I can’t even gloat about having an accurate prediction, cuz I think we all saw it comin’…
Mary Mary won the BET Award for “Best Gospel Artist.” Jamie Foxx called them “the NEW Queens of Gospel” last night… I dunno if I’d go there just yet, especially since Albertina Walker holds the title and is still in the game, but the Marys are definitely making moves. Let’s compromise at the “Queens of URBAN Gospel.” Fair?
Anyway, the Marys performed “God In Me” live. Kierra Sheard wasn’t on hand to perform the bridge, but Queen Latifah came out with a verse (rhyming, not singing).
It’s on YouTube (for now)… so watch here:
I’m not sure if it was the sound quality (mics were kinda low), or the lack of much stage action (in comparison to the other performances, their stage was kinda bare), but I wasn’t feelin’ this particular performance as much as some of Mary Mary’s other ones. And the audience kinda just sat there like “okay…” until Latifah came out.
That said, people try to front on the ladies, like they’re not reppin’ Christ, but I give props to them– I felt like it was clear who they were singing about and who they were singing for… but I know y’all might not agree… 
What did you think???
As far as the performance....it was clear who they represented. They just were not in the best form vocally, I've definitely heard them better. As far as the crowd sitting on them, well yeah, the song is super popular in gospel circles, that was a secular crowd. I'm glad Queen Latifah came out, she sort of saved the performance in a way.......plus I was very impressed with what she said lyrically. Had Kiki came out it wouldnt have had that same effect, again, because that was a secular audience.
If sales and R&B crossover hits are the criteria then Mary Mary has a sure shot of becoming the "Queens of Gospel". But there's one problem ----- Mary Mary doesn't sing the Gospel. I didn't know my Jesus died for all to have white tee, gucci, and whips? That's surely the good news. You don't throw "God" name in a couple times and voila --- this is gospel. Who knew Beyonce's rendition of the famous prayer, "Ave Maria", would be more consecrated. Because if I didn't know differently, it sounds like they were singing of another god like the "god of money", perhaps? That would make better sense. I don't know who was honestly blessed by last night's display. I browsed through some of the popular worldly blogs and social networking sites. I read more comments about Tina's skin tight leather pants and all that it accentuated than any perceived message. *shrugs* As for Queen Latifah, that was a nice lil cameo. I still would have loved to have seen Kierra "Kiki" Sheard on stage though. I wonder what happened with that.
Mary Mary are my girls, but personally, I liked their Sunday's Best persormance better than this. I think it had something to do with the sound, probably b/c it was a much larger arena, but still. Well, yes I surely did want to see my girl Kierra -so disappointed, but I did like seeing Queen Latifah come out-the crowed responded. I'm not even going to go into other things. Just jokingly, they probably didn't want to pump the beats too hard b/c Snoop Dogg might have come out to dance on stage again -lol - just joking!
Mary Mary needs to find a set a set in it for a long, long time. They are truly disgrace to gospel music. That outfit that Tina had on did not fit a gospel singer at all. They are not the queens of gospel, Albertina Walker is and will always be, Why does BET think so much of these two disaters of gospel music? Find some new singers who deserve praises more then Mary Mary BET, Let them go.
Mary Mary needs to find a seat and set in it for a long, long time. They are truly a disgrace to gospel music. That outfit that Tina had on did not fit a gospel singer at all. They are not the queens of gospel, Albertina Walker is and will always be, Why does BET think so much of these two fakes of gospel music? Find some new singers who deserve praises more then Mary Mary BET, Let them go.
@ Ronald Sheppard I'm not Mary Mary's biggest fans, I've only purchased one of their cds, and I dont agree with everything they do, and wear. But, to call them a disgrace to gospel music.........c'mon bro, it's obvious you auditioned 4 Sunday's Best and Mary Mary turned you down.......let it go bruh, let it go.....
