Associate Editor Troy Lilly chats with Micah Stampley, whose new album, One Voice, hit stores on October 18th…

Troy: Thanks for joining me man. How are you?

Micah: I’m well, Troy.

Troy: Great, great. Shall we jump right in?

Micah: Sure.

Troy: What makes the “Micah Stampley sound” different from others in gospel?

Micah: I have many peers who grew up like I did – in the church – and we had other influences outside of the church. I tend to embrace those influences differently than some of my peers. I spend a lot of time in prayer asking God for something different. My heart is always to have music that is not one-time wonder material, but music that will last forever.

When I first heard the song “Take My Life” (which people call “Holiness”), it was originally a Christian rock song, very grungy with distorted guitars screaming. And the lyrics and the notes just hit me in a different way, so I went home and started playing it on my keyboard and what I came out with was more intimate, more worshipful. It sounded like a prayer to me. Then my interpretation hit like crazy. That just let me know that God was honoring my prayer that he would give me a staple sound.

Troy: Awesome. So, if you could only describe your new album, One Voice, in one word, what it would it be?

Micah: Multicultural.

Troy: Ok, now feel free to expound…

Micah: You told me “one word!” (laughter)

Troy: I know, I know … but I knew you’d have a lot more to share. (laughter)

Micah: Well I did one cover song on from a CCM band called Desperation Band. The song is called “Overcome” and it’s a big song in the CCM world. At our church in Houston, the congregation looked like a bag of Skittles, and I just feel that’s what heaven looks like. My sound has really emerged into this oneness.

I grew up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC)…

Troy: Me too!

Micah: Everything was a sin. I used to ride my school bus in junior high and I would hear all these songs and chord progressions that I never heard before… you know Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors…”

Troy: Yeah.

Micah: I would hear all that stuff– Michael Jackson, and Prince singing “Purple Rain.” I would be like “oh, I like this stuff.” (laughter) I developed a different ear. So, I think that One Voice represents my interpretations of the different sounds I’ve heard since I was a kid.

I have this one pop tune, “Call of Love,” that kind of puts you in the mindset of the Black Eyed Peas joint, “I Got a Feeling.” It has that same vibe to it man. When Matthew Knowles heard it, he said “this sounds like a theme song for some big humanitarian movement.”

We have a few songs on this record like that, like the title cut, “One Voice,” and it’s just that whole global sound. When we sing that song live, people in the audience grab each other’s hand and swing back and forth like it’s “We Are the World.” It’s crazy, but really cool to see it happen.

And you know I gotta have my praise and worship stuff on there…

Troy: Of course!

Micah: …Stuff where I’m at a level 10. I’ve gotta have that “War Cry” and “Holy Visitation,” but that type of song on this record is the one called “Hosanna.” And, man, I promise you that song is probably the next “War Cry.” This may even be stronger!

Troy: Wow, even with the three reprises on “War Cry?” Because I remember you kept coming back each time we thought it was done.

Micah: Yeah, the people wouldn’t let “War Cry” go. This time, we don’t have any reprises, but what’s happening when I sing “Hosanna” live… the audience hijacks my song every time! But that’s a good sign. It’s a strong record.

Troy: Great. So tell me about the lead single, “Heaven on Earth,” since that’s the first thing people are hearing from this new project.

Micah: Not sure if you’re familiar with David and Nicole Binion…

Troy: Yes, I am…

Micah: Well, David wrote that song with some of his colleagues and I heard it when he visited our church in Houston. And I was just done! I was just weeping, and I said, “I have to record this song.” Then, I heard that Israel [Houghton] was going to record it. But when he put out his album, I didn’t see it on there. So I said “Uh, it’s mine!” (laughter)

David and Nicole told me to please record it. And that song has really been a blessing to me. Because if you think about the message of that song – heaven on earth – it’s a declaration, literally giving God permission to duplicate himself in us on the earth, because he created us from the earth.

Troy: You’ve mentioned before that you wife, Heidi, frequently writes with you on your projects…

Micah: My wife and I write most of my projects together. We have a couple songs on each record that we write individually, but the best songs are the ones we write together. God has just given us this ability to merge all these different influences and sounds together, and this is what we present to you guys, which comes from a place of pain, of victory and defeat, ups and downs.

Troy: How much did she contribute to One Voice?

Micah: Oh my God! Heidi wrote her butt off on this record!

Troy: (Laughter)

Micah: On most of the songs that we wrote together, I wrote the music and she penned the lyrics. There are a few songs on there where we switched places. But God really used her lyrically on this album.

There’s one song I did at the AIM Convention this summer, called “Desperate People.” And if you grew in church like me, you’re sick of the ritualistic mumbo-jumbo.

Troy: Yes.

Micah: The song says (singing), “I’ve seen the God of wonders work miracles in me, those with gifts and talents who spoke prophetically. I want the mantles of Elijah, Paul and Timothy; I want to see that power at work inside of me. I’m tired of the status quo, gotta be more than this. Gotta be more, gotta be more, gotta be more than this.”

Troy: Wow.

Micah: The lyrics of this song really pull at people’s heart and people are running to us saying ”this is what I’ve been trying to say forever.” I ministered that song in Nigeria and they literally cried out to God on the floor. It’s really refreshing.

Troy: Do you feel like this new album is your most defining work so far?

Micah: To be honest, Troy, I do think this is my best work to date from a musical and lyrical standpoint.

Troy: So to go back to your early career, you won the Stellar Awards Star Search in 2004. What happened after you won that competition? Was it a positive experience, average or other?

Micah: It was definitely a huge, positive experience for me. It was my introduction to the industry as an artist. After that, I got a call from Marcus Dawson, Bishop T.D. Jakes’s road musician, who had heard me prior to the Stellar event. He had been telling Bishop Jakes about me and Bishop finally told Marcus, “Ok, let’s invite him, but he if he messes up, it’s off with your head!” (laughter)

Troy: (Laughter)

Micah: So they called me in ’04 and I was invited that February to the Potter’s House. The power of God hit that place so hard during the second service that Bishop [Jakes] couldn’t even preach. That’s how heavy it was! And he offered me a recording contract on the spot.

Troy: Just like that?

Micah: Yes. Ever since then it has been nonstop. I’ve traveled with him across the world… to Africa, Australia, you name it. He provided the platform for my ministry and pushed me out there. I’m so grateful to Bishop, and he and I still text and talk. We still have a great relationship.

Troy: Well, the reason I asked you that is because we have more mainstream gospel competitions now. And most singers aren’t fortunate enough to have a “Bishop Jakes” as a friend and mentor – or business partner.

Micah: Right.

Troy: Do you feel authentic artists can be launched through shows or competitions like Sunday Best, where contestants have to sign contracts and agreements often before they sing a single note?

Micah: I don’t! I’m so glad you asked me that because I’ve never had an opportunity to answer a question like that or even speak of it. I don’t think that’s a wise thing to do. Now, I believe in the platform, yes, but I do not believe that artists should be forced to sign agreements when they don’t even have legal representation.

Troy: Ok.

Micah: I’m a minister and I’m a worshipper – people get that from my music – but I know how to handle business. I was negotiating one contract for an entire year before I signed it. I don’t take any of that lightly.

I think they need to understand what they’re signing and not just be gifted, because you can be a household name… and poor, broke and hungry. That’s not God’s will. But artists can easily be taken advantage of because they’re so caught up in the hype that they neglect the business side. My wife and I talk to a lot of artists who ask us for guidance and counsel. They wonder how we’re prospering in spite of vying against the major companies for airplay on the radio, and shelf space in the retail store.

God has blessed us because we made an effort to understand that side of the business. And even beyond that, you have to know where you’re going as an artist whether you are traditional, contemporary, praise or worship and any other style.

Troy: I’m glad you finally got a chance to express that.

Micah: Yes.

Troy: With that being said, tell me about your partnership with Music World Gospel. Frankly, are you in charge or is Matthew Knowles in charge?

Micah: It’s my record company that has entered into a joint venture with Music World. I never signed a deal with Music World as an artist. It’s not necessarily a distribution deal, but we use their channels to distribute. However, we still have the option to go through other channels as we are our own label.

Troy: So basically, you’re in charge? (Laughter)

Micah: (Laughter) I own my work, we own the masters together, but it’s a good thing for us. I want to be that example to show other artists that, ‘hey, you can do this.’ Sit down and read, ask questions and understand before you sign that dotted line.

Troy: Good, good advice. Do you plan to introduce any new artists on your Interface label? Is there anyone we should be looking out for?

