3 comments about Chronicles: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1.

1. Chronicles: Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
   
   This was the first gospel rap album I bought. Originally, I bought it for my 16 yr old brother, hoping that he would listen to the lyrics and that his heart would be stirred for the Lord. But, I loved it. It was old school, hard-hitting, scripturally accurate and the music was the best I've heard in a long time. I'm hooked on The Cross Movement.



2. Chronicle: Greatest Hit Volume 1 from The Cross Movement what can I say about this album apart from it is hot and every track is in a class of it own. Every time I get a Cross Movement album I always remember the Wu Tang Clan, while? There are a collection of top quality rappers and every one of them is a solo artist in its own right. I hope you understand what I am getting at, if you love hip hop you most have heard of them and yes they are not a holy hip hop band. Back to the album, Features tracks form Phanatik, The Gift, Cruz Cordero, T.R.U.-L.I.F.E, Enock, The Ambassador, and The Tonic. Five tracks on the album are remixed they are as followings: Know Me [Huh what?] - The Cross Movement, C to the R - Phanatik, Rise Up - The Ambassador, It's Going Down - T.R.U- L.I.F.E and Forever - The Tonic. Like if that is not enough there are 2 brand new tracks from The Cross Movement and they are Da Truth Iz and The Drawing Board. I have to say it is good to see a track from Enock - On the Move feature after his great solo project do you remember it? Well this album is a most because it does not disappoint and every joint that is featured is tight. The only downside for me on the album is that there is not enough tracks because when I think of greatest hits I expect 20 tracks plus.



3. When the Cross Movement puts out an album, its a must own. Even if its a greates hits album, you can find a great selection of some of their best tracks on one disc, and they spice it up by taking familiar favorites and remixing them with fresh new beats. I have to first admit, some of the remixes on this disc are not as good as the originals, but if you have the originals on past CM releases then this is a refreshing change. If you don't have the originals, then you need to go and get them. The ambassador and the Phanatik are the best lyricists in all of hip hop, whether secular of Christian, and their content is full of truth. Its hard to find Holy Hip Hop artists that rep the true faith in every line, but people like CM, Reach, and Lampmode are always sure things if you want music that matters. Cm are the pioneers of legit Holy Hip Hop, and this disc is a great sampler of what they bring, and what God brings through them. Being familiar with every song they've ever done, I would have made some different song selections for a greatest hits album. One of the Ambassador songs is my least favorite of any song he's ever done, but even their worst is better than most Christian M.C.'s ever offer up. This is a must own.

5 comments about Human Emergency.

1. I've listened to all types of hip-hop, from hardcore (Lench Mobb, Ice Cube, Wu-Tang, Gravediggaz) to the pop rap on the radio today. I've only heard this one album of Cross Movement - they are talented. There is no disputing their belief and their teachings of the struggles of Christianity. Great beats, supreme lyrics, and just a quality ensemble. They blend diverse styles reminescent of the quality hip-hop of the mid-late 1990s.



2. In general I absolutely hate rap. Because I am not a fan of the style and a huge reason is because basically every single rapper or rap group have bad lyrics which is all rap has going for it besides the beats. And the beats are generally repetitive and get old fast. It's not just that the lyrics are bad, but that they're all the same, which is also why they suck.
   
   However, The Cross Movement changes this and not only actually write good lyrics for rap (am I hearing right? This is a first), but believe it or not write some of the best lyrics I've ever heard (being a Christian I completely connect with them). And this is not just some stupid group that claim to be real Christians but probably aren't (cough cough, P.O.D., cough cough), they are for real I believe. Now I am much more for the music than for the lyrics but when it comes to rap which I generally hate, the lyrics are all that's going for it so it's the only thing I really pay attention to. I appreciate and love lyrics that are good or great in my opinion, but there is little of that around so I don't pay attention to that much (in rock mostly). But when it is there I am for the music AND the lyrics. If the lyrics suck I just block them out and listen to the music if I like it, but if I am going to listen to rap they must be good. And these are the only rap artists that I've heard that have lyrics with any real meaning at all so I respect them for that.
   