i'm really suprised at the negative feedback....jus a month ago everybody was excited about mary mary being nominated and felt they should have win....I get Mary Mary point but there was something missing in this performance......I think Mary Mary perform at their best doing more trad. gospel songs then this....this has to be one of their most urban records there should have been more added to the performance some dancers or something but........yea I did see Trin-i-tee 5:7 in the crowd was hoping that they were going to win but they'll get theres I think they could have capitivated the audience they really know how to put on a show cuz what they did on the Dove Awards 08 was just amazing......maybe next year
i'm really suprised at the negative feedback....jus a month ago everybody was excited about mary mary being nominated and felt they should have win....I get Mary Mary point but there was something missing in this performance......I think Mary Mary perform at their best doing more trad. gospel songs then this....this has to be one of their most urban records there should have been more added to the performance some dancers or something but........yea I did see Trin-i-tee 5:7 in the crowd was hoping that they were going to win but they'll get theres I think they could have capitivated the audience they really know how to put on a show cuz what they did on the Dove Awards 08 was just amazing......maybe next year by the way sign this petition to get 106 & Gospel on Gospel Music Channel http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/get106ngospelonGMC
I love Mary Mary and I'm seeing a lot of this hate from the church coming from a place of religion and not relation. HELLO! Some of the clothes they wear isn't church friendly but definately not the worst. Next, these young ladies are singing for and about Christ and are spreading the gospel, just because the song doesn't sound just like you want it to doesn't make it not right for the winning of souls into the kingdom which is to be our main focus, NOT the tearing down of the saints! There are many that have come to CHRIST through their ministry so I'll say God is being glorified. Other than that stuff, the performance wasn't the best vocally (they never did this song live that well) but Queen L blazed! I loved it. God Bless!
I must say that Queen Latifah saved the performance, but I still have MAD respect for Mary Mary. @Ronald, Lord Help Me!!! OK! Everyones know that Mary Mary approach is not to appeal to the church folks, they have a calling to reach the lost and young generation, I am sorry but the Shirley Caesar approach don't work all times. Using disgrace is out of line Sir....Be Bless and Embrace.
i don't think they performed this song that well and i didn't think they looked their best. I've seen them look great! It seems like they were trying to hard to fit in. Tina being pregnant and all they may have definitely been trying to camouflage it. Queen La looked more 'churchy' than they did? I dunno.
Performance wise they did decent..but personally, y'all might get mad at me for this..I don't think they represented The Body of Christ in the right way, like the way they were dressed, leather rights, hmmm, church or the club???
Y is there so much compromise in gospel music/ church...I know we want to reach souls, but we got to do it the right way...we got to draw the line at some point, we have to be seperate from the world,,No More Compromise!!!
Wow!!! there was no other Christian artist that could be found available to be in the place of Kierra Sheard. That was an insult to the body of Christ. Out of all the Christian artists that could have appeared to perform in the place of Kierra Sheard they had to go get a secular artist (Queen L) to minister with with them on stage. It's sad to see that the majority of Christian artists don't see the problem involved with mixing what Christ calls holy and not holy. Follow the pattern that is already laid out in scripture for the ministers of the Kingdom of God to follow. We must be concerned about worshipping God in spirit and in truth on all platforms. This is an action that secular artists can not do because they are not in the Kingdom of God. Many Christian people (followers of Christ) may justify why it was okay for Queen L. (a known secular artist) to minister in the place of Kierra Sheard and in that I ask those people to seek the scriptures concerning the worship, offerings, services, etc. that God rejected and did not accept from his own people. Body of Christ wake up!!!! Mary Mary, There are many ministers in the body of Christ to choose from who minister in song and rap. Some of these ministers are known nationally, state wide, locally, and even unknown to the public at large but they are known by you. Be empowered to pursue the pattern of God according to logos & Rhema word of God!! Worship God/Christ in his spirit and in his truth!!!!!
