Does KJ-52 ever stop? Honestly, does he ever take a break? Apparently not. Whether he's teaming up with Pete Stewart for a rock/rap disc (Peace Of Mind), busy with his own solo career, or working with Todd Collins in the hip-hop department, KJ's work ethic is admirable. This guy is devoted to what he does. But is his fourth outing (Fifth, if you count the '04 Edition of 7th Avenue) in just over two years worthy of the KJ-52 name?

This disc happens to team up KJ-52 and Todd Collins (Under the collaborated name Soul Purpose) for an hour's worth of music set up as a sixty minute radio program entitled "WWSP Soul Purpose Radio." The format is simple. KJ and TC emcee. Once the often funny, somewhat annoying banter between the two (And sometimes a radio caller) ends, the hip-hop beats rip through the surface with KJ on the mic and Collins providing his melodic vocals for choruses.

Radio-ready from beginning to end, this album is catchier than It's Pronounced "Five-Two", believe it or not. The eleven actual music tracks stick primarily to God-related topics; but most are done with a light, pop feel, never really allowing the messages to become too deep. The lone exception would be the beautiful "Only You," in which Todd Collins provides all vocals. It is a much slower and melodic track that resembles R&B rather than hip-hop.

If ever there was an artist who deserved a one, maybe two year break from the business, it'd be Mr. "Five Two." After so much in such a small amount of time, you would tend to think his work would become repetitious. Ironically, it seems he gets better with each and every try. Soul Purpose is fresh hip-hop that will appeal to fans of KJ, and the hip-hop world in general.

- Review date: 07/27/04, written by Josh Taylor