Securus Technologies, an Aventiv company driving efforts to better serve the incarcerated through rehabilitative justice, spearheaded the first-ever “Original Hip-Hop Track Contest” for individuals incarcerated in Department of Corrections facilities throughout the U.S. This contest, organized in partnership with Grammy Award-winning rapper Lecrae, gave the incarcerated the opportunity to showcase their musical talents and bring hope through the power of lyrics.

The winning song, submitted by Carmela Mose, has been exclusively released today for free to incarcerated individuals who have access to the Securus and JPay media stores on their tablets. The song is also available to the general public through streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. All proceeds from the song made through streaming services benefit the Prison Fellowship, a nonprofit organization working to bring hope and restoration to the incarcerated, their families, and communities impacted by crime and incarceration.

Through this inaugural contest, thousands of incarcerated individuals had the opportunity to submit original lyrics to one of three beats produced by hip-hop record producer Zaytoven. Students enrolled at Morris Brown College’s Department of Music, a historically Black college located in Atlanta, reviewed the entries and selected the top 25 finalists. Lecrae chose the winning lyrics that were submitted by Carmela Mose, a 37-year-old woman of Mexican and Samoan descent, who is currently incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).

Carmela grew up in a broken home plagued by violence and abuse in Long Beach, California. She was conditioned to be violent after following the footsteps of those who were supposed to show her love and support. Leaving that abusive environment at a young age, Carmela left home with no ID, no place to live, poor social skills, mental health issues, and an addiction to methamphetamines, all of which made it virtually impossible for her to secure employment and create a successful life for herself. While her hardships led her into a life of crime at an early age, Carmela is now focused on and committed to her rehabilitation at the corrections facility, where she works in the Prison Industry Authority’s Career Technical Education (PIA CTE) Carpentry/Laborers Pre-Apprenticeship Program and is one class away from earning her associates degree from Feather River Community College.

In late July, Lecrae visited CCWF and recorded Carmela’s original song “I Think” onsite in a room dedicated to educational learning. The song, recorded under Carmela’s artist name Good, was then mastered by Lecrae’s label Reach Records, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity for both Lecrae and Carmela.

“Being given the opportunity to be supported, and listened to, by so many talented visionaries has been a truly humbling experience,” said contest winner Carmela Mose, AKA Good. “As I sat there recording my track, I felt a stark contrast between the me who was rapping into that mic, and the old me that was sitting on a bus on the way to prison. I’m grateful for that confirmation. Thank you so very much to all the folks at Securus, Reach Records, and Lecrae for lifting me up and getting me started on my amends.”

“Recording this track with Carmela onsite at a maximum-security prison facility, which houses many other inspiring women, was an absolutely life-changing experience for me. I’m proud to be part of a campaign that invests in those who often feel forgotten, and hopefully this contest will open doors for other creative campaigns to reach the incredible talent behind bars,” said Lecrae, who is also known for his social justice and faith-based activism. “Music is part of my soul, and I am humbled to share my gift and create songs that help uplift others. Carmela now has that same feeling as her work ethic, talent, and beautifully written lyrics will inspire the lives of so many.”

The campaign is an example of Securus Technologies’ further investment in the incarcerated community, encouraging individuals to explore and celebrate their musical and artistic talents.

“We knew this campaign would change the life of one lucky winner, but we didn’t anticipate the impact Carmela’s experience would have on all of us as after we read her lyrics, watched her passion during the recording, and learned of her personal story and battle to become who she is today,” said Dave Abel, President and CEO of Aventiv Technologies, the parent company of Securus Technologies. “The objective of this campaign was to ignite creativity and encourage participants to translate their passion through lyrics. We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Carmela and all the contest participants and look forward to continuing to host more creative campaigns to bring hope to the incarcerated community.”

Carmela Mose’s winning song “I Think” is accessible for FREE to the incarcerated and it is available for purchase through streaming services, such as Spotify. The song lyrics and photos can be found here. Footage of the campaign is available here. Additional information about the contest can be found here.

