Musically diverse, lyrically relevant, culturally engaged - Manwell, Blanca and Pablo 'bring it' with their Fervent records debut. One God, one mission and one dream unite the eclectic trio and are the motivation for this crew to move out of their hometown of Orlando and into public school systems, churches, street corners and stages.
Founded in a rather unlikely way, the group got its start when Manwell, a former solo artist and veteran emcee started a bible study with his friends and fellow musicians Pablo and Blanca. Their colorful and life-changing testimonies not only drove them closer to each other and to music, but it gave them a unique platform and testimony to reach hundreds of thousands of high school and middle school students, school boards, and faculties across the country. Equipped with contagious personalities, determination and a fervent desire for a deepening relationship with God, Group 1 Crew has a message to share and to spread. One dream. One chance. One crew.
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TOP 10 ALBUM OF 2007| Posted November 19, 2007
There's probably not a review of this album that doesn't compare the group to the Black Eyed Peas and that's an incredibly fair comparison. The Christian market gets a lot of flack for mirroring the styles and looks of a mainstream world that always seems one step ahead. I'm a little more understanding of the desire to provide an alternative to what continues to be a genre void of any moral compass.
Group 1 Crew has come out of the gate with an impressive album packed with quality production, intriguing lyrics and musical depth. They balance their songs with equal parts rap and female led singing that gives each track. Really, the only fumble on the album is "Clap Ya Hands," a Latin flavored song that simply doesn't fit with the rest of the album's street feel. The rest of the album is so solid, it's hard to cite any flaws. Group 1 Crew's sophomore album is coming in early 2008. Let's hope this foundation is one they build on and we're talking about them again this time next year.
Good Alternatives| Posted July 19, 2007
"No Plan B", "Let It Roll", "Clay Ya Hands" are the highlights of the album, they are a nice alternative to the [bleep] that is being put out these days in the world of rap and hip-hop. The group needs to focus on this type of song, because that's their strong suit. The rest of the album is just OK.
Classic| Posted December 22, 2010
This album is classic Group 1 Crew. I remember when I first heard Love Is A Beautiful Thing, I had to know more about these guys. I love this CD. Since their debut, G1C has been moving forward and they have not looked back once. I'm happy for them and all that they are accomplishing!
!!| Posted December 17, 2010
Group 1 Crew's lyrics are clean and their style is unique to the christian music world....I think this cd is a perfect solution to someone, who loves rap/hip-hop and who mainly listens to christian music. THis is an INCREDIBLE CD!
G1C| Posted June 02, 2010
I love this album, and all the songs! This album is one of the best hip hop albums I've ever listened to. I really love the songs Forgive Me and Can't Go On.
Crew lays some good moves| Posted February 09, 2010
The Crew debuts with a mix of three kinds of songs: the terrible ones, the mellow yellow (good), and the excellent ones. Here is a review of each:
1. "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" (excellent): The album starts off with a happy song. Although this is not my favourite type of music, I absolutely love this song. The music video is equally good, too.
2. "No Plan B" (okay): The message is great, but the beat isn't. It also sounds like they are dissing secular rappers, calling them by name, in this song? I don't know. Maybe I'm just hearing things.
3. "A Lot In Common" (excellent): Talks about poverty and fatherlessness, all the while keeping the familiar happy beat and positive message found in the first track. Sounds like Black Eyed Peas' "Where Is The Love", but on a higher scale and minus the pessimist lyrics.
4. "Can't Go On" (good): Can be found on Wow Hits 2007. A better track should have been used, however, as it may or may not convince listeners to try out Group 1 Crew. As the name suggests, talks about people's need for God.
5. "Let It Roll" (good): Think of "Relax, Take It Easy"'s lyrics, then add a small beat. It does the job. For a relaxing song, you can't have too much beat.
6. "Forgive Me" (excellent): This song has dark lyrics and music to illustrate a desperate situation in life. For fans of Fireflight's "Desperate", this is a must-listen, despite the fact that the Crew's song sounds even darker and drops most of the beat.
7. "(Everybody's Gotta) Song To Sing" (good): Another great happy song, but doesn't hit home like the two previous ones.
8. "Clap Ya Hands" (good): Not too great. An okay party song. See "Let It Roll".
9. "Come Back Home" (great): Extra props for the prodigal-son-in-a-song lyrics. The beat perfectly chimes with the music.
10. "I Have A Dream" (excellent): A very powerful song. Shares the dark theme from "Forgive Me". The themes of poverty and fatherlessness come back, but the song is hopeful as it recalls how the Crew's tough days led them to where they are today.
11. "What Yo Name Is" (okay): Another party song. See "Clap Ya Hands".
12. "So High" (great): The much-needed softest track of the album. Group 1 Crew cools down as they sign praises to God and lift Him up high.
13. "Put Like That" (terrible): A bizarre ending to an otherwise good album.
Should you get the Crew's debut album? In my opinion, it is worth no more than five canadian dollars (5$ CAD) in either digital or physical format.
It should be known that the album's paper leaflet includes no lyrics; instead, listeners must head to Group1Crew.com to find them, which is inconvenient for those without Internet access or who wish to listen to the album without turning on their computer. Rebecca St. James' "If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something", on the other hand, is one of the best album leaflets I have seen to date.
Solid Album| Posted November 30, 2009
This album had some solid tracks but not enough. I probably would have liked it more had I heard it before I heard the second album, but that was just so great I was disappointed with this one. I should of expected it tho since it was their first major album. Still solid so buy it!
THE BEST!| Posted October 31, 2009
I don't care if you like country or acoustic. You're gonna love this album! Their fast beats and great lyrics keep you moving! They show what they believe in their lyrics, and they touch subjects that are sometimes hard to touch. Basically, they rock...or should i say ROLL! :D
Upbeat and funky| Posted October 02, 2009
I love this cd. It's upbeat and funky. Group 1 Crew is a great alternative to those artists out there with a like sound but no "moral compass." I hope that they continue to grow in faith and in sales :)
Gotta be on top| Posted June 18, 2009
This album is really great. Group 1 Crew has such an amazing thing going for them and I think they will be successful for many more years. Forgive Me is a great song to listen to, as are all the others.
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