Pastor Mike, Jr. is quickly making his mark in Gospel music, and he’s making the rounds too! 

Pastor Mike, Jr. was among the esteemed celebrity presenters at the 52^nd Dove Awards held in Nashville. Though he was a virtual performer at the 51^st awards in 2020, this is Pastor Mike, Jr’s first time gracing the prestigious Dove Awards stage. 

Pastor Mike, Jr., who co-presented with PJ Morton, enjoyed the celebration of this year’s best and brightest in Gospel and Christian music. “It was an honor to present at the 52^nd Dove Awards. Spirits were high all evening as we celebrated the Lord with song. This was my first live show with the Dove Awards, but I pray it will not be my last. I loved the production as well as the camaraderie of my peers.”

Pastor Mike, Jr’s latest single “I Got It” hit #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart, and has received over one million streams.  

Acclaimed bluegrass ensemble and Song Garden recording artist Chosen Road will release Appalachian Hymns November 12. Produced by the group’s Zachary Alvis and Tyler Robertson, the 12-song collection pairs the band’s unparalleled acoustic instrumentation and vocal harmonies with classic songs of faith and the Church.

The project’s cornerstone lead single and video, “Be Thou My Vision,” is one of the oldest hymns of the Church, bearing a message as timely today as when the words were first written centuries ago in Ireland. Chosen Road honors their Scotch-Irish heritage with the arrangement, featuring beautiful Celtic instrumentation and intricate harmonies. The track will be available October 29, in advance of the album release.

Other highlights of Appalachian Hymns include the rousing “Brethren We Have Met To Worship” (available November 5); the striking simplicity of “I Stand Amazed”; the gentle, guitar-driven “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”; the a cappella “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be”; and the crowd-pleasing instrumental “Send The Light.”

“For our first hymns record, we wanted to take traditional songs of the Church and pair them with our Appalachian acoustic instruments, while approaching the arrangements and musical settings in our own unique way,” said Chosen Road’s Jonathan Buckner. “When we were deciding what hymns to record, we were overwhelmed with the richness of Truth we found in these lyrics. We began to gravitate towards some of the older hymns and songs we have loved to hear audiences sing for years now. Many of these songs have likely been played on the same kinds of instruments we use, since our ancestors first settled in the Appalachian Mountains. That made both the song selection process, and actual recording, very meaningful and almost sacred for us.”

“Every song on the album points the listener to the Light of Christ and the Hope that is found in Him,” Buckner continues. “It is amazing what singing some of these old hymns can do for the soul when we are facing the unknown. As people listen and sing along to the music, we hope they are encouraged and reminded that God is in complete control. I know we were as we created this project, even though it was during one of the most uncertain times in our lives.”

Provident Entertainment is proud to announce they received five American Music Award nominations. Just announced this morning, Zach Williams, CAIN, and Elevation Worship are nominated for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist, and Kirk Franklin and Koryn Hawthorne are recognized in the newly added category Favorite Gospel Artist.

The AMAs are the world’s largest fan-voted awards show with winners determined by votes cast online as well as via Twitter. Nominees are based on key fan interactions – as reflected on the Billboard charts – including streaming, album sales, song sales, and radio airplay. These measurements are tracked by Billboard and its data partner MRC Data and cover the time period Sept. 25, 2020 through Sept. 23, 2021.

Voting for all categories is now open and for the first time, fans can vote for all AMA categories on TikTok by searching for “AMAs” in-app. The 2021 American Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 21st, and air on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

ABC and dick clark productions today announced nominations for the 2021 American Music Awards. The world’s largest fan-voted awards show returns to ABC, live on SUNDAY, NOV. 21 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), and will feature global superstars and the hottest genre-spanning performances as it rings in its 49th year. The AMAs honor artists in multiple musical genres, including Pop/Rock, Alternative Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Adult Contemporary, Contemporary Inspirational, Latin, EDM and Soundtrack, alongside awards for New Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Video of the Year, Favorite Song and Artist of the Year. You can see nominations for Favorite Inspirational Artist & Favorite Gospel Artist below.

The “2021 American Music Awards” will broadcast live from The Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and is seen in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Nominees are based on key fan interactions – as reflected on the Billboard charts – including streaming, album sales, song sales and radio airplay. These measurements are tracked by Billboard and its data partner MRC Data, and reflect the time period of Sept. 25, 2020, through Sept. 23, 2021. AMA winners are voted entirely by fans.

