Saturday’s MOVE Tour brings nationally-known gospel rap, pop, and R&B acts to Houston

Saturday’s MOVE Tour will bring nationally-known gospel rap, pop, and R&B acts to Houston. Names on the bill include Jessica Reedy (BET’s “Sunday Best”), The Ambassador, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Sean Simmonds, B.Reith, and emcee/producer/recording artist DJ MaL-Ski.

Like last year’s Misfit Tour, the event was organized by Xist Music and UpLift! Group. Compassion International ministry and Houston’s G.O.A.T. Radio are also listed as sponsors who helped bring the concert to our city.

In a recent interview with DJ Wade-O, The Ambassador discussed the “MOVE” theme and said “Because God is always moving, we should be too. Some people need to ‘move’ out the way, some need to ‘move’ forward because they’re standing still, and others need to ‘move’ back because they’re off track.”

On July 17, the event released its official theme song. “MOVE (Chasing You)” features all tour members in a hip hop-style “cypha” and will be performed each night of the tour.

The MOVE Tour will take place at Christian Life Church, 6650 Rankin Rd. Houston, TX 77393 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Tickets can be purchased online at http://tickets.movetour.com/houston-tx.

Lecrae responds to the “Christian rapper” vs. “Rapper who is a Christian” debate (kind of)

The “I’m-a-proud-Christian-rapper” versus the “I’d-prefer-you-just-say-I’m-a-rapper-who-is-a-Christian” debate is not a new one. However, it has been revived recently after two of the movement’s top selling artists have apparently switched strategies (at least when posed the question by secular hip hop media outlets.)

To recap:

• Trip Lee, whose album The Good Life debuted at #2 on the overall iTunes sales charts on April 10, recently told XXL magazine that “I’m a Christian within hip-hop culture, and I think you’re going to be able to see that in my music.”

In a separate interview with HipHopDx.com he seemed to connote a similar preference for the “rapper who is a Christian” label:

“I think, you know, some people think of Christian Hip Hop as its own genre. Some people don’t. You know, I think it could go either way. If you want to think of it as a genre, that’s fine. Or if you want to think of it as there’s some people within Hip Hop who are Christians, who are intentionally communicating from a Christian worldview, that’s how I would probably describe myself.”

• On April 27, without directly criticizing or downplaying the choices Trip, Lecrae, and many others have made regarding this issue, DJ Wade-O took to his podcast and e-mail newsletter to explain five reason why he prefers to call himself a “Christian DJ.” [Full disclosure: I write and record a weekly Holy Hip Hop News Blast segment for the show.]

• On May 14, gospel hip hop heavyweight Da’ T.R.U.T.H. used his Facebook page to explain his reasons for also keeping the “Christian artist” title.

• Then, days after Lecrae dropped his free Church Clothes mixtape on May 10 (which, at the time of this post, has been downloaded over 180,000 times) used similar wording when asked about his preferred title when he spoke to HardKnock.tv.

 

This afternoon, May 21, Lecrae posted a blog on the Reach Records (the label he co-owns and records for) to clear the air (somewhat.)  

There were always Christians doing hip hop but the music was usually inaccessible or unpopular. I would listen to the radio and wonder where was the Christians perspective being heard in Hip Hop culture? Not the radio. "Contemporary Christian music" had developed, "Gospel" had its lane but where was hip-hop that articulated faith in Jesus? Hard to find.  

Interestingly enough those genres are the only one's categorized based off the content and not the style of music. Though it gives people identifying marks for their music it can also in many ways limit their reach. Many people take these titles to mean this is for an exclusively Christian audience. If indeed the true Gospel is what transforms people outside the faith why should the term Gospel seem exclusively for those in the faith? Of course that's not the intention, it's just a reality that any missionary should consider.  

As far as hip hop done well by Christians, there were always a few groups & artists each year that helped ease my woes but I was not at all content. The general market was flooded with Hip Hop artists but I rarely heard anything that embodied a worldview that God would endorse.  

