The human fingerprint is the most uniquely identifying characteristic that the Lord created us with. Anywhere from crime scenes to banks or DMV’s, the fingerprint is used to confirm that a person is truly who they present themselves to be. Contrary to what many sci-fi films portray, no one can replicate another’s set of fingerprints (read: style). Rhema Soul is a true example of having a style all their own, as is evident on their junior release, Fingerprints.

The human fingerprint is the most uniquely identifying characteristic that the Lord created us with. Anywhere from crime scenes to banks or DMV’s, the fingerprint is used to confirm that a person is truly who they present themselves to be. Contrary to what many sci-fi films portray, no one can replicate another’s set of fingerprints (read: style). Rhema Soul is a true example of having a style all their own, as is evident on their junior release, Fingerprints.

Off top, there is no question that the group has grown from Worn Soles to Dope Beats Good News, up to this newest release. With G- Styles handling the production from A to Z, just as on DBGN, the trio of K-Nuff, Juan Love, and Butta P stayed with the perfect canvas to keep finger painting on. As far as lyricism goes, Juan Love is his usual poetic self, while K-Nuff and Butta P sound as if the birth of their daughter has pushed them to new levels of passion and inspiration. Running a strong 15 songs long, Fingerprints,

succeeds in touching almost every musical approach available to them. With a nice Intro that doesn’t over or underwhelm, the stage is set for Rhema Soul to present the improved them. From the serious, anthem- type feel of “Neva Lay Low” to the transparency of “Fly Away” (highlighted by K- Nuff’s cinematic verse) there is no question that RS came with an intent to grip the mind of the listener from the press of play.

I usually like to move chronologically down the playlist but I have to highlight two signature songs, which happen to be the singles. Both “Boom Box” and “Blow Your Whistle” highlight the sampling and programming skill of G-Styles, setting a perfect stage for RS to crush speakers and induce dancing. I could visualize both of these songs being featured on everyone’s favorite dance shoe ABDC. MTV take notes and make contact with the Good City family. Getting back to some more of what this album has to offer, “Let Me Live” and “Sky’s Not The Limit” (featuring Eddie Nigma) bring home a certain sense of defiance. Not an irreverent defiance by any standard, but rather a defiance of the irreverent standard. They choose to live by The Spirit instead of the Law (read: box/ sky) and enjoy the distinctive character that the Lord has imprinted them with.

One of the strongest songs on this project is a showcase of the underrated harmonizing skills owned by K-Nuff. “Shorty’s Lost” (G-Styles co-laboring) is another timely song from the Christian point of view, designed to encourage and challenge females. K-Nuff and Butta P both have good singing voices and I don’t think it’s far- fetched to wonder aloud if they’ll do some sort of husband and wife LP. Following this song is the heartfelt “Why It’s Gotta Be So Hard” set over a very appropriate, synth drum beat. This is definitely one of the most replay worthy songs on the album. “My Beat Go” is another track that can get things moving, just not quite on the level of the two previous mentioned dance provokers.

As title tracks go, “Fingerprints” is one of the most impressive. Not as many artists take the care to ensure that the song that shares the album title is one of the best on it. The mixture of stellar efforts from lyricists and producer alike, helps to create a song that would sound perfect as a graduation them song. In short, this song is saying that growth doesn’t stop with accomplishment but rather increases the hunger to be all possible in Christ. It’s only fitting that after such a barrage of uptempo, high energy tracks that RS winds down with one song of exhortation and one of worship. Both “I Hope” and “Save Me” may surprise those who have Rhema Soul pegged as that “Steez” group.

Overall, this 4.5 star album is a successful continuance of the legacy that Rhema Soul is looking to cement. There really was no weak production on this album and the lyricism was consistent, even if it didn’t always jump out and grab attention. Just like the Lord left room for guys like Moses, David, and Paul to be recognizable figures in the story He ultimately has written/ is writing, Rhema Soul is a fingerprint that points to God’s hand.

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