J.R. - METAMORPHOSIS
out of 5
In the secular world, you have what is called a "hook singer." The hook is that one part of the song that makes it all come together. It can also be referred to as the chorus I guess. Either way, we've seen several instances where hook singers go on to record to full CD's, and we wished they would have stuck to singing hooks. That's not the case with Cross Movement camp vocalist JR. Channeling John Legend and Pharrell vocally, and with production that sounds like some of it could have come straight out of the Timbaland camp, Metamorphosis is definitely one you should check out if you're looking for more Urban Contemporary music for your collection. I'm often turned off by Urban CD's, because it seems as if Gospel artists try too hard, but the end result here is a solid CD that could go up against the best in the secular world. It's all about the track The Greatest featuring label mate Flame for me. Kudos to the production team of Kevin Arthur, Official, N.A.B., and J.R. for a job well done! PICK HITS: Superstar, Just For Me, With You, Temptations, Press On, Shine Your Light, The Greatest

KEVIN JARIDO & NU VIRTU - I'M FREE
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams, Washington, DC
Even though we are already familiar with artists like Natalie Wilson & SOP (Newark), Craig Hayes & UV (Trenton) and even Tye Tribbett & GA (Camden), the state of New Jersey can now add another name to the list of growing artists on the independent front that represent in such a fine way. Lindenwold, NJ artist Kevin Jarido and his vocal ensemble Nu Virtu are representing quite well with their debut release "I'm Free". From beginning to end, one track after another, I enjoyed this disc that played like one continuous and hype praise and worship service with all of its components (Invitation [the Caribbean vibe of "Come In"], Praise & Worship ["Awesome God"], Church! ["He's Still Alive"]) executed with a contemporary twist. Jarido holds down most of the lead while his group provides wonderful backing vocals to quality material. If you needed to compare the group to someone, their vibe would probably be considered similar to Myron Butler and Levi, but Kevin Jarido and his crew can hold their own. Hopefully "I'm Free" is just the beginning of many projects to come from this group. Chris Simpson (John P. Kee & New Life, Kirk Franklin and the Family) makes a guest appearance on the track "King of Kings". PICK HITS: "I'm Free", "Come In", "For He Is (Lift Him Up)", "Sunday Morning", "Cry Holy", "Awesome God"

CANTON JONES - LOVE JONES
out of 5
Direct from the Dirty South with all of its "crunkness", Canton Jones is at it again with Love Jones. Because I was on the late bus, I was still spinning his sophomore project The Password and even went back and purchased 20 Years 3 Months 12 Days, when I received word that this CD was about to be released. Just like on his previous releases, CJ continues to address various issues in an urban contemporary setting. The "bumpability" factor has been pushed up on this release with songs like Shake It, Tried It All and Birthday. #1 Fan and Day Off further showcase Jones' strong vocals. Secular artists Ginuwine and R. Kelly should watch out. Ok, the comparison to secular artists might be a bit much, however this brotha has what it takes to go far. Reppin Christ all the way. Check him out. PICK HITS: Fix It, Everywhere I Go, #1 Fan

JOHN P. KEE - COLOR OF MUSIC
The Color of Music is Pastor John P. Kee's 2nd solo project on the Verity Records label. It's been 10 years since Verity signed Kee and released his debut solo offering Color Blind. The Crowned Prince of Gospel is back, showcasing serious vocals and the formula of music that we all know and love. Make sure you check out the track I-C-U, that's some good sangin! Features Guest Appearances By: Darkchild, Lil Rufus, LeJeune Thompson & Surrender. PICK HITS: Praise Power, In Your Name, Dancin, I Fly, I Can't Live Without You, Harvest, I-C-U, Encouraged, Never [originally posted 11.04]

JOHN P. KEE & NEW LIFE - NOTHING BUT WORSHIP (2007)
out of 5
Written By: Louis Williams - Washington, DC
PICK HITS: Right Now Praise, It Shall Be, Sanctuary, I Know It, Forgiven
The hardest thing in digging into a new release from John P. Kee is blocking out the usual rhetoric of others that says "will it sound like the last CD", "does he have to produce everything?" "The band isn't as tight as it used to be..blah blah", etc. etc..., so I approach each CD from the fact that I have been and always will be a fan of his music and that his style is simply that, HIS. Over the years, I've developed a theory that the distinction between a release from New Life and the yearly VIP Projects is that there is a certain feel and flow to a New Life record, while the material for VIP, though most times good, there's always this feeling that a certain song was pulled from a pile of "this is what I have left over." With Nothing But Worship, from the title/concept (still trying to figure this out) to the flow of the record, there's this split feeling I have that half of the record was done for New Life and half of it should have been saved for a VIP project and maybe even another Kee solo project. Guest appearances from Patrick Dobson, Emily Harris (Bobby Jones & New Life), Timiney Figueroa-Caton and Nikki Ross were enjoyable, as were solo appearances by long time New Life vocalist Sheila Lakin (who absolutely kills!) and Kee's newest camp member Maranda Curtis but the appearance from Fred Hammond as well as the song choice fell completely flat in my opinion. It's a pick and choose situation with this release -- keep the songs I like on my iPod, and the others.... well, maybe they'll go into rotation when the mood strikes. ADDITIONAL PICK HITS: Build A House, No Greater Love/Ain't Nobody

