4/5 I've been waiting a long time for this one!
  by Carl M. Coleman Jr. (Houston, Texas United States)
I've always been a big fan of The Tonic. He and the CM have mostly an east coast sound. He has a very unique style in a way that, sometimes, you have to listen to a song quite a few times to get down to what he's really trying to say, and there are a lot of these tracks that are at first difficult to decipher. But that's what is so good about The Tonic. Sometimes you have to go and get a dictionary to figure out what he's talking about.

The album is certainly well worth the price. There are some great beats here. The production value is very high as you can tell that each track has been fined tuned until its just right. The lyrics is where the album really shines. If you're the type that just likes to casually listen to music and not get into the lyrical content, then you may be a little disappointed. There aren't a whole lot of songs that sound amazing right off the bat (although there are a few). That is one of the few downsides. The genius of this album is when he uses very creative word-play and witty punchlines. I don't want to give any spoilers away, I'll just say listen closely and listen on some good speakers or headphones if you've got em. There are some real treats that unfortunately most may miss.

Some of my favorite tracks:

The Signature
Really Know Me
No Time
Probably Nothing
Da Body

Now to the real meat: I felt like I was constantly being provoked to go all out for Christ when I was listening to this album (which is the most important element). I love his uncompromising message. He often refers to pop culture to make a point, and gets his point across very well by doing so. This CD was encouraging. The message to never put God 2nd place is something we all need to hear again and again. And The Tonic does a fantastic job doing this.

Although I really loved this album, there is one thing that really bothered me about it. There is one interlude where he discuses President Obama, and he says that he has to be true to the social justice that Obama is in favor of. He then goes on to quote Fredrick Douglas in a speech that was given in the 1850's. I may be wrong in making this assumption, but it seemed like he was in favor of Socialism which is certainly not a biblical principle. I hope I'm wrong, and I'm just misunderstanding him. As a black man I'm really sad to see a lack of black Christian leaders standing up for justice and God's principles above all else. I was hoping The Tonic was going to be one of those leaders. I don't believe President Obama has anything to offer what Paul calls the 'spiritual' man in 1 Corinthians 3 and I hate to see the church divided on this issue.

5/5 Quality and Uniqueness
  by Carlos Rodriguez (San Diego, CA USA)
This album is a definite must have. The only thing I would have hoped is that Ambassador were in this, but he isn't. So let us dwell on the positive now. This is some real hip-hop and in all forms of it.
"Sin Universal" reminds me of those old school west coast beats. Then you have "Deliver Us" most unique track you can hear anywhere. "Prayers Ball" is just streight up chill. "The Greatest", now that track will hit the spot because it talks about the hard times people may be living through, but we must still look at Christ as the greatest. Reminds me of when hip hop talked about poverty and hadn't gotten into bragging about what one has yet. I am not into clubbanger beats and you don't reaaly find those here. If you love yourself some hip hop and you love yourself some Jesus this album is a must buy.

5/5 Worth the wait
  by eugene w. dingle (Browns Mills, New Jersey)
I think this album has been in the making for about 4 to 5 years it seems like, every year cm would say that the dash is about to drop but then postpone it, while another artist album drops. I am a BIG CM fan, because they bring both production, skill and most important the truth that is the WORD of GOD in rap format like no other. JOHN WELLS, I am very proud, excited and thankful for taking your time baking in the oven on this masterpiece for my listing and nourishment. I will be feasting on this for a while and I reckonmend you pull up a seat a dig in as WELL.

5/5 well
  by Jerry M. Simon Jr. (Muncie, IN United States)
This isn't the most anticipated cd to come out from the Cross Movmement, but people are looking forward to it. I hope he has stepped his game up like every other artist in the Cross Movement has. Either way, as long as he's sharing the gospel of Christ, that's what matters most.

5/5 I am......Still!!!!!!
  by J. Page (Huntington)
I need to revise this after I heard Prayers ball on the cm website I thought that this album is going to be str8. But man now that I heard I am.....Still! Man off the chain better than I am. If this is any indication of the album to come then man sign me up and send me this album.

OK it has finally dropped after 5 yrs from my first review and man it is what it is. Another Cross Movement Banga!!!!