Gaither Music Group is thrilled to announce its partnership with four-time Emmy Award-winning TV personality, singer-songwriter and bestselling author Kathie Lee Gifford for the release of The Way – a DVD, TV special and audio collection in conjunction with the epic film that brings to life classic Biblical themes and legendary characters.

Releasing on September 2, The Way merges the ancient with the modern, featuring compelling Biblical stories with contemporary orchestral arrangements, powerful narration and touching visuals. Over the course of four movements spanning 75 minutes, the soundtrack features Gifford with guest vocalists Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Larry Gatlin, Jimmie Allen, Bebe Winans, Kathy Troccoli, Katie Ohh and Louis York, all accompanied by 65 members of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. The album will be available to stream, download and purchase across all digital platforms.

Beginning the weekend of September 2, The Way TV special will air on TBN, RFD-TV, Circle, TCT, Heartland and CTN; it will also be airing in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV.

Kathie Lee Gifford

The first video single, “The God of the How and When (Mary) – feat. Katie Ohh,” will be available September 2, on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel (over 2.6M subscribers) as well as on the Gaither Facebook page.

The Way CD and DVD will be available for purchase at online accounts, retail stores and at Gaither.com; and individual music videos from the release will be available at all digital streaming accounts and on the Gaither Music TV YouTube Channel.

Kathie Lee Gifford Presents: The Way, will be showing in theaters nationwide Thursday, September 1, as a Fathom movie event. Purchase advance tickets here, or go to: www.fathomevents.com for more info.

The Way – Official Track Listing:

1. The Overture
2. The God of the How and When
3. The God of the How and When (Abraham and Sarah)
4. The God of the How and When (Moses)
5. The God of the How and When (Joshua) – feat. Larry Gatlin
6. The God of the How and When (Mary) – feat. Kaitie Ohh
7. The God of the How and When (Choir: As It Was in the Beginning)
8. The God of His Word: Jehovah Elohim (Creation)
9. The God of His Word: Your Word (The Disciples)
10. The God of His Word: Everything (Women)
11. The God of His Word: Your Word reprise
12. The God of His Word: Oh, the Power (Jesus’ Miracles)
13. The God of His Word: Jehovah Elohim reprise
14. The God Who Sees
15. The God of the Other Side: The Other Side
16. The God of the Other Side: He Looked at Me (Demoniac)
17. The God of the Other Side: Living Water (Samaritan Woman)
18. The God of the Other Side: Finally (Prodigal Son)
19. The God of the Other Side: What Grace (Cornelius)
20. The God of the Other Side: Meet Me on the Other Side (Mark 4:35)
21. The Finale-Shalom

TRIBL Records, the number one independent inspirational recording home, introduces the new duo, SONS THE BAND. SONS THE BAND is the confluence of Denver transplant Jordan Colle and Detroit native Steve Davis. SONS THE BAND debut album, Live from 1971, will be available everywhere music is sold and streamed on Tuesday, September 9th.

Live from 1971 was recorded at 1971 Sounds in Atlanta, which has a history with SONS THE BAND. SONS THE BAND are paying homage to the studio by releasing this collaborative project. The studio captures the heart of both, which will always be creating songs for the Church.

SONS THE BAND’s Jordan and Steve met in March 2020 at a songwriting camp hosted by Maverick City Music in Atlanta, GA. SONS THE BAND was born in Jordan’s studio a few months later, and dreams became a reality. In keeping with today’s contemporary Christian style, their sound centers around heavy guitars, gospel piano, and dynamic vocals. Although the elements may be like other groups, they hope the sound they create resonates through the Church and helps add a new expression to the worship of the King.

Upbeat and impactful, “Only Ever Good” expresses God’s unwavering goodness. The moment the track begins, the energy is evident. The joy and love of God come through in the vocals and the instrumental parts. Everyone who listens to this song will enter a space representing God’s all-embracing goodness. “His nature is goodness, and his goodness infinitely extends to his sons and daughters. It’s a declaration that in good times and bad, his nature doesn’t change.”

