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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!

BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON

BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON

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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.

DEWAYNE WOODS

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Well, my faithful followers, I haven’t written a review that had the saints giving me CRICKETS in a minute. I don’t do it on purpose to get everyone riled up, just me giving my little ole opinion.

On June 22nd DeWayne Woods released his sophomore album, (coincidentally, that was my birthday) “My Life’s Lyric.” I was reallllyyyyy hoping I would have more favorable things to say, but to my dismay…not so much.

The first single “Living On The Top” missed the mark for me all the way around and it happens to be the album opener.  The Aaron Lindsey produced track was very cliché. I felt like I had heard it all before.  I was like, “Did I hear this on a Donald Lawrence project some years ago??” I get the, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” formula. But how about “if it feels familiar, switch it up”?

Luckily, there was a bright spot early on with the second single “I Won’t Be Afraid.” This is the quintessential choir song that I believe many choirs could easily pick up and bring any atmosphere into worship.  Then it was back to me wanting to press skip again with “Still Here featuring The Murrills.” This song truly felt like an album filler to me.  I didn’t even know The Murrills were still signed to Verity!!!

The sleeper hit for me was “What Kind of Love.” By far, this was my favorite song on the CD.  The sincerity in Wood’s vocals matched with the heartfelt lyrics, was perfect! ”Always by my side, You never leave. Even when I fall, You’re there for me. I don’t always make you smile, yet still Your child. What kind of love.” Beautiful song!

The following tracks well…”Good Times”. I get what they were trying to do with that throwback 70’s sound and the falsetto.  And I have to admit it was kind of infectious, but I still have a question mark by that one. “God Can featuring PJ Morton” was so formulaic to me, it was painfully obvious. It felt like part 2 of DeWayne’s chart topper “Let Go.” It was in the same key and everything.  “Lost” I actually don’t mind.  The Caribbean feel had me tapping my foot.

There was one more track that was grouped between two tracks that I was unhappy with, which caused me to skip it too.  “It Might Be Hope” was the CCM song of the project. This track was guilty by association because of where it is on the project.  But in actuality it’s not a bad song at all. The closing song “Positive featuring Daniel Weatherspoon” has the potential to be good. I think if I heard I would like it more because I love the background vocals. But the track kind of ruined it for me.

My problem with “My Life’s Lyric” is that there was nothing new under the sun. Overall, it didn’t get me pumped to keep listening over and over with the exception of a couple of songs.  So I have to give this CD 3 1/2 CRICKETS! Basically that mans, buy at your own risk.

THE STELLAR AWARDS WEEKEND RECAP PT. 2 & THE LIST OF ALL THE WINNERS!

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I’m going to pick up right where I left off…so let’s go

Friday, January 15th,  around 9pm Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party

I would say one of the most talked about, eagerly anticipated events during the weekend was definitely Gerard Bonners’ “Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party” hosted by my boy Jawn Murray. Gerard just recently started an interactive internet radio show that has become relatively successful in a short amount of time. So much so, that his radio show was nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station of the Year. He did not win, but I know he was excited that he was even recognized. Gerard is a good guy that has embraced me and I wish him nothing but the best. Now that I’m done with those pleasantries, let’s get to the stuff I like.

I knew I had to be on point because it was going to be a GANG of “celebs” in the house and it lived up to the talk! By the way I think I looked rather dapper, if I do say so myself! (lol and I do) Check Da Gospel Truth Facebook fan page for all the pictures!

The line-up was rather long which indicated to me that the show was going to be long and I was right! With that said, the list of performers definitely made me want to stay around. Half of the artists I had heard of before, the other half were all brand new to me. Here’s who was performing so you can get an idea; Sheri Jones Moffett, George Huff, CMO, Melinda Watts, Karima, Candy & Peaches West, PJ Morton, Lisa Page Brooks, Jonathan & Jason Nelson, San Franklin, Adrianne Archie, Rae Ellis, Claude Deuce, JJ Hairston, Tre Thomas, Dominique Side and more and more! You get the idea right…it was a lot of singing! (lol) Overall I enjoyed most of the performances that I can remember. It’s all a bit of a blur now. It was also good to see my man Torrence Glenn of BET getting his direct on with the BRC Choir! There were a couple artists that got CRICKETS from the audience who will remain nameless. But I will say this, the Gospel audience is a HARDDDDDDDDDD crowd to move. To get a reaction you basically need to do a back flip, while holding the mic, singing on key, juggling fire, with no pants on and you MAY get a handclap!! LOL I’m dead serious! But almost 5 hours later the show came to a successful end with nothing but smiles and kudos!