Trying to be a part of the solution, I took to the studio and recorded an Album. It captured my southern roots, love for lyricism, and I tried to make it as current in production as I could. (I produced most of it.) The result was a tool for my fellas at the half way house and other areas with similar struggles.  

That project opened doors for me to travel a bit, mostly prisons, churches, and inner city outreaches, and perform my songs. I found that I had a gift for catalyzing people toward truth and creating anthems for Christians to live sacrificially and unashamedly for their faith.  

Personally I couldn’t simply talk about change I had to be apart of it so I spent my life living in the inner city, doing foreign missions, and serving in the local church. All was ammunition for my Rebel album. My life bled out in that project and the result was God showing tremendous fruit and people's lives being transformed by His power.  

One problem I faced was that in my hood, only the kids in after school programs and the Christians were feeling it. Sure some were rejecting the Gospel but others didn't give it a spin at all due to the labels placed on it.

My take? 

Be led by the Holy Spirit and use your words and labels strategically. Also know that regardless of your preference, some people will label you and your music however they best see fit.

INTERVIEW: Da' T.R.U.T.H. talks about being a MISFIT/outcast

A few weeks ago when Da' T.R.U.T.H. was in town I got to sit down with him and talk about few topics including:

• The MISFIT Tour
• If Xist Music is the record label for outcasts, and
• Whether or not telling his story puts more focus on himself than Christ Jesus

Here's the clip:

Houston Christian hip hop group competing for an opening act slot at Friday's MISFIT Tour with Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H.

Second: Wretch, HillaryJane, and Archie

On Friday, October 7 the MISFIT Tour will roll into Houston. Alongside performances and messages from Christian rappers Ambassador, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Sean Simmons, Mali Music, Rhema Soul and pastor/author Chris Durso, there will be a MISFIT Search contest that will allow local groups to compete for an opening slot with the rest of the acts.

Houston rap group Second is one of the MISFIT Search finalists so I recently caught with group member Carlos “Wretch” Rebollar to get some more details.

Sketch: Tell me a little bit about your group. How long have you guys been together, how did you meet, and what sort of projects are/have you worked on as a collective?

Wretch: Second has been together officially as a group for about eight months although we've been doing music together for about two and half years now.

Archie and HillaryJane have known each other for several years since they have been a part of the same youth ministry for a long time. Archie is currently one of the youth pastors there and HillaryJane is a graduate of their Generation School of Ministries Internship Program. I came to know them because I would visit their young adult services and started to get to know some people in their ministry as well as the pastor. I eventually became friends with this pastor who went on to plant Sojourn Community Church, which is the church I am currently at and have had the privilege to be a part of since its original core team phase.

When Archie started working on his first mixtape, a mutual friend told him he should contact me and get me on a track and here we are now.

Archie has put out two mixtapes, an album demo and a full length album--all on which HillaryJane and I were consistently featured on.

We are currently working on our first project as a group titled "First and Foremost -- The Mixtape Vol. 1" which will drop December 2.

Sketch: Your group has entered the MISFIT Search contest. What made you guys decide to get involved in this event?

Wretch: We thought it'd be a fun thing to do. Plus, we thought it may help us gain exposure since we are a fairly new hip hop group. We also love the fact that the MISFITs seek to create great art that glorifies God.

Sketch: What sort of connection do you have to the music of the MISFIT Tour's headliners - Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H.?

Wretch: We can say their music has been an inspiration to us back from their Cross Movement days up until now with Xist Music. Everything from the standard of quality to the God-glorifying lyrics they seek to put out.

Sketch: Both of those guys had were seemingly at the top of their music ministry careers a few years ago when admitted acts of marital infidelity caused them to step away for a period of repentance and restoration. How did/have their stories impacted you personally and as fellow Christian hip hop artists?

Wretch: We can say that as fellow believers, we've been reminded of God's restoring work in the life of His children, and that's a beautiful thing.

As fellow Christian hip hop artists, we've know that talent does not equate to godliness. We've been reminded that even those who seem to be unshakable can be shaken and brought to the ground, and this has caused us to strive even more to be dependent upon God and ask Him to continue keeping us humble in everything we do.

