On the latest episode of The Message on Apple Music 1, Christian rapper Lecrae joins Ebro Darden to share his message of kingdom and community building. He also discusses Kanye West’s journey and embrace of gospel music, fusing gospel and hip hop, being influenced by the late Nipsey Hussle, and more.

Lecrae Shares His Message With Apple Music…
My message, for me, it’s kingdom, man. And kingdom over empire. Even to get spiritual it’s like… Egypt was an empire where it was like, hey, it’s okay with enslaving people, but the kingdom is about unifying and bringing people together and making their lives better. And so right now it’s a lot of empirical views out here in society where it’s like, how can we step on people to marginalize the people who don’t get opportunities instead of having a kingdom mindset where everybody can share and grow. And I feel like that’s what God will ultimately want. So it was spiritual for me, but it’s social as well. So, for me, I’m like, man, how do I raise the level of consciousness out here for these marginalized communities and provide some opportunities for folks.

Lecrae Tells Apple Music About Kanye West’s Journey…
Man, I don’t even know where to begin with that one. So even on a music tip, I think Kanye is going to explore what he’s experiencing in his music. So that’s part of his struggle, you’re in a growth process and people are listening to you as you grow and as you struggle, so you don’t even have it all figured out, but you processing it on wax. Processing it in your music. So that’s going to come with some level of scrutiny. It’s going to come with some level of like pushback because you don’t have it all the way figure it out. And people listen to music and take that as a declaration. This is everything that it should be. And he’s done that in the past with certain statements, “slavery is a choice.” It’s like a declaration or putting on the red cap. Those are declarations. When the reality is he was on a journey, he was trying to figure stuff out. And I think that the downside of that is when you try to figure stuff out publicly, people take it as you don’t get the opportunity to grow and change publicly. That’s where you landed your plane. So privately everyone’s growing, everyone’s mind is changing, everyone is going through different waves. So I give him some measure of grace and some measure of like, yo, my man, I get it. You learning as you going and you trying to process it all. I think it’s hard for somebody like Kanye because he’s always heard, he got so many people telling him yes, yes, yes. He gets so much praise. It’d be hard to decipher when you’re wrong because so many people around you see you as right. So I welcome his journey. I would just tell folks, yo man, give him some space to make mistakes and give him some room to say the wrong things. And as long as he comes back and admits like, “I was bugging. Ah, I got that all wrong.” Because I know some of the folks who’ve been journeying with. I know some of the people. And some people he don’t rock with no more on the Christian side that he was rocking with, but he don’t rock with them no more. And I’m like, “good, I’m glad because they was all saying all that weird stuff.” But it takes a journey for people to get to where they’re going. And hopefully he’ll land the plane in a healthy place.

Lecrae Tells Apple Music About Embracing Gospel and Hip Hop…
…you got to remember, I came up in hip hop, I didn’t come up in the church. So I already had this perspective about Christians and gospel rap or whatever. And it was already so negative. So when I started doing it, I knew the perception I was going to have within hip hop. And I was like, “yo, let me just do my thing.” But over time I realized, man, it’s something I can embrace and not have to worry about what people say, because it’s like, look, it is what it is. And if the music is good, then you know what’s going on.

Lecrae Tells Apple Music About The Possibility of Dropping a Project in 2021…
Yeah. I mean, I’m working on some stuff, we’ll see. I’m working on some music, so we’ll see what happens. I mean, it’s very possible, but at the same time, I’m not going to rush nothing. I feel like I etched my place out here, so I’m just trying to stay consistent. It’s funny, some of the best advice I ever got was from this individual named Ebro years ago. I had put out this album Anomaly, it was the number one album in the country. It was the first of its kind to be number one on Billboard, on Independent Gospel, everything. And he was like, “yo man, don’t sit here, come right back and keep coming back with more music, a lot of cats get content, just putting out something and then they fall back.” It was like, “man, keep engaging the people.” And so man, I took that to heart and I’ve been trying to do that ever since.