Favorite Inspirational Artist
CAIN
Carrie Underwood
Elevation Worship
Lauren Daigle
Zach Williams

Favorite Gospel Artist
Kanye West
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Maverick City Music
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Last week, the 52nd GMA Dove Awards were held at Lipscomb University and aired on TBN on October 22nd. During the television broadcast, “Song of the Year” was awarded to “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Elevation Worship. This GRAMMY®-nominated song also won the 2020 GMA Dove Award for “Worship Song of the Year” and has been awarded RIAA Gold Digital Single certification. “The Blessing” became a viral hit song around the world just days after recording and releasing it during the pandemic comforting listeners with a strong message. “The Blessing” was featured on Jobe’s The Blessing (Live) album.

“It’s such an honor to receive this award for a song we got to be a part of – a song filled with the hope of God’s promises in such an uncertain time,” shares Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes on this recognition. “It reminds us of the power of a song filled with the hope of Jesus – how it can change someone’s life. We want to honor everyone in our industry who works to bring the hope of Jesus to people’s hearts through music. It’s an honor to join with you in advancing the kingdom of God together.”

This global anthem has been supported by digital platforms since its release as it was included on Spotify’s US Viral 50 (playlist) and Global Viral 50 playlists in 11 different countries. It was also one of Pandora’s Top 50 Most Thumbed-up songs of 2020.

With more than 41 different versions and languages globally, “The Blessing” topped the charts in 34 countries and Top 5 in 77 countries on Apple Christian and Gospel genre charts. The song has been sung in Spanish, Portuguese, Hebrew, German and French cumulatively producing more than 128 million YouTube streams as well as successful covers coming from Africa and Southeast Asia. “The Blessing” has been one of the most covered Christian songs on YouTube, with versions representing over 128 countries worldwide. An acoustic version of the song was recently featured on Grammy.com’s Positive Vibes Only feature.

Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes are currently on “The Blessing” tour through November 14th. Check karijobe.com for the remaining tour dates and tickets.

The 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 19th, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. The show, under the banner Stronger Together, aired tonight exclusively on TBN and was simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. CeCe Winans and Jason Ingram led the night with the 4 awards each with Winans winning Gospel Artist of the Year and Ingram winning Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist). for KING & COUNTRY took home three awards including Artist of the Year, the top honor of the night. Chris Brown of Elevation Worship and Steven Furtick also each won three awards including Song of the Year for “The Blessing.” Dynamic performers Maverick City Music claimed New Artist of the Year with Contemporary Artist of the Year going to We The Kingdom. See the full list of winners here.

After 2020’s virtual show, the music community reunited this year with stellar live performances which included a moving ballad from Lauren Daigle, a chill-inducing moment from Co-Host Natalie Grant, and a powerful closing rendition of Worship Recorded Song of the Year, “Graves Into Gardens” by Elevation Worship. Other stand-outs included the five New Artist of the Year nominees, each bringing energetic performances bursting with joy and hope. One-of-kind collaborations also lit up the stage including KB with Matt Redman, Jonathan McReynolds with Mali Music and Dante Bowe with Kelontae Gavin. To watch the 52nd Dove Awards on demand on the TBN app: CLICK HERE . To get the full awards show audio broadcast including exclusive backstage interviews with winners, performers and presenters from SiriusXM The Message only in the SXM App: CLICK HERE.

One of the night’s highlights was Chairman of the GMA Board, Roy Morgan, presenting Jackie Patillo with the first-time Dove Award for Distinguished Leadership. Morgan also announced the new Dove will be an annual award and, beginning next year, will be named The Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Patillo was surprised and elated to be presented with this special award. “I am speechless. And so honored and so grateful. This is a calling y’all. This is a mission. This is not a job. Even though some days are hard. But, I love you. And I’m grateful. And I believe in unity in Christ. I believe we can celebrate our diversity in ways that will show the world that they’ll know we are Christians by our love. I believe in the power of God through the Word and through the message in your songs. So thank you. I’m so grateful and I’m awestruck over this.”