As 1st Cor. 10:12 says: "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." We praise God for the restoring work He's done in Ambassador and Da' T.R.U.T.H.. God is gracious!

Sketch: Aside from a MISFIT Search win and exposure for your group, what are most looking forward to at Friday night's event?

Wretch: We're looking forward to a great show from every performer! Considering the fact that we are a group made up of two guys and a girl, we're very interested and excited to see Rhema Soul in concert for the very first time as well!

Details on the MISFIT Tour’s Houston stop can be seen in the video commercial below:

2011 Stellar Awards / The Ambassador & Da' T.R.U.T.H. sign to new record label

This past weekend the 2011 Stellar Awards were held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nominees in the Rap Hip Hop Gospel category included DJ Official’s Entermission, Trip Lee’s Between Two Worlds, Sho Baraka’s Lions and Liars, and Everyday Process’ Outtadisworld with the young buck Trip Lee taking top honors. Congrats to him and all of the nominees.

The other big news coming out of the weekend was the surprise report from Rapzilla.com that both Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. signed new record deals with the relatively unknown Xist Music, a division of the Xist Worldwide inspirational entertainment company founded by Terverius Black and Sean Simmonds.

Xist is also the company behind the upcoming STAND movie featuring Sean Simmonds, JR, and P-Dub. That flick’s trailer is now available online.

Top 10 Christian Hip Hop Stories of 2010

Y’all know how we do. The end of the year equals countdown lists and I’m teeing up the Top 10 Christian Hip Hop Stories of 2010.

Let’s go!

10. Richie “s/ave” Douglas passes

This one is deeply personal but also carries great significance for the entire faith-based genre. We entered 2010 by losing one of the greats – Richie “s/ave” Douglas. He was the man who founded DaSouth.com, was the original Christian hip hop journalist, and my dear friend.

s/ave was only 36 years old and died in his sleep as a result of an epileptic seizure. He was, and still is, sorely missed.

9. Oklahoma on the rise for Christian hip hop

As you know, I’m a Texan and we tend to have just a little bit of state pride, okay, who am I kidding? A LOT of state pride.

Still, I gotta keep it real and tip my hat to our northern border neighbors in Oklahoma. They’ve got guys like Dre’ Murray, Fedel, Kadence, Cam, and Sean C. Johnson going hard body lately.

All these cats seem to really be putting a professional shine on their art and represent well. They’ve also got the collective force of an organization like Positive Hip Hop.tv pushing them to the forefront and are hosting events like the Oklahoma Hip Hop Hope Unity Conference.

Is O-K the new Christian hip hop hot spot?

8. The Houston Chronicle covers Christian hip hop on the regular

This June, after several months of relationship building, I was invited to become a regular blogger for the Houston Chronicle’s Belief subsite. I retain full editorial control over what I cover and average about two or three posts a week about news and events in our genre.

Several of those stories get featured on the front page of the Chronicle’s main website and a handful have even made it into their weekly print edition. Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city, but only a one newspaper town. All that means is that this opportunity is definitely bringing some much needed exposure to what God is doing through hip hop as a whole and in my city in particular.

7. Rawsrvnt attempts “The Ultimate Merger”

A Donald Trump-produced reality dating show with previous Apprentice villain Omarosa as its focus doesn't seem like a place where you'd find a Christian rapper as a contestant.

Then again, it's probably the exact reason one was added to the cast. We're talking about it here, aren't we?

Yep, Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol was one of 12 eligible bachelors looking to win Omarosa’s heart on “The Ultimate Merger.”

The story goes that Trump’s people hit up Rapzilla.com looking for candidates and the Florida-based worship-hop artist was nominated.

Raw told me his goal in going on the show was to demonstrate what the walk of a true man of God looks like and to show how he treats and relates to women.

He only lasted three episodes, but anyone who saw the show can’t deny that Raw accomplished his task.

