It is without question that Ms. Damita has a lot to say about the new single because of the song’s authenticity. Damita penned the hot tune, believes every word and wants fans to stay focused on God’s promises no matter how difficult life may be.

The songstress has opened her heart and shared her thoughts with various media including, Elev8.com, YesLordRadio.com, New York Trend Magazine, uGospel.com, EEW Magazine, Ujima Magazine and TheGospelGuru.com, just to name a few.

During her exclusive interview with Ugospel.com, Damita explained a little more about the single “Won’t Turn Back”,  “The song Won’t Turn back means we must continue to move forward, running this race and not giving up at all and making a declaration that we won’t turn back.

She also shared what it means to be an artist and who musically inspires her, “Being an artist is about being artistic, forever growing, changing, expanding broadening.”  “The people who have inspired me are creative artists, such as Babyface, Phil Collins, Michael Jackson and Rance Allen.”

Damita also revealed that she was inspired by her mother, the late Ruby Bass, who studied Opera music. In fact Damita admitted that she still frequently listens to Opera and Classical Music.

In addition receiving love from media and radio, Damita’s fans are showing her love via Facebook and Twitter.

Damita is forever growing as an artist, singer and songwriter and it is evident on the current single “Won’t Turn Back”.

Wright’s new project is a collection of gospel cuts and remakes.  He even revamps some of his father’s popular songs.  “Master Can You Use Me” is given a contemporary twist with the vocal stylings of gospel powerhouse singer Melonie Daniels.  Also, “You Are My Everything”, another Rev. Timothy Wright classic, is covered by the younger Wright.  Wright also brings in famed gospel star Cheryl “Pepsi” Riley as guest vocalist on “It Will Be Alright”.  Additional tracks include “More of You” featuring Jeff Roberson and “Fly Away” featuring Bettina Pennon.  The full release is available on iTunes.

Hailing from gospel music royalty, Derrick Wright is set to continue the legacy of the gospel music heavyweight.  A gifted and talented musician in his own right, Derrick Wright has the musical Midas touch.  Currently, the Co-Music Director and Drummer for mainstream GRAMMY Award-winning pop artist Adele and Drummer for GRAMMY Winner and RB sensation Toni Braxton, Wright is known as a musician’s musician.  But even with his amazing talent, he was not able to escape life’s challenges.  With the sudden death of his mother and nephew and subsequent passing of his father, Wright experienced unimaginable grief.  His faith was the only thing that brought him through.  Never straying from his gospel roots, the debut gospel self-titled record Derrick Wright Driven is a collection of moving and inspirational gospel cuts.  The project not only celebrates the unshakable faith of the artist, but carries the torch of the Wright family, known for delivering timeless and riveting gospel songs.

It was his father’s inspiration that helped him to name the ensemble, Driven. “After my mother died, my father planned her funeral from his hospital bed,” recounts Derrick.  “People would come to encourage him and he would end up encouraging them.  My father was always pushing; he was driven.  I have taken that drive and used it in my life.”  The nine singers are friends and all have been through trying times, but each one has a testimony as well.  The group is purpose-driven and has no problem giving God all the praise.  The ensemble dropped their debut release in 2011 to rave reviews.  Derrick has recently been covered in Essence, JET and Sister2Sister Magazines.  More information about Derrick Wright and Driven can be found at www.DerrickWrightAndDriven.com.

The office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy identified the suspects as Detroit residents Montoya Givens and Christopher Moorehead, both 20, and Brian K. Young, 18, of Macomb County’s Clinton Township. They are charged with carjacking, unarmed robbery and conspiracy, said Maria Miller, Worthy’s spokeswoman.

The charges carry up to life in prison. The men appeared in Detroit’s 36th District Court and were ordered held on $200,000 bonds. Their preliminary examinations, in which a judge decides where there’s enough evidence for the case to go to trial, are June 1.

Winans, 54, was attacked Wednesday afternoon while pumping gas in Detroit. The robbers took his sport utility vehicle, Rolex watch, cash and credit cards.

“This is just an example of the diligence that our officers put forth when investigating criminal cases,” police Chief Ralph Godbee said in a statement Sunday.

Many of us have dreams of doing something great in life. Some are noble, others are rooted in selfishness and the praise of man, and some are a combination of both. God has great plans for our lives and He wants to use us in ways that bring Him Glory. Have you ever felt insignificant, like what you’re doing doesn’t really matter? You pray and read, and most of the time, things just don’t seem to work out the way we want them to. What do our dreams and goals look like in the grand scheme of things? Tune in to Channel as he shares his inspiration and heart on these matters. Sounds of a Dreamer drops June 12th, 2012. We hope this album would inspire you to go hard all summer! Team Red Ink.

