R&B singer/producer PJ Morton’s critically acclaimed album, Gospel According to PJ (Morton Inspiration/ Tyscot), has earned two nominations in the forthcoming 52nd Annual NAACP Image Awards program. The winners will be announced during the two-hour live television broadcast airing on BET with simulcasts across Viacom-CBS Networks including CBS, BET Her, VH1, MTV, MTV2, and LOGO on Saturday, March 27th, 2021.

The all-star project that features cameos from a who’s who in gospel such as Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams, is up for an award in the category of Outstanding Gospel/Christian album. Morton also earned a nod in the categories of Outstanding Gospel/Christian song for the retro-ballad, “All in His Plan,” which features performances from the platinum-selling sister duo, Mary Mary and the dynamic vocalist, Le’Andria Johnson. The 13-track set is available on all digital music platforms. It’s also available in vinyl and CD formats.

Voting is now open to the public to determine the winners of the 52nd Annual NAACP Image Awards by visiting www.naacpimageawards.net – Voting closes on Friday, March 5th. Winners will be revealed during the 52nd NAACP Image Awards telecast. Non-televised award categories will be announced virtually March 22-26. For all information and the latest news, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards.

Provident Label Group/Essential Worship’s SEU Worship will release the second installment of their mixtape project – Clouds Are Clearing: Mixtape 1B on February 19th. The first chapter, Clouds Are Clearing: Mixtape 1A, released in November 2020. Last week the group released the first song and title track from the upcoming release featuring Hollyn. Click here to pre-add or pre-save Mixtape 1B. Also debuting today is the video for “After Your Heart (ft. Elle Limebear)” that appears on Mixtape 1A – click below to watch. Mixtape 1A followed the group’s label debut A Thousand Generations and together the two albums have garnered more than 16M streams worldwide.

SEU is confident in bringing the sounds of pop music into their worship services, knowing that simultaneously they are bringing worship into the pop world. It is the mixing of tradition with the future with pop elements that are highlighted on the mixtape projects that makes them unique.

“Our mixtape releases are basically the creative overflow from our regular rhythm of writing and creative,” shares SEU Worship’s Dan Rivera. “We set aside two to three a times a year to collaborate with producers and writers as we work on our records. After the past two years of releases, we looked back at our folder of unused songs and were surprised by the upbeat collection of songs we had in there. An idea started to surface — what if we released a big mixtape with all of our unfinished songs that didn’t find a home? And it didn’t stop there. What if we asked some of our friends to help us finish them or feature on these songs? That’s how Clouds are Clearing came to be. It was like raw songwriting and music making. It’s been a very special experience.”

Some of those special friends included on the two albums include KB, Elle Limebear, Hollyn, Marty from Social Club Misfits and Alexander Pappas of Hillsong Young & Free. And due to the pandemic, they were able to record the collabs remotely since they weren’t able to do a live album. Like everyone, last year’s beginning of the pandemic caused a shift in how they approached things and being that they are a college-based group, they had to get creative.

“The pandemic has really grown our family dynamic as a community in Lakeland,” explains Rivera. “When the touring slowed down, the tide of relationship and teamwork started rising in our group of students and pastors. The biggest change for our on campus worship services is that we have to limit capacity and offer more worship opportunities. We’ve taken advantage of the added services by experimenting with new songs, and making space for newcomers to join the team. As far as songwriting and production goes, it definitely has cause us to get innovative with how we collab with others.”

Gotee Records’ Terrian will be releasing her debut project, Genesis of Terrian, next month on February 26th.

“I’m really excited for people to hear Genesis of Terrian,” shares Terrian. “I gave it this title because it truly does feel like my beginning. Each song differs sonically, making this a true reflection of who I am as a songwriter and artist. Lyrically, most of this EP deals with my journey of wrestling and surrendering. I’ve found solace in God’s word and what He has taught me in every season. I just wanted to sing about it.” The new 6-song EP is available now to pre-order or pre-save.

Terrian was the only Christian & Gospel artist selected as one of Pandora’s Artists to Watch in 2021, and is one of just two Christian & Gospel artists to be featured in the last five years. Last fall, Terrian released “Light It Up (feat. GabeReal)” and “I’m In Love (w/ Ian Alxndr),” both of which be included on this upcoming project. Her current radio song, “Light It Up” is currently in the Top 10 on Billboard Christian Hot AC/CHR chart at the top of this year.