6. RedCloud torches Christian hip hop

"Evandalism," RedCloud’s firebomb diss track, hit YouTube on Good Friday. In it, he vented about his break up with his former label and his disappointment with many of the spiritual leaders within whom he had placed some trust.

What was obvious in this track was that he was hurting. The lyrics were laid over Diddy’s “Angels” beat and the original hook lines of “love don’t live here no more” and “I need someone to trust” that bled through were haunting. Cloud also screamed out “Lord, deliver me from your followers” and “Somebody feel my pain!”

His pain was indeed felt. And thankfully, after several individuals reached out to him, Cloud removed the clip from the net the next day. Still, the damage was done.

We’re still praying for you Cloud.

5. Braille’s Weapon Aid provides catharsis

Braille had spoken publicly about his father’s death, his painful divorce, moving from state to state, and caring for his young daughter. Add in the demise of his Hip Hop is Music company and the public diss from a former labelmate (see RedCloud's outburst above) and you’ve got a justifiable recipe for depression. Still, his lyrics on Weapon Aid convey an air of ultimate trust and rescue through Christ the King.

They process the concerns of a “Blessed Man,” admit periods of doubt, darkness, and defeat, but never lash out. Instead, Braille seems to seize the opportunity for self-examination.

On record, betrayal never leads to bitterness. This is the route we wish RedCloud would have taken.

Weapon Aid was heart-sleeve hip hop in the emotional vein of Kanye’s 808’s & Heartbreak. I’m guessing that five to ten years from now we’ll look back on this dark period in Christian hip hop and say that this album was a healing catharsis for us all.

4. Bizzle goes at Jay-Z

Admit it, you weren’t aware of Bizzle before his “Explaining To Do” track directed at Jay-Z became a hip hop gossip site staple. Heck, dude lived in my own city and I didn’t even know his name before this.

What some saw as a mere publicity stunt was really just the passionate outcry from a relatively new believer. He saw the game’s top dog dissing his Savior and felt the need to vocalize his frustrations with some righteous anger.

What was great about it all was that it got a conversation started and shed light in a traditionally dark area. And if you still have doubts about Bizzle’s motives, I urge you to download his Messenger and Best of Both Worlds mixtapes and witness his expanded topical focus.

3. Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. break their silence

If 2009 was the year of shame then 2010 was the year of restoration. After publicly admitting failures in their marriage in unrelated incidents, both Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. eventually broke their silence after a period of retreat.

Ambassador opened up via a video blog, proclaimed reconciliation with his wife, and later led a weekly Bible study on DaSouth.com. Shortly after, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. renewed his wedding vows on his 8th anniversary. DJ Wade-O brought us audio from that ceremony and later sat down with the artist and his wife to share their testimony.

By all appearances, we might even see both guys return to the booth for full albums that will no doubt be dripping with stories of grace.

2. Flavor Fest celebrates 10 years and a new building

The weekend of 10/10/10 in Tampa, Florida ushered in a celebration of two great things. First, it was the 10 year anniversary of Flavor Fest – an event designed to encourage, empower, and equip churches, ministry workers, and artists to better communicate the Gospel through hip hop.

Secondly, it was the grand opening of the new building and campus for Crossover Church – largely recognized as the leading and most vibrant all-out hip hop congregation.

Although I had visited Crossover before, this was my first ever Flavor Fest. I was definitely impressed. If you consider yourself a member of the Christian hip hop community you owe it to yourself to make a trip to Tampa and witness firsthand how God is using that church and that event to make Him famous.

Congrats Urban D and the Crossover Community. We love and celebrate this milestone with you.

1. Reach Records' Unashamed Tour raises the bar for CHH events

With nearly 30 shows and 25 plus cities, the crew from Reach Records raised the bar for a traveling Christian hip hop concert. Aided by the record-setting sales success of Lecrae's Rehab album and the momentum of a handful of other releases from their flagship artists, the Unashamed Tour brought out the masses.

Attendance reports started in the 1,000 person range (as it was in Houston) and continued to grow as the tour went on. Three thousand, 3,500, then close to 5,000.

