Toby Mac
Momentum
Forefront Records
2001

When Toby McKeehan (Mac) says "Comin' at ya like a whirlwind," it isn't just hype. Momentum is intense. It moves quickly, evolves quickly, and is likely to keep almost any listener engaged.

Momentum is McKeehan's much-anticipated solo effort, and the third such effort from a dc Talk member. McKeehan's music would most likely be categorized as hip-hop, but shouldn't be restricted to that box. There's a huge dose of hip-hop in nearly every track, but there are so many other ingredients that saying Momentum is hip-hop music is like saying pepperoni pizza is just bread.

The album starts off with an over-driven mosh pit masterpiece called 'Get The Party Started.' The song does an excellent job of kicking off the energetic feeling the album carries throughout. Just before your neck gets sore from headbanging, the second track begins.

Older or more seasoned listeners will have a strong case of deja-vu from 'What's Goin' Down.' Yes, that's a direct sample of Buffalo Springfield's 'For What It's Worth,' the famous Vietnam War protest song. Many people would recognize the song by its chorus: "Stop, hey, what's that sound / Everybody look what's goin' down." It doesn't take McKeehan long to bring in the hard rock guitars and looped hip-hop beats, but the chorus remains intact. Only this time rather than protesting a war, McKeehan is protesting racism, an issue his fans would likely identify as his most-visited topic.

The third track begins with a beautiful Spanish guitar, and continues by weaving in elements of reggae, jazz, and hip-hop. This song is pure genius, and became my first personal favorite on the album. The dark harmonies and rhythmic backbeat organ slip into your head quickly, and won't leave until... the next track.

I won't even bother to describe 'Toby's Mac' except to say that I laughed out loud for several minutes, then emailed all my friends (on my own Mac no less) and insisted that they go to McKeehan's website to check this track out. You'll see.

'J-Train' is the album's first radio single, and this track absolutely bounces. Kirk Franklin and McKeehan have finally teamed up to create a gospel/hip-hop song with a wonderfully catchy fuzzy bass line and an incredibly singable chorus, and it's a delight. You'll probably find yourself responding to McKeehan and Franklin's prompting from your living room as though you were at a live concert. McKeehan's rap stylings are unique on this track, seemingly combining his typical style with an approach reminiscent of Dr. Teeth from the Electric Mayhem.

I can't give a track by track analysis of Momentum, but so far I've mentioned the first five tracks, and let me assure you the quality continues. Overall I would highly recommend Momentum to any fan of McKeehan, most fans of dc Talk (especially those who enjoy the "old school" style), and certainly any fan of hard rock and hip-hop. But for any readers who aren't certain which group they might fit into, hop onto McKeehan's website or head down to the local record store and give Momentum a spin before you buy it. (Josh L!)