I didnt really have a problem with the outfits *shrugs* It's the vocals....it seemed like they were struggling to sing the song. The whole queens of gospel...imma excuse Jamie for that. That title does go to Albertina Walker. ok back to the performance....I actually like Queen Latifah(best thing about the performance)...I just WISHED Kiki could have been apart of it also....I was so waiting for her. The performance just kind of left me blah. I probably would have been more blessed by Fantasia singing "Free yourself"
Well to be honest if MM and Latifah performance was a insult to the body of christ, no gospel artists should have attended the awards with all that R&B and Rap (whateva). I understand the decision of having Latifah do the collabo. Unfortunately, if they would have use Da Truth, the audience reaction probably wouldn't change, lets be real. Also, I don't see a problem with the attire, I've seen worst in the christ involvement. I guess they should have worn long plaid skirts....lol
And another thing (lol)..its really sad that the crowd didnt get involved until queen latifah came on stage..this is my problem with secular artist performing gospel...The Lost Cant Save The Lost!!!..Now when souls get "saved", they think they can live the same lifestyle they lived in the world...Hmmmm, i wonder how many ppl r going 2 show up with leather tights this sunday morning at church???lol
Ppl need to get of MaryMary's back.. they represented who dey are. Their YOUNG black christian women. And I dnt think they compromised what they sung. Alota reason why people dnt listen to gospel music? Because most of it is the same and it holds no substance lyrically. Yes we all love the lord. But why not talk about your walk? Why not talk about your life. Any artist can come out and say JESUS, JESUS... ok... Why Jesus? See alota ppl always talking bout that's not worshipping the Lord or magnifying him. But a lot ppl that don't have a relatioship with him don't feel that they have a reason to worship. That's why Christian artist need to sing about real life. Were human. This a not some supernatural stuff going on. You gota face the same stuff that everybody else face. Their like "Yeah, I'm on this stage... I'm fitted. I'm recongnized at the bet awards, but guess what ITS BECAUSE OF GOD." And they looking fly while doing it so I ain't gona knock them. And fyi: Tina is pregnant. How else can you put it yo. Ppl need to leave them girls alone. As soon as people see a young gospel artist making it big dey wana talk about their clothes and who dey performing with. The same with secular artist. When your doing it big and God is blessing you, you gona make some ppl mad. I can see fully that these 2 women love the lord. And I say y'all betta keep doing what you doing because your reaching people. The billboard charts, sales, and sold out concerts explain it all. People want some GOD IN THEM! Y'all betta get outa the old testament. Lol.
Personally I didnt like the performance.. I was with some unsaved friends and they were like "Man is this what yall wearin in church? I gotta go back..lol.I laughed but then the reality was i think they tried a little too hard to be mainstream..For some reason the song just didnt have that effect that it usually did. Maybe just b/c of the atmosphere/venue. But I do love Mary Mary..one of my favorites.But naah..i couldnt rock with them last night..
so called "church folk", please do as Jesus demanded...disciple nations! Worrying about Tina & Erica, what they are wearing, who they performing with, full blown dissertations on how unholy they are??? Go get someone saved and stop operating under an old paradigm!
It just bothers me to hear what we've become..modern day Pharisees..they didn't like how Jesus did ministry either...criticized him for talkin to the Samaritan woman...don't do this on this day, wear this this way...He didn't do it the way they were trained..or what the culture bias was...but Jesus was wise in how he talked to the people..not with scripture, bc they wouldn't understand that...but with parables so they could relate...but the proverb says that he who wins souls is wise..and we don't know what opportunities MM has to minister to people we will never get to...and lets be honest...none of else are preachin Jesus in every convo, movement...so be careful how we put judgement on others about how they do ministry..lets be prayin for them..and ask God for more opportunities to reach others.. As far as the performance goes..it wasn't the best to me..sounded like a lil technical difficulty, but I'm sure the audience knew Latifah wasn't talkin about some dude when when she said, 'He's comin back yall'... Love yall and love the new site...
Wow. A lot of hate coming towards the Marys! I just have one comment - why would you assume that because Queen Latifah doesn't do Gospel music that she's not a Christian. To somehow claim that the Marys were compromising by performing with Queen Latifah is, one, to be ignorant of who Queen Latifah really is, and two, very judgmental. God said judge not lest you be judged. God's gonna have to judge a whole lot of people for their comments on this.
I think I tend to agree with several of the comments that said that we don't know whether Queen Latifah is a Believer or not. She claims to believe, and I cannot judge the state of her salvation, nor do I think we're called to do so. I don't have a problem with the Marys doing a collabo with her. Also, I wanna point out that I don't believe this song to be about gaining material possessions. It comes from the "already rich" person's perspective, one who already has wealth, saying "don't give ME credit for this-- it's all because of God that lives inside of me." I don't think that's far-removed from the scope of the Gospel message. What else do folks think???
Exactly EJ! I agree. This is my concern and a thought, just as easily we are classifying the "non-christian" such as Queen and the "so called" christian such as Mary Mary, I can gurantee if the "Judgers" were approached by either artists and was told that GOD told them to give them $10,000 or buy them a new home, I bet "Judgers" will accept and wouldn't question GOD. MM is doing an awesome job in the Gospel industry and if you truly follow and contribute to their ministry, we all know they work for the Kingdom. The song has a great message.
