MODEST, versatile and religious are very rare qualities to be spotted in a HIP-HOP star but for Zambian rapper Chisenga Katongo better known as C.R.I.S.I.S, these are the marks that set him apart from the rest.

It is his faith in God that has driven him to attempt the impossible - and that is - to release a Hip-Hop music album. Hip-Hop, a music that can easily be described as an account of real life situations, is very popular in countries like the United States of America (USA) with late rappers Notorious B.I.G and Tupac having made major impact.

But only now will Zambian fans get to listen to their own competing with international artistes like Ja Rule, Ludacris and Jay Z as he becomes the first Zambian rapper to release a Hip-HOp album.

His long-awaited 20-track album Officer in Charge features a host of new artistes who include new comer Jon Woo, Levins, K-Monze and Ray Grams.

Exile and Jordan Katembula (JK) will surprise everyone with the different styles of singing done on the songs GP, Playaz Worldwide, Da Team, I wanna know, and one day.

With songs, Robin Hood (Get paid), I wanna know and With you already getting great reviews from the listening public on all radio stations, Freedom of Speech is one track that every Zambian will appreciate.

According to C.R.I.S.I.S, Freedom of speech is an insight to the many problems facing the country among them the increasing number of street kids.

In the song, C.R.I.S.IS cries out for the street children saying they need a safe environment where they can roam freely and Government needs to take the responsibility to care for them.

Among other songs, is the party song Good Foot which is solely dedicated to the disabled and talks about the limitless things that the differently-abled people can achieve.

"This to me is the most original song on my album and very personal. It is meant to send out a message of hope, love and encouragement that those with disabilities are just like any other person and can have fun too and the right to hope for anything," says the 25-year-old rapper.

This baritone-voiced rapper gave a massive performance at the much-publicised show of South African Kwaito group Bongo Maffin.

C.R.I.S.I.S who is also Voice of America (VOA) Hip Hop star against AIDS Fan Club country representative, says the release of the album is a stepping stone in not only launching his rap career but also opening doors for other rap artistes to follow.

"We have very good rappers in Zambia but they are not recognised, so I am hoping this album will be an avenue for other rap artistes to begin realising their dreams," he said.

Having recorded over 80 songs, this rapper had a hard time choosing songs to appear on his album but settled for 20 tracks.

"Despite having recorded over 80 tracks, I had to record new tracks that would reflect current affairs of our country and I believe in this album," said C.R.I.S.I.S

C.R.I.S.I.S who raps only in English is a humble artiste who speaks highly of the late pioneer of Zambian ragga music Antony Kafusha well known as Daddy Zemus whom he described as a man with immense talent that would have earned him respect internationally.

"I often imagine just how famous he would have been today and wonder what he would say about some of the songs that play on radio today," he said

C.R.I.S.I.S whose motto is a "aiming for the stars so that in case you fall, you land on the clouds", believes in never forgetting one's humble beginnings.

Despite having a publishing deal with South Africa's Sony Music label, he says if or when he becomes an international success he would like to be known as having launched his career in his own country.

He says his pal Ben Mporokoso and TK of Roma side studios are two people that have greatly supported him in his quest to realising his dream of becoming a rapper.

And for those who have not had the opportunity to meet him in person, he is the man who appears in the foreground as the waiter holding a Mosi bottle in the Zambia Breweries Mosi advertisement.

The album whose many tracks include Me, myself and I, legendary, Two weeks in Saudi, Lock it down, Let it go, One day and Do Da Uhh is one that will spark attention not only in Zambia but also internationally and fans better get ready for something creative, brand new and original.