Never Arrive is the latest studio project from California based hip-hop group theBreax. Some people never arrive to a point where they are comfortable within their skin. In this lifetime we will never truly arrive to a state of completeness. We are flawed beings that gather strength through fellowship, reading the Word and through prayer. Never Arrive is a powerful project that infuses experimentation, top level lyricism, heavy production and a consistent representation of Christianity.

I love the creative aspects of the project. It seems that theBreax selected the featured artists carefully. Nowadays, artists are guilty of trying to overload a project with too many notable features. The problem with this is that some of the artists cannot hold their own with the featured guests. This is not the case for theBreax. They shine alongside underground hip-hop veteran Blame One on “Welcome to the Show,” CHH superstar Lecrae and JR on the album's title track “Never Arrive,” and Canadian rhyme slinger Shad on “Appreciate You.” TheBreax do not sound like anyone else in CHH. This is a gift and a curse though. Some CHH listeners appreciate music that mimics what is on the radio. I like the fact that theBreax has a target audience and they do not have to mimic others to maintain fans. TheBreax present a sound that combines traditional hip-hop influences, a spoken word background and the implementation of some carefully crafted hooks (check out the lovely hook on “Share Your World,” “Come With Me,” and “Never Arrive”).

Never Arrive is a project that presents precise lyricism that provides substance for the listener. TheBreax have refined deliveries that allow them to adapt to any beat. The emcees never fall off and they rhyme with passion. The spoken word background has an impact on the eloquence of the raps. I love the honesty that Ruslan presents throughout the project. Ruslan raps on “Intro,” “But please never compare me to Toby Mac, or cause of our faith pigeonhole us as Holy rap.” The quotable suggests that theBreax are much more than a CHH group, they actually have the ability to make an impact within other hip-hop sub genres. I could pinpoint highlight verses for days because this project is that good. Ruslan also shines on “Come With Me,” the rapper states:

“That’s why I'm begging for his kingdom to come
A new heaven, a new earth no need for moon or a sun
Cause he alone could illuminate the universe.
Destroy the enemy and watch all the wicked disperse.
Promote the last to be first I'm in a whole another realm
Experiencing emotions that I've never felt”

The previous bars highlight the passion that Ruslan has for the Savior and his faith. Beleaf shows that he is no slouch either on one of the stand out tracks on Never Arrive, “Won’t Die Tonight” that features NoMis. Beleaf raps, “While they tongue twisting them I fish for men.” The featured artist NoMis drops a remarkable verse full of honesty and wisdom.

“I speak truth yo my rap is a lifeline
What they make a year I ain’t seen in my lifetime
There I go again material wealth
Did I forget? My life is a miracle itself”

“Alive” is a powerful track where Beleaf skillfully attacks a concept related to abortion. I love the visual imagery that Beleaf presents throughout the track. The second verse is very strong and I am sure that a lot of people can relate to the song.

The beat selection on this album is flawless. Never Arrive presents a diverse selection of beats and theBreax sound comfortable over any beat. Every track and I mean every track knocks! The production on this album provides a platform for theBreax to express their emotions and passionate views.

I love the concept of never arriving. The passage at the end of “Up There” sums up the direction of the project. One of the emcees state that they are “never going to arrive with my relationship with the Lord, never going to arrive with my theology. But I still persevere and I still press on and I still do my very best to be excellent and live holy even though I’ll never arrive.” The above mentioned statement highlights the quest for perfection and the honesty related to being a Christian. The songs were arranged in a manner that draws the listener in and the emcees stick to the topics with ease.

Overall the project is great and it presents the duality between success and failure, doubt and faith and other relevant themes. I enjoyed the honest lyricism that was presented throughout the project. I also enjoyed the production and the features. I have faith that theBreax will continue to make thought provoking hip-hop with God being the central theme. 

Categorical Ratings Background:

Originality/Creativity: 4.5/5
Lyrics: 4.5/5
Delivery: 4.5/5
Beat Selection/Production: 4.5/5
Concept/Arrangement: 4.5/5

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