The "Lyrical Undertaker" as he is known has put together some catchy beats and rhymes that are at least equal to other rap artists today. The basic elements of rap are here too, including songs proclaiming "I am the best", which I am sure in their minds artists honestly believe this. In the case of RIP, it all started in college when asked to join Eargasm Entertainment, and moved into the vice president of Eargasm Entertainment soon after. Then after a couple of projetcs never released by Eargasm, RIP decided to start his own label, Soultaker Records, that brief history brings us to the upcoming release The One which showcases the true talent of R.I.P as a solo performer worthy of his own place in the rap world.

RIP's last full length project for Soultaker ( Da Next Level - Step 2) etched his mark in the biz and showcased a good talent, that just eeded a bit of production polishing. With the upcoming release of The One, the roots have been planted, next step, world domination. A unique blending of classic rap, gangsta grooves, and lyrical prowess. Ya can't help but feel a bit of Busta Rhymes in the passion and delivery of RIP, while remaining imitable.

From dissing commercial rap (Jay Z and the like) on "Sideshow" , to talking down to the authorities whether it be the "BIG" labels, or the local police. RIP takes it back to the street with ghetto grooves supreme. This is the way rap was supposed to be, true to it's roots while expanding it's horizons. The One features special guests POOH, EVIL-LOC, and LOWKEY as well that just adds more of the substance to the project.

Though there are a lot of the stereotypical ideas here, RIP has a way of writing his lyrics that keep it fresh with intelligence. The One is a classic rap record that should bring more attention to RIP and help propel him to the next level. Along with the classic ideas of rap, The One has dark overtones leaving the feeling RIP feels he is evil incarnate. If you like where rap has been, and still a glimpse of where it is headed, watch for the second coming of RIP on Soultaker Records, and get it while it's hot.

http://www.rikksrevues.com/Rap_and_RnB_reviews.htm#RIP1

Another rap project from RIP recorded the end of 2003, and this time the rhyming gangsta takes his style to the next level in writing and performing. This time around the music itself is a reworking of original masters of the genre while throwing his own style to the next level of rap existence. The rhymes are masterful to say the least this time around bringing RIP for certain to the front of his game. If you're looking for real substance and performance in the rap game, this time the mc has taken his craft and brought the true art-form to the forefront.

The lyrics are anything but stupid and repetitious. On the contrary, the rhymes are true to the original style presented by the new high priest of R.A.P., RIP has gone far past the norm and the ordinary. Not only is the style fresh and hot, the time spent on this project is obvious that RIP truly enjoyed making the CD while using some extra well spent time on the craftwork. Once again getting help from other great mc's like Renessa Williams, CZAR, LOWKEY, the Runaways, and Evil-Loc.

If you are ready for the next generation in the rap game, look no further kiddies, you've got the real dope here. This is rap plus one with intelligent lyrical rhymes, surpassing one of my all time faves Busta Rhymes this time around, and coming from me, that's as true a compliment as you can get. Letting the industry have it on Industry WarRoom, where RIP states he will not leave his art for the commercialism that many rappers fall subject to. I say stick to your guns, you got more than the industry is ready for!

A truly enjoyable experience with some modernizations that I wasn't expecting. Not only does RIP prove his talent ain't no flash in the freakin' pan, he also proves how intelligent the man behind the music truly is. Some true standouts on his self released SoulTaker records release adds staying power to his credentials. "Harms Way", "Deadbeat", "Biscuits and Gravy", the political "Mirror Image" and "Timeline" only scratch the surface of the 18 track extravaganza submitted for your approval. A+++++ !

http://www.rikksrevues.com/rip_2003_oc_cd_review.htm