2 WORDS: "LUKE WARM" This is disturbing I love that trying to reach that audience but cutting corners isn't hott!!! Say his name JESUS. GOD is anybody. Im not judging Queen Latifah or Mary Mary at all thats their personal relationship. To do things money driven is where we fall short!!
@Joseph Putnam: welcome to the site! Doesn't it kinda ask for too much, though, to require that they say "Jesus," in order for the song to be legit? That rationale would imply that we should also cut songs like Thomas Dorsey's "Precious Lord," Walter Hawkins' "Thank You, Lord" and Dottie People's "God Can" from our collection, too. And those are my jams! LOL
When it comes to the performance they weren't all that great. But MaryMary on tour and one pregnant.... Being a artist ain't easy. Especially when you gotta read negative comments like some has posted. MaryMary are already legends in my book for what they have concurred. Ppl are to concerned with them. We so fast to put our mouth on ppl when we don't even know what's really going on. We don't know Queens heart. Ppl r soooo judgemental yo.
Uuum, I'm not understanding the problem here. Mary Mary BEEN workin with secular artists. Shoot, Baby Dubb?? That's all he work wit! Was it what they had on? They BEEN dressin like that. And seein as how they been in the game about 10 years and haven't listened to yall yet, I don't think their attire is gonna change cuz of what people have to say. Was it cuz they were on the BET awards? Um, where would it have been appropiate to sing that song?? In vacation bible school?? :roll: I did have issues with the vocals tho. But I don't really enjoy that song live anyway because it's autotune, and you can't really sing that and it sound the same. But e'rybody know the Marys can sing. Sooo, I'm confused "church folk". I guess it'd be better if they just kept their mouth shut and not shared God at all, huh??? Yeah, that's the ticket!
I agree with dmillzthe1st.
y'all are being real D-E-E-P. it's really clear that we have a lot of growing up to do. part of the reason why Gospel artists try to collaborate with artists from other genres of music--which I think is a great idea--is to hopefully reach another audience/demographic they might not have necessarily had to opportunity to reach. It's unfortunate that we are sooo judgemental about every little thing... and we wonder why people are so turned off by "church." We just don't get it. It's very true that we can't please all people all of the time. So, somebody is not gonna like what they have on. Somebody else probably wont like their choice of feature. Who cares. At the end of the day, they have worked hard and God has blessed them with the platform to reach generations and a culture of people who don't necessary agree with the judgements and church religion y'all are displayin just on this issue. If the Church's mission is to bring people in, how do we do that if we stay in the four walls of the church? Times have changes, culture has changed...in turn, people have changed. It's not a matter of compromising, but rather an issue of adapting to the environment to the point where will even listen to what you have to say. Tho, I wasn't a fan of the performance--it was kinda flat and they could have done so much with the song/staging, etc)--i still think they represent GOD well and without compromise. Perhaps WE are the ones who need to grow up!
All I can say is wow! We wonder why people are scared to go to church. Why are we so quick to judge others? Why can't we be thankful that the Lord provided a venue for somebody (I don't care who it is) to minister to a national audience? Maybe it wasn't their best vocal performance. What artist Christian or secular gives their best performance every time they take the stage. Since when did we as Christians have a monopoly on Jesus Christ? Who are we to say who should or should not sing (or rap) gospel music. Instead of bashing people, why don't we just continue to lift them up in prayer and let God do the rest.
