The Cross Movement (Higher Definition) - Reviews

The Cross Movement
Higher Definition

With some hip hop albums, it's like a tug-of-war between the beats and the lyrics. Sometimes the beats are the best part, and sometimes the lyrics are really what stand out.

For The Cross Movement's 5th album, Higher Definition, this statement doesn't hold any truth at all. Both the beats and lyrics reign supreme in this 17-track (inclusive of 2 hidden) gem, that features a crew of producers.

The 2003 Dove Award Nominees for Best Rap Album of The Year boldly announce their re-emergence into the lyricists' lounge with "Civilian Affairs", a military-inspired cut complete with background vocals calling cadence. Production from JR of So Hot Productions takes a slightly military tone, without overdoing it.

"Redefined" addresses the various issues and facades intertwined in the fabric of urban culture, from the illusions found in magazines to the emptiness in some content in lyrics.

Rock Soul Entertainment vocalist Michelle Bonilla joins these holy hip hop elders on "Lord You Are" an easy-listening, synth-string heavy cut. Each member takes turns in expressing their marvel at the works and love of GOD.

Perhaps the most creative concept on this album that is jam-packed with quality concepts is "Card Shark". Phanatik aka Brady Goodwin brings the famous newyorkian story-telling approach to rap. Creating the feel of a "card dealer" on the street, Goodwin cleverly tackles the various characters to beware of, such as the Queen of Clubs, the King The Cross Movement

of Diamonds and the Jack of Spades. As Phanatik weaves a cleverly intricate tale surrounding the personality traits of each "face-card", he ties each to a lesson about the superficial facades behind some of the images people portray.

Tru-Life has a knack for production and it becomes blatantly clear with is production on "We". He juxtaposes the light vibe from strings with a grittier head-nodding beat. This is definitely an anthem for all.

"On In Here" is hot party track, with a snazzy, multi-rhythm, loopy beat courtesy Official. On "Big Words", the crew has plenty fun with their lyricism, doling out multi-syllable rhymes, packed with near-obscure words. Forced rhymes (using alternate accents) and other concepts make this track sheer genius.

"My Life Cypha" features guest appearances from fellow microphone ministers, Timothy Brindle, Shai Linne and Redeemed Thought. Making use of a simple, jazz-influenced

piano scale, the song is injected with instrumental soul that some hip hop fans may have been craving for from music in general.

Higher Definition is said to be THE most anticipated album from The Cross Movement to-date, and with clever wordplay and quality production, The Cross Movement does not disappoint. (And oh, those two bonus cuts!!)

This second installation to the "2004 release trilogy" (which includes The Cross Movement's Higher Definition, Flame's self-titled debut and the highly original The Cross Movement And Friends' hip hop Christmas album Gift Rap) from Cross Movement Records, is a must-have for all holy hip hop heads.

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Producers: Various album release date: October 26, 2004
Cross Movement Records

— reviewed by Maria Capulong and Stan North —