Canton Jones is out on the road touring to support the smash hit album, “Kingdom Business” and recently was nominated for a Dove Award for Urban Inpirational album of the year.  He is also getting ready for his upcoming album, “The Interview with Canton Jones” which will offer a look into going deeper in worship with God. 

.. ..

Tonex is gearing up for his new album, “Unspoken” which will be in stores on March 17^th.  The first single, “Blend” will be hitting radio very soon as well as a remix featuring Canton Jones and Viktory.  He also will be launching a new store in San Diego called the Ink Spot; it will feature everything from  music, fashion, art, and furniture.  Plus, he’s starting this month doing tour dates to promote the new album. 

.. ..

Universal/Fontana recording artist Mr. Del recently taped an episode for 106 & Gospel for BET Television.  Mr. Del is also gearing up for his new album titled, “Thrilla” coming out in May 2009. 

.. ..

Carnival is a relatively new group on the national scene but this Youngstown, OH hip-hop/r&b sensation has a new album coming out in the summer of 2009 called, “Population of Invisible People” and features some of the hottest artists in the game, Canton Jones, Naturally 7, D-Maub, and Tha Gim.  The first single, “B.EZ” will be hitting radio soon so be on the lookout for it. 

.. ..

Tre9 from Much Luvv Records out of Houston, TX has a new album hitting the streets on March 31^st you’ve been hearing on the Hype Radio Network the single, “Put Ya Hands Up”  and if you dig that track you’ll love the rest of the album featuring, Pettidee, B.B. Jay, Shei Atkins, Cy, S.O.M. and others. 

.. ..

Reach Records is putting out the 116 Clique “13 Letters Curriculum”  which will feature a 13 week dvd based study featuring the artists Lecrae, Tedashii, Trip Lee, Shai Linne, Dillon Chase, Sho Baraka, and 1-Lyfe from the album teaching each segment; plus a great textbook to teach students from. 

It's time for Gospel Music Week in Nashville April 18-23rd 2009 and it's going to be jam packed this year for Holy Hip-Hop headz:

Sunday April 19th-Syntax Records Presents: Peanut Butter & Jelly Hip-Hop On The Rooftop 520 Commerce Street Nashville, TN featuring: Redcloud, Braille, Ahmad(4th Ave Jones), Kaboose, and more. 

Tuesday April 21st-Life-Line Worldwide & PS21 Media Group Presents: THE SHOW: The Best In Holy Hip-Hop Live at The Anchor Fellowship 629 3rd Avenue South Nashville, TN 37210

..featuring: Tonex, Mr. Del & Holy South, Carnival, Corey Red, Canton Jones, DJ Morph, and many more!! ..

.... 

..Wednesday April 22nd-Reach Records Listening Party for Tedashii!! Live at BB King's 2nd Avenue Nashville, TN..

..featuring: Lecrae, Sho Baraka, Flame, and Trip Lee ..

.... 
I'm J-Hollis & that's the Insider Hype!

From Marlon Gregory [mgregory@gospelmusicchannel.com]

Good afternoon,

I’ve been trying to stress the importance of having a Hip-Hop related show to exist prominently on the channel since I moved here to Atlanta to work at Gospel Music Channel after moving from New York (leaving a job at the MTV building) about a year ago.

.. ..

I’ve been a strong proponent in the ears of those who sit in the decision-making chairs that the channel is absolutely missing a large demo of young men and women that were reared and grew up in the urban & hip-hop era (both black and white kids alike). Urban music & Hip-Hop IS the mainstream pop culture of today and I just believe that the channel can do so much more with the format.

.. ..

For awhile, the channel removed our urban hip-hop video block and didn’t have a slot for our own “Hype & Glory” video block where we primarily play urban and Holy Hip-Hop artists videos due to reshuffling and reprogramming areas in our channel.  I was worried.  However, I see now that “Hype & Glory” is now having its own video block that began  Friday, January 9^th at 12am EST/9pm PST and every Friday thereafter for the rest of the month of January.  However, if the channel does not see that this hip-hop video block is not drawing in viewers (i.e ratings) then February they may do away with it all together or minimilize it.