HOLY CULTURE SWEEPSTAKES
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Playlist: Video: “My Life, My Struggle” by: The Rep
Video: “Alive” (Rock Version) by: The Rep
Video: “My Destiny” by: The Rep

Mary Mary kicked off their album promo week with an interview on ABC’s Good Morning America with host Robin Roberts and an exhilarating in-studio performance, backed by their live band of ‘Go Get It.’ The ladies rounded out their promo week with appearances on nationally syndicated morning show, The Better Show, Trinity Broadcasting Network’s Praise the Lord, and NYC’s PIX 11 Morning News.

Pundits agree; Go Get It proves that Mary Mary is here to stay. USA Today states “Sisters Erica and Tina have been delivering faith-inspired positive messages for more than a dozen years…Go Get It is a stirring call to improve your life…Can’t Give Up Now and Shackles are reminders of their broad appeal.” Billboard Magazine notes GO GET IT as “an insinuating groove and a gloriously uplifting lyric that urges the listener to “Go Get It…” Billboard goes on to say that “sisters Erica Tina have managed to enjoy a devoted following in the gospel market while expanding its fan base in the mainstream thanks to the duo’s funky energetic style and signature soaring vocals.”

The duo, sisters Erica and Tina Campbell have been keeping up a tremendous pace. In the past year the ladies have been nominated for every major award and have taken home many – receiving the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, Soul Train Award, two Stellar Awards and double Grammy nominations. In addition to filming the first season of their reality series which takes a personal look at their lives as singers, mothers, wives, and siblings – trying to balance it all; both sisters experienced pregnancy within the past year. Erica and husband/producer Warryn Campbell welcomed their third child in February 2012 and Tina and husband/Tonight Show Band drummer Teddy Campbell, are currently expecting their 5^th child due August 2012.

Having just announced Season 2 of their WE tv series the ladies are showing no signs of slowing down. The duo will be honored at this year’s 2012 Essence Music Festival and will be touring in the coming months. The album Go Get It was released, May 8^th 2012 and is available now in stores and online.

Now dubbed as ‘The International Revival’, the Midnight Oil Summit 2012 will return to the Bethel Convention Center on August 3^rd 4^th. Attendees will enjoy the ministries of MOBO Nominee/International Worship Leader Noel Robinson, World-Renowned Motivational Speaker Bishop Wayne Malcolm, UK ‘Holy Hip-Hop’ Artist Husky, MOBO Award Winner Guvna B, and #1 Selling US Gospel Artist Kierra ‘KiKi Sheard. Kierra is the daughter of Karen Clark-Sheard, and niece to the ‘Clark Sisters’. She released her very first live album ‘FREE’ in October 2011, produced by her brother J. Drew Sheard II, under new family label ‘Karew Records’. ‘FREE’ has been described as her ‘best project yet’, and she is certain to garner similar reviews from her performance at the Midnight Oil Summit this year. Not only will this be a 1^st for Midnight Oil (hosting an international guest artist), but it will also be a 1^st for Kierra, as this will be her first time visiting to the UK as a solo performer unaccompanied by her mother.

Other Incredible guests such as Joseph Perry, Husky, Al Gordon, Donna Akodu, Volney Morgan, David Shosanya, Doug Williams, Child of Zion, MTC Indian Dhol Band, Marcia Walder-Thomas, Leroy Sonia Hogg will also feature on this year’s conference schedule.

Another ‘first’ at #MOS2012 will be the launch of the ‘Midnight Cry Tour’. This is a movement that will showcase what God’s Bride Ministries hope to bring to churches, universities, college, and youth groups around the country; “the same intense atmosphere of praise and worship experienced at the Midnight Oil Summit coming to your city”. Other initiatives and workshops at the conference will be the ‘Kingdom Culture Breakfast’, the ‘Help Hope Compassion Fair’, ‘#FutureBuilders’, and much more.

The journey thus far has been a notable and inspiring one. From packing bags to packing auditoriums, Seth The GBM Team truly are witnessing something their futures will testify of. For 5 years, Midnight Oil has trumpeted a youth led revolution and this year, ‘The International Revival’ (themed ‘Revolution’) will definitely be another significant strive in doing so.

Tickets for the Midnight Summit 2012 are available from all major Christian/online outlets. Registration is £20 and covers the whole weekend.

Seth, now 22, continues to host and provide platforms for the nation’s finest artists and speakers as well as undiscovered gems found within the local community. In light of this, the ‘Good News Choir’ and ‘FLOW’ (a contemporary dance group) have been created and open for the general public to be a part of.

