September 12, 2005 - Cross Movement

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Cross Movement - Higher Definition
Cross Movement Records, 2004
By Andy Vik
September 12, 2005

Cross Movement’s Higher Definition is a lyrically relevant and quality produced CD that I recommend to all hip hop fans.

Cross Movement is comprised of John “The Tonic” Wells, William “Ambassador” Branch, Brady “Phanatik” Goodwin and Virgil “T.R.U.–L.I.F.E.” Byrd. This four man rap group out of Philadelphia has been sharing the gospel through rap and hip hop since they formed in 1994.

First off, Higher Definition’s production is nice. There is enough variety to keep the listener’s ears fresh from track 1-15 (including two hidden tracks). Notably, the beat from the track “My Life Cypha” uses a sped-up sample that is much like the style Kanye West has made popular. Other beats that stand out are “Check for Us” and “Card Shark.”

Lyrically, Cross Movement touches on many relevant issues and shows that they have a purpose and mission to their ministry. My favorite track has to be “Questions?” On this track, they address questions that are asked by believers and non-believers alike. They answer questions using scripture and put it in a way that we can understand.

On “Hip Hopcracy” The Tonic talks about hip hop being misused when it belongs to God. My favorite line from “Hip Hopcracy” is:

Well now if Hip-Hop is gonna be true to life
Then Hip-Hop’s gotta be true to Christ
‘Cause as the Hebrew writer cites
His creative endeavors made all things and hold all together
So that kick and snare that jerks your spine is ‘cause God made noise work by design
So it’s Divine and not by chance that you can make a hot track and do a little dance.

Another highlight is, “Lord You Are” where they praise and worship God with,
(Lord You Are) Kindness, Compassion, Timeless, Matchless, Divine in Your actions
(Lord You Are) The Bedrock of trust, sin stops on your block ‘cause You’re the head cop You’re Just
(Lord You Are) So Gracious and Merciful, Praise - You deserve it, so worthy of worship, Oh!
(Lord You Are) We call You hope, we call You Peace and Love—You’re all of these— You’re all of the above.

I recommend this CD because their message is clear when communicating the gospel. Also, the four members of Cross Movement all bring different styles and keep the CD easy to listen to all the way through.

ninetyandnine.com

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Andy Vik is the youth chorale leader at Elim Tabernacle in Greenfield, WI. This IBC alumni and UW-Milwaukee grad is currently working on his own hip-hop CD with 7thPlatoon Entertainment.