I must admit when I initially was told about this group I didn't have high expectations for them. An underground group from the south with three previous albums, which I’d never heard about? But who can blame me for my pessimism. With the doors to club Hip Hop long closed to the public, and entry granted almost exclusively to those that sell sex or violence, Hip Hop hasn't given us much to be optimistic about. Enter Strange Fruit Project a trio from Waco, Texas, who following the tradition of Outkast and Little Brother are out to prove to the world that all southern rappers don't have to sound, look and act the same.

The Healing, SFP's fourth album is a pleasant surprise, and although far from perfect is a very solidly crafted album. The trio shows a knack for picking the perfect beats to compliment their individual flows and gives a glimpse of what they are truly capable of. Track after track they effortlessly trade verses about everyday life, the state of Hip Hop, love, spirituality and more. At no point do you feel like they need anybody else to carry them, as guests appearances are few and far between, but the ones that are present, a: fit the song perfectly and b: maintain the same high lyrical level that SFP does. Stand out tracks include: "Ready Forum", the introduction to SFP, The 9th wonder produced "Special" and "Rise" featuring Little Brother. Although not a debut album you get the feel that The Healing is the trio's official introduction to the world, hopefully not the last we hear from them.