Group 1 Crew
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.
Track Listing
| Video | Lyrics | 1 - Love Is A Beautiful Thing |
| Lyrics | 2 - No Plan B | |
| Lyrics | 3 - A Lot In Common | |
| Lyrics | 4 - Can\'t Go On | |
| Lyrics | 5 - Let It Roll | |
| Video | Lyrics | 6 - Forgive Me |
| Lyrics | 7 - (Everybody\'s Gotta) Song To Sing | |
| Lyrics | 8 - Clap Ya Hands | |
| Lyrics | 9 - Come Back Home | |
| Lyrics | 10 - I Have A Dream | |
| Lyrics | 11 - What Yo Name Is | |
| Lyrics | 12 - So High | |
| Lyrics | 13 - Put Like That |
Album Reviews
NRT Staff Reviews
1TOP 10 ALBUM OF 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.
Community Reviews
36Classic
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!
!!
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
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
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 I...
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
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!
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
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
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.
G1C
This is such an awesome CD. The songs have great beats and sounds.
I really think that Group 1 Crew stepped it up for their first album.
Can't wait for their next album.
a hippin hoppin cd
"Group 1 Crew" by Group 1 Crew is an awesome album.With awesome beats,rhymes,and vocals.My favorite song is "Can't go on".While it may be a debut album there's no telling,by the way they flatout break-it down
♥
I loved this.
I lOVE IT!!!
i love this cd! it's awesome! I love the songs "Forgive Me " and "Can't Go On" ... Great job ! Can't wait 2 hear more of you !!! God bless! Keep it up. Rock on!!!!
not a hip hop guy but???
I love this cd. Man the beats the flow is unbelievable. It is just amazing that these guys haven't broken out in the main stream market yet because they are amazing!
From The Radio...
I had never heard about them until a few of their songs came on the radio. When my sister finally got the cd I heard it and loved many of the songs, such as "love is a beautiful thing". i hope they make more cds!!!
Very Good!
I really like this cd! I got it for 5 buckaroos the other day and it was fully worth it! A few a my favortie tracks off it are Love is a Beautiful Thing, Can't Go On, Song to Sing, and Forgive Me. Good cd and worth full price if you like the style... even more worth it when its cheap! :p
This Crew is incredible
new.
for a new group
they are very good.
;]
Group 1 Crew.
I love this band. I havent even heard if them until I went to Winter Jam 2008 and i fell in live with them. They have a really great beat to every one of their songs!!
Fabulous CD!
MOST GREATEST CD EVER! I love this cd and G1C is so talented. I actually never heard of them, not until I heard one of the songs and after that I was hooked. My favorite song by them was Can't Go On but when I got the cd it changed. Forgive Me is my all time favorite song. The sounds of these songs DOES uplift your spirit and the quick beat and the sound of the female singer, makes you feel a little bit better. Listen to THIS cd people! Your missing out.
Group 1 Crew
AWESOME CD!!! Let It Roll is da bomb!! Can't Go On & Forgive Me are so powerful!! love it!! Put Like That is also an awesome song!! Group 1 Crew should keep rolling for God they are so AWESOME!!! i can't wait for a new album!! :)
can't go on.
when i first heard this song i fell in love.
its got a good beat yah know.
and when i listened really close to the lyrics.
it made me think that u cant really go on without him. :]
NICE!
Im not the biggest fan of hip hop and stuff like it, but my friend bought this cd and i really liked it!
The Best Christian R&B/Hip-Hop Group EVER
The beats of this album is soo perfect!
They are so different and the music "Forgive Me" toched my soul!!!
My 2nd fav is "Let It Roll" ! Is so powerful !
Pleasantly Suprised
Because I am a big fan of rock, I really didn't think I'd enjoy this album but to my very very pleasant surprise, I found it to be very enjoyable. My favorite songs are 'Can't Go On' and 'Forgive Me.' The song "Forgive Me' brings a good, godly message across to the listener and 'Can't Go On' also has a fantastic message. I also enjoyed listening to 'No Plan B' and 'Put Like That.' If I had to describe it to you it would be something like 'hip hop with a touch of latin.' If you like Tobymac like I do, you'll probably really enjoy this album.
Pretty Good O.K.
There are two main songs on this album that I am really crazy about: "Love is a Beautiful Thing" and "A Lot in Common". They are the two that have that great upbeat feeling to them but if you like hip-hop that makes you hop AND hip, then Group 1 Crew is for you.
bought this today
i just bought this album today. wow, what a great cd! it's got great beat and lyrics. i've been thinking about buying it for a friend of mine :)
great cd
this is an awesome cd!! Group 1 crew has an awesome energy and a love for god.
Group 1 Crew
Group 1 Crew is an awesome band and this is an amazing CD!
Even Better Live
I was first impressed with the video for "Forgive Me" The I couldn't get enough of the CD. The at Spirit West Coast - Monterey - I met Pablo and heard the Group sing...they are far better yet (if that's possible) when live...and to think these are baby christians...from what I understand from one of our teens who was around them longer they've only been reborn for a year or two...and for this powerful of a message....I can't wait for the next release!
great
i love group 1 crew, they have some very good beats along with powerful lyrics!
Group 1 Crew
I think their music is awesome and inspiring
Good Alternatives
"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.
I love em
I just learned about group 1 crew a few weeks ago, when I seen one of there videos on the gospel music channel, and as soon as I seen the video I fell in love with them, and got there CD off itunes, there awsome there fun cool, and got great voices, and talent, the words to there music are awsome, I dont know about you all, but when I buy a CD it cant just be because I like the way it sounds, I gotta fall inlove with the words to the songs too, words are a very powerful thing. So if the artist or group come out with a CD that sounds good but yet no meaning to there music than it aint for me, and thats what I like about this CD because the music is fresh, fun, and hip, but yet it teaches you something, and builds your spirit up, with what there saying in there songs, so I give group 1 crew 2 thumbs up, if I had more thumbs id give them more lol.
Sorta Swell
If you like hip hop and stuff like that, you will probably dig Group 1 Crew, otherwise, you won't like them or this CD.
Funky Fun
I really enjoy some of the songs from this album. My personal favorite is Can't Go On. The second I heard it I was hooked. It is fun and funky and I can't help but want to dance to it. The music/sound is refreshing and not redundant like some of the music out there getting Christian radio airplay.
I got kicked out of Middle School and barely made it through High School
Manuel has a testimony of change that is strong. I love this quote, "I got kicked out of Middle School and barely made it through High School." With his partners Pablo and Blanca, Group 1 Crew has put together a solid CD of Hip Hop groves, uplifting melody lines, and hard hitting lyrics. They spit it so strong. You've gotta check it out.
Hank
