Known to the Christian Hip Hop community as Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Emanuel Lee Lambert Jr. is ringing in 2023 with a new name and self-titled album, Emanuel, that proves hip hop is not just for the youth.  

Emanuel, a sonic journey through Emanuel’s entire career, including years spent as a classroom-trained percussionist, is released in partnership with Mixed Bag Entertainment.  Emanuel is available wherever music is sold and streamed on Friday, January 27, 2023.

The album Emanuel focuses on the intersection between two worlds.  The world of Emanuel, his birth name, and Immanuel, the Hebrew name given to Jesus Christ.  Boasting collaborations with Fred Hammond, Todd Dulaney, Aaron Cole, Dante Bowe, Tamela Mann, Maranda Curtis, Rich Tolbert, PJ Morton, Yolanda Adams, and more, this album reminds listeners that whatever their state or station of life, the greatest confidence one can have is knowing that God is “Immanuel,” – The God who is with all through every season of life.

The release of Emanuel also introduces the retirement of his artist name, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., and the birth of moving forward under his given name, Emanuel Lambert.  “Being older and wiser makes me feel more stripped down and vulnerable.  Da’ T.R.U.T.H. is strong, and he knows it.  Emanuel is more like one of the guys.  I have been thinking for the past four years that this is something I wanted to do, and this was a perfect time,” shares Emanuel.

CEO of Mixed Bag Entertainment, Gary Crockett, states, ““Working with Emanuel has been exciting. Seeing him along with the Gospel greats bridge the worlds of Gospel music with hip hop is a conduit to bring Generations together. This album speaks to the issues of life but giving an enormous celebration of hope in each song.”

With a career spanning two decades, Emanuel has sold over a quarter million records worldwide and toured or collaborated with some of Gospel and Christian music’s premiere artists.  As a leading voice in the music industry, he has been committed to using creativity in the arts to share his faith & life experiences.  He has won four Stellar Gospel Music Awards and is GRAMMY and DOVE Award nominated.  Additionally, he serves as the CEO of the newly formed entertainment company, NXT Agency.

Emanuel’s lead single, “Set The Bar,” is a powerful and thought-provoking track that starts with an orchestral string composition.  Upbeat and intense “Set The Bar” takes listeners on a journey from humble beginnings in the industry to his current status.  He highlights one of the greatest challenges of longevity: the audience expects the artist to stay the same.  In this heavily string-driven song, he makes an appeal, challenging his listeners to allow him room to evolve and grow as an artist.  The chorus, “I set the pace, I set the bar,” keeps the focus on his intent to be a trailblazer.  Over time, he has developed his own sound and wants his fans and supporters to stay with him as he seeks to mature the genre.

Emanuel – DA’ T.R.U.T.H.

“Whole” is a reflective declaration in three parts.  Emanuel begins with the Gospel rap and Hip Hop style for which he has gained an international reputation.  Known for his unique instrumentation, he beings the song with a simple piano and beat instrumentation.  As he sets the theme for the song, he wants the listener to focus on the lyrics.  Section two is reminiscent of the early gospel hymn songs in which music was primarily created with voices and a keyboard instrument.  In this section, Emanuel and Yolanda Adams utilize the Black music form known as Call and Response to draw the listener into this intimate moment.  Section three returns to traditional Gospel, and the two artists drive the song to the end with an upbeat and celebratory declaration, “I Need Healing for My Soul.”

“Tell Somebody” with Maranda Curtis opens with an intimate children’s moment that reminds us of a Sunday School lesson.  Within seconds, we are shifted to an upbeat vibe with an Island feel.  “Crown” features Todd Dulaney and Aaron Cole and is a spiritually awakening collaboration.  Listeners hear the Dulaney worship sound, which is contemporary Christian in nature.  Emanuel uses his unique lyrical gift to engage those listeners that might need a more urban spiritual moment.  Aaron Cole uses the purity and honesty of his voice to ensure that the text remains at the forefront of the song.  “Kingdom” features Dante Bowe and is a standout declaration that the time has come for the Kingdom of God to rise.  The raw edge of Dante Bowe’s voice and the energetic lyricism of Emanuel activates a call to action that is hard to ignore.  Many believers will relate to the visual picture presented when Bowe sings about the stirring in his soul and the open fire burning in his bones.  “Kingdom” puts these feelings into context by informing listeners that they are a notification that the time has come for them to rise.