First of all, the ONLY reason I watched the BET Awards was to see Mary Mary. I had to rake through all the crap that was being shoveled on that stage i.e. Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo threepeats. The show should have been called the Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo show, but I digress. I was about to turn it when suddenly the ladies came out. I was SO happy to see them. I think they represented LJC(Lord Jesus Christ) in a huge way. First of all, Mary Mary were called to the world to tell the people that it is God Who makes the difference in their lives and in the lives of all those who would believe. They did that. Not only did they do it, they did it in a major way, and they succeeded because they are being judge in exactly the SAME way Jesus was judged for eating and drinking with the publicans and sinners. People judge them for being "luke-warm". I wholeheartedly DISagree. I really don't know what church folk were expecting to see in a secular venue such as the award show. It was NOT the Stellars(THANK YOU, JESUS!). They came out onstage told people about that it's not THEM that causes them to be blessed, but it's the God(who is Love) in them that makes it happen. They DID what Jesus commissioned them to do. Just picture it...they were on stage for all of three minutes. While all the other worldly acts got like five minutes or more. My goodness, Beyonce stood up there in her Diana Ross attire for almost ten minutes singing Ave Maria(don't forget to roll your "R" when you say that). Let's not forget the "stellar" perfomances of the pornography by Drake, Lil Weezy, and Cash Money( made me embarrassed to be black, but VERY proud to be a Christian). Let's not forget Jamie Foxx's three or four performances. In the midst of ALL THAT, Mary Mary came out on stage professing that it was the "God in Me" that got them where they are. You KNOW the people want to know how they do what they do. You KNOW the people want to know why they look so happy. You KNOW the people want to know HOW they got where they are, and how Baby Dub got where he is. They told the whole world that it was the "God in Me" and to top it all off, they have the Queen of Hip-Hop come out professing that she's blessed because of the "God in Me". I guarantee you folk was wondering when did Queen Latifah go gospel. I know I was shocked when she came out on stage and basically said that she wasn't talking about Jay-Z(who affectionately refers to himself as Jayhovah thus the "Hova, no Jay " line. Jesus has commissioned us to share the love that HE taught us with the world. You all don't know what kind of conversations went on backstage that would make the difference in Queen Latifah's life. You also don't know what happened after the performance. Yes, people sat from what the camera showed, but there were some who were up too. I know I was hollering and singing in my living room. Like the two Marys that proclaimed the gospel in the Bible by telling people that their God had raised from the dead, the modern day Marys simply told a dark place that they are who they and have what they have because of the God in them. The goodness of the gospel is that we don't have to be in lack of NOTHING anymore and when we give Him priority in our lives then we too will be empowered to prosper in all we do. THANK YOU Mary Mary for remaining consistent throughout all these years in the face of Pharisee and Sadducee criticisms.
I thought the awards show was going to show some Pastor Brown trailers during the commercials. It screened in Miami last weekend and I'm hoping it has great gospel music featured. The more movies that put it out there, the better for the industry overall. Nicole Ari Parker is also in it. Great cast, we'll see how it does.
People talked about Yolanda Adams for the same thing, and look where she is in the gospel industry today? Mary Mary are pioneers of the Urban Gospel movement and it is my belief that one day they'll be respected for it. And I really wish people would stop criticizing them for "not saying the name of Jesus." Please educate yourselves and take a listen to their song "Call Him Jesus!" Now I know that's not any personal fault of yours that you haven't heard that particular song or any other one where they call His name, but don't complain that they don't use it in every song. C'mon people!
Ok, so we all know we can't please everybody, and that's ok. God has opened up many doors for these women, to proclaim the good news, some say they are not Gospel, some say more inspirational, but whatever they are, God is truly working through them to reach a mass audience. If you don't know, I am a true fan of the Marys......, regarding their performance at the BET awards, I thought they did great, someone mentioned they were off a lil vocally, please don't hate, these women have been on tour for a couple of months now, stress and being tired could be a reason for that, I thought they did great, God bless the Marys they rock.!
God is Sovereign!!! Glory Be to Him in everything!
I have been reading some of the posts and wanted to say this. I wasn't tripping on Queen La being with them, I wasn't tripping on the song using or not using Jesus, from a straight artistry perspective they didn't sound their best and i think their stylist missed the mark on this performance. Go MM!
Just because I disagree with or didn't like Mary Mary's performance doesn't mean i'm hating. That said ... I didn't like it at all ... non Gospel people thought it was 'just a gospel version of Blame It' destroying any legitimacy of Mary Mary as very talented artists with a wealth of creativity and songs that are real and relevant. 2nd blame the culture of BET - they're whole agenda is to look for and celebrate watered-down Gospel. It's pervasive all over their network. I could give example after example, but its just simply how mainstream media believe they make Gospel relevant.
