Priesthood, the Metro 1 Music trio composed of members Br. J. Raw (Junior Moaalii), Papa Semm (Semi Tafao), and Mr. Swift (Kirk Douglas), released their sophomore project,
Keepin' It Real, in 2001. Combining the styles of rap, hip-hop, and R&B, the group strives to communicate God's love and ability to change lives through their music. The album, which the trio says "is for the streets 'cause it was from the streets that we were saved," carefully and skillfully balances the sounds of rap, hip-hop, and R&B. While it is clearly a rap project, the songs manage to remove the anger and hostility characteristic of the genre. In fact, the album is positive and upbeat. And, as the group hoped, it clearly serves to represent "three different perspectives and an uncompromising sound that will leave the listener saying, 'Now that's keeping it real.'" ~ Ashleigh Kittle