The most successful of the dc Talk solo careers is undoubtedly Toby McKeehan's "tobyMac" solo efforts which have already spawned a full-length record, a Christmas EP, a DVD, and now a remix album all since the Fall of 2001. With a sophomore full-length on deck, a remix EP-turned-full-length project entitled Re:Mix Momentum streets to keep the fans satisfied while Toby perfects his next effort.
Re:Mix Momentum was approached from a unique angle as several artists remixed some of Toby's most memorable tracks without McKeehan even really having a hand in it. The result? A hit and miss collection of electronic-hyped new mixes. Re:Mix Momentum opens with Earthsuit's "Math Remix" of "J Train" which includes some familiar Suit vocals into the mix. Although the programming is slightly monotonous it doesn't get in the way even if Kirk Franklin's sometimes cheesey rhymes do.
The "Savage Remix" of "Yours" possesses a new electronic thump that the rapcore original didn't have. The new life breathed into an already excellent track is composed quite well. The retro sounds of "Somebody's Watching (Painter Remix)," mixed by Fleming & John's John Mark Painter, offers a feel that is quite reminiscent of the original Rockwell track that toby borrows from with his tune.
Some squeaky background vocals hinder an otherwise decent "Irene" remix, while the "Savage" "Tru Dog" remix is adorable and absolutely priceless. Easily the most solid track on Re:Mix Momentum is "Love Is In the House (NW Remix)" which offers a funky new take on the soulful hit, complete with new verses provided by McKeehan. There's no secret why this track can be found climbing the radio charts. The "Ghost Remix" of "Get This Part Started" is a fun and funky, less abrasive party tune that is another project highlight while the "Shoc" "Extreme Days" remix might miss the mark by just an inch. The Beatmart take on "Momentum" is a worthy re-invisioning and "Do You Know" is given a huger sound that elevates the track yet sometimes feeling as if it doesn't mesh as well as it should.
DJ Maj teams with the Linney Brothers to offer a thick and chunky rhythm on another "J Train" remix, surpassing the other mix by miles. The "Linney Remix" of "Yours" is dismissable compared to the earlier mix while "The Binary Twin Remix" redeems "Irene" with a unique and almost eerie redux of the original. Dan Muckala of the late Mukala closes the album with another "Love Is In the House" remix, presenting a stripped-down, drum party that makes for a pleasing remix but can't touch the earlier "NW Mix."
Re:Mix Momentum is a worthy appetizer to tide the fans over for the next helping of musical greatness from tobyMac, but it will only make listeners hungrier for something new. Bring on the next helping, toby! We're ready...
- Review date: 7/2/03, written by John DiBiase
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