The turnout was absolutely great! Beyonce’s daddy Matthew Knowles was in the building!! Ok I’m going to say that again, BEYONCE’S DADDY MATTHEW KNOWLES was in the building!! THAT’S MAJOR!

One of the funniest moments that no one knew about but me, was when Jawn Murray came up to me and asked what is the name of this artist new CD and what’s her single that’s out?!?! They really didn’t give him much information to go off of about the artists. But Jawn basically gave this artist CRICKETS because he didn’t know anything about her! AAAAAWWWW I felt kind of bad but if I said the name you would ALL know who it was!!

Make sure you check out Bonnerfide Radio everyday from 9am-12pm EST at www.getbonnerfide.com

Saturday, January 16th, 11:00am Radio Station of the Year Awards Ceremony

I was still tired from the night before, so I really wasn’t pressed to get to this event. But I needed to meet someone at this event to pickup my ticket for the Stellar Awards so I had to go and I’m glad I did.

We got there a little late, but I really didn’t care about the awards they were passing out. I just wanted to see the performances. So I’ll tell you about those and keep this portion of my day pushing!

Wife of R&B/Neo-Soul singer Anthony Hamilton, Tarsha Hamilton performed two songs which I thoroughly enjoyed. She looked beautiful and she sounded even better. I definitely need to get my hands on her CD! And thanks to my lovely friend Veda Brown, I had a front row seat!

Next up was everyone’s favorite comedic actress/Gospel singer Mrs. Tamela Mann. All I know is that lately every time I see Tamela perform, whether it be on TV or at an event, she looks like MONEY!! I’ve worked in TV for many years, so I know the Mann’s are making some nice change! Tamela sang the title track to her new album “The Master Plan” and wore us out! Enough said!

Lastly there was a group of ladies that I just had to stay and hear. I told my friends we could not leave until I heard them because previously many months ago I gave them CRICKETS! The Nevels Sisters were up! I can admit when I’m wrong and I will be writing a retraction on what I said VERY soon! I’ll just say hair and vocals. Hair and vocals! Oh yeah hair, vocals and energy in that order!! (lol) They were outstanding! LITERALLY they were the highlight of the whole show. They were so good, after they walked offstage, they brought them back out for an encore!! So CRICKETS to me!

Saturday January 16th, 5pm The Stellar Awards

The purpose of the whole weekend was actually here, The Stellar Awards! I worked the red carpet, but almost missed it because I accidentally set my ticket down to the actual award show and didn’t notice until we were half way back to the hotel to change. So we had to turn around and go back. Luckily I found it and the crisis was averted!

The red carpet was cool. Nothing all that exciting to talk about, so I’ll keep it moving.

It was the Stellar Awards 25th Anniversary and the theme of the show was “Collaborations.” It was a nice idea. Since I really don’t feel like typing out EVERY detail of the taping, I’m going to give you quick hits! Watch the show to get the full effect! Am I being lazy?? LOL

  • Show was hosted by Donnie, Vickie and Kirk. Vickie was hilarious!
  • The show opened with Ricky Dillard & New Generation and Hezekiah Walker & LFC. GREAT way to open the show with two of the top choirs in the industry sharing the stage.
  • Vanessa Bell Armstrong came out and the audience gasped at how AMAZING she looked! I don’t even know if anyone paid attention to her singing her single “Good News” because she looked that good!
  • Tramaine Hawkins, Dottie Peoples and Shirley Caesar on stage together! Nothing else needs to be said…except that Tramaine sounded like she was still in her teens. She sounded incredible! She’s my all time favorite!
  • Richard Smallwood and Smokie Norful created a beautiful and classy moment grand piano to grand piano.
  • Crystal Aikin gave my favorite performance of the night! I was taken aback at how beautiful she looked and sounded.
  • Bebe & Cece sang “Grace.” Thank God it didn’t slow the shows momentum down. It was cool.
  • Kirk Franklin and some of the Family and some of his new singers did a medley that was too short! He just has too many timeless hits!
  • James Fortune & Fiya performed his hit “I Trust You.” Everybody just loves that song.
  • Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Byron Cage sent that room into a praise frenzy! It was definitely the highlight of the evening! THEY SANG!
  • Kirk Franklin came out and gave us a sermonette.
  • Israel Houghton did a creative video performance with Mary Mary of their duet “Every Prayer.” My favorite song on the CD.
  • Donald Lawrence & Co. and the winning choir of “Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound Choir” contest Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir closed the evening out with the infectious “Back II Eden.” P.S. There was a member of that choir that was going INNNNNN!! LOL Hit up Neily Dickerson to see the footage! LOL

