Cross Movement: Why we Embraced the Christian Rap Label

Wade-O Radio news correspondent David Daniels and DJ Wade-O sat down with The Ambassador, T.R.U. L.I.F.E., and Phanatik of the iconic rap group Cross Movement.
In this interview we spoke with Cross Movement about:
[3:00] Phanatik's Book "Art of Christianity"
[4:20] Phanatik's Lost Files Project (Download Here: bit.ly/1eNAZD0)
[5:00] New Music from T.R.U. L.I.F.E.
[7:10] New Music from The Ambassador
[8:50] Purpose of The Ambassador's new music
[11:50] Public Interpretation of group's intentions when group began
[16:45] The "Four Quadrants" and where CM fell
[21:00] Their title when dealing with labels
[24:20] When did the quadrants "come into existence".
[25:40] Their Perception of the Westcoast Christian Hip-Hop movement
[27:30] Switching of certain artists "roles"
[28:40] Then West coast vs East coast "Philosophies"
[36:20] The New Goals of CHH
[39:40] God's desires regarding our new mission
[45:13] When did the desire for everything to have meaning begin?
[50:40] THE Way to minister
Executive Produced by DJ Wade-O and JBTZ XCLSV
Footage Shot By JBTZ XCLSV
Video Edited by Craige Walkine
Audio Edited by JBTZ XCLSV
Graphic Design by JBTZ XCLSV
Motion Graphics by Mwita Chacha for Mwendo LLC

[@Broughtolife]

I came to Christ in 99', so CM holds a special place in my heart. CM, along with Corey Red and Precise, ADF, New Breed, Raiderz of the Lost, and a few others were instrumental in my early years of walking with Christ. Lampmode and Humble Beast are carrying that flame today. CM was criticized back in the day for being 'too clean', and not relating to the streets, but I thank God for their devotion and conviction to the Gospel.

[@innanoshe]

The Apostles of Christian Hip Hop... Very Deep and Profound Interview... Been empty since they left...

[@true2life73]

So true.CM were on point and House of Reps should be the standard.

[@eternalmindset419]

20 secs in, im like "can they regroup for just one more album and smash it!" Please! i forgot how much i loved CM... God used them mightily in my walk and due to the weight of there lyrics it gave a love and a desire to learn theology!

[@moranast]

I meet these men in '97 in south florida , and the lyrics that God spoke through them still resonate in my mind till today almost 20 years later . God used these men to reach many young people in my day . Tears come to my eyes every time i remember the many times God used these brothers lyrics to help me when I need of encouragement.

[@HHH_Hymnal]

amen

[@Mrrayross77]

These brotha's are a positive light. I knew that I didn't want to listen to secular rap as a Christian, so I chose to sample their music back in the late 90's, and I was hooked from the start. They have talent, they drop beats, and their lyrics can reach young people like me, so I give them my 100% full support...

[@Miranda9Bella]

Soooo beautiful to see men of African descent, so well learned, so well versed, and so well spoken.. CM you MUST come back to the forefront, remember, you are a "MOVEMENT"...

[@JarrellFMG]

I grew up listening to these guys! They had a huge impact on how I do ministry now. Much respect to the Cross Movement.

[@omidzanjanchian5518]

Wish I could spend a week chopping it up with these brothers....sooo encouraged in the Lord from this!

[@jadude119]

Amen, me too bro!

[@thelightpsyde]

12:20... I've listened to a lot of Cross Movement in my time. I would say Cross Movement had just as much "Jesus" in their music as any other genre of gospel music. People were against Cross Movement because they didn't have enough "Church" in their music. I think sometimes, "It's good to have more *Jesus* than *Church* when spreading the *Gospel* of Jesus Christ".

[@stlcaring]

Yeah I thought that their lyrics would be dated or corny sounding but I did notice that the music had alot of Jesus and scripture laced up in it and I still was bobbing my head to it.

[@chocolate001able]

The Light Psyde AMEN!!!! couldn't agree more

[@GEES44DC]

Jesus is who it's all about. If you're idolizing the church over Jesus, that's bad!

[@thelightpsyde]

GEES44DC yup

[@chocolate001able]

***** Exactly!!!! the "church" is full of man made traditions.....something I personally want to keep away from. Call me old fashioned......but the last time I looked in the bible Jesus is the way and the truth.

[@KingdomBuildersTV]

We need cross movement in Christian hip-hop

[@Marcusbw82]

Historic interview! Miss these dudes 4real. God literally used the House of Reps cd to change my life. Holiness first until we under the earth! You know the signature!

[@jondough7777777]

Man, I relate! GOD Bless ya bro.