“It’s hard to imagine how someone so big can be wrapped around a finger so small,” says Montell.  “This little girl is a reminder of God’s hands always at work in all our lives, and another reminder for me in my role as a father trying to be like our Heavenly Father.”

Montell will take the rest of the week off from his worship leader duties at Victory World Church and as a CCM recording artist to spend more time with his family.  Later this month, Montell will serve as a panelist at the private Grammy Professional Development “Community” event that is being held by the Atlanta chapter of the organization.

However, the group’s latest CD, “A Beautiful Soul: Music Inspired by the Motion Picture” (Tyscot Records/$9.99), debuted at #16 on Billboard’s Gospel Album sales chart a week ago and this week it jumps to #10 on the same chart.

Meanwhile, the urban-flavored single, “Mo Betta” featuring Deitrick Haddon and Faith Evans, is heating up as well and rose to #33 on this week’s Top 100 BDS Gospel chart. The twelve-song set also includes the breezy urban pop tune “Running To You” (Regula leads) and the straight up urban track “New Life” (featuring Fonzworth Bentley, Haddon and raspy-voiced, Nikki Potts).

Adia leads the whimsical “Incomplete” and Haddon leads the title song, “A Beautiful Soul”. It’s twelve songs in all with Haddon’s choir, Voices of Unity, in the middle of the musical musings. Among the cameo soloists are Kierra Sheard; former P. Diddy sidekick, Fonzworth Bentley; Jason Champion; Joint Heirs; Candy West, among others

In the film, Haddon stars as Andre Stephens, an RB superstar who loses his spiritual compass after he and his best friend barely survive a brutal attack. Visit www.abeautifulsoulmovie.com for more information.

He retired from the hip hop industry 13 years ago to preach the gospel and eased his way back.

Also known as Mason Betha, the 34 year old shared on a TBN interview that some were worried about him going back to rap, afraid his commitment to the church would waiver.

“Why is it Christians are more confident in the Devil taking me more than Christ keeping me,” Betha questions. “What I have inside of me is more powerful than anything the world could ever offer me.”

Instead of going the entrepreneurial route, Mase went Christian and opened up El Elyon International Church and Mason Betha Ministries in Atlanta.

Despite his success, he said in an interview last month that he regrets making such a sudden transition.

“I didn’t give myself any room to grow, I went from one extreme to another extreme, I was just so gung ho about what I was learning, that’s all I wanted.

“I went so hard in one direction that people had things to say and rightfully so,” Betha said. “I don’t blame them for that [but] it’s been 13 years, let’s move on.”

All he’s asking of his fans and fellow worshippers is a word of prayer as he ventures back into a seemingly godless world.

Source: EURWeb.com

ALWAYS COKO relives her anointed moments on rich upbeat tracks, spirited contemporary tunes and engaging melodies. ALWAYS COKO is a testimony of her journey and intimate look at the heart of a truly gifted artist.

Coko’s power-house vocals are showcased on big ballads “The Winner In Me,” “I Surrender.” She rises on the upbeat “May Be My Last Time” and simply soars on the fan favorite, the Clark Sisters re-do of “Endow Me,” featuring Faith Evans; Little Mo and Fantasia.

From its Urban inspirational, contemporary pop tracks and worship ballads, ALWAYS COKO is a must have for music fans.

ALWAYS COKO will be available May 22, 2012 in stores and online everywhere.

Track Listing:

 1. Endow Me

2. I Get Joy

3. The Winner In Me

4. I Surrender

5. May Be My Last Time

6. Clap Your Hands

7. Mighty God

8. Look At Me

9. The Reason

10. This Is Me

Born on December 2nd, 1950, DJ Jazzy Cazzie knew the plight of young fathers as he began his family with his wife Sonya at the young age of 19. He often worked two to three jobs in order to make ends meet. Throughout this time he, as the dad of two sons (Carl and Cazzie Brister), he provided for his family while maintaining his love for music as the rhythm guitarist and leader of his own soul funk band called The Sagittarian Fire and later as a popular DJ/entertainer known for going above and beyond to provide music and entertainment for all occasions. Active in the community, Jazzy would often donate his services to provide music in support of social, political, and uplifting causes. After a long bout with complications due to congestive heart failure, “DJ Jazzy Cazzie” recently passed away on April 13th, 2012.

To celebrate his dad’s legacy, Agape Music Works Recording Artist Carl Brister will present the first annual “Jazzy’s Café” event on Thursday, June 14th, 2012. This Pre-Father’s Day celebration will be a live Soul, Blues, RB, and Gospel Musical Jam for charity. Carl Brister and a talented mix of special invited guest singers and musicians that includes Viola Sykes, Carmen Brown, Don Corey Washington, Lynette Sheard, Anthony Ponder Minstry’s Desire, Taraka, “Sweet” Willie Green and musician extraordinaire Aaron F. Brown serving as House Band Leader.

