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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

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

TRAVIS GREENE

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I’ve been keeping her under wraps for a few weeks, but Stash, as many call her, is the newest addition to Da Gospel Truth family! I really don’t feel like giving a long drawn out introduction about her right now! (lol) And since she kinds of knows how I am she won’t get offended that I just said that. BUT have no fear, in the very near future I will introduce her properly!

With that said here is Stash’s very first CD review for Da Gospel Truth! Check it out and let us know what you think!!!

When I first heard Mali Music, I thought he’s like a Tye Tribbett. Travis Greene is like a Mali Music. The funny thing about Greene’s debut album, “Stretching Out” is that it has a familiar sound, but it stands out all on its own.

“Stretching Out” starts off with “Stretching Out,” a very contemporary praise and worship song…oh and the music is great!

The next track “You Are The One” is very repetitive and the second time around I skipped it. As a matter of fact, most of “Stretching Out” has repetitive hooks, that are great for singing along, but it can easily become background music and you find yourself unconsciously singing along. I must say that track three, “Prove My Love” is my favorite song on the album. After that, the CD starts slowing down early and the next couple tracks are pretty much the same line over and over, which makes the songs drag.

The single “Still Here” is more than an anthem about still being here, it’s Greene testimony. It’s a great story to check out. Greene had two, not near death, but actual death experiences. In 4 minutes and 6 seconds, Greene tells the long story short of scenarios and boasts of God’s grace. No crickets on this track!

I appreciate Greene’s writing style. He uses a lot of words and tells a story. When I checked out his website, he looked like his album might be eclectic, but for the most part, the songs are all in the same vein, which is fine if you’re an urban contemporary lover of Gospel. If you love different styles of music, you could get a little bored with this album and might think all the tracks sound the same.

Mali Music makes a quick appearance on a reprise, that’s a little over a minute long. On the reprise it kind of felt like someone telling you your favorite actor is in a movie, so you go see it and they’re an extra. It was a little disappointing.

My other favorite, lyrically, is “Heaven is Loud.” Greene’s usage of descriptive words is evident in this song and I love it! It’s very creative. To the average listener it may sound like a song with a bunch of words, but songwriters will love it!

Overall, it took a couple listens, but I like “Stretching Out”. So Travis gets 3 CRICKETS. There’s nothing that changes the game, breaks the mold, or makes it a must have, but it’s a good album. Travis Greene will definitely be around for a while. It’s something to tell a friend about and I look forward to his ministry’s journey.

http://www.travisgreene.net/fr_stretchingout.cfm

NEW ARTIST BRITTNEY WRIGHT PREPARES TO WIN!!

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Brittney Wright has virtually burst on the scene out of nowhere. Her new single “I Win” has been gaining spins and fans alike as August 24th inches closer when Brittney’s solo CD “The Beginning” hits music outlets everywhere!

I knew NOTHING about Brittney Wright when I got wind of her single. So you know me, I had to find out who she was and where she appeared from!?!?

How did you get your record deal?

Well the ironic thing is I wasn’t actually looking for a record deal. I knew that God had placed an assignment on my life and so I prayed and God started to give me the songs that he wanted for the album. I continued to minister and eventually caught the ear of a local radio DJ in Baltimore, who is now the head of YSC Music Group/Emtro. From there God began to align things and here we are.

How old are you and where are you from?

I am 27, single and I was born in Mobile, Alabama, but raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I currently reside in Baltimore, Maryland.

What are you most nervous about being a new artist?

I think the thing I am most nervous about is not making an impact. My prayer is that God will get the glory and people will be compelled to come unto him through the gift he has given me. We were given an assignment in Luke 14 and I want to make sure that I fulfill what God says 100%.

What artists inspire you?

Wow, I am inspired by so many wonderful artists for so many different reasons but, Ella Fitzgerald, The Clarks, Mary Mary, Beyonce, Kim Burrell, Tye Tribbet, Maurette Brown Clark, Dixie Chicks, Mahalia Jackson, Chrisette Michelle, etc… the list goes on and on and on, lol… I listen to so many different artists.

Do you have a regular 9 to 5?

Yes, I am a Leads Operation Specialist at Bank of America. I have been there for 3 years.