Micah: Be on the lookout for Joey Oscar. He’s a drummer and he’s got this global sound. But if I told you it was a drum album, you wouldn’t listen. It’s an instrumental record. But he’s also my drummer and a phenomenal producer. And… he’s married to my wife’s sister, so he is also my brother-in-law.

Troy: Oh! Awesome, keeping it in the family…

Micah: Yeah, but he is incredible.

Troy: I’m excited to hear it. I want to thank you for sharing with me today, from the One Voice record – which I love – to some of the great advice you gave for folks trying to break navigate wisely through the industry. It’s appreciated.

Micah: You’re welcome, and thanks to you as well man.

*     *     *

Check out our full album review of Micah Stampley’s One Voice right here.

And be sure to listen to snippets/buy it right here–

If asked to sum up Jessica Reedy following my chat with her last week, I would have to abandon phrases like “industry newcomer” and “Sunday Best finalist.” While those labels describe her, they don’t define her. Throughout our conversation, only one word circled through my mind– “determined.”

Fighting a cold, Jessica seemed eager to talk with me, and to make it through a full schedule of promotional activities over the coming weeks. When I asked how she’d make it, she confidently replied “I’ll be fine. It’s probably just God getting my mind right to make sure I know it ain’t about me.”

It was this genuine humility that won the hearts of the gospel community years ago, when Jessica Reedy became a familiar name, face and voice in the second season of BET’s Sunday Best. She didn’t win the competition (she was runner-up to Y’Anna Crawley that year), but since 2009, she has managed to maintain more TV time, on-stage appearances and press opportunities than even some of gospel music’s most seasoned artists.

Still, it’s been a lesson in patience for Jessica. Crediting her manager, Phil Thornton, with keeping her grounded, she recalls  ”I thought people were going to forget about me. Phil said ‘just be patient.’ Now, it’s been two years. I didn’t win the show, but I have a highly-anticipated album. That’s God.”

“Highly-anticipated” may be an understatement. Jessica’s debut album, From the Heart (in stores Tuesday, September 27, 2011), has had fans chomping at the bit before it was even being recorded. Once she and her label,Light Records, began leaking video blogs and details about the album’s collaborators, it seems the frenzy became virtually insatiable.

The project is musically progressive– it’s not a churchy gospel album– but it is at all times about Jesus Christ. And that’s evident. When asked about the more mainstream vibe of it, Jessica unequivocally declares “that was not my intention, at all. I’m not looking to crossover– I’m doing what I do.”

Jessica’s stance, though it could make many industry execs cringe, is quite inspiring. “I’m taken care of regardless. I can’t get caught up in numbers and miss God. EJ, the same people that love you now, next week, they’re over you. I want people to be blessed by this music, but this is about me doing what God told me to do.”

“I can’t go to God and say ‘I’m sorry, God. I made 13 tracks of people-pleasing music and it didn’t work. What do I do now?’ I’m going to make the music He gave me, and I just don’t care. Every time I sing the songs, it’s as if I wrote each one of them. It’s true to who I am.”

If her resolve sounds intense and pervasive, it is. Spurred by a series of recent near-fatal events in her life and the lives of her loved ones, Jessica shares that she has resigned to trusting God with it all. Reflecting on the recent house fire that nearly took her life and the life of her young son, or the major car accident from which her son walked away uninjured, Jessica shared through tears, “I’ve got to trust Him. Imagine what life would be if He took His hands off me.”

And so, with unwavering determination, she is moving forward in her ministry and in this calling. Though she would point out that she is still in shock over all that God is doing with her, Jessica is not naive in it. “I won’t let anyone work harder than me, especially on this vision that God gave me. I’m a grown woman and I want to know my business, too.”

It seems to be light years from the wide-eyed young finalist we first met on several years ago on BET’s Sunday Best, the hit gospel talent competition that catapults virtual unknowns to household names, even if just for a time. Jessica is not nearly as critical of the show as many on social media have been– she says that its strength in the marketplace actually has little to do with sales or a launching platform. “It’s about your heart,” she says with a quiet confidence. “God put us on Sunday Best to show us our gifts and how we live them out. And our hearts determine where that goes.”

“Some people get put on the show and get cocky. They start feelin’ themselves and start knocking BET, saying ‘I hate BET, they put me in this contract…’ But it’s not about what BET does or what the audience does. We have to get past what we see and hear– we are spiritual beings,” Jessica testifies. “I thank God that I didn’t see judges or competition. I saw God and I was just grateful. And guess what? BET released me from my contract.”

Jessica’s heart of gratitude shows in every conversation I’ve had with her over the past two years. It practically consumes her. And if you think that might shift a bit because she’s got a new album, think again.

In fact, when I asked how she’s handling the droves of guys eager for a chance to date the early-twenty-something-year old, she was shocked, as if the thought had never crossed her mind. “What?! Who? Nah, they can’t get up with me, EJ,” she yells through laughter. “I’m not going through no foolishness. They have to talk to God about me– I’m not examining nobody because my judgment was way off. I got a baby. Been there, done that!”

As the gospel industry ages, everyone from execs to industry vets are referring to the coming of a “new generation of artists.” Many gifted singers are eager to enter it, but it takes a determination like Jessica’s, wrought with tenacity and resolve, to actually do so and stick around for a while. And I believe she will.

Jessica Reedy’s debut album, From the Heart, doesn’t hit stores until September 27th, but it hit iTunes a day early! Listen to snippets and buy it here:

Associate Editor Troy Lilly sits down to chat with Le’Andria Johnson, winner of last season’s Sunday Best on BET.

With the release of her debut solo album around the corner (September 6, 2011 on Music World Gospel), Le’Andria talks about the new music and her ministry, as well as things going around about her– some true, some false…

*     *     *

Troy: Hey Le’Andria! How are you?

Le’Andria: I’m good, how are you?

Troy: I’m doing well. Excited to talk with you! I guess we’ll just jump right into it?

Le’Andria: Sure!

Troy: I want to start by asking this: How has your life changed since the big win on Sunday Best last year?

Le’Andria: Well, um… oh, boy. That’s a good story…

Troy: I’m sure it is.

Le’Andria: Well, it changed in a little, funny kind of good way. For starters, I lost my brother after everything on April 1st of this year. And I began to be on the road more, and more often I’m away from my kids. I’m not in my church home at all but maybe once a month, if that. I can’t complain, really, because I’m doing something that I really wanna do. It’s good.

Troy: Right.

Le’Andria. You can go ‘head and nut that up in a shell.

Troy: I know the orchestrated elements of performing on Sunday Best and being on the road was all kind of new for you. Have you gotten used to it? How’s that going?

Le’Andria: Getting used to it. Like I said earlier, being away from my kids is the craziest part. I’m working throughout the week now, singing like almost every day… then doing interviews and going to sleep early to get up early and do more interviews. It’s different.

I do my best not complain. I mean I’m going to complain, but I try not to let it show or be a part of who I am. That’s basically what it is. Hey, I guess this is what it calls for, you know?

Troy: Speaking of that, a video surfaced earlier this year that showed you asking for prayer and breaking down somewhat at a church. Can you tell me what was going on at that time?

Le’Andria: That was a mistake. What I learned from that was you can’t expect people to pray for you in that manner. Everyone’s gonna have their own thoughts. But, yes, at that time I was dealing with something very heavy and I had started drinking.

Troy: Wow.

Le’Andria: And I shared that with the people [in the church], and nobody asked me to share it, but I shared it because I want people to understand that I’m not perfect. I’m winner of Sunday Best, yes. Because I’m this, that and the other people think you’re so high and mighty; that I don’t make any wrong decisions. I let them know I am imperfect just as you. But God will use imperfect people to make people perfect.

Troy: I see.

Le’Andria: I have to be careful of who I ask to pray for me because a lot of people don’t want to see me make it, you know? There were rumors that I was pregnant, too. I’m not pregnant! The Bible says pick up your brother and your sister… lift them up in prayer. So even if I was, tearing me down isn’t the way to go about it.
That’s the message that I put out. I’m Le’Andria Johnson, yes, but I’m not perfect. When I asked people to pray, I was just doing what I was taught to do.

Troy: That’s understandable.

Le’Andria: Now I just tell my testimony without asking folks to pray for me.

Troy: Did any of these experiences contribute to the material on your new album, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, out September 6th?

Le’Andria: Well, we decided to put a couple of medleys from Sunday Best on there to give back to the viewers and voters. I decided to give back to them what they loved and what they were asking for on the road.

On songs like “Cast the First Stone” and “Make Me Like You,” you’ll definitely hear a different sound… I’m not good at putting a label on the music, but you’ll definitely enjoy it! There’s some mid-tempo and upbeat songs… not many, but it’s just the beginning of my story; the awakening. And I hope it’ll be received as such.

