1 comments about Glory.

1. much better than epiphany. yea it would be nice if the lyrics mention Christ more but he especially makes up for that in the last track, which is brilliant!! its obvious he has gotten closer to God and you really don't find quite so much wordliness as the other. some bumpy spots in the road of course. but listening to this tape i dont get the wig-wag alarm of low air-pressure (air brake) signal of guilt as with the other. if it weren't for this more recent CD , the other one would of left a bad taste in my mouth about Manafest. Excellent rapping talents and music too!

3 comments about Portable Sounds (Deluxe Edition).

1. I liked this album. Right now I would say it is not the best Toby has ever done, but don't confuse that for me saying that the album is in anyway deficiant. Only that his other albums seemed to have a different energy to them that resinated with me better. All in all, I bought it because I like Tobymac and his music. This album did not disappoint.



2. I got this CD when it first came out and it still has been my favorite CD. I even made a ring tone for my cell from "ONE WORLD" The ENTIRE CD is just full of HIGH ENERGY, it is one of the BEST CD's ever created by Toby.
   What an awesome concert he must put on... Seen him once 2001 when all of DC TALK went SOLO but not since.
   Can't wait to see him again!



3. 5 star cd- Great songs, great production, memorable hooks & a good message. The DVD is a worthwile purchse. It has ALL of Toby's video's (including 'Boomin') and some funny interviews with the band. Supposedly Toby is releasing a LIVE DVD in the spring (from his Houston Tx shows'to be filmed- per his website)!!! Hope so! They put on one THE best live shows I've ever seen.

5 comments about Holy Culture.

1. These dudes keep it hot with every release. This is THE cd that finally made me see that Gospel Rap can sound better than Non-Gospel Rap. This Dudes Can Actually Rhyme, the production is Outstanding. I was like "What?" Their content is also very Christian! Many so-called Christian Rappers out there compromise their message to the point that you can't tell it's Christian anymore. Not The Case Here! Somehow, they manage to make scripture sound cool. Don't know how they do it man! Talented group of guys here. You will hear the name Jesus, You will Hear scripture, you will love it! Definitely worth the purchase.



2. I'm a middle aged person with very discriminating taste, in 2000
   I pretty much stopped listening to any music that was not gospel
   because nothing else spoke to my heart or soul.....until CM. They are without a doubt creative wordsmiths. I LOVE this treasure from God. Tight beats, great hooks, Truth ya'll!! the production is professional and simply blessed. I'm BUYING everything I can find from Crossmovement. I share it with my grandchildren and feel good not ashamed. HHH has blessed my life.
   
   GOD DOES ALL THINGS WELL.



3. first off the 1st 3 CM cds wer good this holy culture has really changed inso many ways ther lyrics aint the same it jus dint get to me and da sound was so middle eastern that the hindu community wood stair at me as I cruzed down da blvd and all da songs almost sound same,,,aking evry track sound like track one..track number 13 i think it was made me wana gran one of those drsses that show ur belly button..umm i dunno wat its really called..theres an arabic name for it as i recall..well anyways it made me wana grab on of those and belly dance the crap outta myself...the only problem was i had too much hair on my stomach..and i was allergic to those cleopatra wax patches..yeah i know im pretty hair for a 13 year old (wink) (wink)..well anyways..i was so bored of the songs that i i had to do sumthn stupid..so that wat i did i belly danced...thas all i can say about this cd..it has good messaages..but those anoying middle eastern idle worshiping style rythm got in the way...turining my attention to my groovy moving hindi hips..they moved by themselves by the way..all becuz of track 13... well anyways im glad i dindt buy it..i jus boorwoed it from my freind..i set the settings at 4x speed..and it burned good qualtiy..i dindt need to go to the store to have a cd all i did was burn it in the comfort of my own home...im thinking of starting a business..where u burn cd's then go out into the streets and sell em...i dunt know if thats illegal yet...well i unno..ill jus try it and see what happens, well anyways its time to end this review..jus take it from me..if u wana buy this dont..jus burn it or ask somebody to copy it from you..ohh i forgot also theres a whole range of the songs on shareaza and zpoc, ok..well i have to go becuz im buzzy burning..2pacs greatest hits..and shakiras new album i dunt know the title..the one where shes holding a baby in the cover...anyways ill be writing a review soon on black eyed peas monkey business...wich i burned about 9 copies and sold em..great money..ok amazon heres ur review...peace out