Well folks that’s it! There you have it! My first Stellar weekend ever! I had a great time. Let me know what you think of Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 of my recap?!? Did you feel like you were there with me??? I hope so!

For Part 1. go to www.dagospeltruth.com/?p=1655

Artist Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Song Of The Year – “God In Me” by Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

Male Vocalist Of The Year – Smokie Norful, Smokie Norful Live (EMI Gospel)

Female Vocalist Of The Year – Vickie Winans, How I Got Over (Destiny Joy)

Group/Duo Of The Year – Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

New Artist Of The Year – Crystal Aikin, Crystal Aikin (Verity)

CD Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Choir Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Producer Of The Year – Donald Lawrence & Daniel Weatherspoon, The Law Of Confession Pt. 1 (Quietwater/Verity)

Contemporary Group/Duo Of The Year – Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

Traditional Group/Duo Of The Year – Lee Williams & The Spiritual QCs, Fall On Me (MCG)

Contemporary Male Vocalist Of The Year – Smokie Norful, Smokie Norful Live (EMI Gospel)

Contemporary Female Vocalist Of The Year – Crystal Aikin, Crystal Aikin (Verity)

Traditional Male Vocalist Of The Year – Donnie McClurkin, We All Are One (Verity)

Traditional Female Vocalist Of The Year – Dottie Peoples, Do It! (DP Muzik Group)

Contemporary CD Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Traditional CD Of The Year – Shari Addison, Shari Addison (Verity)

Urban/Inspirational Single Of The Year – “God In Me” by Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

Music Video Of The Year – “How I Got Over” by Vickie Winans, How I Got Over (Destiny Joy)

Contemporary Choir Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Traditional Choir Of The Year – Bishop Paul S. Morton & The FGBCF Mass Choir, Cry Your Last Year (Light)

Special Event CD Of The Year – The Clark Sisters, J. Moss & Kierra Sheard, Silky Soul Music – A Tribute To Maze (Barantera Music Group)

Instrumental CD Of The Year – Ben Tankard, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Verity)

Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD Of The Year – Da’ T.R.U.T.H., The Big Picture (Cross Movement)

Children’s Performance Of The Year – Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews & Oxon Hill High School Choir, Amazing (Yrome)

Quartet Of The Year – Lee Williams & The Spiritual QCs, Fall On Me (MCG)

Praise & Worship CD Of The Year – Stephen Hurd, Times Of Refreshing (Integrity)

Recorded Music Package Of The Year – Denise Trotman for Donald Lawrence’s The Law Of Confession Pt. 1 (Quietwater/Verity)

RAE ELLIS

RAE ELLIS

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A dummy, she’s not! But extremely talented, she is! This 30 year old is not only a rising diva on the music front, but she is right on track to graduate with a Masters degree in Business Marketing after receiving her undergrad at Clark Atlanta. If nothing else, Rae Ellis is a survivor and exudes a resilience that is hard to ignore when you talk to her. She has a story to tell and anyone who is willing to listen, she tells with a no holds barred approach! I have nothing but love, admiration and respect for how far she’s come and how far I know she is going to go!

How did you end up singing with the group Uneek?

I jumped at the chance to sing with a national recording group. I was only 17 at the time. One of the members left the group for reasons I’m not completely sure about. I happened to be friends with the group’s drummer and he told me they were looking for another member. So that’s how it sort of all happened. I sang with them from time to time after the second album. The girls were great. I still talk to a few of them all the time. I learned a lot as far as artistry and music business 101.

So tell me what you learned in “Music Business 101?”

Well I remember our management being a little questionable. One New Year’s Eve we did three services, sweating our dresses out and at the end of the night I was given a check for $50.00. I couldn’t believe it. I later found out the girls had no idea I had got short changed like that. I didn’t really make anything when I was in the group because I never signed a contract. I wasn’t even in the group a full year. Ultimately after my dad saw how that situation turned out, he made me leave the group. I realize now that it was a blessing. I’m definitely not disappointed about the experience because I learned so much.