All will take the stage and “jam” for a great cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit “The Young Father’s Program” of UMDNJ , which has been providing support to young fathers throughout New Jersey with job search assistance, career development, parenting workshops and classes for 30 years.

The featured theme song of the evening will be Carl Brister’s inspirational single “Daddy’s Angels” from his current critical hit CD UNDEFEATED. A special music video for the track which honors and celebrates dads of various backgrounds, ages, and cultures will also be debuted at the event.

Carl Brister, who is also a father of two sons Justin (5 yrs. old) and Jordan (3 yrs. old) states, “I was blessed to have a good father in my life and learned a lot about taking care of my family from him.” He adds, “Jazzy’s Café” is a way to honor my dad by giving support to an organization that helps other young fathers who want to do their best for their children too.”

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Playlist: Nick Foulks – Glimpse of Home
NOFLESH – WHERE WOULD I BE
Jekob – Love Is All
Fresh IE – GOD OF THIS CITY
The Washington Projects – Time
J’Son – We Not Folding
The Washington Projects – Light Up The Dark
Blaze Torch – How You Like Me Now
Lecrae feat. Thi’sl – APB
Brotha Joseph – The Life
Relikis – Oooo Weee
R.M.G. – Somebody To Love (Ft. Tiffany Michelle)
Rhema Soul – On My Way (Ft. Ryan Stevenson)
Trip Lee – Know Me
Mary Mary – Go Get It
Tru-Serva & Dijohn – Oh Yeah
Applejaxx – Passion Fruit (Ft. Trini)
Creature Clan – Thank You (Ft. Will Hagan & Chris Belmont)
Andy Mineo – Hands High
Flame – Try Me
Cash Hollistah – Not Soft feat T-Haddy
Lecrae – Black Rose
Gideons Army – Mainstream
Black Knight – Bibles In The Air
Transparent ft. Black Knight – We On Top

Billed as a top headliner for the first time at Christian music’s largest festival, Creation Festival, for its 34th annual event (6/29), as well as headlining for the first time Creation 2012 Northwest (7/19) and Sonshine 2012 Festival (7/12), THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH is also featured on the main stages at Ichthus (6/22), Alive (6/23), Kings Fest (6/28), Lifest (7/14), Ignite Fest (7/22), HeavenFest (7/28) and DownPour (8/17) festivals, among others. The band will also be featured on the Uproar Festival along with Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind, Papa Roach, POD and others.

“Festivals locked TFK into their schedules early, foreseeing the success they are now having with their independently released new album and the strength of their growing fan base, the friends and family of the band,” says Tony Patoto, The Fuel Music Management Co. “Plus, TFK is spectacular live, well-known for delivering one of the industries most compelling live concerts.”

“TFK’s The End is Where We Begin is ahead of the last album’s sales by 41%, which is unheard of today!” exclaims Shawn Fowler, The Fuel Music Management Co. “Digital singles’ sales numbers are even stronger; up 64%. And the festival season is sure to drive that upward momentum as the recording continues to be featured at all the major retail outlets.”

“We’ve been impressed with THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH from day one. The level of energy they bring to their live show, and their commitment to excellence in everything they do, set them apart from the pack very early on,” says Mike Snider, Head of Paradigm Talent Agency, Nashville. “Throughout the years they’ve consistently delivered the goods, and this newest record takes things to a new level. Fans and newcomers alike are sure to be blown away when the band hits the road this summer.”

“Each year we look for a band that we feel can step up to a headlining spot. The band has to have mass appeal, great music, killer live show and the stage presence to stand with other headliners like Skillet, etc.,” says Wayne Seboa, Creation and Sonshine festivals producer. “This year we all felt that THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH was ready to take that next step. The band has great songs, an amazing live show and have the maturity to entertain a crowd in that covered headline spot. I am sure that the fans will come to the same conclusion after seeing their brand new show this summer.”

In addition to the festivals, TFK is gathering significant radio airplay across multiple formats. Its adrenaline-infused Active Rock single, “Let The Sparks Fly,” hit No. 2 this week on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Octane Big-Uns Countdown as its CHR No. 15 and climbing single, “Be Somebody,” became the second-highest radio spin-gainer last week in the format.

