More than Just Music in the 4th Annual Celebration of Gospel Hip-Hop Month

Los Angeles, CA, March 20, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Did you know that March is Gospel Hip-Hop Month? Well, if not, prepare to receive an education. This annual celebration is focused on “The Artist, The Music, and The Ministry” of the Gospel Hip-Hop Music genre.

TRUTH entertainment, a production and promotions company in Los Angeles, was motivated to start Gospel Hip-Hop Month in 2004 in order to bring attention to, what they describe as, “a positive and credible form of Hip-Hop.” According to Carla Yorke, who co-Founded TRUTH in 2002 with Nicole Smith, “The purpose of the celebration is simple: increase Gospel Hip-Hop music’s exposure and educate both the church and the general public about its uplifting message for today’s Hip-Hop generation.” TRUTH’s previous celebrations have included an outdoor concert on the campus of the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, partnering with West Angeles Church’s campus ministry at USC to bring a Gospel Hip-Hop Bible Study to their students and sharing the importance of the annual celebration on V100’s (100.3 FM-Los Angeles) Sunday morning Gospel show hosted by Niele Anderson. And, each year, the grand finale of the celebration is The Underground ~ Gospel Hip-Hop Sanctuary, a live show offering an entertaining evening of Gospel Hip-Hop music.

With a special emphasis on the “Ministry” side of the music, the goal of the 2007 celebration is to introduce the public to Gospel Hip-Hop artists that are motivated to actively make a difference in their community. “Ministry means service and our goal is to shine the light on those artists that are stepping off the stage to hold bible studies, start churches, take positions as youth leaders and pastors, hit the streets as evangelists and fly to foreign soil on missionary trips”, Smith states. TRUTH will feature informative content on their web-site (www.TRUTHentertainment.net) regarding different “ministries.”

Further in their own form of service, TRUTH has partnered with the student-led Bible Club at Los Angeles’ Crenshaw High School to provide internship opportunities with TRUTH for the students. The internships will allow students to gain real world experience in marketing, promotions and event coordination as they assist in producing The Underground. Besides work experience, the students will also receive service hours, which is a requirement for graduation. The Bible Club is supported by The Shaw, a non-profit organization which uses art and music in its mission to improve the lives of young people in Los Angeles.

In addition, TRUTH is excited that The Edge, an internet-based radio talk show, has joined the celebration of Gospel Hip-Hop Month. This lively show, co-hosted by Smith, features entertaining conversation and Gospel Hip-Hop and Urban Gospel music for a young adult audience. During the month of March, The Edge show hosts have featured topics such as “Anatomy of a Female MC – The Ladies of Gospel Hip-Hop” and “When the Mic Drops – The Ministries of Gospel Hip-Hop.” The Edge’s Gospel Hip-Hop theme will continue through the remainder of March. You can hear it live every Saturday from 11a-1p PST on The International Christian Network (www.theicn.com).

Then on the evening of March 31st, Gospel Hip-Hop Month will come to a magnificent close at The Underground, TRUTH’s signature production. This event, which is in its 4th year as well, is held on the USC campus. According to Yorke, The Underground “is the place where young people can relax and enjoy live performances from hot Gospel Hip-Hop artists, open mic sessions, dancing and socializing amongst like-minded individuals.”

You have now been officially educated! Make sure you log on to TRUTH’s website (www.TRUTHentertainment.net), the place for the latest information on Gospel Hip Hop Month. Plus, for those that want to get involved, there is still time. If you would like to be a sponsor or reserve space for your Church’s youth group, please contact TRUTH at TRUTH_entertainment@yahoo.com or (310) 313-8784.

TRUTH entertainment is an event production and promotions company focused on providing quality entertainment to young Christians. The Gospel Hip-Hop Month Celebration is a continuation of TRUTH’s efforts to build better communities among urban youth and provide an outlet for positive entertainment for young adults. Contact them at www.TRUTHenterainment.net, TRUTH_entertainment@yahoo.com or (310) 313-8784.

Crenshaw High School’s Bible Club is supported by The SHAW, a 501 c(3) organization committed to long-term community transformation in the Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills and Leimert Park areas of Los Angeles. The organization seeks opportunities to cultivate young emerging leaders within these communities and uses art and music to positively influence youth and young adults of the Hip-Hop generation. The Bible Club, meets one day per week during the lunch period for fellowship and a Bible lesson.

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