The 27th Annual Stellar Awards were held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Nashville, TN at the Grand Ole Opry House.

And here are this year’s winners (winners in bold and blue)!

Artist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Kirk Franklin
Mary Mary
VaShawn Mitchell

Song of the Year
“Nobody Greater” | Darius Paulk
“Well Done” | Deitrick Haddon
“I Smile” | Kirk Franklin
“I Choose To Worship” | Wess Morgan

Male Vocalist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
Smokie Norful
VaShawn Mitchell

Female Vocalist of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Kim Burrell
Martha Munizzi
Yolanda Adams

Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Rance Allen Group
Trin-i-tee 5:7

New Artist of the Year
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Preashea Hilliard
Todd Dulaney
Y’Anna

CD of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA – I Believe
Kirk Franklin – I Smile
Mary Mary – Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant

Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard
Shekinah Glory Ministry

Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims & Israel Houghton for Love God. Love People.
Kirk Franklin for Hello Fear
VaShawn Mitchell, Daniel Weatherspoon & Rick Robinson for Triumphant
Warryn Campbell/Mary Mary for Something Big

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Trin-i-tee 5:7

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers

Contemporary Male of the Year
Deitrick Haddon
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
VaShawn Mitchell

Traditional Male of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson
John P Kee
Rance Allen
Smokie Norful

Contemporary Female of the Year
Kim Burrell
Preashea Hilliard
Y’Anna
Yolanda Adams

Traditional Female of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Evelyn Turrentine-Agee
LaShun Pace
Twinkie Clark

Contemporary CD of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Kirk Franklin | Hello Fear
Mary Mary | Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant

Traditional CD of the Year
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living
Smokie Norful | How I Got Over…

Urban Inspirational Performance of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | “Well Done”
Kirk Franklin | “I Smile”
Mary Mary | “Walking”
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater”

Music Video of the Year – Short Form
Martha Munizzi | “Excellent” (Martha Munizzi)
Christian Heuer | “Walking” (Mary Mary)
Canton Jones | “God” (Canton Jones)
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater” (VaShawn Mitchell)

Music Video of the Year – Long Form
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Jerry Parries | Bishop Morton Celebrates…
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living

Traditional Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard

Contemporary Choir of the Year
Lonnie Hunter & Structure
Shekinah Glory Ministry

Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year
Harold Rayford | I Am the Instrument
Moses Tyson Jr | Music Remastered & Sacred Organ
Todd Ledbetter | Meditations: Hymsn in the Key of Jazz
Winston Stewart | Season

Special Event CD of the Year
Bishop Paul Morton | Still
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | My Songbook

Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Flame | Captured
Lecrae | Rehab
Lecrae | Rehab: The Overdose
Viktory | Birth of a Legacy

Children’s Project of the Year
Teen Pure N Heart | Pure N Heart Live
Santiago & Claude Deuce | My Destiny Place – My Imagination
The Velasquez Singers | Ten
T-Rep The Young Prayzr | Let’s Go

Quartet of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Christina Jones for Dominionaire (Canton Jones)
Denise Trotman & Greg Gilligan for Hello Fear (Kirk Franklin)
Martha Munizzi for Make It Loud (Martha Munizzi)
Tanner Gary for Triumphant (VaShawn Mitchell)

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Earnest Pugh | Earnestly Yours
Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People.
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant

Spoken Word CD of the Year
Marco the Poet | Marco the Poet EP
Michael Diallo McLendon | The Diallo Experience
Selah | Look At You Loving Me
Trupoetry | Trupoetry

Radio Station of the Year Finalists:

Major Market (3M+)
WPZE 102.5 FM (Atlanta, GA)
WPRS 104.1 FM (Washington, DC)
KJLH 102.3 FM (Los Angeles, CA)
WGRB 1390 AM (Chicago, IL)
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Large Market (1-3M)
WHAL 95.7 FM/1460 AM (Memphis, TN)
WFMI 100.9 FM (VA-Norfolk-Newport, VA)
KCAO 600 AM (Baltimore, MD)
WMBM 1490 AM (Miami, FL)

Medium Market (500,000-1M)
WLOU 1350 AM (Louisville, KY)
WPRF 94.9 FM (New Orleans, LA)
WENO 760 AM (Nashville, TN)
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]
WPZK 102.5 (Little Rock, AR)

Small Market (under 500,000)
WDJL 1000 AM (Huntsville, AL)
WJNI 106.3 FM (Charleston, SC)
KOKA 980 AM (Shreveport, LA)
WIMG 1300 AM (Trenton, NJ)

The show was hosted by Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole, and will begin airing in local markets on January 21, 2012 (visit the Stellar Awards website for Local Airdates). The program will also be broadcast on gmc on February 11, 2012 at 8pm ET.

