Any one who has ever entertained the notion that the East Coast Hip Hop fell off must have never heard of Sean Slaughter! Noting that he is the son of gospel giant Alvin Slaughter one would think he would have been more prone to be an organ player or a preacher. Although he does have skills on the boards and oratory acumen, this preacher spits hot lava over beats! As a matter of fact, based on that rich history one would not assume that he is the author and presenter of some of the grimiest street sermons in Christian Hip Hop.

Any one who has ever entertained the notion that the East Coast Hip Hop fell off must have never heard of Sean Slaughter! Noting that he is the son of gospel giant Alvin Slaughter one would think he would have been more prone to be an organ player or a preacher. Although he does have skills on the boards and oratory acumen, this preacher spits hot lava over beats! As a matter of fact, based on that rich history one would not assume that he is the author and presenter of some of the grimiest street sermons in Christian Hip Hop.

When I received Man On Fire, the latest CD from VA resident Sean Slaughter, I was excited to say the least. Being one who is familiar with the grind and music of Sean Slaughter, I had lofty expectations going in.

Sean wastes no time because he gets it in from the jump. The title track "Man On Fire" comes in like a high octane action movie! He states “Sounds like the second coming.” And that it does. It's the return of East Coast Hip Hop with a higher purpose. Slaughter spits like a lyrical bully on this one, making a convincing argument that it’s senseless to play on the team that opposes the Lord Jesus.

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One of my favorite tracks on this album is the animated "Flesh Killa" featuring the ultra-producer, CMR artist, and one-half of So Hot Produtions, JR. This is one of the most creative rap songs I have ever heard. It chronicles the power of the Holy Spirit and likens Him to a super hero. One thing that makes the Holy Spirit super is that He has the power to deaden one of the most powerful and destructive forces known to man - the flesh! As Sean raps you can vividly see what is taking place in the inner city back drop. As well, this song screams "Video!" I could imagine a hot comic book type joint for this one. You gotta do it Slaughter!

Another great song is "Lord You" where Sean collabs with his dad. This track is an ode to the worship worthy people in Sean’s life - starting with God. We know the Lord is the sensible choice for adoration, so He gets the preeminent spot. The song that alludes to giving people flowers while they are in the "land of the living," honoring them while they can appreciate it. This song is the perfect setting to do just that. What I love is that Sean smooths it out but still keeps that rugged edge on it with the accompaniment as well as the sample.

There are many other stellar tracks on Man On Fire such as the gritty "Concrete Angels," the equally rugged, yet humorous "Junono,"’and even the hardcore, heavy metal, rap-rock hybrid "Run," featuring Virginia-based Christian rockers Hemotheory. Sean does nothing half way, including heavy metal. Overall, my most favorite track is "No Compromise," featuring reggae legend Papa San. The title states it all.

The only disappointments for me on this project were that a couple of the hooks on songs didn’t quite grab me as those coming from an artist of Sean’s caliber. Also, in my opinion the song "Burn" was a wasted track based on the length of it. This k-Drama produced banger was perfect for some hot lyrics! But given I don’t know the reasoning behind the song that is just my two cents.

All in all Man On Fire is an excellent project from a veteran emcee. Sean Slaughter does a tremendous job of relaying the rich truths of God in a way that is both thought provoking and scathing. This is East Coast Hip Hop done at the highest level, penetrating without being preachy, but introspective and authentic.

If you thought Hip Hop was dead, it just received a jolt from a lyrical defibrillator. Sean Slaughter is a Man On Fire indeed.