Troy: Now, we know you can sing and wipe a room flat out…

Le’Andria: Aww man…

Troy: But I read in the liner notes that you’re also a gifted songwriter and you wrote several songs on the album with your brother, Terrance Johnson.

Le’Andria: Well, that’s what people are saying. I don’t know. My brother is moreso the real writer. I really do believe I’m more a singer than a writer. He can sit down with a pad and paper and write all day. I can’t do that. I get in the studio and sing whatever comes out from my heart and then I cut and paste. That’s all I can say on that one.

Troy: Oh, come on…

Le’Andria: Yeah, like with “Jesus,” I didn’t write that. I just sat in the airport one night and sang it on my phone and saved it. With “Cast the First Stone,” I sang it on my phone, saved it, then put it on record [in the studio]. Melodies come in my dreams, they come when I wake up in the morning…

Troy: Guess what, Le’Andria? Even though you don’t use a pen and paper, that’s still called songwriting. Donna Summers got the melody to “She Works Hard for the Money” in a restroom and she jotted down lyrics on a piece of toilet paper!

Le’Andria: Wow.

Troy: It doesn’t matter how or where you get it. If you are creating the words and the melody, you are a songwriter. So, believe that!

Le’Andria: Oh, ok! Well, thank you. I’ll take that with me now.

Troy: You’re welcome. Did you have a hand in writing “I Shall Leap Into My Destiny,” the song you performed after winning Sunday Best? It sounds like… feels like you!

Le’Andria: We were actually sitting in my living room, in the house that I lost right before I auditioned for Sunday Best. My brother got on the keyboard and we just jammed. He was doing the music but I didn’t have the words. Then my mom called and asked me to write a song for her women’s conference. The theme was “Leap Into Your Destiny.”

I told her the same thing I tell everyone else… “Mom, you know I don’t write.” And she says, “Well, God will give it you.” So the night of the conference she called me up again. I still didn’t have it, but later that night I got with my brother, he started playing the music and it did eventually come to me.

Troy: You speak of your family quite a bit. Is the whole family in music and ministry?

Le’Andria: My father has been my pastor all my life, Bishop Gregory Johnson. My mom is the co-pastor… all of my brothers sing, they all play. I used to play as well but singing has taken over.

Growing up as a PK [preacher’s kid] though, whew, Lord… because of tradition, I felt I was the only person that had it bad. Now I’m glad that God kept me sheltered for so long because he was saving me and I can appreciate what I’ve been through.

Troy: Do you feel there’s a difference between “Le’Andria the singer” and “Le’Andria the minister,” or are those roles interchangeable for you?

Le’Andria: No, I feel that you said it very good. One flows into the other because I could be singing to let you see the talent and gift that I have, then next thing you know I’m ministering. Even if I’m joking on the mic, it’s ministry, reaching out and touching somebody’s heart.

Troy: I see.

Le’Andria: That’s just what it is.

Troy: So… what’s another career interest you had outside of singing? Something that gospel music listeners wouldn’t know?

Le’Andria: Honey! I wanted to be a police officer!

Troy: Really?!

Le’Andria: Yes, Lord! Then I wanted be an RN (registered nurse) until I found out that you had to clean up bodily fluid and blood. I axed that immediately! Immediately!!! ‘Cause I’m not that type of person.

But, yes, I wanted to be a police officer, especially when people ignore signs that say, “Don’t block the intersection”… I’d be right there pullin’ ‘em over. “Just pull on over!”

Troy: Oh my goodness…

Le’Andria: I drive fast, too! I’m trying to tame my foot a little bit, but that would be so fun.

Troy: Certainly sounds like you love to have fun and let loose.

Le’Andria: Yes, that’s me.

Troy: Finally, to wrap it all up, I have one last question.

Le’Andria: Ok.

Troy: Given your newfound visibility and national platform, are there any initiatives you’re trying to push besides music?

Le’Andria: I want to bring people from all over together to celebrate God with the gifts he has given us, through music, poetry, rap, dance. It’s not always about a competition. I believe in going to the men’s and women’s shelters and singing to them, to the homes of adopted children.

I want people to know that a ‘yes’ in me is also a ‘yes’ inside of somebody else. I am a singer, but it goes beyond me being a singer. I want my rags to be filthy when He calls me home.

Troy: That’s awesome Le’Andria. Know that I… we wish you all the best both with the new album and with your other, less glamorous endeavors. Thank you so much for your time today.

Le’Andria: Thank you. I enjoyed this conversation and I hope we have more.

Troy: I hope so as well.

*     *     *

Check back here soon for our full review of Le’Andria’s debut album, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson.  You can grab the album via pre-order now on Amazon.com.

Also, listen to her single, “Jesus,” on the Pundit Player bar at the bottom of your screen!

As you know, I attended the kick-off concert of the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour this past Saturday (click here for my recap on the tour and to see why you NEED to make plans to attend it when it comes to your town).  Bishop Hezekiah Walker is headlining the 9-city tour.

Before the event, Bishop Walker took a minute to chat with me about a few things, including his involvement with McDonald’s and plans for a new album!

*****

EJ: How are you?

HW: I’m good, thanks!

EJ: Thanks for taking a quick minute to chat with me.  I’m curious about your experience with McDonald’s and this tour… what prompted you to become a part of it?

HW: Well, this is our first night, so I’m really excited about that. The experience has been great so far.  I’ve been a part of McDonald’s for quite some time, actually. Back in New York, the McDonald’s Gospel Fest is the thing that really took off my career, back in 1985!

EJ: Oh, right!

HW: So I’ve partnered with them for years now. But as far as the Inspiration Celebration tour, there’s an amazing connection there. I’m really all about community and to see McDonald’s giving back and wanting to embrace our community, and embrace what we do, I think it’s big.

EJ: Absolutely. I know you’ve been able to visit some of the Ronald McDonald Houses as well.

HW: Yes! It’s been amazing.

EJ: You’ve seen what they’re doing first-hand. How has that impacted you?

HW: It’s amazing! Growing up, you hear of the Ronald McDonald House, but you never really know what they do. A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting St. Jude’s and I thought it was the only institution that does what they do– taking care of children and their families. But when I really got involved with the Ronald McDonald House, it blew me away.

EJ: Yeah.

HW: It brought tears to my eyes– just to see the kids there. They had smiles on their faces, they weren’t complaining, they were happy. The establishment was a very good environment– good to live in, good to eat in, to socialize in… they have really good, positive people around them.

EJ: That’s great.

HW: And the craziest thing– it’s right in my backyard! Right in New York, you know what I’m saying?

EJ: And you didn’t even know about it.

HW: Yeah. And it really made me feel good to know that there are other people, outside of all I knew (St. Jude’s), that are doing things on this level. Especially where I live, there’s a McDonald’s maybe every 10 blocks.

EJ: Absolutely.

HW: And when you see one, you think of hamburgers. *laughs*

EJ: *laughs* Right!

HW: But to see them working outside of just serving hamburgers, but really giving back… that made my heart feel glad.

EJ: Sure. And it’s a reality of that we don’t often get to see.

HW: We don’t get to see that. Not at all.

EJ: Well, that’s awesome. Congratulations, by the way, on being installed as Bishop! That’s tremendous.

HW: Thank you very much!

EJ: And are you working on a new album?

HW: Yes, working on a new album. Right now, we’re still trying to figure out which way to go. I have a big pull to do something in South Africa, so I’m debating whether to do the next album in South Africa.

But, if not, we’ll do it here in the States and we’ll wait until next year to do something in Africa.

EJ: I love it. I’m looking forward to it, for sure.

HW: Definitely!

EJ: Well, thanks for taking a quick minute to chat with me. Congrats on everything and great work on this tour!

HW: Thank you, man. Good to see you again.

EJ: Yes, sir!

*****

And there you have it, folks.

I don’t know how many more ways I can encourage you to attend one of these FREE concerts, but I think you’ll really enjoy it. Get there, if you can! Click here for more info on the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Tour.

The last time Kim Burrell chatted with GospelPundit.com, she spoke of her No Ways Tired album, her desire to work with Prince and lots more.  If you missed it, click here to read it!

This time, Kim is BACK to talk with Associate Editor Troy Lilly. He sits with her to discuss her new project, The Love Album and the backlash that the mere notion of it received from the church community last year (including the COGIC church’s response).  She also chats about her favorite remake on the album, her friendship with Whitney Houston and much more!

Without any delay, here’s Troy’s chat with Kim Burrell…

*     *     *

Troy: Thank you for joining me this morning to talk about the album and… everything else that’s going on with you. I’m excited.