[@HHH_Hymnal]

holiness first till we under the earth

[@belect7243]

The Wu Tang of Gospel Rap. I sold like 20 copies of their Heavens' mentality Album, these brothers blessed me forever.

[@azizacook2631]

Wow its awesome to see Cross Movements. My father is not a christian but has always liked their music and respects. I love where christian hip hop is going but the original christian hip hop had a pureness to it. From Crossmovement to Hazakim to Tunnel Ratz to Gospel Gangstaz.

[@feetnick]

Love these guys, wish they were still making music. I didn't know phanatic had a cd.?

[@civil15]

Phanatik actually has 4 albums. He's been dropping solo work since 2005.

[@poetix2]

They may have been criticized for a lot of things, but they brought something to Christian rap and to all Christian based genre's that wasnt there. They taught a lot of theology in their music, even more than other artists in music genre's that were considered more inspired than rap. Without them the generation they hit may not have ever gotten to that level of understanding. it was the closest many of us would ever come to stuff taught in seminary that wasnt frequent in Sunday morning sermons

[@signetring5242]

I am super blessed to see these young men pursue holiness that I have to let them know that they are so on their way to receiving what is described in Hebrews 11:40..... We are the ones in the final lap of the race that will receive the prize for the entire body of Christ. We are sealed by the mighty hand of YAHWEH who is in control of the affairs of men everywhere!!!!

[@Phronesis7]

SPOT ON, Cross Movement, *thank you* !! Great talk!

[@DeacSpeaks14]

Amazing watching this. Thanks Wade-O. The first Christian rap CD I ever purchased was CM's: Human Emergency. My favorite CM album is House of Reps. Very closely follow by Holy Culture.

[@rodrigobarba930]

Straight up wisdom being preached here from the experiences God granted them to go through. These guys need to do a conference or something similar to what Humble Beast did recently at their Canvas Conference. Their knowledge alone is enough to edify the Church and anyone in the Church who is called or decides to create art for The Lord.

[@briannasmith8158]

These are my BOYS ! MY dad had just about all of thier cd's.

[@lttbe316]

Thank you Cross Movement.

[@johnmobley2418]

Great interview and I love the Cross Movement. Still play there albums to this day. The Christian rap game needs you in it.

[@BigOentertainment15]

This video has blessed me tremendously

[@cedjiles]

I love these dudes so much and I'm so glad this interview came out. I wish I could do a mass share with everyone I know involved with CHH. Thank you Wade-O and Crossmovement for your ministries! This blessed me big time!

[@davidporcenat5799]

amazing truth. its hard to grow not knowing the core of the news. thanks!!!

[@shelliesampson5081]

So much wisdom in this video! Very informative and a blessing! Praise God, Well Done Wade-O Radio

[@joeshmoe3311]

I love cross movement. Don't take this wrong but brother Tru life for your health consider fasting. Much respect

[@rhynecureton254]

This is some amazing conversation! Love it!

[@musakposowa]

Very important interview. Thanks for posting.

[@DJNuMAN]

Great great great interview.

[@shawnwilsonjr.3110]

Man I remember listeing to these guys as a little kid lol. them and 116 made me wanna rap thank you for sharing your gift fellas much love

[@DustDaRapper]

Simply… AMAZING ✊✊✊

[@JoolEAn92]

Definitely going to be on the lookout for Tru Life's project. Loving that concept!

[@cedjiles]

Right!! I already feel like it's gonna bless me immensely.

[@eternalyfeful]

Dear DJ Official....we love you and miss you. You can't talk about Cross Movement without talking about Official.

[@kinfolkdray]

Great interview I enjoyed this, very enlightening for my journey in Christian Hip-Hop thanks Wade-O

[@melvinbrimsr.9972]

Yo I like what Ambassador said about the difference in the Philosophy. He is hitting the core issue. But I would go further that it is a difference in doctrines that are derived from different denominations. With different denominations there will be differences. But what does the bible say about those that say they are of God but do not bring the doctrine of Christ and the doctrine of the apostles? It says mark them and avoid them. It says do not bid them godspeed. This has been a conflict for centuries. Patriarchs like William Tyndale and Martin Luther the theologian dealt with the same thing and died for defending the faith. Imprisoned for defending the faith. Beaten for defending the faith. Even in the quote on quote Christian community. My brothers and sisters of the faith it goes deeper than hip hop. I love rhyming. I love producing. But one of the most important and one of the most powerful things that we can do is rightfully devide the word of truth and live the truth and move in ministry in truth(Holy Spirit).

[@ladyamazon8294]

Preach!

