Christian hip-hop artist Hulvey is making waves in the music industry as his debut album, Christopher, landed at No. #8 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums Chart, #19 at Rap Albums Chart, just one week since its release. Already the record has garnered almost 4 million streams across all DSPs.
Christopher is a 12-track project that features guest vocals by two time Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae, pop sensation SVRCINA, fellow labelmate Andy Mineo and Atlanta-based rapper BigBreeze. Pushing musical influences aside, the new music pouring out of Hulvey lyrically and sonically, reveals his true authentic self; embracing his hip-hop and pop background.
The 22-year-old who has quickly become one of Christian music’s rising acts, has come a long way since scrubbing toilets in Publix grocery market. In Christopher, Hulvey’s lyrics take listeners on his life journey from being an adolescent teen in high school, to seeing the importance of community and mentorship and the freedom and deliverance he has found through his Christian faith.
Christopher is the follow up full- length project to his EP BRKNHRT. that was released in 2020 giving listeners a taste of what to expect from the breakout artist and it immediately garnered him national praise. Pandora named him Christian Artist to Watch in 2020, his tracks ‘Higher’ and ‘Real Love’ from Hulvey Vol. 1 and Hulvey Vol. 2 were featured on VH1’s Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta in 2020 and ‘Cold Blooded’ was featured on ABC’s hit show The Rookie.
Carrie Underwood just wowed at the Academy of Country Music Awards. The 38-year-old singer took the stage on Sunday, to perform a gospel medley in Nashville, Tennessee, at the 2021 ACMs.
For the unforgettable performance, Underwood turned to her March 2021 album, My Savior, and performed a medley of those gospel hymns.
Belting out a few of iconic gospel classics, including “Amazing Grace,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art,” Underwood stunned with her spotlight-stealing appearance.
At one point in Underwood’s performance, she was joined by CeCe Winans for a duet of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” which the pair collaborated on for Underwood’s recent album.
Dolly Parton introduced the performance in a pre-recorded message, who marveled, “I am so pleased and proud to introduce my dear friend, Carrie Underwood.”
“I have always admired Carrie’s incredible talent, but I am just as impressed with her personal qualities– her compassion, kindness, generosity, and, most of all, the powerful faith that we both share,” Parton said. “Now, her performance tonight speaks to that faith in a medley from her new gospel hymns album, My Savior, which I know is a true passion project for her.”
It was a sweet introduction for one of the night’s biggest highlight performances.
ET’s Rachel Smith recently spoke with Winans, and the songstress said getting to collaborate with Underwood was like a “divine connection” that resulted after years of watching Underwood’s career bloom.
“I met Carrie years ago when she first won American Idol. I heard her on American Idol, of course, she’s amazing. But then we both sang at the White House. I think it was Christmas at the White House,” Winans recalled. “I got to hear her up close and personal and I was just like, ‘Whoa, this girl can really really sing!’”
As for recording their duet of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” Winans said, “It was fun, because she’s amazing.”
“I got a chance to go in and kind of just do my part, because she had really had already done hers. And when I finished she changed some things and I just love it,” Winans recalled. “It’s a beautiful song.”
Underwood was nominated for the Video of the Year award at this year’s ceremony, though that trophy went to Kane Brown. Last year, Underwood made ACM Awards history when she became the first woman to win Entertainer of the Year three times.
Accomplished Singer/songwriter, JOKIA (Jokia Music/Darkchild Gospel), celebrates reaching #1 on Billboard’s National Gospel Airplay Chart with the celebrated and cross-genre single, “Yahweh.” “Yahweh” marks Jokia’s first #1 single as an independent artist on her own label, Jokia Music, exclusively distributed by Darkchild Gospel. “Yahweh” is lifted from her forthcoming EP due second quarter 2021.
Promoted at gospel radio by Jerome Hunt, founder of By Any Means Necessary, the song “Yahweh” (meaning: He Brings into Existence Whatever Exists) is a catchy mid-tempo song that effortlessly reels the listener in, giving them an instant faith boost. “Yahweh” serves as a reminder to all during these unpresented times to not give up or lose hope in your faith. Jokia’s next single, “Let Him In” will be available Summer 2021.
“Don’t give up on what God called you to do, even if it doesn’t go the way you planned. His plans are greater than ours,” shares Jokia.
Killeen, Texas’ native Jokia (often stylized JOKIA) sound is stylish, heartfelt, and precise in a way not often heard in the era of ubiquitous autotune. Prior to the digital release of “Yahweh”, Jokia offered a soul-stirring performance of the song at Marquis Boone’s 2015 Discovered conference that landed her a demo recording deal. Since then, and with much dedication to her craft and devotion to God, Jokia’s ministry continues to gain visibility, amazing opportunities and platforms to minister through music.