   Whatever the case, it still doesn't change the fact that I am not into rap, hence the three stars. But it has got my attention nonetheless so I applaud them for it. So all you rap "fans" who claim to listen to good music with meaningful lyrics, I just have to say I doubt it, unless what you're listening to is something from The Cross Movement.



3. Either way you look at it, The Cross Movement have pure talent and the right message to send.



4. As you can see from the list, I am a huge Movement fan. However, I am still impartial on the review. This CD really shows that versatility and depth that this group and their record label (Cross Movement Records aka "CMR") has. It's often that we find some Christian artists who are not able to deliver The Word and deliver the style of rap that grabs both belivers and non belivers. This is a delicate balance and in my opinion Cross Movement does this well. I say this because I know that I can pop this CD in with non-saved folks and I know that they will not only be like "DANG...THIS BEAT IS HOT!" but MOST IMPORTANTLY, they will say "WOW...they talkin about Jesus and it's not corny." Let's keep it real, this is how many view this walk that we are in. I like every track, but you will hear most folks talking about TRACKS 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and ESPICALLY #17...I think that 17 is on fire.



5. This is a fantastic hip hop cd and the fact that it's all for God's glory is even better. The beats,hooks,music and lyrics come together to make something dynamic. Though I love the entire CD I do have a few favorites: The Light(The Blazin One) is soooo HOT, Know Me (HuH What?) will get you bouncin and Creature Double Feature is sooooooooo for real and relative to everyone trying to live RIGHT. These guys cannot be denied.

5 comments about Inside Out.

1. Prime Minister have been in the rap game since the mid 80's. It's "Inside Out" that really put him on the map. With guest appearances from some of gospels biggest stars, "Inside Out" is one of many rap sensations put out by Grapetree Records before it collapsed.



2. This is a really tight gospel cd that I would recommend anyone to listen to. It has a lot of urban flava that can really entertain the young cultures. Songs such as Inside Out, All Riders, and Ballin are really good tracks. This can send a message to our new culture and it is a good influence that praise God hip hop style.
   
   Other Gospel Rap Cds you might enjoy
   Holy Culture by Cross Movement
   I can see clearly now by Gospel Gangstaz
   Dichotomy A and B and Art of Translation by Grits
   Fireproof by FTF



3. I actually purchased this last month on amazon.com and it was crazy. I mean much better than that his last 2 cd's he put out. I actually became new in the Christian Hip-Hop genre since I became well-known in the Hip-Hop genre which I'm in.
   
   Songs I feelin' now are: Inside Out, Ballin', Santcified Slide, What I Feel, Things They Say, In Yo Eyes, Heavenly Father, Running, etc. ***LIKE 2 SAY THIS IS THE 1 YOU SHOULD PICK UP INSTEAD OF THAT OLD RAP U'RE LISTENING 2 WHICH IS ROUGH AND WEAK"***
   
   I praised God that he made me buy this CD 'cuz it's the 1st I ever check out and listen too. Is has featured guest appearances w/ MC Hammer (my all-time favorite), Out of Eden, Mr. Real, F.T.F., and so on and on. I recommend u should go buy it and check out D.C.P., Mr. Real, J-Roc, Gospel Gangstaz, B.B. Jay, The Cross Movement, T-Bone, Grits, KJ-52, Verbs (aka Knowdaverbs), Pettidee, L.G. Wise, Flexx, Jah Word, Carikature, Acts 29, John Reuben, Corey Red & Precise, Elle R.O.C., Ayeesha, Tru II Society, Lil Raskull, NuWine, Mars Ill, Ill Harmonics, Tunnel Ratts, Deep Space 5, Gibraan, Applejaxxx, KIIS, Lil Irocc Williams, Canton Jones, Tonex, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Virtue, Yolonda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, The Ambassador, Flame, The Winans, Tye Tribbett, Lori Petty, Joye B. Moore, Angela Christie, Rod McGaha, B. Reith, Cece Winans, Bebe Winans, etc.



4. PICK IT UP! PICK IT UP! PICK IT UP! PICK IT UP! The songs are AWESOME...it's message flows to the listener and the beats are smooth! Probably his best Album!



