‘Empire of the Sun’ retains all the signature elements that current (and new) fans will find familiar and attractive: Roucheon's smooth sung vocals, coupled with her impressively complex-yet-measured rhyming skills remain a perfect counterfoil to Smooflow's sturdy, sample-based beats as well as his dense, oft-challenging thought process and discourse.

Royal Priesthood has never been about comfortable, institutional Christianity, and their projects typically pose difficult, pointed questions.  This release is no different as they deliver their trademark and highly personal, part old-school Hip-hop, part 'conscious movement' vibe, an approach that will no doubt appeal to those harking back to a period when Hip-hop sought to be intellectually stimulating.  On the flip side of the coin, chances are it might also alienate the ‘Jesus in every line’ crew.

Track list

 

1. Empire Of The Sun

2. He's Calling

3. Rise (See Our Video)

4. Our Time

5. Pain (Skit)

6. History

7. Roucheon (2001)

8. Give Me Freedom

9. Reflection

10. Hustle Hard

11. Pass Da Mic

12. Still

13. Love Movement

14. I'm Sorry

15. Let's Go