Ambassador & Cross Movement Part Ways (Sketch's Thoughts)

As many of you may already know, the gospel rap community was shocked this week to learn that Cross Movement Records and William “Duce” Branch, aka The Ambassador, had parted ways.

(You can read the official statement here.)

This split and the manner in which it was handled was both frustrating and deeply disappointing. To be honest, it’s been a challenge for many of us to know how to deal with the information in a way that adheres to Scriptural guidelines for such separations and yet refuses to feed our gossip-hungry flesh.

I find it sad too, that this issue would rear its head so close to the release of Duce’s last album, “The Chop Chop,” where the historically distant MC finally seemed to be opening up and more relatable by sharing specific details of his personal life and struggles in songs like “Checkin’ for My God.”

I think we can all agree that our top priority should be to pray for all of the individuals involved. Not that this relationship can be restored so we get more Ambassador albums, but that the man, William Branch and those around him are all in the center of our Lord’s perfect will.

In the words of my man Ricky B, God is NOT in the music business - he’s in the PEOPLE business.

Grace and peace.

S.O.M. "The Journey Revisited" review

My Houston patna’s Soldiers On a Mission just dropped their latest album “The Journey Revisited.”

For my thoughts on this quasi-rerelease visit DaSouth.com to read my critique.

HCR offers "The Breakout"

Holy Culture.net has just launched a special program called “The Breakout” to give independent artists even greater exposure on their site and various media outlets.

The process is simple. Each month artists submit tracks to be voted on by readers and HCR staff. Winners receive a full promo package, acknowledging you as the “Holy Culture Breakout winner” that includes: banner ads, interviews, reviews, and music leaks.

For more details, hit up “The Breakout” section at HolyCulture.net.

Christian Rap Pioneer Wins Jimmy Fallon Dance Contest?

Is the “Stanky Leg” too much for you? How about “The Jimmy Fallon Dip?”

If you’re looking for the country’s next hip hop dance craze it might just be this little ditty from gospel rap pioneer Alton Lee, of the group Disciples Of Christ, and his First Family.

The crew has been poppin’ and lockin’ for a while, and now Lee and his son are in the running for a dance contest for the former Saturday Night Live comedian’s late night talk fest.

“The Jimmy Fallon Dip” received air time on the show this week and the winning entry will be announced tonight, Tuesday May 26.

Here’s hoping we’ll see ?uestlove and the rest of The Roots house band getting their Kid-n-Play-on with helpful instruction from a Christian Rap trailblazer.

Watch Jimmy react to their clip below:

Tre9 on Much Luvv Radio

Tre9 @ Fellowship of The Woodlands by JT Patton

Much Luvv CEO Bobby "Tre9" Herring finally gets to be on his own label's radio show!

If you've ever wondered why he invites mainstream rappers to his All Eyes On Me Awards Show, why he calls himself a "hip hop missionary," or what he might have told Lecrae backstage at SXSW, then you owe it to yourself to hear it all straight from the dude's mouth.

Download your (free) mp3 of the show here.

RELATED: I was interviewed on the show (before Tre) here.

Rapzilla iPhone/iTouch App

Apple iPhone and iTouch users take note: Rapzilla.com has a FREE App you NEED on your mobile device.

Launched on April 28, the Rapzilla app is like having their website in your pocket. It’s got music leaks, news & reviews, a fan wall, and video library.

I’m really excited about this. It looks great, has quality content, and shows that gospel rap can embrace and utilize any new tech trend to improve its marketability.

Get your version from the iTunes app store today!

Sketch article: Tedashii in Tha Message Mag

The good folks at Tha Message Magazine have another fat issue out with my feature story about Tedashii on the cover.

Here's your teaser:

Once upon a time, Tedashii Anderson had an identity crisis.

Biologically, he was the product of an African-American mother and Samoan father. However, Pops was out of the picture for much of his life - leading Tedashii to associate himself with only half of his true heritage.

Order your copy by contacting Chad at either (817) 420-3090 or by e-mailing him at chad@thamessagemag.com.

Also, as you may have heard, T-dot's album got pushed back to May 26. As a consilation, Reach Records is offering fans two FREE downloads of tracks that didn't make the album.

Get them here.

And (pre)order your copy of "Identity Crisis" here.