In contrast to “Only Ever Good,” “Cross and Empty Grave” is an introspective worship experience. The listener begins the journey with impactful, reflective lyrics and minimal instrumentals. Instead of presenting a standard praise and workshop song, Cross and Empty Grave tells the story of Christ’s journey to resurrection and the impact that journey has on all of us. “The lyrics remind listeners that even in his greatness and majesty, God still desires to have intimate relationships with his children. Through his resurrection, God reminds us that He is everything.”

Ian Yates releases the second single from his forthcoming new album ‘Between The Joy And The Sorrow Part 2’. Earlier this year (June 24), Yates released Between the Joy and the Sorrow Part 1.

‘Never Alone’ is about getting lost in the things we’ve seen. Losing site of what is right in front of us. Remembering God is and was always holding us. It’s about living in the tension of feeling alone, but we are never alone. It’s about looking back and seeing God’s grace, God holding us though the times we thought he’d left us.

Florida-based house worship ministry, Sound of the House, is set to release, “Every Single Time,” the debut single off the band’s sophomore live album (coming October 28th) that reverberates the stubborn faith of Sound of House leaders, Austin and Lindsey Adamec, through their seven-year infertility journey.

Inspired by 2 Timothy 2:13, “Every Single Time” dares listeners to believe that God remains faithful even when we are faithless. Even when we’ve lost all hope, He cannot deny Himself. In the Adamecs’ case, the song was written from the perspective of maintaining strong faith in the trenches of their journey through infertility. Despite their heartache, the couple maintained their focus on Jesus and found hope – being blessed with a baby boy over seven years later. The lyrics boldly proclaim just that:

From the gravity of Calvary
To the details of today
The same hands that hold the world
Are holding me the same

Co-written by Austin & Lindsey Adamec and Maverick City’s “Man of Your Word” co-writer, Nathan Jess, and produced by Taylor Moenning, the new single is set to be released Sept. 2 followed by the full album on October 28th. From the energetic centerpiece of voices to the organic blending together of punchy drums and slide guitar, “Every Single Time” brings joy and light to each room where it is played.

“Faith has bloomed! Hope has been restored,” said leader Austin Adamec when asked how listeners have responded to the single thus far. “The song is pretty hype throughout so there’s a lot of movement, jumping and dancing.”

To be encouraged and get involved with the excitement surrounding this new release yourself, head to https://slinky.to/EverySingleTime and pre-save “Every Single Time” today!

Avenue Trio – comprised of husband and wife, Kasey & Haley Kemp and Jonathan Mattingly – have released their latest project, Crucified. Magnified. Glorified.

This collection contains brand new recordings of songs that have found their way into churches across America and around the world – both beloved hymns alongside new worship songs.

From songs like “Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed,” to “Jesus Cares for Me,” and “It Takes Jesus,” and so much more, the music exists to bring the listener into a time of worship.

Group member Kasey Kemp says: “It’s not your everyday hymns project, that’s for sure. This is a true worship record. We invite the listener to join us as we sing songs of praise to the Father, not just songs about Him. With familiar hymns and new worship songs alike, this record has been carefully designed to bring a spirit of worship to your personal time with God.”

Whether new or old, each song contains lyrics that are rich in scripture, expertly delivered with stunning and exquisite harmonies.

The project is available now on all streaming platforms or via the groups website at www.avenuemusic.net.

The group continues their heavy schedule in support of the new project with upcoming appearances, including Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, Michigan, Ohio and more.

Crucified. Magnified. Glorified. – Avenue Trio

“Risen,” a new single incorporating the beloved hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, with a new upbeat chorus, bridge and music, is being released today by Jermaine Bollinger. The song, written and produced by Bollinger on his album titled “Classics,” goes for adds to Christian AC-formatted radio outlets.