The band also continues its string of sports entertainment song placements, including new songs from The End Is Where We Begin on ESPN (NASCAR, NCAA basketball), EA Sports NHL 2013 releasing this fall and, most recently, “War of Change” was named as the official theme song for WWE’s “Over The Limit” pay per view event happening May 20 (www.wwe.com/music). WWE programming reaches nearly 16 million people per week in the US alone and 14 million more monthly online.  “Light Up The Sky” further became the soundtrack for the L.A. Kings’ (NHL) playoff reel.

Receiving over 1,350, 5-star average customer reviews on iTunes® alone for The End Is Where We Begin, THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH has found that sometimes the best way to move forward is to go back to the basics, taking all of the raw energy and emotion of the past and channeling it into the present. For those who’ve been following the Ontario-bred players since their formation in 1997, it’s been a continuously escalating highlight reel that includes best-selling albums, four top 25 Active Rock hits (including the top 20 smash hits “Fire It Up” and “Move”), plus a slew of soundtrack slots. In fact, the group has literally infiltrated every facet of pop culture, from ongoing ESPN appearances, to various NASCAR, MLB, NHL and NFL airings (including the 2010 Super Bowl), along with the “GI Joe” movie trailer, WGN-TV’s “Smallville” and EA Sports’ NHL 2010 video game.

All the latest tour dates and additional band information can be found at www.thousandfootkrutch.com.

Manafest spent weeks touring in Japan and China supporting the international release of Fighter where he debuted at No. 8 on the Japan iTunes chart. While he was there, he also taped the music video for the hit title-track song, which will be debuting today in partnership with the Sonshine Festival. Click here to view the music video debut. Manafest will be performing at Sonshine Festival on July 12.

This summer Manafest can be seen at all the major festivals across the country. He will also be headlining a Western Canadian tour in June (dates and venues below). Next week he’ll be traveling to Singapore for the Music Matters Conference. See the dates and festivals he’ll be performing at below.

In addition to the radio and international success, Manafest’s newest venture is receiving wide acclaim from the media.  Media are saying that the album is “lyrically intense,” the “musicianship is nearly flawless,” lyrical content is “hopeful but also challenging listeners,” and gives “rap a hardcore edge.”

Connect with Manafest: www.manafest.net

May 27th        Del Mar, CA               Spirit West Coast Festival

MANAFEST WESTERN CANADIAN TOUR WITH WHOSARMY

Jun 1st            Victoria, BC                TEMPLE ALL AGES
Jun 1st            Victoria, BC                TEMPLE 19+
Jun 2nd           Nanaimo, BC              HEADLINERS ALL AGES
Jun 3rd           Vancouver, BC            The Rio Theatre
Jun 6th            Lethbridge, AB           The Slice
Jun 8th            Calgary, AB                Orpheus Theatre
Jun 9th            Edmonton, AB            Avenue Theatre
Jun 13th          Yorkton, SK                Army Navy Airforce Veteran’s
Jun 14th          Saskatoon, SK             AMIGO’S CANTINA
Jun 15th          Regina, SK                  The Exchange
Jun 16th          Winnipeg, MB             West End Cultural Centre

Jun 23rd          Wilmore, KY               Ichtus Festival
Jun 28th          Mason, OH                 Spirit Song Festival
Jun 29th          Shirlysburg, PA          Agape Farm
Jun 30th          Doswell, VA               Kings Fest
Jul 12th           Wilmar, MN               Sonshine Festival
Jul 21st           Enumclaw, WA          Creation Fest West
Jul 24th           Houston, TX              KSBJ Radio event
Aug 4th           Midland, TX              Rock the Desert Fest
Aug 11th         Lansing, MI               Michigan Adventure
Aug 30th         Crofton, BC               Camp Qwanoes
Sep 1st            Plymouth, CA            Joshua Fest

O’Brien is well known for his work with Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Audioslave and The Fray, among others. A former vice president of Epic Records, O’Brien has won two GRAMMY Awards including 2010’s producer of the year, Non-Classical award. In addition, O’Brien has production credits on 14 albums that have topped the Billboard 200 sales chart.

“When we were getting together as a band to talk about starting work on this project, we did an exercise where each member named his top five albums of all time. Brendan O’Brien had at least one record on all of our lists,” offers bassist, Tai Anderson.

Mac Powell, the band’s front man, shares, “Our time with Brendan has been nothing less than an amazing experience. He is one of my favorite producers. Having made so many great records with so many amazing artists through the years, I consider it such an honor to be working with him. Brendan has definitely stretched me as a songwriter and vocalist more than any other producer ever has.”

The new project follows a stellar 2011 for Third Day, which included being the first Christian artist ever to receive ASCAP’s coveted Vanguard Award, as well as wrapping up its highly successful spring/fall “Make Your Move Tour” which saw numerous sell-out performances.