.. ..

With your tie-ins to the community, other youth pastors and churches, clients, and other artists, I ask that you please incite others to reach out to their fanbase, other urban gospel singers and holy hip-hop rappers on other record labels, to their websites, facebooks, myspace, etc…and stress that we NEED TO TUNE IN DURING THAT TIME!!....

.. ..

One reason why they don’t fully get behind the holy hip-hop genre and perhaps push further ahead in creating a live studio show is simply that…they don’t see good Nielsen ratings when they look at the reports of when that block airs.  They see the fans of country, southern gospel, soul gospel pulling in LARGE ratings for the channel…so, they program the station as such.   Whatever music formats that will pull in the Nielson ratings is what they will get behind.  I personally know that they are not biased to any one particular music genre, as business folk here they only get behind whatever is drawing in viewers.

.. ..

With THAT all said, I implore you to tell as many gospel young urban singers, hip hop artists, organizations, magazines, record labels, etc. to please spread the word to TUNE IN and support..CONTINUALLY week after week on Friday nights at 12am EST/ 9pm PST ( Also,  go to GospelMusicChannel.com, type up the zip code of the location in the U.S. where they live at the top right hand corner, to find out which channel we are on in their area and in addition to look thru the site to figure what they need to do to SUBMIT their music videos to air on the channel) so that the next time they look at the monthly reports they can see a splurge on the report and know that there is a broad market out there.  From then on, maneuvering can begin to create a live show format to showcase the brilliant young urban singers and ministers of holy hip-hop gospel that are out there touching the lives of the youth.  PLEASE FORWARD THIS ON!  Thanks for your time.

.. ..

Time Warner, DIRECT TV, ComCast, Verizon, and all other local cable TV stations carry our 24hour gospel video channel.....

Kaboose Blazes Up the Charts, Goes Global :: The Source, iTunes, Nike, Nokia, and CMJ Highlight "Goin' Outta Control"

Just over a month out of the gate, Kaboose's latest release is showing unbreakable momentum. His full-length Syntax Records debut is garnering attention and high praise from the music media.

• Nike featured Kaboose on their website which receives over 3 million monthly visitors. They also added it to their in store play list enhancing the shopping experience.
• Fuse.tv another prominent music destination receiving nearly a million visitors a month has featured Kaboose and calls his music "a fantastic merger of chest-thumping and thought-provoking material."
• Landed the most highly coveted position at the iTunes Music Store "Free Download of The Week". iTunes also graciously featured Kaboose in the Hip Hop section.
• Steadily climbing the charts, breaking through the Top 20 on CMJ Hip-Hop to 5, as well as RapAttack and Media Guide. Excuse Me even garnered a number 1 spot on eMusic's Hip-Hop/R&B "Top Downloads Today".
• The Source reviewed Excuse Me in its December issue with Notorious B.I.G. on the cover.
• Other featured positioning for Kaboose included ShockHound.com the new digital store owned by Hot Topic as well as Nokia's international download store.

Kaboose is making no excuses for the success of Excuse Me and its lead single "Goin' Outta Control" featuring Royce Da 5'9". "The first word that comes to my mind is 'Wow'," says Kaboose. "Reaching No. 5 on the CMJ Hip Hop Charts was truly amazing, considering the other artists and groups that are on that list. I was blown away by that. Then to hear that my record was reviewed by The Source — wow again!"

Syntax Records Vice President of Business Development Chad Horton stands behind the hard work that launched ExcuseMe. He says, "The success of Excuse Me is a reflection of a solid album by Kaboose and the Syntax team executing its strategy. Personally, I love the album artwork. It looks like a video game character but is based on Kaboose's appearance. We can work that character on many angles."

"I am in such a blessed position to know that Syntax believes in me and vice versa," Kaboose adds. "It is an honor to be on Syntax and to be a part of the family. Those guys know how to get it done."