What’s a downside to this industry that you’ve had to learn?

Something I’ve learned is that just because it’s Gospel and you are spreading the good news, doesn’t mean everyone carries the same sentiments. Everyone in this business does not have a relationship with God just because they are in the Gospel industry. I’ve had other artists, who will remain nameless, watch my MySpace page and contact promoters trying to get on the same show in an attempt to upstage me. It’s crazy the things people will do. At the end of the day it seems as if this whole thing seems jaded. I came up being taught that this thing is about holiness, righteousness, and being sanctified or set apart. Everything just seems to blend now days and so many are self absorbed and forget about GOD. We are conduits or literally a mouthpiece for God. I really thank God for people like Cedric and LeJuene Thompson. They are real God-fearing people. LeJuene is just a class act.  Pastor John P. Kee has been very instrumental in my ministry also. He actually called me one night out of the blue to encourage me. Above all my mamma who’s not in the industry, keeps me holding on to my truth which is “he that begun a good work in me WILL perform it!” She’s amazing!  These are the people who keep you going.

I know you were involved in an abusive relationship. Tell me what happened.

I ended up getting involved with this guy who I thought was my dream guy. We met through a mutual friend when we were 20. We started off as friends, but I really took to him right off the bat. It’s interesting because I saw signs in the beginning, but they were so subtle. He was very manipulative. I was dating another guy at the time who was a very successful lawyer, but I didn’t feel like I was good enough for him, so I went for the blue collar guy. I think I also felt comfortable with him because he accepted me at the weight I was at. I lived in Atlanta at the time and it was like home of the big girls. I loved it. He started wanting to spend every moment together and wanting all my attention. He was very aggressive and controlling.

When was the first time he hit you?

I don’t remember what we were arguing about, but I got real “flip” with him and told him what I wasn’t going to do. I had no idea he was going to hit me. All of a sudden out of the blue he backhanded me. He wouldn’t just hit me though, he would pinch me under my arms and I would be black and blue all over. He would criticize my weight and when I would go walking, he would trail me in a car laughing and talking about my jiggle.  The abuse went on for about a year.

Did anyone know what was going on?

Well not really. I was at home visiting my parents and I was putting on my pajamas and my mom walked into the room and she saw the bruises on my body. This was close to the end of our relationship. I begged her not to tell my father. She said she would give me time to talk to my boyfriend about everything, but that she was going to tell my father what was going on. I didn’t want to move back home because I didn’t want “church folks” to know what was going on and going home to me would seem as if I failed in this area of my life. That’s why I didn’t want her to say anything.

How did the relationship end?

We were arguing because I told him I wanted out of the relationship and of course he didn’t want to let me go. This time when the argument escalated and he hit me, I fought back like a man!(throwing blows the whole nine yards) Strangely, when I told him to leave, I was miserable without him. I was so down and depressed I actually tried to kill myself. I took a whole bottle of muscle relaxers and tried to end it all. But God had a different plan. I waited to fall asleep and go peacefully, but nothing happened. So I drove myself to the ER and the traffic was bumper to bumper. God’s grace and mercy was with me. It was nothing but God that I didn’t fall asleep at the wheel. When I finally got to the hospital they tried to pump my stomach and I threw up. The muscle relaxers were still in pill form! My body never digested them. I knew God had saved my life.

Did you ever go back to him again after everything was over?

He still tried to come by, but by that time my parents had got involved. I haven’t seen him since. He reached out to me 3 years ago via email and I put him on my spam list and kept it moving!

Why do you think you ended up in this type of relationship?

I think it has to do with how I viewed myself. I was always the life of the party and the class clown, but never had a boyfriend. I was the talented girl that didn’t have anybody. I had low self-esteem. I exuded confidence, but predators can see right through that and they prey on your insecurities.

Is your weight an issue for you that you struggle with?

I definitely battle with my weight. I love to cook and I can throw down in the kitchen! I am the Patti Labelle of Gospel. I’m a size 18 (on a good day). I don’t exercise as much as I should because I don’t like to sweat. (lol) I only like to sweat when I’m singing. I think being overweight is in my genes. (and in my shirts and shoes lol) We call it the “fat gene.” I can’t say I’m big because of the way that I eat. I don’t eat fried chicken and bonbons all the time. I don’t eat a whole lot. But I do admit that I don’t have the best eating habits, like eating late at night. But I have lost weight before. I lost 80lbs on the Atkins diet.

