Personal
Emanuel Lee Lambert, Jr. (born December 15, 1977, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a Grammy-nominated rapper who goes by the name, “Da’ T.R.U.T.H.”. He has been involved in urban missions since he was 16.
First signs of music
Da’ T.R.U.T.H., who goes by “Manny” in his family, first got into music as a teenager, listening to contemporary Christian music and becoming a talented drummer.
He said, “I had no interest in rap music. As a matter of fact, I was disenchanted with the whole idea of rap.” However, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. soon discovered his gift of free-styling, co-founded the group NIV, and gained his new nickname at the age of 19 to minister “da truth” to the urban culture.
Education
Da’ T.R.U.T.H. is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and the Institute of Jewish Studies.
2003
Da Truth’s first recording was the EP, Who Is The Truth
2004
Even before the 2004 release of his first album, he enjoyed a record-breaking eighteen month stint at #1 on MP3.com’s Christian hip hop chart. That acclaim, coupled with his standout appearances on Out of Eden’s “Spirit Moves Remix” and The Cross Movement’s smash single, “The Light”, paved the way for him to become the fastest-selling, solo Christian hip hop artist with the release of his debut, Moment of Truth.
2005
He quickly returned with a follow up called, The Faith in 2005.
2006
He featured on two top-10 singles of the Radio and Records (R&R) Christian Rhythmic Chart — label-mates The Ambassador’s “Feels Good” (#2) and FLAME’s “L.A.D.I.E.S.” (#4).
He is a featured artist in Holy Hip Hop: The Movie, the urban Christian film produced and edited by Christopher “Play” Martin released on Maverick Entertainment Group’s Spirit label in 2006.
2007
The Faith won a 2007 Stellar Award in the “Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year” category.
Features
BET, “Lift Every Voice”, INSP’s “Steelroots”, “Mixx Master’s Lounge”, Word Network’s “Bobby Jones Gospel”, VIBE, New Man magazine, and Source Magazine have all featured Da’ Truth and his music.
Other Projects
He is a close friend of Kirk Franklin and has been on tour with him. He performs as a featured artist on Franklin’s 2007 album The Fight of My Life, performing the song “I Like Me”. He has been a featured artist on Kirk Franklin’s HERO Tour along with platinum-selling duo Mary Mary and has performed at festivals including MegaFest and Creation Fest.
TV
Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s previous television appearances include “The 24th Annual Stellar Awards” (performance), MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16,” BET’s “BET News” and “Lift Every Voice,” TBN’s “Praise The Lord,” The Gospel Music Channel’s “G-Insider” and “Christmas Voices,” GOD TV, DayStar Television Network’s “Check the Sound,” NRB Network’s “RAW TV,” INSP’s “Steelroots” and “Mixx Master’s Lounge,” The Word Network’s “Bobby Jones Gospel” and more. His media highlights include Vibe, ESSENCE, The Source, XXL, Sister2Sister, JET, Charisma, CCM and New Man magazines. Da’ T.R.U.T.H. was also a featured artist in “Holy Hip-Hop: The Movie,” Christopher Martin’s urban Christian film.
2007
In 2007 Da T.R.U.T.H. recorded his third album called “Open Book” which features the song (“Who am I” performed with Tye Tribbett). This album earned him a second Stellar Award in the “Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the year” category.
2009
The Big Picture the Album
cmcentral.com reports:
CLICK HERE to PREVIEW album – The Big Picture
CLICK HERE to PREVIEW album – The Big Picture
U-Ready?
The project is divided into two sections by interludes that feature Grammy winner and multi-platinum artist Kirk Franklin as the narrator. In the opening scene, which explodes with “U-Ready?” featuring J-Soul, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. rallies us to see the big picture. Going back in time to the beginning of creation, we experience firsthand the unfolding of God’s redemptive story—from the moment He speaks the earth into existence to the climactic “Trumpet Blow” at the end of time.
live the big picture
The second half of the CD encourages us to live the big picture—a life shaped and driven by God’s redemptive story. Da’ T.R.U.T.H. tackles issues such as politics, prejudice and more in songs like “My President,” “Great Wall,” “Fantasy” and “Pain.”
Guest Artists
Along the way, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. is joined by an all-star cast of guest artists who help him paint the pictures of this cinematic experience, including Stellar Award winner and Grammy nominee Tye Tribbett, GMA Dove Award nominee J.R., Deluge Band, GMA Dove Award nominee Trip Lee, 2008 UK MOBO winner Jahaziel, and the fresh new voice of Tia Pittman on the infectious single “Lost,” along with Freddy Washington, Jr., J-Soul, Chris Graham, G.P. and Swoope. Produced by Freddy Washington, Jr. and Da’ T.R.U.T.H., The Big Picture also features tracks by J.R., Tony Stone, UK newcomer G.P. and Philly natives David Hackley, Jr. and Edward “PeeDee” Wright.
CLICK HERE to PREVIEW album – The Big Picture
CLICK HERE to PREVIEW album – The Big Picture