The stage was set with Reach-provided screens and lights. There were pre-song and artist transitions videos and choreographed moments that perfectly meshed with the DJ Official and a live drummer's accents. But most importantly, the message of the Gospel was expressed and reinforced throughout the event.

When I interviewed the Reach Records team at Flavor Fest, Lecrae told me that he envisioned the Unashamed Tour as a hip-hop like Passion Conference, designed to introduce people to Jesus and lead those who already follow him in worship through hip hop. What a beautiful and well-executed vision.

*************************************************

For more of my thoughts on the year in Christian hip hop (including my nominees for the best newcomer, video, interview, album, artist, and moment) check out my conversation with DJ Wade-O on Episodes 189 and 190 of the The Wade-O Radio Show.

Stream or download them for free right here.

Da' T.R.U.T.H. breaks his silence / offers additional details on vow renewal & restoration

Earlier this week I shared with you some photos and details of Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s wedding vow renewal ceremony with his wife Nicole that occured on their 8th wedding anniversary.

Friday morning, through his website (www.datruth.net), he also released an official statement / update on his restoration process.

Here is that text.

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Greetings Family of God & Friends,

I’m coming to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a brother, a friend and co-laborer in the gospel. I’d like to start by thanking you all for your love, prayers and support. For every one that has been wondering where I’ve been, I say with all sincerity that I have been at the foot of the cross, seeking the heart of God, reprioritizing, realigning myself with Him and reuniting with my wife, family and friends.

I have sought forgiveness from my wife Nicole Lambert for breaking my vows and the covenant that I made before God, abdicating my responsibility as the priest of my home and forsaking my responsibility as a husband and a father.

I owe more than an apology to my two daughters Carlise Jackson and Summer Lambert. I would never want a man to do to them what I did to their mother. In this area I have been an example of what not to be. I am saddened and deeply shamed by my actions.

To my personal ministry team, I realize that my actions have compromised the integrity of our mission and call but I am so grateful that you have forgiven me and I am looking forward to how the Lord is rebuilding us as a community and will use that to minister healing to His people and the world at large.

I also want to apologize to every pastor that welcomed me into their pulpit, every youth conference that I’ve participated in, every attendee at every rally and/or concert, to every young person that looked up to me, to every parent that told their child to listen to what I say, to every one of my colleagues that represent in the ministry with integrity.

To say I’m sorry is insufficient and inadequate. When you let down your God, your family and the kingdom more has to be said:

For the that last 6 months I’ve said nothing because I needed time to hear from God, my spiritual advisors and those that are closest to me. During that time, my wife and I have been submitted to a Christian marriage counseling team who have led our restoration process through weekly sessions, along with support from other key individuals. Although we have come to completion of our official restoration plan, my wife and I will remain tightly connected to our counseling team.

I’m grateful unto God that even though I don’t deserve it the Lord has forgiven me. I’m overjoyed beyond words that my family is reconciled. God has shown me the power of forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration—indeed He does make all things new!

I cannot begin again, without now seeking your forgiveness as my kingdom family. My behavior was inexcusable, but with God’s grace and mercy I pray you find it forgivable. It is my sincere prayer that not another person would be ravaged by the sin that nearly destroyed my family at my own hands. The bible says we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Through the testimony of my deliverance, I pray that not another marriage is jeopardized, ministry leader compromised, and young person demoralized.

In the same way that Paul felt like the least of the Apostles because he persecuted the church of God, I feel like the least of my contemporaries because of my sin. However, much like Paul, I am what I am and am called to do what I do by the grace of God. After Peter failed, Jesus said to Him “once you have been converted turn and strengthen your brothers.”

Therefore, I am now eager to once again proclaim the excellencies of He who pulled me out of a season of darkness and translated me back into His marvelous light. My passion for preaching Jesus has been restored and I just want to glorify Him with my life and my lips. My testimony has changed and I wish to share it in sincerity and truth. I am a man on fire and I am coming to you with the belief that what God has placed in my wife and me will greatly impact this generation. It is my prayer that you will allow me back into your hearts, back into your pulpits and back before your young people again.

