Is it just me, or is gospel the only genre that allows (maybe expects, and even demands) artists’ names to follow the format of “So-And-So” & “Such-And-Such”?

Think about it… Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, Myron Butler & Levi, DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet…

But it didn’t just start happening… there was Israel & New Breed, Kirk Franklin & The Family, Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ…

And before them, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Walter Hawkins & The Hawkins Family, Andraé Crouch & The Disciples…

And let’s not forget the choirs– Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Ricky Dillard & New G, John P Kee & New Life, Milton Brunson & The Tommies, O’landa Draper & The Associates…

Understand this– my absolute ALL-TIME FAVORITE gospel artists are mentioned above, so I’m not mad at their names at all.  Love you guys and you KNOW it!

I definitely think the the name choices make sense– ours is the only genre with the artist format of frontmen backed by an ensemble or a choir.

But I’d be lying if I said it isn’t refreshing when I hear creative names like Mary Mary, Excelsior, 21:03 and Mali Music.

In short, it’s not a good or bad thing, just… a thing.  A gospel thing.

Anyone noticed???

EXCLUSIVE LEAK!!!   EXCLUSIVE LEAK!!!   EXCLUSIVE LEAK!!!

Okay, folks.  You know how 21:03’s been sharing, bit-by-bit, some of the music they’re working on?  Well, if you’re like me, you’re sick of bit-by-bit…

So, just for you guys, I nabbed the full track of their could-be-a-new-single: “Favor“!

This track is straight from the lab to your ears– I dunno if Verity even knows I’m doin’ it (don’t be mad at me guys, okay?!).

Don’t ask, but do tell… CLICK HERE to listen NOW!

This is such a catchy track to me… I can’t stop singing the chorus.  Talk to me, folks… what do you think?

The fellas of 21:03 and the production powerhouse PAJAM are giving GospelPundit.com’s readers an exclusive behind-the-scenes pass to a recent studio session, in which the group recorded a new track– “Favor.”

The footage gets a lil’ dark, but… it’s the studio. Sometimes it’s dark in there! LOL Check it out!

AAAAAND, in case you’re wondering what the finished track is sounding like, 21:03 posted a quick snippet of it on their YouTube channel, 2103TV:

What do you think of the footage?  How about that track?!

The fellas of the hit group 21:03 are back in the studio with PAJAM and the music they’re making is BANAAAAAANAS.  Last night, Evin Martin invited Twitterers into the studio with the group as they recorded a hot new track, “Cold World.”  We got to hear Torrence (Mr. Robotic) and Evin (limitless range) lay ad libs for the song– good stuff.

Also, Paul “PDA” Allen recently posted a cool video of them working on a track called “I Wanna Hear Your Voice.” It’s pretty clever and definitely catchy…

I hear the fellas are gonna do a UStream studio session again soon, so make sure you follow them at Twitter to find out when they do it– http://www.twitter.com/21o3.

Whatcha think???

I think now would be a good time to check Travelocity or whatever travel site you use, get yourself a ticket to Detroit, and start packin’…

On Sunday, December 13th, J Moss is recording a live video (his first ever) with songs from his latest hit album, Just James.  The recording will also feature special guests Antwaun Stanley, 21:03, and the legendary Clark Sisters!

It’s all going down at Straight Gate International Church.  Doors open at 6pm and the event is totally FREE!

So, who’s going?

If you’ve ever attended the Stellar Awards weekend or GMA week, you’ve probably noticed (and perhaps attended) the highly popular performance event, Urban Soul Cafe.

Quickly becoming one of the largest and most successful grassroots performance opps in the industry, the event features performances from major and indie artists at reasonable prices in an intimate setting.

This year, Urban Soul Cafe presents its Stellar Awards weekend event, “Access Granted,” and it promises to be just as good as past events, with performances expected from J Moss, Melinda Watts, 21:03, Adrianne Archie and many more urban gospel artists.

There will be two events– one on Thursday, January 14th and one following the Stellars taping on Saturday, January 16th– and will be hosted by DeWayne Woods, Canton Jones, Lexi and Sheilah Belle.

Click here to view the full flyers for the event and to purchase tickets!

Soooo, if you were followin’ my tweets, you got up-to-the-minute results of the nominees.  My fingers HURT from typing so quickly on that BlackBerry!

For those of you who missed it, click here for a full list of nominees.

I’m disappointed that Sheri Jones-Moffett, Coko, 21:03, Melinda Watts, Damita Haddon and Kevin LeVar’s names are not anywhere among the nominees.  Each had great projects and should have been recognized.  Majorly not okay.

I’m very happy, though, for artists like Donald Lawrence (one of my faves this year), Kierra Sheard, Mary Mary, Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton, Daniel Weatherspoon, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Bishop Paul Morton…

Geez.  I just dunno.  Some of the names on there…

What do you guys think of the nominees?

Word has it that Stellar and GRAMMY-nominated urban gospel group 21:03 is back in the studio workin’ on their next project.

I think they’re doing a great job in terms of actually taking the time to DEVELOP as artists.  I’m excited to see their growth on this new album.

Recently, they asked Twitter followers: “what style/concept of a song would u like to hear us do on the new record?”

Personally, I’m hoping for a tight cover track of some 80’s tune and some acoustic worship deal, showcasing the breadth of their musical influence.  I get that they’re an urban group, but they’re all-around gifted… I wanna see that be challenged, musically, a bit more.

What about you guys?

J Moss and  Paul “PDA” Allen sent me this remix of J’s first single, “I Gave It Up” and I knew I wanted to share it with you guys.

The remix features PDA and PAJAM artist Chris Clark (you’ve heard him flow on other PAJAM-produced projects, including 21:03’s “Time 4 A Change”).

I’ve added it to the PunditPlayer!

Click here to listen and lemme know what you think…

Hey good people… as most of you know, Evin Martin of gospel’s hit group 21:03, is GospelPundit.com’s official correspondent for the Across The Aisle series.

He’s back with another great artist for us to check out– Natalie Grant.

Without any delay, check out what Evin has to say… (wasn’t trying to rhyme… I promise):

Thanks, Evin!

Folks, make sure you leave a comment to let Evin know how he’s doing AND to tell him who you wanna hear about next!