Cross Movement on the state of Christian Hip Hop and more - Christian Rap

At Legacy Conference 2016, Rapzilla interviewed Cross Movement members The Ambassador, T.R.U.-L.I.F.E., Phanatik, Cruz Cordero, The Tonic and Earthquake after receiving the Legacy Lifetime Award and performing their first concert together since 2008. www.rapzilla.co...

[@sandmanarmstrong8673]

Wow remember when Gospel Rap was about uplifting Jesus Christ? Miss you guys.

[@monasthilairejean1385]

This group got me through high school and college. They made me want to delve into the word of God. Because these truly spit the scripture unapologetically.

[@dejacreacts4964]

Cross Movement was the reason I started listening to Christian hip hop...still listen to them to this day.

[@thGodsn]

Ambassador, Tonic, & Phanatik were my dudes! I loved them all tho RIP Enoch

[@Dadof3Hustles]

Man! I am extremely humbled with this interview. Feeling real emotional because I can distinctly remember how their ministry discipled me in my early young adult years. They made the gospel so real, relatable and understandable. I can't even count the number of times I was about to slip up and the words from their songs helped me not to stumble. All because their message pointed back to Christ. When everybody was hollerin "ima do me" they went the opposite way. Much respect to THE MOVEMENT! Please do another album! We need it in this watered down CHH genre, but more importantly we need it in the world as a whole.

[@dempseytapley9925]

Ambassador is a genius.... like super genius...

[@MichaelEMJAYJohnson]

The Pioneers!!Love these guys.

[@BeautyUnraveled]

This is probably my favorite interview on rapzilla.. so much wisdom!!!

[@MrANTHONYB1]

My favorite CHH group of all time......helped me soooo much with my walk with Christ.

[@belect7243]

Cross Movement, Peace 586, Dynamic Twins , Sup, SFC, ....these guys touched lives.....many of us, i sold about 30 copies of Heaven's mentality in Nigeria when it came out, such a blessing

[@mr63mr66]

Success in God's eyes for me is to reach the lost with Christ and to help and encourage the church.

[@michaeldjguardianmeans6281]

Love and miss these guys! Still bumping their music all the way back to Heaven’s Mentality. I would def go to a CM concert if it came to town. This “alliance of born again believes in Jesus Christ….” Grace and peace, love and respect.

[@DJNaz4You]

I'll never forget seeing Cross Movement at a concert in Columbus Ohio with the Elevationists. Me and the homey BJ asked Phanatik what was needed most in CHH. Phanatik told us that artists should focus more on the needs of their communities. This was at a time I really wanted God to take my ministry to a greater level but that resonated with me and I'm grateful for those words of wisdom.

[@louieo9252]

This video just made me want to go and make a huge cross movement playlist like I used to have back in the day. Going to as soon as I finish this video!

[@tthomaselli2]

I wish The Cross Movement was still around... They would be able to come out with some rather intense Christian rap albums. It's a shame they broke up back in 2008.

[@toddtj1]

These guys are giving some wisdom that all Christian artist should listen to. I remember in another interview they said they don't want people to think they are bitter or criticizing. I believe at the end of the day all they are saying is that no matter what we do we have to make sure we keep Christ at the center of what we are doing and we have to be about the mission of spreading the Gospel and make sure we don't get too caught up into other things that go along with the music business.....how can you be against that?

[@mr63mr66]

amen

[@erinnmjones]

I grew up listening to these guys. I appreciate their art til this day. The realest group ever!

[@tommybanks7612]

them guys are mad wise... cross movement is the standard of Christian music

[@ivanriobla]

The Ambassador, Phanatik just exposed the current state of CH. awesome. its a different world massive communication is crazy but is still the same Gospel. that balance is very important, we need a conference tour from CM.

[@PastorTrue93]

Ambassador got JACKED..sheesh

[@MichaelEMJAYJohnson]

Like a Bouncer.

[@Rapzilla]

he's swoll

[@jahcal777]

Real and nothing but RESPECT for these greats. Help these new cats out here get back to a standard within their music.

[@MadAngel209]

Ever since I heard their 1st album, Heavens Mentality, I have been hooked. Ambassador is to Cross Movement like Method Man is to The Wu-Tang Clan.

[@Broughtolife]

"There's no more grey lines, either you're with Jesus or you're not." Corey Red

[@michaeldjguardianmeans6281]

Respect for the Corey Red reference .

[@ifeanyiegekwu9945]

Mannnnnnnnn I been feeling this way on CHH for a bit. This is interview is Christ's heart toward CHH right now. These guys seem tolerant but at the same time hold the standard to the Word Of God. Note how they don't condemn not even once., If all fans could respond to CHH's mistakes in this Godly manner in the comment section of vids we would be much farther along. Much Respect To Cross Movement.

[@borntobewild4708]

Thank you Rapzilla!

[@PastorTrue93]

I would love to see a panel discussion or table discussion between CMR & Reach and have them talk about these things from their perspectives for all of us to see..that would be really dope.

[@elonr1018]

Huh what?! I love them!

