Search - Tobymac :: Welcome to Diverse City

It won't take you long after the opening strains of "Toby's back" from the opening track of Welcome To Diverse City to realize that yes indeed, Toby Mac is back with his second solo effort and follow-up to the superb Momentum. It's apparent from the beginning of this release that the studio wizard and third member of DC Talk is back in the house with another rich blend of rap, soul, pop, and techno. All the while, this DC Talk-er is laying down the gospel of one God, one love, and one people. Leading off with the smooth rap of "Hey Now," Toby Mac promises us to "set a new pace" because "it's been a long time comin' but I'm serving up the sequel." And serving up he does well with healthy portions of hard rock ("Slam"), funky soul with Bootsy Collins ("Welcome To Diverse City"), smooth pop ("Gone"), disco rock ("Getaway Car"), and biographical rap ("Gotta Go"). Building off his group and solo release experience (not to mention multiple production jobs for other artists), Toby Mac flows with a lyrical and stylistic consistency that holds together. Ultimately what he does so well is fly all the colors of the musical rainbow in one banner, seamlessly weaving different styles into one unmistakable flag. It's a mark all his own and worthy of merit in the Christian music world and beyond. --Michael Lyttle