INTERVIEW: The Ambassador Chats Live with EEW Magazine President & Radio Host Dianna Hobbs about XXL Magazine Response Article

Xist Music’s The Ambassador goes one-one-one with President and CEO of EEW Magazine and host of WUFO 1080’s top-rated urban Christian radio show CROSS CULTURE IN HD, Dianna Hobbs, in a two-part interview set to air Oct. 4 &5 at 6 PM EST. In his live radio interview, the graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary discusses his much buzzed about response article to a piece that recently ran in XXL Magazine titled, “New God Flow: Religious MCs Shed Title of ‘Christian Rappers’ to Attract Mainstream Fans.”

The Ambassador notes, the XXL article “disappointed and even grieved” him after its writer praised “‘the host of upstarts’ doing something new and better for Christian rap by ‘refusing to be labeled as Christian rappers doing Christian rap.’”

In the Ambassador’s rebuttal, he points out the potential pitfalls of such a perspective for Christians utilizing the vehicle of rap to reach the world with the gospel—something that caught the attention of Hobbs, a well-known Christian urban media specialist, named “One of the 70 Most Influential Black Christian History-Makers” by Black Christian News Network.

After reading The Ambassador’s response which she applauds for “zoning in on the issue with laser-like precision,” Hobbs invited him to be a guest on her urban radio show on Western NY’s #1 and oldest black-owned urban station, WUFO 1080 AM.

"Seeing myself as somewhat of an urban missionary, who takes particular interest in the hip hop generation, I was grateful to use the interview platform to further unpack and elaborate on why I believe Christians should not relinquish the narrative but rather control the narrative concerning Christians who serve within the hip-hop context," said The Ambassador in a statement. "Having written an article that I hoped would spark dialogue, it has been encouraging to see the response of people who see this as timely and opportune."

CROSS CULTURE IN HD host Dianna Hobbs said, “I’m very eager to discuss and share The Ambassador’s views surrounding the issue of taking the ‘Christian’ label off rap to reach a broader audience. I believe his article serves as a great explanation of Christian rap for non-believers and a clarion call to Believers to remain focused on our ultimate mission, which is to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

For WUFO 1080 AM CROSS CULTURE IN HD listeners outside Western NY and Southern Ontario, The Ambassador’s interview will stream live online at www.crossculturehd.com. The full interview will be archived online beginning the week of Oct. 7.

About Cross Culture in HD

CROSS CULTURE IN HD is Western NY's premier urban Christian daily radio show on WUFO 1080 AM that aims to "take the cross to the culture and bring the culture to the cross." Hosted by Dianna Hobbs and DJ Hassan, the nightly music and talk radio show examines modern culture from a faith-based perspective and showcases quality Christian music of all styles from both independent and major label artists. CCHD airs weeknights from 6-7PM EST on WUFO 1080 and can be heard live online at www.crossculturehd.com.

About The Ambassador

A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, William “Duce” Branch Th.M a.k.a. “The Ambassador” has ministered the Gospel to hundreds of thousands through rap and preaching for over fifteen years. Formerly the co-founder and primary spokesperson for The Cross Movement—the GRAMMY, GMA Dove and Stellar nominated acclaimed pioneers of the Christian Hip Hop movement—The Ambassador continues his ministry now as a solo artist. His fourth solo album STOP THE FUNERAL is in stores now. To learn more about The Ambassador or book him, visit www.theambassadoronline.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @Ambassador215.