Heads first heard this cat Afu-Ra on Jeru tha Damaja's debut album, The Sun Rises in the East. The track was called "Mental Stamina," and Jeru warned him that "after this, there's no turning back." Steadily striding forward Afu now presents the world with his own debut, The Body of the Life Force.

There are some pretty big names on this album, especially considering it's a debut. Production is handles by the likes of DJ Muggs or Soul Assassins and Cypress Hill fame, DJ Premier, the man everyone wants to work with, True Master of the Wu-Tang, Da Beatminerz, Joe Quinde, Mike Rone of Fabidden and DJ Roach. He's provided with steady beats that fit his flow extremely well.

With that kind of top caliber production, nothing less than top flight lyrics will suffice. Thankfully, Afu delivers. Similar to his mentor Jeru, his flow is direct hitting you firmly upside the head. His guests represent too, but one expects nothing less from lyricists such as GZA, the Cocoa Brovas, M.O.P., and Masta Killa. The less known guests, Krumbsnatcha & Hannibal Stax of the extended Gang Starr fam, Ky-Mani Marley, Headqcourterz, Jahdan and Rasheedah also represent.

"Soul Assassination," "Defeat," "Bigacts, Littleacts," "D&D Soundclash," the Latino styling of "Caliente," "All That," "Warfare," "Equality," and the previously released "Whirlwind Thru Cities" stand out among the consistently blazing tracks here.

Fans of Jeru will love this album. Fans of conscious music will love this album. Fans of tight beats paired with real mic skills will love this album. Commercial heads, keep stepping.