Tha GIM (a.k.a. The God In Me) has apparently been in the Christian rap game for quite some time now, though this is my first experience hearing him. This Iz My Life is the third full-length release from the Fresno, CA native. With the forward movement of diversity in today's rap music, the bar is frequently being raised as to what constitutes as good, quality rap music. Let's see where Tha GIM fits in...

This Iz My Life opens with an intro, which usually means a bunch of mumbo jumbo, but with some tight beats and Russell Crowe's voice from Gladiator in the background saying "what we do in life, echoes in eternity," and it's a great start. "Make It Happen," follows, showcasing some unique production and a message for bringing the Word of God to the streets. Tha GIM's vocals often remind me of Christian rap pioneer Verbs, and his flow mixes well with most of the beats on the album while delivering a spot-on message: Christ in King. The first two songs are rather good and more follow suit such as "Game Face II," "Freedom Song," and "U R Me." The artist knows how to have a good time - some tracks speak on partying God's way, another on how special his wife is, and others touch on changing our lives to see Christ more clearly. It's not all palm trees and sunshine in Fresno, though. This Iz My Life has an outreach message targeting the urban culture in songs such as "The Trap," where the artist is preaching directly to the hood, and on "Real Life," where the message being sent is that only Christ can help you through difficult times.

The album comes out nicely, but if you listen closely, you'll notice that some of the choruses come off weak or ill-fitting with the production, examples being "That Brand New" or "Tonight." And sometimes Tha GIM will use lyrics that don't have any meaning, using them simply to rhyme, which can be heard on "Reachin 4 The Sky." That being said, this is still a rather solid effort and with lyrics such as "you now rocking with the G-O-D" and the great beats heard on "My Method," you can't help but to enjoy the album. Tha GIM is very straightforward about his faith and often shares it in a great way. Anyone who likes Verbs or a Cross Movement type of album should definitely check out This Iz My Life.

- Review date: 11/5/08, written by Kevin Hoskins of Jesusfreakhideout.com