Your dad died of cancer in ’06. How hard was that to deal with?

It was very hard. He died of cancer at 52 in May of ’06 and it changed my life. My father, Bishop Nathan Halton, was a preaching machine. He was the founder of Greater Faith Bible Tabernacle Church in Buffalo, NY. We grew up in a Pentecostal Apostolic environment. My dad was an educated entrepreneur, like me. (I have a real estate firm and working on a boutique) I prayed God would extend my father’s life and he saidNO! I mean three times in my prayer I heard God say NO! But, I rebuked it thinking it was my flesh, my faith, failing me. God, that experience taught me so much. You can want something so bad that we will rebuke GOD himself when he says no! When my dad lost his ability to walk he continued to come in on a walker or in a wheelchair preaching and teaching the word of God. My biggest lesson was taught to me was in those moments. I learned I don’t have a right to give up nor do I have a right to use excuses for not doing what I’m called to do

Are you working on an album?

Yes, I am. Hopefully the album will be released sometime early next year. I am going for a major label deal, if they can do for me what I envision for my ministry. Staying independent would be cool too. And I’m not specifically seeking a deal with a Gospel label. Whoever I sign with, I want them to respect my most sacred values. I REPRESENT GOD! I have such eclectic tastes that I want to be with a label that will really get behind me. My sound embodies everything that is in my brain. I love Ella, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Mattie Moss Clark, Donny Hathaway and Andrae Crouch just to name a few. I listen to a lot of old stuff and instrumental music. I love music and lyrics that tell a story. I grew up on CCM music too, though, like Morris Chapman, Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty.

Is there anyone in particular that you would love to work with?

I would LOVE to work with J. Moss, Darkchild, Jill Scott and PJ Morton, among others.

What are some of your other passions?

I want to do it all. I love to act. I am waiting on Tyler Perry to call me. I know it’s going to happen one day. With everything I’ve been through in my past, I know it’s great training and preparation for the stage. When you limit your dreams and aspirations it limits the power of God and what He can do for you.

RAE’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS

  1. Favorite perfume? “COCO MADEMOISELLE” by Chanel. I smell delicious in it!
  2. Favorite season? Fall.
  3. Least favorite fruit? Bananas.
  4. Biggest insecurity? My stomach.
  5. On time or late for church? Depends on who is preaching!
  6. Favorite R&B male group? Levert. They will squall at you!
  7. Favorite TV show? “The Cosby Show.”
  8. Would you rather be hot or cold? Cold.
  9. Favorite city to visit? Nashville.
  10. Guilty pleasure? Chubby Hubby Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
  11. How many kids do you want? Two and an oops.
  12. Biggest misconception about you? That I’m not a sensitive person.
  13. Take 6, Commissioned, The Winans or Men of Standard? The Winans.
  14. Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Rihanna or Ciara? Beyonce
  15. The Anointed Pace Sisters, The Clark Sisters, The McClurkins? The Clark Sisters.
  16. Favorite reality show? “Real House Wives of ATL!”
  17. Would you skydive? I sure would!
  18. Tomboy or a girly girl? A mix of both.
  19. Favorite dessert? Carrot cake and Breyers ice cream.
  20. Favorite CCM artist? Mercy Me

LOVE TRIANGLE TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING! THE STORY UNFOLDS ABOUT TYE TRIBBETT & DA’ T.R.U.T.H.

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  • News
  • November 12th

When I started this blog one of my initial intentions was to do my part to keep the Gospel music industry entertaining.  As of late, I haven’t had to do much of anything and things have progressed from entertaining to outright shocking.

The men of the Gospel industry have been keeping me VERY busy fielding emails from readers who are catching wind of their questionable actions.  I’ve pondered for a while now about whether I should address this topic, but I guess I won’t prolong this.

Everyone has been whispering about – though most media outlets have refrained from covering – what is going on with Gospel singer Tye Tribbett and Christian rapper Da’ T.R.U.T.H. Like me, I am sure the other gospel sites have seen the countless queries in the search engine where readers are looking to find out details about their quiet scandals.