Emanuel shares, “I craft music for a mature listener.  If you love music, you will love Emanuel.  If you love Christian hip hop but think you are too old to listen to it, I’m here to tell you that you’re not.  I want people to feel comfortable ‘still liking this.’”

UK worship team Freedom Church releases their new track “Chariots” today.  Available on all digital service providers via DREAM Worship, “Chariots” is the debut track of their upcoming album Barbarians set to release on February 24th. 

The track was produced by George Owen Downes, Dave Thomas, Sam Taylor, Luke Collins and co-written by George Owen Downes and Dave Thomas.

“This single will surprise a lot of people when they hear it! It came from a real cry of our hearts to re-discover our God-given roar and reignite the fight for God’s best for ourselves, our families and beyond. Men can so easily lose that tenacity and passion because of anxiety, routine and religion.

This song shakes that all up! It’s a loud reminder of who God really is in it all. When we find that fight and give it to God to use for his purpose we love more like Jesus and we fight for others more like Jesus. This faith often requires grit so we pray this song wakes it up in men and women alike!” – George Downes, Freedom Church

Chariots – Freedom Church

Listen or Buy “Chariots” here.

Seattle-based worship team, Canyon Hills Worship, has released their brand new single today, “Every Season.”  Available everywhere on digital retail via DREAM Worship. 

The single will also be the follow up radio single to their very popular song “On and On.”  “Every Season” will soon follow thereafter the debut of their new live album, All To Jesus which releases on April 14th.

  “Every Season” was co-written by North Point Worship’s Clay Finnesand and Brandon Coker as well as Canyon Hill Worship’s Michael Monroe and Koby Orr.

“My prayer for anyone who hears this song is that their trust would be made bigger.  That our faith would be made greater.  That we would truly know that whether we are in a season of plenty or a season of need, a season of rejoicing or a season of grieving, He is good.  Our God cares.  Our God loves you with a love so perfect you will not be able to find it anywhere else. So, you can trust him in every season.” – Michael Monroe, Canyon Hills Worship

Every Season – Canyon Hills Worship

Listen or Buy “Every Season” here.

Initially released on Sarah Kroger’s sophomore album, ‘Light’, during the peak of a global healthcare crisis, ‘Belovedness’ found a beautiful following for those battling with mental health challenges. From a barn turned studio nestled in the countryside bordering London, UK, the revisited live version of this song captures the intimate settings of its recording.

This collaboration with Northern Irish singer-songwriter Nathan Jess offers listeners a version that oozes with sweetness, truth, and a message of healing hope.

“This song feels like it comes from the Father’s heart, so having a male vocalist on it this time around felt important to me,” Kroger comments. While reading Henri Nouwen’s book ‘Life of The Beloved’, the artist realized that she was only owning her mistakes instead living out of her belovedness. The powerfully soothing ballad was born from her journey of owning the truth of her identity as a child of God, and inviting others to join in.

“I think identity is a universal, multigenerational struggle” Kroger says. “Ever since this song released 2 years ago, I have been absolutely stunned by the response […] my prayer is that this song can continue to be a healing balm for those who have allowed the lies to tell them who they are,” she continues. ‘Belovedness’ is a song that goes beyond the walls of the Church into a world saturated with noise and confusion and invites people on the journey of letting the Truth grow. Sarah Kroger’s standout track is still a source of calm, encouragement, and reassuring rescue to listeners. A safe place to land and unwind, as she concludes: “This is who we are, and it’s literally an instruction: be loved.”

Sarah Kroger

“Belovedness (Live)” is available now.

Mitch Wong releases his second single from his debut album. The new song, titled ‘Multiply’, gives the Church fresh language to say “yes” to Jesus and to pray His promise to do immeasurably more than we could possibly imagine into reality.

The new single features Mitch Wong’s wife, Steph, on a piano-led, expansive, and driven soundscape.

‘Multiply’ reinforces the artist’s fresh edge in congregational worship as well as his unwavering commitment to the message of the gospel in song. The new single testifies that Jesus, just as He did with the fish and the loaves, can multiply the faith that we place in His hands to work wonders and to glorify His Name.

Multiply – Mitch Wong

“Multiply” is available now.