Founder of Darkchild Gospel, Fred “Uncle Freddie” Jerkins, shares: “When I first heard “Yahweh” I knew that it had the potential to be the #1 song in the country and didn’t hesitate for DarkChild Gospel to join forces with Jokia Music to make this song available to the world.”
CEO of By Any Means Necessary, Jerome Hunt, shares, “Jokia is an amazing artist/person with an amazing song! It’s my passion at By Any Means Necessary to work with new independent artists to help them achieve what God has placed in them. I’m extremely excited for her!”
Watch Video Below;
For more information on Jokia follow her on social media by using the handle @JokiaMusic; and on the web at her clothing-line website, God Sent.
Anna Golden, an emerging worship artist and songwriter, announces her debut project Peace: The Album will release May 21. With its pre-order beginning today, her song “Doubt” is offered as an instant grat. A live performance video for the track also drops today and can be viewed below.
At only 24 with her debut album ready to impact the world, the music scene is not a new one for Anna Golden. She began her career as a showbiz kid, the youngest of four talented siblings. Her childhood was spent in Los Angeles audition rooms, earning consistent work with mainstream entertainment outlets, including Radio Disney.“My siblings—John, Liz, and Josh—are involved in mainstream music or acting,” Golden explains. “I started in the mainstream also, but at 15 I remember having a moment with my parents where I told them the attention was too much pressure for me.”
That conversation led her to her passion—worship ministry. “I loved leading worship because none of the attention was on me,” she says. “All the glory is directed to God.”
Becoming a member of her church’s youth worship team, Golden began leading worship and by 18, she was in charge. She started recording and releasing her own worship songs independently, which led her to an unexpected opportunity with Tasha Cobbs Leonard in 2017 who invited her to sing on her album. Soon after, Golden ended up becoming a background vocalist and serving alongside Cobbs Leonard in her local church.Cobbs Leonard eventually launched her own imprint, TeeLee Records, in association with her longtime label Motown Gospel, a division of Capitol CMG, and Anna Golden became the first signed artist.
“A major part of my assignment is to be a bridge, connecting people from all cultures and experiences through worship by bringing awareness to the presence of God,” shares Tasha Cobbs Leonard. “Anna Golden is a testament to that calling and is a relevant, necessary voice to this generation. Her influence has already crossed barriers and built bridges culturally and I expect her impact to be explosive quickly. I’m excited to play a role in introducing her music and ministry to the world through TeeLee Records.”
In March 2020, Golden caught the internet’s attention when she—joined by sister Liz Golden and pop superstar Selena Gomez— uploaded a stripped-down cover of the worship anthem “The Blessing” to Instagram, while in self-isolation in Los Angeles. It instantly gained massive attention and helped launch her song “Peace” to critical and consumer acclaim. Starting as a private expression from her own experiences, “Peace” quickly turned to a musical balm that she knew would speak to the waves of anxiety and depression of so many. At press time, the song has already amassed 4.4 million global streams LTD.
And soon the world will get to hear Peace: The Album, an innovative 16-track project featuring two sides – one live, one studio – showcasing Golden’s versatility as she weaves congregational worship to her refreshing new take on worship music.
Anna Golden is at the forefront of a new wave of artists who are redefining the sound and style of worship music, both inside and outside of the church. “I believe that music is a beautiful translator to anything that the Lord wants to say to someone,” she shares. “My mission when I’m leading worship is to extend what has been extended to me—the power that’s in worship, the warfare that’s in worship, the peace.”
“Doubt (Live)” is available now to download or stream.
Washington, DC — CD Porter, Javon Inman, and Rob Mercer emerged from Washington DC as individual talents with award-winning careers and ministries. The three joined together in a 2016 West Africa mission and music trip which inspired them to create a musical force and super-group called DRK 2 LGHT. In 2020 they released their debut hit single and video “He Keeps On”.
DRK 2 LGHT has unified their individual strengths as songwriters, musicians, and singers with blended styles spanning from Urban-soul to traditional Gospel. The trio throw in a chunk of funk and hint of pop-rock to their foundation of worship music to create their sound to be forever branded as DRK 2 LGHT.
CD, Javon, and Rob are continually creating music and are now set to release their second single “Fix My Heart”. “Fix My Heart” is written by Javon and produced by Tone Jonez who also produced the group’s first single. “Fix My Heart” is going for adds and airplay at Gospel radio now and will be available on all digital music outlets on April 23.
