A very unique classic
I was first introduced to Mars Ill back at Cornerstone, barely weeks after they had created this debut album. I had a chance to watch them live before buying this album, so I was pretty biased beforehand =]

Manchild's delivery is very white, very unique, and makes you bob your head in spite of yourself. Their style is along the lines of what you would find at small underground Gospel rap shows (Sev Statik, Fros'T, et. al), but I put these guys slightly ahead of most of that group.

A milestone in christian hip-hop
Manchild and Dust created what is still their greatest album in this highly entertaining debut. With more of a Gangstarr-like sound, Mars ILL really delivered a true banger on this one. Dust does well on the turntables while Manchild blesses the mic with top-notch lyricism [And is some of the best lyrics ever heard in christian rap history]. It's a wonder these guys never landed on the source's off the radar column! Manchild has an amazing range of depth and substance to his lyrics and he lets you know Jesus is the way without resorting to shoving it down your face on every single song. This is what hip-hop is supposed to be, Tight beats and tight rhymes. Manchild also raps with Deepspace5 [The members of that group appear here as well throughout]. The best songs are ''Try Again'', ''Monotone'', ''Love Is'', ''The Sphere Of Hip-Hop'' [Both versions], and ''Black Market''. While the duo isn't as biblically sound as say a Cross Movement or a Sean Slaughter, Mars ILL really shows the hip-hop world that tight rhymes and beats don't discriminate against God's people. This is an underground masterpiece. If you like Gangstarr, You should have no problems getting into Mars ILL, Unless you're turned off by the fact that they're christians. You should also enjoy the deep underground East Coast style their music contains. Mars ILL so far have not been able to make an album that was as good as this one. Hope the review helped. Be blessed.

the real deal
everything that has every come from Mars Ill has been amazing, including this first, nationally distributed album. These guys are true heroes of the underground scene, too, unlike these mega stars who have to have gimmicky stories and actions to build up some false credentials.
I can't say enough about this band and this album, the music speaks for itself. Check it out. My personal favorite on this album is Sphere of Hip Hop.

Hard to deny . . .
Long before there was an Eminem, or however you spell his name, Mars Ill was droppin the word of God through the vehicle of Holy Hip Hop and helping us to experience the goodness of God through His creation. Thankfully, the Christian community is blessed to have a diversity of unique Caucasian artists who have made us all proud like KJ-52, John Reuben and Toby Mac. But, the gentlemen from Atlanta are doing us all a favor through the music they make and the lives they lead.

I am an African-American who started listening to rap music with the Sugar Hill Gang in Jr. High school. Upon my conversion, I was fortunate to grow spiritually from the music/ministry of groups like SFC, the Dynamic Twins, LPG, Future Shock and Grits. The fact is, God is first of all faithful, and he moves through vessels who are "willing,"and this group is yielded to Him. If you will give this album an honest listen, you will find it to be one of the most complete albums you will ever hear, top to bottom.

AWESOME
Best Christian Rap OR Secular Rap CD out in the market....a definite MUST BUY!!