The success of Excuse Me tops off a prolific year for Syntax Records. The label released a new album by Braille and new installments in the Night Owls and The Wages of Syntax compilations.

For more information on Kaboose, visit www.myspace.com/kaboose.

For more information on Syntax Records, visit www.syntaxrecords.com or www.myspace.com/syntaxrecords.

Theory Hazit Remix Contest: Calling all producers (WINNER ANNOUNCED)

FLAME Scores A GRAMMY Nod for 'Our World Redeemed'

December 4, 2008 (Atlanta, GA) - During the GRAMMY Award's nomination unveiling, FLAME's 'Our World Redeemed' stood out amongst some of CCM's biggest names. Receiving his first GRAMMY Award nomination in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category, FLAME was nominated along with Christian Rock artists After Edmund, tobyMac, Superchick, and Sanctus Real. For a full list of nominees, visit www.grammy.com. The winners in all categories of the 51st annual event will be revealed during ceremonies on February 8, according to Reuters.

The GRAMMY award nomination for 'Our World Redeemed' follows FLAME's 2009 Stellar Award nomination. 'Our World Redeemed' serves as the sequel to 'Our World Fallen' that began by capturing the story of FLAME befriending a non-believer and pointing him to the cross of Christ, while examining the fallen condition of the world. 'Our World Redeemed' digs deeper into the plot when the untimely passing of the fictional character's relative becomes the inspiration to continue sharing the Gospel reinforcing the dire need to accept Jesus Christ.

Garnering support with the hit single and music video 'Joyful Noise,' 'Our World Redeemed' debuted in the No. 5 position on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart, No. 1 slot on Soundscan's Christian R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, and No. 7 position on iTunes' mainstream Rap Chart.

Born in the inner city streets of St. Louis, Marcus Gray accepted Christ at the age of 16. Heavily influenced by the hip hop culture, he was particularly drawn to the work of The Cross Movement, who later signed FLAME to their own label. One of the youngest members of the Cross Movement Records artist roster, FLAME is currently studying Biblical Counseling at Boyce College in Louisville, Ky. The 2008 Holy Hip Hop Award honoree has been ministering for over 10 years in music and speaking engagements. His last album, 'Our World Fallen' peaked to the No. 7 position on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart.

FLAME's 'Our World Redeemed' is available on Cross Movement Records and is distributed in the CBA market by Provident-Integrity Distribution and by Sony/BMG in the general market. For more information on FLAME and his album 'Our World Redeemed,' visit www.flame314.com, www.myspace.com/flame314 or www.crossmovementrecords.com

XROSS set to reach millions with CC Entertainment & KOCH Distribution

Minneapolis, MN (December 1, 2008) ---- One Way Entertainment gospel hip hop artist, XROSS, is set to reach millions with the upcoming release of the much anticipated CD "Tell'em tha Truth". Scheduled to hit store shelves everywhere on January 27th 2009, "Tell'em tha Truth" is the third independent project written and executive produced by XROSS, and the first nationally distributed release by XROSS backed by a powerhouse, leading distributer of hip hop music - KOCH Distribution.

No stranger to the Christian Hip Hop scene, as a part of Holy Hip Hop vol. 1 and vol. 3, XROSS is a GRAMMY® NOMINATED songwriter, for "Dedication to Holy Hip Hop" by wife Mariaha Markel, which topped the billboard charts at 15 [2004]. XROSS landed on Gospel Billboard's top 40 list, with hit single "Who's Ya Daddy" ranked 39, [2006] the initial version released in a partnership with Holy Hip Hop Inc & EMI Gospel.

In the recent signing of a major distribution deal with CC Entertainment/Koch Distribution for the release of "Tell'em tha Truth" Bobby Z, former Drummer for "Prince & The Revolution" & CCE Executive states, "XROSS brings his talent, integrity, and passion to his music, and his life. We are proud to be working with an artist at the forefront of the Holy Hip Hop movement."