Song of the Year
“Another In The Fire” – (Writers) Chris Davenport, Joel Houston
“Famous For (I Believe)” – (Writers) Alexis Slifer, Chuck Butler, Jordan Sapp, Krissy Nordhoff, Tauren Wells
“Graves Into Gardens” – (Writers) Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Tiffany Hudson, Brandon Lake
“Speak To Me” – (Writers) Donnie McClurkin, Jeremy Hicks, Johnta Austin, Troy Taylor
“Thank You For It All” – (Writers) Aaron Lindsey, Christopher Thomas Leach, Jamone Davis, Marvin Sapp
“The Blessing” – (Writers) Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Steven Furtick — WINNER!
“The Father’s House” – (Writers) Benjamin Hastings, Cory Asbury, Ethan Hulse
“There Was Jesus” – (Writers) Jonathan Smith, Casey Beathard, Zach Williams
“TOGETHER” – (Writers) Joel Smallbone, Josh Kerr, Kirk Franklin, Luke Smallbone, Ran Jackson, Ricky Jackson
“Truth Be Told” – (Writers) AJ Pruis, Matthew West

Songwriter of the Year (Artist)
Brandon Lake  — WINNER!
Chris Brown
Ed Cash
Kirk Franklin
Matthew West

Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist)
Ethan Hulse
Jason Ingram — WINNER!
Jordan Sapp
Steven Furtick
Tiffany Hammer

Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year
for KING & COUNTRY
Hillsong UNITED
Tauren Wells
We The Kingdom — WINNER!
Zach Williams

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound — WINNER!
Gaither Vocal Band
Jason Crabb
Joseph Habedank
Triumphant Quartet

Gospel Artist of the Year
CeCe Winans — WINNER!
Jonathan McReynolds
Kirk Franklin
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Travis Greene

Artist of the Year
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY — WINNER!
Lauren Daigle
Phil Wickham
Zach Williams

New Artist of the Year
Brandon Lake
CAIN
Dante Bowe
Hope Darst
Maverick City Music — WINNER!

Producer of the Year
AyRon Lewis
The Creak Music (David Leonard, Brad King, Seth Talley)
Jordan Mohilowski
Jordan Sapp — WINNER!
Wayne Haun

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“10K” – KB
“Deep End” – Lecrae — WINNER!
“Glory On Me” – Steven Malcolm, ft. Childish Major & Taylor Hill
“Is That Okay?” – Social Club Misfits
“Reasons” – Hulvey, ft. Lecrae, SVRCINA

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“I Need A Ghost” – Brandon Lake
“Place Called Earth” – Jon Foreman, ft. Lauren Daigle
“Stand My Ground” – Zach Williams
“This Is The Kingdom” – Skillet
“Who Am I” – NEEDTOBREATHE — WINNER!

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Famous For (I Believe)” – Tauren Wells — WINNER!
“Good God Almighty” – Crowder
“Hold On To Me” – Lauren Daigle
“There Was Jesus” – Zach Williams, ft. Dolly Parton
“TOGETHER” – for KING & COUNTRY, ft. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
“A Woman” – FAITHFUL, Ellie Holcomb & Amy Grant
“Alone With My Faith” – Harry Connick, Jr.
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” – Carrie Underwood, ft. Cece Winans — WINNER!
“Promise Keeper” – Hope Darst
“There Is A God” – Phillips, Craig & Dean

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“First Church of Mercy” – The Sound
“I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About to Happen” – Gaither Vocal Band
“My King is Known By Love” – Crabb Family — WINNER!
“Religion Isn’t Working” – Joseph Habedank
“Wake Up” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year
“Because He Lives” – Harry Connick, Jr.
“Better Off There” – Browns
“Go Rest High on That Mountain” – Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs
“Great God Almighty” – The Sound
“If God Pulled Back the Curtain” – Nelons — WINNER!

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“I Got It” – Pastor Mike Jr.
“Joyful” – Dante Bowe — WINNER!
“Never Lost” – CeCe Winans
“Speak To Me” – Koryn Hawthorne
“Touch From You” – Tamela Mann

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Changing Your Story” – Jekalyn Carr — WINNER!
“Help” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy
“I Made It” – Maranda Curtis
“Repay You” – PJ Morton, ft. J Moss
“Wonderful Is Your Name” – Melvin Crispel III

Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“Believe For It” – CeCe Winans — WINNER!
“Good & Loved” – Travis Greene, ft. Steffany Gretzinger
“Never Be Defeated” – Rich Tolbert Jr.
“Voice Of God” – Dante Bowe, ft. Steffany Gretzinger, Chandler Moore
“You Get The Glory” – Jonathan Traylor

Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year
“Amén” – Ricardo Montaner, Evaluna Montaner, Mau y Ricky, y Camilo
“Donde Está El Espíritu De Dios” – Christine D’Clario — WINNER!
“Llévame A La Cruz” – Majo y Dan
“Mi Libertador” – Miel San Marcos, Christine D’Clario
“Tumbas A Jardines” – Elevation Worship, ft. Brandon Lake

Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“Battle Belongs” – Phil Wickham
“God So Loved” – We The Kingdom
“Graves Into Gardens” – Elevation Worship, ft. Brandon Lake — WINNER!
“Jireh” – Elevation Worship / Maverick City Music, ft. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine
“Peace Be Still” – Hope Darst

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
1970-01-01 03:34:00 – Zauntee
Feared By Hell – Social Club Misfits
His Glory Alone – KB — WINNER!
Restoration – Lecrae
The Divine Storm – Ty Brasel

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
Departures – Jon Foreman
Out Of Body – NEEDTOBREATHE — WINNER!
Songs Of Death And Resurrection – Demon Hunter
The Joy Of Being – Citizens
The Path – Fit For A King

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Chris Tomlin & Friends – Chris Tomlin
Holy Water – We The Kingdom — WINNER!
inhale (exhale) – MercyMe
No Stranger – Natalie Grant
To Love A Fool – Cory Asbury

Inspirational Album of the Year
All Things – Jamie Jamgochian
Evensong: Hymns and Lullabies at the Close of Day – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Sandra McCracken, Skye Peterson, Vince Gill, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull, Deborah Klemme, The Getty Girls, Heather Headley
Step Into My Story – Selah — WINNER!
You Are More – Tiffany Coburn
You’re Still God – Phillips, Craig & Dean

Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Bigger Than Sunday – Triumphant Quartet
Change Is Coming – Joseph Habedank — WINNER!
It’s Still Good News – Guardians
That’s Gospel, Brother – Gaither Vocal Band
The Journey – Greater Vision

Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year
Alone With My Faith – Harry Connick, Jr.
Little More Love – Jordan Family Band
My Savior – Carrie Underwood
Peace At Last – Nelons
Songs for the Times – Isaacs — WINNER!

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
DOE : EP – DOE
Gospel According to PJ – PJ Morton
I AM – Koryn Hawthorne — WINNER!
Still – Brian Courtney Wilson
The Book Of Mali – Mali Music

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album) – Fisk Jubilee Singers
Changing Your Story – Jekalyn Carr
Choirmaster – Ricky Dillard
Chosen Vessel – Marvin Sapp — WINNER!
The Reunion – Jonathan Nelson

Gospel Worship Album of the Year
Believe For It – CeCe Winans — WINNER!
Come Alive (Deluxe) – All Nations Music
Never Be Defeated – Rich Tolbert Jr.
The N.O.W. Experience – Kelontae Gavin
VaShawn Mitchell Presents Africa Worship – Various Artists

Spanish Language Album of the Year
Desesperado (Spanish) – Evan Craft — WINNER!
Mil Generaciones – Miel San Marcos, Essential Worship
Renovada : EP – Blanca
Todos Mis Mejores Amigos – Hillsong Young & Free
Uno – Alex Zurdo – Redimi2 – Funky

Worship Album of the Year
Graves Into Gardens – Elevation Worship
Old Church Basement – Elevation Worship / Maverick City Music — WINNER!
Revival’s In The Air – Bethel Music
The Blessing (Live) – Kari Jobe
The People Tour: Live from Madison Square Garden – Hillsong UNITED

Children’s Album of the Year
Living Color – Elevation Church Kids
No Reason To Wait – Worship Together Kids
Ready Set Go – Yancy & Little Praise Party — WINNER!
Sing The Bible, Vol. 4 – Slugs And Bugs
Todos Mis Días – Gateway Kids Worship

Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year
A Drummer Boy Christmas – for KING & COUNTRY — WINNER!
A Tori Kelly Christmas – Tori Kelly
Christmas: Acoustic Sessions – Phil Wickham
Miracle Of Love: Christmas Songs Of Worship – Chris Tomlin
Reunited LIVE – Gaither Vocal Band

Musical/Choral Collection
Behold The Lamb Of God – (Creator) Andrew Peterson, (Arrangers/ Orchestrators) Carson Wagner, Russell Mauldin — WINNER!
Christmas Comes Alive – (Creators/Arrangers/Orchestrators) Devin McGlamery, Cliff Duren, Phillip Keveren, Phil Nitz
I Choose Christ: The Songs of Sue C. Smith – (Creator/Arranger) Cliff Duren, (Creator) Sue C. Smith
Love Lifted Up: An Easter Musical – (Creators/Arrangers/Orchestrators) Jason Cox, Joseph Habedank, Cliff Duren, Jay Rouse, Marty Hamby, Phil Nitz
Love Was Born A King – (Creators/Arrangers/Orchestrators) Joel Lindsey, Jeff Bumgardner

