Spotlight On XROSS

XROSS (pronounced cross) , a male Hip Hop artist and president of One Way Entertainment, an accomplished record label based in Minneapolis, MN, is a trailblazer in the global movement of Holy Hip Hop & Urban Gospel. XROSS was honored at the 2009 Holy Hip Hop Music Awards for his committment to excellence and leadership in the global Holy Hip Hop movement.

Holy Hip Hop and Urban Gospel is one of the fastest growing genres of music in the industry. As executive producer & songwriter of five successful projects in the past 6 years, XROSS has been credited as a defining influence in all of Urban Gospel music. His project portfolio includes: “The God” (2003), “Dedication to Holy Hip Hop” by (wife) Mariaha Markel (2004), “What We Like” by KJ (2005), “Red Letters” (2006) and “Tell’em tha Truth” (Jan. 2009 release).

“Dedication to Holy Hip Hop” was GRAMMY® nominated and debuted at #15 on gospel billboard charts. “The God,” debuted on the scene initially as an underground and independent project that quickly took national recognition with hit single “Who’s Ya Daddy”. ” Who’s Ya Daddy” was released and distributed world-wide with EMI-Gospel on Holy Hip Hop: Taking the Gospel to the Streets, Vol.3 which also debuted at #39 on gospel Billboard charts. Well on his way to revolutionizing hip hop and gospel music, XROSS is featured in the Blockbuster movie release: Holy Hip Hop” The Global Movement produced by Christopher “PLAY” Martin (of the movie House Party and rap group duo Kid-N-Play). XROSS also was a guest star in the film “Atlanta Homicide Investigation”. Also catch XROSS airing regularly on The Gospel Music Channel, TBN, BET, JCTV, SGN the Light, and The Word Network.

XROSS strength lies in his ability to make inspirational hit songs while maintaining his street creditability and mainstream appeal. “XROSS is an artist who is undeniably a master of his craft”…states Dr. Bobby Jones of BET Lift Every Voice/Countdown.

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.”Tell’em tha Truth will hits stores worldwide on January 27, 2009.

XROSS has been compared to artists such as T.I, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Rick Ross, but unlike the others mentioned, XROSS lyrics are Christ-centered and uplift the kingdom of God. XROSS’ new album “Tell’em tha Truth” is a master piece and loaded with 12 of 15 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. 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.

XROSS is definitely on the cutting edge of hip hop and certainly in a class by himself. XROSS has an undying passion to delivers something new and fresh to the world of hip hop that will inspire the entire culture. “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

XROSS is also the founder of Urban Music Fest and Gospel Fest. He has graced the stage at Sonshine fest, lifelight, Ichthus and Grace fest to name a few, with performers such as, Ma$e, Kirk Franklin, Toby Mac, Vikki Winans, Newsboys, Richard Smallwood, Detrick Haddon, Myron Butler, Ty Tribette, The Williams Brothers, Kim Burrell, Dottie Peoples, Canton Jones, J Moss, Tonex, Third Day, Sounds of Blackness, Super chick, Fred Hammond and many more.

MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/xross

WEBSITE: http://www.xrossmusic.com/

Kevin LeVar Kicks Off 2009 With Performances At Key Super Bowl Events

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — On Sunday, February 1st, families worldwide will gather around their television sets to watch the Steelers take on the Cardinals at SUPER BOWL XLIII live from Tampa Bay. But rising Gospel star Kevin LeVar will already be in Florida, kicking off the new year with high-profile performances at key Super Bowl events.

At the invitation of the American Heart Association, LeVar will be performing his new single “A Heart That Forgives” on Thursday (Jan. 29) at the press conference for the launch of the “Go Red for Women” awareness campaign, honoring the mothers of several NFL stars who have died of heart disease in recent years. Later that day, LeVar will perform at the Max Starks Celebrity VIP Party at Bayou Golf Club. And on Friday (Jan. 30), LeVar is scheduled to perform at the NFL Wives-sponsored Diamonds and Pearls Event to benefit St. Jude Research Hospital.

LeVar’s debut album, Let’s Come Together, landed at #22 on the BILLBOARD Top Gospel Albums Chart when it was released in September by God Glorified Music/Habakkuk Music, with distribution through Universal Music Christian Group. In recent months, LeVar has appeared on Bobby Jones Gospel, Atlanta Live, Canada’s 100 Huntley Street, BET, TBN, Daystar, TCT, INSP, Word Network, Gospel Music Channel and many more. In addition, the music video for his debut single “You Are Not Alone” was nominated for a 2008 Gospel Music Channel Video Award (Soul Video of the Year).

He’s also had prominent performances at the NBA All-Star Weekend, Civil War Memorial, 9/11 Memorial in Washington DC, Exploit Conference, GMWA Conference, Stellar Awards Gospel Brunch and Bishop TD Jakes’ The Potter’s House in Dallas, to name a few.

For more information on Kevin LeVar, please visit www.kevinlevar.com.

Billboard Ranks Light Records as #1 Independent Gospel Label

Nashville, TN—In what is unquestionably the worst of times for the music business, Light Records has risen amongst the ranks of Gospel labels to be recognized as the fifth ranked label in Billboards Year End Gospel Chart. With the top four spots being dominated by major labels, Light Records is the only independent label on the list earning it the title of #1 Independent Gospel Label in 2008.

Sticking with a formula of exceptional artists, inspired music and top drawer production, Light Records marketing strategy is one of focus, with limited releases and an extended commitment to each release.

Light Records began 2008 with a new project from the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, presented by Bishop Paul S. Morton, entitled Praise & Worship: Embracing the Next Dimension, directed by Elder William Murphy. DVD’s were released by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, with their video debut of Exalted: Live in Baltimore, and Pastor Shirley Caesar’s After 40 Years: Still Sweeping Through the City. The fall was met with the solo debut of Christianaires front-man, Paul Porter with A New Day. Rounding out the year was Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Fellowship Mass Choir’s Cry Your Last Tear, Paul Morton’s Christmas, and A Coko Christmas.

Other highlights of 2008 included Bishop Morton’s Dove Nomination for Still Standing; Pastor Caesar’s Outreach Ministry Television Special hosting Feed the Children; and Stellar nods for Bishop Paul Morton, Pastor Shirley Caesar, and Youthful Praise.

Despite the dire predictions for the music business, 2009 looks to be a promising year for Light Records with new releases expected from Coko, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise and Shirley Caesar.

Light Records, based in Nashville, TN, is a division of the Sheridan Square Entertainment and serves as a full service independent music company. Light Records is committed to releasing and offering quality Gospel music. Light Records is home to a diverse group of Gospel artists including Shirley Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Youthful Praise, Coko, and Paul Porter, among others. You can also visit www.lightrecords.com for more information.

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