5. HI. THIS IS MY FIRST ALBUM OF HIS BUT I LIKE IT. TO TELL THA TRUTH WHAT DREW ME 2 IT IS THE FACT O.O.E WAS SINGING ON IT. AT FIRST I THOUGHT HE IS WEAK BUT HE GREW ON ME. THE BEATS ARE TIGHT AND SO ARE THE LYRICS. HIS RAPPING STYLE CRACKS ME UP SOME TIME BUT IT'S NOT HOW YOU RAP OR YOUR BEATS. IT'S ABOUT YOUR ANOINTING AND ARE YOU DOING WHAT GOD SAID. AND HE IS DOING JUST THAT. I LIKE IT BUT DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. BUY IT AND SEE! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT GIVE IT TO SOMEONE WHO YOU THINK WILL. MY FAVS. ARE: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,11

5 comments about Redemption.

1. Grits gets much respect! This album has a few tracks but Dichotomy A/B are my personal favorites.



2. If you love GRITS then you'll love this CD- it shows that over the years the Duo has never sat on their okole's and has always been re-inventing themselves for the better.
   
   Plain and Simple: It's GRITS at it's finest. 'nuff said. Buy it.



3. YO, this is Stephy jey of Goddisciples. This cd was pretty tight. I actually liked it just as much as dichotemy a. I was really feelin the joints and as usual, the beats were raw. They still needa cop some beats from me, but they don't relize it yet.
   
   [...]



4. The CD starts off with a distinctly Southern(read: TN) rap feel. By this I mean heavy beats and somewhat thin loops for the background. The expertise of this duo is not immediately obvious. Around about track 4, things pick up and get back on track to what you would expect. A feature by Canibus was surprising, given the genre. Overall, the CD has the typical 1-3 winners, along with some additional filler.
   
   In a nutshell: Not bad for the money ($5-6), but don't pay more than $9.



5. The GRITS have been holding it down for Christian rap for as long as I can remember. With Redemption, they fulfilled their commitment to Gotee and are free to focus on their new record label, 5e Entertainment. While Redemption has some of their characteristic hip but southern sound and showcases their versatile lyrical styles, the first half comes off feeling almost forced which is not acceptable for a group with as much talent as they have. They get it together over the second half though, and deliver a couple of incredible joints which make the album worth having on on their own.
   
   Best cuts: Right Back, Open Bar and We Workin.

5 comments about Letting Go.

1. Anthony Evans has put together one of the very best Christian releases I have ever listened to. A perfect blend of melody, lyrics, and God-centered attitude is found on each track - truly a release that is difficult to choose a favorite among, since all the songs are so good. This is one of the few CDs I have (and I have almost 3,000) that can be listened to from start to finish without skipping a track. What is most delightful, however, is the personal identification I feel with what Anthony is saying about his faith - if you have "put off the old man" and are a new creature in Jesus Christ, there is no way that every song on this release will not resonate deeply within you.
   
   A few comments on the other reviews posted of "Letting Go" - I agree completely wtih the reviewer who pointed out that there is a difference between Evan's "Even More" and "Letting Go" - in my eyes, there is hardly any similarity at all and it is hard for me to think that both releases are actually done by the same artist, the gulf is so great. Additionally, as with another reviewer, I too have witnessed the unique multi-generational appeal "Letting Go" has: I grew up with Motown, Beach Boys and Beatles, but my 15 year-old granddaughter loves every song on "Letting Go" as much as I do - quite a feat in today's times!
   
   To sum up, "Letting Go" is nothing short of inspired - an amazing collection of songs that accurately describes the Christian experience with great understanding and compassion, and keeps a steady focus on where it should always be - Almighty God.



2. The first song I heard of AE was Be Still, and I didn't know who he was at the time, but I loved the song, then my brother started playing the same song and told me who he was and started playing more songs from his new cd and I immediately went to this website to purchase BOTH cd's. One of the things I love about his second cd is his lyrics!! They are AMAZING!! They portray the Lord and our relationship with Him accurately and biblically-very rare in Gospel and Christian music! I haven't heard his first cd yet(hasn't come in yet), but I do agree that it does have more of a CCM feel which is cool with me. I definitely wanted more of the "Be Still" kind of feel, but I love this cd! I haven't stopped playing it since I got it! His voice is AMAZING!! Excellent job, Anthony! Keep'em comin'! The world needs more artists painting accurate pictures of our Dad!



