As KJ-52 is back with a new release this week, cMusicWeb.com is starting our
collection of his disc reviews. So, while you can pick up his new CD in
stores, we will bring you up to speed on this hip-hop artist's first
release, 7th Avenue. Look for KJ-52 to do a great job on Christian music's
premiere record label, Uprok Records!

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7TH AVENUE - KJ-52 (2000)
by Jon Corbin

He came out of virtually nowhere releasing his debut album on Essential
Records, a label better known for its alt-rock artists Jars of Clay and
Third Day. To the cynic, it seemed as if Essential was merely playing off
the fame of rap superstar Eminem. Little did anyone know that while there
might have been some similarities, KJ-52 was a bonafide emcee. A talented,
underground cat who is just now surfacing, after years of struggle, to try
his hand at the hip-hop game. 7th Avenue was enough to prove to the
Christian market that things aren't always what they seem.

The album opens with a skit, a three-part discussion dispersed throughout
the record presenting the gospel of Jesus in a way hip-hoppers will
understand. Despite his voice sounding occasionally like Em, KJ comes off as
nothing but original. His main producer Todd Collins maximizes his
diversity, bringing every trick in his bag to the table. "Keep It Moving" is
a slow tempo gem featuring Knowdaverbs and DJ Form. The album changes pace
with a crowd-pleasing remake of dc Talk's "The Hardway." The mood gets
slightly heavier as KJ taps into the broken heart with "Keep Ya Head Up".
Finally, the world is given the opportunity to hear KJ's mission statement
on "Do What I Do." Like a veteran pitcher, Collins gives us many different
looks while maintaining the continuity of the album. The listener is never
thrown off guard.

Any remaining doubts about the skill of this young man are quickly erased
with the appearance of other producers. Cross Movement member Tru Life
brings The Ambassador and The Phanatik to perform on the "Sons of Intellect
Anthem." This track bears eerie resemblance to many CM hits. In fact, KJ
blends in so well with these gifted emcees, you might think that he was a
part of the East Coast crew. Other notable songs are "Integrity," (featuring
Bonafide from Grits) the old school flavoured "We Rock The Mic" (produced by
KJ himself) and the hardcore reggae tune "1,2,3" (featuring Yankee Man).

With all of this enjoyment, it is unfortunate that the album tapers off at
the end. The final two songs are fairly weak. "This Is Love" (produced by
Blake Knight of Ill Harmonics) is a decent attempt at a love song but
becomes tedious very quickly. Also, "They Know Not" has a very poor hook and
the energy of KJ is not matched by guest emcees Passion and L.P.

What is especially impressive about 7th Avenue is the high caliber guest
appearances for such a relative unknown. However, it is soon evident that
this guy can roll with the best of them as he gives us a fun, thoughtful and
diverse album. Give this one a listen and don't sleep on his next
full-length project.

Find out more about KJ-52 on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/hip-hop/kj-52


WERE YOU AT SONSHINE 2002?
I was, and if you missed it, you can still get the Cliff's Notes. I
faithfully logged onto cMusicWeb.com every day and put in the latest word on
the best artists at SonShine 2002. Check it out here:
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/sf02


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JULY 16 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

AMAZING - LINCOLN BREWSTER
Worship rocker Lincoln Brewster comes with his third album, which features
the similar rock/pop stylings of many new songs as well as some classics
such as "What A Friend I've Found" and his very own "Everybody Praise the
Lord."

COLLABORATIONS - KJ-52
Aptly titled, KJ-52 works with artists from all areas of the hip-hop scene,
from Pillar and Thousand Foot Krutch to Ill Harmonics and Mars Ill to Pigeon
John. An amazing new release!

INCREDIBLE - MARY MARY
Two years after their debut, Thankful, the Atkins sisters return with a
strong (or smooth) R+B effort.

KUTLESS - KUTLESS
Featuring hard rock that brings to mind CREED, Kutless is one of the better
bands to come from Tooth and Nail Records in a while, but only time will
tell.

WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD - MATT REDMAN
Matt Redman has written some of the most loved modern worship anthems, from
"The Heart of Worship" to "Let Everything That Has Breath." Back with ten
new tracks of non-stop worship, this modern worship pioneer is the PICK OF
THE WEEK.


WIN CREATION STUFF
More winners will be chosen for the Creation Festival giveaway this week, so
check your e-mail often to find an e-mail from us! You can win Creation
Videos or the Creation Worships disc.


OTHER NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM
Review: 7th Avenue - KJ-52
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/kj-52/7thavenue.shtml

Review: Unplugged - Lauryn Hill
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/laurynhill/unplugged.shtml

Review: Wide Awake In America EP - U2
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock/u2/wideawake.shtml

Feature: SonShine Festival 2002
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/sf02


Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll be back next week with
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to this e-mail or send them to webmaster@... We'd love to hear
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Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music