LABEL: HUMBLE BEAST RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 2, 2011

rt Ambidextrous is a free release from Propaganda and Odd Thomas. The duo works absolutely seamlessly together, sounding like a well-practiced unit rather than two separate emcees on one album. This can be a rarity in hip-hop, as it is such a persona-driven genre of music, but together these two artists drop a free release that is more than worth the download.

The album has a classic hip-hop feel without sounding too old school. This isn’t an project that sounds like club rap, southern rap or any real subgenre of rap music. Instead, it delivers solid beats without feeling trendy or worse fake. Even the song structure feels timeless, classic with enough old school swagger that it will bring a smile to true fans of conscious hip-hop. It is also lyrically strong, with both emcees dropping fully quotable lines in addition to possessing a healthy dose of charisma.

“I Hate It” has a slightly funky beat that opens with some amazing lines from Propaganda; the first verse might just be the best most quotable verse on the album. The song is almost too short, clocking in at a little over two minutes. Still, it is on another level. It is a passionate song, a piece that deserves nothing but the best system. It is an attack on the negativity in the world and the trappings of the world but it also feels organic, a bit unstructured and just powerful lyrics line after line.

“Lean” has a West Coast-inspired beat which opens with Odd Thomas dropping some knowledge on the “hip-hop/bling-bling” culture. It is about having confidence without needing chains or designer labels despite being from the culture that promotes these things. It is a track about having nothing to prove and it is a beautiful thing. It isn’t a track heavy on theology but it fits the flow of the album and the overall vibe.

“Beautiful Pain” is the most modern sounding beat but it still has a timeless flow. It opens with an explanation on how beautiful pain can be, and how we should accept a certain level of suffering in our lives—even if it means accepting the beauty of the struggle of poverty. It is a lesson everyone needs to hear once in a while. At times the song, which talks about sanctification and even branding, can come off as an odd thing in a Christian album but it has enough theology to make a strong case without sounding preachy.

Art Ambidextrous is one of the growing number of gifts the Christian rap community, free albums to promote new artists or existing artists. With this free album Propaganda and Odd Thomas prove that they are exciting, lyrical and charismatic artists. Together they prove to be a very exciting duo that work well together, partially because they are both extremely lyrically. The duo feel like they could very well become the Black Star of the Christian Rap community, they sound that good together. For a free download this absolutely a must have for fans of a more classic sound and conscience lyrics.

Art Ambidextrous can be downloaded for free @ www.humblebeast.com