The latest solo outing from Deepspace 5 emcee Sivion released in late 2010 on Illect Recordings. Rather than a full length, Sivion's latest, Butterfly Sessions, is only a seven-song EP (however, instrumentals are available if you buy a digital copy through the Illect Bandcamp store). The beats and production are done by the producer from another hip hop crew, the Tunnel Rats' own Dert. Together, they make some pretty good hip hop music.

Most of the beats and music for the Tunnel Rats were gritty, west coast style jams with hints of R&B thrown in. For this release, the overall feel is sort of the other way around; it's more R&B with a little west coast flavor. Even vocally, while Sivion's verses are pure hip hop, the hooks are usually sung rather than rapped. So instead of expecting this duo to go hard like some Tunnel Rats stuff, know that it's a bit of a softer side to the guys. Dert definitely provides some nice boom bap for Sivion to flow over, though, even if the overall sound of a couple of the tracks seem fairly similar to one another.

If you're a Christian hip hop fan who only knows the more popular emcees, Sivion's name may be unfamiliar to you (even if you've heard of Deepspace 5). But on Butterfly Sessions, he proves himself to be a rather talented emcee. He shines on the opening track "Here We Go," as well as "Older Now" and the Playdough-esque "Everything Is Everything." His style is more of a straight-forward rhyme scheme as opposed to a quick-laced flow, though there are a few times where instead of going line-by-line he does turn up the pace a little bit. When it comes time for each song to get to its hook, Sivion trades in his raps for melody (except for "The Inevitable"). He sings R&B with a nice, smooth voice; it's a testament to his versatility. Not only can he rap, but he can also sing pretty well. He also provides some saxophone in the track "Older Now."

While he's not the most well-known emcee, despite his Deepspace 5 membership, Sivion shows us that he can hold his own on a solo record. Previous Sivion albums have been okay, nothing spectacular, but Butterfly Sessions takes his work up a few notches. Sivion and Dert make a great team. If you're looking for some new hip hop, there are plenty of options out there for you. While you're scoping some out, be sure to give Butterfly Sessions a listen. It'll be worth your while.

- Review date: 3/10/11, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com