Elohin has been releasing solid independent hip-hop for years now, but it feels like he just gets better with each release. He has continued to improve his craft in every way. His newest release, Let's Worship, blends together modern hip-hop and worship music seamlessly. This mash-up of styles has the ability to crossover between genres. Those into rap and hip-hop can find worship music that fits into their preferred genre, and the same can be said for worship fans who don't typically listen to hip-hop. There's a great blend of rapping and singing throughout the entire project.

The album starts off with an auto-tuned rendition of "Goodness of God," before dropping into a big trap beat. While I typically don't lean towards the trap side of hip-hop, Elohin does a good job here, and his flow in the verses is tight. There's enough variation going on to make it enjoyable even if that's not your favorite style of hip-hip. With that said, "Goodness" is a bit of an outlier stylistically. The other seven songs have a more straightforward hip-hop sound with worship interspersed and mixed in -- sometimes with the worship elements taking the forefront. "Breathe" even has more of a club feel in the hook. Amber Ramsey's first appearance comes in "Convinced." It's a nice introduction, but she'll shine brighter in a couple of tracks. However, Kelo has a great guest spot here as his rap helps to bring the track to the next level. Elohin reads Psalms 95:6 in "I Will Left (Spontaneous)," and he encourages his listeners to lift up their needs to God.

The album hits its highest high in "Holy of Holies." This track is the perfect blend of hip-hop and worship, and Amber Ramsey is outstanding here. The track is a slow burn that focuses on lifting up the name of Christ. Slow raps in the verses, and beautifully sung vocals (that spark memories of "Oceans") in the chorus, are what this one is all about. This may be my favorite song Elohin has released to date. "Bow Down (4:24)" starts off with a mini-sermon from Elohin. It's a necessary message about authentic worship and what that looks like and how we need to adjust our lives accordingly. "We can't walk in truth and be comfortable in a lie," absolutely cuts right before he reads John 4:24. After a powerful message, a worship song ensues, "Lord, we bow down and we worship in spirit and truth" -- really pushing home the message discussed from John. "New Life" follows and is heavy on the worshipful message and vocals; it's another solid addition. Let's Worship ends things with a more rap oriented song. A bigger beat returns and vocals are mostly raps. The track serves as a great bookend and closer.

Elohin has really stepped up his game on this one. This blend of hip-hop and worship is unique, and the execution is nearly flawless. It feels like a true worship service all within an album that clocks in at just over twenty-eight minutes. You have a banger for an opener, some deep worship moments, a hard hitting sermon, more worship building off of the message, and then another big number to praise along with in closing. Elohin has crafted a very solid album here that will undoubtedly be enjoyed throughout 2024. Fans of both hip-hop and worship music should check this album out. There's definitely something here for everyone.

- Review date: 7/3/24, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

 

 Record Label: None
 Album length: 8 tracks: 28 minutes, 27 seconds
 Street Date: May 19, 2024
 Buy It: Amazon Music

1. Goodness (2:31)
2. Breathe (3:11)
3. Convinced (feat. Kelo & Amber Ramsey) (3:05)
4. I Will Lift (Spontaneous) (2:13)
5. Holy of Holies (feat. Amber Ramsey) (4:00)
6. Bow Down [4:24] (6:09)
7. New Life (4:22)
8. Let's Worship (2:56)