I know I'm late, but this discussion is interesting! I thought their performance was okay. I was a little surprised to see Latifah out there--mostly because of the RUMORS of her being a lesbo, NOT because she's a secular artist....that's nothing worth trippin over--and to me, it did kinda seem like the audience perked up a bit when she came out. The pants were a distraction, and I've always taken issue with some of the clothes they choose to wear. Do I expect them to come out with sequins and full skirts like Vickie or Shirley?? God, NO! lol There's a HUGE difference between appealing to the secular, urban world by "dressing the part" and just crossing the line. The pants simply were just too tight...no one's asking her to throw on a mumu. Just throw on some pants that won't take you an hour to take off. THAT said, I don't think their salvation is at stake because of the performance or what they had on. lol They still got on the BET Awards (not the Image Awards, which is a COMPLETELY difference kind of audience) and sang about God on a night when most artists were glorifying Michael as if he was the REAL king.
@ Tre Man nicely said. Ppl dnt want to realize that the Gospel music industry is just like any other. Labels are investing millions into these artist. Their there to reach souls but it is also their career. Someone said they shouldn't have been at the award show... Well obviously you know nothing about the industry. Sometimes its not a choice. You have to put yourself out their. Gospel artist have to do double the work. It ain't as easy for them to be excepted. Just because your a secular artist doesn't mean you can't sing gospel. That's like telling someone who doesn't attend church that they can never come. I really think alota ppl
@ Tre Man nicely said. Ppl dnt want to realize that the Gospel music industry is just like any other. Labels are investing millions into these artist. Their there to reach souls but it is also their career. Someone said they shouldn't have been at the award show... Well obviously you know nothing about the industry. Sometimes its not a choice. You have to put yourself out their. Gospel artist have to do double the work. It ain't as easy for them to be excepted. Also Just because your a secular artist doesn't mean you can't sing gospel. That's like telling someone who doesn't attend church that they can never come. I really believe that alota ppl think that these artist put these albums out on their own lol. Its like they don't understand all of the money and politics invovled.
Another thing. Other than the RUMORS that fly around in the media, when have you ever seen Queen be un christian like. She's always been clean cut..... She even had Cece Winans on a full episode of Living Single. I've seen Latifah rep God numerous of times.
@EJ "Doesn’t it kinda ask for too much, though, to require that they say “Jesus,” in order for the song to be legit?" I know you asked Joseph Putnam but I have to say that I don't think it's "too much" for a song to tell of Jesus. Especially if you dare to say that you're promoting the Gospel in your music. That's what's wrong with gospel music today. They're NOT saying Jesus so they make ambiguous songs to appeal to the world so that the world will accept and they get their song at the top of the charts. Lest we forget there's great power in the name JESUS, demons have to flee when you say that name. He says it plain in the scripture that He is the truth, the way, and the life. NOBODY gets to the Father except through Him. Jesus is the only way. That's the message that needs to be relayed. Everybody that claims "God" ain't saved. So while Mary Mary or ANY of us for that matter are gonna go out and minister to the lost. Don't just tell half of it or water it down for the sake of coming off too "churchy" or "deep". If we act ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of us. When you got celebrity pimps such as Hugh Hefner that has more money than both Mary's combined and is living in a mansion all of us can only dream about. A song like "God In Me" doesn't hold any power and is only laughable at best. I love Mary Mary but I wish they'd stop compromising as if the crowd reaction the other night wasn't enough reassurance.
@Keish: I hear what you're saying, but to be clear: I have no problem with gospel songs talkin' about Jesus. My point was that this has not been true of MANY key songs in the gospel music genre. Arguably the very first gospel song, "Precious Lord," doesn't use it, nor do many of our traditional gospel songs. The choice to EXCLUDE the name of Jesus from gospel songs is not unique to Mary Mary or urban gospel artists. The Clark Sisters just say "YOU" brought the sunshine, James Cleveland said simply that "God" has smiled on him, Israel said that he's a friend of "God," not Jesus. My point is simply that I think we should be careful to say that it's not gospel just because it doesn't say "Jesus" in the lyrics, though I am a BIG proponent of adding His name more frequently...
All these comments on the Marys???? Daaang! I wonder if they're reading this... Anyway, I just wanted to add one more thing. PLEASE stop sayin "God In Me" is sampling "Blame It"!! The Sound came out BEFORE Jamie. It's the curse of Autotune! It just sounds the same! Ok??? Geesh.. The end.
