No comments about Welcome to CSR (CD + DVD).

5 comments about The Millenium: Prime Time Part II.

1. This CD is tight. Out of all the tracks....well I like all of them. This is good riding music, straight TRUNK BEATER.



2. No matter if he's good or bad. He's still the man and keepin it real and staying closer. Today he's my favorite Christian rapper w/ B.B. Jay, The Procussions, Corey Red & Precise, Shai Linne, Lil Raskull, etc. Like this CD is rollin' and definitely a must-have for all Christian rap lovers and 'specially rap or non-rap fans alike.
   
   If u luv 2Pac, Scarface, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, DMX, Lil Raskull, NuWine, MC Hammer, among others, you must checkout this right here. He never cuss, he never talks dirty or raw or whatever. He talk spiritually to the Word of God.
   
   I recommend this along w/ Inside Out and Flexx's God Is On My Side which consider be a CLASSIC. Christian rap rocks!



3. I love this cd. I heard it once at a friends house and it was awesome so I had to go and get it. I found it at Target for cheaper than anywhere else. I was really happy about there great prices. Also my Mom works on the flow team at target so I can get a discount too..that was an advantage.(laughs) anyway for any of you that like rap out there this is the CD to buy. YOu'll love it. And buy it at target! I've checked all around and they have the best prices and the nicest store too.



4. while listening to this album I was saying to myself"man this guy has a devine AUTHORITY." the album is full of creative and SMASHING rhythmns the lyrics are anointed, genuine & hardcore and full of authority.I am also from Jamaica



5. i like prime minister tracks 5,12,10&14 were my favorite i think he is one of the best sounds a lot like scarface on the last track destined to be.

3 comments about Plantin a Seed.

1. This turned out to be not one of my favorite songs, however there are a few of the songs that make extreme points. For this I would recommend it to someone who enjoys right in your face gospel talking lyrics.



2. Danny Rodriguez a.k.a. D-Boy put out two albums as far as I remember. I had them both. "Plantin' a Seed" and "The Lyrical Strength of One Street Poet"
   Plantin' a Seed includes Church Hoppers, Doggin' the Devil, King David, It's a Disease and a few more. I enjoyed this album at the time and I would like to hear it again as it has been a long time. The album "The Lyrical Strength..." includes a song that lists most or all of the songs from "Plantin'" and that's where the other reviewer is getting that information. If you can find either of these albums, congratulations. They are a hard find and now out of print.



3. We thought this was cool! LOL! It is funny listening to this again. My older brother listened to this and other old rap tapes all the time and I with him. It was so cool then but now it is just bleh.
   I have the tape in front of my right now and the title is "The Lyrical Strength of One Street Poet"
   On the Audio Cassette, the tracks are as follows:
   Side A:
   That Ub Urself
   Ub Urself (Reprise)
   Drop The Mic
   The Boy Don't
   Play
   Slackness
   Cease for Peace

   Side B:
   Flow Time
   Shout

   God's House
   Last Days
   Hip-Hopcracy
   Come Back Home

   I don't know if the CD is titled differently or something but Plantin' A Seed is said in one of the songs

No comments about Let'emknow.

5 comments about Hindsight.

1. John Reuben delivers a fresh album with edifying rhymes mixed w/humility and engaging lyrics. On this album he tends to express alot of desire to be accepted by his audience and it sometimes is overemphasized. He has good skill and excellent delivery and shouldn't be concerned; anyone listening can pick up on this. He steps away from this tendency in certain songs such as: Hindsight, Soundman, Up and at them, & Run the night.
   
   He does a great job of making "hip-hop happy" as opposed to the annoying tendency of most rappers to boast about themselves while slandering those by whom they feel threatened. This disc also contains occasional hilarious, unorthodox mic-ins that reveal John's free-spirited, sanguine nature (such as: I'll try harder, and Soundman).
   
   
   I think this was a big improvement over his first album which is crucial on a sophomore album to extend an artist's career. It is my favorite album from J.R. so far. I also have his 3rd album, "Professional Rapper", which has some good beats and rhymes; but I always seem to come back to "Hindsight" and hear it replaying in my head through the day. Recommended for those who want excellent rhymin' that is fun.
   
   To all the Reuben-ites out there:
   
   Always remember to . . .
   
   
   
   Keep It Innovative



2. I love John Reuben, he's a great artist. Excellent in concert, and excellent on cd. However, this cd was a complete waste of my money. It seems like there wasn't any real songs on it, just a bunch of interludes and junk.
   
   I do highly recommend John Reuben, just not this cd. His first one is my personal favorite "Are We There Yet?".