I am not the man I used to be. I have been broken by my sins, humbled by His grace and I am committed to the gospel that has forever changed my life.

Amazed by His grace,
Emanuel (Da’ T.R.U.T.H.) Lambert

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Additional details of the vow renewal ceremony were also provided by his representatives at The Uplift Group.

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June 17, 2010 New York, NY—Acclaimed Christian Hip Hop Artist Da’ T.R.U.T.H. renewed his wedding vows with beautiful wife Nicole Lambert earlier this week on Tuesday, June 15^th—their eighth wedding anniversary. This special event punctuated the completion of their official restoration plan—marking the page of a new beginning and giving testimony to the redeeming power of reconciliation. Additionally, today, he has released a public letter to his family and supporters on his website www.datruth.net.

The private ceremony, held in their backyard and attended by family and close friends, was officiated by Bishop Gilbert and Mrs. Debi Coleman—the marriage counseling team leading the Lambert’s restoration process. Also in attendance were Alvin Love & CeCe Winans (pictured in the insert), who have been walking intimately with the couple as supporting counselors and mentors. Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s long-time friend and spiritual father, William “The Ambassador” Branch and his wife Michelle, Maurette Brown Clark and DJ Wade-O—host of The Wade-O Radio show—were in attendance as well.

More than a celebration, this was truly a worship experience where Jesus was the only star. DJ Wade-O described it as “an out of this world experience.” He went on to say “Not including my own, I can't remember being that moved and touched at a wedding ceremony. The worship was incredible. Bishop Coleman was tremendous. And it’s obvious that Manny and Nicole have a lot of great people around them who will continue to support and love them as they enter this new chapter in their relationship.”

As the service came to close, the presence of God was so tangible that Da’ T.R.U.T.H. was moved to share the gospel and an exhortation to married couples. Through sobs of gratitude, he expressed that “sin was the reason for the breakdown between God and man. It was also the reason for the breakdown between man and man—and with his wife in this case—and Christ is the remedy for both.” The ceremony also included moving performances by friends and co-laborers CeCe Winans who sang “I Promise” and Maurette Brown Clark (pictured in the insert) who moved everyone with her powerful song “Sovereign God.”

The couple sat down with DJ Wade-O after the ceremony to share their powerful testimony of deliverance and restoration. That audio can be downloaded or streamed here.

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We in the Christian Hip Hop community rejoice with the Lambert family in this news and hope that you will join us in continued prayer for our brother in the faith.

6+ months after "moral indiscretion" announcement Da' T.R.U.T.H. renews wedding vows with his wife

More than six months after the shocking admission of a "moral indiscretion" in his personal life, Christian rapper Da' T.R.U.T.H. renewed his marriage vows to his wife Nicole yesterday in Philadelphia, PA. This was also the 8th anniversary of their union.

DJ Wade-O was invited to the ceremony and posted the following photos to his Twitter account. Wade tells me he'll also be interviewing Da' T.R.U.T.H. on his radio show soon.





Da' T.R.U.T.H. also has the photo seen at the top of this post as his Facebook profile image.

Much like his Cross Movement Records label-mate The Ambassador, Da' T.R.U.T.H. appears to be on the way to full restoration in his marriage and is possibly planning a comeback to public ministry.

2010 Dove Award nominees

It’s that time of year again, you know, when the Dove Awards are announced and people complain about the list of hip hop nominees.

Those honored with a nod for this year’s event include:

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year:

• KJ-52’s “Five Two Television”
• B.Reith’s “Now Is Not Forever”
• Grits’ “Reiterate”
• Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s “Big Picture”
• And Mr. Del’s “Thrilla”

Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year nominees include:

• “End of My Rope” by KJ-52
• “Go On” by B.Reith
• “Lost” by Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
• “Movin’” by Group 1 Crew
• And “America” by Tracy Edmond?