Dana Owens (Queen Latifah) is a practicing and unrepentant lesbian, and I'm pretty sure some of you all had to know that, so it's vital to try to keep the record straight. As far as the use of the word "G-d", no matter when it's used, to assume that one is referring to YHWH, the one true god of the Bible and the Hebrews, is assuming far too much, especially considering how much false teaching flies out of contemporary Christian pulpits on a weekly basis. I'm not a fan of Mary Mary or any contemporary Gospel artist, but neither am I mad at them for getting in where they can find a niche. Any and all praise music MUST be SCRIPTURAL, and in no way contradictory to the oracles of Yahweh. That is the only standard that needs to apply. What people do and how they dress, well, that's on them. If this sister is indeed pregnant, it would seem that her attire would be more conducive to that of a pregnant woman - regardless of the venue. But at the end of the day, she can dress how she wants. None of us are her Mamma and Daddy. On an unrelated tip, I just think that too many black gospel artists and ministers are entirely too fat and obese, and I'm not even going to get spiritual about it. It's just a huge turnoff and very poor witness - in my opinion. So Mary Mary and 'nem gotta a little junk in their trunk and want to show it - that's between them and their husbands - and the god they serve, whomever that may be.
(What i'm about to say has nothing to do with MARY MARY directly) Let's be real people... winning souls has become secondary. Jesus has become a brand to market for profit. many of u are so fascinated with the world that you find any reason to be a part of what it has to offer. Forget being set apart. Who's bold now? Scared to offend your friends living crazy lifestyles... accept any behavior from people... You say, "I'm trying to win souls for Christ" Yeah RIGHT! We've gotten to the point now where accountability is almost NON-existent... everyone uses the slogan "DON'T JUDGE" now... People are so jaded that they dont even question the possibility that a secular artist saying the name Jesus (but living a lifestyle COUNTERING the teachings of Jesus) just might be considered a FALSE PROPHET. We've come so accustomed and comfortable with our SIN that we'll lift our unclean hands to God without repentance or concern. Any ole body can walk on a stage now and say the name Jesus and the christian community is all hype because the rapper Lil Pedophile is a believer! Whooo hooo...lets have Lil Pedophile come to our churches now to speak to our kids cuz he's a BELIEVER! "we ALL are sinners" Is THAT your justification for digesting anything/anyone that throws a JESUS sign up? Maybe if we spent more time in the WORD of God, people wouldnt spend so much time defending MESS. I digress... Lastly, can you all PLEASE get over these titles... Queen of Gospel... King of this and that...WHO REALLY CARES!!! You think she gonna be the QUEEN of Gospel in heaven? goodness...If she were really a Queen she would have to still be workin at her age to survive. Jesus, forgive us all of embracing things that offend You. For altering Your Word to fit our lifestyle. For allowing/accepting the World to teach us a new age Gospel that makes revisions whenever Your Word counters what we WANT to do. You will remain when the dust settles. You will love us when the WORLD turns on us... And when this earth fades, You will still be God and i pray that we all will be where You are.. in Jesus' name.
** would NOT (referring to the Queen of Gospel)
Hmmm, interesting that people are bringing up the rumors of Queen Latifah's sexual orientation......but no one says anything when it comes to the rumors and straight up truth about about our own gospel artists sexual orientations. Some of our most popular pastors, churches, choirs, and definitely gospel artists have the same rumors, and we don't say nothing....but now cause Queen Latifah is a secular artist, we want to be spiritual.
Instead of wasting all this time talking about how Mary Mary did or didnt represent, lets take a look at ourselves and make sure we are walking upright. It's easy to look at others and comment on the sidelines, but what would people have said about you if you were on the awards show. What would we say about you if we were able to watch you lifestyle 24/7??? I not a huge fan of Mary Mary, but it's not easy getting up in front of people knowing that you will be critiqued on everything from you vocals, to hair, to attire, and even if all that is tight, people are gonna judge you and say whether you were anointed or not, lol.......God will judge Mary Mary, just like he's gonna judge us. I'm out!
