There is Power in Truth Can an album that breaks the current tradition of auto-tune and ghost writers shake up the music industry? Are we ready to embrace wisdom and creativity? Can the hip-hop community spare a second for gifted words of drive, provision, unity, and faith? If we are, then I invite us all to take a walk in South Carolina as two men strive to break the mode of bling and flashy. And, introduce you to the reality of living a life that is marked by truth rather than imitation. Success is the collaborative effort of South Carolinian rap artists Sheem One and Jorai. Top to bottom – it’s a moralistic album with all the right components: technique; rhyme skills; and, a variation of beats and melodies for every ear. Yet at the base line of the matter are men at the forefront of a mission to deliver a message of blue collar superstardom. Don’t be mistaken by the home grown wonder of their southern stylistic manner. Most noticeably is a wiff of the rap game’s greatest - Biggie and Slick Rick. Both of whom are given recognition in songs on the album. Success provides a lot of hot cuts including Work Ethic. A song which brings a slow string of animalistic hunger: “This is love. This is respect. This is blood. This is sweat. This is my path to success. This is all my hopes and dreams – what I haven’t done yet. This is faith. This is hope. This is work ethic.” With the employment and financial times Push applies to all shapes, colors, and sizes of your burden. “Your life is in Christ not what the bank account shows. I know that it’s hard, when they threaten to foreclose and we’re doing all we can, and can barely afford clothes.” Another cut to add to your musical playlist is Fresh. “No matter the economy: debts paid – I don’t owe anybody but me.” Not to forget the coquettish feel Your Love. Shout out to the voice of the married and trying to stay that way through thick and thin. Married people get it in, as well! Success gives you what you want, then let’s you walk away with what you need. In other words, allow these artists to introduce you to what we southerner’s refer to as, “grown man business.” Written By: Patrece Simmons