I want you guys to check out a dude who is a gifted singer and songwriter, as well as a genuinely all-around great guy– Charles Martin.  After lots of time, work and energy, he’s releasing his debut album, Mary’s Son.

Charles has been in the gospel biz for quite some time, having backed Fred Hammond, Deitrick Haddon and Voices of Unity.  He’s got an urban gospel vibe, as demonstrated by his debut single, “Secret Place.”  The project has got some catchy tunes that I think you’ll dig.

You can learn more about him and listen to snippets of his music at his official website: http://www.charlesmartinmusic.com.

And if you’re in the Detroit area, you’ve got a SPECIAL way to check him out this Saturday, October 16th, from 7pm to 10pm– he’s having an album release party at Detroit World Outreach (The Vault), 23803 W. Chicago; Redford, MI 48239. The event will also feature a performance by Tammi Haddon singing new tunes from her upcoming album, Fanatic.

Anyone already familiar with Charles Martin?  Anyone planning to check him out?

Lemme know what you think!

I like to consider myself hip, happenin’, cool and down wit’ it.

I can spit all the lyrics to my favorite rap song (not here, cuz it’s not Christian and you guys would come for me), and I know what I personally like when it comes to hip-hop, Christian or otherwise.

That said, I don’t actually KNOW what sells in gospel hip-hop– I believe it’s lyrics, beat and hook, like most songs. *shrugs*

In any case, I heard “5High,” the single from PAJAM’s gospel hip-hop artist Chris Clark, and I found myself saying “wax on… wax off… wax on, wax on, wax off…” for the next several hours. Figured that’s reason enough to post it!

Peep the video below and let me know what you guys think of it. And for my true hip-hop heads, I want you, ESPECIALLY, to weigh-in.

Wax on… wax off… You’ll be saying it while you walk around today. Guaranteed.

What do you think???

Full disclosure– I love tons of new artists, but rarely get excited about ‘em.

It’s just that the concept of “longevity” in the gospel music industry is becoming increasingly foreign (maybe I’ll do a blog post about that later), so I rarely put my eggs of excitement into any new artist’s basket.

Immediately after listening to track 3 of More Than I Ever Had, the new album from developing group Rashad McPherson & Divine Purpose, I chucked away a few worshipful tears and immediately went to call Rashad McPherson’s team.  My sentiments: I am more passionate about this group’s raw ability and potential than ANY new artist I have seen in gospel music in a while.

Why?  A couple of reasons.

The artist format– frontman with an ensemble behind him– is familiar, but fresh because each of the singers with him can sing the walls DOWN (I’ve already got a personal fave from among them!).  The music is beautiful.  Just downright beautiful– lyrically, melodically, instrumentally.  McPherson has captured the sound of authentic “gospel,” and gives just enough to stir up nostalgic nuances of Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence or Hezekiah Walker, while still taking us on a musical journey into new terrain.

Rashad McPherson is a Berklee College of Music grad, as evident in the superb musicality you’ll hear in the tunes.  Standout tracks for me are “Everything You Are,” “The Promise,” “You’re My Reason For Breathing,” “I Would Be Lost Without You,” “He Made Me Well” and “More Than I Ever Had.”

I kid you not, nor do I intend to deceive and waste your money– if you adore contemporary gospel music by ensembles, you will not be disappointed by this project.  I endorse it wholeheartedly.  Big time.

To prove my point, I convinced Rashad McPherson to let me stream three tracks (I’m too excited) for you guys to listen to!

CLICK HERE to launch the PunditPlayer and Check ‘Em Out on the tracks ”Everything You Are,” “I Would Be Lost Without You” and “More Than I Ever Had.”  Geez… I also kinda wanna add “The Promise,” but I’ll wait… I believe you’ll still get a dose of what this phenomenal group has to offer.

And if you like what you’re hearing, listen to more and grab a copy of your own at CDBaby.com.  Also, make sure you connect with them on Facebook (click here) and on Twitter (click here).

Okay, folks– what do you think of what you’ve heard so far???

Folks, the debut album of forever JONES hits stores TODAY.

You’ve probably heard ‘em on the radio by now– they’re doing incredibly well with their hit single “He Wants It All.”

Also, if you recall, I featured them in a Check ‘Em Out post back in November.

You can buy the album, and listen to snippets, by clicking here.

If you’re diggin’ the modern quartet vibe, I want you guys to check out this group– New Harvest.

I first encountered the fellas of New Harvest about a year ago at an industry conference.  Not only did I really enjoy their music, I was encouraged to see their humility, as well as their dedication to their music AND to their business.

New Harvest is comprised of Terence Hayes and his three nephews– Norman McDuffie, Joe Byrd and Tim Wilson.  The family has been singing together for many years, but they reached national acclaim with their 2007 self-titled release, nabbing three Dove nominations in 2008!

