8th Aug, 2011
7up w/ The Ambassador
The Gospel Guru chops it up with a catalytic pioneer of Christian Hip Hop, The Ambassador. Ambassador is a founding member of the critically acclaimed group The Cross Movement. He burst on the music scene in 1999 with his debut release “Christology: In Laymen’s Terms,” and the rest is history.
Ambassador is back and has teamed up with XIST Music and 220 Entertainment to bring us “Stop The Funeral,” which is in stores and online NOW. Make sure you connect with Ambassador on Facebook and Twitter, and for more info about “Stop The Funeral” and Ambassador , visit TheAmbassadoronline.com. Now, sit back, relax, and get a bit of 7up with The Ambassador.
- Describe Ambassador in three words. I’m a “servant of Christ.”
- How do you remain relevant in the music industry? By grace, studying timeless truths and being an observer and student of the evolution of culture: whether it’s the arts or world views.
- What was your inspiration for “Stop The Funeral?” My personal journey from being well received, well liked, and having a good name, then, veering off, violating many of the principles I had preached, and being cast into the pit as a consequence…thinking it was over, and that there was no better tomorrow, and feeling intense loneliness. Out of that, birthed the hope of the gospel applied to the believer who needs it just as much as the unbeliever. From that was birthed this notion that God would breathe on dry bones, causing me to live again, be free again, thrive again. Thus, Stop The Funeral was inspired by this sense that God had given me hope, when it seemed hopeless and life when it seemed lifeless.
- You collaborated with quite a few artists for “Stop The Funeral.” How did those collaborations come about? Well, in God’s providence, some of the places I was going probably would have been more of my normal pool of people, but it didn’t work out; it left a void. But God filled that void with me exploring new collaborations and new relationships. Just getting with a new label opened up a new portal of ministers of the gospel who may or may not have been people I worked with before. This resulted in me linking up with Canton Jones, Mali Music and Jessica Reedy. I’m doing a joint venture with 220 and they connected me with Charmaine and Ryan Stevenson.
- What was your most memorable experience while creating “Stop The Funeral?” I’d have to say one of the highlight experiences would be just the rhythm; just being invigorated by a guy named Kelvin Wooten. He produced several standout tracks on the album. He gave me a sound that I feel wasn’t stereotypical hip-hop.
- Who are some people that you look up to in the music industry, and why? I have mad respect for the co-laborers in the ministry such as Shai Linne—he’s an artist on Lamp Mode and his life behind the scenes matches his life in the open. Musically, Sean Simmonds—he helped guide my project. He has a ridiculous musical ear and really brought musical expertise to this album. Da’ T.R.U.T.H. —because he’s a musical beast and continues to do things excellently. I’ve gotta give it up to Kirk Franklin because he has a standard of music that I really respect. On a secular side from a musical standpoint, I tip my hat off to Jay-Z. Not at all for his morality or the lack thereof. But as a dude who is up in age and the way he navigates in a changing industry. I think he’s changed the outlook on an age limit in hip hop when it comes to age. I think he interviews well, presents himself well, and he does it all without jumping on to all the trends. I don’t honor him as a man of God but I do take note as to how shrewd he’s been.
- As a successful Christian artist, how do you define success? Interesting, I really determine it by whether or not my conscience is clear about what I’ve deposited into the street. I know The Father lights up at anyone who honors The Son. Jesus said, anyone who honors The Son, The Father will honor. As long as I do that faithfully, and Lord willing skillfully, I believe that will be counted as “successful.”
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