::ALBUM REVIEW::

Gary Mayes & Nu Era has hit the ground running ever since their debut "The N.E. Xperience Vol. I". Having stellar vocalists and musicians on their roster such as Kim Burrell, Shawn McLemore, Nakitta Clegg, Nikki Ross, Jonathan Dunn, Maurice Fitzgerald, Joey Woolfark, Bobby Sparks, the infamous Mo' Horns and the Knuckleheads (which produced the project along with Gary Mayes who is also in the role of drummer), consumers and music lovers have taken notice. What is most apparent in this project ("Diary Of A Strong Souljah") is the growth and maturity not only in the lyrics and musicianship, but also the overall presence of Gary Mayes. Instead of bombarding the listener with random adlibs (much like Fred Hammond on the Singletons' "Better Than That"), he has toned down considerably and the listener gets to hear more of Nu Era and The Knuckleheads. With an impressive debut, a compilation, and a jammin' Christmas Project under their belt, Mayes comes back with this two-disc offering.

The first disc's "chain of jams" starts with the uplifting "Stand Still." This is the first track to showcase the vocal prowess of Nu Era. It then flows to "Wait On Him", which features Nikki Ross. Ms. Ross delivers crisp vocals and takes the listener to church. The church continues with Nakitta Clegg on "He'll Come Through." Her raspy voice is reminiscent of Dorinda Clark-Cole but with a little more solidity.

The flow of worship and reflection starts with "Holy" featuring Jonathan Dunn and flows seamlessly to "We Owe You More," and "I'm Ready." Praise and thanksgiving start again with "It's Time 2 Worship," and the anthem "Let The People Praise U," ending with the churchy "Gr8 Day in the Morning."

On the second disc the instrumental "Souljah's Dilemma" showcases the band, very much reminiscent to Aaron Lindsay's "The Minstrel's Advance." This track then flows into the passionate "Strong Souljah." "If I Ever Needed U" is laced with smooth vocals and a "sleepy" R&B vibe. The kick-back mood in the lyrical plea to God carries a refreshing sound and message. The ballads continue with the encouraging "I Think I Can/I Kno I Can."

The only setback in this other-ways stellar project is the overly busy tracks laced with random adlibs. The disaster track in this project has to be the project opener "Hit the Deck." With Mayes proclaiming "Negro [Satan] hit the deck" and BB Jay declaring Mayes' sound as being "ghetto gospel hip hop," can be a turn off and misleading of what is on this project. Aside from that all is well.

In "Diary of a Strong Souljah" one can tell that Gary Mayes not only has a lot of things going for him on this project (great vocals, prominent guest vocalists, perfect conglomeration of well musicians, and high quality production) but is also a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Joining the ranks of Vashawn Mitchell and Joe "Flip" Wilson, this strong "souljah" boldly takes his place and can be expected to be here for days to come.