3. Out of all 4 cds i think this one just might be the best. It has the most songs,some humorous, some serious, and they all sound perfect! there isn't a single song that is skippable! THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE!!!!!!!!!



4. I stumbled across John Reuben when I was in my early teens, and unlike most of the artists whose CDs spun incessantly in my CD player (much to my parents annoyance), I still adore John Reuben. His music is just plain fun, and lyrics are quality without being preachy. I don't have a single friend who dislikes this CD, everybody from the diehard rap fans to the ones who would rather puncture their ear drums than listen to rap. He's fun, he's fresh. I liked his first effort a bit better than his sophmore release, but Hindsight has definitely grown on me.



5. John Reuben is a great talent. The question "Can Christian rap be done well?" has been answered. Yes it can. But will it still be edgy, sharp? Yes it will. Will it actually sound good? It sure does.

   Reuben writes his own rhymes, and they are at times funny, introspective, sobering and always catchy. I love the creativity, Reuben weaves through each track of this album. You feel like you get to know him.

   His first track tells the listener that he always wants to keep it innovative, and I have to say I havn't heard an album like this one before. If you like rap, good rap, and you're tired of hearing about money, sex, drugs and violence, here's your album. Rap can be inspiring, and still be sharp. Give it a try.

5 comments about Backbreakanomics.

1. I came across Mars Ill from their interviews on the Scribble Jam 2003 DVD and after going to their website and finding out that this was their most popular and successful album, I decided to check it out. To my surprise, I wasn't disappointed. ManCHILD can definitely handle himself on the mic and back by Dust's on time production make this a must have. My favorite cut would have to be Planes and Trains featuring Pigeon John and Rhymesayers' own Blueprint, telling by the production on this album, Dust's influences include jazz and blues with almost every track containing a hint or sample of a jazz or blues track. I would have to apologize for my first impression of the group, I recently found out that they are from Atlanta(home of the crunk sound that I despise and I was hoping that Mars Ill didn't fall into that disgraceful category), however I wasnt again disappointed. Underground hip hop has a fan for life.



2. i hated this CD when I first picked it up but in the past few months it has really grown on me. Dust is an excellent producer and puts together some really funky catchy arangments that are truly original manchild is a class a spitter and seems to get better and better on the mic with each release. (for a white guy his lyrics are amazing) its good to hear that christian Hiphop can still be original and creative



3. When I first listend to this CD I wasn't all that impressed. After a couple more times though it started to grow on me. Now I just hit play and let it go all the way through. It's definately a more layed back CD and quickly becoming one of my favorites. Check out cut 03 'Planes and Trains' feat. Pigeon John and Blueprint (very tight). Other favs are 05 'Black Box Artist', 09 'Alpha Male', 12 'Sideline Speech', 13 'Next Door', 14 'Piecemeal' and 17 'Lump Sum'. I should also mention that the content is good. Repin' for God but not in your face preachy (as some take God related music). A good CD for unbeleiving friends.



4. Dust and manchild are arguably the best 1 DJ/1 MC crew to make noise since Premier and Guru. They've been impressing heads for a few years now and they've definitely earned the respect that they've gained. I personally think that RAW MATERIAL and BLUE COLLAR SESSIONS are among the 10 best LPs and EPs, respectively, to have been released this decade. That being said, I think that BACKBREAKANOMICS is a slight step down for Mars ILL.

   Right after BCS was released, manchild said that he was trying to change up some of the things that he did on the mic, and it shows on this album. It has a more experimental feel to it. We have to respect their decision to not try and recreate another RAW MATERIAL, and you have to applaud their efforts to not rest on their laurels and progressively move forward in the evolution of their sound. It's just that I can't help but get the feeling that Dust and manchild listened to a little bit too much Company Flow while making this album.

   I know that this sounds like a negative review, but it really isn't. Each of these guys is still in or near the top 10 of his respective field and they would have a LONG way to fall before I could say that they've made a bad record. BACKBREAKANOMICS is actually a great album, but maybe not quite as accessible as RAW MATERIAL. If you're trying to listen to Mars ILL for the first time, get that album first. BACKBREAKANOMICS is for the heads that want to dig a little deeper.




