Why is it that every Jerkins that comes out of the womb can produce?

You have Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Fred “Uncle Freddy” Jerkins III and now, Lee “Tubbs” Jerkins. There has to be a such thing as generational blessings, but that’s another subject.

Lee is not new to the circuit, having already produced hot tracks for Out of Eden, Ambassador and Cross Movement.

Now “Tubbs” along with partner, David "24/7" Hackley, Jr. steps out to produce his first compilation album, titled Rock of Ages, Vol 1. Featuring an combination of well-known and underground names in the hip hop, R&P and rock genres, Rocksoul aimed to raise the bar and increase the credibility of Christian music.

It’s mission accomplished on this joint, with hot tracks such as the hard-hitting and straightforward, “Not Worthy” by rookie rappers J-Silas and Shai Linne. This chorus shows a Naughty by Nature influence with an extra helping of hype and an infectious beat that makes you hit repeat.

The chorus hips us to the meaning of the whole album:

Shai Linne serves up the very descriptive, clever and somewhat funny, “Got it Goin On” in solo style, with some great rap-writing. Then J-Silas explains the detriment of “Man’s Ways”.

There are equal portions of tasty R&P cuts on the album. Monique Walker sings about being broken from bondage on “Free”. Even though this isn’t her usual environment —there’s no choir in sight— this style fits the visually expressive Walker.

Sure to be a favorite is the song performed by Michelle Bonilla titled “Faithful”. Tubbs and Blakely have a knack for laying down tracks to fit each artist and this is evident with the uptempo groove that layed down for Bonilla. Her enthusiasm and nice vocals shines as she encourages the believer on God’s faithfulness.

Hip hop mainstays Cross Movement deliver a lyrical gem on the jazzy “Last Writes”. CM talks about the urgency to spit the Gospel in these last days.

More Lee Jerkins

Lee Jerkins also produced on Out of Eden's album This Is Your Life, and on Cross Movement's Human Emergency. Click on the above album covers to read reviews of each of these two albums.

CM then branch out for solo and combo tracks, with T.R.U.T.H and The Ambassador declaring that “Better Days” are coming in this time of uncertainty. This track digs into Asia with the Chinese-influenced synth sounds and intervals.

Enoch shines on the Dirty South influenced, “Advocates of the Theocratic Rule”, with his rapid-fire delivery reminiscent of his work on CM’s “Huh What” from Human Emergency. Enoch talks about the benefits of a God-ruled government when Jesus comes back.

For all hardcore hip hop fans, Tre-Z delivers on “Eternal Gain”. The song is bangin’ with it’s smooth bassline, honest lyrics and tight beat. Tre-Z is like the mailman, he consistently delivers. You will hit repeat.

Sister Dee and Shekinah challenges the ladies to go to another level in Christ. We would definitely like to hear more from them. Corey Red and Precise step in on “Wild Style” and deliver a double dose anointed lyrics. Peep the chorus:

You in the matrix and you can’t get up out it
Unless you come to Jesus
Cause He’s just the only way for to get out it
Some doubt it but if you bout it
Then you must come to Jesus
Cause Jesus is the only way

—from "Wild Style"

The must intriguing song on the album is “The Time is Now” by Forest Glen. It's a wonderful marriage between the rough rock vocals of Glen and the hip-hop beats from Rocksoul. They pull it off very well. Don’t sleep on this track.

Tanesia Mack steps out on the beautiful and moving, “Joe” dedicated to Lee’s cousin, Joseph Jerkins.

There are so many nuggets on this album. Tubbs and Blakely definitely “raise the bar” on this versatile and anointed album. Rock of Ages is a must have.

This is only Vol. 1. Fellows, I have one word of advice for you: Do it again!

Producer: Lee Jerkins album release date: March, 2002
RockSoul

— reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —

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