From the birthplace of hip-hop, the style of Peace586 epitomizes the classic Bronx feel. Remember that sound from ’93? The horns, the piano grooves, the sick beats, and the thoughtful lyrics all stir up memories of the good old days.

“Generations” is a blend of the musical elements that go into the sound we call hip-hop. From the jazzy organ feel, to soulful R&B ballads, to tenacious beats, Peace samples straight from his music roots.

Peace expresses his heart throughout the album. In “Mourning for the Art”, Peace and Sev Statik articulate their struggle to use the art of hip-hop to spread the Gospel of Jesus. “But when you’re called, there’s little that you can do/ God’s gonna make sure that you continue/ Until it’s finished/ I know I’m supposed to be in this…/But what was holding me was me…”. Through self-doubt, pride and trials this song gives a glimpse into the struggles that come in balancing talent and God’s call on the life of a Gospel emcee.

With a memorable R&B chorus sung by Jon Gibson and wrought with tortured hope, “Love’s Still There” is a reverent praise groove that conveys God’s strength and love in the midst of human imperfection. “After all I’ve done, after all my sinning/ Lord, I’m still your son, ‘cause you have forgiven me/ I thank you for your grace and mercy/Lord you’re worthy of all my praise”. Along with a later track entitled “God Said It,” these songs embody the potential for hip-hop to be a vessel for praise and worship.

With a piano sample and confident lyrics like those found in “Bonds Like These”, Peace keeps proving his staying power. He exudes understanding found in adversity and a knowledge that demands respect, giving him the poise to break down some myths and point to some realities. “Respect is cool/ Put food on your kids’ tables/ Your rent’s due homie, what you doin’ rappin’ in other states for free?/ Unless God told you to do it, you’re dumb and reminiscent of me/ So wake up!”.

There is something that doesn’t sit well with my spirit. There are several arguments that defend using what has been termed the “n” word, asserting that it is a positive expression in certain contexts. Hearing it in the opening song of this album struck me as out of place. It would be great to sit down with Peace586 and get the heart behind using it on this album, yet it taints the rest of the album to a certain extent. This album employs an array of styles, from the opening jazz-influenced “Hear Me Now”, to gritty hip-hop vocals on “Solid”, to a funky snare-laden ensemble on “Everything I”. The all-around sound of Peace586’s 2003 album is classic, but with a fresh and innovative angle.