5. how many timez have u heard a secular artist or group claimin' they keep it real in their music, or that they started this whole rap thang? well, mars ILL (lyricist manchild & dj soulheir outta atlanta) consistently makez that kinda hip hop. whether or not they lay claim 2 bein' pioneerz 4 Christian hip hop remainz under debate, but they sound like they could have been, and that countz 4 somethin' in timez like theze. they finally have somethin' that most Christian hip hop artistz don't have: major distribution (tha same label that bringz u grits, out of eden, dj maj, the katinas and (tha rapper fka) knowdaverbs), so it shouldn't b hard 2 find this on a shelf somewhere near u. but if not, do yourself a favour and treat your earz AND inner man by coppin' this collection of cutz. MOST NOTABLE: "afterlife", a sequel 2 their earlier classic "my life"; "planes and trains", a collabo with l.a. symphony rezident iconoclast pigeon john & relative newcomer blueprint; and "alpha male", a song that speakz 2 tha men about what a REAL man iz and doez. peace.

5 comments about Joyride.

1. This is the last BD album I have in my collection, and I have some more to catch up on. Those of you who listen to Bryan know what I mean, those of you who don't, he is AWESOME! Just try it, you'll like it!



2. At a time when so much 'contemporary Christian' music is slightly behind the trends along comes Bryan Duncan showing no interest in trends at all!
   I buy a variety of music (not only Christian) and I will go out on a limb here and say this is one of the best albums I have purchased this year.
   Real musicianship, clean production, smart lyrics and of course amazing vocals.
   I heard Bryan Duncan's lable gave him permission to be a 'soul singer' on this album and that was definitely a good call. This is an amazing R & B album that just happens to be about Jesus.
   Highlights for me were 'Where There's Love..' with Donnie McClurken, 'The Battle is Not Yours' (unbelievable vocals by Bryan!), and one of those amazing ballads only Bryan can write 'If You Pray For Me.'
   Finally a Christian album that makes Christian music seem cool again!



3. Bryan Duncan has a voice that demands to be heard. When I saw the song titles, I was surprised to see him cover Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed", but it's a dynamite cut. My second favorite song (so far) is "If You Pray For Me". This is super R & B Gospel with tons of brass and beat. Give this CD to somebody who thinks that gospel music can't entertain as well as bless! I love this CD!



4. This is not pop, and I think Bryan is happy about that. What it is, is an emotion-filled soul album with remarkable performances from all. His voice is amazing, and the songs are very good. I highly recommend it for the gospel fan.



5. Clap your hands, Bryan Duncan may be St. Peter's choice for leading the choir in heaven. His voice is as purely melodic as ever, and "Maybe I'm Amazed" is very good, even if you hate the Beatles. "Where there's love" and "Clap Your Hands" will get your body wiggling.

   It's odd, though, the music database (CCDB) doesn't pick up this title and it appears they have made the CD to try to prevent digital copying. MP3 player owners are not going to be thrilled.

5 comments about Dichotomy A.

1. The GRITS take it to a new level here with a boatload of inspiration that produced 2 cd's (the other is Dichotomy B). Musically amazing.. simply amazing!! The instrumentation.. the production on this album is flooring.



2. Outstanding lyrics, outstanding beats! Every song is your favorite! It is possible to renew your mind and jam at the same time. Thank you grits!!!



3. This is a really great Christian rap CD. I was totally surprised because I never thought I could enjoy listening to anyone rap about Jesus in a rap song. This is one of my favorite rap groups. Since I enjoyed Dichotomy B so much I decided to buy Dichotomy A. I am not disappointed. My favorite songs are "Anybody" "High" and "Mind Blowin". Anyone into Christian rap music, please check out the GRITS.



4. Wow! God has truly blessed these men with hip hop talents beyond any other! I really enjoy their music and songs because I enjoy rap , but I do not like the explicit lyrics types. I really enjoyed this for it has great songs and beats and best of all: spreading God's Word! Definitley check this out. By the way, this is not Michael L Matheny, this is his son, Nathan L Matheny.



5. From what i heard on this album, The grits are a talented christian rap duo. There are a few boring songs on here, But for the most part, There are enough interesting songs on here. The best songs are ''Anybody'' [The best song on here], ''Gutter boy'', ''High'', And ''Hittin curves''. Some of the beats aren't too good, But the lyrics are quite decent [Especially the ones by coffee]. Christian rap fans should be satisfied by this album. It's not one of the best christian rap albums out there, But it's 1 christian rap album that's worth at least 1 listen. Hope the review helped you. Be blessed.

5 comments about The Syllabus.

1. This is a fun album by Knowdaverbs. He has good danceable beats for most of his songs and lyrics are entertaining not to mention spiritual of course. Fav 2 songs: *Equeena and *Good Measure. Others include *Strange Dames *The Syllabus *Call of the Dung Beetle. I only give 4 stars b/c it sometimes seems that Knowdaverbs has kind of a talkie feel to his rap and it gets kind of monotone after awhile. Also, some of the beats were kind of bland. But other than that he's fun, check him out!



