The Ambassador makes impressive Billboard debut

Cross Movement Records veteran artist, The Ambassador makes noteworthy sales history with the first week charting success of his sophomore release, The Thesis.  The Ambassador debuted in the #5 position on the Billboard Gospel Chart, outselling other first week releases from female Gospel quartet, Rizen (#6), Jazz legend, Jonathan Butler (#10) and Gospel recording artist, Eric Carrington (#33).  Sharing the title of top five best–selling Gospel artists for the week with the Billboard Hot Shot Debut are Donnie McClurkin (#1), the WOW 2005 Gospel Compilation (#2), Smokie Norful (#3) and the Mississippi Mass Choir (#4).  The Thesis also entered the Heat Seekers Chart at the #27 position, #7 on the SoundScan Top Christian Album Chart, #8 on the SoundScan Top Overall Rock/Alternative/Rap Chart and #23 on the SoundScan Top Current Contemporary Christian Chart.

The average Christian Rap artist sells 5000-7000 units during the lifespan of a CD release.  As a leader among independent record labels, Cross Movement Records (CMR) has sold almost 35,000 units of The Ambassador’s solo debut, Christology: In Laymen’s Terms since its release.  With CMR’s recent Provident Music Distribution partnership, The Thesis, (released on May 17th) is expected to surpass current sales figures from Christology... by the end of 2005. 

William “Duce” Branch, aka The Ambassador is co-founder and spokesperson for The Cross Movement and President of the non-profit organization Cross Movement Ministries.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible from Lancaster Bible College and a Master’s degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.  His master’s thesis, Theological Implications of Hip Hop Culture served as both the inspiration for his album and a prelude to a book to be published in late 2005.  

Visit www.whyhiphop.com and www.crossmovementrecords.com for details.