Rap artist Mac Minister, who made headlines when he was featured on “America’s Most Wanted” following a homicide, is poised to release his new album ‘The Minister of Defense’ while still behind bars.

The project will be released on SMC Recordings/Fontana and features hip-hop and rap notables Snoop Dogg, Mac Dre, Bad Azz, Too $hort & B-Legit, as well as production by LT Hutton & Mannie Fresh.

Rapper Mac Minister, whose real name is Andre Dow, originally hails from the Bay Area and made a name for himself by giving "game sermon's" on albums by fellow hip-hop and rap artists E-40, Snoop Dogg, Yukmouth and the Cash Money Millionaires. He also appears on Snoop Dogg's upcoming album, Blue Carpet Treatment, alongside Young Jeezy & Nate Dogg.

Mac Minister is currently being held in Las Vegas and is getting ready to be tried for the 2005 murders of rapper Anthony "Fat Tone" Watkins, 24, and his friend Jermaine "Cowboy" Akins. According to police speculation, a long standing rivalry had been brewing between Mac Minister and Fat Tone after the death of Bay Area rapper, Andre "Mac Dre" Hicks, who was gunned down in Kansas City in 2004 after a dispute over a payment for a concert. While maintaining his innocence, this album, ‘The Minister of Defense’ marks an opportunity for Mac Minister to tell his side of the story and detail what led up to the incidents in question.

‘The Minister of Defense’ is an opportunity for listeners to hear about experiences that other rap artists boast of, while not having lived. Without glorifying violence, ‘The Minister of Defense’ is a way for people to understand what a life on the street entails, as well as the consequences that come with the lifestyle.

Ralph Tashijan, CEO of SMC Recordings says: "After my first meeting with Mac I was inspired. He has the charisma and the inspiration from above to take himself to the top and overcome any situation. Mac Minister is a powerful man, a strong guy and most importantly a gentleman."

The album is slated for an early fall 2006 release.