3. I am a -- year old mom and grandmom. I prefer to listen to Christian music, but my taste ranges from Southern Gospel to contemporary. Was looking for some good worship music and stumbled across Anthony Evans' music at his father, Tony Evans', website. Just hearing a short excerpt of one song from his first CD, I liked it enough to buy both CD's. This one is different from the first, more upbeat and diverse, but I love them both. I thought so much of Letting Go that I bought one for my twenty-something son, who also thought it was great. You will not be disappointed!



4. Let me just put it like this. I do agree with the other users that this album is much different from the first one. What I will say is that he(Anthony Evans) seems more comfortable with this style of music. Long have I been waiting for an artist who dares to be different for Christ without compromising the message. My favorite track is "Consumed," the boy gets down on this album in a unique way. If your tastes are not opened up to different styles of gospel music, then this may not be the CD for you at this point. To everyone else who has an open mind, go get this CD. My only regret is that it only has 10 tracks, but I would rather there be ten great tracks then a bunch of filler songs. This is AE's best album yet.



5. I just got this CD a day ago and I am so in Love with it. I love almost every song. I just play this ablum straight through, for the most part. My fav. tracks are I Choose Now, Letting Go, Before You, Consumed, Meaningless, Love You With My Life, Whatever I Can't Erase, The Fight. Anthony Evans is a great writer and he composes lyrics so well. This album is annointed and you can just feel his passion for the Lord in every song. I can honestly say that I can relate to every song on his album. Anthony if you are reading this keep allowing the Lord to use you the way he wants to, this album truely touched me.

5 comments about Christology.

1. I usually write full paragraph reviews, but little need be said here. The lyrics are perfect, the guest spots are ill. This is the greatest piece of music ever produced, in any genre, either secular or Christian. This will be the standard for good holy hip hop for a long time.



2. This cd is head and shoulders above the rest. The deep lryical content and talent presented by The Ambassador are surpassed by none.He is a true lyrical genius.This cd has so much substance that I listened to it about 4 times no-stop and I did not skip one song.Each time I listened to the cd I picked up on something new. The Ambassador thoroughly delivers the gospel on each track through tight metaphors, similes, beats and hooks.The message is easier to digest and it lingers within, when it's presented in this format. Young believers, like myself, really need cd's like this, Christology is a must have for any music collection.I give it 10 stars.Keep an eye on The Cross Movement.



3. Just a few days ago, I picked up this album in a Christian book store. I saw it kind of on its side, and there was only one copy left. When I picked it up and looked at it, the first thing that happened was my heart rate kind of jumped, because I knew I just picked up a classic.
   
   First off, I had a hard time putin the cd away after I listened to the WHOLE THING Top to Bottom. Ambassador remains to be one of the top dogs on Holy Hip Hop. His wordplay, especially on Christology, is second to none. His use of metaphors can be compared to any one you want. Holy Hip Hop, just hit a new standard with this album. (Even though it was released in 1999)
   Everything from the production, to the flow, to the sound, its Timeless.
   
   Before I baught Christology, I had purchased his second album, The Thesis, and I thought he brought it on Thesis. But once I heard Christology, Hip Hop was put on a new level. I have over 60 some HHH albums ( I know its not that big)
   but this one goes with the 2 or so that I have, that are Classics. I mean everything about it gives glory to our Maker, and Savior. It makes most Christian rap look whack!
   Most of all, I feel convicted in the ways Im livin life. I hear what Ambassador says, and I think, whoa, I need to change this, or think more about that. I feel like I just wanna get close to God, and study his word more! I had a great feeling when I was just sitting there, and listening to the album!
   
