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Group 1 Crew

Group 1 Crew | February 20th, 2007

Christian music is very often criticized for only mimicking what is popular in the secular market. While there are certainly valid points to this argument, Christian rap has been the most scrutinized sub-genre of Christian music. Few Christian hip-hop artists have lengthy careers with few exceptions (Grits comes to mind). The latest rap group to hit the Christian music realm is Group 1 Crew. The group was labeled as the Christian counterpart to the Black Eyed Peas, a comparison open to dispute. To put it simply, Group 1 Crew shows the possibility for great things on their self-titled debut disk.

The amount of potential on the album is impressively demonstrated in its many highlights. Group 1 Crew is easily one of the most accessible hip-hop artists of today. Even more so, Group 1 Crew feels called to the Christian market, believing their music is a much-needed counterpart to the often negative and degrading rap of the secular market. Their lyrics pour out positive messages of hope and encouragement while still being relatable to people in dire situations (as in “Forgive Me”). And the best thing is this: the group members can actually rap. In addition, lead singer Blanca Reyes offers something few Christian rap groups have—a good vocalist.

The album starts out strong with the peppy “Love Is a Beautiful Thing,” energetic “No Plan B,” and “A Lot in Common” which was used in a TV-spot for Fox's The Simple Life. The first truly great song on G1C comes with “Can't Go On.” Blanca wields the reigns for most of the song declaring her dependency on God with lyrics like, Lord I really need You in my life / Fall every time that You're not in sight / Can't go on without your love / I can't go on / And I don't wanna face this world alone / I don't wanna do this on my own / Can't go on without Your love / I can't go on. Other highlights include “Let It Roll,” “What Yo Name Is,” and the R&B influenced “Come Back Home.”

While the CD offers many highlights, Group 1 Crew takes a few chances that don't quite work out so well on other tracks such as “So High” and “I Have A Dream.” However, one risk pays off well in “Forgive Me” in which Psalm 23 plays a prominent role throughout the duration of the song.

In short, Group 1 Crew is an excellent debut from a hip-hop artist that will hopefully be around for quite some time. What is perhaps most encouraging about Group 1 Crew is how prominent Christian themes are within the lyrics. Lyrics do not take a back seat in an effort to make a “feel-good” record. Instead, incredibly positive lyrics are delivered over infectious and (more often than not) enjoyable rhythms. They are no Black Eyed Peas (which may be a good thing, depending on your musical preferences) but they offer their own brand of hip-hop. Group 1 Crew isn't for someone who isn't open to the idea of quality Christian rap, yet if you're willing to give a budding artist a chance, Group 1 Crew will most certainly grow on you.

Reviewed by Jarrod Steinmetz on January 3rd, 2008

Music Testing

We rely on you, the listener, to tell us what you like so we can deliver the best music possible. Our identified core artists are those that are consistently ranked highly by a survey performed each year. If a particular song tests well, it is played with more frequency. If a song tests poorly, it is removed. Your feedback as a listener is crucial to us.

At Resound, music testing is essential to our philosophy of operation. It's your station, so you should pick the music. Every month, you will have an opportunity to participate in our in-studio music test and receive a free candy bar for your help. If you are interested in being a part of our online music testing group which will launch later this semester, email our Music Director and let us know!