Lecrae Tells Apple Music About His Activism and Being Inspired By The Late Nipsey Hussle…
I mean, being honest with you, man, I’ve been on my executive grind. So, I own my own label. We got nine artists. I’ve been working on getting their music going. I got moved heavy in real estate, move heavy and rebuilding the city out here in Atlanta, working with Killer Mike and Tip on some real estate stuff, and so that’s really kind of just trying to like boss up a little bit in some other areas and really contribute. Nipsey messed me up, I ain’t going to lie to you. It messed me up. Because I thought, man, this man a whole gang member and he changing his community, and I’m supposed to be the spiritually aware dude and what am I doing? So I got to give today.

Lecrae Tells Apple Music About Connecting With Morray…
Yeah, we connected online, but we ain’t met up in person. It’s all love. It’s the vibes he give off, obviously from that spiritual perspective, for sure. But it’s also his countenance, man. He just like… You can’t not like that dude. He got a countenance that’s about the people. He enjoys every moment. The energy that he bring with him is something that… We need more of that. And the innovation that he brings to music, he trying to do his own thing instead of doing what everybody else is doing. So man, what do you not like about this guy? He talented, his character, the way he carry himself. That whole vibe, that whole energy. And then we can wax philosophical, spiritual as well. Man, we need more of that.

Lecrae Tells Apple Music About His Real Estate Work in Atlanta…
So, years back I had the opportunity to help plan a school in the city, Peace Preparatory Academy … And we started with kindergarteners and now we up to the sixth grade. We just added a grade every year and it’s in the worst community. Wasn’t no schools in the community. And then on sides of it, I partnered with my folks at oaksATL to help erect some apartment complexes that are income-based, but they quality. So it looks like gentrification is taking place, but you have to make under a certain amount of money to live there. And so the community is like, “yo, these for us, what’s going on?” Yeah, absolutely. But then also you got to take a financial literacy class at the school in order to get into one of the buildings. So we teach financial literacy as well … But that’s what I’m doing. I go to the hood and I just resurrect stuff, build up stuff and then try to figure out a way to keep the community in those places so they don’t get pushed out or forced out. And that’s a lot of what we’re doing. There’s some business stuff too, some commercial stuff that we got going on. But it’s mostly residential because right now in Atlanta, all the gentrification is heavy.

Today, four-time GRAMMY winning duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING & COUNTRY announce the upcoming arrival of their brand-new album What Are We Waiting For?, out on Friday March 11^th. What Are We Waiting For? is the platinum-selling duo’s first album of new music in three years and features 13 original tracks from Joel and Luke Smallbone. Fans can expect a return to the lush and evocative pop sounds the duo has perfected over the years, while Joel and Luke take pen to paper and confront relevant issues with poise, grace, and groove. Pre-order or pre-save the album at the link HERE.

In conjunction with today’s announcement, for KING & COUNTRY have revealed the launch of “What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour” in Spring of 2022. The 33-date trek will take for KING & COUNTRY to arenas across the United States, performing brand new songs from their upcoming album for the VERY FIRST TIME against the backdrop of an all-new stage design. Tour kicks off on March 31st in Southaven, MS; traveling through Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; and more before wrapping up in Franklin, TN; on March 22. Joining for KING & COUNTRY on tour will be platinum selling artist Dante Bowe of Maverick City. Ticket presale starts on October 12 at 10am LOCAL, and fans can access by entering the code “WAITING.” General on-sale starts Friday October 15 at 10am LOCAL, click HERE for more information.

“So many of you have encouraged us and spurred us on in this journey since we began the writing process at the top of the year,” Joel and Luke Smallbone share. “We’ve made records before in busses and in dressing rooms, but what’s been particularly beautiful about this one is that we were able to be home with our families. So looking forward to offering these songs to you and coming to see you across the United States next spring on tour!”

