Published Saturday 9th December 2006
| TRUCE - The Refuge | 
| Buy this item at Cross Rhythms Direct |
Reviewed by David Bain T.R.U.C.E. - the youth evangelism offshoot of Nicky 'The Cross And The Switchblade' Cruz - are a mixed bag. The crew (too many to mention here) comprise of rappers, musicians, producers, soul singers and choir vocalists. The striking aspect to the album is how apt the title is to the Truce members. Their background stories are tough and difficult, adding strength to the running theme of finding a source of refuge in God. Birthed out of the Nicky Cruz Outreach in New York and surrounding areas, the intention of the album is certainly outward looking. Truce are developing-talents with their musical gifts, lending the album a generously eclectic feel, although there is a strong hip-hop element. Radio play of the gritty rap track "Let's Ride" on NY stations has helped lift the profile of the collective. The rest of the album treads a fine balance between hip-hop and gospel soul. It's not so much Gospel Gangstaz as more "old-school" Kirk Franklin. Some of the music does sound dated, but it's the lyrics and heart behind this project that push this album along. This is truly a real insight into a mission that is clearly changing lives.
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Nicky Cruz is a former gang leader from New York City whose life story was told in the book and movie, The Cross and the Switchblade, which starred Pat Boone and Erik Estrada, and in his multi-million bestseller, Run, Baby, Run.
Since the early 90s, Nicky has been gripped by a passion to train others in evangelism. Out of this passion the TRUCE (To Reach Urban Communities Everywhere) training center was birthed, training inner-city youth in aggressive outreach using the tools of urban music and the performing arts. Instead of retreating in fear in face of the urban, hip hop culture, they prefer to communicate to that culture in a language that it will understand. The music of TRUCE is decidedly urban with an East Coast feel. Smooth RnB vocals mixed in with gritty rap lyrics make for a catchy and infectious collection of high-energy tracks.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the lyrical delivery and musicality of these emcees, the one element that is not lost on this project is ministry. TRUCE reaches the street with a real message that glorifies Christ as the solution while being candid about the issues that are real to the streets.
The individual members of TRUCE come from all 5 boroughs of New York City and represent 8 different churches, 5 different denominations and 2 Christian Colleges. This dedicated group of artists has seen and experienced things that were meant to destroy them – drugs, alcohol, gang and domestic violence, parents committing suicide, sexual abuse. Yet, through the power of God, they have overcome and are now on a mission to reach others trapped in the same hopeless lifestyles.
TRUCE will be in London during July 2006 for a mission outreach with Nicky Cruz. |
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