Additional information on Third Day’s latest record is forthcoming. In the meantime, fans can catch the band on select concert performances throughout the summer, where it intends to begin previewing select tracks from the new recording. For a current list of tour dates, visit www.ThirdDay.com.

Before the CD has even been released, Nelson finds himself in the unique position of having a Top-10 single at radio.  He was also featured last fall on Kirk Franklin’s Fearless Tour; received acclaim from The New York Times, and delivered a powerful appearance on the internationally broadcast TBN.

Jason Nelson’s major label debut on Verity Gospel Music Group elevates contemporary urban praise and worship to new heights.

“We worked hard to put together a CD with no fillers,” says Nelson.  “By the time people get to the last song, I want listeners to feel like their atmosphere has really shifted.  I hope that the CD helps people to redefine themselves and their relationships with God, and to worship God in an intense way.  I want people to see God, hear God and experience Him in a profound way.”

The title track, currently a Top-10 radio single, was called “an excellent first single…a religious quiet-storm ballad” by The New York Times.   Nelson says that, with “Shifting the Atmosphere,” he wants people to understand that when they get in trouble, when things get rough, they can worship their way into a better circumstance.  “Worship invites God into your space, and wherever God is, things have to change.  That’s where we get ‘shifting the atmosphere.’”

“The response to Jason Nelson’s music is well-deserved,” says James “Jazzy” Jordan, Executive Vice President, Verity Gospel Music Group.  “Jason Nelson is a renaissance man – a great musician, great songwriter, very talented singer and a wonderful pastor, husband and father.  He is the example of what you want a Gospel artist to be.”

Though this is Nelson’s major label debut, he has been making contributions to Gospel music for a long time. An accomplished bass player, he has played for the likes of Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark Sheard and BeBe Winans. He also spent time under the direction of Donald Lawrence as a member of his seminal ensemble Company; released an independently produced CD and has written songs for major artists including Marvin Sapp.

Nelson is commencing on a promotional tour to Philadelphia, Detroit, Atlanta and New York.  On Tuesday, there will be a CD release concert at Greater Bethlehem Temple near Baltimore, Maryland – where he is pastor.

“Shifting the Atmosphere” will be in stores May 22.

Winans, pastor of Perfecting Church and the minister who delivered Whitney Houston’s eulogy in February, was assaulted around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday when he pulled into a CITGO gas station to refuel his SUV. The minister, whose siblings include BeBe and CeCe Winans, told police he noticed 10 young men in the station as he entered.

“I was putting my gas in the tank and turned around to face them,” the minister reportedly said Thursday, according to the Root DC. He was soon engaged in casual conversation with three or four young men and became distracted when one of them said his gas was overflowing.

“When I looked down, one stepped in and hit me from behind. They pulled me on the ground, and they were kicking me and kicking me. Someone grabbed the car and went. I remember throwing a punch and missing,” the minister reportedly said.

Winans’ black SUV was recovered on Thursday and two suspects have been arrested. However, it was not immediately clear what became of the minister’s stolen $15,000 Rolex watch, iPhone, briefcase and wallet containing $200.

The minister, who grew up in Detroit, said he has never encountered anything like the assault he endured Wednesday. Investigators have reportedly said they do no believe the young men were aware of Winans’ identity when they targeted him.

The 54-year-old pastor escaped without any serious injury, but was driven by a friend to a local hospital where he was treated for a fractured finger and bruising.

More than anything, the Grammy Award-winning pastor says he is wounded by the nature of the crime. In addition, the two males currently in custody were reportedly 17 and 20 years old. According to police inspector Nick Kyriacou, the roughly 10 men Winans saw when he pulled into the gas station were no older than 20.

“I feel saddened because those are my brothers, those are my nephews. I am trying to figure out how as people we have deteriorated to a place where we feel it’s okay . . . to take a car from someone, not to go to work to purchase a car, but to take your car,” Winans reportedly said.

“If they would have asked me for the money, I would have given it to them,” he said later in a statement, according to The Detroit News. “Our young people have to find their purpose in life. It has to be bigger than sitting in a gas station waiting to rob innocent people. We’ve got to do a better job raising our young men.”

The minister, who was also flabbergasted that someone could be assaulted and robbed in the middle of the day in public without drawing any intervention, suggested that a lack of fathers in homes may be contributing to young people having little regard for right and wrong.

He reportedly called on fathers to “assume responsibility for their sons. If we don’t raise our children, the streets will. And if the streets raise them, they have no moral center. They have no sense of honor and respect.”