Kim: I really am too, thank you.

Troy: Great, so let’s get started.

Kim: Ok!

Troy: How did you come up with the concept for The Love Album?

Kim: Well, the concept for the album is strictly trying to get the church folks to have a different language of love outside of John 3:16 because it kind of balances things out.

And I’m hoping and praying that the message of love will be interpreted from my heart to those who will hear it … that it will be nothing opposite of God’s love and our ability to love one another. And that’s just my desire.

Troy: It’s no secret that people adore the unique, jazzy characteristics of your voice. How has the hallmark of jazz translated into the sound of The Love Album?

Kim: You know, I think it’s a misconception that I either trained that way or intentionally sounded like jazz. I think my direction – that is expressing myself through music – has caused me to include a lot of notes I felt were missing in instrumentation or accompaniment, and that caused me to sing in a jazzy way.

I can’t deny that it’s reflecting the jazz influence, and I can’t deny that… but it was so not intentional to be that way.

Troy: Wow.

Kim: Folks say, “You know the notes you’re about to hit, and you know whether they’re jazzy or not.” Well, no, I didn’t know it would classify itself as that. But with that in mind, when I sing I sing to tell the story of whatever the words are, and whatever those notes end up being for me to tell that story is just what it is. It’s never an intentional sound.

People ask me to scat, you know, and I hate that almost because I’m like ‘Geesh… I’m so not the scatter…’

Troy: (Chuckles)

Kim: I mean I probably would do it as a fun thing, but you know… it’s not a part of my art form.

Troy: Well, that’s a revelation even for me! Kim Burrell’s not jazzy. Who knew?!

Kim: Well… (chuckles).

Troy: So since you haven’t included jazz as an influence of your sound – at least not intentionally – what do think about the fact that many people consider you to be the premier song stylist of our time, even outside of gospel?

Kim: It’s extremely flattering, and I’m very, very blessed to have this gift that has drawn so much attention, mainly because I have great interest in letting everybody know that it’s a gift from God.

I didn’t train under anybody, I just developed this gift and I’m very grateful for it because of what it has done for people… it’s brought a lot of joy and fun for a lot of singers and musicians. And I enjoy having it because of the good that it is doing for others.

Troy: I noticed you worked primarily with Asaph Alexander Ward, who produces nearly every song on The Love Album. Why do you work so well together?

Kim: Alex and I have at least a 15-year relationship, and we were going to take cameras in for our studio moments, but we’re so much like family that even some of our outfits we wouldn’t want people to see them (laughs). We’re so laid back and we do a lot of work.

Alex… he holds my voice in the highest regard, as I hold his ability to document it the way that he does with his talent. Working with Alex is always a treat because of our long relationship and what our chemistry brings.

Troy: I was going to say, the chemistry is definitely tangible. Anyone who really listens can hear it.

Kim: Thank you.

Troy: On this album you also covered two songs by R&B royalty, Earth Wind & Fire and DeBarge, as well as a classic by the Clark Sisters. Which was your favorite to record?

Kim: For me, “Jesus is a Love Song” by the Clark Sisters. I’ve spent all my life in gospel and to be able to pay homage to someone as valuable as Twinkie Clark… I think if musicians who have great talent were to take songs that she did over 25 and 30 years ago, they would really see the value in her songs.

And that’s one of the reasons I did it, because Earth Wind & Fire are renown all over this world and I felt they have received their just due, as you can see, because I’m still covering their tunes to this day.

And the DeBarge tune is an endearing song to me, but my favorite was ‘Love Song’ by the Clark Sisters.

Troy: Personally, I have to say, I was raised on the Clark Sisters and I absolutely love them. But what you did with DeBarge’s “Love Me in a Special Way,” was special to me. It’s probably because the song already had a gospel vein starting off with the keyboards.

Kim: Yeah, it did!

Troy: It was kind of Pentecostal already. But I especially love what you did with that one, just to let you know.

Kim: Thank you so much.

Troy: So you mentioned that the concept of the album was to show people about God’s love and loving one another. Is that why some songs specifically mention God while other songs don’t?

Kim: I have a range of lyrics because we need to learn to speak about love without having to preface it with a scripture. I feel like our lives ought to have a sense of love. Church people work hard to prove their love and sometimes they choose to use their gift to say ‘this is my way of loving you.’

But I feel if you have this God in your heart, you can have a conversation without mentioning Jesus and God and the Trinity and all that, and people will know that there’s love in you. I just feel like I don’t have to go and be extreme to get a point across.

Troy: Ok.

Kim: During the campaign for this album, I would like to interview a lot of church officials and church goers and ask them: when they decided to get married and have children and they shared those “magic nights,” was it to ‘The Greatest Hits of Mahalia Jackson?’ (Laughs)

Troy: Oh my goodness! (Laughs)

Kim: I’ll prepare myself for whatever [answer I may get]. But I just feel like at some point in their dating lives theyenjoyed soft music that didn’t have C.L. Franklin doing a prayer, you know?

Troy: Uh huh!

Kim: You know what I mean?!

Troy: Oh, I understand completely.

Kim: Have they ever said to their spouse, “Love me in a special way … or love me like none other?’ Or what did they say in their vows? “I vow to love you as long as the Holy Ghost quickens me?” I think not!

Troy: (Laughs)

Kim: (Laughs)

Troy: Well, the saints enjoy fried chicken too, but we don’t sit down and discuss how it was fried in Virgin Olive Oil, we just eat the chicken. I think it’s good to enjoy music, too, and love between people without being [so] deep.

Kim: Yeah (Laughs).

Troy: Since we’re talking about how rigid folks can be, I want to ask you about the controversy that surrounded the initial announcements about this album. People were all over the Internet saying, “Kim Burrell is doing a secular album, she’s doing a jazz album, and she’s leaving gospel.

Kim: Ok

Troy: Was there ever a time when you considered recording an album that was mainstream or secular music and not necessarily a “gospel” album?

Kim: Everything you hear on this album is what I was trying to tell the world I was going to do. But they took” secular” and made it a vulgar term. They limited it to what they’ve known it to be.

And I felt like I’m not going to spend my life trying to break that down. It’s unfortunate that the people of the church thought I was turning my back on God… just because the word secular was mentioned in my bio, by my team, on the ‘Backstage with Kim Burrell’ website.

Troy: Ok.

Kim: I have a 92-year-old grandmother, a 67-year-old mother, and a 73-year-old father who raised me in the church. As long as they have breath in their bodies, I’m never going to do anything to disrespect the value and deposit they’ve made in my life.

Think about it; even if I tried to sing “Baby, baby, come on meet me in the sex room,” it’s going to sound like I’m having a revival. It’s in my voice. I can’t even convey words that represent that type of thing.

Troy: Yes.

Kim: I’m a pastor of a church. I don’t promote that.

Troy: After the uproar, the Church of God in Christ’s International Music Department released a statement exonerating you and your music. Did you feel it was necessary and appropriate at the time?

Kim: I accommodated what they asked me for and I gave them as much as I could. And it was released based on my agreement to let them release whatever was going to make them feel better.

Troy: So that was something of a concession on both sides?

Kim: Sure.

Troy: Ok, I understand.

Kim: Yes.

Troy: Let’s move past the controversy to the BET performances.

Kim: Indeed!

Troy: Your tribute to Whitney Houston at the BET Honors is probably your most publicized performance ever. What was it like to sing about your love for her?

Kim: It was fulfilling, mainly because I was singing to a person who God has blessed me to spend time with… Godly time, friendship time. I first became acquainted with Whitney when her father died, which was a terrible time, and when she went into rehab for the first time.

We share over a 13-year relationship. And it was my goal to be there to celebrate her new album and return to let her know (publicly) that I’m that ride-or-die friend behind the scenes, but I’ll also come out to let people know I’m not judging her for the rough times.

Troy: Right.

Kim: I was singing to my friend. That’s really what that moment was about. If you notice at the end, I had to remember to blow a kiss to everyone else because that moment was about her.

Troy: Yes, you and her.

Kim: I believe that the world felt that.

Troy: I do too.

Kim: Yeah.

Troy: How has your work life balance shifted now that you’re officially pastoring the Love and Liberty Church down in Texas, in addition to your many other endeavors?

Kim: Pastoring is the greatest agreement with God that I’ve [ever] made, because it is motivating, fulfilling… taxing on areas of my life that needed to be challenged. It has helped me to see people in a whole other light and has given me a lot more patience than I knew I had.