[@madamedivaloach645]

Can't wait to meet these gentleman and congregate a KICE SUPERFEST with them; Gospel Gangstaz, SEVIN, Lacrae, DaTruth, BBJay, Prime Minister, RaiderZ of the lost, Young Noah, DATIN, Bizzle, Selah The Corner, Eshon Burgundy, and MouthPiece!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@obenz6623]

I've watched the full video, I just couldn't pause the interview, too interensting. Thanks

[@RonaldMboma84]

Thanx Wadeo good stuff. - Dj Whasspopin?

[@Gabbygp]

Soaked this up with the Mrs over the weekend. Echoed a lot of sentiments I've had for a while now...great food for thought. CM is still relevant after all :-)

[@denisSwe]

they speak life other rappers speak death and darkness

[@wadeoradio]

That’s why their movement started with the Cross!

[@77reyles]

Phanatik gave it away here. Ambassador called it...God will seperate weat and tares.

[@reddvest]

They are missing in Christian Rap

[@AntoineLamond1]

Well to me their Mantle is continued through Lampmode and definitely ChristCentric. Check those two companies out.

[@cedricodeano3715]

interesting

[@djquiz7865]

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good is its design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is given you in life and will be opened in the judgment and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents. -Author Unknown kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2erg2qInd-Ne5Y Playlist to encourage Christians in their walk, courtesy of the Holy Spirit.

[@HHH_Hymnal]

thank you

[@Nucreaturesports]

I consider the cross movement a ground breaking group. Get ready for the mainstream. Christ is calling for mainstream music to be replaced with his music. Check out my video channel at nucreaturetv it's part of my purpose.

[@thewatlingtons6047]

only problem with Christian rap imo is you guys dont do features.... i would love a cross movement and new breed track.....or souljahz....or link up with del. Push your brand with unity...do some features..

[@Tao-fp3yr]

The Wu didn't do features for the longest. Even when they did only a select few.

[@KRJ777]

What is hip hop and where did it come from? Don't be deceived.

[@donedwardmallon]

Hip hop was originally meant to just be songs talking about life in the urban community. Whats there to be decieved by?

[@true2life73]

The Book of Psalms is the original hip hop, for real hip hop is poetry expressing ones self.

[@ChrysJones]

Don't be deceived by saying "hip hop" is inherently sinful.. Humans are sinful. Hip hop is a tool which can be used for good or bad. Hip hop is amoral. It's no different than any other "music". It's instruments, drums, and lyrics.

[@ChrisBrown-pn6dr]

S

[@pccj316]

hey wade o, can i get your email

[@Hanna14187]

why do ppl have a problem with being a christain artist everything you do shud b done to glorify nd honor God,as a yuth in Christ I don't understand y all these rappers want to runn away from Christain rap WAT R R CHRISTAIN YUTH SAPOSE TO LISTEN TO if every rapper turns around nd says we r not for u,r we sapose to run to secular rap!that feed r spirite devilish controlling ways.Y do Unsaved rappers don't mind being labeled gangsta rap wen half of the rappers in the world don't commit half the crimes the rap abiut.BUT RAPPERS THAT R CHRISTAIN WEATHER THEY RAP FOR CHRISTAINS OR TO THE WORD R SAVED ND DO THE THINGS THAT CHRISTAINS DO LIKE GO TO CHURCH nd stuff but don't wanna help the yuth n CHRIST WHO WILL RAP FOR THE YUTH IN CHRIST!!I LOVE CHRISTAIN HIPHOP I feel like itz dying;'( (not talking about crossmovement in my comment)

[@denno3124]

Sis, simply put..1 Chronicles 25 records David assigning SKILLED musicians to perform the musical duties in the temple. Christian Hip Hop inherently implies unskilled artists/ or non-artists, who are not truly familiar with the Hip Hop culture and are using the rap "sound" as some sort of youth outreach gimmick. That's exactly what it was to me before I "mistakenly" was introduced to Da Truth like 11 years ago. That was the first time I ever heard a RAPPER, that would be accepted skill wise in the rap community at large, that used his music to lift up Jesus. Think back and you may remember non rappers trying to do something for the kids at church and recording horrible verses and tracks to "reach" the kids. I have never seen that done on instruments but it was definitely done with rap. Now guys don't want you trying to tell them how they are supposed to dress, use slang, what beats they are supposed to have etc. because of their faith. You will be boxed in with unspoken rules depending on the genre you are assigned to. Of course unsaved rappers don't care, they can do whatever they want either way.

[@OnlyoneThankYou]

Y’all still Christian’s?