William "Duce" Branch a.k.a. "The Ambassador" is a
co-founder and primary spokesperson for the nationally known
christian rap group The Cross Movement. He was signed to
Cross Movement Records (CMR) until 2009.
Pastor
He is also co-pastor of an inner city church plant (Epiphany
Fellowship) being launched in North Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Duce also served for several years as the
president of the non-profit organization Cross Movement
Ministries.
Gospel
Duce has ministered the Gospel through rap and preaching for
nearly fifteen (15) years seeking to be a model and a
messenger of the gospel's transforming power especially (but
not exclusively) among the hip-hop generations.
Commitment
With a passionate commitment to the kingdom of Christ as
well as a firm belief that faith must integrate with
culture, Duce has become known for his devotion to
proclaiming Jesus Christ to urban contexts, and through
urban mediums.
Degree
He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Bible from
Lancaster Bible College as well as a Masters degree in
Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). His
master?s thesis, Theological Implications of hip-hop culture
served as the inspiration for his christian rap album, The
Thesis (2005), and laid a much needed foundation for his
current ministry campaign - hip hop missions.
Family
Duce is married to Michelle and they have four children
together.
Albums
The MC made his solo debut with "Christology in layman's
terms" on Cross Movement Records (CMR) in 2000 and released
his sophomore recording "The Thesis" in 2005. His latest
release is "The Chop Chop : From Milk to Meat" (2008).
Press release
On May 15th, 2009 the word came out regarding the
Ambassador's sabbatical from the stage:
CMR's Ambassador Statement
Dear Body of Christ,
It is with much grief, severe disappointment and an
overwhelming fear of the Lord that Cross Movement Records is
sad to announce that we will be discontinuing the forwarding
and promotion of the Artist and Minister, The Ambassador AKA
William �Duce� Branch, due to recent findings of moral
failure in his marriage. It is CMR�s past, current and
prayerfully, future position that living in moral compromise
is unacceptable and never allowable in the lives of any of
the ministers that we co-labor with. We continue to hold up
the teachings of Christ as the standard for all Christians
and especially those in Christian leadership and public
ministry. Although it is a rare find these days, discipline
is still one of the true marks of the true Church.
That being said, we also know according to Hebrews 12:6 that
�whom The Lord loves He disciplines.� So we know that
our beloved brother Duce is under the Lord�s loving care
(Hebrews 12:5-11). We at CMR solicit your prayers for him as
he begins the uphill climb of restoration through the
process of repentance. We also ask that you remember his
wife and children in your quiet time with our Lord as well.
We are reminded by Galatians 6:1, that we are to work toward
the restoration of our dear brother in due season and also
to do such in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves
lest we also be tempted.
Lastly, some that have had this circumstance announced to
them through other sources have begun to suggest some type
of cover-up or a sweeping under the carpet by CMR because of
a slight delay in this statement versus the announcement
that has already happened in William Branch�s church. This
is the farthest thing from the truth. This matter was
unbeknownst to CMR and upon discovery we have taken the
proper time to speak with the Lord, The Ambassador, his
church leadership and many other Christian leaders regarding
this issue. After seeking wisdom and allowing the
appropriate amount of time to make sure we had all the
issues in full consideration, we have come forward as
quickly as we were able to after completing this process.
In conclusion, we apologize for the effect that this may
have on many who have followed and supported The Ambassador,
Cross Movement and Cross Movement Records for many years.
Despite this unfortunate occurrence, CMR and all of its
artist/ministers continue committed, our resolve unaffected,
with the mission of making the message of the Cross known to
the world. Again, we ask for your prayers as we keep our
hands to the plow, heal our wounded and worship the God of
our Salvation. We remain Christ�s and your servant.
Sincerely,
John Wells
Pres/CEO
Cross Movement Records/ Issachar Media
Sources: DaSouth.com: Cross Movement Records sadly announces
Ambassador's marital compromise, May 15th, 2009 ;
Pressrelease CMR: CMR's Ambassador Statement, [May 2009]
01. A-M
02. Get With Us feat. Sean Simmons
03. Mind Made Up
04. Pop Pop Pop
05. Up Down feat. Charmaine
06. Favor feat. Canton Jones
07. Bring You Out feat. Melissa T
08. Talk This Way
09. Crumbs feat. Jessica Reedy
10. Trust In You feat. Mali Music
11. Nothing Like Us feat. Charmaine, Ryan Stevenson
12. Your Love feat. KJ-52, Michelle Bonilla
13. Put It Down
14. The Reunion Cypha feat. C-Lite, Cruz Cordero, God's
Servant, J.A.Z., Shai Linne
Rating:
This release is not rated yet Sign up or login to submit your vote
01. The Opener
02. The Chop Chop
03. Checkin' For My God (Remix) feat. Lecrae & Trip Lee
04. The Chop Chop Defined (Interlude)
05. Gimme Dat!
06. JESUS
07. Talk A Lot feat. Stephen the Levite
08. Listen Up
09. Hardcore
10. Hope Man
11. Theology Of Brokenness (Interlude)
12. The Cost
13. The Day I Met You
14. Love & Grace feat. JR & Da TRUTH
15. Whatchu Goin' Do
16. The Ambassador's Appeal (Interlude)
17. Deeper
18. Checkin' For My God feat. Lecrae
19. Glory & Praise feat. Jeremiah The Prophet
Rating:
Our users rated this release: 6.5 out of 10 (Number of votes: 2) Sign up or login to submit your vote
1. Intro
2. Thesis pieces
3. Amba-ss-ador
4. Song for you
5. Feels good
6. Get you open
7. Explanation - interlude
8. Elements
9. Crown Him
10. Oh wretched man
11. My clothes, my hair
12. Back home
13. We worship you
14. Testimony - interlude
15. Anthem
16. Body talk
17. Fall
18. My clothes, my hair - radio edit
*He's glorious
Rating:
Our users rated this release: 7.7 out of 10 (Number of votes: 20) Sign up or login to submit your vote
1. Intro
2. One-two
3. Selah
4. Christology interlude
5. Hold your ground
6. Thug joint
7. Prayer interlude
8. What a relief
9. Loophole
10. Apologetics
11. Hands in the air
12. Psalm 23
13. Interlude - the world
14. A girl named world
15. Interlude - one point
16. It was love
17. I love you Jesus
18. When it's on in the whirlwind
19. Honor & glory
20. Products of the city life
21. Cypha international
Rating:
Our users rated this release: 8.6 out of 10 (Number of votes: 12) Sign up or login to submit your vote
