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 Problem. Cause. Solution.  The Alabama natives trade in the expected Dirty South vibe for an authentic style that fuses spoken word, slick hooks, and cross-coastal musical influences with a healthy dose of evangelism. The desire to genuinely impact the lost is evident throughout this project, as the tandem makes relevant and palatable efforts at offering Christ.The title of the album is represented in three interludes, where the group identifies the problem, cause, and solution needed to bring the world into a relationship with Christ. This team does not shy away from addressing real issues with a degree of appreciated candor. Throughout the project, SounDoctrine and Mr. C.H.A.O.S. (Choosing Holiness and Opposing Sin) handle the lyrical flows while Darrington-Rowe brings home the hooks and the ballads. "Valley of Death" may be the first song within the realm of holy hip-hop that gives opinions on the war in Iraq. SounDoctrine teams with Keith Profitt here to address a slew of national issues ranging from the war to same-sex marriages. It’s as political as it is powerful, and it lifts up the need for us to trust in God and not fear the world’s current state. "Camouflage" slickly reminds believers not to be fooled by the enemy’s distractions and to avoid hiding from God’s omnipresent eyes. "Don't Hate" continues Converted Soul’s exposé on the enemy. The slickness is huge, as the crew admonishes believers not to hate on others, but suggests that they should point that emotion towards opposing the enemy and all of his forces. This is a hot song that will keep your head noddin’ and your brain churning.  As may be discerned by its title, "Virtuous Woman" is where Converted Soul describes that ideal Proverbs 31 woman, she who is designed to be the helpmeet. With Keith Pledger and Keith Proffitt handling the hook, this one’s another keeper.Darrington-Rowe gets into the mix with "Can You Feel Me?". Her vocals light up this slow jam as she asks God if He can feel their devotion and love for Him. She's also featured on the mid-tempo "He Deserves the Praise", a bonafide urban hymn of sorts that trumpets the fact that Christ is deserving of all glory. Darrington-Rowe is joined by Alondra and Stacey Leatherwood on the hook, providing slick harmony reminiscent of the girl group Nujoi from the mid 90s. Throughout the hook, Converted Soul does a nice throwback to Naughty By Nature's "O.P.P." that adds a bit of joyous celebration to the praise-filled offering. With a total of sixteen tracks, Converted Soul has done a worthy job of identifying the problem, cause, and solution to the world’s issues. Offering Christ as the ultimate solution, Converted Soul is well on their way to converting souls to the Kingdom.
Email This To A Friend independent — reviewed by Gerard Bonner —
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