Could the tide be turning? Those in the know, know that the holy hip hop community has been in a long struggle to gain acceptance and understanding from many quarters: radio, church, traditionalists and beyond.

There have been encouraging signs of late, however, with the signing of hip hop Gospel artists to some of the larger Gospel labels, re-engineered distribution agreements, to a surge in both quantity and quality of the records being released in the genre.

So here comes Higher Ground: Hip-Hop Reformed & Reborn, a companion audio project to the informative and eye-opening Gospelmentary film, Higher Ground: Voices of Contemporary Gospel (see DVD review).

With 17 tracks (and 4 interludes) featuring representation from a vast spectrum holy hip hop artists, both well known and unknown, veterans and rookies, spanning styles from East to West, South to Nureau, the album is veritable smorgasboard of testimony, encouragement, party tracks and street sermons, all synchronised to God's Word.

Applejaxx

Camp 8 (aka Gospel Gangstaz) is on here (read review), with "Bounce With Us", featuring production from Da Coach as well as Chille' Baby and neo-soul innovator Lew Laing (known for his work with Tiffany Laing, read album review). Grooving on a mid-tempo track and lacing the joint with their divergent flows, this is an invitation to walk with them in the walk of faith.

The Cross Movement also represents, with their popular, forward-looking "Cry No More", as well as "Psalm 23" from The Ambassador (read review). The RockSoul family contributes with "The Invitation", featuring work from the whole crew (J-Silas, shai linne, Sistah Dee, Michelle Bonilla), and also the Lee Jerkins-propelled "The Mansion" from J-Silas (read review).

It wouldn't be real without Nureau. No fear, for there's plenty of that, with Gibraan's sleeper joint "Mockingbyrd Slang" (read review) as well as a brand new joint from the genre's newest phenom, Applejaxx. Titled "805" and featuring hip hop vocalist Kimme', with production from T.Bizzy, this glory ride (slash club anthem) comes home over a clappy track and riding, rhythmic cadences.

Take severe note of the newer artists repping on the project. Atlanta's Ziklag has quickly rumbled into holy hip hop head consciousness of late, and are bound to turn and nod

C.L. Ryderz

even more heads with their Dirty South style on "The Ghost". Christsyde continues to land gems with the catchy "Fiendin'" and NY's Lavoisier The MC impresses with his Quest track supported warning to peers about the reality of accountability and responsibility that always comes packaged when an artist is given a platform in popular culture.

Joining the newer crews is C.L. Ryderz who offer up their fast-paced, melodic "The Struggle Is Over" and Society Park as they drop their flow on "Different Way" on top of a knocking, piano-riding track.

Also in the mix on this project are Christ Fa Real on "Born Again", Righteous Riders with "So Many Times", Jah Word's collab with Gibraan on "I Know", GRITS with the party-generating "Tennessee Bwoys" and Elle R.O.C. with "So Beautiful".

Like the title of project says, this is hip hop on higher ground, and that's the way it was meant to be. You can't go wrong.