Loose Canon EP Volume 1 is the latest release from Reflection Music Group artist Canon. Building on the success he has seen from previous mixtape releases and features on albums with Lecrae and Chris Cobbins, Canon goes off in this latest offering.

 

"Tell It All" is the perfect lead-in to this album. Its central theme is telling the Gospel to everyone, explaining why we serve the Lord we serve and who the Lord that we serve is. The beat is strong and the vocal intro makes you perk up and listen to what is going to come next. The lyrics prepare us for what will be a refreshing bit of lyrical genius: "I ain't have to pay the cost / Hallelujah to the Boss / though my soul was so lost / broke me out the mold."
 

Warning, the next song may offend some Catholics in the room. "Oh Lawdy" speaks of Christ's holiness and how He is the one that is necessary, and not necessarily Mary: "Mary may be his mama / but He known it since the beginning / that His knowledge incredible / His power, impeccable / His love inseparable / His character inflexible." The bridge continues into the theme that even Mary needed Jesus for salvation. It may be controversial, but it's refreshing that an artist is willing to delve into issues of religion versus relationship with Christ, while at the same time speaking Gospel truth.

 

"Yeen Bout That Life" is up next and hits hard. This is the antithesis to the song by Ace Hood of the same title (I do not suggest that you listen to it or even read the lyrics). "Yeen," for those of you that don't know (I was one of you before writing this) is slang for "you ain't." This song once again is about turning from an old life of sin and serving Christ with all that we have. In the process, people familiar with the old you may question your sanity. This truly is a missions song, telling people that they are not about that sin life they are living, that they were truly designed for something greater.

 

The theme of giving up the old life and accepting a new life in Christ continues with "Say Yeah." The song speaks first of the girls in the club that may look like they have it all together and are dressed provocatively, attracting all the guys in club, but in reality, it is low self-esteem that is their key motivator. However, if they "say yeah" to the Father, they will have all the man they need in Him. The second verse speaks of the guy addicted to pornography on the Internet; once again, Canon takes on a controversial yet real topic. The guy is filled with shame and cannot get the images out of his head; every girl he sees has the body of the girls he was looking at the night before. His deliverance is near, though, if he will just "say yeah."

 

Rugged and rough, "Let Em Have It" comes next. Canon's hard hitting style takes the forefront on this track as the beat is a little more subdued. This song is a personal testimony of Canon, of the place where he was and the place to where he has grown into. Canon's lyrical style stays true to the rest of the album, yet with a little more grit in this song.

 

The final track, "Loud Music," features Derek Minor (formerly PRo). The video for this song was released on Sept. 10, and the song was also included on Derek Minor's PSA V3 – Who is Derek Minor. This song is the hardest hitting song on the album and truly the best was saved for last. To see an artist lay down solid rhymes around solid beats and show his true personality through the music is always refreshing. If this song doesn't leave you bobbing your head then check your pulse.

 

Canon is not new to the CHH scene. He has featured quite a bit and has had previous albums. This latest project puts all of his skills on display, and may be a new introduction to those new to the genre. His vocal flow is fast, smooth and slick, the production quality on this album is excellent, the beats are bangin' and the rhymes are clever and well thought out. The message is clear on this album: give your life to Christ, get over your past and move on.