Controversy accompanies gospel-album nominee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Is Kanye West's "The College Dropout" a gospel album?
The rapper-producer's debut album includes one explicitly Christian rap, "Jesus Walks." But other tracks have lyrics that might offend a congregation, and because of that, some people in the gospel music industry are upset that "The College Dropout" was included on a Stellar Awards ballot for best gospel rap album.
A committee from the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy put West's album on the ballot, which academy members use to select the award nominees.
Other artists on the ballot are God's Little Soldiers, Natalie Wilson & amp; SOP Chorale with Rodney Jerkins, Percy Bady and Papa San, Tonex and Ziklag -- all explicitly Christian groups.
"It just seems that it shouldn't have gotten through," said Jadda Gunn, a marketing assistant at the Nashville-based Light Records and a member of the music academy. "For this to be the Stellar Awards they should have known Kanye West, Roc-A-Fella records, that's not [a] gospel album."
Academy officials said Monday that there were mistakes on the ballot and that an addendum ballot would be sent to members. No one would say if West would be removed.
"The College Dropout," which has sold more than 2 million copies, has been hailed by critics and fans for breaking new ground and avoiding the clich & eacute;s of rap music.
Nominees will be selected Oct. 26, and the awards will be presented in Houston on Jan. 15.
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