As part of the celebration of the album release, for KING & COUNTRY are offering an exclusive fan experience in 2022 to bring folks closer to the music than ever before. The for KING & COUNTRY New Album Weekend Experience takes place across the weekend of March 4 – 6, and offers fans a chance to spend the weekend with Joel and Luke in their home base of Nashville, TN. Perks include a full band concert, exclusive album listening party, meet & greet, and more. For tickets and more information, click the link HERE.

“What Are We Waiting For? – The Tour”

Spring 2022 Dates

DATE    LOCATION                  VENUE

3/31/22          Southaven, MS            Landers Center

4/1/22            Chicago, IL                  NOW Arena

4/2/22            Ypsilanti, MI               EMU Convocation Center

4/3/22            Pittsburgh, PA             Petersen Events Center

4/7/22            Salisbury, MD             Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

4/8/22            Asheville, NC              Harrah’s Cherokee Center

4/9/22            Charlottesville, VA      John Paul Jones Arena

4/14/22          Jackson, MS               Mississippi Coliseum

4/15/22          Knoxville, TN              Knoxville Civic Coliseum

4/16/22          Charlotte, NC             Bojangles Coliseum

4/21/22          Champaign, IL             State Farm Center

4/22/22          Springfield, MO           JQH Arena at Missouri State

4/23/22          Highland Heights, KY  BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky

4/24/22          Reading, PA                Santander Arena

4/26/22          Portland, ME              Cross Insurance Arena

4/28/22          Springfield, MA           MassMutual Center

4/29/22          Binghamton, NY          Visions Veterans Memorial Arena

4/30/22          Fairfax, VA                  EagleBank Arena

5/1/22            Salem, VA                   Salem Civic Center

5/5/22            Phoenix, AZ                Grand Canyon University Arena

5/6/22            Fresno, CA                  Save Mart Center

5/7/22            Anaheim, CA              Honda Center

5/8/22            Sacramento, CA          Golden 1 Center

5/12/22          Portland, OR              Veterans Memorial Coliseum

5/13/22          Spokane, WA             Spokane Arena

5/14/22          Everett, WA               Angels of the Winds Arena

5/15/22          Boise, ID                     Extramile Arena

5/17/22          Las Vegas, NV             Orleans Arena

5/19/22          Albuquerque, NM       Tingley Coliseum

5/20/22          Amarillo, TX               Amarillo Civic Center

5/21/22          Rogers, AR                 Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion

5/22/22          Franklin, TN                FirstBank Amphitheatre

Award winning international Gospel music minister Sammie Okposo will be ministering alongside other world renowned Gospel music minister at the SOAR Awards 2022.

The SOAR Awards, presented by SOAR Radio, the first Gospel internet radio on the official Nielsen BDS National airplay panel. The 2022 edition will be hosted by Todd Dulaney. It will be honouring William Murphy, Dorinda Clark Cole, and John Hannah.

Come March 7th, 2022, Sammie Okposo will be attending the SOAR awards at Rockford, Illinois, USA.

Other international Gospel music ministers billed for the award ceremony include Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Tim Bowman, Jonathan McReynolds, William Murphy, Da Truth, Anthony Brown and more.

Sammie Okposo is the only African Gospel artiste on the line up.

The iconic Gospel music minister who is presently touring the United States of America was in Philadephia, Pennsylvania on the 8th of October, 2021 and will be moving to Boston Massachusetts on the 15th. Texas and Maryland are still on the list of places he will still be touching down before rapping up the tour.

See details for the award ceremony below: 

Date: March 7th, 2022

Time: 6pm (Pre-Show) | 7pm (Main Show)

Venue: Forest City Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, Illinois, USA

Tickets: www.soar.ticketlocity.com

Powered by @musicoment

Following an incredible opening weekend at the box office, The Jesus Music, released by Lionsgate, and the latest hit directed by the Erwin brothers, will expand to more than 20 additional locations screens this weekend.