‘Multiply’ is the penultimate single to Mitch’s forthcoming album. Mitch is a Grammy award-winning songwriter and has collaborated with artists such as CeCe Winans, Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake.

Singer-Songwriter Rorie will release a new single “Unseen” on Friday, February 3, 2023. The song is inspired by a handful of scriptures: Romans 8:24-28, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Romans 5:5 and Hebrews 11:1.

“The words came from a season when it felt like I was losing many things. It was during this time when I was reminded how important it is to know what we truly put our hope in. It can be easy to say that we have faith or that we believe when things are going well, but when it seems like everything else is crashing to pieces – that’s when our faith can really be tested. This song is an acknowledgement of those moments of surrender, when we know that all we have is Christ and that even if that was all that we ever had, it would be enough.

Knowing Jesus is worth more than anything we may win or lose in this life, and as a Christian this reminds me of how beautiful eternity will be. No matter what this life may bring, we can look to eternity with our Savior and know that ‘it is well.’”

This is the first single to release off of her upcoming album ‘Stones of Remembrance,’ which is currently releasing one song at a time and expected in full later in 2023.

Nigerian-International award-winning gospel music minister, producer, and recording artiste; Nosa is out now with a brand new sound titled “Your Majesty“.

The “We Raise A Sound” crooner teamed up with popular Fuji gospel singer Mike Abdul on this song to create a unique sound that keeps you on your toes dancing away all of life’s stresses.

Nosa is a name that needs no introduction as he has consistently given us many great sounds over the years that have been a huge blessing to the body of Christ.

This new song “Your Majesty”, is a song of appreciation to God almighty for his goodness, faithfulness, and all that he is to us. A heart of gratitude is a sure way to begin a brand new year and this song puts you in that space where you just want to bless the name of God for all that you have received in the past year.

This song will surely bless you.

Your Majesty – Nosa Ft. Mike Abdul

Listen & Download Below

Nigerian gospel singer, Naomee Oboyi, fondly called Naomee, kicks off 2023 with a new video for her song, ‘Awone’ featuring Chris Morgan. Awone, one of the songs on her debut album,‘Beautified by Grace’, describes God as “The Rock on which we stand.”

Naomee and Chris Morgan code-switch between English and Idoma on the song, creating this heavenly sound filled with deep lyrical content and powerful vocal performances.

Speaking about the song, Naomee said, “It is a song that will take you on a smooth getaway with God, to a place of deep worship and total confidence in Him; knowing fully well that He can and will always take care of you.”

The video was directed by Shalom Chiki Films, while the audio was produced by award-winning music producer Sunny Pee.

Naomee Oboyi Ft. Chris Morgan

Stream & Download

About Naomee:

Naomi Oboyi, who simply likes to be identified as Naomee is many things rolled into one. She is a seasoned gospel music minister, songwriter, event host, and media consultant with an intense passion for God.

The songstress who was born on May 11 in Otukpo, Benue State started singing in her local church choir at the early age of eight and has since progressed in her journey as a musical artist. In 2021, she released her debut album, ‘Beautified by Grace’ which has been a huge blessing to several lives across the world.

Naomee who is also a graduate of Mass Communications from Benue State University loves to host events and work as a media personality when she’s not making music.

Purist Ogboi premiere’s her brand new single titled “Yeshua”. It’s a song of hope, declaring God’s sovereignty over everything.

Purist was asked why she wrote this song and here is what she has to say;

“During the pandemic we lost a lot of people and I personally lost a real special woman of God I highly admire.

As I pondered this unexplainable situation, the words for this song welled out of me. “YESHUA”, our Deliverer…“

Through the toughest of life’s trials, “Yeshua” remains our Anchor, our Strength and our Deliverer. “Yeshua” is always there… close like no other. He’s the fourth man in the fire.

This song will strengthen your faith.

“Yeshua” was written by Purist Ogboi and produced by @evans_ogboi for @simplicity_records London UK.