What is your favorite song on the album?

It is sooo hard to make a choice, but I would have to say that my favorite song is “I Win”. I chose this song because it makes a simple two-word declaration that you can make in the face of adversity in the midst of whatever you are going through. It’s an encouraging song for anybody, any age group, man, woman, boy, girl, black or white. The bridge says it all, “ In every adversity you can stand strong and claim victory’s on the way, because out of your obstacles God’s growing miracles and you will gain confidence in every experience.” If you just declare that you have already won!

What big things are coming up after the album is released?

Well prayerfully we will definitely be visiting a city near you!!! Right now there are a lot of things up in the air so I hope to be checking back with Da Gospel Truth throughout my journey to keep you guys posted with everything!!!!

BRITTNEY’S 5 RANDOM TRUTHS

  1. Favorite TV show? “Golden Girls.”
  2. Favorite R&B female singer? Jill Scott.
  3. Favorite Bible verse? Philippians 1:6
  4. Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, J. Moss or Tye Tribbett? Fred Hammond.
  5. Favorite restaurant? Anything Japanese!! Kobe’s Japanese Steak House.
CRYSTAL AIKIN

CRYSTAL AIKIN

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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.

MALI GOES LIVE: MALIMUSIC PREPS FOR HIS LIVE RECORDING

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The underground sensation, Malimusic is not so underground anymore. With a Dove nomination under his belt, a highly sought after debut release and a new live recording coming up…I would say he’s well on his way to a very GOOD start!

On April 30th, 2010 at 6pm Malimusic will record his first official live recording at the Wave Church in Virginia Beach, VA. You know you have a little pull when you have two big male Gospel superstars like Deitrick Haddon and the always newsworthy Tye Tribbett.

I’m a little embarrassed to say this but I am real tardy for this party because as I am typing this I am just hearing his CD for the first time. I got an email from someone who said why haven’t you covered this event yet? She almost sounded a little offended! (lol) Since then we’ve become fast friends. But hey better late than never right!! In any case I am going to do my best to make it out to VA to attend this event.

For ticket information http://malimusicliveinva.eventbrite.com/

BIGGEST BREAKOUTS OF ’09…MUSIC, CONTROVERSY & SCANDALS!!

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  • News
  • December 21st

I’ve been chastised, praised, scorned, applauded and everything in between for not 1, but many of the things I’ve said in ’09. MAN, OH MAN, this has been a year of ups and downs! Who knew the Gospel industry would keep my eyes glazed over from sitting in front of my computer screen so long and my hands super glued to my keyboard typing away?! I sure didn’t!! Regardless of what you think, this has been a very interesting and entertaining year. Just in case you’ve forgotten, here’s my recap as my gift to you!

P.S. Stories are in no particular order!

  1. Mary Mary gets UGLY! Adding to their list of milestones, 2009 was especially good to Mary Mary. They went REAL mainstream when ABC’s hit show “Ugly Betty” used their hit “Get Up.” KEEP THE HITS COMING ERICA & TINA!!
  2. Maurette Brown Clark still climbing! When God says it’s your time, it’s your time. Two years later Maurrette Brown Clark is still getting major spins at radio!! I still love this album “The Dream.”
  3. The Winans become known for more than just music! The Gospel family dynasty was in danger of being tarnished when earlier this year Bebe Winans was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. But as of December 4th, 09 Bebe was exonerated on all charges. According to reports by Debra Winans, she stands by her claims!
  4. Da Gospel Truth silences the rumor mill about Tye & Da’ TRUTH! Newly formed Gospel blog, Dagospeltruth.com broke news of Tye Tribbett & Da T.R.U.T.H entangled in a torrid situation that had Christian and mainstream media outlets buzzing.
  5. Mary Mary in leather!! Mary Mary got the deacons and deaconess in a big tizzy with their hit “God In Me.” Things really got heated when they performed on the BET Awards with Queen Latifah in black leather pants. OH NO, not leather! LOL! Relax people they didn’t kill anybody!
  6. Claude McKnight reveals his sexual addiction! Claude McKnight of Grammy winning jazz group, Take 6 was exposed to the public as a womanizing philanderer. But late in ’09 Claude gave ME “Da Gospel Truth” an exclusive interview to lay everything out on the table.
  7. I Trust You!! James Fortune won the prestigious ASCAP award for Gospel Song of the Year for “I Trust You.” “I Trust You” is the longest #1 hit single in Gospel music, spending 29 consecutive weeks at the top! NOW THAT’S MAJOR!
  8. Tonex speaks OUT! The ever eclectic, prolific, genius, “Prince” of the Gospel industry, Tonex, literally shocked the WORLD with his jaw dropping candid interview with Lexi about his sexuality.

