As you all know, I have never done a review on Dasouth, and for good reasons. As a DJ, I play alot of music, and alot of it I like. I tend to have a forgiving ear and will give stuff a chance that most cats won’t. Now, don’t get me wrong, a project must exude excellence, but it must also have content based on the character of who we are representing, which is Christ...

As you all know, I have never done a review on Dasouth, and for good reasons. As a DJ, I play alot of music, and alot of it I like. I tend to have a forgiving ear and will give stuff a chance that most cats won’t. Now, don’t get me wrong, a project must exude excellence, but it must also have content based on the character of who we are representing, which is Christ (but that doesn’t mean 80 bible verses, and 75 Jesus’ name need to be in it either). First off, I’m a lover of the music of the 70s. It’s the period I grew up in after all. Second, I love live instrumentation. Third, I love when singing is heard on a hip hop project.  With these in mind, I had to review this project because it contains these elements and makes me go wild with each spin! With all that in mind, I present my boys from the ATX (Austin, Texas)...Peculiar Image and their latest release, Vertical Glory.  So here’s my rundown track by track, of one of the hottest releases on 2010:

1. What’s That Sound: I think it’s very fitting this is the first song because it sets the tone for what the listener is about to experience. A sound that is straight KINGDOM, classic but at the same time relevant. Erv of The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. does his thing with authentic in-your-face delivery as well.

2. It’s Like Ohhh: This song starts the feel of the classic soul sound P.I. will continue to show throughout this project. Great imagery of how good God is to us. The only way we can respond is by saying ooohhhh! (nice sampling on the hook I may add.)

3. Holdin On: Great delivery over a very nice track feat. another brother known in the ATX, B.L.U.E.  P.I. Productions lays another smooth track with the hook accented with a very talented use of the auto-tuned sample (Levester White has a great skill of using autotune without overusing it).

4. Beautiful To God:  A very refreshing melody dedicated to the special ladies in these brothers lives. From being around them, I can tell you, it’s truly a heartfelt dedication...BUT it’s also a song that will encourage all our sisters to hold their heads high because God made them beautiful.

5. I Can’t Quit: When I first met these guys about 7 years ago, this was one of the first joints of theirs I heard. They have redone it several times, but I must say this version fits the project like a hand on a glove! Great melodic sound is heard on the hook, plus verses from each member are on point!

6. Stand Tall:  This is the first single from the project.  A bold declaration about standing tall and living wholly for the Lord. Breezy just kills the hook. Check out the video as well directed by Christina Faith.

7. Church Van Skit: This skit had me in tears laughing. For those of you who don’t know, Levester and Larry of the group have a parody they play of two ole cats (Cletus & Memphis) who are on a mission to straight up dog hip hip. Well this one incident involves a missing shoe of one of them, as the church van is outside waiting. These cats have the gospel quartet sound down to a tee. HILARIOUS!

8. It’s Alright (back to the 70s): Another throwback feelin’ joint (and they even tell you by the title!). This joint can’t help but make you sit back and feel nostalgic, but at the same time reflect on the message being conveyed. No matter how hard things may be or seem, with Christ in our lives, it’s definitely gonna be alright!

9. Emotions: This song straight up sounds like some straight Al Green, or Maze meeting Christian Hip Hop! One of those joints that is classic to the sound of this group!  This is one you can keep on rotation over and over again! CLASSIC!

10. Humility: The singing vocals (with help from Trenation) is just insane on this joint! Very, very important message for anyone doing music in this genre. If you want to go higher in God, guess what? You gotta go low! Something P.I. does a great job delivering.

11. I Thank God:  Another reflection song, focusing on the things God has done for each of them. Despite the ups and the downs, at the end of the day, all that can be said to the Lord is thank You! Once again each verse paints a poignant picture and the hook is well done.

12. Let It Rain: This song starts with a real nice gospel rift from D-Free of the local ATX group No Weapon. Then as the beat chimes in, the group delivers the soul stirring hook that leaves you reflecting on all the Holy Spirit does to empower the believer. If that was not enough, P.I.’s verses demonstrate this even further.

13. Sick and Tired: I can only use one word to describe this song...REAL! How many of us as believers can admit that we miss it from time to time? AND how often is the Body of Christ ready to throw people away when they do miss it? These issues are addressed here, BUT we are also encouraged to live upright for The King. And notice the word - encouraged. (Proof of The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. rips it on his guest appearance.)

14. One Day:  It’s very fitting that this song is toward the end of the project. It’s a celebration of all that God has done, but it’s also celebrating that fact that God has already made provision for us and we are assured that one day we will reap if we faint not.

15. Shake The World: The final track in essence is an admonition to the Body to know that God has equipped us to do much more than we think we can do. We can make a difference and show Him to be big in every aspect. If we take the limits off and see through His eyes we can shake the world. Special guest Young Joshua shines great on this song, adding extra creative imagery to the mix.

In conclusion, P.I. dishes out a winner here.  I must reiterate, this is probably one of the best projects of the year. Definitely in my top ten albums of 2010. When an album is on repeat in my car, at home, and in my Droid (plus my wife and kids, who aren’t into hip hop are singing it!) I know I have a winner. Do yourself a favor and cop it from iTunes, and get lost in the Vertical Glory found only in the Father’s presence.