Check out this video of one of their latest singles, “Just Clap”:

You can learn more about the group at their official website– http://www.newharvestmusic.net/.

What do you think?  You like the sound and style of New Harvest?

Many of you might not have heard much about Michelle Bonilla yet, but she’s actually not a “newcomer” to the industry.  In addition to being featured on Cross Movement’s Grammy and Dove-nominated album, Higher Definition, she released her debut album, Phenomenal, in 2006.

The Brooklyn, NY native has just released her sophomore project, In Spite Of Me, on Tuesday and there’s quite a bit of buzz about her on the world wide web.

Her first single, “I Love You,” is an urban/pop Christian tune with a nice track behind it and understated, but strong, vocals.  I’m likin’ it!

And cuz I love you guys so much, I’ve added her new single, “I Love You,” to the PunditPlayer.  Take a listen by clicking here!!!

I want you to check her out and lemme know what you think!

I wanna take a quick moment to feature a cool new artist, Josiah “Jojo” Martin.  He’s actually been writing and doing background vocals behind the scenes for quite some time, but he’s just now stepping out on his own as a solo artist.

In addition to offering BGV’s for PJ Morton and Fred Hammond, Jojo is currently producing an album for Stephanie Mills, as well as writing and providing vocals for the long-awaited album from Dalon Collins (former member of Kirk Franklin & The Family).  You’ll also find his work on the latest releases from James Fortune & FIYA and, soon, on the newest album from VaShawn Mitchell.

At age 25, Jojo’s voice is incredibly reminiscent of the great crooners from the old skool.  He’s got a gritty tone that reminds me of someone like David Ruffin or Jason Nelson, but a vocal delivery that definitely has some modern, urban flavor to it.

He’s anticipating a full album release later this year.  In the meantime, I’ve just added his first single, “Always,” to the PunditPlayer.  I’m REALLY diggin’ it.

Click here to take a listen and lemme know what you think!!!

Got a group out of Atlanta that I want you guys to know about… Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling have compiled a nice project with solid production and tight vocals.

The vibe is like a good ol’ church service or midnight musical someplace.  And that’s refreshing to me.  In this musical season, where so much music seems almost created for the sake of crossover or mainstream appeal, it’s cool that artists are still filling the need for a choir that is gonna KILL the vocals and leave folks slain in the aisles.

The choir’s got a little wobble (a la Ricky Dillard’s New G or James Hall’s Worship And Praise) but I love their blend more than anything else.

And the musical help enlisted by Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling is impressive, to say the least– guest leads vocals from Charmaine Swimpson (one of Kirk Franklin’s singers for several years now), rising favorite San Franklin, Sunday Best finalist Zebulon Ellis and background vocalist/developing artist Josiah Martin.

Destined For Greatness (produced by Justin Gilbert and Daniel Moore) is available at most internet retailers, including Amazon.com.  You can listen to the single, “Destined For Greatness,” on the PunditPlayer NOW by clicking here.

Let me know what you think!

I want you guys to pay extra close attention to Alex Williams.  He’s been working in the industry for a minute now, in various capacities, and is finally stepping out on his own as an artist and worship leader.  He’s got great music and a great message.

In addition to writing “Invitation” and “Rain On Me” for Byron Cage’s album, “An Invitation To Worship,” Alex has served as a worship leader for Lifeway’s Going Beyond conferences with Priscilla Shirer.  No novice to the business side of things, he’s also worked as a road manager for several artists.

Alex recently released his first single “Everybody Needs A Hero,” and it’s available on iTunes, Amazon and Rhapsody.  He’s in the process of finishing up his first EP, due later this year.

Before you buy the single, you can take a listen to it here– I’ve just added it to the Pundit Player.   Click here to listen!!!

You can also check him out on Twitter, on Facebook, and on MySpace.

Lemme know what you think!!!!

I neeeed you guys to check out this new artist, TolumiDE.

Her single, “My Love,” is so catchy, so hot, so fun and funky… I kinda can’t stop listening!  Sooooo, I’ve added it to the PunditPlayer, so you can be hooked too! LOL

Click here to listen!!!

TolumiDE is a new artist with a Nigerian and Canadian background.  She infuses gospel, reggae, funk, soul and African sounds and rhythms into music that works well.  I’m really digging the vibe.

Her full album, My Love, isn’t due in stores until April of this year, but the single will be available this Tuesday, January 26th, on iTunes.

You can visit her website, www.TolumiDEmusic.com, to learn more about her.  Plus, you can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tolumide.

Also, peep her video for the single… it’s simple enough, yet features quality production.  Plus, I BELIEVE her in it, which is not always a given in gospel.  I think I’m a fan!

Okay, lemme know what you think!!!