“Fix My Heart” is a rock-driven head-banger song that has a soulful chorus that gives the track heat! The trio delivers the song with a powerful performance and ministers the lyrics with heart.
“Any great song perfectly marries melody and message,” Rob shares. “That’s what Javon has written with FIX MY HEART. It’s a fiery cry from a broken place and God never rejects a contrite heart.”
“Fix My Heart” continues to validate DRK 2 LGHT in Christian music as it is rare to have an all-male African-American trio group of singers with such talent, marketability, and dedication to ministry and the artform. Through their growing catalog of music, their authentic bond of brotherhood and passion to see people delivered, DRK 2 LGHT is proving to let their light shine before men so that God will be glorified!
Javon Inman, Rob Mercer and CD Porter – DRK 2 LGHT
In 2020 they released their debut hit single and video “He Keeps On”.
Two-time GRAMMY Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist Lauren Daigle announced she will be performing at the Ryman Auditorium later this month (Apr 30). Tickets for ‘A Night At The Ryman With Lauren Daigle & Friends’ go on sale Wednesday at 10AM CST. This one-night event will have limited in-person seating.
Since the release of her GRAMMY Award winning, platinum certified album Look Up Child, Lauren Daigle has reigned on the Billboard Charts. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Albums chart making Daigle the first female artist to simultaneously hit the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Pop and Christian Billboard Album Charts. In addition, the GRAMMY Award winning triple-platinum crossover hit, “You Say,” became the longest-running No. 1 song of any genre on the weekly Billboard Hot charts at an incredible 116 weeks. Daigle has earned seven Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, ten GMA Dove Music Awards and sold-out concert venues all over the world.
Internationally renowned singer/songwriter and worship music icon, Don Moen, is set to present An Evening of Hope, a livestream featuring special guest, Lenny LeBlanc.
Partnering with Mandolin, the online worship event will be an intimate evening of acoustic praise and worship, as Moen and LeBlanc sing their most well-known songs, share stories and invite viewers to worship together.
The event will take place on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT.
This one-time-only, online worship event is accessible from anywhere in the world and will be available for viewing 24hrs after airing. For more information and to purchase your ticket, visit www.DonMoen.com/concert
There are 3 ticket options available:– $15.00 | Livestream Ticket– $45.00 | Livestream Ticket + Preshow Backstage Meet & Greet with Don Moen– $115.00 | Livestream Ticket + Postshow VIP Experience with Don Moen – featuring a private one-on-one Zoom call.
Blessing Annatoria, the 18-year-old Zimbabwe-born vocal powerhouse from Dudley and reigning champion of ‘The Voice’, today announces her forthcoming debut album “Count My Blessings”. “Count My Blessings” will be released on 30 April 2021 via Universal Music, making Blessing the youngest ever winner in the show’s history to release an album. The album’s first single I Smile, an uplifting and empowering interpretation of the Kirk Franklin original,is out now [12.03]. Blessing Annatoria, Olly Murs’ second winning act on the show, will perform her debut single live at ‘The Voice’ Final on Saturday, 20 March 2021. Her debut album is available now to pre-save or pre-order.
Fresh in everyone’s minds, due to being crowned the winner of ‘The Voice’ only in November 2020, after a seven-month break filming due to the pandemic, Blessing Annatoria has firmly embraced this experience to show there truly is no stopping her. Recording her debut album remotely during lockdown with award-winning producer, arranger and songwriter Rupert Christie, who has worked with the likes of Jessie J, U2, Coldplay, Lianne La Havas and Lou Reed, as well as Blackbook Music, Blessing Annatoria is releasing “Count My Blessings” less than five months after winning the show.
The gospel infused “Count My Blessings” features a stunning selection of 14 songs, representing all facets of Blessing Annatoria as an artist. From re-imagined versions of her ‘The Voice’ performances, songs that have inspired and uplifted her, to hymns, which she has given a contemporary twist, Blessing Annatoria wants to bring different cultures together, spreading joy and happiness.
Blessing Annatoria says: “During this time of hardship and struggle, I wanted to release an album of encouragement and joy. I want people to feel uplifted and I really hope the songs and hymns will give people strength to pick themselves up and be happy again.”
Speaking about extending her name from just Blessing, which she was known as on ‘The Voice’, she adds: “Annatoria is my middle name and actually the name of my dad’s mum, my grandmother, who sadly passed away when my dad was young. I feel like the name represents me as an artist and my different backgrounds, which is perfect for the new album.”
The upbeat and bouncy I Smile, an anthem to joyful resilience and optimism, is the poignant first single of Blessing’s debut album, showcasing her soulful and show-stopping vocals. She is joined on the track by a remotely recorded choir led by Kingdom Choir’s Wayne Hernandez, best known for performing at Meghan and Harry’s wedding and who has worked with artists including Jay Z and Gorillaz.
