WARRYN CAMPBELL OF THE SOUL SEEKERS

• Interviews
• September 1st

The Soul Seekers are the epitome of a super group when you look at the makeup of the group, which consists of some of the most successful and sought after musicians, singers, producers and songwriters in the business today. If you put all 8 member’s resumes on one page you’d realized they’ve worked with almost everybody whose anybody in the music game.

It’s no surprise that The Soul Seekers newest single “It’s All God ft. Marvin Winans” is one of the most popular songs in Gospel released in the last few months. So with all the anticipation of their sophomore project, I sat down with member and hit making producer Warryn “Baby Dub” Campbell to talk about what else besides the Soul Seekers, making hits and his biggest claim to fame, Mary Mary!

(The Soul Seekers are: Warryn Campbell, Nisan Stewart, Gerald Haddon, John “Jubu” Smith, Charlie Bereal, Craig Brockman, Teddy Campbell & Eric Seats)

What do the Soul Seekers bring to the music game that is different?

One is the fact that we do quartet music and we’re very young. There are not a lot of young brothers doing quartet music. It’s generally an older genre. The significance is this is not something we’re doing for fun. It’s ministry for us. Everyone in the Soul Seekers has their own career as musicians, producers and songwriters. We have don’t have to do this, but we’re commissioned and called to do it, which is a big difference. We’re less susceptible to different things since we’re not in it for the money. We’ll go anywhere even if it’s for free, because it’s ministry.

Whose idea was for you all guys to come together and form The Soul Seekers?

Ten years ago there was a concert that Nisan Stewart was having at his father’s church one night where he’s the assistant pastor.  It was called “Take Me Back” night. At the concert he had a group of girls singing Clark Sisters’ songs, a group of guys doing Commissioned songs, a choir doing Milton Brunson tunes and one doing Walter Hawkins tunes and he said, “the only thing we’re missing is the quartet thing”.  All of us grew up on quartet singing and he said, “We should do the quartet thing”. And that’s what happened. God really came in and blessed. It was amazing. From that day on, we were asked to sing here or there and it never stopped. The year after that, we recorded our album “The Original Soul Seekers.”

There are eight guys and everyone is pretty successful in what their doing. How do you guys coordinate everyone’s hectic schedules?

Well, it’s not easy. Sometimes it doesn’t work. Sometimes we have to pass on requests because our lead singer is the drummer on The Tonight Show. Monday thru Friday 1 – 5, he’s at NBC Studios and I’m busy as well. But it seems like as busy as I am, I’m the only one who can make everything! LOL! I’m always available.  We always have two or three guys who can’t make it, so it takes a lot to make it work. If you see all eight of us and we’re not in California, it took some doing!

Does it ever get frustrating?

It does. A few times we were on the verge of saying “we’re not doing this anymore”. Then all eight of us would get together and do a show somewhere and say, “man, we can’t stop”. The way the move of God happens when all eight of us are on stage is incredible. It’s not us. So, we have to make more sacrifices to get out there. With this new album coming out, we’re going everywhere. We’re going to take three months and just tour the country. We’ve never been down south and we have to go down south with the quartet sound. We’ve been all through California and the East Coast, even the Midwest, but the south is where we want to be. We’ve even been to Amsterdam.

How is this new project different from the first?

There are different twists and turns here and there. We definitely have a bigger sound now. On the last album we didn’t have the horn section. This time we do, plus steel guitar players and percussion. We have Marvin Winans singing with us on the record too. And to my surprise we had a much bigger audience at the recording this time. I looked up and everybody was there. From Coko, MusiqSoulchild, Dr. Bobby Jones to Tye Tribbett, Fred Hammond and Rodney Jerkins.  I said to myself, “I didn’t invite these people.” LOL! They just love us and showed up. I was so grateful. We had a great time. We have a DVD that will come out at the same time the album does. Also, the DVD from our first recording that nobody ever saw is going to be on there as well.

When will the album be released?

Probably, in October.

The first single “It’s All God” is like a throwback Winans’ song. Was that intentional and who wrote the song?

A good friend of the groups, Harold Lily Jr, wrote that song. I called him and told him we needed a song and the next day that’s the song he played for me. I knew we had to do that song because it was much better than anything we had. We actually had my mentor, Marvin L. Winans, on another song, but when I heard “It’s All God,” I knew he had to be on this particular song. It came out amazing and so far people are really responding to it.

As a producer known for making hits, can you tell when a song is a hit?

Well, yeah. I can tell by how I feel. Take Mary Mary’s “God In Me” for instance.  I really, really, really like that song a lot.  Before it was a song, it was just a track that I did at home. I listened to it all day, every day.  Then when we did the song and I couldn’t stop playing it. You should get that intangible thing that makes you “feel” something about a song and it should evoke some sort of emotion that overwhelms you. If you don’t respond that way, who else will?

What is it about your chemistry with Erica and Tina that has resonated so well throughout the years?

I’m trying to figure out what the chemistry is. We’re in the studio as we speak. I can’t really explain it. Sometimes we’ll be four hours in and have written seven songs. Other times we get out what we call the “wack juice.” We just keep writing to get through whatever that phase is to get to the good stuff.

Have there been songs that you’ve done that you liked that everyone else wasn’t feeling?

Absolutely. I like most of my songs, but the gospel songs are different. With the gospel songs, I know which ones are hits. With R&B, I’m more detached because I send them in and they do whatever they’re going to do with them, especially when it comes to rap. Like I could do a record with Kanye and I won’t know if it makes the album or not. My heart has to be in it for me to love a record.  Most of the time I make records for other people. But with gospel music, the songs start from a sentiment I feel and it’s much more personal.

Do you remember what your first hit was?

It was a song called “When I Close My Eyes” by Shanice.  I was 20 years old.

What is your biggest insecurity as a producer or do you have one?

If I have one, I don’t know what it is. I’m extremely confident in the gifts God has given me. I don’t doubt God. When it comes to producing records and writing songs, I don’t do any of it. God writes the songs and I take dictation. I don’t show up at the studio trying to come up with something. I don’t place restrictions on myself, even when other people do.  When I have an idea I just go with it.

How do you deal with the backlash of doing Gospel and secular music?

You have to be yourself.  You will only be successful being yourself, especially when it comes to God’s work.  He called me to do what I do.  I came into this knowing that.  If I didn’t come into this knowing who I was, people would tear me down.  I’d be weak. I’d allow people’s opinions to sway me.  I was commissioned to do this by my father and my pastor. I was 16 years old at the time.  When I told him I was never going to do secular music he sat me down and said, “You have to treat music as your occupation and you have to separate your occupation from your salvation. Be a light when you do your music”.

WARRYN’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS

1. Are you afraid of heights? No.
2. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.
3. Favorite Mary Mary song? “I Got It.”
4. Favorite TV show? “Entourage.”
5. Favorite bible story? I Samuel 21:10-15

BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON

• Interviews
• August 5th

It may appear that Gospel newcomer, Brian Courtney Wilson, has sprung into the limelight overnight. But in most cases, as his, that is never the real story. It just so happens, we’re seeing his success magnified on a larger platform as God rewards the fruits of his labor.

Over 52 weeks on Gospel’s billboard charts with his debut cd “Just Love” and still going strong, Wilson seems to be making a nice home for himself.  And once you read this candid interview with the singer, you will know why it’s happening and rightfully deserved!

You started out wanting to be an R&B singer, is that correct?

Well, for me that seemed like the only option at the time. I was in college and I met this girl, that I’m still friends with today, and she heard me sing in a talent show. Her dad was working on some music in Chicago, so she introduced me to him. He was an R&B music producer, so that’s all he knew. But growing up, I never thought gospel music was something you could make a career out of. That was always associated with R&B music. You know, becoming a big star. I remember taking pictures and I had on a cut off shirt trying to show my muscles and everything. It was just whack! It wasn’t me. At that point I had kind of let the music thing go.

