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GRAMMATICAL REVOLUTION... (1999)
From 1995 to 1999, the industry watched the hip-hop duo Grits grow from fresh newcomers (Mental Releases) to underground innovators (Factors of the Seven) to commercially known with their third release, Grammatical Revolution. With each album, the group showed progress, always staying true to developing their sound regardless of their industry position. Grammatical Revolution proved to many that Grits deserved the attention they were getting. This record was another step ahead, revealing the hearts of the group and their passion for ministry.Coffee (Stacey Jones) and Bonafide (Teron Carter) are emcees that possess valuable messages. It is evident very early in the album that a lot of effort went into the writing for each song. The crew wastes no time kicking it off with "Ima Showem." Stating that labels (secular or Christian) do not define talent, Cof and Bone state the claim that they can compete with the "best" rappers in either industry. This track is followed up with the smash hit "They All Fall Down." Now they get personal, seeing danger ahead for all those successful people who think that they're on top. The catchy chorus presents the label, "To the naked untrained eye / who can't see time fly by / revolving on a carousel / living life like a modern day fairy-tale / slow mo / urgent message gets a no go / what for / can't nobody tell you / everything is lovey-dovey 'til your plans fall through / they all fall down." The Latin flavoured guitar and the thumping bass make this song the best on the album.
"Strugglin'" features Enormous and Gotee's Knowdaverbs. Here, producer Ric Robbins builds on his reputation as an innovative beatmaker. Once again, the acoustic guitar is used, but his off-time beats marvel us because they still have a head nodding effect. Bonafide lays down a serious verse describing his sympathy for teenagers who suffer from hurt early in life. He also goes the extra mile laying down his heart on tracks like "Time is Passing" and "It Takes Love." It is incredible to see the personal growth of this emcee put on display so bravely for the public. Carter gets vulnerable with his fears on "Man's Soul:" "The more I meditate I hesitate to even show face / The more I hesitate, I contemplate my life is a waste / My spirit levitates to take a glance at truth of his grace / While my flesh emulates every act of disgrace." Bone gets deeper and deeper with every album, a testament to his growth and God's work in his life.
Coffee also demonstrates his growth as an emcee. In this tag team, Stacey Jones is the funnyman. Coffee comes up with many humourous lines throughout Grammatical Revolution, demonstrating his ability to get the crowd hype. "They All Fall Down," "Soundcheck," "Supreme Being" and "Stop Bitin'" are the highlights of Coffee's work. The duo is a true example of partnership. They do not work to outshine each other, instead they team up incredibly song after song putting lyrics ahead of ego to minister to the listener.
That goal is truly accomplished on this record. God is represented as the true head of the crew in "Supreme Being," broken families are tenderly addressed in "It Takes Love," (featuring Out of Eden) and the second coming of Christ is described hip-hop style in "The End" (featuring Jennifer Knapp). However, Grits does not forget the party joints like "C2K" and "Soundcheck." These songs make Grammatical Revolution well rounded. That also is an accurate description of this crew. These guys consistently improve with each release. Watch out for the next one.
- Jon Corbin
August 2002
August 2002
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