz. And don't skip the interlude, "Thank You", which is highlighted by some nice, thumpy organ stylings from Jackson.

"Covenant God" contrasts musically with much of what the project offers elsewhere, moving along on a tender piano line. But the song contains the same, overriding message that is clearly evident throughtout Assignment No. 1, as Smith sings the numerous titles of God, following the Hebrew name with a description of that characteristic.

Emtro Gospel continues to deliver the music with this worthy debut from L. Spencer Smith & Testament. If only all homework were as easy to get into as Assignment No. 1!