2011 is just about over. Don’t enter 2012 without checking out our Top 10 Favorite Albums of the Year. And get ‘em!

In no particular order…

1. Andraé Crouch – The Journey
He’s not a legend just because of his pleasing personality. He has consistently made phenomenal music for the entire Body of Christ, across the globe. This project is just the latest in his sprawling catalog of must-have music. You must… have it.

2. Donald Lawrence – YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
It’s no secret that we love D. Lawrence at GospelPundit.com. He just does gospel music RIGHT. And with this album, he continues in excellence. Great music, great messages.

3. Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
This trendsetter and tastemaker of gospel music didn’t push the envelope as far as he has in the past, but he still gives us plenty to chew on and enjoy.

4. Mary Mary – Something Big
It’s almost like this sister duo knew how monumental their year would be, with award after award and a reality show in the works. The title is almost prophetic… it’s their soundtrack, and ours, too.

5. Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
The looooong-awaited solo debut of this “man of standard” debuted at #1 and has experienced great sales for months. It’s not just cuz he’s hilarious– it’s cuz his album rocks.

6. Kim Burrell – The Love Album
To the chagrin of many, one of gospel’s most recognized and celebrated voices delivered her much-buzzed about “secular” album. It’s still gospel… and she sang the daylights out of every single track.

7. Dorinda Clark Cole – I Survived
With this project, we got Dorinda doing what she does best– a well-produced and current sound laced with traditional influence and familiarity.

8. Lecrae – Rehab: The Overdose
He may be Christian music’s most well-known hip-hop artist at this point, and rightfully so. His music cuts, inspires, educates and equips. Get on board.

9. Jessica Reedy – From the Heart
This long-awaited debut album offered a more soul/R&B vibe than many might have predicted, but her vocal performance and passion on each track is undeniable.

10. Claude Deuce – Wanna Be Winans mixtape
This was both creative and incredibly well-done. And, perhaps best of all, free for downloading!

And the nominees for the 27th Annual Stellar Awards are…

Artist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Kirk Franklin
Mary Mary
VaShawn Mitchell

Song of the Year
“Nobody Greater” | Darius Paulk
“Well Done” | Deitrick Haddon
“I Smile” | Kirk Franklin
“I Choose To Worship” | Wess Morgan
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Male Vocalist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
Smokie Norful
VaShawn Mitchell
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Female Vocalist of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Kim Burrell
Martha Munizzi
Yolanda Adams
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Rance Allen Group
Trin-i-tee 5:7

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

New Artist of the Year
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Preashea Hilliard
Todd Dulaney
Y’Anna

CD of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA – I Believe
Kirk Franklin – I Smile
Mary Mary – Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard
Shekinah Glory Ministry
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims & Israel Houghton for Love God. Love People.
Kirk Franklin for Hello Fear
VaShawn Mitchell, Daniel Weatherspoon & Rick Robinson for Triumphant
Warryn Campbell/Mary Mary for Something Big

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Trin-i-tee 5:7
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers

Contemporary Male of the Year
Deitrick Haddon
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
VaShawn Mitchell

Traditional Male of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson
John P Kee
Rance Allen
Smokie Norful

Contemporary Female of the Year
Kim Burrell
Preashea Hilliard
Y’Anna
Yolanda Adams
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Traditional Female of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Evelyn Turrentine-Agee
LaShun Pace
Twinkie Clark

Contemporary CD of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Kirk Franklin | Hello Fear
Mary Mary | Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Traditional CD of the Year
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living
Smokie Norful | How I Got Over…
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Urban Inspirational Performance of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | “Well Done”
Kirk Franklin | “I Smile”
Mary Mary | “Walking”
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater”

Music Video of the Year – Short Form
Martha Munizzi | “Excellent” (Martha Munizzi)
Christian Heuer | “Walking” (Mary Mary)
Canton Jones | “God” (Canton Jones)
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater” (VaShawn Mitchell)

Music Video of the Year – Long Form
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Jerry Parries | Bishop Morton Celebrates…
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living

Traditional Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard

Contemporary Choir of the Year
Lonnie Hunter & Structure
Shekinah Glory Ministry

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year
Harold Rayford | I Am the Instrument
Moses Tyson Jr | Music Remastered & Sacred Organ
Todd Ledbetter | Meditations: Hymsn in the Key of Jazz
Winston Stewart | Season
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Special Event CD of the Year
Bishop Paul Morton | Still
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | My Songbook

Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Flame | Captured
Lecrae | Rehab
Lecrae | Rehab: The Overdose
Viktory | Birth of a Legacy
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Children’s Project of the Year
Teen Pure N Heart | Pure N Heart Live
Santiago & Claude Deuce | My Destiny Place – My Imagination
The Velasquez Singers | Ten
T-Rep The Young Prayzr | Let’s Go

Quartet of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Christina Jones for Dominionaire (Canton Jones)
Denise Trotman & Greg Gilligan for Hello Fear (Kirk Franklin)
Martha Munizzi for Make It Loud (Martha Munizzi)
Tanner Gary for Triumphant (VaShawn Mitchell)

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Earnest Pugh | Earnestly Yours
Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People.
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Spoken Word CD of the Year
Marco the Poet | Marco the Poet EP
Michael Diallo McLendon | The Diallo Experience
Selah | Look At You Loving Me
Trupoetry | Trupoetry

The following are the recipients of this year’s special awards:
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

John P. Kee will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award
Vy Higgensen will receive the Thomas Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award
Dorothy Norwood will receive the Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award

Radio Station of the Year Finalists:

Major Market (3M+)
WPZE 102.5 FM (Atlanta, GA)
WPRS 104.1 FM (Washington, DC)
KJLH 102.3 FM (Los Angeles, CA)
WGRB 1390 AM (Chicago, IL)
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Large Market (1-3M)
WHAL 95.7 FM/1460 AM (Memphis, TN)
WFMI 100.9 FM (VA-Norfolk-Newport, VA)
KCAO 600 AM (Baltimore, MD)
WMBM 1490 AM (Miami, FL)

Medium Market (500,000-1M)
WLOU 1350 AM (Louisville, KY)
WPRF 94.9 FM (New Orleans, LA)
WENO 760 AM (Nashville, TN)
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]
WPZK 102.5 (Little Rock, AR)

Small Market (under 500,000)
WDJL 1000 AM (Huntsville, AL)
WJNI 106.3 FM (Charleston, SC)
KOKA 980 AM (Shreveport, LA)
WIMG 1300 AM (Trenton, NJ)

The awards show takes place on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Nashville, TN. It will be hosted by Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole.

FREE MUSIC.

Nuff said.

Folks, I want you to check out a FREE DOWNLOAD from Major3rd Productions, titled EPIC. It features a collection of gifted artists and great songs.

Comprised of budding producers Gerald Jones, Justin Djuane Francis and Carlos Woodard, Major3rd has been making waves in the music biz lately, having worked with artists ranging from Virtue to Joshua’s Troop and Claude Deuce.

The 12-track mixtape features several artists including Darwin Hobbs, Paula Champion, Virtue, Tammi Haddon and more. Here’s a full track listing:

1.Virtue-Oh Lord
2.Stephanie Goldsmith-Breaking Of The Day
3.Claude Deuce-I Believe God
4.Sheree Holman-Count It All Joy
5.Staci Brown-Simply Because
6.Tammi Haddon-I Need You
7.Darwin Hobbs-Stronger
8.Boyce Hudson-If It Had
9.Paula Champion-Can’t Imagine
10.Jaye Brown-Work In Me
11.Jeff Beatty-Stranded
12.Deah Harriott-Have Your Way

I’ve added Virtue’s cut, titled “Oh Lord,” to the Pundit Player below. Check it out!

And download the mixtape right here– www.major3rdproductions.bandcamp.com.

Mia Paylor weighs in on the Wanna Be Winans mixtape from Claude Deuce…

I really do love music. And, like many of you, several different songs and artists appear on the soundtrack of my life…reminding me of times past and affirming the lessons I’ve learned along my (almost) 30 year journey. Growing up, I attended church with strict Seventh-Day Adventist relatives who allowed very little worldly gospel music to play in their house. But, praise Jesus, The Winans were allowed! That Winans’ tape carried us through many a Sabbaths. So, I was tickled when I stumbled upon a free mixtape called, Wanna Be Winans, by Claude Deuce. It immediately brought EJ’s editorial, “I’m An Alternate Background Vocalist For Kirk Franklin”, to mind. Clearly, the GospelPundit family is not the only group of wanna be’s out there.

