I've said this before, but I think it's worth saying again: the sign of a truly great artist is when other artists want them to be part of their work. Collaborations are not only fun for the artists involved, but also a special treat for listeners to enjoy by sometimes combining two different genres into one musical masterpiece. Be it the stark contrast between rap and worship or just two artists from the same genre putting their voices together, collaborations mix two worlds into one and create such a beautiful representation of art.
 
One such artist who has many collaborations under his belt is Manwell Reyes of Group 1 Crew. The talented vocalist and rapper has been featured in many other projects over the years, both on his own and as part of Group 1 Crew. In celebration of G1C's new album Power, we're taking a look at our top 7 Manny collabs from over the years,
 
1. "Just A Friend" with Jamie Grace
Jamie Grace doesn't write a ton about boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, but when she does, it's something many girls find encouragement in. One of the best examples of this is her collab with Manny, "Just A Friend" off her last album Ready To Fly, in which she describes the all-too-relatable scenario where a girl falls for a guy but the guy only wants to be friends. Manny comes in on the bridge with a reassuring rap, reminding his "baby sis" to not rush love and to trust the Lord's timing. The combo makes for a super good song and a fun listen.
   
2. "Compass" with Jonathan Thulin
If his 2012 project, The White Room, didn't convince you that Jonathan Thulin was an artist to watch out for, his follow-up Science Fiction surely made you take notice. The first single from the album, "Compass," quickly got caught in the heads and hearts of listeners because of JT's crazy smooth vocals and Manny's skilled rapping: "I'm chasing to see what's next / staring at my life like a map / trying to figure out where You at / Siri, can you tell me how to get to the point where my future meets His best?" The pairing was genius, flowing perfectly and creating a great moment.
   
3. "VIP" with Manic Drive
Canadian pop group Manic Drive featured several collaborations on their last record VIP, one of which was Manwell rapping on the title track. Manny's high-energy was the perfect match this funky Manic Drive tune, making for a great dance-party moment.
 
4. "Firestarter" with KJ-52
Another dance-worthy track, this one from another well-known collaborator, KJ-52, features both Manwell Reyes and Blanca Callahan (formerly of G1C). Manny raps the bridge with his regular rhythmic genius: "If Jesus is all in it then consider it finished / He knows the need of a people that's cold / that's why He's taking control so let the fire explode."
 
5. "F-I-R-E" with Press Play
Press Play, the combined effort of Jonathan Thulin, Dave Hanley, Nicole Croteau and more, truly mastered the pop sound. With their 2011 release World Anthem, they gifted the world with many upbeat gems, sliding into EDM territory and leaving their peppy mark on the industry. "F-I-R-E" is just one example of these energetic moments, mixing the group's passionate vocals with Manny's impressive rap skills.
   
6. "Center Of It (remix)" with Chris August
A few things come to mind when someone mentions Chris August: the silky voice that adds emotion to every song, his quirky sense of humor present in all moments, and his soulful songwriting. One of his biggest hits, "Center Of It," is proof that Chris pours his whole heart into what he writes, even the in messiest moments, and still finds a redemptive outcome. The remix features a hopeful rap from Manwell (the two also collaborated previously when Chris joined G1C for their mega-popular "He Said"). Although the original was already great, the added portion from Manny really enhances the song and makes the final product that much more powerful.
   
7. "As Long As You Love Me (cover)" with Anthem Lights
 
If you're familiar at all with original work of pop group Anthem Lights, chances are you've also heard (and enjoyed on repeat for hours) their covers of popular mainstream hits. The covers started solely on YouTube, then morphed into full albums that the band released on iTunes due to high request from fans. In their first volume of covers, Anthem Lights drafted the help of Manwell to tackle Justin Bieber's "As Long As You Love Me." Manny's rap flows nicely with the guys' smooth voices, creating one of their most popular covers to date at just over 5 million views.