As Deadline reported, “Premiering on 249 screens, the religious music documentary grossed an impressive $560K, which would place it as the second-best faith-based premiere in the specialty box office this year. Even more notable is that the film’s per screen average comes out to $2248, a huge number for a movie posting 200+ runs, let alone a documentary.”

The film has received a coveted “A” Cinema Score as well as 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a plethora of coverage from a wide range of press and critics, including Associated Press, Billboard, The Catholic Faith Network, The Christian Post, CBN, Crosswalk.com, FORBES, Good Christian Fun podcast, Keep the Faith, LA TIMES, Patheos, Pureflix, Relgion News Service and much more.

Additionally, both Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith have made several national media appearances, including on FOX & Friends, The Tamron Hall Show, The Today Show, FOX NATION and Sean Hannity Radio.

FILM SYNOPSIS:
With stirring songs of faith, love, and hope, Jesus music rose from America’s 1960s counterculture movement to become a worldwide phenomenon. This fascinating documentary reveals the music’s uplifting and untold story — from its humble beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California through its transformation into the multibillion-dollar industry of Christian Contemporary Music today. Directed by the Erwin Brothers (“I Can Only Imagine,” “I Still Believe”, “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story”), THE JESUS MUSIC is the definitive love letter to CCM fans that features intimate interviews with the genre’s biggest stars including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, and Lauren Daigle. With stories of trials and triumphs, the universal power of music from these artists shine through from their messages of passion, sacrifice, and redemption that inspire millions of devoted listeners.

DIRECTORS: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin
WRITER: Jon Erwin
PRODUCERS: Brandon Gregory, Joshua Walsh
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Kingdom Story Company, K-LOVE Films, Southland Studios

Capitol Christian Music Group’s singer-songwriter, Anne Wilson, continues to make history with her breakout song, “My Jesus,” as Billboard’s October Chartbreaker artist. Billboard Magazine features Wilson online this week as well as in the October 9th issue showcasing how her debut song helped turn a family tragedy into something beautiful.

“I’ve been able to see my family have tragedy with losing my brother, going through all of that,” she told Billboard, “and see God turn it to something beautiful.”

In August, 19-year-old Wilson became the first female solo artist to hit No. 1 on the National Christian Airplay chart since the chart’s inception in 2003. The unprecedented success of her debut song topped the charts in just 14 weeks and is on the sixth week at the top on the National Christian Airplay chart, where it is currently the longest No. 1 single on that chart this year.

The overwhelming response to “My Jesus” continues to build the story for this breakout artist and song of 2021. The official music video for the single has more than 7M YouTube views and 16M views on Facebook and has charted on the Spotify Viral 50, Shazam Top 200, and Rolling Stone Top 25 Trending charts. Her story was also featured recently with the Religion News Service and The Washington Post. She also made her Opry debut on the iconic stage last month.

Wilson is currently on tour with Big Daddy Weave and will then hit the road with Zach Williams for his Christmas tour. She is also finishing up her full-length debut that will be coming in 2022. For more information on Anne Wilson visit http://www.annewilsonofficial.com.

The Gray Havens announce the release of their new album, Blue Flower. What began as a simple read of CS Lewis’ autobiography, Surprised By Joy, morphed into inspiration for The Gray Havens’ new concept album, Blue Flower.

Blue Flower, the duo’s fifth studio release, explores a soul-deep place of mysterious, inconsolable longing. The engaging songs give this longing a name and usher the listener from a long winter to a bright summer. Blue Flower is fertile ground for wonder and joy and launches The Gray Havens’ rich song-craft to new heights.

The Gray Havens frontman, Dave Radford, steps into his first official producer role co-producing the Blue Flower album with Ben Shive. The results find the band exploring new sounds that stay anchored in their roots but reach out to serve the arc of the songs. Supported by an array of world-class players (Will Chapman of Colony House on drums and Nathan Dugger of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors on guitar), each lending their own unique voices, the band is in its finest form.