As unbiased as I can be, let me attempt to report the facts from what I’ve gathered thus far.  Earlier this year, Tye, one of the industry’s top Gospel acts was apparently caught having an extramarital affair with a member of his choir.  Supposedly his wife discovered the affair around Mother’s Day, of all holidays.  The girl wasn’t just a member of Tye’s Greater Anointing choir, but she also happened to be the baby’s mother of one his best friends, who also sings in the group.  Made your eyebrow raise, huh?

After getting caught, Tye went on a 60-day sabbatical of consecration in an effort to get right with God.  The question most people were asking was simple, “Did he take the sabbatical because he felt guilty for participating in an ongoing affair or was this a real attempt to repent for his backslidden state?”

The problem here is that Tye had been extremely vocal (read: judgmental) about a lot of things, particularly things pertaining to mainstream music and culture.  For nearly two years, Tye preached a sermon during concerts where he openly rebuked everyone from Beyonce to Omarion as he told concertgoers that their “secular” music would cause them “death.”  His “Life or Death” message also challenged believers not to wear clothes by rappers like Sean “Diddy” Combs (Sean John) and Jay-Z (Roc-A-Wear) because you “carry their spirits” and “you don’t know the spirit behind these guys.”

There are several ironies here.  One being that Tye himself built his career on working with “secular” acts ranging from Faith Hill to Justin Timberlake. His deal at Sony Music came via a production deal with the same R&B label that signed neo-soul singer Vivian Green.  Additionally, the other irony is that apparently for a good portion of the time in which Tye was casting stones at mainstream music’s finest, he had some extracurricular spirits of his own that he was participating in – the main one being adultery!  (The old saying goes: “What’s done in the dark will come to the light.”)

If you have noticed, we haven’t heard so much as a PEEP from Tye since about May, except that awkward video interview with The Belle Report where they danced around the issue and his CNN appearance where he challenged PJ Morton’s music.  I find it very interesting that the man crowned as one of the most outspoken Gospel artists in the industry hasn’t mumbled a single word about his own transgressions.  For even the Bible in Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”  Translation: If he can call out other people’s sins, the least he could do is come clean about his own.  Wouldn’t that be true ministry?

Since Tye never publicly addressed this issue, most media outlets ignoring the story, and Tye’s publicist not honoring requests for comment, I figured things would quiet down and folks would move on.

Well, apparently not.  Last week my search engine was abuzz again with queries about Gospel rapper, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. For those who don’t know, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. is a Stellar Award winner who happens to be Tye’s mentee.  On his personal website, the rapper posted a message that he was taking a sabbatical.  He announced that he was removing himself from the limelight for an indefinite period of time because of a “moral indiscretion.” (See his full statement on www.DaTruth.net )

I am not a fan of Christian Hip-Hop and couldn’t tell you the name of one song by Da’ T.R.U.T.H., however, I was aware that he, like Tye, had a pretty vocal stance towards mainstream music and during an interview on BET’s Lift Every Voice, he spoke about music producers who create both gospel and non-gospel music and declared God wasn’t pleased.

Apparently Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s “indiscretion” was an extramarital affair of his own.  As the facts are slowly unfolding, and as much as it sounds like an episode of the Young & The Restless, the affair was allegedly with Tribett’s wife Shante.  Yes, you read that correctly!

Confused? Well, here’s the recap in a nutshell: Tye cheated on his wife with a choir member who was his good friend’s baby’s mother. Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Tye’s mentee, cheated with Tye’s wife.  And it’s all going on in gospel.  Who would have thought?

Though I wasn’t a participant in any of these outrageous affairs, I know I’ll get countless e-mails from readers telling me I’m wrong for writing this story.  I was almost hung and dang near shot for writing an unfavorable CD review a few weeks ago.  But criticism aside, the bigger picture here is that none of us are exempt from the deception of the devil.  We are all sinners and the devil’s goal is to get us off course and make us look like fools; some of us just make it a lot easier for him to do it!

I hope that in the end, other artists and ministers of the gospel will learn from Tye and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and stop condemning and judging people so radically without compassion.  But now, both of these brothers need everyone to forgive them and not forever hold their sins over their heads.

We serve a God that has the power to redeem us from our sin sick ways and God’s grace is enough to forgive us for ANYTHING we’ve done.  There is nothing we can do or say that will separate us from the Love of God.  Now, that doesn’t mean God isn’t disappointed with our actions and there won’t be consequences, but we will be forgiven.