JOHN P. KEE & NEW LIFE - THE REUNION
out of 5
Being the John P. Kee stan that I am (Don't worry, I'm not boiling bunny rabbits or driving my car off of a cliff), I automatically wanted to give The Reunion 5 stars just because. That wouldn't be right though. While this certainly isn't a complete reunion of the New Life roster, most of the key players you're familiar with returned to make this a memorable moment in gospel history. Kee managed to take 20 years of musical history and pull together 2 discs of songs that will added to or pulled back out of the repertoires of choirs across the country. The only negative complaint this reviewer has is the consistency in the production. Overdub issues, full choir vs ensemble, use of video tracks -- entirely too much to get into now. Things were a tad busy. Even with that said, The Reunion is still the CD of the year for me. Maybe even a collector's item? Hmm. Features guest appearances by: Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Issac Caree, Zacardi Cortez, LeJeune Thompson, Tye Tribbett and Lowell Pye. PICK HITS: I'm Covered, Wash Me, Walk By Faith Medley, I Shall Do/The Anointing, Show Up/Right Here, Standing In The Need/New Life, Jesus Is Real, He'll Welcome Me Medley

JOHN P. KEE PRESENTS - THE NEW ARTIST SHOWCASE
Using his Victory in Praise conference as the platform to be a blessing, Pastor John P. Kee assembled various artists from around the country to churn out quite an interesting project. With music styles ranging from choir, hip-hop, and even quartet -- there's bound to be something here for all to enjoy. Even though I found myself only enjoying the first half of the CD, this was still a decent purchase. That durn Sheila Lakin on Nobody Like You. Sang guh! PICK HITS: Nobody Like You, What A Mighty God, Will You Be Ready

DEON KIPPING & NEW COVENANT - REAL LIFE. REAL WORSHIP.
out of 5
I'm learning how to stay off of the internet hype train. [start comments] Yo! This group is so hot, their CD is FIYA. This is the best CD I've ever heard in my life! [/end comments] For real? Yeah ok. I'll be the judge of that. I will say that I was impressed with Deon Kipping's vocals on the latest Youthful Praise project (Incredible God, Incredible Praise), and that my curiosity was peaked when I heard he was coming out with a project of his own. After hearing the CD, I'm impressed with the quality of production (excellent!), the material (writing and arrangements), and the vocals for the most part. Some of the songs played a lil longer than necessary, but even with that said, I still applaud this group on their first effort. Should there be a sophomore project, I'll probably be checking for it. PICK HITS: I Got A Reason, Not Like Me, Praise Him In Advance, Champion, So Close

DONALD LAWRENCE - I SPEAK LIFE
Great gawdt this is a slammin' CD! lol! By now you should know that Donald Lawrence is the man when it comes to penning some of Gospel's greatest hits. While some of his recent work with Tri-City has been blah to me, this CD right here will go down on my list as one of the best in 2004. With guest appearances from gospel & secular's finest artists - I Speak Life is incredible. How so? When I (I'm hard to please) can play 11 tracks without pressing skip on the Discman, you don't deserve anything less than an A. I can only imagine what the next project will be like. Features Guest Appearances From: Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Murrills, DJ Rogers, Faith Evans, Carl Thomas, LaLah Hathway & Ramsey Lewis. PICK HITS: Healed, Miracles, Angels, Say A Prayer, Better (my cut!), Wailin To Dancin', Coming Strong [originally posted 11.04/edited 8.05]

LECRAE - AFTER THE MUSIC STOPS
out of 5
In conjunction with Reach Records and Cross Movemement Records, Southern emcee Lecrae is back with his sophomore disc After The Music Stops. In a time when people tend to be distracted by the glitz, the glamour and the bling of the music industry, Lecrae poses an interesting question: what type of life will you lead after your attention shifts from the music? My experience with Hip Hop (both secular and Christian) is limited and that inexperience may be reflected in this review. However, based on the following criteria -- namely the production, the message, and the flow of the entire project, I am able to offer a critique of this disc. From the southern influence on the tracks Jesus Muzik and The Truth, to the rock guitar-heavy title track and the reggae-tinged Run, Lecrae's mission is clear from beginning to end. He wants to direct your focus to the Savior. So what happens after the music stops? Simple. Hebrews 12:1-3 Look it up! Take this disc with you as you go. Triplee and Flame make guest appearances. PICK HITS: After The Music Stops, Jesus Muzik, The Truth, Run, Send Me, It's Your World, Grateful, The King, Prayin For You