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

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?? DA GOSPEL TRUTH READER REVIEWS BYRON CAGE’S NEW RELEASE “FAITHFUL TO BELIEVE”

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Sometimes I feel the “media” or “music critics” are scrutinized a little harsher because our opinions are out there for all of the public to read, which is part of the job! I’m not trying to run from that at all. But I also think it is very important for artists to hear directly from the people who are purchasing their music and get their honest viewpoint. If I were an artist I would want to know if the majority of people who bought my album felt they got their money’s worth. So instead of me doing this review, I reached out to one of my readers, Brian Sings. (yeah I’m going to research that last name lol) I asked him if he’d be interested in doing this review since I knew he had purchased this CD. He obliged and this is what he had to say about Byron’s latest offering.

BRIAN SINGS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

  • 27 years of age from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area (born & raised)
  • Favorite types of music: Gospel, Neo-Soul, Alternative, etc. (im kinda an eclectic soul, but it MUST be of substance)
  • I play the alto sax, drums & play the keyboards a little by ear, but my main focus has been my vocal (both lead & background vocals)
  • Raised Baptist, but now I am in that good ole’ Church of God in Christ & have been for the past 5 years
  • I am a director of our Youth & Young Adult Choir as well as an active member on the Praise & Worship Team

Given the history of Byron Cage, I expect nothing but greatness from him. I mean, he has been involved in a lot from a behind the scenes standpoint from directing the choir on numerous projects for Dottie Peoples, New Birth in Atlanta and his home church of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD to breaking out with his own material. The new CD from Byron Cage “Faithful To Believe” is a well put together effort to spread the Gospel across the nations. With Stellar Award winner DeWayne Woods assisting as musical director, I had high expectations prior to listening to this CD, especially knowing that Woods is from Donald Lawrence’s camp.

Some components definitely stick out more than others in comparison to Cage’s previous CD’s. The sound of the background vocals are totally different in some places, a bit pitchy in parts and not blended well in my opinion. Musically, I was left a little confused with the direction and the arrangements on certain tracks. But there were some tracks that caught my attention like “In The Midst” featuring Tye Tribbett. I mean who wouldn’t know Tye from his distinctive high pitch screams and infectious energy. The song, “I Can’t Hold It” took me to church with the hand clapping and foot stomping. However, the song that stood out the most is, “You’re My Everything”, featuring Pastor Marvin Winans & Karen Clark-Sheard. You have two musical giants that lent their unique style and sound to this track. Pastor Marvin Winans is smooth with his delivery, yet you still hear the sincerity in his voice, while Karen sings with her signature “Clark” growl and riffs. All in all I say this CD is okay, but not Byron’s best.

Aside from the tracks previously mentioned, the majority of the content seems a bit underwhelming.

http://www.myspace.com/byroncagemusic

Benita Washington

Benita Washington

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Before Crystal Aikin, Shari Addison (she basically won too), Melinda Watts, The Nevels Sisters, and hopefully Jessica Reedy (I want her to win Sunday Best!!), there was one young woman who held the title first, Benita Washington! This is the true story of one woman, picked to sing in a Gospel contest, to win a 1 year recording contract and find out what happens when the lights fade out and the winner finally wakes up from the dream.(Editors note: LOL, I’m sure MTV & The Real World won’t mind if I borrowed their opening! I think it worked perfectly, don’t you?)

Seriously everyone, my interview with the 32 year-old, mother of two, first season’s Gospel Dream winner was a complete joy. Benita was candid and extremely honest! During our interview, I had to make sure we had never spoken before because it felt like I was talking to one of my good friends! Benita gives an eye opening account of what really happens with these reality show singing contests and the aftermath. Surprisingly 6 years later, Benita is not the LEAST BIT BITTER, but extremely thankful for where God has taken her thus far!