Unbeknownst to me, I was already familiar with Claude Deuce’s work. Born Claude Harris, Jr., this Augusta, GA native has written and produced songs for Deitrick Haddon, the artist formerly known as Tonex, Canton Jones, and other well-known artists. Claude is also a part of the PJ Morton Band and played for PJ Morton’s Walk Alone Tour (*cough* and I actually attended one of the concerts *cough*). He apparently released a slept-on debut project back in 2009, The Young Elder, which features another slept-on singer, Josiah “JoJo” Martin [to check out the album review of The Young Elder, click here]. And, to top that all off, Claude has the BEST birthday in the world, June 15th! We are exactly one year apart!

Wanna Be Winans is a collection of all The Winans’ best hits revived and refreshed for 2011. This fun journey begins as you simply look at the album cover. It’s strangely reminiscent of The Winans’ Long Time Comin’ cover, lol. Claude wisely decided against tampering with the integrity of the music or the lyrics. The feel and spirit that you’d expect to hear and tap into as you listen to each song is present and intact. In addition to that, Claude’s tenor vocals are very complimentary to the Winans’ sound.

As you listen and sing along to “Restoration”, “Uphold Me”, “Question Is”, “Wherever I Go”, “Everything You Touch (Interlude)”, “Trust In God”, “Song of Consecration”, “Millions”, “Ain’t No Need to Worry” feat. Danielle Harris (lemme go ‘head and give his sister the nickname, Anita Baker, Jr.), and “Just Don’t Wanna Know/Over It Now”, you are reminded of the impact The Winans’ ministry has had on gospel music lovers and how timeless, as well as scripturally accurate, their music is…which reminds me of another EJ editorial, “Is It Just Me: Great Theology In Winans Music”.

Based on the passion and conviction that exudes from this project, it’s safe to assume that The Winans’ music is on the soundtrack of Claude’s life. It’s on the soundtrack of my life as well. And, I’m sure we’re not alone. So, go on…grab that mouse, click the link below, and take a spirit-filled trip down memory lane with Claude Deuce and the Wanna Be Winans mixtape. Then, thank me for encouraging you to do so in the comments section below.

Check out the Wanna Be Winans mixtape from Claude Deuce right here– http://claudedeuce.bandcamp.com/album/wanna-be-winans.  And download it for FREE!

One of the most highly publicized events of the Stellar Awards weekend was the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party, the celebratory event hosted by Gerard Bonner for… well, the entire industry.  The party did not disappoint… it was a virtual who’s-who of folks in the industry and just about everyone rolled through at some point to show their love.

In case you don’t know by now, Bonnerfide Radio is a new internet radio station created and hosted by Gerard Bonner (also of GospelFlava.com).  Within months, the interactive radio show/chat room experience was nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station Of The Year, and garnered the support of MAJOR gospel artists, including Fred Hammond, J Moss, John P. Kee, Sheri Jones-Moffett and countless others.

The night, hosted by popular journalist and personality Jawn Murray, boasted performances and appearances from new and established artists including PJ Morton, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, George Huff, Melinda Watts, Myron Butler, Candy & Peaches West, Algernon, Tre Thomas, Claude Deuce, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Rae Ellis, CMO, Dominique Side, JJ Hairston, Darnell Davis & Remnant, Lisa Page Brooks… I have to stop there cuz I’m losing myself in the evening again.

But just imagine a relaxed (though packed to the RAFTERS) lounge setting at Nashville’s popular venue, Limelight, featuring food and drink, enhanced by ministry/entertainment from some of the most creative and skilled vocalists in our game.  That’s where I was on Friday night!

Wanna make sure I mention this testimony, too– immediately after THIS event, Gerard Bonner was involved in an automobile accident in which his car was totaled.  From what I understand, he was hit by another car, which sent his car head-on into a truck… an 18-wheeler.  Praise God, Gerard and the passengers with him, walked away with only minor bruises– no internal bleeding or complications whatsoever.  When I spoke with him a few hours later, he was resting up to make sure he had enough energy for the rest of the Stellar weekend!

Now, I’m not big on blaming everything on the devil… I think, sometimes, folks just have auto accidents.  But if you were blessed to watch how God has been dropping miracles for Gerard left and right over the past several months, and if you had seen how that evening was a confirmation of so many of Gerard’s dreams and ambitions (based on his calling), and if you had seen the wreckage and how the accident REALLY could’ve turned out another way… you’d probably be rejoicing that the hand of God remains more powerful than any attempt of the enemy, that His plans can never be ruined, that He’s a God of mercy, grace and love… I’m not thrilled about the accident, but I am thrilled that God is consistent in showing His children “I’m here for you… I’ve got plans for you… I’ve got you– physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually…”  Let’s rest in that.

