RSS
Group 1 Crew made their debut on the WOW Hits 2007 project with their hit song “Can’t Go On”. Soon after that they released their first EP “I Have a Dream” in 2006. They released their self-titled debut full-length studio album, “Group 1 Crew”, in 2007 with their song “Love is a Beautiful Thing” charting into the Top 20 in R&R magazine’s Christian chart. Manwell Reyes, Blanca Reyes (no relation to Manwell) and Pablo is now ready to drop their second project “Ordinary Dreamers” on September 16th. Thanks to our good friend Andrea at Word Records we got a chance to catch up with Manwell about the new project, his worst day job before signing with Word and what mainstream female artist has had a big impact on his music.
ST.net: Where are you and what are you doing today?
Manwell: I’m in the studio in tampa florida working on a new record for a girl group i’m putting together.
ST.net: Right off the bat what’s the story of behind your band name?
Manwell: Group 1 Crew is founded on the principle of individuality and a universal calling. we are a group of individuals (or 1′s) who maintain unity cause of our vision of 1 dream in 1 God with 1 purpose.
ST.net: Congratulations on picking up the 2008 GMA Dove Award in 2008, for “Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year” for your self-titled album “Group 1 Crew”. We’re you surprised to walk away with the Dove?
Manwell: It was awesome! we didn’t expect it one bit! we sat for a minute after they called our name just wondering who won. when we found out it was us we walked up slow waiting for the security guards to tackle us.
ST.net: You’re new project “Ordinary Dreamers” will be in stores on Sept. 16th. What is the theme behind this new project?
Manwell: This project is simply a redirection of the focus of our dreams. on the first project it was important to stress the realization of our own dreams and their personification in our current lives. on this record, God gave us a new dream that was birth in the idea that our dreams truly are for other peoples dreams to come true. if group 1 sells millions of records and wins a bunch of awards but doesn’t inspire a single person to dream for themselves, then our music meant nothing! our dream is your dream!!! success is never fulfilling unless you have someone to share it with.
ST.net: Bottom line for a white boy (along with my wife and our daughters Isabella 9, Grace 7 & Victoria 1) from Northern California will I be able to shake my booty while praising the Lord?
Manwell: Heck ya!!! shake it all night long!!!!
ST.net: Speaking of my family you would be proud to know that outside of TobyMac you we’re second on the family list of must see acts that weekend. Our girls also made us stand in line to get your autograph and posters which are still hanging in their rooms. Thanks for making music that families can enjoy together. Do you see all ages at your shows?
Manwell: Its crazy but yes sir!! we have fans that are 6, and some that are 60. we have our label to thank for that. they taught us how to push ourselves to make music that everyone can enjoy, not just the rap crowd.
ST.net: What’s your favorite thing about playing music?
Manwell: That its our job. i’ve been grinding since 1994 so to finally be able to call this my ministry/job is amazing!
ST.net: What was your worst day job before you signed with Word?
Manwell: I didn’t really have a “worse” job. i mean before word i was running my own company doing anything and everything to make money to keep putting out music. i was a hair stylist, balloon artist, ran a studio, sold my own cds and clothes…all that jazz
ST.net: What one artist Christian or Mainstream has had the biggest impact on you?
Manwell: Man this is way to hard…i love love john mayer! but i wanna marry natasha beddingfield, so if she says yes, then johnnys gotta go!!!
ST.net: Since we’ve written about Natasha and her music well see if we can talk to her peeps and get you the hook up.
ST.net: What music are you listening to these days?
Manwell: Natasha, john meyer, one republic, moulin rouge soundtrack, michael buble to name a few
ST.net: If you could go to any other artists show, Christian or mainstream, who would it be and why?
Manwell: Music soulchild, or u2…i love musiq, but i’ve seen u2′s show on tv and it seems like a freakin wonderland. oh and justin timberlake…i love that guy!
ST.net: What’s the one thing you “Must Have” on the road?
Manwell: A gym!!!
ST.net: What’s the coolest or most interesting thing that’s happened to you on the road?
Manwell: I don’t know if “cool” things happen. i mean we spend most our time on an airplane so our definition of cool is being able to sit with each other in the exit row!
ST.net: Do you travel in a bus or van?
Manwell: Plane!
ST.net: Do you drink Coke or Pepsi?
Manwell: Neither..those are of the devil! i want to keep my abs!
ST.net: Are you a cat or dog person?
Manwell: Dog
ST.net: Today are you blessed or stressed?
Manwell: Blessed! This music is coming out dope!
ST.net: Lastly, what has God shown your in the last few weeks?
Manwell: Man, he’s been showing me the truth of the corners of my heart. its insane how he continues to give me light so i can look into my heart and determine whether or not i’m going to step up and change the things in my life that need to be changed..he’s a real daddy. he doesn’t want to do the work for me persay, but he wants to build my character to a point where my decisions are based on valuable life expericnces that actually produced wisdom and understanding. after this period..storms will come, but thank you jesus for teaching me how to make an umbrella.
ST.net: Thanks Manwell for taking the time to answer our questions. We look forward to hearing the new project “”Ordinary Dreamers” on the 16th and hey maybe even our mutual frined Andrea at Word will let us do a CD review of it? I’ll be checking the mail daily to see if Christmas is coming ealry to the ST.net headquarters.
