Release "Born King" on 4/18

Title: Born King
Artist: Rob Hodge
Record Label: Beatmart Recordings/Sony/BMG Records

Rob Hodge, is a local known artist and actor from Philadelphia, is about release his solo debut Christian-Hip Hop/Rap album on April 18,2006. Hodge started as an emcee and producer around 10 years ago. As a producer, he has worked along the sides of The Fugees, Wycleaf Jean, The Roots and many more to name.

According to Hodge’s myspace website, he believes that the album Born King is a movement of Holy hip-hop what Kirk Franklin did for Gospel music.

After listening to his songs, I was a believer too. This album is hot in every way. The lyric are tight along with the beats.

“Higher” is an attention getting title with attention getting words. It challenges the listener that there is a high that can last more than just 2 hours. The rap introduces a new ‘High’ that he calls Christ music. This song should be the new anthem for “Say No to Drugs!”

“Determination” tells the stories of different people facing tragedy but continuing life’s race with slow hip-hop beat. It ends with a gust of inspirational words and the sound of guitar strings leading you into the light.

“Look at me Now” is head swaying beat that talks about how the artist has lost friends thru death or prison over the years, but wants everyone to look at him now. Hodge proclaims of his life transformation from his past. The chorus reminds you of the song “Lean Back”.

The club beat “I’m Rich” tells you of the Bible’s true meaning of rich, not the typical material rich. You may want to hate him after listening but do not hate him because he is ‘Rich!’ This is my favorite song and will be everyone else’s favorite song as well.

I give the album four out of five stars. * * * * *