This week Terrian is releasing the new song, “Love Your Children,” along with the new music video (below) directed by Diego Brawn. The song was co-written by Terrian and producers Kyle Williams & Darren Mulligan (We Are Messengers). The song has also been included in this week’s top playlists: Spotify’s New Music Friday Christian, Apple Music’s New Releases, Amazon Music’s Fresh Christian Playlist and Pandora’s New Christian Music Now.

“I wrote this song thinking about a friend who didn’t grow up in a stable home,” Terrian explains. “I’ve seen how it’s affected this person’s life as we’ve grown older. A lot would be different if the parents were loving and nurturing. However, they weren’t in a position to give that. Then, compassion came and had me wondering what their parents were like. The heart of this song is breaking the cycle and speaking of how far loving your children goes. More times than not, it brings the better outcome.”

In 2020 Terrian released the song “Let Love Lead” which was featured by Spotify in their Black Lives Matter playlist, she was one of just two Christian & Gospel artists to have their music featured. The song amassed over 4 million streams on Spotify in just 10 months and received the highest single day Spotify stream record for any Gotee artist that year. Also in 2020 Terrian co-hosted the Dove Awards Pre-Telecast with Ellie Holcolmb and performed a special Christmas music for the GMA’s #LoveGoesViral Christmas Concert Series.

Terrian will be seen on the upcoming TobyMac Hits Deep Tour as part of the Diverse City band as well as a solo artist. Dates and cites can be found online.

While GRAMMY Award-winning artist Zach Williams wrapped 2020 with another No. 1 song, a GRAMMY nomination, two GMA Dove Award wins and more, his 2021 is already off to a great start. It was just announced that the multi-week chart-topping and GRAMMY-nominated song “There Was Jesus,” his duet with Dolly Parton, has received RIAA Gold Certification. “Chain Breaker” is RIAA-certified Platinum, while “Old Church Choir” and “Fear Is A Liar” are both Gold. Chain Breaker, his GRAMMY-winning album, is also certified Gold.

Additionally, today Williams releases his latest music video for “Less Like Me,” his latest single to hit radio. The video can be viewed here. Co-written by Williams along with Mia Fieldes and Hank Bentley, there is already a phenomenal response to the song, charting at radio before officially releasing January 29. “Less Like Me” can already be heard on Sirius XM, K-LOVE, KSBJ, KLTY, among others.

While 2020 brought many cancellations and changes to the music and touring world, Williams was able to spend time with family while also songwriting, recording, and touring during many drive-in theater shows. He then added another No. 1 single to his accolades with “There Was Jesus,” the song that Williams and Parton originally debuted during the live broadcast of the 53rd Annual CMA Awards. Topping multiple charts for multiple weeks, “There Was Jesus” made the Pandora Top Spins chart for twelve consecutive weeks and was named one of Pandora’s top 100 songs across all genres. “There Was Jesus” was also WAY-FM’s top song of the year. The song also gave Williams his fifth GRAMMY nomination. The 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced on March 14, 2021, when we find out if it brings him his second career win.

“There Was Jesus” is featured on Rescue Story, which was nominated for a GMA Dove Award (Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year) and won in 2020 for Best Recorded Music Packaging. Williams was also named 2020’s GMA Dove Awards Songwriter of the Year (Artist).

During Christmas, Williams released his stellar version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” which was heard all throughout the holidays. Just announced this week, his “Rescue Story Tour” will plan to resume this fall. Further details will be announced.

Source: www.thechristianbeat.org

Two-time GRAMMY award winning CCM artist Lauren Daigle shared the exciting news that “Rescue” had earned Platinum certification. Earlier this year, Daigle announced the same certification for her sophomore album, Look Up Child.

Lauren recently took to social media to express her gratitude for the listener support in the video below. “I was overjoyed with the news, and as we wrap up this year, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude. I’ll carry your stories with me forever,” Daigle said.

Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and rising Afro-Gospel sensation, Limoblaze team up to release collaborative album “Bridges.” The nine-track album features atmospheric beats, catchy melodic elements, raw instrumentation, and grasping vocals by the artists. The release will take the listeners into a musical trance with strong messages, catchiness, and hard-hitting instrumentation.

