HIStory: Our Place in His Story

This album is hot and merits 5+ stars.

But if this is the Cross Movement's last project as a group, I would like to comment on their impact on me. I'm a 30 year old Black male, but because of my deep southern religious upbringing, was never a major part of "hip hop culture" as a child. I would hear hip hop at school or occasionally sneak to watch a few videos when my parents (father-pastor, mother- missionary) weren't around. I enjoyed some songs, but never became a major hip hop head. Even then, I preferred the Southern style to the East Coast flavor. I can say, without hyperbole, that Cross Movement has had the greatest effect on me embracing some elements of hip hop culture, while also cultivating my faith in Christ.

As a budding, potential scholar myself, I am very much impressed and captivated by their knowledge of the Holy Scripture and their ability to articulate Old and New Testament principles, translating them into an artistic language that is relevant to those alive during this generation. They seem, as a whole, to avoid denominational, schismatic issues and focus primarily on plain Biblical tenets. There is rarely a song that does not include the Gospel or cross of Christ.

Finally, and this is a comment that I make about other Christian artists whom this applies to. They are fully cognizant that they are practicing an expression of their faith which is seen as radical, and that many are hostile to, but they have remained focused, preaching the message of Jesus Christ, His Cross, and His Holiness. They have learned the art of being radical without being rebellious.

Cross Movement members:

If you all read this review-- May God continue to use and bless you all. Continue the work of the Lord in whatever capacity the Spirit leads you.

jlip

If this is truly CM's last album, it is a great finish to a phenominal career. This album is amazing! In my opinion it is their best effort to date; they didn't pull any strings or hold anything back on this project. My fav track is #10-Name Up but the whole joint is crazy. GO COP IT NOW!!!!! This is an album for Christian Hip Hop heads and even cats that are into the secular game. This album is for everyone.

Unless they do a Jay-Z on us, this release is slated as the last official CD of the collective known as the 'Cross Movement'. From the first Heaven's Mentality, through to Holy Culture, Human Emergency and Higher Definition these brothers have been in the Holy Hip Hop game for 12 odd years representing the Kingdom of God to the fullest. In this time the quality of their music, as with Holy Hip Hop itself, has improved dramatically, and with it they have lifted up the standards that all artists in the genre are judged. They have helped me in my growth with the Lord, and with giving an alternative musical source to the junk that alot of the MCs produce these days.
Onto the CD itself. My first observation is that at seventeen songs deep, this CD is too long. But I quite understand that, for their last release they wanted to cram alot into the mix, and if it lost a bit of weight, it would be the better for it. Also a weakness ( or strength) is that it tries to cover the different styles of Hip Hop prevalent today. Being an east coast Lover (in terms of sound) means that I naturally gravitate towards these sounds, but if you like your southern flavor, you are more than catered for.
Lyrically, as usual these boys bring it, full on, and cover a multiple of topics. From gun play & violence (Back for This), how the world felt before & after September 11th (9/10), and the general need (particular the Hip Hop community) for Christ in this world.
If Holy Hip Hop is new to you and you don't know where to start, The Cross Movement would be a great place. Hopefully these brothers will be releasing solo efforts. Cuts that I am feeling: 'Trust in Him', '9-10', the 'Last Cypha', 'Tapestry','Back for This', and 'We Were They'. Dedicated to my 'Boy" Kayode!