By Choice or By Force [PA] (CD - 2006)

Audio Mixers: Arnold Mischkulnig; Terrence Cash.

Recording information: Chop Shop, Brooklyn, NY; Upstairs Studio, Atlanta, GA.

BY CHOICE OR BY FORCE is another potent dose of Southern-styled hardcore from Pastor Troy. Subtlety isn't exactly Troy's strong suit, but his fans aren't looking for nuance anyway. Laying down no-nonsense gangsta narratives in an adrenaline-fueled shout-rap over ominous, downtempo beats and samples, Troy doesn't skimp on the street bravado when kicking his grim tales of murder and hard living. BY CHOICE isn't exactly a party album: in both tone and lyrical content the disc is dark and threatening, but Troy and his crew sound as serious as a loaded gun, so the effort should pass muster with fans of the genre. minimize