This collaborative record is a testament and a journey to both artist’s diverse sound and style. Da’ T.R.U.T.H states, “In these dark and polarizing times, Bridges is a hope-filled album that fuses hiphop and Afrobeat. It’s Upbeat, fun, and energetic melodies will make you dance, while it’s provocative themes will make you think. Two of the most highly respected artists in their respective genres have teamed up to give us a body of work that will move the culture forward in building bridges, not barriers.”

“Bridges” is poised to be a chart-hitting album as every track radiates a powerful aura that will have listeners hooked. The highly-anticipated album will be available on all digital stores on November 20th.

About Da’ Truth
In West Philadelphia, born and raised, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. (Emanuel Lee Lambert, Jr.) developed a love for music and has been performing for nearly two decades. As a leading voice in the music industry, he has been committed to using creativity in the arts to share his life experiences and faith. He has been nominated for countless awards, including 2 Grammy’s and 3 Dove Awards. Throughout his career, he has won 4 Stellar Awards and received numerous accolades.

Now, nearly 20 years later, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. has sold almost a quarter-million records worldwide, toured and collaborated with some of Gospel and Christian music’s premier artists, including Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Lecrae, Cece Winans, and more!

Additionally, his high energy performances & provocative lyrics have landed him on some of the biggest platforms, including MTV, BET’s Celebration of Gospel, Gospel Music Channel, and the Stellar and Dove Awards. Similar to his peers who have blazed trails internationally, his diverse and electric performances have allowed him to embark on more than10 international tours in Arica and Europe, Australia, Canada,
and Trinidad & Tobago.

About Limoblaze
Born and raised in Nigeria, Limoblaze(Samuel Onwubiko) is known for his passion for God and also his versatility and skill in the art of music-making. He started off making music in late 2012 and has been super active in music ministry to date. He has gone on to win several prestigious awards, some of which include; The AGMMA Afro hip hop artist of the year for the years 2018 and 2019; he also picked up the award for the best international act at the premier gospel awards in 2019.

With several bodies of work over the years, which include three albums, namely; Blind (2016), Before Now(2018), and Afrobeats Rap and Jesus (2019), Limoblaze has featured and has been featured by some of the top music ministers from around the world including the likes of Da Truth, S.O., Okey Sokay, CalledOut Music, Gil Joe, Nkay etc. Limoblaze sees himself as an urban Christian artist, and his preferred genres are Afrobeats and Hip-hop, but his creativity knows no limit.

Gospel music minister Judikay observed her church wedding rites alongside her hubby Anselem Opara today the 7th day of November 2020.

The wedding ceremony, which held in Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPMP) in Lagos and was moved forward from the original slated date had the whole EeZee Conceptz family in attendance, including Mercy Chinwo, EeZee Tee, GUC and others.

Also in attendance were Tehila Records artiste and head honcho, Tim & Enkay Ogboruche, fast rising Gospel singer Yadah, amongst others.

As gifts were being presented to the new couple, EeZee Conceptz CEO, Mr. Ezekiel (EeZee Tee) ThankGod presented the Judikay and Anselem with a brand new Hyundai Elantra 2016 model.

“Congratulations lovelies,” EeZee Tee said. “My heart is so full of joy.”

Stunned and left speechless by the show of love, Judikay was captured in tears as the procession was going on.

Judikay observed her traditional wedding rites earlier in August. Following the rites, another member of the EeZee Conceptz family, in the person of GUC, proposed to his fiancée Nene Ntuk.

Judikay who is still about her ministry also released the video for the viral track off the “Man of Galilee” album titled “Capable God.” The video which is only 2 weeks old, is currently at almost 300K views on Youtube.

Congratulations to Judikay and Anselem. Congratulations to EeZee Conceptz Global!

GRAMMY-nominated and multi-Dove Award Winning worship leader Kari Jobe will be releasing her first new album in three years when The Blessing (Live Album) arrives on October 23rd (Capitol CMG). 

