Biography
Watch XROSS in hi-definition. His music video "Y U Runnin" world premiered on Gospel Music Channel during a recent episode of Hype & Glory.
Grammy nominated Hip Hop artist/songwriter XROSS (pronounced cross), a trail blazer of Gospel hip hop is leading the charge for One Way Entertainment, an indie label based in the twin cities, XROSS releases the hit single & video “Y U Runnin’” airing on Gospel Music Channel. He appears in kind on GMC’s Bobby Jones, Next Generation with his protégé and teenage son, KJ – a solo artist/emcee.
The Poplar Bluff, MO native, University of Minnesota graduate adopted the name XROSS at the onset of his music career; a name symbolic of the sacrificial death and resurrection (place) of Jesus Christ. Most notably known for his no non-sense approach, lyrically, he’s a master craftsman of Holy Hip Hop music.
XROSS passion for ministry has allowed him to deliver something new and fresh that will inspire an entire culture, the release of his new album “Tell’em tha Truth” in Christian bookstores worldwide. "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.
Often compared to artists such as Rick Ross and Lil’ Wayne, but unlike “The Boss” and”lil Weezy” XROSS’ music is uplifting, inspirational and un-mistakably Christ centered. Each selection of his portfolio offers a song that bridges relevant rhymes with core spiritual values. Deliberately lacing his lyrics with stories relevant to various life circumstances; XROSS’ appeal is broad based. XROSS delivery of songs “Tear it Up” and “Crunk in da Club” with a catchy melody (or hook) over hard-hitting beats, offering listeners top notch production and street credibility that represents true Urban Gospel music with a mainstream appeal.
“Tell’em tha Truth” is the third release for XROSS, yet the first project with major distribution through hip hop powerhouse KOCH (now E1). Loaded with hits, the radio-ready album of “Tell’em tha Truth” is a major staple in its primary genre. The label and the artists are excited about the album’s appeal and response from mainstream audiences and listeners. Tell'em tha Truth was nominated for a Stellar Award in 2009 and is a universal album with endless boundaries; the compact disc in its entirety defies the rules as it relates to target markets. An album that is encouraging and enlightening to youth of all ages and young adults. Tell'em tha Truth shines the light on real life issues and challenges people to be more transparent with God.
Bobby Z, CCEntertainment executive and Drummer for Prince & the Revolution 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, the man, the husband, the father is as dedicated at home as he is to the ministry and to the music. His passion and heart is for living a godly life; his tool and armor is the word of GOD served through the platform of music to call lost souls into the kingdom. XROSS tours the country year round for an array of events. “My heart is filled when youth are at the altar giving their lives to Christ, because they have felt the power of God at a hip hop concert” says XROSS
XROSS mentors new emcees in the genre, emphasizing that although the music is clearly non-secular, the intent of the song and rationale for writing and releasing in commercial markets is to pierce the heart of the unbeliever, and to plant a seed of spiritual awareness and change the minds of the unsaved. So Tell’em tha Truth! Learn more about XROSS at:
Website: www.xrossmusic.com
Online press Kit: www.sonicbids.com/xross
Email: booking@xrossmusic.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/xross
Instrumentation
To book XROSS contact Mariaha Markel:
763-592-9795
Discography
Tell'em the Truth 2009
Holy Hip Hop Vol. 3-Released world-wide Oct, 25 2005
Dedication to Holy Hip-Hop by Mariaha Markel/EMI Gospel (GrAMMY NOMINATED)for Best Rock Gospel Album)
”Red Letters ” (LP) 2005
"What We Like" (LP) by KJ 2005
”Do It For Daddy” Compilation single/EMI Gospel (release Fall 2005)
"Behold" - Single by KJ 2004
"The God'” (LP) by XROSS 2003
"Bout Christ" - Maxi-Single
Links
| http://www.xrossmusic.com |