[@sinfu2]

Its good to see my brothers together. God sent them to reach me. I want another album

[@Mrrayross77]

I pray that the brotha's get back together to make more and more music. There style is unmatched in how they lift up God in their artistry and praise to Him! They are like no other CHH group around. We need this music! It would be a for-real blessing to the CHH world.

[@keithlee7160]

These guys have an abundance of Godly wisdom and knowledge. i can see NOW why God highly exalted their music in the Christian world.

[@anotheperspective]

Together let’s Pray for Phanatik, let God restore him back to the faith

[@RebornThaRebizzle]

Amen Man of God

[@miguelthomas9986]

Man its Awesome to see these guys together again.Missed these guys.

[@Phanatik82]

Wow, that was a very good interview! I just wish God would give us another group like CM to keep the fire burning!

[@DamonDowns]

We need y'all back now!! So sorry for phanatik leaving the faith but the rest of y'all we need your voices again!

[@t.anthony1598]

Still my all-time favorite Christian rap artist. I appreciate their insights on the state of affairs regarding Church, culture, genre, and industry.

[@duckbanks2195]

Still waitin on that album🔥🔥🔥🔥...

[@mninawamavuso3816]

These guys have set the standards of CH music and art very high..I’m looking forward to see those who will match what they did..anyway with art,there exist uniqueness, so with the culture

[@norrisfuse23]

See this is why CM is still needed in CHH. They maintain that balance, they're inteligent brother's who know how to articulate what they are seeing and come at these issues from the viewpoint of scripture. Enough with all these opinions, what does the word (we as believers are supposed to live by) say? This is what I miss in CHH nowadays. No one wants to be accountable to scripture no more. We're starting to become almost post modernist in our approach nowadays.

[@Krrrimmi]

I MISS CROSS MOVEMENT.

[@jimmiemiller]

There wisdom is blowing me away. They need to make a new album for the sake of bring CHH back to what it once was.

[@dudefromgalilee]

Thank you CrossMovement for the authenticity and "Scripture "grounding.Stay true to the Scriptures we MUST.

[@SolaScriptrua]

Interview shows clearly how they became the standard of CHH. One sees their unwavering commitment to Christianity and the Word as the core of art and missions.

[@melliemel32]

I was just listening to "House of Representatives!" Was (am) a huge CM fan. Saw them probably 20 years ago at a church in my city. I've always liked them BC of why I over Commissioned growing up; awesome music that was unapologetically biblical! I have never understood why being clear about the Gospel was ever an argument among Christian rappers. Use your gift for God's glory! ❤️✝

[@dlousikes75243]

the greatest that did it!

[@Bonabellfilms]

Rapzilla....I think one of the ways you can help bring back Christ in CHH is to promote songs n artists that actually bring Christ to us n mak the CROSS the Center of their songs...but I guess by the time u make such a decision, might be the only artists u might have on your site would be Eshon, Da-Truth, Humble Beast Team n The G.O.M. crew. Think about it...

[@yoseflopez2446]

These guys started this whole thing

[@DaraAlston]

5:57- 7:02 is it!! This is so refreshing!! I really do hope they do a reunion tour.

[@skeletordevops]

💯

[@BURKSmusic]

Love listening to Amba speak. That was a good word.

[@joabphilosophy2138]

I don't know the guy in the blue shirt name but that was wisdom from God when he referred to an artist song called (24:00-30:00) Victory. as a christian we don't leave open interpretation we send an narrow message that Christ is victory. victory in righteousness, victory in salvation, victory in hope, victory in redemption, victory in our identity, victory in our worth /value, victory in our mortal and eternal future. I needed to hear that part for myself ✊

[@miguelthomas9986]

Joseph Bowens Oh Bro that's Phanatik, lyric skills is crazy..

[@itree4]

Joseph Bowens His name is Phanatik.

[@yoseflopez2446]

I’m glad they asked them that question about the way Christian hip hop has now headed

[@NikNik0123]

AWWW...CROSS MOVEMENT ALL GROWN UP!!! :)

[@davidfurbert1173]

Love these guys they had inspired me to be a gospel mc myself cus growing up in the hip hop culture I never knew God had a spot for those like me cus I wasn't church oriented and hip hop is all my life was and is.. But on the real I learned more bout scriptures from them than a preacher. I love it yo now I know we are apart of God's plan.

[@awordindueseason]

I think your experience is a testimony of how many preachers aren't really anointed or called, but also that the members of Cross Movement were actually anointed and called preachers who happened to also rap. :-)

[@mr63mr66]

Thank you guys! Love it! Let's go to the top and Glorify God at the same time. Rappers who Glorify God are not corny nope.

[@tipofday]

They're right to reveal this. In Hip Hop there is so much Pride that must be overcome in order to give God the Glory. That pride of life is something else.

[@KafkameetsPlath]

This was SOO good to listen to by the way, since Cross Movement there hasn’t been any Christian rap I can listen to that’s 💯 for Christ, rep Christ with NO HESITATION, on fire, fervent, zealous!