So as you read this, I hope your first reaction is not to condemn the parties involved or even condemn me for speaking on it, but to pray and lift everyone up in prayer that God will renew a right spirit within each one of their lives and that they will repent and come out pure as Gold.

Scriptures to reflect on:

But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:5-6) NIV

For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. (Romans 3:23) NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2) NIV

See also Colossians 1:9-11 & Colossians 2:6-8

For more stories on Tye Tribbett go to www.dagospeltruth.com/?p=1566

WHY CAN’T I WRITE ABOUT LOVE? WELL I’M GOING TO!! AMERICAN IDOL’S LAKISHA JONES RELEASES “SO GLAD I’M ME”

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I’m going to thank PJ Morton for this! After reading his book “Why Can’t I Sing About Love”, it made me ask the question why can’t I write about R&B CD’s without feeling guilty because I run a Gospel blog. You won’t ever find me promoting anything questionable or raunchy. My intention is to promote positive and inspirational music that I think all music lovers will enjoy whether you like Gospel, R&B or both.

I remember Lakisha Jones as a finalist on 2007’s season of American Idol. I liked her, but she wasn’t my favorite so I can’t say that I was really looking forward to a solo album from her. A friend downloaded her debut CD “So Glad I’m Me” the week it came out, so I sat down and listened to the CD and was taken aback! I loved song, after song, after song! I went straight to my computer and downloaded the whole thing. If you don’t like grown people’s music this CD isn’t for you. But if you want to pop in a CD that you can just chill to or play while you’re cleaning the house, get this one! It’s a feel good CD. There is a great balance of up-tempo, mid-tempo and ballads on this project. There’s also an inspirational message and a mention of God in many of the songs. She even tackled a Whitney Houston CLASSIC “You Give Good Love” and managed to pull it off quite well. Don’t get me wrong it was not the Whitney version, but I’m sure she wasn’t trying to be Whitney! This album is by far one of my favorites this year in Gospel or R&B and you should not sleep on this debut. I’m not going to do standout cuts with this CD because you should download the whole thing! Make sure you go to DA TRUTH TUNES to hear one of my favorite singles from the album. http://www.myspace.com/lakishajones

BOOK REVIEW: PJ MORTON’S “WHY CAN’T I SING ABOUT LOVE?”

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So this is my second book review and if you recall in my first one I hadn’t finished reading the book. Well I got through this one!! It’s because it was so short! PJ Morton’s new book “Why Can’t I Sing About Love” hits the shelves August 11th, 2009. Even if you don’t like to read, you can finish this 51 page book in about an hour or less! He must have known his audience!! (Smart guy lol) PJ just happens to have a rather well known last name, especially in religious circles. His father is the world renowned preacher Bishop Paul Morton. Aside from having a famous last name, PJ has made a name for himself as a singer/songwriter/producer working with such artist as; India Arie, Musiq Soulchild, Ruben Studdard, Dewayne Woods, etc. In his new book, PJ tackles the widely debated subject of “church” music versus “secular” music and is it ok to do both. From my perspective, he makes some very strong arguments with scriptures to back up his findings and lays everything out in a very elementary tone so everyone can understand! I recommended this book to all musicians, singers, ministers and music lovers! And I highly suggest this book to those churchgoers that believe we are all damned to hell if we listen or participate in the secular music world! The message that resonates louder than anything is that only God knows a person’s heart and their intentions on what is being created. If it’s coming from a place of purity and you have a relationship with God, then everything you’re doing should be inline with what is acceptable in God’s eyes. That was my quick summary, but I encourage everyone to go out and purchase this book. For more information visit www.whycantisingaboutlove.com

JASON SHEPHERD & ANOTHER LEVEL

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Again I gotta give a shout out to my girl Kim for putting me up on this independent artist. She let me borrow the CD and it had some really good songs it. The production was just ok, but I got past that because the songs were so pretty. I have to say my favorite song is “How Great Thou Art”! I’ve actually heard a couple groups sing this song, since I listened to it on the CD. But, after this CD, which was released in ‘03, I never heard anything else from them. Well after doing a little digging on the internet, I discovered that J. Shep dropped his group “Another Level” and is currently working on a solo project with PJ Morton.