WOW!!! The saints are rude!!! Clothes: They weren't church friendly, but where they inappropriate? Absoultely not. Or, would we rather them come out in apolostic long skits that are sweeping the floor? Performance: The mics messed them up a lil bit. Not a lot of action compared to the other performances. Honestly, Mary Mary's character is above reproach. I haven't heard of any issues concerning their conduct. Also, was anyone else from the gospel industry there? At all? Not trying to point fingers but at least they are trying to take the gospel to people that need it. They are doing their best to let their light shine in the darkness. It's really hard to tell people about Christ when you think that your righteousness will spoil if you get near the unsaved.
Luda, it is what it is. We all know that the black Church (ie..extension of the black community) is lukewarm on all manner of sin in our midst. Nobody said it wasn't. Contemporary black gospel music, in MY opinion, is NOT ministry - it's entertainment, and I personally get NOTHING out of it, but that's just me. I can say the same thing about contemporary Christian (ie..white) music as well. The one genre I'm inclined to give a pass to is the 'Praise' type music presented by Maranatha and Integrity and such. At least a lot of their lyrics and content is based on some portion of scripture - and like I said before - if praise music isn't scriptural, it's questionable. But I'm not a traditional believer, so I take most of what is deemed "Christian" with a huge spoonful of salt.
@ luda I dunno who your friends are, but mine surely do say something about the questionable people in our own camp....LOL Besides, they wouldn't be rumors if people weren't saying something about them, would they?
Did she really just type out a prayer on a Blog? LOL!
sure did... aint ashamed about it either.
NOT EVEN GON COMMENT ON THE CHRIST LIKE COMMENTS .... BUT quick question why is albertina the queen of gospel(not gettin on her just wanna know)
From some of these comments there's no wonder why people say the things that they say about Christians/church folk. I wouldn't want to socialize with judgemental people either. I wouldn't judge people as a whole. But just one person can change a perspective of the masses.
http://www.bet.com/Specials/betawards09/betawards09_videos/betawards09_videos_mybetawardsperformancemarymary.htm
All I got to say is Gospel Queens? NOT!! no shape form or fashion......and I love the Marys BUt no Queen not close to it either
Those tight leather pants Tina wore were too tight for any woman. The purpose was to show off curves and a behind. That's ungodly! I don't want to see hips & buns when I am praising the Lord. She knew better!
waSznt their best but tina waSz s0o sick s0o i cut them sum slack... i love them th0o...&&& all ov yu who are sayin they are a disgrace && they cant sung your wrong. All they do is sing look at songs like "i worship you" and "yesterday" they are great and necessary for gosple todai.
I never knew what god or whos god they were talking about and sure didn't know when the Queen came on stage thats whole different story. Those people in the audience serve different gods, you just can't get with that.
you bout to make me loose my religion how you suppose to be a christian but you on the internet judging people!!!! get a life and let these women of God do they thing for the lord!!!! let God Himself worry about his children and you worry about yourself and your on down falls cause no one is perfect and you sure aren't on here judging people!!!!
You are SOOO right...i totally agree with you. People think just because they say God or Jesus in the song a few times, it qualifies it as gospel...that song glorifies self.
Here's my issue with what you just said. As children of God, we are supposed to look out for eachother and tell the truth. If a preacher is preaching to you...and I see the deception in him and you don't, but I don't say anything because "I just let God's children do what they do"...You don't think God will hold me responsible? Mary Mary are not singing the gospel...and many of their songs glorify self rather that Christ. That's just real talk. And gospel music is corrput because nobody says anything. Everybody just accepts any and every one who claims to be singing the gospel.
You are so right about that.
Wow. Thank you so much for breaking that down...U are speaking the truth!!
U can't just disregard the old Testament and really it isn't about the old testament, the NEW testament says that we arent to mix the righteous with the unrighteous...so technically, everything you just said contradicts that. Those arent MY words...research it
Its honestly deeper than just what they are wearing...
The bible also tells us not to mix the righteous and the unrighteous. Jesus spoke to sinners, but he didn't represent Himself in a worldly way just to get His point across. He didn't use the ways of the world to teach the Gospel. Their performance was a classic mixture of the Sacred and the Profane...there is no line drawn anymore.
the problem is that the Church is not to conform to the world...but the world is to conform to the church...So using secular things to promote Christ...is Satan as his finest....and nobody seems to peep it.
If they truly did what Jesus commissioned them to do, then they wouldnt have been there. U just proved the point! And the little bit of gospel that WAS on there, was still laced with secularism. U can't mix secular (unrighteous) with holy. We are commanded not to.