JAN/FEB/MAR 08
issue # 11

CONTENTS: 

SPECIAL EVENT
Holy Hip Hop Awards -Atlanta 

DEPARTMENTS
in the news
DJ Will Gets Arrested for sharing Jesus in South Beach Miami.
Officer abuse involved as well
more...

RADAR-indie artists on the rise
Elle Roc- she's back!!!
Although Atlanta based Ell roc first emerged on the national holy hip hop scene in 1998, she is probably best remembered for her highly successful debut solo album "I Die Daily" (which featured the single "Blindfolded" that shot up to the #1 position on the A&R Christian Rhythmic chars in 2001)

Transparent- making Christ visible through verse
While some holy hip hoppers have been rapping for more than a minute, Dwight Taylor, a.k.a. Transparent has only blessed the mic since 2005

Von Vargas- from marketing maverick to ministry
A proven urban marketing vet, Von Vargas has developed successful music marketing campaigns for companies ranging from United Healthcare to Dickies Workwear as a co-owner of G.O. Communications Corp.

The Biz
Phyllis Cadell- Why You Need PR
Phyllis Caddell is CEO of PC Public Relations & Management INC, a diverse PR firm servicing the entertainment and beauty industries
In this issue we asked Phyllis, What is PR, why do we need it, and how can this help propel artists to the next level?

INNERcourt - legal column
The Gospel Of Public Domain Music
Artists and musicians around are truly inspired by Gospel music, its soulful sound and tradition. Much confusion exists concerning the rights of songwriters who sample or use the old-time, traditional Gospel or spiritual hymns to create new and fresh urban hits.
Courtney Coates ESC

Top 10
Top 10 lists from across the U.S.

FEATURES
Mr Del - Hope Dealer
The last time we caught up with Mr. Del- the 'King of holy Crunk'- he was still a few months away from releasing his highly anticipated album "Hope Dealer"
Since that time the album dropped in the summer of 2007 and has been inspiring it's listeners with more than just southern style beats
Falana Monroe

J. Xavier - The Future
Fifteen year old J Xavier has been performing for more than half his life and already has a music career that any mainstream ringtone rapper, let alone a Christian MC, would covet (regardless of their attempts to uphold the Old Testament's Top Ten.)
Sketch the Journalist

Urban D - Un.Orthodox
Is anyone more respected in the holy hip hop community that Urban D? 
The dude just continues to add hyphens and job titles to his resume and yet he still comes off as a humble servant leader that uses the life of Jesus as his role model.
Sketch the Journalist

Lisa McClendon - Neo Soul ICON
In 2002 a CD was sent to me that would change my life forever. The CD included various artists however one featured artist stuck out. The music, the voice, and the lyrics had such an affect on me
Kiwi

Chris Lewis - Crisis
BMI Award Winning singer, songwriter and producer Christopher Lewis is on the brink of releasing his most phenomenal and out-of-the-box project to date.
Charity E. Lewis
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

INSIGHT 
2007 Year In Review
You know how these "year-in-review" articles go, right? I, your author and annual tour guide, take a look back at the past 365 days of holy hip hop, point out some highlights, give you the good and bad, write a short summary, and then try and tie them all together with a nice little thematic thread.
You'll remember a few, be reminded of others, and argue with yourself (or the page) about the things I missed, overlooked, or over hyped.
Sketch the Journalist

REVIEWS