I’ve met a lot of pastors who kind of wipe their forehead and say, “Oh, Lord, what have I done?” But, fortunately, I don’t see myself getting there. I’m proud of the fact it’s one of the greatest that I could have ever agreed with God to do.

Troy: Good.

Kim: It’s not a Kim-Burell-meet-the-stars type of situation. It’s wholesome, it’s balanced with old people and younger people. It’s a glorious thing.

Troy: Awesome. Can I ask you one last question? (Laughs)

Kim: Oh, sure!

Troy: If you weren’t a singer or minister of the gospel, what’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to do?

Kim: I’d be a lawyer.

Troy: A lawyer, really? Wow.

Kim: Yeah, because people are my thing. They are God’s creation. The birds and the lions have the natural instinct and know how to take care of each other. Everything else that God made knows how to replenish and protect itself.

When it comes down to mankind, I have an interest. And if I hadn’t gone this route, Iwas going to be a lawyer.

Troy: Amazing answer! I love to get to the heart of ‘you the person’ because I know you so much more than a performer, and I’m glad I asked. Hope you enjoyed our time…

Kim: I really did, Troy!

Troy: I’m excited about the release of the album. I send my love your way, to the church, and everything else you’re doing.

Kim: I appreciate you. Thank you.

Troy: You’re welcome.

*     *     *

Kim Burrell’s latest project came out THIS week and was already #1 at iTunes on its first day.  You can hear the project’s lead single, “Sweeter,” on the Pundit Player’s playlist.

And, check out our review of the album right here… then, make sure you grab your copy. It’s one of her best works to date!

On May 17th, gospel pioneer and legend Andraé Crouch will return to the music marketplace with his newest album, The Journey.

Before that, however, Associate Editor Troy Lilly takes a minute to speak with the man, himself.  They chat about Andraé’s new album, his new choir competition and how he feels about gospel hip-hop.  Plus, some random bits of trivia about him!

*     *     *

Troy: Thank you so much for joining me. How are you?

Andraé: Good! Sitting down in warm California where there’s no snow, there’s no cold weather. (Laughs)

Troy: (Laughs) Well it’s been very cold here…sometimes as low as 15 degrees! It’s the complete opposite here. But I know your time is valuable, so let’s get right into it.

Andraé: Ok.

Troy: First, you’ve got a new album project entitled The Journey, which is coming out on May 17th. Tell me more about it.

Andraé: Well, I think it’s really a great description of where I am right now as far as my head and my spirit. I almost wish it was a double album, because it’s not all I want to say and it’s not all I have to say.

Troy: Oh yeah?

Andraé: But like anything else, you know, you do things gradually so people can get what you’re trying to tell them.

Troy: Of course.

Andraé: I probably could write two or three more verses to each song because there is still so much I have to say on the topics I’ve written about this time.

But Mano Hanes, who’s a monster of a keyboard player and arranger, was my co-producer. There’s a very interesting story behind how he and I originally started working together.

Troy: Do tell!

Andraé: I had the opportunity of meeting him after I heard some work that he had done, and I didn’t know that he was trying to get to me. He didn’t I was trying to get to him!

We met and he called me “Dad” and he called my twin sister, Sandra, “Auntie” because he had been listening to me since he was a kid. We just hit it off, and he can play stuff just like me. But most importantly, he loves the Lord. That’s the main thing we share in common.

Troy: That’s awesome.

Andraé: It really was quite awesome, because he reminded me of songs that I written but never recorded. He’s wonderful to work with and he has patience. He’s always in the mode of learning. He understands what I’ve tried to say with my music.

Troy: When it comes to the style of music on The Journey, does the vintage, jazzy feel of the lead single “The Promise” carry through the entire album?

Andraé: Yes, most of the songs will be like that. And then some will be… very picturesque.

Troy: I like that.

Andraé: Then there are some like a song on there called “Let the Church Say Amen.”

You know how sometimes a pastor may be preaching to his congregation and they may not agree with something he has said? Well at the end of this song, it talks about how you can’t change the Word that God has delivered through leadership, but you’ve got to accept and ultimately agree with it. Thus, ‘let the church say amen.’

Troy: Wow.  That’s a good message.

Andraé: That’s the only way in churches that we can grow. If God has put something on a pastor’s heart, we’ve got to be on one accord.

Troy: As one of the original innovators of the modern contemporary gospel movement, what do you think of the hip-hop influence on gospel in the last 20 years?

Andraé: I personally have always believed when God gives me an idea, he wants me to spread it as much as possible. I believe that He deals with me in multiplication. I don’t just want them to buy it and bop and rock to it, but I like for it to get into their hearts and become a part of them.

“On Earth as it is in Heaven”… when God gives us something to write, we want it to be something that He said so that it will last.

Troy: Right.

Andraé: Now, we have some kids rapping here at my church and I always tell them if you have a distinctive style that may not be in the church at all, you’re limited in the direction of that song. I think people receive more when it’s repetitious. So what I tell the kids is to remember to write a song, a melody … something that will allow the song to live on without you.

Troy: Indeed.

Andraé: When you get done rapping and beating, no one can deliver the rap lyrics exactly the way you can. But if you’ve incorporated singing into it, the song has a better chance of being remembered and even recorded by other people later on, so the song lives on even after the initial popularity fades.

Troy: Well, one way that you will be able to directly influence some of the younger generation and help develop their unique gifts are with “The Promise” Choir Competition.  Can you tell me about that?

Andraé: Yes! The choirs will be doing their own versions of my single “The Promise.” It’s quite possible we may get versions of the song with rapping, or just different interpretations.

Troy: So, this isn’t like a choir version of BET’s Sunday Best, or is it?

Andraé: Oh, they’re going to submit their performance digitally to http://andraecrouch.com. Then we’ll select the best submissions and travel to cities in the U.S. and also Puerto Rico, and a panel of judges will select 10 choirs to compete on the show.

Troy: Ok, I see.

Andraé: And some of the choirs may not be the “winners” per se, but I believe we’ll find some gems in the process, you know?

Troy: Oh, definitely, diamonds that just need a bit of molding or mentoring.

Andraé: Yes.

Troy: I think it’s a great way to bring young and old musical genius together and create the best of both worlds.

Andraé: Certainly, certainly.

Troy: So, let me just say this. You know you’re a super star. (Laughs)

Andraé: (Laughs)

Troy: You have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You’ve recorded with Madonna and Michael Jackson, and contributed music to the films like The Color Purple. But I want to know, what’s something you love or enjoy that we don’t really know?

Andraé: Well, my sister, Sandra, always jokes and tells people that I like to sky dive! But that’s a joke. (Laughs)

Troy: (Laughs)

Andraé: But I love animals… the kinds that I can have in my own house, you know? (Laughs)

Troy: Right! (Laughs)

Andraé: I have four dogs…. an English bulldog, two Chihuahuas, and a Chinese Powder Puff. Birds run me crazy because they tweet all night long. But I tell ‘em, “go ‘head and talk if you want to.”

Troy: Alright!

Andraé: I love the outdoors, too, especially water and boats. I have friends with big yachts and things, but I don’t buy them because I don’t wanna take care of no boat.

But most of all, I love people and love to travel. We’ve traveled to 72 countries and I’ve got friends all across the world. When we first got started way back, people who traveled with us would just sing and go back to their rooms. But I like to meet the people and experience the culture.

Troy: Yeah, you have to!

Well, I’m so glad to have had the chance to speak with you.  It’s awesome to tap into the man behind the music as well.  And I know people are looking forward to hearing the new music!

Andraé: Thank you I enjoyed talking to you, indeed. May the Lord bless and prosper you and the work you guys are doing.

Troy: Likewise, sir.

*     *     *

Be sure to look out for Andraé’s new album, The Journey, which is set to be released on May 17. The newest single “The Promise” is already available on iTunes, Amazon or Wal-Mart.com.

And if you’re thinking about entering Andraé Crouch’s “The Promise” Choir Competition, presented by Riverphlo Entertainment, the details can be found below:

• Who Can Enter: All church and community choirs in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. All participants must be at least 18 years old.

• When: The competition runs from February 15 through June 30, 2011.

• What You Have to Do: Go to http://riverphlo.com/contest and register to download the sheet music to “The Promise.” Record audio and/or video of your choir performing “The Promise,” and finally, upload the media onto the contest page.

• What You Win: The Grand Prize winning choir will receive a two-song deal with Riverphlo Entertainment; both songs will be produced by Andraé Crouch and Mano Hanes; the choir will have an opportunity to appear with Andraé in various local and national media engagements, both Andraé and Mano Hanes will conduct a music workshop on songwriting and producing at the winning choir’s church; and the choir will also receive music and sound equipment from a leading music supplier.

