Trackstarz Radio, an official partner of DaSouth.com, has come up with a list of the Hottest Christian MC's in the Game from 2011. Check it out!

"I'm not a christian rapper, I'm a rapper that is christian." Have you heard this before? I have, in fact I say it all the time. It seems as if it is the same statement only transposed, however to myself and many other lyricists, it makes a world of difference. Now let me explain myself... I am a devout christian. I have my falls, shortcomings and trials just like anyone else. I'm not perfect, but one thing that stands strong is my undeniable belief in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is the Son of God and He is the only way to salvation. I live my life as a progressive effort to grow more and more in His image. So the topic at hand isn't about a person's allegiance to Christ.

Yesterday FLAME announced the March 6th, 2012 release of his sixth album title The 6th (peep the interview), and since then there has been a lot of discussion about what the album cover artwork means. People have been trying to determine the symbolism and meaning behind the artwork designed by Barton Damer of Already Been Chewed. Without a doubt, the cover is one of the dopest I've seen, yet it leaves the onlooker trying to figure out what it all means. If you know FLAME, that's probably the goal of the cover in the first place - to spark discussion.

DaSouth.com is having a LIVE video chat with FLAME on March 5th at 11pm EST, so we can find out for sure then, but for now, lets see if we can break it down!

Last Friday Rick Ross released a mixtape titled Rich Forever, which serves as a prelude to his upcoming album God Forgives, I Don't. The first single being pushed from the mixtape is one called "Holy Ghost" featuring hip hop mogul Diddy. As one would expect, the song glorifies riches and worldly fame, but there is a new added twist. Ross has thrown God heavily up in the mix in a way that many will probably consider "blasphemous" (note the quotations please).

Before I continue, I will let you hear the song for yourself. This is the "clean" version, but should still only be heard by mature listeners. The lyrics are provided as well.

The Hip Hop Hope Unity conference took place on Saturday, Dec. 2nd at "The House" hip-hop church in Chicago IL. A little over 30 artists and DJ’s from Chicago attended the four hour event.

2011 was a great year for Christian Hip Hop. There were lots of great news headlines, editorials, music and videos that came out that caused a lot of discussion, impacted the social websphere and changed the canvas of the genre forever. What were the 10 biggest stories of the year? Can you guess? Well, we've got them for you. These were the headlines that were either a mainstay throughout the year, gained major attention outside of Christian Hip Hop, or received an enormous amount of hits. Here are 10 of the biggest news stories and  headlines of 2011. Thanks for making it a great year, and let's do it again in 2012!

I hope you know that it is not my intent to ever be arrogant about my faith and/or the Christian faith in general. I am in no competition to see who has the better God or the better religion. But I am also not the type of person to come in agreement with deceptive theologies. If I know the truth about something, I have a duty and God-given responsibility to tell others about it. I also love people enough to tell them the truth, even if it means them rejecting me or not liking me. Yes, I know this goes against the spineless "politically correct" philosophy that's been adopted by the vast majority of the American population, where you are told to agree with everything and everyone so everybody can get along (even if it means compromising what you know to be the truth and ignorantly following other mindless cardboard cut-outs right into a deathtrap). But anyway, that's another topic for another day...

Wow! This has been an AMAZING YEAR for Christian Hip Hop and Urban Gospel music hasn't it? We've had some of the best albums drop this year, not to mention A LOT of hot singles! Unlike never before, music videos have just been hot and consistent! And where do we begin talking about the plethora of major media headlines, new labels, new signings, major tours and more? The genre as a whole stepped its game up BIG TIME, making 2011 the year we believe that CHH finally came of age! Wouldn't you agree?

DaSouth.com Best of 2011 Award Nominations

Having said that, DaSouth.com would like to hear from you! What would you consider to be the Best of 2011 in the following categories.

Guess what? You don't have to be Lecrae to be relevant, signficant, or even have an effective music ministry. And you know what else? Lecrae would agree 100%.

First things first, shoutout to Lecrae and Reach Records for all that they have done to bring glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. Their ministry is very much appreciated and is a blessing to many throughout the world. Thank God for them! I mean that sincerely.

So why this write-up? Well, on November 11, 2011 an artist (who I won't name) hit me up on Facebook with a private message. I wanted to share the message he sent because I'm sure that he isn't the only artist who has probably had this thinking. Here it is...

It’s been a long time coming. I couldn’t put off looking at the theology of Bizzle. Tough Love Parables is a great project that hits the listener with a lot of practical theology. From the beginning you are locked into compelling story telling. So let’s get into it.

Pardon the interruption from the “Theology of…” series. I just had something that I couldn’t ignore. If you put your ear to the ground and listen to the music that has been coming out in the last few months you will see an interesting trend. We are hearing a sound, more  than ever before, that reflects openness and legitimate examples of personal vulnerability.  A few that come to mind are Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s songs Lights, Brainwashed, and Survivor or Canon’s Man in the Mirror song that deals with first person accounts of homosexuality,  paying for an abortion, or just pointing out how  hip hop culture  can offer trappings of  vanity .

This album is a great testament to how Christian hip hop (CHH) can have a relaxed sound and speak to intense issues of faith. From start to finish the listener is guided into the contemplative mind and vision of Mahogany Jones. 

What does being a professional Christian Hip Hop artist look like? What kind of Christian would promote themselves or expect payment for their services?  “Freely ye have received freely give,” right? (Matthew 10:8) What about where Paul talks about a “workman being worthy of his wages”? (1 Timothy 5:18) Do you even have an opinion on the matter? 

Many people's Saturday mornings are spent reclining on a couch, in a chair, sleeping in late, or enjoying some other form of relaxation. Though on this past Saturday morning a group of men and women, around 25 in number, gave up their weekend rest to serve the residents of, "HopeVille." Hidden from the plain eye, tucked behind a set of abandon warehouse buildings on St. Louis's riverfront, just walking distance from the world famous Arch, is a homeless community that it's residents call, "HopeVille."

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I’ve been immersed in the world of Christian Hip Hop for over a little three years now.  The more shows I attend, the more I can clearly see the difference between those who get on the mic and rap for their own glory while including Jesus’ name somewhere in their verses versus those who God has sent out to reach the lost and to empower believers.  While I’m writing this my mind is going a mile a second because there’s so much that I want to get out.  I’ll try getting straight the point.  If I jump around, just hop with me OKAY.