   Its one of the most theologically deep, but (Laymen's Terms) most applyable album you can buy. This album is rare, I feel blessed to have it as a part of my collection. Trust me, you dont find many of these around these days. Hip Hop today, for the most part, except for a few MC's, is mostly poluted, which most of us know. This album, could possibly be one the best Christian rap cd's that Holy Hip Hop has to offer. Even 7 years after this came out, you dont find much like it.
   
   Its worth EVERY dime you pay. Don't hesite to pick it up.
   Feed your Faith, and your Hip Hop/Rap desire, dont settle for the Mediocre stuff. Get fed for Christ. Ambassador does not dissapoint!



4. One of the best hip hop cds i have ever heard in my life.



5. This is the best album; secular or otherwise.
   
   Enough said.

5 comments about It's Pronounced "Five Two".

1. one of the best cds of kj i have ever listened.
   plus you cant escape the good advices he is giving to yooooung dudes.
   kee it up kj- aka kj 52



2. In my opinion, KJs best album. Awesome songs like 47 pop stars, #1 fan, i'm guilty, back in the day, dear slim pt. 2, and whoop whoop. Nasty beats and a great flow.



3. KJ Shows that he is no one hit wonder, but that he has the true talent. This talent comes from the one and only Jesus. I am glad to see a brother out there representin'. Everyone should go out and get this cut. If you will bless him and his ministry then God will bless you and yours. God Bless !



4. Honestly, I've never been into the contemporary rap/hip hop world, which is full of hatred, violence and foul sex. This is the first rap cd I've ever bought in my whole life. I first listened to "dear slim pt 2" on MusicMatch and fell in love with this guy's music and decided to buy this album. This album is not like anything I've ever heard before. Songs like "Back in the day" or "47 pop stars" are very funny and show that Kj has a great talent with playing with words. "Check youself" is pretty similar with his later work "For the ladies" from his following album "Behind the musik" (and also has the same message as Will Smith's song "Pump Ya brakes"). And my favorite "#1 Fan", the best song ever made buy Kj even though it may not be true.
   Check out his later work "Behind the Musik", it's even better than this album. Keep on the great work, Kj!!!Keep on representing God in your songs no matter what people say. One day they'll see that cursing and writing stupid verses will lead them nowhere. "To gain a world of fan, but suffer loss of soul".



5. kj-52 is a disgrace. he is horrible, whoever is readin this review if u like rap/hip hop or anything like that DON't BUY THIS CD. it's pathetic!!!!! he talks about eminem a lot, eminem probly doesn't even know who this nerd is. if u want real rap/hip hop, serious and humorous, listen to john reuben.and kj-52 copies eminem too. at least eminem is creative, this cd is just plain retarted. this guy isn't funny either, i mean jeez, what's with his obbsession with converting eminem, it isn't working. AHHHHHHHHHHH i hate it. if i could i would give it a .5 out of 10 but that's not possible, and one last thing, what kind of name is kj-52. kj is some dumb initial and 52 should be his age. overall i rate it out of ten: supremely krappy / 10

No comments about PsychoTheoSocioGhettoPathic: The Escape.

1 comments about As Tha World Turns, Vol. 2.

1. Never heard of this cd? That's not surprising. When I first saw this cd listed here on Amazon, I instantly purchased it. The buy was definitely worth it, because the tracks are off the hook. There are 14 tracks, consisting of:

   1) As Tha World Turns (Featuring Lil' Raskull, Krokett, Cutty, and Stephanie)

   2) Dead Man Walkin' (Featuring Krockett)

   3) Free (Featuring Black Seed)

   4) Guitar Slim

   5) Nuwine

   6) Pocket Book

   7) He Diggin' (Featuring Rehab)

   8) Turn To You

   9) Color Blind

   10) Comin' Soon (Featuring Roc A)

   11) Prophesy

   12) Do That

   13) Where's Yo Name Now (Featuring Stephanie)

   14) Outro

   The best tracks without a doubt are "Dead Man Walkin'" (Featuring Krockett and Cutty), "Do That", and "Free" (Featuring Black Seed). Track 10, "Comin' Soon", is produced by Roc A, who also produced for Lil' Raskull. As Tha World Turns 2 is a pure example of the gangsta-ness of Nuwine, and is a must for any Nuwine fans. For more on Nuwine.... Get this cd, because it won't be around long!