For the complete list of contest rules and eligibility, visit http://riverphlo.com.

Rance Allen is a pioneer in the gospel music community– a vocalist often studied for his before-his-time riffing style and impeccable stage performance.  The group he formed four decades ago continues to be a steady source of great music, including his latest release, The Live Experience II.

On the heels of that release, Associate Editor Troy Lilly chats with the legend himself…

*     *     *

Troy: Dr. Rance Allen! It’s a pleasure and a privilege. How are you?

Rance: Troy, I’m feeling great. And yourself?

Troy: I’m well. Excited to talk with you today. Shall we?

Rance: Certainly!

Troy: We really want to know about The Live Experience II, the latest album from The Rance Allen Group, which hit stores on January 25. Tell about a little about it.

Rance: Well, you know most of us recording artists say this, and I know I may be guilty of saying it about every new one that comes out, but this truly is the best one ever. And I say it because I believe it’s true.

Troy: Ok.

Rance: Here it is a live album. We’ve recorded twenty albums, this being only the second live one. Thus comes the name The Live Experience II. And man, there was just a free spirit moving as the Holy Ghost moved how He would, and with thousands of excited people there, they made us excited.

God anointed myself and my two brothers to sing, and the band to play, and then the great guests we had were second to none.

Troy: Certainly!  Tell me about the special guests appearing on this project.

Rance: We had Paul Porter, who’s a great singer himself, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong…I call her “the voice.”

Troy: Yes, yes.

Rance: Then the First Lady of Gospel, the Pastor Shirley Caesar, and a young group named Called to Worship out of Cincinnati.

Troy: Okay.

Rance: It’s just a beautiful piece of music. I want to tell young listeners that all you’ve got to do is put it in the player. You don’t have to search around looking for a song that you like more than the others. It’s the kind of CD that you want to play from track one through track 15.

Troy: Wow. So with that kind of project on your hands, do you have any favorites? Or at least a Top 5, since you can’t have just one.

Rance: Ok, well I hope I don’t mention all 15 to you! (Laughs)

Troy: (Laughs)

Rance: But let me start with “It’s You That I Trust,” the one where Paul Porter joins us in song. It’s an awesome song… you and the listeners will love it. But there’s one that I love even more than that.

There’s a cut called “Holy One.” You wanna talk about worship? This is a song that really reaches down into the reservoirs of a person’s heart…that’s “Holy One.”  And these are both kind of like ballads, actually.

Troy: Nice! What else have you got?

Rance: Pastor Shirley Caesar helped us sing another one called “Living for Jesus.” But there’s something I’ve got to tell you about this particular song.

Many, many years ago when I had just started my church, every Sunday one of my members would get up and just turn around and say to the audience– full of excitement– “There’s something about living for Jesus that’s the best thing for me…makes me feel real, (singing) real good.”

After a while, she had said that thing so much ‘til the Lord gave us a song! And you can hear it on this new CD– “Living for Jesus!”

Troy: Wow.

Rance: Yes, but there’s some great music on here. We did a song called “Love Train.” Now it doesn’t sound like the O’Jays! It sounds like the Rance Allen Group!

Troy: Now that’s a sound. (Laughs)

Rance: We also remade “Hear My Voice,” which we originally did way back in 1984.  Oh and number 13…that’s going to be one that you and every[one] of your listeners will love, and it’s called “United We Stand.” It goes on for about eight minutes and some change. And basically, it’s our take on “We Are the World,” sort of. Myself, my brothers, all my guests sang with a choir backing it up and it just turned out wonderfully.

I told you, if you keep letting me pick out favorites, I’ll be done picked out all 15! (Laughs)

Troy: I see. But I was actually counting while you were talking, and you only gave me five and a half! (Laughs)

Rance: (Laughs)

Troy: You’re celebrating 40 years of ministry along with your brothers. That’s almost two decades longer than I’ve been alive. Who are some of the new guys or the young cats that you admire or want to work with?

Rance: I’ve been blessed, man. I have worked with so many of these younger fellows. You know about the work I’ve done with Kirk Franklin. I’ve also worked with Joe Pace, The Williams Brothers, John P. Kee, Mary Mary. I’ve been able to share with many of the younger prominent artists of this day.

Troy: And we have enjoyed it!

Rance: They are actually the inspiration that I need for this particular time. All of the young people who come to me asking me to work with them, and praising the work that I’ve done over the last four decades…all of that now is a true inspiration to me.

Troy: Now I know I greeted you as Dr. Allen, but in addition to being a multi-instrumentalist and a singer, you’re also a pastor. How are things at your church, New Bethel Church of God in Christ in Ohio?

Rance: Man, that’s still a great part of my joy. The church is doing well. God is doing a new thing and we are anticipatorily waiting to see what our next move is going to be.

Troy: With that being said, if God were to bless you with 40 more years, what would you do?

Rance: Well, hmmm. I think I probably would just do like some products read on the side of the box and…wait for further instruction! (laughs)

Troy: That is a GOOD answer, sir. Good answer!

Rance: (Laughs) Yeah, because if he lets me live that long, or even half that time…or even a third of that time, I know He has not brought me this far to leave me.  I could never tell what God is gonna do because He’s so amazing that he would take the thing that seems foolish to me and just blow my mind. So I’m waiting for further instruction.

Troy: That’s wisdom.

Rance: And as the other box says: for best results, read instructions! Wait on the Lord!

Troy: (Laughs) Absolutely. Well, there’s one more thing I want to ask about as we wrap up. There’s a Live Experience II DVD coming out as well…

Rance: Troy, listen! The only thing that could be any better than the CD is the DVD, because you get to see what you’re hearing on the album. Oh my goodness, I’m telling you the Lord met us there.  And I’m trying my best not to sound like I’m bragging. But I am so grateful to God for how He met us there until the only thing I can say is you’re gonna miss out on something if you don’t get the DVD.

Troy: I’m excited about the projects, especially the commemorative nature and all that it symbolizes. It’s good to have an original pioneer who introduced new sounds still around. And not just because I was raised Church of God in Christ, either. But it doesn’t hurt!

Rance: Yes, you’re one of my little baby brothers. And God is using you to perpetuate the best music in the world, and that’s gospel!

Troy: Thank you for your time, man!

Rance: You’re certainly welcome. And I’ll tell you like the old folks told us: come by and see us and we’ll do you good.

*     *     *

And there you have it folks.  To listen to and purchase The Live Experience II by the Rance Allen Group, click here.

What did you think of the interview???

Troy: How are you?

Y’Anna: I’m good. How are you?

Troy: Great! It’s really good to talk to you, and not just because we’re both from the DMV [DC, Maryland, Virginia], but you are DC’s rising star.

Y’Anna: Oh, yeah?

Troy: It’s kind of like first we had Wale and now… we have Y’Anna.

Y’Anna: Wow, that’s big!

Troy: So, it’s been a little while since you won season two of BET’s Sunday Best, which kind of introduced you to the nation. How has life been since you won the title?

Y’Anna: Everything is just so awesome. I’m still pinching myself – literally! It’s humbling, it’s exciting… just everything that I ever thought it would be. God showed me a long time ago that I would touch many hearts with my voice. And now it’s like, “Wow, God…” Everything that you told me and showed me is right here.

Troy: And now, the release of your debut album, which we’ve been waiting for eagerly. How exciting or terrifying is that?

Y’Anna: It’s really exciting. Just to have my own… like finally it’s my turn. I’ve been singing professionally since I was twelve, backing up people like Chrisette Michele, Raheem DeVaughn – even Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole throughout high school – and just being in the background for so long, and now I’m in the forefront. I’m so blessed and it’s a wonderful feeling

Troy: The Promise is the title of your debut album.  What does that mean to you and what’s the message you’re trying to convey with your first project?

Y’Anna: The message I’m really trying to convey is that no matter how many times you get knocked down, if you have a passion for something God has given you and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen, remember to stand on His word. Remember to stand on God’s promises always, because He’ll never give it to you if He’s not going to make it come to fruition. God is a man of his word. He really is.

Troy: The first single from the album was “Grandma’s Hands,” which became a fan favorite from your Sunday Best performances. The current single is the title track, “The Promise,” so tell me, how is it different lyrically and stylistically from what we’re used to hearing you sing?

Y’Anna: Like you said “Grandma’s Hands” was kind of a fan favorite and, since it was so popular on the show, they decided to make that the first single. It’s more southern and soulful, but the lyrics of “The Promise” are more uplifting, telling you to persevere and hold on to God’s promises.