“It’s been inspiring to watch The Gray Havens music evolve over the last few years and especially with this new album” shares manager Keith Stancil. “We expect Blue Flower to be a major milestone in The Gray Havens music career and a catalyst that exposes them to an even wider audience. Several of the songs from the album have already found homes with sync placements on MTV and in key mainstream and Christian streaming playlists.”

Earlier this year, The Gray Havens launched The Gray Havens Podcast to accompany the release with episodes dedicated to deep exploration of the inspiration and recording for each song.

The Gray Havens will be on tour with John Mark Mcmillan in November and will soon be announcing their official Spring 2002 Blue Flower tour.

Known for their unique blend of narrative-pop, The Gray Havens continue to expand their reach into multiple genres with thought provoking lyrical poetry and music. The duo has performed alongside such artists as The Oh Hellos, Josh Garrels, Ben Rector, John Marc McMillan and Drew Holcomb among others.

Tour Dates w/ John Mark McMillan
Nov 3 – Asheville, NC
Nov 4 – Charlotte, NC
Nov 5 – Knoxville, TN
Nov 6 – Columbus, OH
Nov 7 – Cleveland Heights, OH
Nov 8 – Kansas City, MO
Nov 10 – Dallas, TX
Nov 11 – San Antonio
Nov 12 – Waco, TX
Nov 13 – Houston, TX
Nov 15 – Birmingham, AL
Nov 16 – Jacksonville, FL
Nov 17 – Nashville, TN
Nov 18 – Atlanta, GA

Multi-platinum-selling recording artist Josh Turner releases his first-ever Christmas album, King Size Manger, available worldwide today – listen here. The holiday project features fresh interpretations of beloved classics and introduces four originals, three of which were written or co-written by Turner. Plus, Turner is joined by his wife Jennifer and his four sons who sing on the holiday classic, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” In support of the album, Turner will embark on his first Christmas tour, Holiday & The Hits, an 18-city tour where the album will come to life alongside Turner’s most notable hits. Tickets available here.

In addition to his first-ever Christmas tour, Turner will host and be the featured guest artist for the 2021 “Christmas at Belmont” performance, which will be filmed for national broadcast. Produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), “Christmas at Belmont” will be taped live for the first time in the newly opened Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the University’s campus. The invitation-only concert performance features nearly 650 student musicians and School of Music faculty and will be broadcast nationally for the 19^th consecutive year on PBS. This year’s show features an array of traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites in addition to selections from Turner’s new Christmas album. “Christmas at Belmont” premieres Monday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. on NPT and PBS stations across the country, with encore broadcasts on NPT Christmas night (Saturday, Dec. 25) at 9:30 p.m. Check local listings for additional broadcast times. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.

Turner arranged five of the 11 tracks on King Size Manger and its four original songs include the solo penned “Mele Kalikimaka My ‘Ohana” featuring world renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and Grammy-nominated Hawaiian trio Ho’okena. Turner also wrote “What He’s Given Me” with Pat McLaughlin, as well as the title track “King Size Manger” with Mark Narmore. Christmas music fans will find the beloved classics “Silent Night, Holy Night,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” as well as “Joy To The World” featuring Grammy Award winning bluegrass singer Rhonda Vincent. The album also includes the poignant Scooter Carusoe/Tom Douglas track “Soldier’s Gift,” which is the album’s lead single.

“I loved what the song says and musically, it’s laid back enough to where it grabs your attention where you really focus on the words,” says Turner about lead single “Soldier’s Gift”. “There are so many families and so many members of our military that could relate to this song. And it fit with all the other songs and added to the variety and subject matter on this record.”

Holiday & The Hits Tour Schedule:

11/18   Holland, MI – Holland Civic Center

11/19   Springfield, IL – University of Illinois PAC

11/20   Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre

11/21   Rockford, IL – Coronado PAC

11/26   Panama City Beach, FL – Aaron Bessant Park

11/27   Memphis, TN – Soundstage at Graceland

11/28   Meridian, MS – MSU Riley Center

12/2     Prescott, AZ – Yavapai College PAC

12/3     Maricopa, AZ – Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

12/4     Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre

12/9     Mt. Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

12/10   Riverside, IA – Riverside Casino

12/11   Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

12/16   Midland, MI – Midland Center For The Arts

12/17   Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre

12/19   Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

12/20   Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

12/21   Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium

WASHINGTON, October 8, 2021 — Truflow Hub will partner with award-winning international recording artists Joe Mettle and Calledout Music to bring to the United States an unforgettable worship experience: The Gratitude Tour.