How did you find out about the Gospel Dream contest?

It will actually be 6 years in July, since I won in Atlanta. I heard about the contest through the pastor of my church who is on Bishop Paul Morton’s council of the Full Gospel. I hadn’t heard anything about the contest. My pastor told me it was going to be the Gospel version of American Idol.

Did you ever think you would win?

My pastor actually told me he thought I would win. To be honest, I had entered a lot of contests and nothing really came of them. I rode around with the application in my car for 3 weeks. My husband had to overnight it to make the deadline. I really didn’t put that much thought into it. When we got to the venue for the auditions, I had really made peace with the whole thing when I saw all the contestants. There was a sea of people. I was sitting around talking with a girl I knew as we waited, and she said God has already ordained the winner. She said no matter what, God’s will is going to prevail. She summed up everything right then. If I won great, if not, then it wasn’t my time.

What was your actual prize for winning?

The prize wasn’t all I thought it was going to be. I won a management contract and a one year recording contract. A lot of great things came from me winning though. I was afforded the opportunity to record my debut album “Hold On” and I got to work with some wonderful, talented producers like Roger Ryan, V. Michael McKay and Asaph Ward.

So how come the prize wasn’t all you thought it was going to be?

I think a lot of my family and friends thought I was instantaneously going to be this Gospel celebrity making a lot of money. I remember thinking that if a Gospel artist was on TV, that they were living the same quality of life that a secular artist was living. That’s really I thought. This industry is really dog eat dog. I learned some real hard lessons. What I thought and what it was, didn’t actually line up. I got some very interesting advice from a well known gospel artist the week my record came out. They told me you are singing Gospel music because you love God and you want to change lives. If you don’t keep that in the forefront of your mind, you will become very disillusioned. It was so true. In this business you really need to know what’s going on. You cannot get so spiritual that you forget you’re in the music business and vice versa. This is not an industry where we are glorifying ourselves, like in secular music. I’m not doing this to proclaim Benita Washington, but to spread the message of Jesus. Sometimes as Gospel artists we lost sight of this. We start to focus on how many units our album is selling or how many Stellar Awards you’ve won. God allowed me to go through some things that I wasn’t expecting. I thought it was going to be a rocket ship ride and it wasn’t. At that point, I really had to re-evaluate why I wanted to do this in the first place.

If it wasn’t for Gospel Dream, do you think you would have landed a record deal?

I do because someone at my church dropped my name to CeCe Winans. I made an audition tape and met with CeCe, her husband and the head of her label. I ended up being one of her background vocalists and they had no idea I had even won the Gospel Dream contest.

Have you watched the show since you’ve won?

I have actually. It’s funny because the look and feel of the show is completely different from when I participated. You actually wouldn’t even know it’s the same contest. But, I like the direction the show has gone in. I like that it has become this big wonderful show and there are more liberties. Being the first one they were just trying to figure out how everything would go. The recent winner, Melinda Watts, got in contact with a mutual friend of ours and said she wanted to talk to me, but I haven’t heard from her. I thought it was nice though that she attempted to reach out to me.

Did the label give you some creative control with the album?

They basically took the reigns. I didn’t get a chance to write at all for the record. It all went very fast. In the beginning, there was a little confusion about who was going to produce the album. I wasn’t actually signed to Full Gospel, they were two other labels involved. I was on the road with CeCe at the time, so my schedule was CRAZY!! All of a sudden we had to rush to get the album done because they wanted it out before the next season of the competition started. I was sick all the time because I was literally on the go 24/7 being on the road with CeCe and trying to get my album finished. I was presented with a lot of songs, but some of them I couldn’t even believe they had me listen to. “Thank You”, the big hit of the album, I got it on tape from this choir’s rehearsal recording. It wasn’t even an actual demo. Another song, “When the Battle is Over”, we decided to record that song the night before the recording of my album. I thought it was a bad idea because I didn’t even know the words. I was freaking out!! The night of the recording, my brother in law was in the front row holding up cue cards with the lyrics on them. I hadn’t even completely learned all the songs. It was fun, but it was stressful.