4. This is a really sweet cd that I recommend that anyone should listen to. It is a positive influence on the Urban Culture that really reflects the word of God. One of my favorite tracks is "Closer to You" which really reflects that hearts desire to be closer in God. All of their tracks really shows the Word that can really affect our society. It has many good lyrics and a really tight hip hop beat.They are really good leaders that spread the Word of God through their Holy hip hop Culture.
   
   Other recommended Artists
   Grits
   Gospel Gangstaz
   Prime Minister
   Pettidee



5. First, I want to clarify that this review is based on both mine and my 11-yr-old's view. Though he pretty much likes all of the songs on this album, Tracks 2, 7, 9, 10, 15 and 19 are his favorites. As a parent, I like this group because ALL their songs actually sing/rap about the Lord. My personal favorites are #15 (Closer To You) and #2 (When I Flow...It's Gospel).
   
   With 20+ tracks you will definitely get your money's worth!!

5 comments about X 2004: 17 Christian Rock Hits!.

1. I like rock, and I also like some hard rock, but is this rock?
   
   There are some songs on here that shouldn't be considered rock. Yeah, maybe hip hop rock (like Linkin Park for instance). Personally I don't like "rock" artists that rap a lot in their music (like Toby Mac), although, some of it sounds good, I just don't find rapping in rock music to be that great.
   
   But honestly, the last bonus track is clearly a rap song. I like some rap music, but it isn't rock and further more, I don't even like the song as a "rap" song. This album is stating that it's Christian rock hits, but the last track isn't even rock. What's the deal with that?
   
   There are some good quality rock hits on here, like Audio Adrenaline, 12 Stones and Plus One (who used to be a "pop" band).
   
   Some of the songs on here sound almost the same or like something I have heard on the radio. FM Static? I have never heard of the band, and the song that they sing isn't even Christian. I mean, they're perhaps a Christian band, but what the song is all about is a girl named Katie who has a boyfriend who perhaps doesn't love her. It's all about teen love and stuff like that. I find the song to be rather annoying, musically. I don't understand why this is a hit? Why do people like this stuff? Seriously.
   
   My advice is to check out something different. Most of this sounds like mainstream rock music that the teenagers of this generation conform their lifestyle too. I don't mean to offend anyone who enjoys these artists personally. I like a few of these artists myself. I'm just disappointed with how Christian "Rock" music is going to these days...



2. This cd absolutly rocks! I gave it four stars because there is to much rap on it for me. This cd is great if you are on a sports team that takes long trips or you just take long trips. I have listened so often that the case has deteriorated!<br /> The songs and artests are:<br /> 1."Savior"-Skillet<br /> 2."Treason'-Kutless<br /> 3."One Phenom"(Remix)-Tobymac<br /> 4."Rwakfist"-Thousand doot Krutch<br /> 5."I am Understood"- Relient K<br /> 6."Defiently Maybe"-Fm Static<br /> 7."Bring me Down"- pillar<br /> 8."Rock on"-KJ-52<br /> 9."Worldwide:Two"-Audio Adrenaline<br /> 10."Running Through my Mind"-Big Dismal<br /> 11."Freedom to Feel"-John Reuben<br /> 12."Landslide"-seven Places<br /> 13."Poor Man" Plus One<br /> 14."Hero (red pill remix)- Superchic[k]<br /> 15"Numb"-Tait<br /> 16."Stay"-Jermy Camp<br /> 17."Crash"-12 Stones<br /> 18.(Bonus track)"Livin' it"-The Cross Movement<br />



