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Manafest - Epiphany
BEC, 2005
By Jamin Tuttle
September 19, 2005
Manafest is that kid....you know, the skinny kid who has the hip hop clothes, the attitude and, unlike many, he has the skills and talent to back up those clothes and that swagger. Epiphany is a mix of straight-up hip hop with just a pinch of rock tossed in to add some punch to several tracks. The Cross Movement, L.A. Symphony, KJ-52 are just some of the successful Christian rap acts that have hit the scene. The history of Christian rap/hip hop is (unfortunately) not stellar. Many talented artists have gone by the way....two of the best in the last few years from BEC Ill Harmonics, and MG! The Visionary have all but disappeared from the scene. This, however, is not a commentary on Christian hip hop and rap, it is a look at the new Manafest CD.
Two of the strongest tracks open the CD. Rodeo features a driving steady beat that makes you want to bob your head just a bit. Skills features Trevor McNevan from Thousand Foot Krutch and would have been at home on their first two albums. Skills is one of several songs with a message of perseverance and endurance stating, “Every time you try breaking me down/ I’m gonna get right back up and stand my ground.” Other highlights include Not Ready to Die which credits God with our existence but reminds us that life isn’t forever. Get the Manafest Manafesto, the closest to a title track on the CD which the liner notes describe by saying, “This song is all about God, skateboarding, Hip Hop and Rock’n Roll.” Couldn’t have said it any better myself. It’s not all the high road, in fact U don’t know me comes across like an angry kid mad that people don’t like the way he dresses, at one point he announces that he’s going to show his boxers off in public. In several other songs you get the idea that he’s making sure we know he’s for real and he’s ready to snub his nose at anybody who doesn’t like his music or his clothes. While I think I understand his reasons a few times it comes across rather juvenile and it does leave just the smallest hint of a bad taste from what is overall a good hip hop record.
Here’s hoping this addition to Christian hip hop will make it. With what sounds like a pretty good underground following, Manafest may be one to watch over the coming years. Hip hop in the Christian community seems to be slowly taking hold. With virtually no radio air play and not always a lot of touring, the artists rely much on word of mouth for album sales. Those that have been able to tour successfully John Reuben, The Cross Movement, KJ-52, among others have established themselves. We’ll see what the future holds for Manafest. Epiphany is a debut CD to be proud of. It’s obvious that a lot of work went into this project and that’s to be commended. The few blemishes aside, if hip hop is your thing, then this is one to add to your collection.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2005, Jamin Tuttle
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Jamin Tuttle lives in Madison, IN and is the Youth Pastor at Point of Grace Family Praise Fellowship, drummer in the praise team, and morning show host on a local radio station. In his free time he enjoys Playstation 2, reading, and playing on the PA at the local speedway. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife Sarah, and their daughter Lauryn.