With rap and R&B flooding radio on both Christian and secular markets, it's no surprise that many new bands and groups will emerge with a similar sound. Group 1 Crew is another one of these, yet they have their own unique way of doing their music, with a style that mimics that of Black Eyed Peas and the currently put-on-hold Christian R&B/rap group Souljahz.

G1C definitely has potential to go far in both mainstream and Christian radio, with party hits like "Let It Roll," "No Plan B," "Clap Ya Hands," and "Put Like That," which all have those beats that just make you want to bob your head, yet still have the straight-forward lyrical rap content. People that really got into Souljahz and their powerful lyrics about serious topics like hate and spiritual decisions will find a whole lot to love on Group 1 Crew's self-titled debut. One interesting fact is that with most rap groups we don't see (at least in the Christian music industry) women who can rap. Blanca Reyes does a huge chunk of the singing vocals on the record, and even strains at times to hit those high notes, but she can hold her own in songs like "No Plan B" and "Put Like That."

Spiritual content is evident throughout the whole of the record, with the piano driven "Forgive Me," the soulful jazz sound of "Come Back Home," the rock/beat driven "What Yo Name Is," and "Put Like That," which serves as the album's finale. One thing is true with this new artist: they know how to party, they know how to be serious, and they have a much better message than their secular counterparts. This is definitely one crew you'll want to be a part of.

- Review date: 1/20/07, written by Justin Mabee