XROSS' new album "Tell'em tha Truth" is a master piece and loaded with hits! Certain to be a major staple in its primary genre of music; the label and the artist are confident in the projects ability and undeniable appeal to move the ears of mainstream audiences and listeners. "Ride to it and let it play", proclaims XROSS in an interview...."every song is hot, so no need to skip through the CD looking for a hit, they all are bangers". Songs like 'Y U Runnin" which won him best rap/spoken word artist at Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole Singers & Musician Conference this summer as well as a featured performance slot along with his 14-year-old son KJ www.sonicbids.com/kj2 on Gospel Music Channel's "Next Generation". "Tear It Up" is a club song in which XROSS brags about living a saved lifestyle. This joint is sure to win over the listeners in the mainstream markets; XROSS is bold about the rich quality of Holy Hip Hop music - which is not only good for the ears, but good for the soul.

"Look 4 Me" is the Holy Hip Hop anthem, the cornerstone of hip hop ministry which proclaims "If ya looking for the truth, I'll leave it up to you, but you know where to find me at... I'm not just in the church but I'm on the block, and that's where you'll find me at" XROSS becomes very transparent with his hit Look 4 Me, with piercing lyrics that clearly articulate the method of fulfilling the great commission. It's not about religion or just church as usual, but it's about going out of the four walls into the community and reaching the lost where they are. "Who's Ya Daddy {Remix}" is simply out the box, revamped that proves XROSS to be more than just a performing artist, but musically a creative genius. XROSS goes into the enemies camp and literally takes back what the pimp stole, the phrase "Who's ya Daddy" and delivers it back to its rightful place; Who's Ya Daddy on this album boasts of our one and only "true father" - Jesus Christ. "He's Still With Me" is a love song God commissioned XROSS to write a couple months in advance of the untimely deaths of his Grandmother (Big Mama) and his older brother, Michol Dean. A great loss for XROSS and his family; both pivotal members of the Dean family died less than a month apart after the song had been completed.

Hit song "No Water" is a smooth laid back melody that speaks life into the young person who is struggling to find purpose. The hook of No Water says, "I'm standing in a boat with no water, wasting my time away, I'm sitting in a car with no keys, throwing my life away, I'm going to the store with no money knowing I'm about to cause some trouble, I gotta, (I gotta) do something" The song "Tell'em tha Truth" was birthed after much prayer and fasting for God to reveal his true and ultimate purpose for Holy Hip Hop ministers world-wide. The song cuts like a double edged sword and sends a crystal clear message to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand! This cut will send chills down your spine!

Tell'em tha Truth is a universal album with endless boundaries as to whom it will reach; the compact disc in its entirety defies all rules of music theory & business that relates to target markets. It's articulate and harmonious enough to inspire the most seasoned or mature Christian, while versatile and crunk enough to capture and encourage youth of all ages. Tell'em tha Truth deals with real issues that challenge the churched and the un-churched to be transparent with God; a requirement for finding and fulfilling the truth that God placed in us. This CD is a collection of songs that reaches deep into the back pocket to tell some of life's most vile and/or successful moments while celebrating the saving grace of Christ.

"The soulful, street-wise, spirit-filled rhymes, rhythms, music and message of XROSS immediately establish him as an Artist Extraordinaire, a force to contend with, and a voice to be heard".....Gary Hines, Music Director / Producer, GRAMMY® Award-Winning Sounds of Blackness

For audiences, get ready to experience Tell'em tha Truth by XROSS live on stage. In concert, the new album allows XROSS the freedom to go bananas, get buck, and raise the roof during live performances. Yet, he's consistently sensitive to the Holy Spirit, allowing it to take free course to create a smooth, intimate atmosphere resulting in the saving of many souls, not what you would expect to witness at a hip hop concert.