3. i let my friend listen to it and now they're geting one....x is cool to let your friends to Christ[when you're young, it all works out]



4. i really really enjoyed listening to x- any of them they are a great alterative to devilish bands like icp and slipknot....
   that is the best cd.....buy, listen to it, you should feel moved by it!
   recieve a bleesing!
   God bless![rock on]



5. When 'X 2003' came out, I was fairly new to christian rock music, and very excited by it. I had heard several of the groups on '2003', and like them. First chance I got, I bought the cd, and it has been a jewel to my ever-growing collection of christian rock cds.

   So 'X 2004' had lots of appeal to me when it came out. Although it doesn't have as many songs as 'X 2003' (34 songs to 18, I wasn't very happy about that), but the music is still great. Some of the slower, or more boring styles of songs from 'X 2003' have been shaved away and the result is an even harder, edgier, and BETTER cd. Even if there aren't as many songs.

5 comments about DC Talk.

1. The 1989 debut cd by DC Talk really doesn't sound anything like the DC Talk that we know about today. Tobymac, Tait, And K-max all made their first statement to the world as musicians on this pretty much forgettable album. Instead of the challenging and enduring power of their music that's found on their later releases, We instead get 8 tracks of mostly outdated and very cheesy 80s hip-hop. On this album, DC Talk sounds like a cross between Early MC Hammer, Run DMC, And Kool Moe Dee. If you must have this album, You will at least enjoy 2 tracks, Which are ''Spinnin Round'' [By far the greatest song on this album] and ''Final Days''. This is pretty much an embarrassment for DC Talk considering how far they've come in the albums that've followed this release, But hey, Everyone's got a past...



2. I bought this cd online but realized soon afterwards that it was hard to listen to...but Heavenbound was so impressive I cannot give it a bad rating.
   First of all, of course it's bad! It was their first cd, it was the late '80s and Kevin was not a prominent member. But rewind, give them grace and see how far they've come, and you'll appreciate how they started out, however bad it was.
   However, I see no reason for anyone but a die-hard fan to buy this cd. Compared to the other incredible selection of Christian music that is out now, it's a pitiful little dot in the corner. But it signifies the start of successful Christian rap/hip hop, so it's pretty interesting as far as Christian music history goes. But like I said, it's not worth it if you don't know the group. Don't "start here", and in fact, don't even really end here. It's more interesting than "good".
   Overall, it's not the greatest...but if you think it's worth the buy for Heavenbound, then do it, because the song is really lyrically great.



3. I don't care what others think but as for listening to this cd I think it is the best cd out there that shows what dc Talk was when they first started. Sure It may sound horrible, but if you really are a DCT fan then you can understand why the first cd was average and the rest were above awesome. For all those that want to trash this cd I will say this: This cd is the basis of why tobyMac returned to rap music after all those years with Mike and Kevin. A must for any serious DCT fan.



4. Anyone out there a recording musician? Remember that first low budget demo you ever recorded? Remember how proud you were at first because you'd finally recorded something, but then when you play it for a friend you wind up explaining how much better it would be if you had better equipment, or how "this is just a rough demo", etc, etc... That's kinda how I think the Toby, Mike and Kevin all feel about this album. No shame in it (although I can't believe a record company could see DC Talk's talent somewhere in this putrid mess)...it takes guts to take that first step and make that first awful recording, and these guys are proof that working hard and developing your talent will eventually pay off. Only buy this album if you are really really curious about how these guys sounded as raw (and I mean RAW), inexperienced young musicians, and only if you can appreciate the guts in bearing your soul on tape for the first time.



