The rap game has always been littered with drugs, money, and rebellion. But RedCloud has a way of bringing a new light to gangsta rap. And his latest album, Hawthorne's Most Wanted continues just that.

This time around, RedCloud and DJ Wise decided to use rap beats that are a little more reminiscent of old school rap, much like the older days of Dr. Dre or Snoop Dogg. The songs still have the same unique flow that only RedCloud can bring, but most of them have a West Coast vibe, and he makes sure to let you know. The hip hopper has always been very proud of his heritage, not only as a Hispanic who grew up in Southern California, but also as a Native American. That love and pride is spoken of often, in songs like "405," "Battle of Little Bighorn," and the title track.

One of the topics RedCloud deals with on the album is the superficiality of some people. "Guns & Roses" challenges the listener to examine one's heart. Along the same lines, the album closer, "Death of a Salesman," is all about dying to yourself and giving your life to God. These, along with a couple other songs on the album, are really the only songs that have any sort of Christian message to them. But RedCloud's love for Christ is apparent. In "Songs They Sang," he says "God's a blanket, I'm Linus." He knows he needs to hang on to Christ for dear life.

There aren't too many downfalls here. One of them, however, going back to "Guns & Roses," is a very unneeded appearance by Eek-A-Mouse. The style and beat of the song change unexpectedly to reggae, and the lyrics are just painful to listen to. But other than that, RedCloud is an artist who doesn't really seem to disappoint his fans (or fans of hip hop in general). Consider Hawthorne's Most Wanted a great addition to your CD collection.

- Review date: 5/13/07, written by Scott Fryberger