Bollinger is a Christian music industry veteran whose career has produced chart-topping music, including three No. 1 singles, “Revival, released by Bollinger’s ministry, Little Egypt Worship; “Set Us Free,” which Bollinger released in 2021, and “Beyond,” a single released earlier this year. Named for Jermaine Jackson from the iconic Jackson 5, Bollinger has developed into an excellent representation of his namesake. Not only is Bollinger a talented singer/songwriter, but the musician plays a variety of instruments, including drums, keyboards, guitar and bass.

Throughout his career, Bollinger has studied with some of the top musicians in their respective fields, including Todd Herreman, recording engineer who worked closely with Prince and Michael Jackson; Terence Ma (vocalist, pianist and founder of The Spaa); Steve Shirk (father to Big Daddy Weave’s Joseph Shirk); Darryl Phinnessee (background vocalist with Michael Jackson and Sheryl Crow); Alan Iarussi (guitarist); and Tommy Taylor (accomplished choral director and minister of music).

When he isn’t involved with music, Bollinger spends time with loved ones, playing basketball and watching Marvel movies. He also spends his free time in graphic design and recording engineering.

Rachael Nemiroff has released new music with her latest single “S.O.S.” The audio can be heard below. “S.O.S” is available now.

“Wrote this song around this time last year. I had just come out of a difficult time in my life and felt like things were finally lifted and lighter. I won’t ever forget that time in my life when things felt so dark – like I couldn’t see a way out. I wanted to write something during my session that could by an encouragement to anyone who may really be going through it right now and feels like giving up. You are seen & God hears your cries. I promise it won’t stay this way forever. Please don’t give up.” -Nemiroff

If you really want to get to know a person you should peep their playlist. Experiencing a collection of music they’ve curated for inspiration, entertainment, and emotional release can provide the listener with a profound understanding of the soul behind the sounds.

This is especially true when the subject of interest is a recording artist – hence the album Pronounced Pooh-Yole.

The project serves as a brief Eddy Puyol audio biography – sharing his successes under the “Rawsrvnt” stage moniker, educating audiences about how to say his last name, and providing a peek into his life filled with faith, family, and fortitude.

Selections include “It’s Over” which embodies Puyol’s family mantra to finish what you start, “Sigue Pa’ Lante” (used during ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast) now transformed into the 100% Spanish-language track he always desired with the help of reggaeton artist El Leo Pa´, the pop/trap/love record “To the Moon,” and “Forever Love” (a recent pick for Pandora’s “Dad Songs for Sons and Daughters” playlist).

The song Puyol is most excited to share is “This One’s for You.” This sunny, “Summertime”-esque track recounts his career as a full-time artist while cleverly sampling vocals recorded when Puyol was just 11-years old.

“This was where it all started – rapping with Ms. Mary’s ‘Kid ‘N Posse’ youth group team back at Word of Life Church,” Puyol recalled. “I sampled her voice for the record too. It’s a special memory for me and, hopefully, a jam for you.”

The track’s visual component is comprised of performance and personal highlight reel footage. It was shot by Will Thomas of Space Cherry Films (in a first time collaboration) at Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen’s Crossover Church where the duo utilized the facility’s brand-new, state-of-the-art 30 foot x 10 foot LED screen as a backdrop.

Both the “This One’s for You” video and Pronounced Pooh-Yole are now available. Look for it on your favorite digital service provider platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, etc.) and Eddy Puyol social media sites.

Stream or download at your favorite digital platform.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/pronounced-pooh-yole/1634287356
https://open.spotify.com/album/3uSjrPM8xighK7fY1dleGB

Nigerian gospel music minstrel , JANET KOOBIA is a PortHarcourt based Artist who hail from Bodo City in Gokana LGA of Rivers State [South South Nigeria]. Also, She is a dedicated and passionate minstrel who’s desire is to see every son and daughter of God return to their Original place of Fellowship with the Father.

Here she serves us with her first amongst the best titled “ALL OF ME”. ‘All Of Me’ is not just a Song, but a heart cry of Surrender, Consecration and yielding for Jesus. 

Listen & Download All Of Me Below.