Pee Wee Callins Street Soul 2005 Beatmart Recordings Reviewer: Sherinda Bryant They call him Pee Wee because of his stature, but this new Beatmart artist shows us he’s a big time talent. Pee Wee Callins is no newcomer to the industry. Musically inclined from a very early age, he has written for many R&B/Hip-Hop Gospel artists, and has shared the stage with such big names as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, and Shirley Ceaser. Not only is Pee Wee a gifted vocalist and writer, he also is a loving husband, devoted father of 2, and senior pastor of Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries Prayer Retreat Center in Plant City, Florida.

With the release of Street Soul, Pee Wee Callins offers up a smooth & soulful collection of songs. With production and composing help from label owner, Todd Collins (Out of Eden, Grits), Pee Wee takes us on a positive and hopeful journey set to a soundtrack that will have you reminiscing on the early days of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. The CD sets an inspirational pace with the mid-tempo grooves Keep Hope Alive and Joy (featuring Beatmart rapper Big Sonny) where Callins relays the importance of having God’s everlasting Joy. The CD’s first single, Sunshine, earns its title by combining a bright, and cheerful melody with Callins’ warm vocals. It reminds us that God will ‘make everything alright’. As the song comes to an end, a chorus of young people lend their voices to the track, recalling the childlike innocence of unconditional love. In the R&B laced Better Life, Callins takes a rare glance into the role of a father and positions himself as the head of the house God has called him to be.

Although the CD takes a bit of a turn with the Funk tinged track Party, and may cause some listeners to raise an eyebrow, Callins quickly brings you back with the dramatic hip-hop style of I Need You. This track speaks of a man that has hit his low point and looks up to find that his help cometh from the Lord. Overlaid with nice flows from label mate, rapper Bobby Bishop, Callins shows that he is able to connect with and bring forth man's inner thoughts. Callins summons his early 70’s soul influences on the song I Choose Love, which sounds much like an Earth, Wind, and Fire cut. Tracks like Someday and Can Somebody provide the perfect smooth R&B grooves to reflect and contemplate our purpose on this earth.

Overall, the 14 songs set, Street Soul, will make a soothing addition to your gospel collection; a nice and uplifting accompaniment to the hardships of the Christian walk.