5. I went browsing in the value music section (has most of the really old CDs that nobody wants anymore) of a Christian music store. I happened to find dc Talk's self-titled debut album from '89, and I just thought "what the heck, I'll buy it, it's dc Talk, and it's not something that I'll find every day in a music store". I was afraid that I would end up hating it and regretting my purchase, but I just finished listening to the whole thing, and I think it's pretty awesome. I love every song on it (except for Time Ta Jam and He Loves Me). It's funny to hear how different all the guys in the band sounded at that time; they were so much younger and so much more different. I almost think Kevin Max sounded a little better at that time than he does now. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE the sound of Kevin's voice now, but I think back in the beginnings of dc Talk, his voice sounded younger, fresher, and let me just say sweeter. As for Michael Tait and Toby Mac, they sound a heck of a lot better these days than they did in the beginnings. As for the over-all sound of the CD? Good old '80's "garage" rap. It was than that dc Talk totally changed the direction of Christian music, and they did a pretty darn good job of it.

5 comments about Thug Love.

1. Loved this Cd; one of my favorite rap cds. He has a nice heavy voice and good beats.



2. With Pettidee, he's on of those artists where you either love him or hate him. With this album, I saw Pettidee step it up. Before, he had one maybe 2 songs that I liked and I wasn't really a fan. But he took it to a new level when he released this album. The beats are awesome and he has great lyrics that have an awesome message. But as I said, u either love him or hate him.
   
   Hottest Tracks:
   Huh Man
   Stepped On (Ice Whites)
   Roll Call
   Butterflies
   Push
   Don't Stop
   Come Wit Dat Fire



3. This CD is average at best. I wouldn't recommend it to the average hip-hop fan as I feel the CD is lacking in the beats compartment, as well as overall quality, and lyrical flow in general. It you want to listen to quality christian rap I would recommend that you look at the 1-1-6 clique's 13 letters CD, Lecrae, Flame, Trip Lee, or Da TRUTH. As all of these rappers really bring it and in my mind are comparable to the top secular rappers today. So my advice would be to not waste your money on this CD go out and buy a Cross Movement or Reach Records CD which is christian rap at its best.



4. I was very surprised by the quailty this CD was made with. The production was top notch. This is one of those CDs you can listen straight through without skipping songs. I listen to other good Christian rappers like Lecrae, Trip Lee, T-dot, Flame, but this CD tops all those. I'm going to have to say this is my new favorite rap CD.



5. I just bought this cd on Friday and i must say it is by far one of the best gospel albums i have ever heard. Pettidee's rhymes and beats are raw and i can easily compare him to secular rap artists like David Banner,Trick Daddy, or Bun B. I love all the tracks but especially #1 and #7. Go cop this album!

5 comments about Wow 1999: The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists & Songs.

1. I have been a big customer of this CD series. I have bought every one of them from 1996-2005. The first few CDs in the series were not that great, because they would have a few contemporary christian songs and then they had a whole bus load of the crummy Gospel music. However, the WoW 1999 was the first year where they really said o.k. lets lose the gospel and stick to the contemporary rock/pop/alternative/rap Christian music. This set includes Third Days wonderful song "Agnus Dei" originally recorded by Michael W. Smith, Third Day takes it into a new genre Rock. Then there is The W's The Devil is Bad a hip swing tune about the temptation of the devil in our lives. Then we have one of the first appearances of Nichole Nordeman and Jeniffer Knapp.
   
   To tell you the truth, if the company who puts out this series had not put this album out, I would not have bought another WoW CD simply because Gospel is not my kind of Music. However, because this CD was released I have continued buying into this franchise and I have been very pleased with every album since. Thank you for reading my review!



2. This is one of the best Wow's ever made. It is such a random compilation that it actually works. There were some great bands back then. Three of my favorites Christian Artists, Smalltown Poets, Newsboys, and dc Talk all make an appearance on this stellar album.



3. The only reason this album doesn't get 4 stars, is the inclusion of a few songs that I didn't feel mixed well into the collection. Namely, "His Cheeseburger." Don't get me wrong, the Veggietales are great, but the song on its own doesn't make much sense without the video.

