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 New Wine Emcee, DJ and producer, this talented New York native, by way of Puerto Rico, has worked with some of the top artists in urban music (including Method Man, Notorious B.I.G., Big Daddy Kane and Mobb Deep), and captured the attention of the underground since his debut in the mid 1990's.  Cutlass recreates his audible magic with New Wine, his first official project in seven years. The album title says it all, for Cutlass now boldly confesses Jesus Christ.At fourteen tracks in length (including an intro, and outro and three interludes), there's lots of action to keep things hopping, as Cutlass teams up with a select few to work their flows over his patented beats and mixes. Two of the hottest emcees to date join Frankie on "The Storm." This laid-back head-nodder presents Prodigal Son's and Beatmart artist Japhia Life's hard-hitting lyrical delivery over a brass and piano arranged beat, offering a message of hope that contrasts with the cut's candid portrayal of issues facing youth in hip-hop culture. Production finesse comes from holyhitmakerz. "Dear Wife" is a tribute from Cutlass and Prodigal Son to all women of God. Frankie's attention to detail shines through on this track as the vinyl crackling adds an authentic feel. The soulful, grinding, Motown-influenced bass lines meet Prodigal Son's liquid lyrical flow creating an explosive radio-ready single. Prodigal Son's lyrics paint a positive vision of women, creating a refreshing, not to mention righteous, alternative to the typically degrading images in mainstream hip-hop. "Did You Hear It" flips the standard hip-hop beat sequence by going with an East Asian influence. It's a straight battle anthem as Prodigal Son brings his word talent, challenging listeners and artists alike to think about how they use the gift of lyricism. Like a street symphony, "God Iz" finds The Chozen Da-Scyplez (see album review) spitting lyrics of praise between a medley of string arrangements, regal horns and church bells. Equally compelling is "God's Dance" a jam that brings in Just.Live with some great, syncopated flows. All told, New Wine is an invigorating collection of lyrics, interludes and skillful production. From gritty head-nodders to danceable club cuts, Cutlass offers a plate full of tracks for hungry hip-hop fans. Frankie is back and bringing quality, positive, Christ-centred urban music with him.
Email This To A Friend God Squad Entertainment — reviewed by Maria Capulong —
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