The album’s emotive and soul-stirring title track Count My Blessings, which Blessing Annatoria co-wrote, is a rich melodic message to have faith, spread kindness and to help each other. ‘The Voice’ fans will be thrilled with the inclusion of a beautiful new version of Blessing’s winning song Angels by Robbie Williams, a powerful and emotional rendition of Westlife’s Flying Without Wings, as well as an electrifying re-imagine of Mariah Carey’s Without You, the track which secured Blessing her place in the final.
Representing her childhood and faith, the album also features three hymns with a close connection to Blessing Annatoria. As a young Zimbabwean, Blessing grew up singing hymns in church and she has been surrounded by them all her life, which is why it was so important to her to include them on “Count My Blessings”, particularly the striking How Great Thou Art, which Blessing describes as her “family’s song”. All of the hymns have been given a contemporary twist and are set to introduce a new audience to their uplifting powers.
Blessing Annatoria wowed millions of fans across the UK and was crowned the ninth winner of ‘The Voice’ in November 2020. She now returns with her gospel-inspired debut album “Count My Blessings”, which will be available on the 30 April 2021. Her first single I Smile is out now.
Natalie Grant was part of Courageous Hope: Easter Worship featuring Natalie Grant, presented by the Gospel Music Association and The Voice Of The Martyrs over the past weekend.
Natalie also played The Grand Ole Opry on April 3, with her husband, producer Bernie Herms, accompanying her on piano. She performed “How Great Thou Art” and “Alive/To God Be The Glory” on the Opry stage. She was also part of Steven Curtis Chapman with Ricky Skaggs and Natalie Grant, the three of them performing “My Redeemer Is Faithful And True/Amazing Grace.”
Natalie was also excited to be part of the 2021 Tennessee Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, March 24th at the Grand Ole Opry House. Bernie joined Natalie on piano here, as well, as she performed three songs for the guests. Watch a recap of the performance HERE.
Christian music artist, singer/songwriter Ellie Holcomb is set to release her third studio LP, Canyon, this summer on June 25th in partnership with Capitol Christian Music Group. This will mark the first label distributed release for the independent artist. The title-track, “Canyon,” is available now along with a stunningly beautiful music video shot at Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park. Holcomb taped the video along with a team of five women with the video directed by Shelby Goldsmith.
“We have been massive fans of Ellie and her music for as long as we’ve known her and always hoped for the opportunity to represent her as an artist,” shares CCMG Co-President Brad O’Donnell. “Canyon is a special project, and it reflects Ellie’s heart and creativity perfectly. We are so excited to be a part of bringing it to the world.”
Hudson Plachy, CCMG Co-President adds, “We are honored to partner with Ellie and support her vision and music. We are so excited for everyone to experience this new music.” Stepping into her new family of CCMG, Holcomb has crafted an album that captures the sounds and melodies from personal experiences and growth since her last studio project, Red Sea Road in 2017.
“Canyon is a record about a deeper sorrow and a higher hope,” shares Ellie Holcomb. “A tornado tore through our neighborhood, Covid-19 shut down our country and canceled all of our touring, racial tension was high in the wake of George Floyd’s death, Christmas morning began with a bomb that went off in downtown Nashville, the capitol was attacked, and we have had so many family friends lose people they love to the virus. In many ways, writing and singing these songs felt like finding my way through a serious season of suffering and sorrow.”
Watch the “Canyon” Music Video:
She continues, “We all know what it is for our hearts to be broken, split wide open by the pain and loss and sorrow we encounter here. We know brokenness. We know division, but there in the middle of all the chaos, in the places where the pain cuts a canyon into our very hearts, there is a river running through. There is a current of love that brings refreshment, hope and comfort. There is a river of love there to carry us if we’ll only let it. There is a river to carry us back home, to the place where all of us came from, to the place of belonging to the one who made us, to a place of belonging to each other.”
For Canyon, Holcomb teamed with with an incredibly talented team of co-writers such as Natalie Hemby, Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE and Thad Cockrell, and the project was produced by Cason Cooley along with executive producer and her dad, Brown Bannister.
“I have seen Jesus meet me in the wounds in my own story that I tried to hide or bury, and I’ve experienced the kindness and empathy of God in my most painful places in a palpable way, so these songs are written from a new place of wholeness, healing and freedom,” explains Holcomb. “This is the first record I’ve ever made that makes me want to run or dance! I hope it makes people want to dance for the joy of knowing they are beloved.”