The album was uniquely recorded and captured live this summer during the pandemic without an audience at her home church, The Belonging Co, in Nashville, TN. The Blessing features songs co-written by Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Jacob Sooter, Jonas Myrin, Elyssa Smith, Steffany Gretzinger, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick and Passion’s Kristian Stanfill and Brett Younker. The album was produced by Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Henry Seeley and Jobe.

Several tracks from The Blessing have already been offered as pre-releases, so listeners have been gifted a taste of what to expect on this can’t miss worship experience. The furthest-reaching of these pre-released songs is the title track, which has quickly become the global worship anthem of the year. “The Blessing” was written (by Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship’s Steven Furtick and Chris Brown) and released the week before the world was overcome with the pandemic. “First Love”, “Let The Light In”, “Obsession”, Embers” and “Your Nature” have also been released ahead of the full album.

The fact that the album was recorded live is one of the highlights of the collection. There is just a sense of movement and space in the live sound that accompanies each track. While it may not have the “typical live recording” sound, since there was no audience present, it is clear the band had no reservations about entering into their time of worship. While Jobe’s vocals are dominant and soaring throughout the album, she is joined prominently by Carnes on a few tracks (“Obsession”, “The Blessing”).

“Rest” and “Favorite Place” are two tracks that masterfully incorporate the strings and instrumental moments to allow space and an environment for worshipping and resting in God’s presence. This time allows the listener to enter into that personal space between created and Creator before joining back with Jobe’s vocals and anthemic declarations.

“The Wind” is a musical sequence without vocals that can be described as nothing less than a piece of art that evokes the very title of the piece. Following “The Wind” is “No Fear”, which may have the most timely lyrics of the whole album for this season the world is in.

Right now anything can happen
Right here everything can change
It is time to cast all your care upon Him…Fear not for He is good
Fear not for He is God
Just look to the Savior for He has overcome it all
Fear not for He is good

The songs found on The Blessing (Live Album) all encompass a deep and personal trust and love in God. The lyrics and music come together in a combination that will bring worship to any listening situation. Be sure to pre-save / pre-add this five-star album today!

Praise & Worship recording artist, Benita Jones (formerly Benita Washington), has a testimony to share. Last week, the car that she and her manager, Jarita Jackson, were riding in was broadsided by a teenager.

The impact was so strong that the car literally flipped over and was totaled. “Benita recently wanted to start learning the piano,” Jackson says. “We were on our way back from going to a music store to buy a keyboard and the car was t-boned. We literally crawled out of the car and we were helped by some bystanders. The miracle is that no one involved was badly injured – not even the other driver. We had some bumps and bruises. We went to the hospital to get checked out, but God was merciful and everyone will be fine. ”  

This past summer, Jones released her first album in a decade, The Entreating (Tyscot / Integrity), a live concert session. The pulsating, high-energy gospel radio single, “Good God,” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Gospel Digital Song Sales chart earlier this year. Jones is now entering the autumn season with a new soul-stirring gospel radio single, “Still Everything.” Fans can listen to the full project at this link: https://benita.lnk.to/TheEntreating

Four-time GRAMMY® award winner and Curb | Word Entertainment Christian music group for KING & COUNTRY is dancing into the weekend with a remix of the duo’s latest hit track. “TOGETHER R3HAB Remix” featuring Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly is available now on all digital service providers. The spirited remix features R3HAB’s unmatched production skills, bringing a club feel to Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone’s soaring lead vocals. This remix marks the success of for KING & COUNTRY’s single “TOGETHER,” which has accumulated over 10 million on-demand streams.

Joel Smallbone reflects, “In moment of global separation the idea of ‘TOGETHERNESS’ with Tori, Kirk – and now R3HAB collaborating on ‘TOGETHER’s’ remix feels important to us… and then to take it over the top, having these gifted dancers and crews from literally around the world step in and step up for the ‘global dance music video’ makes for one of the proudest and collaborative moments of our career.”

for KING & COUNTRY has released a music video to commemorate the new release featuring dance groups from all over the world. The duo reached out for fan participation in the video and were overwhelmed by the amount of submissions they received. Groups that made the final cut include Christian Dance Force from Germany, CC Dance Krew from Puerto Rico, The Dawn Project from Kenya, and Colorado Dance Collective from Greely, CO, demonstrating that the concept of “TOGETHERNESS” is a true global phenomenon.