You may have heard him rock it with The Street Sweepers on their self-titled debut album. You may have heard him represent with The Cross Movement on the hot single "Eternal Cypha" from the Holy Culture album.

Now the time has come for R-Swift to exhaust his skills on his own project.

Native New Yorker, R-Swift (aka Rodnie Graham) energetically spews out 17 tracks that guarantee him a spot in the limelight as a promising new artist. He skillfully maneuvers the microphone to produce a refreshing East coast laden style that rides underground beats like a Brooklyn subway.

His solo debut Elevation 81.02 serves as a timeline that chronicles this young rapper's growth from his birth in 1981 to the conception of the current album in 2002. "R-Swift means to represent swiftly and without hesitation," he states, and even the connotation gives the listener a subtle hint of his "fast and furious" take on music.

R-Swift pours out fluidly to thirsty hip hoppers worldwide; his no-nonsense approach is heard in the heart-felt opener of the album, "1981", that silences skeletons of the past as he reminisces.

He blazes and shines with fellow Street Sweepers member, Ackdavis on "Face It- Pt. II." R-Swift no doubt delivers and drops a surprisingly explosive vibe on "Hosanna", "Elevation", and "Keep Your Eyes Peeled."

A definite "summer love" hit, "Dearly Beloved" explores the “romantic / wholesome” look at true love and hangs beautifully with harp chords, snares, and smooth R&P vocals. R-Swift then lets loose his unrestricted views on "Hypocrites on Wax" and "Lust".

Street Sweepers

Click on the album cover for the review of the Street Sweepers' CD.

One of the scorchers of the album "is Night Sweats", produced by The Cross Movement's, T.R.U.-L.I.F.E. It has all the components of a solid song: a piano/violin combination, catchy hook and lyrics blend together as R-Swift allows the music to flow through his blood stream like oxygen, and exhales a melodic creation.

Other noted tracks include party igniters such as "Chaos", "The Ultimate", and the obvious "Party Joint". The hidden groovy boom-bap track "Worship Joint" is an ingenious serenade to the Lord that leaves one awe-struck.

Elevation 81.02 boldly incorporates hip hop, hints of soul, jazz, rock, and R&P as R-Swift shows himself to be a rising rap star, offering a fresh new face and voice to the world of holy hip hop. Though the project is choc-full of brilliantly hype and relevant songs, this 20-something rapper relays a clear message about his premiere release: