On Sunday, BET aired a great interview between Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey and Tye Tribbett on its long-standing television show Lift Every Voice. I was traveling, so I didn’t get to see it until last night via my trusty DVR. Gotta tell ya– I loved it.
In the interview, Tye Tribbett spoke publicly about his recent marital infidelity and the rifts that it caused. He shared that he had struggled with whether to leave the music ministry altogether, and had even contemplated suicide.
What I loved most about the interview, however, was not the confession of some widely-speculated sin– I loved hearing about his restoration in God. Moreoever, I loved hearing about the restoration of his marriage!
That’s the testimony and that’s what will cause other people to overcome– seeing that the grace of God abounds and that He is faithful to restore us.
I’m grateful for Tye’s new posture, too. He says that, while on sabbatical, “God showed me ME.” He’s been brought low and hopes to “stay teachable, vulnerable and humble.” He even says that his approach has changed– he’s got more compassion, acknowleding his once “militant presentation.”
An aside: I’ve not spoken about this situation on this blog, ever. I’m a little disheartened that I didn’t get as many phone calls and text messages, nor see nearly as many tweets and facebook posts about the up-side of this story as I did the more scandalous side of it. Many have inquired about my lack of coverage of this topic on my blog, so I suppose I’ll briefly clarify– in my view, sin is not particularly newsworthy– redemption is.
I praise God for His redeeming work. Let’s continue to pray for Tye and his family as God continues to work on ‘em, and let’s keep praying for the ministry that God has given them.
Cool?
Kudos!
I love it! I'm really glad you blogged abt this! I will definitely retweet this :-)
I will continue to pray for him, I am glad God restored him.
Sup EJ! I'm so glad you blogged about this. I was also really surprised that there hasn't been a lot of talk about the interview. So many people asked for him to openly admit what happened. So not only did he do that, but he spoke of how to come out of the situation. Like you said, some would rather discuss the scandal than the redepmption. But I want to publicly say I'm proud of our brother Tye for the interview, and I'm praying for him still. What's amazing is that his testimony may help other couples and families who have been affected by similar situations. Peace & Blessings JJ Hairston
I really enjoyed the interview, and you can see he has been humbled. I pray that he will continue to preach against SIN and not be worried about those that will try to throw his past up in his face.
It would've been nice if there was some publicity about the interview. I'm sure people would have watched it, thus talked about it, had it been known beforehand. Most people are in church at the hour that "Lift Every Voice" airs on television. I sure would've liked to have seen it myself. Hopefully, it will pop up on Youtube or somewhere.
Man, so glad to hear that compassion has come alive in Mr. Tribbett. The guy is extraordinarily talented but it was always pretty uncomfortable being in the audience when he got "militant." As Mr. Tribett finds and embraces his authentic self more and more, I think he will make it easier for his fans to do likewise. We really come to know what grace is when those from whom grace was withheld because those from whom grace is desired.
Hey EJ. Great read! I'm glad to hear the upside of this story and his redemption.
Amen.
I like Tye, for his music genius. But other than that... I think dudes approach ain't right..... And I ain't even talking on that sex scandel. I'm just talking bout him as a artist all together.
I have different view on why people havent commented as much on the interview. I believe there hasnt been a lot of talk simply because not too many people actually saw the show. Also I think people were already "over" the whole drama of everything. Another artist just went through a similiar situation before Tye, and actually made a project based on his restoration....so its not like this is new news. Just think people have moved on from that... With that being said, I'm very happy for Tye & his family, to God be the Glory!!!
I just saw Tye in concert in Detroit a couple of weeks ago (my first time seeing him in concert). I found out later that he wasn't at his high-energy level he usually is due to travel delays, etc., barely got a chance to rest, adjust, prepare, etc. He sang the songs I liked and I really enjoyed the way he interacted with the children who ran to the front of the theater and jumped around the whole time. He was wonderful to them! It was nice to be able to enjoy the music without thinking about the "scandal" (for lack of a better word). And per this blog entry, it makes me wonder about this: 1. some gospel music fans want their favorite artists to be perfect, sinless, and 2. some gospel music artists want to portray themselves as if they are perfect. Where's the balance? I guess for me, the balance is in the truth of the matter. Some gospel music artists have tried to cover up their stuff and act like nothing every happened. Others quietly remove themselves for a time and then when they feel the time is right, they have their say. I don't like the cover up but then again I don't want to be a hypocrite because who knows what I might do when the pressure hits, esp. in a public space. So I guess I said all that to say is that I can appreciate how Tye is approaching his re-emergence. I enjoyed his concert and I hope and believe for the godly best for him.
HAD NO CLUE about the interview! I'm really glad that he did it though and I'm glad to hear about the work that God's grace and mercy has done in his life...even more excited to hear that he is more humble and compassionate. Sometimes God has to allow us to go low to remind us that we're just one prayer away from falling ourselves...I know from experience. Hallelujah!
I'm completely happy that he was even willing, brave & transparent enough to even share his testimony at this time. I also agree with Luda, I do believe that quite a lot of people have really moved on from it... Even so, I'll continue to pray that he continues to walk in deliverance & restoration. Thank God for him & his family.
Great coverage EJ. I don't even need to try and find the interview now LOL. People always want the dirt.
So glad to hear all is well with him. He represents the Kingdom greatly. The way that he ministers, never deals with your emotions. I appreciate that he sings the word of God. We need more people to lift up the standard of righteousness. God Bless You Tye!!
To God be the Glory! I pray that God will continue to restore Tye and his family. I would also like to commend you EJ for blogging the redemption and not just the fall. God bless you! I love this blog because you write and inform us from a PURE place. That is much needed in the Kingdom. Thanks
What time this show comes on? Answer: Sunday mornings when people are in church. Personally, I stop watching that show after Gerard left...sorry.
sounds like an exact replica of the J. Moss Restoration story... Moss said he contemplated suicide and he was restored.... Is this the new way to sell albums in gospel music?
I love the fact that we can come to God just as we are and He will love us just as we are. He is a restorer. And I am so ready for Tye's next project. Kimberly Thomas Recording artist www.KimberlyThomasonline.com
@Gospelfan....I'm with you, show just isnt the same. It's always so serious now, just don't like the new format.
@ Mackie - I guess it's no way of knowing for sure. However, I can't even begin to imagine the embarrassment one deals with after taking such a tremendous fall! It's not unbelievable that suicide looked like an 'out' so that they wouldn't have to deal with the consequences of their choices. More people contemplate suicide than those who admit it. Most restoration stories are the same...a sabbatical, depression, counseling, brief appearances, an interview, then back to work, lol. We shouldn't expect Tye's to be any different... Everyone likes a good comeback...in gospel, in sports, in families. I don't know that it translates in sales though. I don't remember J. Moss's CD doing anything extraordinary sales wise...
Whoa! Here I am calling myself an ultra-Tye fan and yet I had no clue about the interview....I gotta look it up! Thanks EJ! side note: I hate when they put gospel shows on right in the middle of most folk's church services!
The story of God's redeeming power is always newsworthy. Let's shift our focus people....become Kingdom minded not gossip driven! Love y'all!!!
Everyone is human, 'he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone', but I'm finding through my current business venture and also having worked with many "gospel" artists and pastors - they're human just like you and I. What disappoints me, however, is (and I know everybody gotta eat), but to a majority their CD sales and billboard charting and maintaining their luxurious fleet of cars and houses seem more important than touching lives. I'm learning as I grow older day by day that no one has the right to judge or be judged so Mr. Tye what you done is between you, your maker, and your fam (it's okay because we all make mistakes)..hopefully you learned a lesson.
Good stuff EJ I'll take redemption over sin-news any day!
I didn't see the interview. But I am so glad he's been restored--and he grew and learned something in the process---THAT's the true story!
"sin is not particularly newsworthy– redemption is." -That'll preach right there!!! Carry on....
I like you approach on the subject EJ. It's just CHRISTIAN. So cool keep it up brother. I gladdens my heart to read of some real Christian approach.
I'm happy for the brotha especially with the fact that so many people are divorcing very easily IN THE CHURCH under the copout of irreconcilable differences. When a covenant between husband & wife is broken and restored it trully shows the love of Christ. Because the covenant with man was broken several time but Gods love is everlasting and he's always there waiting for us to renew thqat covenant when we mess up. He's like ugly wanda from in living color " you mine, whachu need I got chu" You need a healing bam there it is! So it's cool he talked about but i'm very happy there still together it shows people that even after a mess up like that two CHRISTIANS can come back together in unity. Go Tye! No rather Go God!
I did not have the opportunity to see the interview and only just found out about the scandal from a friend. I agree with you EJ we need to focus more on redemption and not the sin itself. I pray that God continues to restore his marriage. Capri
I completely understand what he is going through. I think the hardest part of "coming out of the closet" with our sin is that we don't want to be judge. We don't want people to walk away from us. Because lets be honest, a lot of people in the church judge one other when they have sinned instead of uplifting them and encouraging them. When I got pregnant (wasn't married) everyone left me. I mean the ones that were suppose to be my friends. I was judge and talked about like I was nothing. I went through my pregnancy, labor, and child raising by myself. It was extremely hard to hear what people had to say about me and my situation. I left the church for a while, I even thought about suicude, and to the extreme, I thought about giving my baby up. But Gods redeming power, his unmerit grace and mercy, and his unconditional love got us through. So now I am married to my son's father. I Praise God for healing my family and myself. I believe God allows us to fall for a season, so when he picks us up in another season we can go forth and tell of his goodness. I use what I went through to let others that are going through the same thing know that God is a HEALER. Just hold on to HIS unchanging hand, pray and repent. HE is a forgiving God. I think all of us should be grateful for that!
I wanna know how many people put on J Moss' cd after reading this story on redemption. Rebuild or Restored goes right there after this. Well as for me, I'm feeling the carpet ministry of laying out prostrate before the Lord.
Yep I'm Cool because this man of God & GA continues to receive air play on my iPod and CD player. Can't WAIT to see something new come out from the group. God bless them!!!! :o )
Gr8tful...I'm sorry to inform you, but there is no more GA. The group has been disbanded. Tye is now a solo artist. Someone correct me if I'm wrong...
WOW!!! That is so true. Redemption is beautiful and news worthy! It is so easy to condemn those in positions like Tye and others with such positions. We expect so much from them. When they fall the rumors start and backs are turned. But when us lay folk fall we are so desperate for forgiveness or try to hide what we have done. We have to remember we are all part of the body of Christ. We are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. Love on others when they are up and doing great and even more when they fall...
jamal bryant also talks about his restoration after his indescretion 2yrs ago on www.gospelcity.com
Praise God for Jesus our redeemer! Another thing....um why BET do that (put on gospel shows when everyone at church?! Everyone doesn't have DVR yet LOL! :-) I know they run it in the morning for ppl who are not at church yet or can't make it, but I wouldn't mind them running the lineup again in the late afternoon/evening before and after Sunday Best! Remember the gospel version of 106 & Park? ***I can dream can't I? LOL***
"Personally, I stop watching that show after Gerard left…sorry." - Amen? AMEN! well, everything has already been said. i will say that i'm pleased to hear that he plans to tone down his "militant" (putting it mildly) presentation. i saw him at a concert once and spent 30 of his 40 minutes on stage sending all of us to hell. anyway, i hope this testimony will help others in this situation. it's a lot more common than folks think. i'll keep Brother Tye and his family in my prayers.
When I first heard the news about Tye almost a year ago I was shocked. And then when I heard the connection with Da' TRUTH I was really alarmed. But I am happy that he is being restored. I will miss GA and the rest of his crew but all good things must come to an end. As far as Tye being militant with his approach I can say that is one of things I liked about him. When he was being militant he was presenting the word. A lot of people got turned off from that because the word was convicting them. The problem is Tye was not applying that militant approach to his own life. Tye was being a Hypocrite because he was getting on stage and preaching and judging people about their sexual sins and he was committing adultery. If you read Matthew 7:2-5, Jesus warns against judging someone else for his sin when you yourself are sinning even worse. That is the kind of judging Jesus commanded us not to do. On the topic of lift every voice I miss Gerard too. I like coco brother but I don’t like the direction they have taken the show. When Gerard was there you would get to see the artist homes, see behind the scenes, and the show was an hour long. I don’t like the fact that they put secular artists on the show. When Gerard was there it was all gospel artists. BET has plenty of other shows that showcase secular artists. The three hours we get on Sunday should be devoted to gospel artists in my opinion.
@chris... Thanks for the true interpretation of Matthew 7:2-5 on judging somebody. Ignoring the log(sin) in his eye,(Christian)and trying to remove the speck(fault) out of his brother eye.(christian or non-christian)
I'm happy that Tye is coming and sharing his story, and its is commendable that he's doing so. However, I hope he has his team, those people who he is accountable to if he ever slips and falls again. By saying that, people give a testimony and then being tempted and doing the same exact thing again. I see it happening with our brothers and sisters in the Lord and especially with "Celebrity Christians" once they appear on a christian talk show or other venues. I understand we are all sinners saved by grace and yes we are not all perfect, many of us have things we need to work on as believers, but I hope and pray for Tye's sake, that he embrace brothers in the Lord who he can be accountable with and teach him biblical truth which is unpopular these days.
From what I have heard, J Moss has sold over 2 million of his latest release...
@Chris: Really? If that's true...then that is completely amazing! But I honestly thought that it wasn't selling too fast or even at the Gold status (500,000) yet...I mean if Just James was making that impact, I would think there would be much more news about it...oh well :)
J moss has not sold that many units. The only person selling close to that level is marvin sapp.
@news: Marvin Sapp isn't close to that level with his latest, Here I Am. However, Never Would Have Made It did achieve platinum as a single, and the "entire album" Thirsty is gold... Anyhoo, staying on subject her: I am very happy for Tye Tribbett, I pray he continues on the right path.
"[S]in is not particularly newsworthy– redemption is." THANK YOU, EJ, for keeping the main thing, God's will & work, the main thing. (Lu. 15:3-7; 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Php. 2:13)
@ Jay - Thanks for posting that...
Amen regarding the newsworthiness of redemption. God is able! I am glad you covered the situation from this perspective.
I loved the interview with Corey and I am loving your view "sin is not particularly newsworthy– redemption is." I wish more people saw things that way. Gotta find a way to use that one!
Full interview is on youtube. Search Tye tribbett Restoration interview
I disagree bro, we need out the box man of God like Tye with his approach in a lost generation who can look giants in the face and declare the word of the Lord ,the best is yet to come in this man and his wifes ministry.
your judge not your right learn from your mistake god loves you and i do too we fall down but we get up tye you got up gods gonna restore your family your ministry will be stronger your marriage will be stronger satan request has been denied over your lives hold on and know you need god more now than ever use the gifts god has given you
tye we all have sin and come short of gods glory we fall down but we get up you got up tye god is gonna restore you and your family you all will be stronger than you ever been hold your hea d up tye god loves you and i do too move on in god
WE Will Continue TO Pray For all the Families Involved,Sin Dose'nt matter who you are. Sin Is the real Enemy. The Bish...
I thought Tye Tribbet"s interview was a blessing to hear we sometimes forget that we are human and that it is God's Mercy and his Grace that gives us anthor chance.
God is so faithful in loving us and bringing us to seeing ourslves for real. I would rather have a Father that cares about me than one that doesnt even speak. I love God with my whole heart and pray that God continues to show us--US!! much love to the Tribett fam and u all.