How did you end up singing Gospel then?

When I moved to Houston, I joined a church and started volunteering in their music ministry. That led to an opportunity for me to start writing for an outreach service and also record an album for the church. I volunteered to record an album. A song I recorded, “Awesome God” written by Matthew Mercer, started getting radio play and kind of took off on it’s own. Then a song called “Already Here” got Matthew attention. I had no intentions of getting into the music business. I struggled with it because I had a great pharmaceutical job and I was comfortable. But there was also discomfort. I felt like God was pulling me to do something more. So I came to a decision that I was going to quit my job and follow God’s calling.

What did your wife have to say about your calling? Were you afraid to tell her you were quitting your job?

It was horrible!! I remember it like it was yesterday. I brought home Wing Stop and I was explaining to her what I was planning to do. Even when I was telling her, I sounded ridiculous, to myself. Even though I was saying it out loud I was thinking, “This is not making any sense.” But to my wife’s credit, she stayed faithful. I know she was mad. I know she felt betrayed in a sense because women want security, and part of security is knowing what’s next. But she stuck it out with me and now she’s smiling proudly, from what God is doing in our lives.

Did it ever become ‘touch-and-go’?

Financially, yes, but never from the standpoint of our marriage.  There were times where I was like, “man, I can’t believe she’s still here.” The vows ‘for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer’ really manifested in those times. It’s not like we’re rollin’ in dough now! But now people are caring about what I’m doing and my music is being played on the radio. It’s not a pipedream anymore.

Let me ask you a question about a big scandal that has kind of died down that made a lot of noise. What was your take on the Tiger Woods situation?

I hate to see any family going through what they’re going through, even worse to go through it publicly. I hope he can continue to earn a living, period. I think every man deserves to earn a living, even when they make mistakes, they deserve to go out and work hard and earn money. I hope he’s restored in his relationship with his wife, some trust comes back and they can lean on each other and be faithful.

Do you think sexual addiction is real?

Well, I’m not a psychiatrist, but I know people have said that they have it. Absolutes make me uncomfortable to a certain extent. I think that until you’ve walked a mile in a man’s shoes, it’s hard to judge them. It’s hard to say what their pain or what their struggle could be. For example, I know I’ve never been addicted to drugs at all, but I understand addiction because I feel like I am addicted to sugar. There are times I’m eating sugar and I know it’s bad for me. I know its counter productive to the goals I’ve set for myself. I know it’s making me feel a certain way, but its like something keeps calling me to it. I imagine that sex can be like that for some people.

Are you surprised at how everything has taken off so quickly?

It’s been overwhelming. This is also what I prayed for. I prayed to God that if we had the opportunity, if we stepped out on faith, that He would allow my ministry to reach as many people as possible and beyond. It’s what I saw, but then I marvel at it too because I know that the odds are long, especially for a new artist. I’m blown away everyday.  I also have a great team who is supportive and passionate about my project.

How is it working with Matthew Knowles?

It’s been cool. He has allowed me to be myself and get this music out. What I’m most thankful for is that I don’t feel like I’ve had to compromise any of who I am to reach the number of people that we’ve reached. He’s allowed me to do that. I can tell you horror stories of people trying to change your image and who you are and make you sing certain songs, but he never did that.

And of course EVERYONE wants to know if you’ve met Beyoncé (lol)??!?!

Yes, I’ve met her! Will she remember who I am? Probably not, but I know her from afar. But the family has been kind to me. They’re very supportive. As a matter of fact, Solange just reached out to me on Twitter not too long ago to congratulate me.

What artist are you listening to right now?

I love PJ Morton’s latest CD! There’s a song called “Mountains and Molehills” and when I heard it I was really moved. I like PJ Morton because I think what he’s doing is expanding the boundaries of what music can be. It’s what I would expect from a son of a preacher man to do, that wasn’t gospel music. He’s doing a tremendous job!

BRIAN’S 9 Random Truths:

1. Who is your favorite male R&B singer? Donny Hathaway.
2. Fantasia or Jennifer Hudson? I really love them both… Jennifer Hudson, just by a hair.
3. Martin, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or the Cosby Show? “The Cosby Show”
4. Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant? Michael Jordan.
5. Female artist you want to do a duet with? Kelly Rowland.
6. Favorite candy bar? Hershey’s w/ almonds.
7. Last book you read? “Lovely Bones.”
8. Do you snore? Sometimes.
9. 9. Favorite dish your wife cooks? Crowder peas.

ISAAC CARREE

• Interviews
• August 4th

Isaac Carree is best known as one of the front vocalists for one of the most popular contemporary Gospel quartets, Men of Standard. 5 albums in and a greatest hits CD, MOS decided to take an indefinite hiatus and individually pursue outside endeavors.

As Isaac prepares to release his first debut CD “Uncommon Me,” coming this September, I sat down with him to find out exactly why Men of Standard actually took a break, why he and Lowell released CD’s at the same time and what we can expect from “Uncommon Me.”

How did Men of Standard come together?

Well, after singing with John P. Kee, Lowell and I were just trying to find our way from a musical standpoint. I started doing stage plays with Michael Matthews from ’94-’96. In ’96, Lowell and I decided to start Men of Standard. The crazy part was it was only the two of us, so we had to find two more members. I knew Bryan from one of the plays. I knew he had a dope voice, a great personality and he was a preacher.  So we recruited Bryan and another friend introduced us to Michael, so that’s how the group started.

Why do you think male groups tend to stay together longer than female groups?

Guys don’t hold on to stuff. Guys aren’t emotional like that. We have issues, we talk about it, we fuss, we may fight, but when it’s over with, it’s over. We are able to separate business from everything else. So with that being said, Men of Standard was able to gel and have a chemistry that allowed us to always be honest and trustworthy. We never let anybody divide the group. We knew people were trying to get Lowell to do a solo album and others were trying to get me to do a solo album outside the group. But we didn’t let those things infiltrate the group. We showed loyalty to each other.

Why did Mike leave the group?

Mike wanted to do some other things. Mike is a writer and he really wanted to do some mainstream stuff. He felt like his time with the group was up. It was funny because we had just gotten out of our deal with Malaco Records and we were about to sign with Sony. We were like, “Are you sure you want to walk away now?” He said he was burned out, so we totally understood. But all of us still talk either everyday or at least once a week.

The money was being split four ways. Were you financially ok?

Interestingly enough, we were making money all those years, and that’s all we did. If you think about it, praise and worship gigs weren’t the jumpoff back then. These days everyone has a church gig now. If you were trying to do music, you didn’t have another outlet if you weren’t doing shows or concerts or if you weren’t writing or producing. God stayed with us!  We would record a CD almost every 2 years and after that we would do shows. We would do so many shows in between that money was always coming in. On top of that, back then there was only one of us in the group that was married, which was Bryan. So we didn’t have the large overhead of families. But don’t get it twisted, in the beginning we could take care of our bills, but that was about it!!

How did you guys agree on taking a break from Men of Standard? Was everyone in favor of it?

About two and half years ago we were doing a show in Milwaukee at Bishop Hines’ church. Some things had been tugging on us individually and we hadn’t communicated it to each other because we didn’t want anyone to feel abandoned. Wanting to go in a different direction could take money out of someone else’s mouth. So we all sat down after the conference and laid it all out. Bryan expressed that as a pastor he needed to be at his church on a consistent basis and Lowell and I wanted to do some different things. When you’re doing things collectively God can bless you, but He also has things for you individually. And what happens is you get so comfortable being in a collective situation that you miss out on all of your individual blessings.

So was it your plan to do a solo album?

I never wanted to do a solo album. I was always cool singing background. So we sat down as a group and put together a five to seven year plan. I wanted Low and I to do a duet album, like Dawkins&Dawkins or Mary Mary. But Lowell felt it was our time to do separate projects. So he was really instrumental in pushing me out there!