Anyway… it was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime type of deal, cuz how many launch parties can be thrown?!  But maybe, if we’re nice to him, Gerard Bonner will throw the industry another shindig next year…

In the meantime, you can check out his live radio show EVERY weekday morning, from 9am to 12noon ET, at http://www.getbonnerfide.com/.  You’ll immediately see what everyone is raving about…

Folks, make sure you head to your local music store (whether it’s up the street or on your internet browser) and buy some music today.  Three great artists have provided three great bodies of work:

1. Coko – The Winner In Me

2. Mali Music – The 2nd Coming

3. Claude Deuce – The Young Elder

On this site, I’ve reviewed the album’s from Coko (click here) and Claude Deuce (click here).  And… well, I didn’t get Mali’s, but I’ve heard great things. LOL

Which ones are y’all gettin’?  Who already has some of ‘em???

Well, I guess this IS a recession and all…

Which of the following albums are you MOST excited to buy in July???

 Uhhh…I think I’ma hold on to my money for now! – 22% (40 votes)

Coko – 20% (36 votes)

Da’ T.R.U.T.H. – 19% (35 votes)

Mali Music – 17% (30 votes)

Melinda Watts – 15% (27 votes) 

Earnest Pugh – 7% (13 votes) 

Some pretty close votes, actually, and I saw that the results fluctuated week by week… sometimes, Melinda Watts’ new project was the most highly desired, sometimes Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s album… so, I say BUY WHAT YOU WILL, just BUY!  Oh, and add Claude Deuce’s debut project to the list– it’s hot.

Leave a comment and lemme know what YOU’RE getting!

And don’t forget to vote in the next poll NOW:

Digital or physical– how do you buy your gospel music these days?

Head over to the sidebar to see your options! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I featured Claude Deuce on a recent post in the Check ‘Em Out series, and added his single, “It Ain’t Over,” to the PunditPlayer so you all could listen.  His album, Claude Deuce: Young Elder, is available on Tuesday, July 14th… I wanted to give you a review so you’d save your pennies NOW.

Lately, I’ve felt like many artists (especially new or independent ones) try to conform to whatever is popular in music.  And that’s cool, but it means that the audience never gets a sense of who he/she really is, because once the music changes, so does everything about that artist.

Claude Deuce is different.  I don’t see him being bound by the musical tastes du jour… he just makes good, timeless music, and everyone else follows suit.

His songwriting and vocals exude a certain confidence– you can tell that he knows who he is, how he writes, how he sings… he’s not figuring this out as he goes, at our expense.  And there’s something comforting about an artist who is comfortable in his lane.

He’s written and produced for everyone from Deitrick Haddon to Canton Jones, Izzy to Tonex, and more.  The sound of this album is as varied as his musical experience, yet crafted well enough to be a cohesive unit.

Standout tracks for me are numerous. ”4 Who U R” is a melodious song of gratitude, reminiscent of Stevie Wonder’s classic cuts.  Still, Claude owns it as his own.  “Dont 4 Get,” is an eclectic and acrobatic groove urging us to remain excited about what God has done for us.  “What More” has an old skool kinda vibe to it, and it’s hot.  “Never Know,” is an acoustic-driven spoken word track, with an infectious hook.  And of course, as I posted before, I love his single, “It Ain’t Over”… I could go on, but I need you to trust me and purchase this project.

I am thoroughly impressed with Claude Deuce’s gift and presentation.  I think this album is a must-have.

Over the past several months, I’ve gotten A LOT of new music from people asking for reviews or features.  Sometimes, I’m pleased, sometimes I’m… concerned.

But I just got Claude Deuce’s upcoming project, Claude Deuce: Young Elder, and I’m kinda giddy!  He’s already pretty well-known behind the scenes, having written and produced for some of gospel’s finest, including Deitrick Haddon, Canton Jones, Ton3x, Izzy and Sean Simmonds.  Now, he steps out as a solo artist.

In addition to his keen songwriting and production abilities, Claude is an incredibly gifted vocalist, with clear influences from Marvin Winans and Ton3x, to Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway.

I’ll do a full album review in a coupla weeks (cuz I want y’all to know PRECISELY why you need to purchase his album when it drops on July 14th), but in the meantime, I need y’all to check him out!  I just added his single, “It Ain’t Over,” to the PunditPlayer.  Launch the player by clicking the logo on the top-right of the page. Make sure you lemme know what you think!

Visit his MySpace page for more clips, too: http://www.myspace.com/claudedeuce