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 and video “Y U Runnin’” airing on Gospel Music Channel. He appears on GMC’s Bobby Jones: Next Generation with his protégé and teenage son, KJ – a solo artist/emcee.

The Poplar Bluff, MO native and University of Minnesota graduate adopted the name XROSS at the onset of his music career, a name symbolic of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most notably known for his no-nonsense 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 with 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," says Gary Hines, music director/producer of 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 over hard-hitting beats, offers 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 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 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,” he says.

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!