2. There's no reason of dictating him or dissing him like that. That's wrong. I mean C'mon yall gotta snap outta it for a change. This guy can rap the world w/o putting no negative thoughts into his lyrics. He's more like a brother to Christ. I think everybody should pray and help this man 'cuz he's servin God on this album. 'Specially check out Unlocked (it's a classic must-have). 'Specially if u like mainstream rap artists from Outkast, Tribe, Digable Planets, De La Soul, The Roots, Common, Talib, Kanye West, K-oS, etc. and some Christian rap artists like John Reuben, Mars Ill, Grits, Flame, Corey Red & Precise, Gibraan, Applejaxxx, Shai Linne, Timothy Brindle, The Cross Movement, KJ-52, The Procussions (one of my favorite gospel rap groups), etc.



3. I heard this CD and I personally think that it was garbage. The beats are whack and his lyrics are whack. I understand he trying to win souls but it's not working. I couldn't even listen to the whole Cd because it was so stupid. Don't even think about getting the other one. That one is just as bad. If I was a christian and this was the first CD I heard... I wouldn't have gotten saved at that point. Stick with good artist like Da Truth, cross movement, and others. Please do not buy this CD.



4. Let me start off by saying that in general, I have a hard time liking the average Christian rapper/rap group. Not because I have anything against them, but because lyrically it gets a little cheesy and simple at times.
   Knowdaverbs is an incredible exception. Lyrically he can craft songs together that are able to avoid repetition, simple and dull lyrics, and cheesy hooks. He writes with depth and style to where you often find yourself thinking more about the words than you do listening to the beats. Also, ask any rap fan and they'll tell you Knowdaverbs probably has the best rapping voice in all of music.
   Songs like "Equeena" paint a perfect picture where you almost have to remind yourself it's a song every now and then.
   The only reason I gave the album four stars instead of five was for the lack of melody in comparision to groups like Grits. Don't get me wrong, Knowdaverbs still has great stuff, but I personally was wishing for a little more music behind the words and not so much a simple bass and drum line. "Equeena" and "The Syllabus" being execptions.
   A great album alltogether though. Definitely a must buy for any rap fan, and even those who are not typical rap fans. I'm anxious to listen to Knowdaverbs follow-up album.



5. People borrow it and they don't give it back - because it's good! I have purchased this CD three times because everytime I lend it out, people want to keep it.

   This CD has good beats & strong hooks. Knowdaverbs writes great lyrics that have a great balance of cleverness & real spiritual truth.

   At this point, the CD is a few years old, but it still holds up as a great Christian rap CD. Strongly recommended if you like Outkast or Coolio.

3 comments about Revolutionary Theme Muzik.

1. R Swift spits for those of you who desire discipleship or Christ period. Skill wise, he is in the mold of the greats (Lecrae, Trip Lee, Flame). Seriously I would put this album up against any secular product. Cross Movement does it again. Sound quality is tight, beats are east coast gritty and the lyrics ohh the lyrics are perfection. THANK YOU JESUS!



2. Easily the CD I listen to most often. If it were only a metter of music, I would strongly encourage everyone to purchase this CD. Since it's more importantly a matter of life & death, listen to your friend's copy if you can't afford it. On a musical level, this CD is very enjoyable with a lot of live band sounding boom-bap type beats. It's definitely Philly sound - jazzy but rough. This album is not a matter of favorites - I like every song. The relevance of every song to everyday life is amazing and the skill with which each rhyme is delivered should pique the ears (and hopefully hearts) of anyone that says they love hip-hop. Which brings me to the main point about this album, it's all about preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the human experience. This album gives voice to the living hope that Christians have (in Jesus Christ alone) over the very real issues that all of God's people come from. He didn't call the righteous but the sinners to repent. Get this album.



3. This CD is proof that flow for Christ is annointed, while secular rhymes have deteriorated (b/c they are not of God). This CD is done the way I like it - allowing the beats to augment the rhymes. After all, the message of Christ should be the primary focus. What I love most about this album is that it lacks the self boasting that underlies most hip hop (including some gospel hip hop). There is even a track that addresses this issue. If you are a fan of hip hop, a fan of lyricism, & are in search of something you can put on blast WITH NO GUILT, buy this album now! Also, do yourself a favor and check out other Cross Movement artists (Da TRUTH, Ambassador, Phanatik etc). You will not be disappointed.