What was the hardest thing about being a new artist?

Sometimes I still feel like a new artist. Even though the single “Thank You” is still in heavy rotation on a lot of radio stations, 6 years later people still don’t know that I’m the one who sings it. Last year in North Carolina, I did a concert and sang “Thank You” and Melinda Doolittle came up to me (this was before A.I.) and said her mother thought Yolanda Adams sang this song the whole time.

How come no one knew who you were?

I kind of walked into a perfect storm with my deal and everything. There were a lot of people involved, but a lot of people not doing much of anything. I don’t think anybody realized how successful the Gospel Dream talent search was really going to be. I was a casualty. My record fell through the cracks. I was nominated for a Lady of Soul Award for Best Gospel Album, but when I came back home and saw the Stellar Award ballot, my name was no where to be found?!?!?! I asked my label what happened and they said they didn’t know I was supposed to be nominated?!?!? I was dumbfounded! It was all down hill from there. I was big, pregnant, and extremely emotional. And my album situation was not helping. I was sad and hurt how I just got lost in the shuffle.

What took so long between your first release and your second release?

I had babies! (lol) “Hold On” came out in ’04 and in April ’05, I found out I was pregnant with my first child. Pregnancy did not agree with my voice at all. I started off as a soprano and was sounding like a tenor. I also had differences with my management and we went back and forth for a LONG time before I was finally let out of my contract. My recording contract actually ended 4 days before my album came out.

Tell me about your new release “Renaissance” and how it’s different from “Hold On”?

Well, it’s actually not new anymore. It’s two years old. But, the album is entitled “Renaissance”, which means new beginning. One difference between my first album and the second, is “Renaissance” was done independently. I was able to get national distribution through Central South because of the sales history of my first release. Another difference is that I wrote or co-wrote on most of the album. The beginning of the record is more praise and worship, but there is a rawness to it. I did do overdubs, but I didn’t want it to sound perfect. I wanted the listener to get the full the worship experience that was felt when I recorded it live.

Your look completely changed from your first release. Was that on purpose?

It’s just life. My first recording happened to catch me at a moment when I didn’t feel like dealing with my hair. I even contemplated growing my hair out right after I won, but my management felt it was one of the things that made me standout. I’ve always been one to experiment with my hair. Who knows on my next album you may see me with Rihanna’s latest haircut. It all depends on how I’m feeling.

What is one thing you want people to know?

No matter where you are in life or what you’ve achieved or haven’t achieved, there is always time to start over and get closer to God. Whether it’s to find him or renew your relationship with him, God is always open for us to come to him. And one more thing, be on the lookout for my new album, which will hopefully be done by the end of this year!! I’m excited to get started again!

Benita Washington’s 18 Random Truths (I didn’t like two of the questions, so that’s why it’s 18 lol)

  1. Do you prefer high heels or flats? Heels
  2. Do you have a favorite candy bar? Hershey w/ almonds
  3. Have you ever thought about how your life would change if you had triplets? God forbid. Lord help me!!
  4. What gospel CD changed your life? Kim Burrell’s “Everlasting Life”.
  5. Who is your favorite preacher? Bishop David G. Evans
  6. What is your dream vacation spot? Hawaii
  7. What is your favorite animated movie? Bolt
  8. If you could do a duet with any gospel artist male or female who would it be? Tye Tribbett
  9. Do you have an ipod and if so who’s on it? ZZ Hill, The Carpenters, Mary Mary, Take 6
  10. What is your least favorite vegetable? Cauliflower
  11. Where did your husband propose to you? At my apartment.
  12. If you weren’t a singer what would you be doing? Culinary School!
  13. If someone was searching for Christ, what is one thing you would tell them? That it doesn’t matter what they’ve done because Christ died for us while we were all sinners. His blood can save us from anything. It’s the best decision they will make.
  14. Do you workout? I do now. I try to workout 3 days a week.
  15. Do you remember you first boyfriend’s name? Rashawn Ship
  16. What is your favorite bible verse? Zephaniah 3:17
  17. What was your first car? Black Mazda truck. I thought I was sharp.(LOL)
  18. Where were you during President Obama’s inauguration? On my couch with my fuzzy socks on curled under a blanket