Winans’ most recent single, “Let the Church Say Amen,” was recorded with Andrea Crouch and sits at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songs chart. His Perfecting Church is home to about 3,000 members,

Produced by: David Gomez
CD Name: Voice
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Follow Me: http://twitter.com/#!/rapperd1g

In addition to this premiere, Family Force 5 will have “III (Digital Re-Release” and the “III.V EP” available online May 22nd!

The “III (Digital Re-Release)” will have the original “III” album in addition to the band’s new single “Superhero” as well as the music video for “Paycheck.”

The “III.V EP” is composed of two new songs, “Zombie” and “Cray Button,” and three acoustic remixes of fan favorites “Love Addict,” “Kountry Gentleman” and “Fever.”

If you haven’t picked it up yet, Family Force 5′s latest album “III” is available in stores and online now! You can also download it now at iTunes or Amazon MP3.

Pearson stopped and rethought his words for a moment. ”Well, I was surprised—surprised that the President would bring this up before the election in November,” he said, laughing. ”But this is to get this conversation generated now, since, as we’ve just learned, there are plans on the Right to use the Church to rally against Obama.”

Pearson, who is now a minister with New Dimensions Chicago in Morgan Park, has for several years been an outspoken advocate for gay marriage and other gay rights issues.  He has similarly preached for gay tolerance within the evangelical movement.

Pearson calls President Obama “the perfect president” to make the call for supporting gay marriage, going so far as to compare it to the Emancipation Proclamation. ”Obama has said that Lincoln is his favorite president, and now he is following that same natural trend that Lincoln did,” he added.

“This is the last major civil rights frontier,” he added, emphasizing that there is a natural progression from race-based rights issues to those focused around same-sex relations. ”When the most powerful leader in the free world says this, it’s an incredibly strong statement—this is the most progress that’s been made in the history of this planet.”

Pearson has long advocated for what he calls a “gospel of inclusion,” an interpretation of scripture that suggests that all of humanity, no matter their religion or actions, is eventually reconciled with God. It is not a position that endeared Pearson with his colleagues in the evangelical movement. After explaining his doctrine to the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops in early 2004, Pearson was branded a heretic and ousted from his ministry, Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center, one of the largest megachurch congregations in Oklahoma. He came to Chicago to become a minister at the Christ Universal Temple in 2009, but left the position in 2011.

He’s long been concerned with the lack of acceptance shown towards LGBTs within African American church communities, and said he hopes Obama’s support might reverse some of that.

That wariness, however, has deep origins, Pearson said. The first could be traced to sexual violence that male slaves often faced at the hands of their owners. ”There was an unspoken abuse that occurred back then,” according to Pearson. ”It was kept very quiet, and there was a perception that if you yielded to this violence you were somehow less manly.”

The knowledge of that violence in time grew into an overall hostility towards homosexuality.  That hostility only accelerated, as African Americans became a largely Christian demographic. ”Then it had become a sin to these folks,” he said. ”The perception was that gay men were promiscuous and sleeping around, and that we had to find some way to restrain them.”

But changing times have given way to a new reality, Pearson said. ”When you start finding that there are respectable gay teachers, doctors—anyone you can think of—now looking for marriage, you see that it’s not just President Obama who has been evolving on this issue.”

Many of the theological underpinnings preachers use to denounce homosexuality are based on misreadings, he said.  “There’s the scriptural discussion of Sodom and Gomorrah, for example—the Sodomites believed in idolizing the body over God, and the Bible denounces the sin of idolatry. Many Christians and preachers misinterpret that as a denunciation of homosexuality.”

Many preachers in African American church communities, he believes, do indeed see and understand that the time has come for change. ”But a lot of them are forced to say things in public that are different than what they believe in private,” Pearson said.

Should those preachers stop being afraid to preach what they believe in, Pearson foresees a new era of not just tolerance but vitality. ”It will be a new kind of freedom,” he said. ”We have lost all of our authenticity by impersonating these (indoctrinated) zombies.”

He added that the Church has much to do to regain the trust of men and women who have been marginalized by their teachings. ”They still are suspicious, and for good reason; it’s up to us to say, ‘we welcome you and we want you back.”

Pearson acknowledges that that’s easier said than done at many churches. ”Black people have known that for many years—the sign outside can say ‘all are welcome’ but it takes a lot for everyone to actually feel welcome. There’ll probably never be blanket acceptance for people; it’ll be another 50 years or 100 years—one or two generations—before we can work through all of our issues.”

He is currently looking for a space in which to expand his ministry, and said he looked forward to officiating at the wedding of Randy Roberts Potts, the grandson of Pearson’s mentor, Oral Roberts. Potts came out in the early 2000s and spoke at Pearson’s Inclusion 2011 Conference last year.

