Introducing Phanatik, The Tonic, Tru-Life, and The Ambassador... Better know as The Cross Movement. For all you readers who might not have heard of them, they are a Christian hip-hop group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Honestly, just saying they are a rap group is truly an understatement. They also have a ministry with the same name, Cross movement Ministries, that is focused on bringing the gospel to the hip-hop culture. (If you would like more information on the ministry side of this group, just check out their web site, at www.Crossmovement.com).

Their fourth album, entitled Holy Culture clocks in at over 75 minutes of pure hip-hop, so we have a lot to talk about. This group is really comprised of four solo artists with one common goal, and that's to reach the streets with the Gospel. Many of the songs are solo songs with one of the emcees as the featured vocalist. Only three out of the fifteen songs have all four members rocking' the mic. I thought this was a good idea, being that a lot of rap songs today just seem to have way too many rappers. It's nice to have some focus. Holy Culture opens with the title cut, which isn't the strongest opener they could have chosen, but it's still a good one. "Holy Culture" boasts a slow funky groove with strong vocals and a good hook. The next song, "When I Flow... [It's Gospel)" is an up-tempo track that will truly get the listener on their feet. Once again, we have a track with strong vocals, and a great hook. Next we have the first of five interludes. The interludes were a good idea because they add to the topic of a "Holy Culture." "It's Going Down" was my personal favorite cut off this album. It has a really strong beat, as well as strong vocals. This one is destined to be a crowd pleaser at the Movement's live shows. "Free" is a strong upbeat number, with deep vocals over a piano melody. "Cry No More" is a slow R&B type song that has soulful vocals for the chorus. Other good cuts include "Start Somethin'," "Rise Up," "Close To You," and "Live It." The album ends with the last of the interludes, "H.C. Panel Discussion," featuring all the emcees talking about the state of Christian rap and its place in the world of hip-hop. This track appropriately closes out this solid project that proves to be one of the stronger new releases in today's Christian hip-hop scene.

- Review date: 6/4/03, written by Matt Vest