Musically, “The Promise” is a crossover, more pop and mainstream than southern soul. And it’s just so befitting, with my life story and everything I’ve gone through. It’s just perfect.

Troy: So “The Promise” has a pop or crossover appeal to it. But you’ve got a very dynamic voice – sometimes sounds like Aretha Franklin and other greats. What other styles did you experiment with on the album?

Y’Anna: I’m trying to give everybody a variety. I got a little hip hop on there, if you like Mary J. – well Mary J. Blige is hip hop I guess, huh?

Troy: Right!

Y’Anna: But I got a little dance tune on there.

Troy: Wow.

Y’Anna: Because there’s so many variations to my voice, I’m just trying to give everybody something so they can say “ok, she’s not just a down home church singer, like she can do everything.” And that’s really what I was trying to capture.

Troy: Did you try anything jazzy or bluesy?

Y’Anna: Well, I did! Actually I did “Sweet Love” over, but it didn’t make the album. But it’s cool ‘cause I’m gonna leak it out some type of way!

Troy: Please, please do! And you can forward me a copy as soon as you do because my parents tell me that I was conceived to Anita Baker!

Y’Anna: Uh oh! My mother played it every day, all day, so Anita Baker is one of my favorite artists.

Troy: Wow, yeah… she’s definitely on my top list as well.

Y’Anna: Yeah.

Troy: There’s one particular song on the album I want to ask you about called “Stronger.” On that song you talk about becoming pregnant at 17 and being an unwed mother. How was it to address such a personal and pivotal moment in your life?

Y’Anna: All songs are birthed out of experience, birthed out of pain, birthed out of joy, or whatever the songwriter has gone through. We were sitting down listening to the track, me and Buster Brown, and I wanted to talk about my life, how I became pregnant and thought the man was going to be husband, but I didn’t get the ring nor the man.

I still had to push through, and everything that happened at that moment made me sad, but now it has made me stronger.

Troy: Yes.

Y’Anna: So we just put all of that into a song. And I believe that’s going to be one of the songs that’s going to really cross over. I’m trying to get Drake to be on it… come on somebody, give me a remix!

Troy: Oh really?

Y’Anna: I believe it. Like really, get me a conscious rapper on the beginning because so many people can relate to it.

Troy: Ok!

Y’Anna: It may not be the same situation, but maybe somebody went through an abusive relationship or an abusive home situation. Whatever you go through only makes you stronger, so you can look back at it and say, “God, I got through that!”

Troy: The concept of “the promise” is not only the theme of your music, but it also expands to your other endeavors, particularly in the lives of young women. Tell me more about that.

Y’Anna: Yes. My [The] Promise Foundation is something that’s very dear to my heart. It’s a safe haven for women to come and talk, and discuss things. We’re going to uplift them and teach them ethics – like beauty ethics – teach them how to look good and dress so they won’t go on thinking that wearing less gets you more attention.

And we’re also going to do scholarships, especially for the young ones that have kids, so they can go back to school if they want to. I was once there so I just want to give back in all of the areas of my life that I grew.

Troy: Wow. That’s great.

Y’Anna: Yes, yes.

Troy: You also have two sons and you’re trying to help young men as well with Mama’s Boys.

Y’Anna: Well, I have my two sons and I’m a single mom. Their dads are in their lives, but I’m not married to them so they don’t see them every day, and it can be hard for a woman to raise boys into men. But there’s nothing like a man being in a young boy’s life.

So I want to bring in some mentors to kind of guide them, have candid talks with them, field trips. And we also want to provide some sort of scholarship for them as well, and I know that if God sees that I’m trying to give back, He’ll provide.

Troy: I’m sure He will as well, and I’m really excited about everything that you’re doing.

Y’Anna: Thank you!

Troy: I wish you the best. And you take care!

Y’Anna: You too!

*     *     *

What do you think, folks?  Did you guys grab Y’Anna’s new project, The Promise, this week?  What do you think of it?

Let us know!

EXCLUSIVE from Associate Editor Troy Lilly…

I love good music and good food. And boy did I get an overdose of both at the NABJ Gospel Brunch during convention for the National Association of Black Journalists in San Diego, California on Saturday.

CeCe Winans was this year’s featured artist, and she dropped by to feed our souls with her music as we feasted on a delicious brunch assortment. She started by revisiting the upbeat singles “Hallelujah Praise,” “Pray” and “Waging War” from her three most recent albums.  But then there was a change of pace a bit because, as CeCe put it, she “gets really excited about the slow songs.”

Just before she moved on, though, she revealed that her son Alvin Love III had traveled with her and was actually singing backup with her on stage. How cool is that? He did an awesome job, by the way, and she praised him just enough to make him blush – the way only a mother can.

She sang “He’s Concerned” next, a song recorded right after her oldest brother, Ronald, passed away in 2005. It was clear that this song had a deeper meaning for her. For nearly ten minutes, she talked about God’s concern for each of us, his children, and asked everyone in the audience to place a hand on our hearts. As you can imagine, tears began to flow around the room.

After everyone recovered from “He’s Concerned,” she closed the set with “We Welcome You (Holy Father),” the beautiful worship ballad from her Thy Kingdom Come album. Although I love to eat, I’m sure you understand that the music was the most satisfying treat at the brunch. This was also her second invitation to NABJ; she graced the Gospel Brunch in 1996 when the conference was in Nashville, Tennessee.

Following the performance, I spoke with CeCe briefly.  Here’s what she had to say:

What are your thoughts on the gospel music industry at the moment?

CeCe: I think we have a lot of great talent – we’ve always had great talent in gospel – but I think we’ve got to come up with more platforms for some of the newer artists. And I wonder if the next generation will recognize and heed the wisdom of the gospel greats.

You just released a compilation album, Songs of Emotional Healing. What’s next for you?

CeCe: Well, we’re taking the “Always Sisters, Forever Brothers” conference on the road – nationwide and maybe international, possibly Africa. So far it’s been held in Tennessee at Belmont University, but we want to expand.

What memories can you share of the late Bishop Walter Hawkins?

CeCe: Wow! Well, I will never forget the first time I saw Walter, the first thing that I thought was, ‘what kind of perm does he have in his head?’ I really did! But also, the Winans, we started out by emulating the Hawkins family. We wanted to be like them and I truly miss Walter very much.

Well, who keeps you looking so put together all the time?

CeCe: I’m actually a licensed cosmetologist, and I don’t have anyone on the road with me, so I use what I know to help myself out, you know what I mean? I know a few things.

You’ve always recorded music with a contemporary and R&B sound. What has kept you from crossing into secular territory like some gospel artists have decided to do?

CeCe: When you know what your purpose is, and what you’re here to do, it’s not hard. It’s never been a hard choice for me. And I’m not passing judgment on any gospel artists that have. However, there have been things that we [Bebe & CeCe] have done where I look back and say, ‘Lord, why did we do that?’ Like when we appeared on the Martin show back in the 90s. We got on the set and it was really a mess. I was said “God if you can use this to bless, then please do.”

I’ve always been a fan of CeCe’s music, but I can truly say now that I love her as a person, too.

New Associate Editor Troy Lilly interviewed Fred Hammond for you guys…

In this chat, he talks with Fred about Life in the Word (the new album that hits stores TODAY), Fred’s new relationship with Universal Music Christian Group, and plans for the future.

It’s a great read, so I won’t delay things any further… here’s Troy with Fred Hammond.

*     *     *

Troy: How are you doing this morning, man?

Fred: Good, man. How you feel?

Troy: Good, good. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with me.

Fred: I appreciate you, doc, for talking to me.

Troy: First off, I want to congratulate you on the new label, fHammond Family Entertainment, and your joint venture with Universal Music Christian Group.

Fred: Yeah.

Troy: Everyone’s really excited about it. Some people are so excited they’ve let their imaginations run wild about what’s going to happen next. I mean really, really wild!

So, tell me how this partnership came about and what exactly this means for future Fred Hammond projects?

Fred: Well, uh, the label is not as new as is kind of being said. It’s fHammond Music, basically, which was on the Verity/Zomba label.

Troy: Ok.

Fred: Verity and Zomba both gave me an opportunity to learn the inside of executive producing …there’s other levels… marketing, and not just finding the talent, but motivating and molding the talent. Verity taught me to do that.

But when we got to the end of our run, Verity wanted to concentrate on less secondary projects and more primary projects. Fred Hammond is a primary and fHammond is a secondary.

Troy: I see.

Fred: Basically, I got dropped! Naw…I’m just kidding! (laughs)

Troy: (LAUGHS)

Fred: And I didn’t really get dropped. We both mutually agreed, you know, it was time to go. It was a good run. We got Joann Rosario [Condrey] out of it, I had the Singletons and Shea Norman … Joann really shined out of that… but I got a chance to learn at each step.

