Rap fans shouldn't dismiss
Knowdaverbs as a Christian rapper, since his rhymes are smooth and clever, his productions tight and inventive, and his themes nearly universal (a rarity among the inbred CCM community). The first single, "God Is Big," makes a good point but belabors the message a bit; far better is "If I Were Mayor," a swinging track with
Knowdaverbs taking commercial rappers to task for their negativity and telling his audience what it'd be like if he ruled the hip-hop game. The title track preaches the worldwide mission of the gospel, but he admits in the very next track ("Plane Scared") how anxious he is about traveling. Traits like modesty and forthrightness certainly aren't the norm for the rap world, but his lyrical skills and great flow make him that rare thing: a talented gospel rapper. The production, by
Incorporated Elements, is as good as their work on the
Grits LP from the same year (
The Art of Translation).