[@yoseflopez2446]

They need to come back now and in fact one day would like to do a song with these guys

[@marcusfrombellsballspodcas2048]

Very good interview. They touched on some deep topics. It seems like there is an increasing grouping of new school and old school artists now. There just aren't many artists who are coming out who see music, their ministry and everything that comes along with it the same.

[@Reformed1]

Ambassador needs to get back to that Christology type of flow and lyrics!!

[@tasselah1953]

Awesome interview! May it reach those it needs to in a profoundly humbling way🙏🏾. If we are truly on the same team, let's hear the voices of those who will not validate everything we do

[@joeysanchez968]

Cross movement should collaborate with GOD OVER MONEY.

[@davidfurbert1173]

That would SOOOOOOOO 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@RadBunny2269]

And I thought I'd not enjoy these crew if they ever did something. Now I can't wait 🔥🔥🔥

[@nikaoharbour6962]

Jesus must be the central thing AND THE ONLY THING. even if I'm talking about social issues, I must always point people back to the Cross, whose it all about and whose the solution. anything else, you are just another Common or Talib.

[@djlz9410]

Phanatik said the word Endgame before the avenger's movie came out. Marvel owes CM royalties

[@mr63mr66]

Man the guy with the beard who is that. I like the way he broke things down.

[@noblevessel220]

The Ambassador

[@mr63mr66]

Thanks

[@1kgmusic]

he also has good sermons....online.

[@deejay1way712]

the dude with the full beard? that is "Duce" aka Ambassador.....the dude with the gotee type is Tonic [john wells]

[@noblevessel220]

What @1kgmusic said. I f you look up his sermons his real name is William Branch. He still has messages up on Itunes from his time as Co-pastor at Epiphany Fellowship in Philly.He has always been a good orator and teacher.

[@deadliftingwithdrew6586]

Wisdom!

[@DJDigitalJosh]

Great Interview! Keep spreading the Gospel CRM & RZ! 👍

[@ebonyessence2838]

pioneers💙💙💙

[@proverbs2life]

Praise God! This is good to refine your understanding on Art and Missions. Listen and be awakened by the Spirit of God

[@Reformed1]

Earthquake didn't even get to talk! That is messed up

[@Revdrum]

There’s no one like Amba! Respect the forefathers.

[@tiptoetone5739]

Cruz codero is ill on the mic

[@AdrielCruznow]

keeping it 100

[@colettechantel7366]

You guys are awesome. Do it!

[@unifiedrevelations86]

cruz Cordero drop an album already

[@Audioanalisys]

This is very good, we need to hear them more

[@ministerbrianhodges8551]

wisdom

[@mikeapharr369]

This is a good interview

[@jesseoutlaw4735]

Sad watching this now with what's going on with phanatik

[@djlz9410]

Whaddup to Branch, Goodwin, Wells and Cordero. It's ya boi LZTHEJESUSPHREEK

[@itree4]

Please make another album! PLEASE!

[@CoryCifax]

This is so good

[@LieDetectorMusic]

this is the last thing I'm gonna say...

[@melliemel32]

I LOVE CM! These guys are right in my age group, and I kinda grew up as a young adult with them.

[@KafkameetsPlath]

Can y’all come back please? Thanks

[@TrevWILL79]

Tonic's comments kind of seal the discussion: What is your end goal?

[@nikaoharbour6962]

Jesus

[@RIFICA777]

selah

[@Downwiththeking_55]

I need 2 more albums from CMR. Spark the Holy culture!

[@nikaoharbour6962]

Jesus says you are either with him or against him no grey area. you are a Christian rapper or a secular rapper, no rapper who happens to be Christian. Friendship with the world, which is the core of the problem whether you know it or not, is enmity with God

[@travisharris9912]

I completely understand that we should be led by the scripture I wish they could understand how we bring our own world view, experiences and what some say as "in front of the text" influences their/our understanding of the scripture. So even if they want to be totally led by scripture, there is still other influences. The world is much bigger

[@Rebel1280]

Yo, this is crazy, i was just thinking about what happened to these cats! I still have their album in my truck haha

[@nikaoharbour6962]

I'm a Christian first in all things because CHRIST IS FIRST IN MY LIFE, which he should be. *[[Col **3:23**]] KJV* And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Not even to what we feel is corny

[@ShaylasLove]

👑

[@preauxsoundz1744]

real talk. i hate the use of christian rap or hip hop name or category. i have my own name for my music, because of where it comes from with me. coming soon!!!!

[@unknownunknown4029]

I disagree with the idea of Christian rappers fearing being predictable. Rappers that don't rap in the Christian vain are predictable. I feel like I know that most rappers are going to talk about money, drugs, violence, poverty, sex/sexuality and unless it really speaks to the political messages that rappers like TuPac used to put out, I am pushed toward rappers like Cross Movement, Flame, 116, Da TRUTH, Bizzle, etc....

[@1kgmusic]

love the interview ...why does ambassador look like he is about to burst or somen.....lol lol.lol

[@yojoeo9067]

🎯

[@TheRgordon16]

Wow. Who would have known there would be a traitor among them.

[@MixtapeKilla2004]

Welcome Home an Introduction to Righteousness Paperback - June 21, 2015 by Nathanyel Ben Israel (Author)