Pearson said that this would be his first time officiating at a same-sex wedding and was excited. ”I have blessed babies, barns and bulls, so why not a same-sex union?”

He holds out hope for more vibrant and welcoming religious communities that understand and celebrate the diversities of human nature. ”We are sexual, sensual, social and spiritual beings—there is a great art and science to living,” Pearson said.

“Hanging On By A Remix” will be released on May 22, 2012. This album features remixes of several tracks from their debut album including “Fire with Fire,” “Hanging On By A Thread,” plus a few others. You can see the art and find out more about the album here.

You can also pre-order the new album at Amazon.com!

Produced by: Nu Vintage
Website: www.andrebalboa.com
Follow Me: www.twitter.com/andrebalboa

This is the intro to my upcoming mixtape “Walk As Brothers.”  Dropping this summer.

Produced by: Rapturebeats
CD Name: Rotating The Future Worldwide Love Compilation
CD Release Date: April 16,2012
Website: http://www.djshyheim.com
Follow Me: http://twitter.com/BEATSBYRAPTURE

The song is off the band’s upcoming album “Lost Weekend” which is available in stores and online June 5th! Pre-order options are available now at the Write This Down Store. With every order you will be entered to win a VIP package which includes tickets VIP passes for you and 3 friends to any Write This Down show, dinner with the band and an exclusive performance of a couple acoustic songs backstage for your and your friends! Drawing takes place June 5th.

Survivor Q is a Christian Rapper that puts God first and everything else falls in place. His mission is to reach lost souls for the King.

Jermaine Alexander AKA Survivor Q is a man whose heart hungers for Christ. He uses his music to reach souls and help fill the void that many people crave. Q was not always saved, as a matter of fact he thought he wouldnt make it to see his 20′s. He was in gangs, drugs, alcohol and women. He even lost his brother to the streets. When he realized that everyone around him was either dead or in jail, that was his wake up call. He called on Christ in 2002 and has been walking strong and firm in him ever since. His desire is to spread the true gospel of Jesus to any and everyone that he encounters. Survivor Q uses his gift of music to win souls for the kingdom and uplift the saints. He will continue to spread Jesus’s word until Christ comes back. “Time Running Out, Who you Running With?”

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsYaHPOzOuE
This is a Rap song called “Trying to make it” off survivor Q album daily bread released July 23 2011 song is a Inspired by Jesus as q survivor examines himself! praising Jesus for helping him threw tuff times video shot by Demetric pruitt on sony a65 becamehumblefilms grace and peace http://survivorq.bandcamp.com/

A re-recording of the 20-year-old’s GRAMMY® nominated, No. 1 hit “Hold Me,” which she penned alongside her mentor, TobyMac, and producer-writer Christopher Stevens, can currently be heard nationwide in the Mother’s Day commercial advertisement for the leading department store. In addition, the ever-building momentum behind Jamie Grace includes a GRAMMY® nomination, two chart-topping singles and No. 1 status on three different charts (National Audience, AC and CHR), and recent nods to Grace from celebrities including country superstar Reba McEntire and The View co-host Sherri Shepherd. The break-out success of “Hold Me” also assisted in propelling Grace to win her first GMA Dove Award–for New Artist of the Year–at last month’s ceremony, in addition to the recent Billboard Music Award nomination.

“Jamie is a true songwriter, blossoming before my very eyes. She’s such a natural, beautiful next step for our industry,” TobyMac explains, after signing the newcomer to Gotee only one year ago.

Additionally, Jamie Grace recently released her new CHR single, “Come To Me,” to radio. This track follows her previous singles “Hold Me” and “You Lead.” “Hold Me” raked in No. 1’s across the board with a No. 1 at Christian AC Monitored, Christian AC Mediabase, iTunes ® Christian Gospel Songs, Billboard Christian Digital Tracks and Christian CHR. Jamie Grace is one of very few artists to have their debut single go No. 1 on both AC radio charts and CHR. Her second single, “You Lead,” also the No.1 spot on the CHR chart. Jamie Grace released her Gotee debut, One Song At A Time, in September 2011. The project features many tracks that been spotlighted via TV and online placements, including VH1’s Baseball Wives and Basketball Wives LA and online ads for Microsoft’s Dell Inspiron 15R laptop computer.

Coinciding with major press opportunities on the GRAMMY® red carpet with Access Hollywood, EXTRA and Grammy.com, The Associated Press and CNN both recently ran in depth profiles on Jamie Grace. She is currently touring across the country throughout the summer. To view Jamie Grace’s tour schedule, visit here.