Professional Rapper
John Reuben
Gotee Records

"Professional Rapper" is John Reuben's third full-length release and it may be his strongest one yet. That's saying a lot considering that two songs from his second release finished in the top-20 of Radio and Records "Christian Rhythm" Year End music chart. In fact, Reuben's song "Doin'" finished at number two for 2003. That's quite an accomplishment for this high school drop-out from Columbus, Ohio (not known as a hot-bed for rap and hip hop).

While Reuben described for 30-CC the opening track "Move" as a song "just for fun," lyrics such as "God creates it, Man perverts it," suggest otherwise. "No Opinion" has a heavy techno-beat to it and Reuben tells us that ultimately his trust is in God. "I Haven't Been Myself" has intensely personal lyrics and features a haunting vocal from Adrienne Camp (formerly Liesching from Benjamin Gate). "Freedom to Feel" is another intensely personal song about trying to make sense of life. You won't find lyrics such as these on mainstream rap and hip hop music, which often highlights selfishness, hatred and/or greed.

"Treats" is a fun song with an infectious groove while "5 Years to Write" is a brutally honest and open love song to his wife Erin. If the closing track "Higher" doesn't make you get up and dance then you aren't listening.

Reuben produced "Professional Rapper" and overall it is an excellent recording. I had an opportunity to see Reuben in concert at the Cup O' Joy Coffeehouse in Green Bay during his "12 Days of Christmas" tour. This was clearly a younger crowd. I was surprised to see a few from the under-13 set. Noticeably absent were parents (myself excluded). Parents, however, need not fear as Reuben put on a high energy, fun show that featured many of his hits. Given his approach to his music, in many ways Reuben is the antithesis of mainstream rap artists.