Grammy Awards Announce New Category for Christian Rap

Nashville - Effective for its 2007 Grammy Awards (49th Annual) submissions window (Summer/Fall 2006), The Recording Academy has announced to its membership that it has updated its Grammy Awards music listings and notably established a new submissions category, opening the door for the first time for Christian emcees specializing in Hip Hop Ministry, titled: 'Best Rock Gospel or Best Rap Gospel'. After 20+ years of existence and thousands of albums produced by resilient Emcees, Labels, DJs, Individuals, Community and Organizations, the rapidly ascending global Holy Hip Hop Movement has earned a well-deserved seat at the prestigious Grammy Awards table honoring those who impact culture via the production of quality music.

Gospel Music Association (GMA) recently published in its annual industry report that Christian music statistics indicate Christian rock and hip hop music accounting for approximately 25% of all Gospel music sales, with Gospel music recently posting double-digit sales growth, which is only seen to rise as Churches seek to grow membership by attracting and retaining youth and adults by employing diverse music ministry.

About The Recording Academy (Grammy Society):

The Member Services Department of The Recording Academy ("The Academy"), nationally and in conjunction with its 12 regional chapter offices, is the primary communication link between the Academy's 20,000 members and its programs, services and activities. The Department works to ensure each member stays informed on Academy activities and events, creates added-value partnerships with companies through the Member Benefits program and responds to members concerns and questions regarding the Academy and their membership. For More Information on how To Join The Recording Academy and to submit your Music for Grammy Awards consideration, go to/click here: GRAMMY.com.

About GMA:

Founded in 1964, the 4,000-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA supports all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, hip hop, gospel, urban, praise & worship, southern gospel, country and children's gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awards, which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA. GMA Music Week 2007 is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2007 and culminating with the handing out of Dove Awards at the 38th Annual GMA Music Awards on April 25, 2007 in Nashville. For More Information on the Gospel Music Association or to become a member, go to/click here: GospelMusic.org.