Yeshua (Prod. By Ogboi Evans) – Purist Ogboi

Watch Video Below;

DOWNLOAD/STREAM MP3

LYRICS

VERSE 1
In the darkest hour
You are still God
When it doesn’t make sense
You are still God
I put my hope in Jesus
My deliverer
You’re the 4th man in the fire
Through our fiery trials

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh

VERSE 2
Even in the fire
You are still God
When the storm is raging
You are still God
You are my firm foundation
I will not be moved
You a miracle worker
There is nothing you cannot do

CHORUS
Yeshua ah ah
My Deliverer
Yeshua ah ah
The one who holds tomorrow
The reliable one
Dependable
You are the lifter of my head
Yeshua
My life is in your hands

CODA
Yeshua, my life is in your hands 2X
Yeshuaaaa…….

BRIDE
Yes you are
Working it out
Yeshua 2x

Connect with Purist Ogboi

Twitter: @Purist_Ogboi

Instagram: @Purist_Ogboi

Afrogospel and Christian Hip Hop artist, PROTEK ILLASHEVA has released a brand new single titled “Answer Call”, featuring 121Selah and Derry Hans. “ANSWER CALL” is a fusion of Worship, Afro and Rap.

Sometimes, when gospel music is being mentioned, the average mind thinks of another boring old folks song preserved only for sunday; sound-tracking the weeks guilt, 

However, Afrogospel and Christian Hip Hop artist PROTEK ILLASHEVA like a few other artists, intends to re-design gospel music with the trendy, pop culture touch to appeal to the general public whilst renewing minds, winning & transforming souls.

Answer Call – Protek Illasheva Feat 121selah & Derry Hans

“Answer Call” is available on streaming platforms;

Watch & Download Audio Below

LYRICS:

Solo

When I see the stars in the night skies
Ocean with the high tides
I see your signature your perfect handwriting
Whether sunshine or moonlight
When I look in the mirror yeah
Oh I see your picture your perfect image e

Lord Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus
I feel your presence everywhere, yeah
Lord Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Lord Jesus
I hear your voice inside my ears, yeah

(afro switch)
Lord Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus
You are seated inside my heart oh oh ooh
Jesus Jesus Jesus Lord Jesus
I like to stay inside your arms oh oh ah

Choral (chorus)
I call you oga boss and when I 

Need you you dey waka come, you no dey 

Waste time you dey answer call, whether na 

Newyork or Port Harcourt, I say na

I call you oga boss and when I 

Need you you dey waka come, whether I 

Take flight or enter bus whether na 

Lagos or na Frankfurt

Rap
Everytime I’m looking at the sunrise
Abbe looking through the Son’s eyes
I see God in everything, everything in God
Yeah, you know the word that became flesh
You’re crystallised inside my heart
My life a garden that you work in
So in love with me, It’s like you stalking
I’m joking, you fix me when am broken
Then you bath me with more love than I soak in

There’s nobody body
Compare to you my Godi Godi
If them like make them call police police
With the most high no kpoli kpoli
Say you always dey answer
You no dey waste time
I call I dey see you like say e be facetime
Mathematician your addition dey perfect

Choral (chorus)
“I like to stay inside your arms oh oh ah”

I call you oga boss and when I 

Need you you dey waka come, you no dey 

Waste time you dey answer call, whether na 

Newyork or Port Harcourt, I say na

I call you oga boss and when I 

Need you you dey waka come, whether I 

Take flight or enter bus whether na 

Lagos or na Frankfurt

Solo (afro)
When I see the stars in the night skies
Ocean with the high tides
I see your signature your perfect handwriting
Whether sunshine or moonlight
When I look in the mirror yeah
Oh I see your picture your perfect image e

Lord Jesus Jesus Jesus sir

Oh my sweet Lord Jesus yeah

You are seated inside my heart oh oh ooh

Lord Jesus Jesus Jesus sir

Oh my saviour Jesus yeah

I like to stay inside your arms oh oh ah

Choral (chorus)

“I like to stay inside your arms oh oh ah”

I call you oga boss and when I 

Need you you dey waka come, you no dey 

Waste time you dey answer call, whether na 

Newyork or Port Harcourt, I say na

I call you oga boss and when I 

Need you you dey waka come, whether I 

Take flight or enter bus whether na 

Lagos or na Frankfurt

Protek Illasheva (Afro solo)
There’s nobody body
Compare to you my Godi Godi
If them like make them call police police
With the most high no kpoli kpoli
Say you always dey answer
You no dey waste time
I call I dey see you like say e be facetime
Mathematician your addition dey perfect