   However, the album is terrific regardless. It features one song that I am surprised didn't get more airplay "Strollin' on the Water". A very unique sound, that really resonates the longing to take those leaps of faith with Christ. To be fearless for God.




4. This is by far the number one WOW cd of all times. Its got some of the best bands ever on it, like the Newsboys,DC Talk(Before they broke up), Smalltown Poets, Jars of Clay, and Supertones. What a combination! The WOW cds are a great alternative to burning cds. Why do you burn cds? so that you can get all of your favorite songs on one cd. WOW allready has most of my favorite songs on it. So I can legally listen to them. What a great idea!



5. I absolutly love the first tape/c.d. in this set, the songs are well aranged to compliment and contrast each other. It's uplifting to listen to, and I never hit the skip button. However....the second tape, I don't like at all, and never even listen to anymore, I don't think the songs sound good together, and I just don't think they're as good as the first tape. But, in the end, I'd have to say that the first tape is worth paying for the full set.

1 comments about Hip Hope Hits 2007.

1. The Hip Hope Hits compilation continues with the 2007 edition. As with the previous releases, it features both old and new Christian artists. The few standouts are Grits with the thought-provoking song, "Changes", DJ Maj and Liquid with the slow-grooving, "Gotta Go Now", Liquid and new girl group MOC with "Crazy", about how men drive women crazy, MOC's jumping "Let It Go", the infectious "Money Song" by Gotee alum super rap group, LA Symphony, former Gotee labelmate Verbs with "Mutual" and new Gotee artist B. Reith with the funny "Go On". I'll give John Reuben and Relient K's Matt Thiessen's "Nuisance", Shonlock's "Lean" and KJ-52's "Plain White Rapper" (Kalimba Remix) the benefit of the doubt. As usual, Gotee CEO TobyMac is always "trying" to be down with the rap game. His contribution, "Hey Now", featuring Grits member, Stacy "Coffee" Jones, sounds better without TobyMac's vocals. The other garbage songs doesn't do the remainder of this release any justice. Like I put it in my title, it's alright, but it could've been better.

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 Fountain of Life.

1. The three stars are on the strength of the beats alone. The beats on this album are crazy.
   
   They content is a different story.
   
   From Preacher Man:
   
   "It's 1977, November to be exact
   Some babies are still born,
   I'm alive it's a blessing.
   My mommy's water broke early
   Could have been still born,
   her baby was still born"
   
   That's pretty weak lyrically, and just one example.
   
   Japhia spits more like a "positive" rapper instead of a Christian rapper. Plus there isn't a whole lot of lyrics on the album, it's like he spits two short verses on each song and throws in a hook. But the beats are bangin!
   
   The CD didn't move me at all on the spiritual side. And on the rap side, he didn't have any stand out lines. Just an average CD.
   
   If you like the east coast feel that Japhia has, check out Phanatik and The Ambassador.



2. i like Japh....his is a great artist....on this Fountain of Life...he had some good songs on it....that you can bob ya head to...i do think some of the beats didnt fit his style on a few songs....but overall its with buying....you will enjoy it



3. THIS CD IS GREAT, UPCOMING MC WITH HEAVEN AS HIS MISSION, JESUS AS HIS GUIDE.



4. What an AWESOME rap CD for my 10 year old! We all like the rythm of rap but I hate the filth and violence that are associated with it. Japia Life did a phenonmenal job and now even my 4yo likes to rap! Great way to listen to rap with out the violence and filth.



5. What more can I say about this album, it speaks for itself and has no comparison. I really like all the tracks on the album but my favourtite ones are Sunshine and Joanna. I even like the last track with the 'House remix', I never was one for listening to 'House' but this track gat me bumping my head still. Excellent album people.. hope he keeps rep' for Christ for years and years to come.