Why is it that your CD and Lowell’s are being released so close to each other? It could appear to be a little competitive.

The reason we’ve done albums at the same time is because we don’t think it will affect one another. Lowell’s style of singing and music is totally different than mine. He is more of a quartet church dude, who can do contemporary. I am more of a contemporary, urban dude, who can do church. It’s like if J. Moss and Smokie Norful put out an album at the same time, they pretty much wont affect each other in a negative way. So ultimately, if I win, he wins and if he wins, I win, because we’re a team. I know people are going to come out and say well I like Lowell’s better than Ike’s or vice versa, but it’s all to our benefit.

What is your biggest fear as a solo artist?

It’s funny that you asked me that because I know the bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.” But I really struggle with fear in my life: fear of dying, fear of not accomplishing goals, fear of people not liking my music, etc.  I read books about it, I talk to Kirk, talk to different people, different artists and pastors who I trust spiritually to help me through this process. To know it’s me, myself and I when I step on stage puts me in a place where I have to totally lean and depend on God and that’s scary, man. It’s more mental than anything else. The spiritual side of it is that I don’t want to ever walk on stage so confident where I don’t have to lean and depend on God.

When is the album “Uncommon Me” going to be released?

Well, the single, “Redeemed” is on iTunes now. But the full album is coming in September! I worked with some really great producers. I worked with Adonis (Beyoncé, Alicia Keys), Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary), Harold Lilly (Fantasia, Angie Stone) and others! I have a duet with Eric Dawkins from Dawkins and Dawkins that is incredible. And I went back to where I started and did a song with John P. Kee.  I’m just excited about the whole album! This album was designed and originated to show people who Isaac Caree really is because you never really get the true essence of a person as long as they’re behind someone else.

What’s behind the title “Uncommon Me?”

I entitled this project “Uncommon Me” because in this journey I found things about myself that I didn’t realize from a musical and personality stand point.  I had to see my fears, my insecurities and my shortcomings. I had people fooled like I had it all together, but I didn’t.  I grew up in a home without a father, which devastated me. Then I got married at a young age, had two kids and then divorced because I never had a father to show me how to be a good man.  Then I got remarried six years ago and I have a wonderful family, but even still, having to blindly walk this road alone, just God and me, is scary. God said,” I don’t want you to be common. I don’t want you to be regular. I don’t want you to just be ordinary, be extraordinary. Get back to who I made you to be and who I made you is the good, the bad, and the ugly”. What we try to do is cover up the bad with the good and make people think that we got it all together, and God’s like, “No, I want to use your ugly too. Your ugly is going to help somebody else come out.” So I entitled the record “Uncommon Me.”

How do you feel about Gospel artists being called “celebrities?”

How can you be a Gospel artist, but be a celebrity? That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m not saying you can’t be successful, but success doesn’t equal celebrity. I don’t think the gospel was intended for people to be celebrities and stars. Bill Gates is not a celebrity. He’s successful and rich, but that doesn’t make him a celebrity. Beyoncé is a celebrity. Usher is a celebrity. The genre of music and the lifestyle they’re in can put them in that platform. But we don’t sing about ourselves, we sing about a Higher Power, we sing about Jesus. So they can sing about their cars, their houses, their cribs, their jewelry, their wives, and whatever else. Everything that we sing is about Jesus, so how does that make me a celebrity? I’m glorifying somebody else. So I just don’t get that whole thing. I said that to say, I’m a regular person.

ISAAC’S 10 RANDOM TRUTHS

1. 1. Favorite Kirk Franklin song? “Hosanna.”
2. 2. Least favorite Men of Standard song? “MOS Praise Party.”
3. 3. Smokie Norful or Deitrick Haddon? Deitrick Haddon.
4. 4. Bungee jump or skydive? Skydive.
5. 5. Favorite R&B female singer? Brandy.
6. 6. Most underrated female Gospel singer? Crystal Aikin.
7. 7. 112, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge or Boyz II Men? 112.
8. 8. Favorite ice cream flavor? Breyers butter pecan
9. 9. A song you wish you would have recorded? “Let Go” by DeWayne Woods.
10. Take 6, Commissioned, The Winans or Men Standard? Of course Commissioned.

KIRK FRANKLIN

• Interviews
• July 9th

He has shared the stage with some of the biggest superstars in the world and coincidentally he’s a mega super star himself. The difference between Kirk Franklin and his elite comrades is that you can hear his music in any church on any given weekend, but also right after Jay-Z spits 16 bars on one of his many hits on the radio. But, the biggest distinction is you always know who he’s singing about and who he’s living for!

Now, Kirk Franklin is adding another notch under his belt by adding author to his long list of accolades and accomplishments. “The Blueprint” is Franklin’s help guide to improve your life’s journey with a few useful tips from Kirk and of course, Jesus Christ!

What are we going to learn about Kirk Franklin from “The Blueprint?”

The book is not autobiographical. It’s more about life lessons I’m sharing. I believe there are biblical principles that have a swag to them that can entertain while inspiring and creating a strong dialogue about God’s plans for our lives. I talk about how we can live out God’s plan in singlehood, in our marriage, sexuality and in our faith. So that’s my goal. The book is not necessarily to give you a deeper insight to Kirk, even though I use a lot of personal illustrations.

What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?

I learned I have a lot more growth to do when it comes to discipline. It was hard as all outdoors writing this book. This was one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever done because it takes so much discipline. It’s not like writing a song. Writing a song is work, but this a whole different type of work. You don’t have a melody or a beat to inspire you. It was just me in a hotel room or upstairs in my room with my computer, digging! That takes a lot of discipline. I’m learning more from the book now than I did when I was writing it because I was just regurgitating and dumping stuff that was in my mind.

Within the last year what has been one of your biggest storms?

My greatest storm to always overcome is myself. I’m a lot to deal with. Just learning how to rest and be able to trust that God knows exactly what He’s doing and having faith and giving up my will and power for His is a job in itself.

What is your blueprint for your 4 children as a father?

As a father I want to be their blueprint, until they are able to walk on their own. I want them to be able to learn from my life. It’s easy to put on the “Jesus stuff” for those who don’t know you, but the ones who do really get to see the real thing, that is the greatest job and call ever, to be a light in your own home.

Do you have days when you feel you weren’t the best father or husband you could be?

Yes, of course! You always look in every area of your life whether it’s a father, husband, friend or a musician, especially for my personality. I’m always second-guessing and double-checking, almost like a maniac. It’s like I always overanalyze every little move and detail.  What I always come back to and rest in is that God is sovereign and even in my mistakes God takes them and uses them for His glory.

Do you ever go back and listen to your music and think it wasn’t as hot as you thought it was?

There have been many times I’ve gone back and listened to something and wasn’t feeling it like I was when I recorded it. There are times when I feel really disconnected or feel like I’m performing more than I’m being inspired. It can get dicey because you can start moving in the flesh trying to make a hit or crossover. The greatest thing I appreciate about the walk is the opportunity of grace. It always gives me the opportunity to confess my wrong and know that He is waiting to give me forgiveness and mercy. God exists to give me grace. That is so dope to me. And for humans that is so far beyond our understanding.

You’ve had a sister who was addicted to crack, a near death experience, a mother who abandoned you and didn’t want you, yet the public sees you as a big superstar. How would you encourage someone who thinks Kirk Franklin couldn’t possibly understand my struggle?

Behind every song is a story. Whoever you see publicly is because of what I’ve gone through privately. Endure what you’re facing privately because it makes a stronger public person, so if and when you do stand publicly to defend your faith or testify about your faith and believe what you believe about why He’s been so good to you. Those pink slips, those difficult times, those times you wanted to drive your car off the cliff, those lonely nights, the difficult phone calls are the times that develop the deeper character in you.

Who or what inspires you?

To be honest right now, and this not to sound deep or anything, but I listen to a lot of preaching and teaching. I listen to Tony Evans, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, Chuck Swindoll, Jonathan McArthur…these cats inspire me with a little meat on the bones. When it comes to music, I listen to music to unwind and relax. I listen to Coldplay, David Crowder Band, Yo Yo Ma, Fugees, James Brown, Michael Jackson and the edited version of Jay-Z. Even though I don’t agree with his lyrical content, I think he’s a great talent the same way I appreciate Denzel in “Training Day.” I don’t agree with the character, but I can identify that he’s a talented actor. Because I travel a lot and I don’t get to church often, I try to keep myself fed. We live in a world that takes away so much from that.  It’s very important to stay fed.

What do you want people to take away from “The Blueprint”?

I want them to feel like Kirk Franklin came over to the crib and we sat for hours and talked about marriage, family, sex and dating. I want it to feel like a friend stopped by and was hard on me, but still showed me love and dropped some jewels that I needed in my life.

To hear the complete audio of this interview click on this link: http://churchbeatradio.com/wpmu/blog/2010/05/15/exclusive-kirk-franklin-interview/

Karima Kibble

• Interviews
• July 2nd

You may recognize Karima Kibble as the lead vocalist of one the widely popular female trios in Gospel music, Virtue.

Last year Karima made the bold move of stepping out front and center when she released her highly- anticipated solo debut “Just Karima.” After sitting down with Kibble, the decision that was so obvious to many was not so apparent to her.  It wasn’t until she completely trusted God and his plan that she realized she was now doing what he intended all along.

Why did you decide to go solo?

Well people had been telling me for years that I should go solo. I was like, “Go somewhere with that!” When Virtue decided to take a break I needed something to do. Ebony and Heather are teachers so they had another career to concentrate on. I knew I needed something for me and God gave me the opportunity to start writing my own music. So I had written all these songs and was like, “Now, what am I going to do with them?” To say I was going solo without a record deal was kind of crazy, but I wasn’t thinking that far in advance. I was able to do 18 songs in 3 months, so I had to figure out what the next step was. It was evident I was supposed to be doing what I was doing because He gave me the music and I didn’t think I could write. I had never written in that capacity before. I was very fearful in finally admitting that I was going to go solo. I had to let go of all the fear to allow God to pour into me. I think I was always meant to go solo. I just didn’t think I could until I started trusting God completely and allowing Him to use me. I did this project for no money. Every track on my CD was given to me for free. God allowed friends to pour into my ministry.

Your husband, Joey Kibble, is a member of the critically acclaimed, Grammy winning group, Take 6. Couldn’t you have paid for your project yourself?

Money is fleeting in this industry. You can work one day and then not work again for months. In my case I was blessed. I didn’t have the money, but turns out I didn’t need it.

How do you handle an audience that is not responsive to your music ministry?

Sometimes you have to just minister to yourself. I’ve been in two concerts where another artist has been on stage and the reaction of the audience was cold. Of course I’m up supporting because I understand. You want people to like what you do, but at the same time, I’m doing it even if one person gets it. One thing Virtue always said was that if we minister to one or two people out of a thousand, our job is complete. And sometimes it is hard. You think maybe I wasn’t good enough, but you have to know you’re there for a purpose.

Do you think the Gospel audience is hard to please?

I’m singing from my heart and so you have to feel it because it’s real. There are those audiences that feel like if she didn’t do that run like so and so then she can’t sing. I can do all those runs, but honestly that’s not me. It doesn’t make me less of singer or a worshipper because I don’t do runs all the time. One thing I’ve developed being in this industry is tough skin. If you don’t have it you will break. What God gave me is for me and that also falls under “Just Karima.”

Why was Virtue able to stay together so long?

Virtue isn’t over! We are definitely going to be recording another CD. I think Virtue has done well because we’re real. A lot of artists aren’t transparent enough for people to really connect to them. And then you have to be on the same page. We’re blood sisters and if that doesn’t stand for something, I don’t know what will. We have had member changes, but it was nothing like what people thought. Shavonne left because she wanted to be a mommy. And Negelle wanted to pursue what she had studied in college. Years ago we had asked my baby sister, Heather, to be in the group and she said no thank you! She wanted to be a teacher and that was it. When Negelle decided to leave, Heather said God had been tugging at her to join and that’s what happened.

Why did Virtue leave Verity?

We asked to be released from our contract. We were with Verity for 10 years and we had both come to the end of the road. Everything must come to an end. When we asked to be let go they said ok and that was it. No more than a few weeks later Fred Jerkins contacted us and asked us to sign with Darkchild.

Why didn’t the album with Darkchild do so well?

We signed a one-album deal with them. “Testimony” was a great CD, but all the components weren’t there. Being independent was a new venture for everyone involved. But we love Freddie. There are no hard feelings. He is like our brother.

Why do you feel Virtue never crossed over like Mary Mary or Trin-i-tee 5:7 did?

We just never had the right components or people that believed in us enough. That’s it plainly stated. We still look back and listen to our CD’s and say the image was there, the sound was there, but we just didn’t have the push. If you have a big push for your project, that’s all you need. You don’t even have to have the greatest sounding voice. If you have the support behind you, anybody can be successful. Virtue never had that. And that’s not a slam against anyone, we just needed something extra.

How do you deal with critiques?

Constructive criticism I absolutely welcome. Everyone should want to be better. And it’s not about someone slamming you. I think you automatically know when something is meant from a good place or if they’re just hating.

Do you feel there is a support system in the gospel industry?

I don’t feel that way at all! I don’t believe we care and support each other the way we should in helping each other get to the next level the way we say we will. But that’s one thing I can say for myself and Virtue, we have been consistent in helping people that we can help. We don’t want to see anyone left behind. We always offer advice to new artists or even people in the industry who don’t have a clue of what they’re doing. I’ve heard people say over and over, “Girl when I make it to the top, I’m going to help you.” And then when I call they don’t pick up their phone. I’ve called some of them out too. Each time they apologize, but nothing changes. People say a lot and don’t act on what they say. The only thing I can do is be different. People can do what they want, just don’t lie.

How important is image in the Gospel industry?

For me 200%! (lol) Image is everything because it aligns you for what God wants us to be. We should be healthy and try to be the best we can be to be examples for the next person. I work out 5 days a week. It’s so important to me. It’s also a selling point…she sounds good, looks good and she’s healthy. How can that be wrong?

When can we expect a new Virtue album?

I can’t give you a date, but we are going to start writing very soon. Ebony and Heather are very patient because they have put their things aside to help me pursue my dream.

KARIMA’S 10 RANDOM TRUTHS

1. Favorite Virtue CD? “Free”
2. Guilty pleasure? Shopping.
3. On time or late for church? Usually late.
4. Favorite R&B female singer? Brandy.
5. Favorite fast food? “Chipotle”
6. Favorite Take 6 CD? “Join The Band”
7. Joe, Tank, Maxwell or Jamie Foxx? Maxwell.
8. Favorite American idol? Carrie Underwood
9. First car? Ford Explorer
10. Favorite Whitney Houston song? “Saving All My Love For You”

MELINDA WATTS

• Interviews
• June 29th

Newcomer Melinda Watts beat out hundreds of hopefuls when they all vied for the top spot of the 2008 season of Gospel Dream.

Now only two short years later, Watts has become more than a reality show winner, but a bona fide Gospel artist with a real music career.

I sat down with Melinda since some of the buzz from her debut album, “People Get Ready,” has settled to find out how life has been since becoming a new artist.

What has been the upside and the down side of winning Gospel Dream?

I get to live out my dream of recording Gospel music and meeting a lot of people I’ve always wanted to meet. Also, I now have a platform for my ministry. The downside is I’m a new mom and a fairly new wife, so being away from my family is hard. My husband and my two year old daughter aren’t always able to travel with me and it really impacts her.

How do you deal with critiques of your music?

I think artistry is subjective and different people look at the things differently. So I actually appreciate them because it just gives you another perspective on what you’re doing. I’ve learned not to take things too seriously because everybody has their opinion. As long as you are true to who you are and what God has called you to do, that’s what you should focus on.

Do you think you would have eventually signed a deal if it wasn’t for the show?

I think it would have happened, just not as quickly. It might have not been with a major label, probably a smaller independent one. What the show did for me was it took some of the steps out of the equation that I would have had to take on my own. I was a school teacher and working in the community, so I really wasn’t focused on getting a deal. When I did the show I didn’t even think I was going to win. I think it was just God’s plan.

What made you tryout for Gospel Dream?

Well I had just had my daughter and my sister saw something about auditions and she said you should tryout. I told her no because I wasn’t into the competition thing. And she said don’t forget what God has called you to do. So that’s what made me go. Something inside said if you really want to inspire others to go after their dreams then I have to do the same thing and really be a witness to it.

Do you miss teaching and what subject did you teach?

I still work with kids, so I didn’t let it go totally. I taught high school honors English. I do miss being in the classroom with them every single day, but I still have connections with organizations and mentoring kids.  . There is something special about that age. I just have a connection with them and since I wasn’t too far from that age it was really easy.

What do your students think of your new life?

They are very happy for me. I have been back to the school since I won. I’ve done some workshops and concerts at the school I taught at. Some of them travel with me and work the table.

What’s been the formula for your project’s success?

To be honest I don’t know. The measure of success is subjective. Some define success as doing worship at church and they are very satisfied with that. I think it’s a matter of God’s position of what he has designed for you to do. It’s nobody but God! I don’t have a formula or an answer. I take my responsibility very seriously as far as me being a vessel. Anytime people will listen to what you have to say that’s humbling for me because God can use anybody. The fact that he would choose me I am very grateful.

Do you get intimidated by more seasoned artists?

Of course I do. When I first won “Gospel Dream,” within two months I was on the Faith Tour Conference. There were over 18,000 women ever weekend. I did that for about 5 months. I was on the bill with Nicole C. Mullen, Michael W. Smith and Mandisa. I instantly had to get over the fact that I was nervous or scared or intimidated. I was like God you have to take this fear out of me. I just try to be Melinda.

Have you had to remove people from your life since you’ve won?

I’ve been blessed where I haven’t had to do that. I don’t have a big circle anyway. I’m a homebody and I have really good friends. I have an incredible team. I’m a wife and a mom, so I don’t have time for extra people. I did lose a lot of my time with my students though. My students were like my kids and when I launched full time into ministry, I had to put them in another category because I didn’t have enough time to be involved as much as I was in the past.

Many viewers were disappointed with the talent on the season after you won. What was your take?

I think G.M.C. wanted to go in a different. The season I was on all the finalists were Gospel artists. I think they wanted to make it more universal and attract a broader audience. In doing that they incorporated different genres and styles of music. So I can understand how the hardcore Gospel viewers from last year were not happy. I think in their attempt to include a more diverse group of contestants they may have excluded some of their core fans unintentionally.

Do you think if you had tried out for Sunday Best you would have won?

I don’t know. The judges are hard on both shows, so I’m not sure.

Why is the Gospel audience so hard to please?

We are just a group of talented people. For example if you have an artist that can really sing you may have 5 other artist in that listeners church that sound the same way, if not better. I just think we embrace people differently. We are a hard audience because we are just talented people period. Just like a good basketball player on his home court he’s going to look at those players and be like I can do that. But I also believe we’re a passionate people. And when you minister and you’re true to who you are people are receptive to that. I’ve sung at some places where people just sat there with there arms folded. I’ve become ok with that. It doesn’t change who God has called me to be. This is just how you’re receiving me. That is the best training because when you get in front of people who appreciate you and are receptive for you just coming, that’s when you make a difference!

But does it ever get unnerving?

You mean when they are giving you CRICKETS? (lol) A good friend of mine told me sometimes you’re there to sow. Sometimes your there to reap and learn. And sometimes you’re there just to be. And yes it can be unnerving and you say Lord am I being affective? I just try to stay focused on God’s assignment for me.

Will there be a second album?

Yes, definitely. I’m actually writing now.

Melinda’s10 Random Truths

1. Favorite song on your album? “Faith.”
2. Favorite restaurant? “Applebees.”
3. One female artist you want to do a duet with? Sheri Jones Moffett.
4. Can you swim? Yes.
5. One country you want to visit? Greece
6. First car? Honda Civic.
7. Can you cook? Yes.
8. Guilty pleasure? Any type of cheesecake.
9. On time or late for church? On time.
10. Favorite R&B male group? “Jodeci.”

Dr. Juanita Bynum

• Interviews
• June 22nd

Dr. Juanita Bynum is the most recognizable female preachers of our time. As we’ve seen time and time again, no matter who you are or what height your ministry has reached, the media will grab hold of your name and run with it, be it good or bad news.

On the eve of her brand new EP being released on Tuesday June 22nd, “The Diary of Juanita Bynum,” I sat down with Dr. Bynum to discuss this brand new phase of her life and ministry and what it took to finally get to this point. Despite everything the devil has thrown at her to try and knock her off her game, Dr. Bynum has come out stronger, more self assured in her relationship with God and poised to take God’s people to a level never seen before.

Your new project is entitled “The Diary of Juanita Bynum.” Where did this concept come from?

God had been giving me a word to preach called, “He’s doing it in the Spirit, now!” I had been ministering that word for about 8 weeks and my manager came to me and said I think it’s time for you to put out your project. She asked me what I wanted it to be like. I told her I had been working on it in my spirit for about a year and just mulling over it. I knew that this CD was going to be called, “The Diary of Juanita Bynum.” People had not heard any studio material from me in 2 years. I felt like this was going to be the project that voiced the sentiments of my heart and allowed people to be able to relate to what I was, what I went through, what my spirit was towards God, what God’s Spirit was towards me, and then the triumph.

How did you end up signing with Matthew Knowles’ label Music World Entertainment?

When I explained to my manager about the songs God have given me, she said this project didn’t need to be handled on a mom a pop level. We needed a label that could really get this project to the masses. She felt like this project would impact the world. So she said she was going to call Matthew Knowles. I literally got up out my seat and walked towards to the door to leave the office and busted out laughing hysterically. An hour later she came into my office and said Matthew Knowles was flying us to Houston to meet with him. We met with Matthew and his staff and he told me I carried a message that the world needed to hear and that there was something special about my life.

So tell me about your record label Sonflower Records?

I started a new record label called Sonflower Records. That’s sun with an “o.” If you take sunflowers and put them in a vase, when the sun comes up, they will actually turn themselves in the direction of the sun. They raise their head in the presence of the sun. Then my brother called me and gave me a word from God and said the Lord said, follow the Son. He gave me the revelation of the sunflower and that became a brand of mine and now my favorite flower. So when I met with Matthew Knowles he said he respected me enough to sign a joint venture with Sonflower Records.

The Diary of Juanita Bynum is not a full album, it’s an EP. Why did you decide to do it that way?

When I got the song, ‘Soul Cry’, it was during one of the most horrific times of my life. My mother had just had a stroke, and 8 months after that, my father dropped dead in our kitchen. I begin to hold myself and said God, who can endure this kind of pain and survive it. So one day I was doing radio drops and the lady that was doing the drops had an emergency. She told me she would be gone for 30 minutes, so I sat there and read my bible. As I begin to read I got emotional, laid my face down and began to hum. Before you know it I started singing, “What you gonna do, when you don’t know who to turn to? What you gonna say, when you don’t know what to pray? Where you gonna run, when you don’t know where to hide? And what are you going to do, when the pain just won’t subside. I cry oh, oh, oh.” The song people are hearing now is exactly how I sung it when I was sitting there! It was as if that song was written in my soul my whole life. Mr. Knowles told me this song couldn’t be called a single. Everything had to go out together. That’s when the EP was designed and when I gave him my idea about the trilogy. The first part of this project will drop June 22^nd. The second part will drop Thanksgiving weekend. The final project, a double CD along with the DVD, will drop January 2011. Each cover will tell the story of the process of getting me to the place of being triumphant and more than a conqueror and where I stand today in total victory in God.

How do you handle the media scrutiny and bad publicity? Do you ever just want to go away and not deal?

You have to recognize that when you’ve been called to the world, your assignment is one thing, but you’re no different than any actress in Hollywood. The calling elevates you to a height where you become a target. We are living in a world where they don’t want truth, they want sensationalism. Sensationalism is what brings about popularity. The Kingdom of God wants the truth. I remember my dad said to me, your name is big enough and you have enough truth and facts to step into the ring and knock out your opponent with one swing. He said but I don’t want you to do it that way. I went to a scripture in the book of Corinthians and it talks about if you don’t stand the test, you’re proven to be a counterfeit. I stopped focusing on the negativity. But what people don’t know is I never stopped preaching. Every place I went, the churches continued to be crowded and overcrowded. I kept my focus on the Kingdom of God. I had some very powerful people help me understand that the most important part of my trial was my character, my integrity. Of course I wanted to say that’s not the truth, but I had to be quiet. I felt sorry for everyone, more than I was offended by them. I went to the word of God where it said quietness and confidence shall be your strength. I had two light bulb moments. One was when the Word said be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. The other was when I looked up the word renew. It said to resume the activity you were doing before you were interrupted. And at that moment, I got up. I kept working and stayed focused because I knew when the smoke cleared the Lord was brining me into a new direction.

Dr. Bynum you’ve been married twice and have been involved in a much publicized domestic dispute. Do you ever look back and see some things you would have done differently?

As much as I would love to, I don’t lend myself to answer those questions because it’s the past and it’s gone. What I can say to you is that I’ve evolved into a more empowered person. I have evolved into an individual that is very qualified in telling someone how to start their life over again because of how I handled my situation. Many people can tell you how to start, but very few people walk through a trial and end up with integrity to teach people how to start over. And what I mean by that is we want to use the Spirit of God, like we’re smearing mayonnaise over everything, as if that’s  going to make it all go away. The Spirit of God contains certain characteristics like wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and life and the spirit of counsel. And because of the transition that I walked through I was able to tap into the other side of God, which was the intelligence of God. We have to learn that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. That’s why I’m ministering from another dimension than the old Juanita Bynum.  That’s why I am Juanita Bynum, II. It’s me coming the second time around. I believe that when the Lord permits you to walk through the things that I have walked through and that others have walked through such as Bishop Jakes, Paula White, and Benny Hinn, I believe that it declares us to be the true preachers of the gospel.  Nobody criticized Paul when he got beat up and kept getting thrown in prison. It was denoted then, as the fact that, he had the power to get up and refuse to stop preaching the gospel. That’s the mindset that needs to be brought into the Kingdom of God. We are not mannequins set before the people of God that are already poised and never ever make a mistake. We are the example that says when life hits you hard, you still stand.

You have another CD out now “More Passion.” Are you promoting that album?

That was apart of Flow Records and I am no longer with that label. I can’t even tell you what’s on the album, I haven’t even heard it. Those songs are that were left in the catalogue from 2006 and they made the decision to release it.

What would you say to someone who is absolutely hopeless?

I would tell them your pain is your purpose. Too long and too often, as Christians we stay too long on the emotional side of a trial. We never allow ourselves to move to the lesson and the power of the trial. A person that tries to deny God the right to bring them into their true purpose, is a person that’s trying to live a life without a pulse, it’ll never happen.

Juanita Bynums’s 10 Random Truths:

1. Can you change a tire? Yes.
2. Can you swim? Yes.
3. What is your favorite restaurant? The Brooklyn Diner in New York
4. One guilty pleasure? Chocolate.
5. Favorite R&B female artist? Gladys Knight.
6. Favorite bible verse? Jeremiah 33.
7. Favorite meal of the day? Lunch.
8. Favorite holiday? Christmas.
9. Favorite vacation spot? Santo Domingo
10. Worst subject in high school? Typing.

TASHA LOCKHART

• Interviews
• April 29th

EXCLUSIVE WITH TASHA LOCKHART! TEEN PREGNANCY, DRUG ABUSE & REDEMPTION!

It’s true when they say everyone has a story!

Tasha Lockhart is a wife, mother of two, a preacher’s kid and the daughter of two legends in the Gospel industry, Michael & Lisa Page Brooks. You would think she probably had it pretty easy, huh? Well…this story takes a slightly different turn!

Tasha Lockhart’s life reads more like that of a troubled teen who was spiraling down the path of destruction and possibly death. But the most redeeming part of the whole story is to see the woman she is today… God-fearing, sold-out and on fire to tell everyone about the God she serves.

When did you realize your mother was different than other moms?

I noticed around the time I was going into the 9^th grade because that’s when my mom married my stepfather (Michael Brooks of Commissioned). They started taking me around to different places and everyone was always taking pictures of her and that’s when I knew. I always knew she was special though.

Did you always want to be a singer?

Music wasn’t my main priority, but I always sang. I actually wanted to be a basketball player. I had college scouts looking at me. I was really good. But I got pregnant my senior year and after that everything just kind of stopped. It set me back.

So you were a teen mother. How old were you when you had your first child?

I was 17 when I got pregnant and I had my son when I was 18.

Why did you get pregnant so young?

Well, I was molested at a young age and I know that had an effect on how I handled myself as I got older. I started getting the wrong kind of attention from men and I was carrying myself like I was a grown woman. I was just out in the streets smoking weed, drinking, having sex….it was not good. I love my son to death, but of course I wish I would have waited. His father is still in the picture, but we’ve come to an understanding that outside of our son we don’t have anything else to talk about.

Did your parents know how you were living?

We weren’t getting along at the time. My parents always wanted me to follow in their footsteps and it’s a lot of pressure when you’re a P.K. You’re still trying to find out who you are in God and your own path. And then you have the whole church watching your every move. At that time my parents had just divorced and then my mother married Michael, so it was hard being thrust into everything and having to deal with a life you didn’t choose.

Do you blame your parents for some of the choices you made?

Not at all! Nothing that I’ve done is a reflection of my mother and how she raised me. I never saw her drink, dance or curse. I’ve always seen true holiness in her.

How did you handle losing the chance of ever a being a professional basketball player?

I was devastated. My dream was to play in the WNBA. So, ultimately singing became my fallback. In the long run, I became bitter towards singing because I felt like I had no other option. When I joined Witness for “The Appointed Time” project, I didn’t want to do it. My parents asked me to do it and I was living in their house with my son and not working, so how could I say no. That caused even more problems because my heart wasn’t in it and it showed. I was singing to make a dollar! Sometimes I wouldn’t show up to the airport or purposely miss interviews because I just didn’t want to be there. I didn’t want to play games with God because I knew I wasn’t ready.

How did this affect your relationship with your parents?

It caused a great strain. I wasn’t coming to church or anything. But one thing I did was I always communicated with my mom even when I was in the wrong. She always kept an open line of communication no matter what I did. When I was singing in Witness I literally saw so much MESS in the Gospel industry it made me not even want to sing Gospel. I had heard stories, but when I saw it in my face, I was crushed. All the artists I looked up to were fake and living a lie. It was all fantasy. That added a whole new dimension to the bitterness I was feeling. And that’s when I went all the way to the left.

How bad did it get?

I was really on my way up in the music industry. I started working with Mario Winans and had a publishing deal and was getting offers from different labels. I did some stuff with Brandy, Whitney Houston, Mario, etc. But I’ll just say this: when you’re outside of the will of God and you’re working with different artists and producers who are so messed up and screwed up you take on exactly what they’re going through and doing! I would perform at different clubs and I would be high as a kite on ecstasy. I was smoking weed, snorting cocaine, drinking and getting high almost every single day. I had lost about 65lbs. because I wasn’t eating. I was just getting high. That’s what that environment and the people I was around did to me. But people would come up to me and tell me that when I started singing they could see God in me and it made them put down their drink. One time a lady came up to me and told me she was planning to commit suicide and after she heard me sing she changed her mind. I wasn’t even singing Gospel at the time but in spite of how messed up and high I was, God was still using me.

How did you get out?

One day I just woke up and said this is enough. I prayed for God to deliver me and He did. That’s why at this point in my life I’m very serious about God and my music. I WILL NEVER SING R&B MUSIC AGAIN! When you have been where I’ve been and done the things that I’ve done, all for the sake of “good R&B music,” God is nowhere in that. That’s why I die daily to God!

So do you think you can sing R&B and sing Gospel music?

I do think there is a market for love songs when you’re married. But I don’t care how many songs you write or sing, the question is how are you glorifying God? How many souls are you winning or are you on your way to hell? Artists have to get out of this fantasy world and know what God’s assignment is for you. The church is trying to conform to what the world is doing and it should be the other way around.

You and Kierra Sheard are both from Detroit. Are you two friends?

Yes we’re really good friends. I love Kierra. The sad part is, is that people here in Detroit try to pit us against each other, like it’s a competition. But it’s not at all. She called me to come do Praise & Worship at her church not too long ago. We’re very supportive of each other.

How is your sound different than your mom’s?

I think I have a completely different sound than my mom. There are similarities in our voices, but musically I have a younger feel to my CD. I’m always proud to say who my parents are and a lot of doors are opened because of them, but I want people to know me for me.

CRYSTAL AIKIN

• Interviews
• April 13th

Every contestant who wins a singing talent competition doesn’t end  up a casualty. Some say it’s still too early to predict the future of one of the Gospel industry’s newest sensations, but Crystal Aikin seems to be right on track towards a successful career. Two time Stellar Award winner and winner of BET’s Gospel reality singing competition Sunday Best, Crystal Aikin is riding high off the success of her critically acclaimed first CD and a near perfect performance on this year’s 2010 Stellar Awards telecast. At 35, Crystal is self-assured, confident, spiritually grounded and most importantly, at peace that her life is right in line with where God wants her to be!

You’re living in Dallas right now. What made you relocate there?

I’m taking a bit of a sabbatical right now. There were a couple of different cities I was thinking about initially. Dallas wasn’t my first choice. But it kept sticking in my head, so I know it’s where the Lord wanted me to be. I’m very content with where I am right now.   I wasn’t necessarily running from anything, but more of running to something. I was looking for a place of solitude. When you’re at home you can get busy with the comforts of home and it can all be distracting. In Dallas, I don’t know everybody and I don’t know where all the hot spots are, so it’s allowed me to focus on Crystal. I’m out of town more than anything, so I know I’m not here to be out and about, but to work and get closer to God.

Now that you’ve won two Stellar Awards, do you think it solidifies you as a real artist?

I was extremely surprised I was nominated for 4 Stellar Awards. Then to win 2…it’s just incredible. I looked at all the people in my categories and was like what am I doing here? Going from a television show to being the last woman standing and then having an album come out, it’s crazy. When you have a project, you’re hoping everybody respects and appreciates it and is getting God from it. Then to be acknowledged for your hard work is amazing. Winning 2 Stellar Awards does set me up more as an artist and pulls me away from just being the winner of Sunday Best.

Do you read blogs and other reviews on your CD?

I do hear about blogs and critiques, positive and negative. Coming up through Sunday Best was great training ground for dealing with opinions. The minute you show up on television everyone has access to say whatever they want about you. I feel I have a phenomenal first album. Marvin Sapp said to me it’s good that your album was great, but now it’s going to catapult you for the next project. He said people often want the first album to be a huge hit but they end up dropping off because it can’t be duplicated. That was so wonderful coming from him. It’s about an evolution. In the beginning some things I read hurt a little because you want people to like you and what you do. But I learned to let that all go because I have to be me and a good representative of Christ.

There was a lot of controversy about you and Shari Addison coming out on the same day and basically having the same album cover. What is your opinion on everything?

My true opinion is that I’m so glad Shari is an artist in the industry. I believe there is room for all of us. Initially, I was like wow. But Shari and I have moved on from that. I know it was a dream for her just like it was for me. I think Zomba/Verity have to be what they are and that’s a business. When you look at it spiritually it goes beyond what people see and say. I just wish people wouldn’t pit us against each other. It’s like we’re still competing.

But Crystal don’t you feel like it took away the prestige of being the “winner?”

I know how it looked to everyone and I heard stuff from people I knew and those I didn’t. They would say, “Why would they do this and why are they even putting her album out?” I think what it said to me is that when people vote they want to see and hear who they voted for. Just like when Ruben Studdard won American Idol, but you heard so much about Clay Aiken. It almost diminished his winning and America’s votes. So in a sense the record label wasn’t actually servicing who the public was anticipating because if so Clay would have been the winner. I think people are going to feel how they feel and I let them pick up the slack on that issue. At the end of the race there is one winner, but there are always prizes for everyone that participates. So I’m ok with everything. That’s how life is. I didn’t let it temper my spirit and dampen things. The world needs to know that Shari is where she’s supposed to be. At the end of the day we both gained our natural reward, but I know that we are both working on our eternal reward.

You’re sporting a new hairstyle and you’ve lost some weight. What brought about the change?

Truthfully I was nervous about the new look. I tried to keep my twists. That’s how people recognized me from the show. I thought it was time for a change. I wanted people to see that I’m developing. And it was never my desire at thirty-five to represent for the big girls. That isn’t my claim to fame. (lol)  As I’ve been traveling, I realize how important it is to be fit and healthy. Going from city to city and not getting a lot of sleep can wear you down. So it is my desire to shed some of the weight. I’m just more conscious of what I put in my mouth.

Are you single?

Yes I am single and have no kids. Right now I’m happy with my singleness. When God requires your time it’s nice because at this point I don’t have to consider anyone else’s feelings. But I am looking forward to the day when I will have a family. If the right man came along though and captured my heart then I would do things to adjust accordingly.

What have you learned about the music industry that you didn’t know?

I wish that once you come out of a competition or you get inducted into the industry that there was an “Industry 101” class. I know there are books, but it would be nice to sit and take notes. After the show, everything happened so fast. I had to make sure I had the right team in place like an assistant, management, publicist and an attorney. Those components are so important because I wasn’t thinking about those things when the show was over. It’s also good to be well rounded. It’s like when you apply for college, they not only look at your academics, but your extracurricular activities. There are so many other areas you can tap into, especially in Gospel, not just with acting, but with endorsements too. So I learned there is more to Crystal than I thought there was.

How are your finances since you’ve won the show?

A lot of people assumed I won money too, but I didn’t.  I’m not overly rich, but I don’t want for anything either. As a Gospel artist your deal isn’t a multi million dollar contract like these secular artists get. When you do Gospel you really have to let your ministry do what it’s going to do but you have to be a business person too. I’m a registered nurse so I’m used to knowing exactly what I’m bringing home. And now you don’t always know because you have someone else working on your behalf to make sure your calendar is full to meet those same needs. But I left my job in ’08 because my schedule got so full. I believe it was the right time and God was setting everything up.

Had you not won the show do you think you would have been discovered?

I don’t think so. I was not really hustling for a deal. There was a part of me that was extremely content. I worked very hard to become a nurse and I wasn’t at a job that I hated. I did feel deep down that there was something more I was supposed to be doing and when I stepped out on stage and I would speak the word of God I felt whole. I believe all of this is an answer to my parent’s prayers. I believe that when you are obedient, there is just a reward to obeying God. I truly have a passion for God and seeing people bless God. That is so important to me.

CRYSTAL AIKIN’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS

1. Favorite Whitney Houston song? “You Give Good Love.”
2. Least favorite fruit? Honeydew melon.
3. Manicure or pedicure? Manicure.
4. 3 artists on your ipod? Lalah Hathaway, Dawkins&Dawkins & Diana Krall.
5. One male artist you want to do a duet with? MaliMusic.
6. Favorite season? Summer.
7. One country you want to visit? Australia.
8. On time or late for church? Late.
9. Smokie Norful, Deitrick Haddon, Fred Hammond or Tye Tribbett? Tye                                                           Tribett.
10. Beyonce or Alicia Keys? Beyonce.

KeKe Wyatt

• Interviews
• March 15th

Unfortunately this story has a familiar tone that is becoming all too common among many women whose names we know and some we don’t. From the outside Keke Wyatt had the life many girls dream of. She had the husband, the kids, a gold selling debut CD, top 10 singles, videos in heavy rotation and all the promise in the world. But behind closed doors she was being brutally beaten, emotionally taunted and controlled by the man she loved the most, the father of her children, the man to whom she said “I do.”

The media frenzy dubbed the R&B songstress as crazy and unstable, but in reality she was just trying to stay alive.

Now at 28, with a brand new CD and new outlook on life, Keke Wyatt shares her testimony and words of wisdom through God’s protection and grace of how she came out alive after enduring a 10 year long abusive relationship.

You released your first album when you were a teenager and now you’re 28. Did you ever get discouraged and want to give up on singing?

I did get discouraged. It got to the point where I was just like forget it. I was already a mom, so I was just going to find another career path. I had two deals that fell through; one with Cash Money Records and TVT Records.

Since you didn’t have an album out and you weren’t in the public eye, what were you doing?

Well I was around. I don’t know why people didn’t see me. I guess if you’re not Kanye West or someone like that, then people feel like your career is over. But I released two singles and a video, “Ghetto Rose” and “Put Your Hands On Me,” which did very well at radio and on iTunes.  And I never stopped working. I toured constantly overseas in Europe, Korea and Japan. I also did a play, some modeling and I’m a writer, so I was getting royalty checks. But over here in the States, as far as recording was concerned, I was kind of over it. I said if it’s meant to be, it will be. My previous albums never materialized because it wasn’t supposed to happen back then.

Keke you were put in jail for stabbing your husband.  Was that an isolated incident or were you in an abusive relationship?

I was in an abusive relationship with my husband for 10 years and I’m finally going through a divorce right now.

Tell me about the stabbing incident.

It’s really simple, I was defending myself. The media made me out to be some crazy woman who stabbed her husband with a butcher knife. If I did that he would be dead. I stabbed him with a peeling knife. If anyone knows what a peeling knife is, the handle is bigger than the blade. I couldn’t have hurt him with that if I tried too. He had both hands around my throat, choking me. I had to pick up something to get him off of me so I could breathe. I was the victim and the public made me out to be the bad person, like I did something wrong. People were so judgmental when they had no idea of what happened. Instead of reaching out to me, making sure I was ok and finding out the truth, they reported lies.

Why did you stay so long?

I stayed because I had kids and I thought that’s what I was supposed to do. I grew up in a Christian home and I was always taught to do whatever you can to hold on to your family and don’t let nothing or nobody get in the way of family. I realized if he really loved me he could never hurt me like this. And no excuse like alcohol or drugs is a defense to brutally beating me. I don’t care how drunk or high you are, it gives you no right to pick me up and slam me on the ground in the front yard or lock me in the house and take my phone away, so I can’t call for help. People just don’t understand. He controlled me. I was mentally, physically and emotionally tortured for 10 years!

Did you ever get mad with God for being in a marriage like this?

No because I knew better, so I never blamed God. I did ask why is this happening to me? I believe at the end of every storm there is a rainbow. I feel like I went through this to become the woman that I am today. If you don’t go through something, then how can you help somebody else? I hate that this was my story, but I believe I’m here to help someone before it’s too late for them. I lost my best friend to domestic violence and I was determined for that not to be my story.

How bad did the abuse get?

I’ve been used, abused, lied to, kicked, choked, slammed up against walls, punched in the face, anything you can think of I’ve experienced. A week before my video shoot for my new single “Who Knew” my husband beat me up and I had bruises all over my body. They covered all the bruises up with makeup and that’s why I’m wearing long sleeves in most of the video. I asked him why would he do this to me when he knew I had a video shoot coming up? He told me I shouldn’t be so light! I couldn’t believe he said that to me!

What was the final incident that made you leave him?

The final straw was when I looked up 2 months ago and found myself outside in the middle of the night, in my night gown, with my 1 year old in my arms, screaming for help with a bloody mouth. I was yelling at him saying, “Baby this is me. This is KeKe…THIS IS KEKE. Have you forgotten who I am?” After that I was done and gave it all to God. When we went to court, the judge said if I didn’t leave my husband and get a restraining order against him, he would make sure my 3 children would be taken away from me. I love my kids more than life itself, so I know that was God just tapping me and saying enough! The sad thing is, I can’t honestly say I wouldn’t have taken him back if he had apologized to me. But that’s how much control he had over me.

Looking back, do you see signs that you ignored in the beginning?

YES! I was ordered to go to a battered women’s group for domestic violence and they have this pyramid that tells you the different things men do when they are being controlling or abusive. It’s funny because a woman can be abused without ever being touched. I was being controlled and I didn’t even know it. He was controlling my life. He would schedule gigs for me that I didn’t even know about. Everything was his…his house, his car, his things. But every check that came in the house had my name on it. It always starts with them jumping up in your face, gritting their teeth, pushing you in the forehead with their finger and poking you in the face. Then it just escalates from there.

If you had the chance to give advice to the Keke back then, what would you tell her?

GET OUT! If she thinks it’s going to get better, it’s not! No matter how many times he cries or brings flowers and chocolates, don’t believe him. It doesn’t matter that you have children or people around you telling you to stay. They don’t have to live with the pain and the beatings, so think about you and your children and LEAVE!

How important has your relationship with Christ been through this 10 year nightmare?

I am so happy and grateful I have Christ in my life. He is number one! I can’t tell you where I’d be. A lot of people in my situation would have turned to drugs, alcohol or suicide, but I just gave it all to God.

You’ve just released your sophomore CD “Who Knew.” Tell me about it.

I’m so excited. The CD has been selling really well and it’s the #2 downloaded CD on iTunes. The response to the new single and video have all been positive, so I’m really happy. I’m also going on tour with Fantasia and Rickey Smiley, so I’m excited about that too.

Will you ever record a Gospel CD?

Oh definitely. I love The Clark Sisters, John P. Kee and James Moore. I’m an old school girl! But I do love Kim Burrell and some of Kirk Franklin’s music. But you could be hearing a Gospel CD from me sooner than later. I know God has put an anointing on my voice and no matter if I’m singing about love or God, I know God has given me this voice to inspire people.

What do you want the public to know about you?

I want people to know that I’m not some crazy female who tried to kill her husband. I’m a good mother and a good person who just happened to end up with a crazy idiot. Whatever the public’s perception of me is, it’s not true. I’m in a much better place now! I’m happy to be alive and I want my story to save someone else! In spite of everything God has been so good to me and I know he has even bigger things in store for me!

Check out “Peace On Earth” by Keke Wyatt playing on Da Truth Tunes!

KEKE WYATT’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS

1. Favorite animated movie? “Lion King.”
2. Favorite Michael Jackson song? “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough.”
3. The Cosby Show, Marin, A Different World or Fresh Prince of Bel Air? “The Cosby Show.”
4. Male artist you would like to do a duet with? Joe.
5. Can you change a tire? I’m scared. I’ve never tried.
6. Messy or clean? Super duper clean! Like ignorant with it! (lol)
7. SWV, Brownstone, TLC or Xscape? SWV.
8. Worst subject in high school? Social Studies.
9. Favorite Restaurant? “Le Petit Four” in Los Angeles.
10. One quality you look for in a man? Honesty.