"One of the best rap cds I've evr heard, secular or christian, period! I've been a hip hop fan for over 20 years and I know good music when I hear it. I prefer east coast style hip hop, i.e., thundering beats, great lyrics. My favorite artists are Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes, just to give you an idea. New Breed has been added to that list. The annointed lyrics are in yo face and the beats will keep you bobbin' your head for hours. This is no watered down rap, i.e., nelly but really hardcore hip hop. Production is tight! Even if you don't listen to christian music, you can't go wrong with this cd. It'll crush most of what you hear on the radio. My favorite tracks are: Dry Bones, What's my Name? Stop the Music, Think, Papi, Headlock, Your Voice. If you're a true hip hop head, run out and get this cd!! What, you still here?!"
STOP THE MUSIC!!!!!! New Breed is here!
C. Colter | Somewhere, USA | 02/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been down with the Christian Hip HOp game for a long time now (from P.I.D. days) and I have heard some wacked, pretty good, and great artist. I must say New Breed surpases my expectations (and after Chill,the DJ Maj remix of "what's my name", and the TR CD my expectations were pretty high).CONCEPT--- The CD concept blew me away. "Stop the music" so you can hear the message. Too many times have Emcee are concerned about the beat, and the message is lost. Lyrics-- If Tunnel Rats are not anything they are prolific in there writing. From "Verse of the City", "Think", "Papi" , "stand" , and "Headlock" the lyrics HIT HARD. They get you to think without people to deep. The messege and delivery is clear.Beats- I have much respect for PEACE586, but the addition of Dert to the TR team was a coup. He is a bad brother and surprised me on a few instances using guitars, piano, and tight backing vocals on some cuts.Delivery-- Elsie, Words can't express how TIGHT this sister is one the mic. Confident, fluid, and clear. I can't compare her to no one, 'cuz it ain't no one like her. Macho-- while other emcee hide behind shock lyrics, studio tricks to hide there lack of talent Macho set the standard of how an EmCee is supposed to be. Down side--- the only down sides I see is that they didn't put Chill on the Cd and I would have preferred the remix of "what's my name"GET NEW BREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The Honest Truth.
J. Walker | Germantown, MD | 04/07/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I will not hype up this record. I won't tell you it's better than 50 Cent or Eminem, or any other mainstream artist. But I will tell you this; this records feels good. It is truly honest, and it does not pretend to be something that it's not. Simply put, it's a hip-hop record by two strangely gifted emcees. This reviewer could care less if people will be 'fooled' into believing it is a "secular" album, as if the secular label is some sort of platinum standard. This record is 100% true, and requires no comparisons. Let it stand on its own."
JUST GET IT NOW!!!!
morehouse97 | NJ | 01/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You're missing out! I had stopped listening to hip-hop when I came to truly know Christ because mainstream hip-hop was perverse and all of the holy hip-hop artists that I heard were wack - the flows were drenched in kjv bible verbiage, church cliches, and the tracks...the tracks left a lot to be desired, to say the least! But, thank God for New Breed!! Never before have I heard a rap duo like Macho and Elsie present the gospel along with fundamental Christian values concerning real-life issues in a manner that rivals any and every hip-hop production ever made. I know what you're thinking...Are the tracks hot? No question, each track gets your mind open with beats, breaks, and samples that are high-powered ear candy! And just when you thought it was safe to knod your head, here comes the lyrics that always made you break the rewind button on your walkman when you were a kid. There's no mistaking where these cats are coming from. This is not a watered down message... Let's face it - production makes you listen...tight lyrics keep you listening...what's the most important part? THE MESSAGE! And these emcees have a message for everyone. It's about life, what's real, and what's the deal. This is the perfect cd for that sister, son, nephew, or goddaughter of yours that thinks that Ja Rule, Jay-Z, and Eminem are what hip-hop is all about! This is a great tool to open up the minds of those who don't know Him to the gospel. I plan on using it in our youth ministry.I already have a copy, so you hurry up and get yours - And while you're at it pick up:Sev Statik - "Speak Life"
Tunnel Rats - "Tunnel Vision"
DJ Mj - "Full Plates Mixtape .002"
Out of Eden - "This Is Your Life"
Virtue - "Virtuosity," "Get Ready"
Carriers of the Cross - "Carriers"Be Blessed!"
I Don't Think I Want To Stop The Music
LightSleeper | The City of Angels, CA | 05/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Look out. The Tunnel Rats did it again. Just when one starts to worry if the crew can keep it up after such an incredible debut, they hit us up with "Stop The Music". The first release "Tunnel Vision" almost acts like an appetizer,preparing you for each act's full-length LP that will follow. New Breed's is the first of the main courses. Allowing the group to shine on a whole album allows Macho & Elsie to fully address many of the spiritual issues they were only able to touch on in "Tunnel Vision". Still, it feels like your being schooled rather than preached at which seems to be a constant in the TR's method of ministry. Even if one doesn't agree with some of the Breed's beleifs, there's no question that your ears will agree that it's tight. The way the whole collective seems to mix and mesh together is special. Complete beats and "in your face" style rhymes is what we've come to expect from them. They really stepped it up too, adding more live music and full vocal arrangments on several songs. There's even some dope spoken word stuff on one of interludes that breaks all the way down to this straight jazz change. Some of the stronger cuts are "Stand" featuring Raphi,"My People","Papi","Your Voice",and "Headlock" featuring L.P.G. Come to think of it, they're all sick! Please help support artists like these. Mabey then there'll be more of them. Keep'em coming TRs!!!"