Discography

Ordinary Dreamers

teamword — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:26:47 -0700

Dove Award winning artist Group 1 Crew truly had one busy year supporting their debut album. Their songs were heard on several television programs (One Tree Hill, Run’s House, The Simple Life and more), they performed for over 300k on the 2008 Winter Jam tour and in the middle of it all, recorded their follow up album Ordinary Dreamers. Long-time advocates for dreaming and experiencing the plans that God has for His people, Group 1 Crew aptly address this theme in their new release Ordinary Dreamers. Manwell explains, “An ordinary dreamer is simply a person who has seen a glimpse of their opportunity for greatness, and has allowed the God of the universe to perfect that bleak vision of potential, into the image of His beautiful glory.” Their new album showcases their signature style and sound in 14 catchy dance-like tracks.

No Plan B

peter — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:13:34 -0700

Just ten months after their decently successful self-titled debut, R&B/rap artists Group 1 Crew is releasing a companion EP, with three exclusive remixes of hits from record, accompanied by two brand new songs. The EP, titled No Plan B, is currently on iTunes, and includes remixes for the title track, "Let It Roll," and original album closer "Put Like That." The remixes genuinely give the original songs a run for their money, nearly becoming as infectious with their beats as the debut's versions. "No Plan B" has a new, faster beat added to it, yet it doesn't shorten the song by much, which makes for a clear and head-bobbing remix. "Let It Roll" is presented similarly, with a faster beat added to the somewhat slowed-down original, also giving a fresh view to a classic from the debut. "Put Like That" was great as it was, and the remix doesn't do much to improve on an already nearly perfect song.

The two new songs are sure to be a pleasure to any R&B fan, especially "I See You," which includes a lovely solo from crew's lone female vocalist, Blanca Reyes. She still carries the biggest chunk of singing for the group, while her counterparts take on the rapping and added melodies. "Keys to the Kingdom" serves as the EP's closer, ending with a great rock/rap song, sure to impress G1C fans and non alike. Overall, for an iTunes exclusive EP, this five song download is definitely worth the money, even if just for a song like "Keys to the Kingdom." If you've got an extra five bucks, definitely go get this EP, and introduce yourself to this crew

Group 1 Crew

nuko — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:13:33 -0700

With rap and R&B flooding radio on both Christian and secular markets, it’s no surprise that many new bands and groups will emerge with a similar sound. Group 1 Crew is another one of these, yet they have their own unique way of doing their music, with a style that mimics that of Black Eyed Peas and the currently put-on-hold Christian R&B/rap group Souljahz.

G1C definitely has potential to go far in both mainstream and Christian radio, with party hits like “Let It Roll,” “No Plan B,” “Clap Ya Hands,” and “Put Like That,” which all have those beats that just make you want to bob your head, yet still have the straight-forward lyrical rap content. People that really got into Souljahz and their powerful lyrics about serious topics like hate and spiritual decisions will find a whole lot to love on Group 1 Crew's self-titled debut. One interesting fact is that with most rap groups we don’t see (at least in the Christian music industry) women who can rap. Blanca Reyes does a huge chunk of the singing vocals on the record, and even strains at times to hit those high notes, but she can hold her own in songs like “No Plan B” and “Put Like That.”

Spiritual content is evident throughout the whole of the record, with the piano driven “Forgive Me,” the soulful jazz sound of “Come Back Home,” the rock/beat driven “What Yo Name Is,” and “Put Like That,” which serves as the album’s finale. One thing is true with this new artist: they know how to party, they know how to be serious, and they have a much better message than their secular counterparts. This is definitely one crew you'll want to be a part of.