To be a blessing to the masses, the album will sell at wholesale to the people who purchase online or pre-order at:
XROSSmusic.com Look for the Buy 1 < BLESS 2 special online or at live performances; this entitles the buyer to get 3 albums for $19.95. XROSS is a true servant and for him, It's about ministry, not industry.

For more information on XROSS visit www.myspace.com/xross or www.xrossmusic.com XROSS press kit: www.sonicbids.com/xross

PETTIDEE presents: A Soldier Sound Christmas

Soldier Sound is proud to announce that the album "PETTIDEE presents: A Soldier Sound Christmas" will be released on Tuesday, December 2nd. This versatile album is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit.

For additional info on Soldier Sound Records visit: soldiersound.com

PLAYDOUGH SOLO EP "GOODONYA" NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

It's been years since any new Playdough solo material has been available and the wait is finally over. Playdough's "Goodonya" is what every Playdough fan has been blowing up inboxes asking for. While touring Australia Playdough and the Australian based label Mustard Records decided to connect and make an EP for all the Aussie fans who love good hip-hop music. Despite much effort on everyone's part, this EP has never been available to U.S. fans until now. The songs are vintage playdough on the rhymes with a different style of production that fans have yet to hear playdough on. Guests on the mic include Pigeon John, con safos and Nill Void (Australia). Production by Freddie Bruno, Sean P and Harry Krum with DJ Flagrant (Australia) lending a hand on the cuts. This has been a long time coming and Deepspace5 Recordings is proud to present this rare U.S. release of one of your favorite emcees. Pick it up and your ears will be saying "Goodonya" with every listen.

PRE-ORDER NOW 12.00 SHIPPING AND HANDLING INCLUDED. SHIPS DECEMBER 17TH

For additional info visit: WWW.DUSTBRAND.COM

ChristianHip-Hopper.com presents "The Manual"

The purpose of "The Manual" is to help aid, assist and arm the person who has a heart to reach the Hip-hop culture, with the proper perspective on the culture and their role in it as a follower of Jesus Christ. This manual is for the individual who has targeted the Hip-hop culture as a mission field and is looking for a way to understand the culture and it's tendencies in the light of what the Bible teaches. Our hope is that the reader will thoughtfully interact with this material, hold it up in light of the Scriptures, and only echo it as much as we are echoing the heart and mind of God. The writers who have contributed to this manual are men who aim always to be faithful to what the Bible communicates, who have a heart for the urban scene, and who endeavor to keep their thumb on the pulse of the culture. So as you develop your philosophy of ministry for how you will reach out to the Hip-hop culture, as well as how you will participate in it - consider these articles as they hint at a blueprint for developing a missional mindset for reaching this, or for that matter, any other culture in today's changing world.

What to Expect
DOCTRINE
Essentials vs. Nonessentials


Historical Christian Faith
The Danger of Majoring in the Minors
Biblical Interpretation


Hermeneutics
High Caliber Truth
Bible College Knowledge
DEVOTION
Live in Such a Way
Spiritual Disciplines
Who You Rollin' With?
Discipleship: Being One and Making Others
DEMONSTRATION
Ministry vs. Industry


Paradoxes of the Faith
A Successful Ministry
The American Dream vs. Great Commission
All Possible Means vs. Any Means Necesary
That's Played Out

This just in

On November 11th, 2008 exclusively at www.hearitfirst.com you can download Rawsrvnt's brand new song "Winter Jam" that is being used to promote Christian music's largest annual musical tour Winter Jam.  Last year's total paid attendance for the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular was 311,836 with an average nightly attendance of 9,172.  As a result, Winter Jam was the fourth ranked tour on Pollstar's 2008 First Quarter Ticket Sales Chart topping Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, The Police and Foo Fighters.

TobyMac, the "GMA Artist Of The Year" for 2008 will headline the tour with special guests Hawk Nelson, Brandon Heath, The Afters, and new Gotee Recording artist, Stephanie Smith.  This 10-week tour launches January 8, 2009 in ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Roanoke, VA, and will conclude at the Sommet Center in Nashville, TN on March 15th.  Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning NewSong will host the high-energy event for the 14th consecutive year which will feature special guest speaker Tony Nolan.  Additional Winter Jam artists will be announced over the next few weeks.

