Leading hip-hop/pop sensation, Group 1 Crew, release their fourth studio album, Fearless, on Fervent records today amid outstanding acclaim. The launch comes on the heels of their first No. 1 smash hit, the album’s lead track “He Said” (Featuring Chris August), which claimed the top spot on Billboard’s Christian CHR chart in May. With a No. 1 song under their belts, a top iTunes album debut, spots on the hottest tours and their new single “His Kind Of Love” which impacts radio on September 21, Group 1 Crew is only gaining momentum.
On Fearless, the duo showcase their ability to incorporate honest and heartfelt lyrics from their journey over the past few years with diverse musical styles ranging from hip-hop infused sounds to inspirational ballads. Group 1 Crew’s Blanca Reyes Callahan and Manwell Reyes created the album during a tumultuous period in their lives, emerging with a new-found strength after facing their challenges Fearlessly. When asked to comment on the sound and accessibility of their new album, Manwell remarked, “This is music a Christian can play in front of their unchurched friends and we can be a bridge in the conversation.” Blanca adds, “Even in the face of craziness or the hurricane of emotions going on in your life, you need to always remain Fearless. When God’s called you to something great, don’t ever be afraid to step out in faith and don’t ever give up.”
The duo will be interviewed Wednesday in Colorado for Focus on the Family’s “Plugged In” and “Boundless” podcasts. WestCoastFiya.com will feature Group 1 Crew on their “All Access” live video chat, Thursday, September 13, at 8:30 pm CDT. Blanca and Manwell will also stop by Lifeway’s Nashville offices Friday for a free outdoors concert at 12:30 p.m. hosted by Wally from WAY-FM’s “The Wally Show.”
Group 1 Crew has received a considerable amount of early praise on the album, including the highlights below:
“…the pop-infused hip-hop duo is downright Fearless with both its musical ambitions (think Katy Perry and Rihanna meets Drake or Wiz Khalifa) and vulnerable lyrics that ultimately point to hope in the midst of heartache.” – Gospel Music Channel
“[On] “He Said” featuring Chris August…the three singers blend perfectly and bring home the biblical truth…each of these songs is a potential radio hit …[the album] features a bold Gospel message [and] I expect several of these songs to also resonate with radio listeners…” – New Release Tuesday
“Fearless is sure to be given a Dove Award Nomination for next year’s Dove Awards, as I smile at how Blanca and Manwell have stretched themselves musically and lyrically, providing a conglomeration of musical genres- rap, pop, anthems and ballads! One of the standout albums in September, Fearless is my favorite album from Group 1 Crew! Well done guys for creating such as well-produced and highly poignant album!” – Indie Vision Music
In addition to the launch of Fearless, Group 1 Crew will also be hitting the road on three of the top CCM tours including: Britt Nicole’s “You’re Worth More Than Gold Tour” “Winter Jam” and TobyMac’s “HITS DEEP Tour.” Group 1 Crew has become one of the leading hip-hop focused acts in the Christian music scene, broadening the parameters of faith-based music with songs that percolate with energy and resonate with the truth of God’s grace. To date, the talented group has had four hit singles break into the Top 5 on Billboard’s Christian CHR chart, including, “He Said” (featuring Chris August), which went to No. 1. They have earned five Dove Awards; three for the Rap/Hip-Hop Album Of the Year Category and two for the Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song with “Movin'” and “Walking on the Stars.” They also received a 2012 Dove Award for Special Event Album of the Year, thanks to Blanca’s collaboration on The Story. Group 1 Crew made their national TV performance debut on “The Mo’Nique Show” and their music has been featured in a variety of popular television shows, including NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” FOX’s “The Simple Life,” Style Network’s “Kimora Lee Simmons: Life in the Fab Lane,” MTV’s “Run’s House,” and The CW’s “One Tree Hill.”
For more information on Group 1 Crew, please visit www.Group1Crew.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/group1crew
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/group1crew
YouTube: www.youtube.com/group1crew
About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records and Fervent Records.
