Having shown on previous albums and compilations that Scripture is the only supreme, infallible repository for redemptive revelation,
shai linne presents his own solo project “ “The Solus Christus Project.” With this album
shai linne seems to be a connoisseur at flipping complex rhyme schemes but maintaining sound biblical lyricism and critical exegesis, thus providing a truly edifying experience with true depth and meaning. All fifteen tracks express one glorious truth: salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone.

Lampmode’s output is always God-glorifying and worthy of note, and this latest “The Solus Christus Project” is no exception. A melodic sound ensues on the “intro” track—a mellow piece with soul and immense instrumentation. “Random Thoughts” then follows with a more up-tempo rock feel and some sweet rock chords that build into the next cut, “Christ Crucified.” This is a funky, percussion-laced number complete with vibrant horns and angry drums. shai rhymes about the sinful nature of mankind: “Street soldiers toke spliffs and hold pistols//they get smoked-or take short cuts like cliff notes//politicians might slit throats to get votes//while rich folks with jokes sniff coke on big boats.” he doesn’t leave us there, however, but instead provides the answer to fallen humanity’s sinful condition: CHRIST CRUICIFIED!!!

" [provides] a truly edifying experience with true depth and meaning. "

Next up is “Mic Check 1, 2” featuring Stephen the Levite and Phanatik from the Crossmovement with DJ Official on the beat. Stephen the Levite from Redeemed Thought opens first followed by the Phanatik, as each emcee takes turns “spittin’ the Word with the purpose of puttin’ Christ on display.” shai linne then employs some of his crazy rhyme schemes: “Satan threw every obstacle at Him, but couldn’t fathom//the brilliant stratagems of the eschatological Adam.” With “Heart First Remix” next up, we get a break with a more down tempo instrumental composition with some nice keys. This track features one of my favorite verses from the soli deo gloria fella: “Trying to search the mystery of the Divine is real deep//It’s like waking up just to find you’re still sleep.”

“Solus Christus” boasts some pretty robust flute elements complete with the live band, Vessels of Mercy. shai linne invites the listener to investigate the claims of Christ’s historically verifiable resurrection: “Christ’s resurrection—not mere speculation//Check the evidence—it bears investigation.” The song then fades out in a burst of eclectic sound and melody. “WorldWideWeb” sees shai linne making use of extended metaphor to present the gospel: “…WWW—world wide wickedness//caught up in the “web,” Satan wants you to “inter” his “net”… “Oblivious to the world’s system that’s got you//America’s online screaming ‘yahoo.’ After shai is done rapping don’t stop listening yet, because Cruz Cordero makes a special appearance on this one, a definite treat for avid Crossmovement fans. “Dark Night of the Soul” is an earnest plea to our Sovereign Lord inspired by Psalm 31:9a, 10 that cuts into the worship track “My Portion.” The vocal delivery is both smooth and expressive. The spill in the introduction and at the end of the song features John Piper from desiring God ministries.

Alright, alright it’s time to discuss my favorite track on the album. It has to be without question, “Justified.” This track, produced by Lee Jerkins from Rocksoul Entertainment, features a lyrical technique employed by shai linne called “lyrical theology” to discuss the biblical doctrine of justification. You can peep the “Lyrical Theology Interlude” before this track to learn more about this unique expositional rhyming technique. Fellow label mate and bondservant in Christ, Timothy Brindle, has been shown to employ this technique in an effort to exhort, equip, encourage, and edify the listener. “Let’s set the context…” shai begins, which is rule number in any study of Scripture. shai linne reaffirms that salvation is “by GRACE ALONE through FAITH ALONE in the finished work of CHRIST ALONE.” This track is an excellent exegetical work instructing the believer of the marvelous truths of justification. “Angelz” features label mate Timothy Brindle and emcee Evangel from Christcentric. This track is dedicated to Christians that are struggling in the faith and offers a special word of encouragement from shai himself. “Lift Him Up” is a track dedicated to fellow believers who serve Christ wholeheartedly but may never get recognition from men. Finally “Memoirs” sees shai linne discussing a number of topics in less than ten bars. The topics range from his own mother and father to abortion. This track is very contemplative and shai shares his heart with the listener. The “outro” picks up where the intro left off with smooth keys, sweet cuts, and flute elements.

Lampmode continues to raise the standard in Christian hip hop. This album begs the question: What is ministry about? Is it about having a multi-million dollar platform or how many records we sell? No, ministry is simply about Christ alone. Peep this quote: “When man will not accept the absolute and objective standard for salvation in ‘Christ Alone’, he will create his own truth and his own subjective standard of morality and salvation. He will, in essence, become a god unto himself and will worship his own personal standard of righteousness".