Troy: Right, right.

Fred: But Universal came along. And see, because Universal is not a label – they’re distribution – they can help develop a label, you know.

Troy: Right…

Fred: They don’t have artists to compete with. They were looking for some talented young labels and people who had music and they said, ‘we can help you.’ And when we met up with each other I felt really good about it. I went there and sat down and I felt like this was the place to be.

They allow me, as a businessperson, to say, “this is the plan and this is the direction we’re going.”

Troy: Wow.

Fred: Sometimes I’m almost asking them permission to do something as a label…

Troy: (Chuckles)

Fred: And they’re like… ‘uh, that’s your label. You tell us what to do.’ And I’m like, “oh, ok!” It’s almost like Eddie Murphy in the movie Trading Places when he walked into the house and said, ‘oh, so this vase is mine …so that means I can just throw it down on the ground,’ – POW! You don’t really believe it at the end of the day.

Troy: The first project on the fHammond Family Entertainment label hits stores on July 27th and is titled Life in the Word. What’s the significance of the title?

Fred: It’s interesting that the first CD that comes out is Word-based. It’s what the whole foundation of the company and the label will be based on – life in the Word. So the actual CD itself is a praise and worship devotional.

There’s little narrated scriptures in between most of the music. Some of them are comedic, some are dramatic. But if you just hear them it’ll remind you… that we should go over into the land because we can certainly take it. Whatever your promised land is, go get it.

Troy: Yeah.

Fred: And like I said, some of them are comedic. I play a preacher on one of ‘em, from a store front church, and I scream, “READ!” (Laughs)

Troy: (Laughs)

Fred: And they start reading and I change the words up on ‘em. So they’re reading, ‘for this’ and I say, “No, for that,” then, “no, for this…” (laughs)

Troy: (Laughs)

Fred: It’s funny, but it’s still reading the Word of God.

Troy: Now, I have to say this: the spoken scriptural interludes on the album are a treat and really take me back to the “Inner Court” days with Radical for Christ… stuff like “The Communion Song” where there’s actual reading during the song,

Fred: Yeah!

Troy: And then like “Hear My Cry”…man! That stuff is just ripped from scripture, kind of like hearing people sing the Bible.

Fred: That’s just my style, man.

Troy: You’re credited with creating the sub-genre Urban Praise and Worship, but you described the Life in the Word project as “the other side” of your style. Do you feel this style and sound will appeal to a new, wider audience, or…?

Fred: On this one… it’s a little departure, but it’s not theeeee departure, you know what I’m sayin’? I didn’t wanna shock people too bad. But if they got to listen to “You Are My Dwelling Place” – which I sing on – they’re gonna hear a little alternative and rock edge to it.

Troy: The album features an ensemble of gifted singers such as Lowell Pye, Ericka Warren, Candace Laster, Michael Bethany, and Faith Anderson. What caused you to choose this particular group of singers?

Fred: Man, it’s like these cats…they can really sing! I reached out to Lowell because he’s a friend of mine. I think Lowell has an [amazing] voice. Some people I sit there and like everything they do. Lowell, when he sings, that’s me. He reminds me of John P. Kee, who’s my favorite male vocalist.

Troy: Yeah, probably for a lot of us. (chuckles)

Fred: So at the end of the day, Lowell was a no brainer. And when I asked him he was like, ‘yeah, man, yeah…I’ll do it.’

And then the rest of them kinda sing with me. They go out on the road with me, except Faith, who sings with Kirk [Franklin]. But it was an opportunity and they all jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always had a heart to help people

Troy: How much will we hear you, Fred, vocally on this new record?

Fred: I’m actually singing two songs on there. One of them is a remake, the full version of “Just to Be Close to You” with the verses and everything.

Troy: Yeah, I saw that. So, it sounds like this new album is really similar to the In Case You Missed It… project, which primarily featured and introduced a plethora of guest artists.

Fred: Absolutely. It’s just the same concept. I may even do an In Case You Missed It 2…  on this label. I may take some of my old music that people didn’t’ really catch onto, songs that I thought were great and nobody really listened to…

Troy: (Laughs)

Fred: And let somebody else do it. Folks will hear it and say, “Wow! I didn’t hear that song that way when he sang it.” So there’s an In Case You Missed It 2… coming, a Life in the Word 2 coming.

Troy: Should we expect to see solo projects on this new imprint by some of the guest artists you’ve introduced over the years…perhaps even solo work from Fred Hammond in the future?

Fred: Well hopefully, all of them. Hopefully all of them will get a chance to be able to do their own projects from this – especially in my camp.

And I’m looking to expand this into different voices and different topics.

Troy: Ok.

Fred: My daughter, BreeAnn, is a great vocalist, but I don’t think I should put her out there in the way where she has to go to churches and stand up, and do this and do that. But she can go to youth groups and sing to other 18- and 22-year-olds about what it feels like to be in love and lose love.

They don’t necessarily have to hear it from all from Rihanna, you know what I’m sayin’?

Troy: Yeah!

Fred:  But they can hear it from a woman with “this” instead of that perspective.

Troy: Wow.

Fred: So I want to have new voices. Then I have another guy who’s been out there, another brother. He has a great album. His name is Steve Huff.

Troy: Oh, yeah man! Steve, definitely.

Fred: That’s my dude. We just hooked up and I’m putting him out. He’s got a great album and I believe in it. He’s super urban. – I mean he’s got like 10, 12 songs of “God in Me,” and they’re all killin’! I mean they’re all killin’.

And then there’s another younger guy I got named Silas. He has another sound with another voice, and he’s talking about life. It sounds like a mixture of Hootie and the Blowfish meets…somebody else.

Troy: (Chuckles)

Fred: Honestly, it’s just different sounding music, and it may not all get radio, but there’s a way to get it out. People are getting 50 million hits on YouTube, and you’ve got Pandora radio and Fred radio…

Troy: Yeah, the game is definitely changing.

Fred: Right, the game is changing, and I love gospel radio but I understand that they just don’t have all the room to put everybody out there, so…

Troy: That’s true.

Fred: I’m gonna put out different forms of music.

Troy: Ok.

Fred: I have a jazz CD I’m putting out, but I’m not gonna do “Lord, Help Me to Hold Out” over a piano solo. No, I’m doing a straight-up smooth jazz album. It’s a musician album. I got a group and it’s a jazz CD, just with a Christian guy who happens to be playing jazz.

We’re going to talk about some regular stuff AND still have God and the gospel going in, because believe it or not, God cares about all of that.

Troy: He does.

Fred: He said “cast all your cares,” not your “gospel” cares or your “Christian cares,” but he said every care that you have cast on me, because I care for you.

Troy: After almost 30 years in the business producing, arranging – playing – are you ready to focus on something other than music, or is it still “all about the music?”

Fred: Music is the base, but man, I’m writing books. I figure the world has enough self-help books, so my books are fictional. They’re stories that I’ve met and seen in my lifetime – people dealing with childhood issues, murder. These are things that I’ve seen. Several of my friends have been killed, executed.

Troy: Man! (gasps)

Fred: That’s the kind of life I’ve dealt with, you know. I’ve been in the church and in the streets, so I’m gonna tell the story. But, I’m going to tell you where God shows up, how God heals that moment!

Troy: Right!

Fred: And it doesn’t have to sell a billion books. But it’s going to be unique.

Troy: I’m excited.

Fred: It’s a start, you know? One day, Commissioned had a record called “I’m Going On,” and people were excited. But, we also heard the other side: “it’s not as good as the Winans,” and “you guys aren’t big time…” I heard all of that.

But you still put something out, and you do another one and another one, until you look up and you’ve sold millions of records and you’re doing an interview talking about your first label. (Laughs)

Troy: (Laughs) That’s how it happens.

Fred: That’s it.

Troy: I want to say congratulations again. I hear the vision and I see that you are really taking the reigns, creating opportunities, not only for yourself, but for other people as well. I enjoyed the talk, man, and I hope you did as well.

Fred: Yes sir. Yeah, I appreciate you, man. Keep doing what you’re doing and anything you need to ask, just hit me up. We gotta work together.

Troy: Definitely.

Fred: Very good, man. Thanks.

Troy: You’re welcome. Take it easy.

*     *     *

Niiiiiiiiice!

Glad to hear, officially, what all the fuss is about over Fred and Universal Music.  And, I’m glad to know more about the direction he’s heading, musically– some of those projects (especially that jazz one)… I want them NOW!

So, what did you guys think of Troy’s interview with Fred Hammond?