The 2010 awards will be handed out April 21, 2010, at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

Editorial: CHH Needs to Focus on Pastoral Care

My man Edward Shelton crafted this editorial for DaSouth.com that deals with some of the issues of this past year.

What are you thoughts?

Teaser:

One thing that 2009 taught us is that no rapper or label is untouchable. When you hear the names Tonex, Ambassador, and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. unfortunately the negative comes to mind before the positive. The issue these men have brought to the forefront is the fact that, overall, the current systems of accountability and, more importantly, pastoral care ministry may be poorly executed within their industry. With so much riding on not just the strength of one’s music, but the character one presents, pastoral care for the artist is essential.

Click here to read it in full.

Cross Movement Records gets Grammy nods

Congrats to Cross Movement Records for scoring two Grammy nominations. On Wednesday, December 2 it was announced that both Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s Big Picture and Tonic’s The Dash were listed among five choices for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday Jan. 31, 2010, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on CBS from 8 p.m Eastern.

Da' T.R.U.T.H. confesses "moral indiscretion"

As you may have heard, on Tuesday, November 2 gospel rapper Da’ T.R.U.T.H. announced that “in light of a moral indiscretion in my personal life, I will be taking a sabbatical from music ministry and teaching upon fulfilling my current commitments to work closely with my pastor, church, and restoration team.”

The full letter of apology can be found at datruth.net.

Fam, I am truly saddened by this news and angered by the attacks Satan continues to make upon the witness and family lives of our Christian hip hop brothers.

Here again, I urge you to bathe this situation in prayer the same way we recently did and have been doing for guys like Ambassador and RedCloud. Please pray for all of the parties involved and for full spiritual restoration.

Certainly it’s disappointing, but let us remember that these MCs are simply fallen men like you and me. And as my man Enock forewarned, as ministers of the gospel and entertainers they face extra-ordinary circumstances and lifestyles that surely make certain sinful situations all the more tempting.

Guard your hearts brothers and sisters – guard your hearts. And remember we don’t worship the created man but the one who has the power to Create and redeem him.

Grace and peace.

Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s "The Big Picture" #1

Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s The Big Picture album dropped Tuesday and immediately hit the #1 spot on iTunes Christian & Gospel Chart. I checked a few hours ago (three days later) and it's still holding it down at the top.

Congrats to Da' T.R.U.T.H. for a successful launch despite much marketing effort by his label.

What's with all the hand signs?

I've noticed a trend in Christian hip hop promo images lately. Apparently we all need more focus.


Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s next album cover


KJ-52 promo image

Also used for Tha Message Mag with my cover story on Tweezy


116 Clique's Thi'sl promo image

As seen in the enhanced mp3 version of The Wade-O Radio Show with Thi'sl's interview

BET's 106 & Park Presents: Generation Gospel

This should be interesting. Set your DVR's to record the debut of BET's 106 & Park spin-off called "Generation Gospel."

It airs this Sunday, January 12 at noon ET/PT.

This can be either really good for Christian hip hop or really bad. Let's pray it's the former.

iROCC is supposed to be their rap correspondent and the first show appears to have Mary Mary, Kirk, and Da' T.R.U.T.H. rocking their collab joint. Wonder if the David Banner feature came up at all backstage?

Also, if you're in the south Houston area this Saturday, be sure to hit up my man Truvine's release party for his "Chopped Up" compilation with DJ Primo.

Note to Da' T.R.U.T.H. - I'm real

DJ Wade-O told me about this a few weeks ago and the interview just hit iTunes this week, but apparently during his set with Da' T.R.U.T.H., my man started off by saying "This is a question from Sketch..."

There was a stumble and then Da' T.R.U.T.H. asked if "Sketch" was just a character/persona that Wade played on his show.

Funny stuff.

I'm real T - I promise. :)

We met backstage when you were in town over a year ago. I wrote it up here on my blog and took a quick flick with you. (In your defense, you probably get asked to meet and take pics with 1,000's of cats.)

Anyway, I just thought it was humorous and Wade and I have speculated that maybe even my cartoon-ish avatar threw you off.