We all at Soul Deep Ministries are very excited for Rawsrvnt and this great accomplishment.  Please keep Raw and all of us at Soul Deep Ministries in prayer as God is opening more doors for the ministry to expand and grow to reach more and more people with God's radical love.

We hope that you will celebrate with us today by downloading the song FREE at www.hearitfirst.com.  For more information on Winter Jam please visit www.jamtour.com.  For more information on Rawsrvnt please visit www.rawsrvnt.com.

On the flip side of the pancake, here's what's cooking…

Everywhere we go we constantly hear people's ringtones going off and sometimes ringing some pretty nasty lyrics. Rawsrvnt has produced a song designed for people to share their faith with others every time their phone rings. "Ring That" boldly challenges those who put their faith in Jesus to let other people know unashamedly that Jesus is their Savior.

This is a creative way of reaching people as everyone pays attention and notices when a phone rings. It almost stops conversations dead in their tracks when a phone rings. This can be a great conversation starter to share your faith with others and spark up talk about your Savior.

Visit RAWSRVNT.COM for your FREE "Ring That" ringtone along with another great ministry tool, the "Ring That" T-Shirt. Now everywhere you go sharing your faith will be as easy as your phone ringing. Hello?!! Won't you be a part of the campaign?

Click here to be a part of the campaign: www.rawsrvnt.com/ringthatcampaign.htm

Support Rawsrvnt

Soul Deep Ministries is a voice "crying in the wilderness" and serves as an advocate to counteract the negative blows of what seems to be the "norm."  We represent a catalyst that promises to spark a new desire for constructive ways to utilize talent, boost confidence to pursue goals, and encourage self-love.

SDM solicits your assistance in making a distinct mark on society and lift up a standard by continuing to touch souls, change hearts, and impact lives!  Please send a check or money order (made payable to Soul Deep Ministries) to:

Soul Deep Ministries [ 501 (c) 3 - Not for Profit Organization ]             

P.O. Box 14307 | North Palm Beach, FL 33408-4307

If you are paying by credit or debit, simply click the link below.

www.souldeepministries.org/support.htm

*Remember your donation is tax deductible.

Soul Deep Ministries (SDM) is a 501(c)3 ministry "built to encourage the inner most YOU – Your Soul."  We understand the valuable role music plays in our every day lives and its impact and effect it has on our thoughts, actions and emotions.  Our goal is to impact people with the love of God through hip-hop music in a way that transforms people of all ages.

................................................................

Stay connected online!!

www.rawsrvnt.com | www.myspace.com/rawsrvnt | www.youtube.com/rawsrvnt

www.souldeepministries.org | www.whyworship.com | www.godislovetour.com

The Blackout Update

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGfUYt3rAfI..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Pro Gives an update about "The Blackout" and The Album Release Party on Oct 31st at Deliverance Outreach Temple,  851 Garrettsburg Road Clarksville TN, 37042. 

*Also, Watch The Video and Find out How to get "The Blackout" Early?!?!?!?!*

Speak the language. It started with hip hop music, and now Reach expands its influence through biblically based media targeted at the urban culture. ReachLife Ministries is a nonprofit started to fulfill a need in the church to provide relevant training resources for the next generation.

The first project builds off the success of the 13 Letters album, and dissects the Pauline Epistles in a fresh, Christ centered way, featuring some of the most well known and respected hip hop artists. DVD based with leader's guides and student kits, our prayer is that it would be a valuable tool in the hands of leaders, parents, and students across the country.

13 letters. 13 lessons. 13 weeks. Join others who will be using this curriculum to help students gain a proper perspective from God's word of who they are in Christ and how they should walk out the faith.

13 Letters "Expanded Edition" in stores December 26th 2008. The curriculum will be available early 2009 (retail $59.99).