Coming November 2021, the Gratitude Tour will see Mettle to the United States to support his latest album, “The Experience.” Mettle, the 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ Artist of the Year, will showcase the rich musical heritage of his native Ghana,along with his blended influence of both African and American Gospel.

CalledOut Music, whose name is Samuel Nwachukwu, will join Mettle on the tour. The Nigerian-born UK-based artist was named the Best Gospel Act by the 2020 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards. In 2021, CalledOut released an EP titled “Roots,” and most recently a single, “Shout to the Lord.” 

The tour is scheduled to make stops in Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and Houston, where the artists will reconnect with their fans more than a year and a half after the start of the COVID pandemic. The artists will create an experience that reminds the community of the need for fellowship.

Watch Tour Trailer Below;

Five-time Grammy Award winner Matthew West is preparing for an exciting holiday season with a new Christmas album and accompanying tour. The We Need Christmas album is set to drop on October 29th. A tour of the same name is set to kick off on December 9th.

“After another challenging year, the West family is already turning our sights toward Christmas. I think it’s because Christmas is a reminder that the love, joy, hope, and peace we need are all waiting to be found in a Savior,” West shared on social media.

Stay tuned for more details on the new album in the coming days. You can see the tour itinerary below; tickets go on sale at 10am ET on October 1st at MatthewWest.com.

We Need Christmas Tour
12/9 – Andrews, TX, United States
12/10 – San Angelo, TX, United States
12/11 – Houston, TX, United States
12/12 – San Antonio, TX, United States
12/16 – Aiken, SC, United States
12/17 – Newnan, GA, United States
12/18 – Dothan, AL, United States
12/19 – Opelika, AL, United States

In honor of Gospel Music Heritage Month, gospel artist Koryn Hawthorne joins Ebro Darden on Apple Music 1 for a conversation at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. She discusses the legacy of gospel music, its impact on culture, Koryn Hawthorne Discusses Gospel Music Heritage Month With Ebro Darden On Apple Music 1ushing the genre forward, her song “Sunday”, and more.

Koryn Hawthorne Tells Apple Music About Her Song “Sunday”…
“Sunday” is basically based off of building personal relationship with Jesus, and your everyday life. I think that we kinda put a stigma on, Jesus is for the Church, God is for the Church, and when we leave out of church on Sunday, thats the end of that, you know? But as I went through my walk in my everyday life I had to learn how to find him in every single situation. Whether it’s Wednesday or Saturday, I need him everyday of my life, and not just on Sunday

Koryn Hawthorne Tells Apple Music About Pushing The Gospel Music Genre Forward…
I definitely don’t feel like my music sounds like traditional Gospel, or there’s anything like it out there. So my thing is how do we continue to expand this music and remove the stigmas from off of it. I can be churchy if I want to, okay? Because I was born and raised in church. But my heart and my artistry, it doesn’t sound like that, so we continue to expand the music and also hopefully inspire people who might not feel like that’s their lane or that’s their genre, but if you have something to say, if God has put purpose on your life, that you can do that without the restraints over you.

Koryn Hawthorne Tells Apple Music About Her Church Upbringing…
So we was non-denominational, but like strong pentecostal background. A lot of people that was raised in an environment that I was raised in, they have negativity to say about it, but i’m grateful because I feel that it gives me balance. Like you gotta have somewhere that you start at, and as I got older and knew God for myself I can say to myself, “Okay, this is okay for me to do, this is okay for me to do,” but at least I know I can never go too far because of where I started.

.