Hip-hop mainstay and one-time Grammy nominee Da' T.R.U.T.H. has confessed to a "moral indiscretion" and is taking a sabbatical. On his website, the rapper wrote,  "In light of a moral indiscretion in my personal life, I will be taking a sabbatical from music ministry and teaching upon fulfilling my current commitments to work closely with my pastor, church and restoration team. I have repented first to God and then to my wife and family. It is my prayer that my family, supporters and the brethren in Christ will collectively be able to forgive me."

His record label made it very clear it will cease promoting the artist, but also requested prayers for the singer and his family: "It is with tremendous sadness and humble disappointment that Cross Movement Records must inform you regarding the suspension of the promotion and forwarding of the artist, minister, and ministry of Da Truth, aka Emanuel Lambert Jr., due to recent findings of moral failure in his marriage," the company said in a statement. "It is the expressed ambition and demonstrated intent of this label to foster Christian leadership that utilizes the platforms of an artist or musician. While obedience to the word of God is the high standard for all who name the name of Christ, for the Christian leader, the standards and the consequences are even greater. We at CMR plead for your prayers for our brother Da' T.R.U.T.H. whom we sincerely love."

Bluetree takes a stand vs. sexual exploitation

Worship band Bluetree, best known for its hit single "God of This City" as performed by Chris Tomlin, is using its platform to campaign for social justice, particularly against sexual exploitation, throughout the new organization StandOut International. The group hopes to draw attention to the often silent epidemic, while providing recovery resources to previous victims.

Lennox scores peace prize

Annie Lennox, an educational activist for HIV/AIDS, particularly in South Africa, was recently awarded the 2009 Woman of Peace award by a recent gathering of Nobel Peace Laureates in Berlin on the heels of her Sing campaign. The 2007 single of the same name has raised $2 million for the cause and features an all-star list of collaborators including Dido, Céline Dion, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Faith Hill, Gladys Knight, Madonna, and more.

New MxPx EP

Punk favorites MxPx today releases a new EP, Left Coast Punk, from its own label Rock City Recording Company. "It just made sense to use the term," front man Mike Herrera shares of the title and album's tone. "Its been around awhile, something I believe we coined, but it perfectly describes the clash of pop sensibility with the fast and hard playing that we are known for."

Shust quietly releases Christmas EP

Considering Aaron Shust's a multiple Dove Award winner with numerous radio singles to his credit, there could've been plenty of hype surrounding his first ever holiday collection. But Christmas EP just seemed to pop up on iTunes and Amazon as a digital exclusive without a major push, hosting the tunes "God Has Come To Earth," "Silent Night" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

Abandon Kansas' holiday cut

Alternative rocker Abandon Kansas took a stab at "O Come All Ye Faithful" in a digital exclusive single that releases today. The song was recorded following a tour with House of Heroes and The Wedding, though the band goes right back on the road to support its studio EP We're All Going Somewhere this month.

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