For doubters who believe the Christian rap genre will never work, Manafest is here to prove you half wrong. Although artists such as Grits, Lecrae, Trip-Lee, and John Reuben may never grace the mainstream charts, as long as the inspiration comes from an alternative motive, quality Christian rap will continually be produced.

Although the temptation of writing Manafest off as an Eminem “wannabe” will remain great, there is no doubt that the young rapper could indeed hold his own amongst mainstream heavyweights. While “Citizens Activ” is not perfect, the album could be described with phrases such as it “more than works” and “shines radiantly from time to time”. The opener “4-3-2-1” is surprisingly a relatively weak track, and is bound to have some initially worried. However things pick up on “So Beautiful”- an unabashedly pop-rock / rap track, and one of numerous songs which showcase the talent of Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch.

Continuing on a strong note are the quasi-ego inflated “Steppin’ Out” and semi-cheesy “Breakup”. When Trevor McNevan makes yet another guest appearance on two of the album’s stronger points “Top of the World” and the alt-rock influenced “Kick It,” things feel just right. In fact, the McNevan duos feel so natural that one begins to wonder whether every track should have featured him.

As mentioned earlier “Citizens Activ” is not necessarily perfect, but shines enough to render itself a relatively strong release. The album is also illuminated by an odd sense of originality. Although the rap-rock gene has been done numerous times, the unashamedly rock and even pop influences that take root throughout the disc set “Citizens Activ” apart from numerous other releases.

Rating: 3 out of 5
Label: BEC Recordings

Tracklisting:
1.) 4-3-2-1
2.) So Beautiful
3.) Stepping Out
4.) Good Day
5.) Free
6.) Break Up
7.) Top of the World
8.) Kick It
9.) Lean on Me
10.) Turn It Up
11.) Live On