Phanatik (The Incredible Walk) - Reviews

Phanatik
The Incredible Walk

As a member of The Cross Movement, Phanatik has made a name with his clever metaphors and wordplay, gaining respect from many staunch hip hop heads, and preaching Christ boldy and consistently.

With The Incredible Walk, he steps out to release a solo project that plays on the name of Marvel Comics character ("The Incredible Hulk"), and chronicles the journey of a Christian. Of course, the album is full of dope beats, provided by Nab, JD, DJ Official and others.

"B-Side" is the perfect beat banger to get things started on the album. Phanatik drops knowledge on the industry and he expresses his mission. On "Me", the classic hip hop continues as the emcee stresses the importance of looking to God and the frustration he experiences when some people elevate his flow skills above his message.

Many will remember Phanatik's amazing flow over the fast tracks on The Cross Movement's Holy Culture album (see album review). Again proving that he can rap at high speed, he imparts his quick stuff on "The Amazing Grace", also featuring NY's Shabach. Both emcees passionately spit their desire to take the message of salvation to any coast that God’s grace allows.

Phanatik's love for basketball is clear on "Shot Clock", as he cleverly equates the 24 second deadline (familiar to the NBA) to new mercies allotted to God’s people. Keren Sabir’s pretty vocals are weaved throughout, adding more spice to this uptempo jam.

For those who love those Midwest dance tracks, "Dirge Dancing" has the perfect formula. With its clever hook, nice synths and a dope beat from Nab —and of course the dope lyrics from Phanatik, plus a few Dirty South chants of "Hey Hey Hey", this cut is a bonifide club banger.

Speaking of club bangers, the title track is another one. Don’t worry, the lyrics are holy of course. Phanatik talks about the trials of dying to the flesh (Romans 7) and walking in the Spirit (Romans 8). The message alone deserves repeated listening to repeatedly, but throw in that tight beat and a funky bassline, and you just have to revisit this one.

Phanatik's knack for storytelling is evident on "Come Home", a modern-day retelling of Jesus' parable of the prodigal son. Definitely for the heads, this one. The beat is simple, but still banging, and the piano sample is just what is needed to complete it.

Staying with the album's theme, Phanatik ably demonstrates that you don't need to be a superhero to do The Incredible Walk.

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Producers: Various album release date: March, 2005
Cross Movement Records

— reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —