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GOSPEL ARTIST MARVIN SAPP’S WIFE BATTLES COLON CANCER

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  • News
  • September 3rd

Chart topping Gospel artist and Pastor, Marvin Sapp needs all of our prayers more than ever before. Sapp’s wife of 15 years, Malinda Sapp, is battling colon cancer and the prognosis seems to be grim.  The singer best known for his massive crossover anthem “Never Would Have Made It” posted to his website Marvinsapp.com that he, along with his Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, had launched a 24 hour prayer campaign for complete restoration and healing for Malinda.

Apparently, Malinda battled stage 4 colon cancer in the past and appeared to be in the clear, until recently. She has been in hospice care for the last few weeks. Marvin opted to cancel all scheduled travel dates and committed to only being at his church on Sunday, so he could spend all his time with Malinda.

I am petitioning everyone to keep the Sapp family in prayer that no matter what the outcome that God will be a healer and provider of peace during this difficult time.

WARRYN CAMPBELL OF THE SOUL SEEKERS

WARRYN CAMPBELL OF THE SOUL SEEKERS

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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

LOWELL PYE “FINALLY”

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Lowell Pye is the first member of Men of Standard to release his solo debut since the announcement that he and Isaac Carree would be recording solo projects.

Lowell is also the first artist to debut a new project from super producer Aspah Wards’ newly formed label “Miralex Entertainment.” Suffice to say I think there is a little bit of pressure being the first! It’s all eyes on Lowell.

Pye’s new project “Finally” has him teamed up with some pretty heavy hitters like PJ Morton, Deitrick Haddon, Aspah Ward, Sheri Jones Moffett, Rance Allen and Marvin L. Winans. With a lineup of producers and vocalists like this the project has to be good…right?!

The lead single “Running Back to You” is a remake of the timeless Gospel classic originally recorded by Fred Hammond. I’ve said this before, Lowell sings his face off on this song, but I think it was the wrong lead single. The song has been redone ad nauseam and it will always be Fred’s song no matter who sings it.

Overall I think it’s a solid project with some nice material. There are some definite standouts tracks that make this project noteworthy like “Finally,” the PJ Morton produced “Better,” “Keep Pressing” and “Over ft. Sheri Jones Moffett.” If you read nothing else in this review STOP now and listen to “Over.” Lowell and Sheri sing like it’s really OVER! Lol Be prepared to be laid out for a good 15minutes!

I also noticed they added the song “Praise in the House” from the Blessed and Cursed soundtrack, but this version was void of Sunday Best runner up Jessica Reedy. I like the version with J. Reedy a little better. She just adds an unexpected surprise to the song.

Lowell’s vocal ability can go head to head with almost any male vocalist on the scene. Frankly speaking, out of the 13 tracks there are really no bad songs on the project. Now there are about two songs I feel didn’t necessarily have to be on the album and it would still be cool. But if I had to pinpoint one big problem with “Finally,” I would say there is not that one signature song that makes you say, “Oh that’s that Lowell Pye joint!” With that said I would still say go get the album. As a music-critic I noticed a few problems, but simply as a Gospel music lover, I like the project and I think others will too. So you know how I do…instead of 5 MICS, it’s 5 CRICKETS. The less CRICKETS the better! So Lowell’s “Finally” get’s 2 CRICKETS! It’s definitely safe to spend your money on this one!

THROWBACK: CRYSTAL LEWIS REMAKES CECE WINANS’ “IN RETURN”

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  • News
  • September 1st

It takes some BIG…(well you guys know what I want to say lol) to cover any song done by the Winans family. Especially when your skin is that milky colored complexion and your hair doesn’t require a hot comb! Lol But hey when you can sing, you can sing. And no one can take that away from one of my FAVORITE singers Crystal Lewis no matter what she looks like.

On Crystal’s 1997 release “Beauty for Ashes,” Lewis took on the mighty task of remaking the beautifully penned song “In Return” from Bebe & Cece’s self-titled 1990 album. You can’t come in booth feeling squeamish if you’re about to sing something CeCe originally recorded.

But if you know anything about Crystal Lewis there is a rawness and gritty soul that comes out of her that many blue eyed soul singers can’t duplicate, specifically speaking in the world of Gospel. They switched up the arrangement just a little but didn’t veer to far off from the original, which I appreciate. Crystal’s interpretation was still simplistic, but moving just like CeCe’s.

I don’t think any version will rival the original, but Crystal can be proud because she did the song justice. And there are many singers who wouldn’t dare touch it!

DA GOSPEL TRUTH PROFILES MARTIN WILLIAMS

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Martin Williams is a newborn in the Gospel Industry. Basically I’m calling him a baby, (lol) but only because of his age. His work is anything but young! It’s professional, insightful and wise beyond years.

It’s evident why Gospel Music Channel and Gospelflava.com scooped Williams up and added him to their successful roster of contributing writers.

Martin Williams is an up and comer who is doing it the right way. So all of you out there who want to know how to get in the business you might want to start taking notes starting about…NOW!

You’re in school right now…what are you studying and does it have a direct connection with what you want to do in the Gospel Industry?

First of all let me just start out by telling you Thank You! This is the first time anyone has taken the time out to talk to me; it’s normally the other way around, so I really appreciate you for the opportunity. Yes, I am in school at American InterContinental University here in Atlanta. I am majoring in Entertainment Sports and Marketing. The funny thing is I began doing things in my field before I even got started on my major core classes. The hands on experience that I have been able to experience taught me so much more than a textbook could per say. I’m finding that my “career” if that’s what I can call, it is taking a different turn into the journalism field. I had no idea that I would be blogging and writing like I’m doing. I remember when I was first approached about the idea; my response was who would read what I have to say. I honestly didn’t feel that I had an influential voice that would draw people and make them pay attention. In high school and college my teachers always said I could be a great writer, but I never really paid any attention to it. But I see now it’s all coming together to paint one big picture. I have a pocket full of dreams and things that I want to do in Entertainment, my prayer now is that God’s perfect will to be done in my life. That phrase is used so much, but in this season of my life it’s what I have had to stand on.

Tell me exactly what you do and how you got your start working in the Gospel industry?

That’s a good question and I am asked that a lot! LOL I am the Atlanta blogger for Gospel Music Channel’s “GBeat”. GBeat is the blog section on their site and they have bloggers placed in certain markets and I was chosen for Atlanta.  I am also a contributing writer for GospelFlava.com.  I started out as an intern for Gospel Music Channel and Canton Jones’ company CaJo International in the summer of 2007 when I was about to enter into my senior year of high school. I got a chance to work under the dynamic Alvin Williams while at GMC. He was my boss and really groomed and showed me some of the in’s and outs of Gospel. I was able to see the company launch and grow to where it is now. I got the opportunity to meet and work with CeCe Winans, Israel and New Breed, Mary Mary, and countless others. Simultaneously I was interning at Canton’s company and traveling with him on the weekends whenever my schedule would allow. So I would be in the GMC office one minute and then on an airplane the next day. I left GMC as an intern when I started my freshman year of College, and then I was contacted during the summer going into my sophomore year that they wanted me to blog for their site. So it was there I began blogging. In the process of that, I got a chance to meet a guy who I had admired for so many years, Gerard Bonner. Gerard and I exchanged information and I became connected with Bonnerfide Radio and my life has never been the same. He’s like family to me now.  I remember we all were getting ready to head to Nashville for the Stellar Awards, and he hit me up and said Melanie Clark the CEO of Gospel Flava wanted to talk to me. This was a dream come true because I had been a fan of the entire Gospel Flava family and always wanted to be apart, but I never knew how I would make the connection or if the opportunity would even come. So I am eternally grateful for them taking a chance on me.

What’s the most difficult part about being so young and trying to navigate through this industry?

Wow! It’s hard to even put that part into words. I think the most difficult part is being so young and working hard to be respected. I’m still young and growing and learning in this game every single day.  I’m constantly trying to network and get my name out there because some are like who is thing young man? Contraire to what some may say, everybody doesn’t know Martin Williams! I still have a long way to go and have leaps and boundaries that I have to overcome and doors that I have to go into. The field that I am in is one that is very hard to break into and it can almost feel like a country club at times. If you want to be at the forefront and in the know you have to know the right individuals, network and put the work in. My goal and purpose is to be informative, real, and relatable. I grew up in the church and sang in the youth choir and the adult choir, so I was introduced to good music at a young age. So when I am asked my opinion about a song or album, it’s given from the perspective of someone who knows a little something about music.

What is the biggest misconception about what you do?

The biggest misconception is that what I do is easy and that when you sign up for it, things and opportunities will come to you easy.  Many people think because I am doing all of this stuff that I make a ridiculous salary and that’s not the case at all. If you want to do this it’s truly a labor of love. Everyone in this field is truly working hard and grinding to do what they do. All of my colleagues work hard to maintain. It’s truly a faith walk. I’ve had to get out there and network, network, network. I had to introduce myself to the artist, meet the producers, BGVs, songwriters all of that.  There are days when you don’t think what you are doing is making an impact and you want to give up. To be in this industry, you have to have a personal relationship with God, a life of prayer, praise and worship. That will make your skin tougher and you learn to not rely on your own strength. I’ve been blessed to meet a lot of great people, one of which is Fantasia. I remember one day I wasn’t feeling well at all and she called me and said always remember, “Even angels learn how to fly. Keep on pressing babe.”  That stuck with me and whenever I need that reminder, I just think about what she told me.

Who are your top 5 favorite Gospel artists?

Now Gerald don’t ask me that question, lol! You know that’s a tough question because I love so many of them. But If I had to narrow it down to five, I would have to say CeCe Winans, Mary Mary, DeWayne Woods, Kirk Franklin, and Marvin Sapp.

Who are your mentors in this industry and what have you learned from them.

Melanie Clark- My lessons from Melanie are endless! She’s like a mother to me, even though she’s too young to have a 20-year-old son! LOL But Melanie has taught me to be diplomatic, remain professional, but always be true to who you are and to know there is greatness on the inside of you.  She’s always challenging me to go deep, and that your words have power, so use them wisely.

Gerard Bonner- Uncle Gerard as I like to call him is the ultimate encourager. Gerard has taught me that support is everything and that you can change someone’s life by just giving them a chance.

Torrence Glenn- Torrence is the ultimate big brother. He’s taught me to be true to myself, and don’t be afraid to speak the truth. He told me it was okay to be different and it was okay if everybody didn’t like me! He told me that people will try to make this a competition but it’s not, there is room for everyone’s gift.

Gerald Jones- You sir, have showed me that it’s okay to ask those tough questions that everyone is thinking. I love how real and genuine your work is and it always has that hint of sarcasm that just makes it perfect and relatable.

Editors note: I didn’t pay him to say this, but I like what he said! lol

Jawn Murray – I love how he holds down so many different arenas. He’s one of the leading journalists in his field and his commentary is usually spot on. He’s another one that I grew up observing and paying attention to what he does.

http://Gmclife.com/gbeat/martin

EXCLUSIVE NEW MUSIC FROM JONATHAN NELSON & ANN NESBY PLAYING ON DA TRUTH TUNES

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You know how I love to give exclusive news and first listens! Well just to wet your appetite enough until the releases hit the stores, I am sharing new music from Jonathan Nelson’s forthcoming CD “Better Days” and also a new cut from 2x Grammy winner, Ann Nesby.

Just click on Da Truth Tunes here on the site or on the link provided below to hear TWO new tracks from Jonathan Nelson, “Another Way” and “Cry Holy.” And then check out Ann Nesby’s newest offering, “I Get An Answer.”

Make sure to leave your comments and let me know what you think!!

http://www.dagospeltruth.com/wp-content/plugins/datruthtunes/newplayer.html

V3

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Last time we met our “Journey to Cricketville” stopped by a machine known as American Idol. Well as luck would have it, it didn’t take us long to reach our next destination at EMI Gospel. And there is we found or actually didn’t find the ladies of V3.

The sister trio that made up V3, was comprised of Shelley, Sacha and Latoya Vinson. Their urban driven, debut CD, was released in August of 2006.  The ladies were poised to take the Gospel community by storm with their Black “barbie doll” image and sweet, breathy, simplistic harmonies.  But as we’ve seen time and time again sometimes it works and other times…ehhhh not so much!

I must say I actually kind of liked this CD. I liked at least half of the CD, which is saying a lot! Their single “Close To You” was almost identical to Bad Boy Records signee, one hit wonder, Cheri Dennis’ song “I Love You.” I always wondered about that?!?! And if my memory serves me correct I think they released a remix CD too. Now if I’m right about the remix CD, my question is, if the album didn’t sell in the first place, what was the point of a remix CD?!! I’m just asking that’s all!

Anyway, you guys know how the story ends by now. We haven’t heard from the sisters since and I don’t even think they are signed to EMI anymore. So basically they’ve been getting CRICKETS since about ’07.  If anyone knows their whereabouts holla atcha boy!! I really would like to talk to them!!

TYE TRIBBETT RELEASES NEW SINGLE “FRESH”

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Tye Tribbett, one of the most infamous men in Gospel music today, is back with a new single “Fresh.”  This track is from his forth-coming release by the same name, due in stores October 19th.

Check out “Fresh” playing here on the site on Da Truth Tunes. It is track #7 on the playlist! PLEASE let me know what you think. I’ll save my comments for my upcoming review I plan to do on the single. Right now I want to hear from you guys!

For related stories on Tye Tribbett

Tye Tribbett Get’s A Makeover http://dagospeltruth.com/?p=605

Love Triangle  http://dagospeltruth.com/?p=572

VASHAWN MITCHELL

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With two solid albums under his belt on Tyscot records and penning hits for artists like Smokie Norful, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Bishop Paul Morton, you would think VaShawn Mitchell would be more of a house hold name. Instead, it almost feels like a new artist is emerging and receiving the recognition he finally deserves.

From what I can tell, VaShawn Mitchell’s first release on EMI Gospel, “Triumphant,” has been one of the most highly anticipated releases this summer. In stores and online outlets everywhere, the buzz of the complete release is largely in part due to the incredible hit single “Nobody Greater,” that is over taking radio formats all over the country.

So with such a big single one would expect nothing less from the entire CD.  Well it’s my pleasure to say this CD lives up to all the hype surrounding it!

The CD opens up with one of my favorite songs “Conqueror,” which sets the tone for the whole CD. It is the perfect opening track. The placement of a song really makes a difference. Following behind that is this summer’s praise and worship anthem “Nobody Greater” and another favorite of mine “Chasing After You.” This song has been recorded several times before, but I love the drive on this version. The cadence of the song really gives you the feeling you’re “chasing after” Jesus!

A song I kind of overlooked on my first couple of listens “You Reign” kind of snuck up on me.  This is the type of song where the lead vocals don’t even matter because the background vocals are so befitting.  The words are so simple, but the message is so powerful. “Lord you reign, reign forever more…the angels bow down at the thought of you. In adoration of your greatness and truth.” This is definitely a single contender in my opinion.

The CD started to have a familiar feel that worried me a bit, UNTIL the next two songs took me to a place of worship that shook me to the core! The spine tingling, “His Blood Still Works” featuring Lisa Page Brooks took the CD exactly where it needed to go…straight to church!  If you aren’t careful you might be laid out and not even know how you got there. (LOL)  And the momentum intensifies subtly as the Donald Lawrence esque song “Be Fruitful” transitions. This is the most lyrically moving and my favorite song on the project. One line sums everything up, “It’s not only your time, but your turn.” LET THAT SOAK IN A BIT!

The CD closes out on a high note with “Can’t Take My Joy Away,” “Triumphant” and yet another standout song, “Now Be Restored. There’s even a hidden track too.

As you can probably tell from this review, I love this CD. I’ve made no secret that most of the releases this summer have fallen short! VaShawn Mitchell’s “Triumphant” is a much-needed breath of fresh air amidst the mediocre pack. This project stands alone because the songs are teachable with simple lyrics, but not so simple where you felt like “you’ve been here, heard it all before.”

No CRICKETS for “Triumphant.” Go get your copy!

GOSPEL INDUSTRY SUMMER 2010

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  1. Don’t you think the albums released this summer have been average at best??! Won’t name any specifically, but you know what they are! lol
  2. Aren’t you trying to figure out how Brian Courtney Wilson’s CD is still on the charts? We’re 4 months away from 2011?!?!? That’s a good team he has!!
  3. So come on… tell me what you really think of Forever Jones!?!?
  4. Don’t you think Isaac Carree should have chosen a different first single than “Redeemed,” which had already been recorded by Heather Headley?!?! Pretty song, but more of an album filler!
  5. Is anyone thinking about purchasing that “Blessed & Cursed” movie? Is anyone a little skeptical?!!? lol
  6. So do you think it’s going to take Leandria’s album even longer to come out since A’Yanna’s is just coming out this month!??!
  7. What is going on over there at the GMC and their programming?!?! One word…CRICKETS!!! Could you at least buy “The Cosby Show” series we care about!?!?
  8. Are any of the finalists or runner’s up from Sunday Best ever going to release an album?? Ooopss actually Shari Addison did and we see how that turned out.