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  The Sequel There are undoubtedly some noted differences between this project and his debut self-titled release. For one, Lil’ iROCC is now on his own imprint known as Authority Music. (Yes, 14 year-olds have their own record labels now.)  Secondly, the emcee’s growth is extremely evident, as both his lyrical delivery and content have matured to the point where there is an exponential difference between his freshman and sophomore releases. Let’s examine.From the start of this project, you know you’re in for a new day with the teenage lyricist. "Who U Representin’" is a heavy, dirty south track full of holy crunk that will keep you bouncin’ from here to the ATL and back. Lil’ iROCC shouts out a number of U.S. cities and states and reminds us to party and represent the Lord in doing so. Diversity is the name of the game on The Sequel as the emcee plays with several different musical styles. “I ROCC” is a mid-tempo jam that has iROCC sharing his reasons for continuing to rhyme and share his gift with the world. He reminds the world that he does what his name says —that is, he Relies On Christ Completely. In addition to the amazing strength of his lyrical delivery, Lil’ iROCC enlists a production team that is a hip-hop dream team. Fred Jerkins III of the Darkchild camp lends his talents to this effort as he produces the in-your-face track "We Get". Rodney Jerkins joins Fred in the production of “I.O.U.”, which features Delisha Thomas on background vocals. On this laidback track, the emcee speaks to how he’s nothing without God and owes him everything. Thomas sings a mean hook on this one, bearing vocal resemblance to the ladies of Out of Eden.  Logic and Lil’ D from The Righteous Riders join the party for "I Won’t Stop". Lil’ D handles the background vocals on this one and lays down an intense hook showing the synergy in this partnership. The Riders team up to produce "Pull ‘em Down", featuring Spy from Christian Massive. This song is a bonafide hit!! This heavy reggae track is reminiscent of that Platinum Souls heat and has iROCC teaching us about doing a new dance called "The Carwash". Looks like we’ll need to see the video for this one. Spy’s chant adds just the right flava to make this one worthy of dozens of spins in your CD player.The hard-hitting Pettidee handles the production on “I Wanna ROCC”. This jungle style track has that classic Pettidee feel and brings in Young Dirty to handle the lyrical hook, (which samples the opening line from the hip hop classic "It Takes Two" from Rob Base and DJ E-Z- Rock). The throwback is classic and works beautifully. Pettidee also produces "Soul Snatcha", which is co-written by the leader of the Holy South Movement, Mr. Del. Again, iROCC represents with crazy flava. Canton Jones returns to this project and plays a heavy role in its success. With Pettidee’s production, Jones teams with iROCC on "A Lil Diff". Jones adds his signature background vocals to this track as the tandem speaks of the difference that’s made in living a Christian life. Jones is featured on "He Say, She Say" as well as "Feels Like Oooo". This track is sure-fire sign of iROCC’s growth as the tandem collaborate to testify of the joy of a relationship with God. IT's in an urban worship style that is, in a word, smooth. The emcee deals with teenage sexual temptations on the track "Choose", which features Tameka Lashaun. Without fail, this is one of those times where The Sequel surpasses the original. Lil’ iROCC may still be in his early teens, but his entire presentation has grown by leaps and bounds.
Email This To A Friend Authority Music/Whitaker Entertainment — reviewed by Gerard Bonner —
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