The rap duo known as GRITS is back with an album that is sure to get notice in the mainstream press and on mainstream urban radio. Thematically this disc treads familiar CCM ground, but this is done through the use of original lyrics and great vocal presentation. The disc starts out extremely strong with "Here We Go" and "Oooh Aaah" but then slows down a bit. Other outstanding tracks on the disc include "Tennessee Bwoys," "Seriously," "Make Room," and the love song "Be Mine." And the band isn't afraid to take on some serious issues along the way, such as the music video industry in "Video Girls" while challenging the church to open its arms and hearts on "Love Child."
A number of label-mates show up on this disc including Toby Mac, Knowdaverbs, and Jennifer Knapp. Knapp provides some great vocals and acoustic guitar on the laid back tune "Believe."
GRITS is at their best when they deliver their message in a more upbeat presentation, but they have just the right mix of semi-hardcore/street sense and pop rhythms to really make a dent in the music scene. Fortunately, mainstream video outlets and hip-hop publications are beginning to take note.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by Andree FariasEver since the rap duo comprised of Coffee and Bonafide (a.k.a. Stacey Jones and Teron Carter, respectively) hit the underground hip-hop scene in 1995 with its little debut album Mental Releases, GRITS has been turning the heads of everybody who stumbles upon their music. The Art of Translation is no exception. As with past projects, Translation finds these Tennessee natives penning SAT-caliber…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Mike RimmerIt took quite a while for Christian Hip Hop to catch up with the mainstream and the market still hasn't managed to match the success of Hip Hop in the general market. There are suspicions about the gangsta lifestyle and images being incompatible with a Christian image and possibly the mainly white market balks in the face of such a powerful black phenomenon. Yet elements of Hip Hop are now…Similar sounding releases
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