As you know, Wade-O's show is top notch and his conversation with Da' T.R.U.T.H. is no different.

Download the enhanced digital version of this show here and subscribe via iTunes if you can.

And T.R.U.T.H., next time you're in town let me buy you a milkshake or something and prove I'm not a ghost.

Da' T.R.U.T.H. on MTV's Super Sweet 16

I think I threw up in my mouth a little. Then again, most of that stuff on MTV makes me do that these days.

They clown T.R.U.T.H. because nobody knows him, but some kids give him props at the end. Otherwise - ugh!

Watch for yourself:
(To catch Da' T.R.U.T.H. fast forward to just about 1 minute left in the clip.)

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And post-party comments from her pastor/dad:

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Full episode: Click here.

For a little more background, check out this story from the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper that appeared before the taping.

Read the article here.

It says the planned budget for the event was $10,000 (which it says is what most SS16 girls play for their dresses alone) and that Da' T.R.U.T.H. waived his normal fee for the appearance.

Recap: Da' T.R.U.T.H. / Youth Yahoo (7/27/07)

Da' T.R.U.T.H. rolled into town with Deitrick Haddon for the CRM Youth Yahoo event a few weeks ago. It was a rainy night on Houston Community College's main campus and there were a good 500 folks inside the main auditorium to hear the Word presented in both sermon and song form.

A.B.F.'s Sypreme did his best Kirk Franklin impression with the choir.


Havikoro b-boy / Much Luvv recording artist / CRM youth pastor ColCutz introduced each minister and even did a track from his "Artistically Speaking" album.



CY's Circus World Event Tour made a stop and once again, stole the show





Mime time



Switch it up in all black



After CY's set the Youth Yahoo Ensemble hit the stage again. Heavy drums and traditional call-and-response worship songs got the crowd (even some older ladies) out of their seats dancing and clapping. One song proclaimed God's goodness for about 15 minutes straight.

Next up Cutz introduced Da' T.R.U.T.H. from the Cross Movement camp. For those that don't know, Truth's "Open Book" album hit #2 on the Billboard Gospel chart its first week out. That's a phenomenal achievement and should send a signal that this is a viable and marketable form of Good News music.





Not sure if you can tell by the photos, but Da' T.R.U.T.H. hit the stage BIG time. A funny visual that struck me was the size of both his Bible and his boots. It was a coffee-table style "sWord" and the Timbos nearly met the top of his oversized denim shorts. A nice East Coast throwback.

After the intro, Da' T.R.U.T.H. did his "Who Am I" song (minus Tye Tribbet) that got the crowd rockin' and saw him doing a little struttin' during the song's funky breakdown ending.



Unfortunately that was the only music he would do that night. Instead, he dove right into the Scriptures and exhorted the audience to persevere in their Christian faith. He pulled elements from 2 Timothy 2 and the party parable from Luke 14.

A fantastic note he made about the story was an answer to the question I've always had about why the host was upset with the guests who declined his invitation for seemingly valid reasons.

DT said that that fact that the host sent out his servant to find them indicates that these were people who had already RSVP'd and made a commitment to come to the feast. When they blew it off it hurt and offended the host.

Obviously, the analogy extends to those of us that have committed to Christ yet slack off on our walk for seemingly valid reasons when we really should be faithful.



During his teaching, Da' T.R.U.T.H. tended to stand on the edge of the stage. Because of the lighting setup, it kept him in the shadows most of the time and his face was a bit concealed.

Given that he only performed one song and went straight to preaching it struck me that this habit of remaining hidden might be a conscious choice - as if he were declaring with his body language that he is willing to deny his own fame and "celebrity" status in deference to The Message. Even though it didn't make for a good "show," I have to admire the selflessness whether it was intentional or not.



D Haddon hit the stage next but I had to bounce and missed most of his stage time. I'm told by ColCutz that it was a great night though and many kids gave turned their lives over to Christ at the end of the event. Let's keep them in prayer as CRM and other churches begin the process of making these converts into true disciples.