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  Ready 4 War This crew's purpose is found in their name: To Reach Urban Communities Everywhere. The New York-based ministry is a division of the reknowned Nicky Cruz Outreach, who take the message of Christ to the masses using the powerful vehicle of hip-hop and R&B.  This mission serves as the impetus for their debut release, Ready 4 War. Ray Robles, Keith Dewindt, Terrance Mack, David Ham, Selina Robles, and Sheena Lee come together and slickly blend their talents into a well-packaged witnessing tool destined to reach listeners of all musical backgrounds. Handling the production duties on this project is WOO, who produces twelve of the fourteen tracks.The ride begins with the energetic “Are You Ready?” which has Dewindt and Mack at the forefront spittin’ fire-breathed lyrics that challenge listeners to face the music and live for Christ. These emcees bring their East Coast flava to this head-noddin’ track, with Stephanie Cruell contributing slick background vocals. Dewindt also contributes to the funky “Bless You”, where he shares the lyrical responsibilities with Selina Robles. In an industry where few female emcees are prevalent, Robles makes an impressive showing for herself as T.R.U.C.E. declares their desire to bless the Lord.  In fact, Robles finds herself all over this project. She is the lone emcee on “Where U At?”, where she looks for all Christians to stand proudly and represent Christ. Bearing a vocal resemblance to Jaz of Royal Temple or Elsie of New Breed, Robles continues to unleash serious heat on the track.T.R.U.C.E. stays true to the streets with several heavily urban vibes, which will make reaching urban communities easy. “Datz Wassup” has a gritty East Coast feel, laced with a detailed string line that shows the beauty of the urban fusion of the hip-hop and classical genres. “Go Fast” taps into a heavy jungle and reggae flow while admonishing all that the return of Christ is imminent. While it’s easy to get caught up in the lyrical delivery and musicality of these emcees, the one element that is not lost on this project is ministry. T.R.U.C.E. reaches the street with a real message that glorifies Christ as the solution while being candid about the issues that are real to the streets. “Warriorz Cry” speaks of the real battles that men have with staying pure in the midst of a seductive society. “24/7” speaks of daily battles with human frailties. It removes the stigma that Christians are perfect but openly admits to a need for believers to fully rely on Christ to be able to live successfully. “Lost, But Now I’m Found” features Ray Robles sharing his powerful testimony of how he came to Christ. This candid message is bound to touch all who listen and show the world the divine providence of Christ. The album ends with an invitation to Christ —thus cementing the mission of T.R.U.C.E. Good music fused with the powerful message of Christ is an unbeatable solution. (Click on the banner at the top of this review page to order, or click here).
Email This To A Friend Nicky Cruz Ministries — reviewed by Gerard Bonner —
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