5 comments about Mental Releases.

1. This is a very oddball album, but then again, which of Grits early offerings wasn't =]
   
   It doesn't sound much like their later offerings, with most of the tracks seem to really pay homage to the jazz roots of hip-hop (one of songs is directly about this). The rapping style is a little more old-school than any of their other offerings...different, but solid. Any big Grits fan should enjoy this trip back in time.



2. I've recently discovered Grits and dig all their material. If you've only heard their post-2000 ("new school") CDs and are curious about their older material, I encourage you to buy this, with one caveat. Mental Releases was released in 1995, so it sounds more like A Tribe Called Quest, Lords of the Underground or early Common than Jay-Z and Eminem, therefore, Mental Releases might appeal more to fans of "old school" hip hop.
   
   If there are any old-schoolers who haven't heard of Grits, buy it ... it's worth it. Grits is among the best hip hop groups, Christian or otherwise.



3. This is Grits' debut album, and if you ask me, of all their albums it's the most indicative of what Bone and Cof would sound like if left to their own devices. The next album, FACTORS OF THE 7 is more of an east coast sound, while their last two albums have been more geared at drawing in a larger audience.

   This album was released in early 1995, meaning that most of the material was written in 1994, arguably the greatest year in hip hop history. That was the year that ILLMATIC and SOUTHERNPLAYISTICADILLACMUZIK showcased the debuts of Nas and OutKast, respectively. This was still a time when hip hop albums were being created to say something, and not just to move units. Unfortuantely, this was also right around the end of the time that such albums could still sell. Not too long after this 2Pac and B.I.G. were killed and Pee Diddy rose to prominence. And you see what we have now.

   MENTAL RELEASES fits right into the times. I see a lot of new fans who are all over Grits' new albums but no one pays attention to the one that started it all. At this time, Bone and Coffee had no reputation to help or to hurt and they collaborated with Otto, Ric Robbins (in his pre-DJ Form days) and Todd Collins (one of the most maddening producers around...one album sounds like a masterpieces, the next is horrible) to form a hip hop album based deeply in the jazz sound that preceded it.

   While they've toyed around with their sound to remain relevent (and to feed their families) in terms of artistic credibility, I would have to say that MENTAL RELEASES is on par with the FACTORS album. And depending on how you like your hip hop, it may be their best album ever.




4. I am a HUGE fan of GRITS. I have their newest album, "The ARt of Translation", which is AMAZING and a MUST HAVE for any gospel rap listener or rap listener, period. I also have "Grammatical Revolution (which is the second newest) also a MUST HAVE. As for "Mental Releases"...I love it but I have to give it a "4 stars" (although it should be 3.5 stars) score because in today's standards of high quality production and swift flo's imbedded with tremendous thought inducing messages this album falls a bit short. If you absolutely love GRITS and are seeking something different this is Great. But I warn you: it's basically a jazz album with above average lyrics. Don't let all this daunt you...the album is GOOD and a it is GRITS (although be it old school) so just don't be surprised when you pop it in the Discman and Bonafide isn't ripping amazing Lyrics with awe-inspiring finesse and skill and Coffee sounds the same, but for some reason not as cool. Oh and if in so doing your waiting for the Ric "Form" Robbins and Otto Price Timbaland/Neptune-like beats...don't hold your breath, Price is there but he is playing instrumentals and the albums music suffers b/c of a lack of R. Robbins...but in the end if you Love Grits,get it... if you love Jazz, get it...if you wanna Jam and Praise the All High, God, I STRONGLY recommend "The Art of Translation" or "Grammatical Revolution" (the first is the BEST rap album I've ever heard, hands down, period, you will not, I repeat, WILL NOT be dissapointed)...I still love it though, but your not me are you...



5. Grits is a great way to stay hardcore yet still praise the almighty lord at the same time.Young christians can slip away from their destiny and take place in gang activity and music.With Grits you have your gang rap beat and still praseing. One of the top seven selling albums "Mental Releases"is a one way ticket into the world of cristian rap.