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
A Drummer Boy Christmas – for KING & COUNTRY
Graves Into Gardens – Elevation Worship — WINNER!
Revival’s In The Air – Bethel Music
Songs Of Death And Resurrection : Deluxe Box – Demon Hunter
The Blessing (Live) – Kari Jobe

Inspirational Film of the Year
A Week Away — WINNER!
Fatima
Mahalia
My Brother’s Keeper
QUEEN ESTHER

Award-winning artist, actress and entrepreneur Kierra Sheard hits #1 on two Gospel radio charts, with her latest single “Something Has to Break” (feat. Karen Clark Sheard), topping Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart and the MediaBase Gospel chart. The family duet with Kierra and her mother, Gospel icon Karen Clark Sheard, marks a milestone as the first mother-daughter duo to hit #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. 

The two vocal powerhouses deliver a transcendent worship experience in their live performance, inspiring strength and hope in God’s constancy and guidance. This latest chart success for “Something Has to Break” also marks Kierra’s fourth #1 overall on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, following her third #1 for the hit single “It Keeps Happening,” which are both featured on her album KIERRA-Deluxe (Karew Entertainment/RCA Inspiration).  

In addition to performing, Kierra continues to share the latest activities in her life with rehearsing, writing music, traveling, answering questions, tips on her vocal routine, self-care and more on her vlog series “Katching Kierra.” Kierra is also the creator of her fashion line Eleven60 and authored her first book earlier this year, with her memoir “Big, Bold, and Beautiful: Owning the Woman God Made You to Be.”    

Kierra Sheard-Kelly returns to Lifetime next year in the original thriller, Line Sisters. Line Sisters follows four sorority sisters- Valerie (LeToya Luckett), Cassandra (Kierra Sheard-Kelly), Simona (Ta’Rhonda Jones;) and Dominique (Drew Sidora) – as they reunite at a Black Greek Weekend celebration held on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Having pledged the Alpha Beta Omega Sorority, Inc., they share more than the bonds of sisterhood, after the mysterious death of the dean of pledges 15 years prior. But the past comes knocking on their door as they arrive to the island and strange and inexplicable things begin to happen to each one of them, threatening to unearth the deadly secret that may tear them apart. Line Sisters is produced by Big Dreams Entertainment in association with Undaunted Content for Lifetime and is executive produced by D’Angela Proctor and Leslie Greif. Tailiah Breon directs from a script written by Jasmine S. Greene and Scott Mullen.

Kierra Sheard feat. Karen Clark Sheard: “Something Has to Break” [Video]

To connect with Kierra Sheard, visit:

Website: https://www.iamkierrasheard.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/KatchingKierra 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kierrasheard/

Instagram/Twitter: @kierrasheard

If the voice of Melissa Bethea sounds familiar, maybe you’ve heard it on JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise tracks such as “No Holding Back” or the Top 30 hit, “You Are Worthy.”

Now, fans can hear her on her own, as the New Flavor Entertainment production duo of  Clarence Singleton and Eric Davis, and Tyscot Records have partnered to release the Newark, Jersey native’s poignant new track, “You’re Coming Out” (New Flavor Entertainment /Tyscot).

It was written by Singleton,  a seasoned songwriter and producer (Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker), and Davis, a producer who’s co-written a dozen of J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise’s big radio hits such as “After This”, “Lord of All”, and “Resting on His Promise.” 

“This song is my personal testimony about overcoming infertility,” Bethea says of the power ballad. “Five years into our marriage, my husband, Joseph, and I tried to have a baby. The first trimester there was no heartbeat. Then, it happened again, and I had a miscarriage. I said to myself, `Lord, why can’t I carry a child?’ Then, God told me that He’d give me a miracle in six months. Nothing happened for six months. At the end of that six months, I finally got pregnant and eventually had my daughter, Jade, who will be three years old in November. She’s, my miracle.”

Bethea feels the song will resonate with others going through hard times. “There’s so much going on right now with COVID-19,” she says. “People need to feel encouraged about coming out on the other side of this pandemic.  Those who made it through and those who are still here, you are definitely coming out strong.” Meanwhile, the talented trio is hard at work on Bethea’s first full-length album. “I believe the album will be used to encourage, uplift, and inspire,” she says. “So many people need hope because they’ve lost so much with this pandemic This is going to refresh, revive, renew, and point people to Jesus.”

Watch “You’re Coming Out” Snippet below;

Connect with Melissa Bethea

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iammelissabethea/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammelissabethea

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaCBethea1

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