Search - Da Truth :: Moment of Truth

Validates Gospel Hiphop in my book

DukeOfEarl | Phoenix, AZ United States | 12/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am an official underground/Old-school Hiphop head, but every now and then I like to reach out and try something different. With all the great reviews, I had to try this album out. Here's to say, it's pretty solid stuff, at times spectacular. Da T.R.U.T.H. is from the Cross Movement group and label, which I imagine is definitely builing up a steady reputation. This man's definitely got some skills and much to say. I've only listened through once so far, and it was satisfying, and I imagine "Moment of Truth" is only gonna get better the more I listen to it.

Truth's voice and flow can be compared to Eminem(who I DON'T listen to) and Masta Ace, maybe even somewhat close to a Pharoahe Monch. I can't say that he's the most original artist I've heard, but I will praise him for being well-read and excelling lyrically. He's got something to say, and finds powerful ways to say it. The first song wasn't too interesting, but the second one, "Please!," got my mind stirring and is definitely one of my favorites here. "My Story" was maybe the ultimate standout, because it was personal and I could really relate to it. "Jesus Anthem"(w/ the other Cross Movement members) was decent, but definitely better than that Kanye West "Jesus Walks" gimmick. "South Street" was a banger that was pretty good, but the next one, "Satisfied," is even better I thought and one of the standouts. "Who Is That"(w/ CM member Flame) was a nice collab. I remember not liking "Roll Now" too much until the last verse, which was outstanding.

The last three songs are all classics in their own way. "Fourplay" was a powerful, detailed track about how it's acceptable to express ourselves sexually, and what to stay away from. It's nice to see an artist with the balls to proclaim their true beliefs on this subject! "Here and Noun" worked well which describes the desires of our youth and how it's not acceptable. "Resurrection" has him rhyming the whole time with no beat, poetry if you will, and turns out to be an insightful history lesson. I like how raw this album is compared to what we might pinpoint Gospel music to contain. He doesn't cuss, but he's not afraid to describe specific situations and what's wrong in them, and no subject is off-limits. It definetly digs quite past the surface compared to what one might expect. This album never really comes off as too preachy or corny. It's a nice suprise.

I'm glad this album was a success, since the only other Gospel Hiphop album I have was the overrated T-Bone "The Last Street Preacha." This one's so much better, since T-Bone's soured my enthusiasm for Gospel Hiphop for quite some time there! With "Moment of Truth," Gospel Hiphop is valid to me again. I should check out some other Cross Movement works! Da Truth describes that he came from an average neighborhood with two parents and didn't do drugs or crimes, or even play all the girls. Finally, a rapper I can relate to!

The only things I thought could be worked on were the moods and choruses of the album. Two of the slower songs, "After Your Heart" and "N.F.L.," had corny choruses(but strong verses, though), as did a few others. I find it odd that so many of the songs tried to sound like club hits. I wouldn't expect Gospel artists to try to appeal to club-hoppers. Still, I can't name a bad song, and Da Truth is always holding it down lyrically. "Moment of Truth" is obviously influenced more by contemporary rap, beats-wise, for better or worse. I would love to see Da Truth rhyming over some live instruments, or some organic and jazzy backdrops, and more beats like "My Story." Anyhow, Da Truth is a talented lyricist and a dedicated soldier of God, and I gotta respect that. I like how how can weave in history lessons of Jesus, than take us back to the present and describe the wickedness in today's society and how to make it out. It's of everyone's benefit and to follow along with the lyrics given and apply them to our lives. I'm glad I got this album, and I recommend it to all of you, whether you've heard of him or not!"

This is the greatest gospel hip hop album I have ever heard!

Roosevelt Cooper | New Your City | 07/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a long time I hated gospel rap because I thought it was corny and a cheap alternative to secular hip hop. Then the Cross Movement put out their first album and I finally found an outlet to combine my love for hip hop and the gospel. I didn't think I would ever hear a gospel hip hop album better than any Cross Movement album. That was until I heard the Moment of Truth by Da Truth. This man is absolutely gifted when it comes to spitting the gospel and he proves it right here in this Album! You can tell that he is well schooled in the word of god by the way he clearly articulates the gospel in his rhyme. The beats are tight and he's got songs for both the saints and the sinners! My favorite songs are Please (with J-Silas, another dope MC whose Album you got to get when it comes out), The Jesus Anthem (w/ Phanatik and Tonic from Cross Movement, I play this one over and over), also Satisifed which has a very tight beat but he talks about how nothing can satisfy us except Christ, and of course Fourplay which talks about the dangers of Sex befor marriage. This guy is Da Truth of Gospel Hip Hop. I have very high standards for the music that I listen to and I don't give out 5 stars easily, but Da Truth is AWESOME! You have to buy this album right now!"

CRAZY!!!

DJ | Jacksonville, Florida United States | 05/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is crazy. I knew it was going to be good, but I didn't know it was going to be that good. This cat really can spit. And he holds it down for Christ as well which means double trouble. They way he puts his words together sort of reminds me of Jay-Z. But since I through all of those cd's away, this CD was truly a blessing for the simple fact that I love mucic and I didn't think I would find any christian music that could be better than what my flesh was use to. If you are really serious concerning your walk with Jesus but you still want to listen to rap, this is the CD. Also get all of the Cross Movements CD's and the Ambassadors solo LP."