The major label debut from Jason Nelson, titled Shifting the Atmosphere, hits stores today!

Here are 5 good reasons to buy it…

1. The project takes you on a journey– a worship experience– with musical ventures into every area that one might want to explore in view of our perfect Savior.

2. Can’t nobody sing like Jason Nelson. See? He sings so well, I don’t wanna use proper grammar about it. His voice is remarkable– a throwback to the folks who could really sing, but still current enough to be relevant in today’s music landscape. Definitely one of my favorite male vocalists, right up around Marvin Winans…

3. Everyone else isn’t wrong. Within hours of its release, he was already #1 in Christian & Gospel on iTunes. He’s got ringing endorsements from Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Donald Lawrence, John P Kee, Isaac Carree, and COUNTLESS others. And it’s not just because of his pleasing personality (though, he’s one of the most genuinely nice and humble guys in the game)… it’s because of his powerful ministry.

4. One word– “Dominion.” This song is going to be HUGE. Like… epic and huge. Like… the heartcry of believers across the nation. The whole thing is incredible, but the resonating “it’s over…” at the very end of the song is both bondage-breaking and yoke-destroying. Get you some.

5. Next generation promise. I mention this quite a bit, but Jason Nelson is one of those artists that will be foundational in the next generation of gospel music. He’s in it for the long haul; not just because of his gift, but because of his heart. We need him here. And to keep him here, we’ve gotta support it.

You can take a listen to the album and buy it right here, right now at Amazon. Let’s go!

You don’t have Anita Wilson’s debut solo album, Worship Soul, yet? I have no idea what you’re waiting for, but to entice you further, here are 10 quick reasons to grab it now.

1. Worship + Soul = Win. I’m an old school R&B head for life. And I also adore Jesus. Combine the two in a way that is authentic, not cheesy, and I’m hooked. That’s what this is.

2. Don’t be fooled by the “soul” part. No, for real… Anita is a powerhouse vocalist. She’s not some dainty neo-soul lyrical dabbler (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Take a listen to tracks like “It’s Done” and “Jesus Will,” and you’ll see that she drives a vamp like the tried-and-true gospel gal she is. It may have a soulful flair, but don’t think that she isn’t bringin’ it!

3. “Perfect Love Song.” Three little words that mean so much to me. From my first listen to the album, this track melted my heart and had me hitting “repeat” more times than I can count. It’s a sultry love song to God, with chords and a melody that is just perfect. It’s my fave.

4. She’s a pro. When you’ve been at it for years, and you’ve received musical mentoring from the incomparable Donald Lawrence, you just kinda get this expert professional polish on your whole delivery and what not. It’s undeniable and it’s good.

5. New Generation Promise. Let’s face it– our favorite artists of the past twenty years may not be recording in another ten years. We MUST support the new generation of artists in sales, at radio, and on the road. Anita is a solid one to support.

Not convinced yet? Take a listen to the album’s snippets at Amazon.com by clicking here. And while you’re there, buy it!

At a recent public performance, gospel artist/songwriter/producer Donald Lawrence shared with the audience that he was recently diagnosed with cancer. But, after months of quietly undergoing treatment and recovery in Los Angeles, the cancer has been declared “undetectable” in his body!

Donald Lawrence is widely known for his commitment to health and wellness, which I bet  contributed to the successful treatment. Above all, though, it appears that the artist– who consistently teaches us about the power of the confession of our FAITH– is living proof to the power of what he writes about and shares with the world.

Let’s keep our brother lifted in prayer. Love ya, Donald!

JUST IN!!!

Here are the winners in the gospel categories at this year’s 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards!!!

Winners highlighted below in blue.

Best Gospel/CCM Performance
“Do Everything”
Steven Curtis Chapman
Track from: re:Creation
[Sparrow Records]

“Alive (Mary Magdalene)”
Natalie Grant
Track from: Music Inspired By The Story
[WOW Joint Venture/EMI CMG]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records]

“Jesus”
Le’Andria Johnson
Track from: The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson
[Music World Gospel]

“I Lift My Hands”
Chris Tomlin
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Best Gospel Song
“Hello Fear”
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: Hello Fear
[Verity Gospel Music Group/Fo Yo Soul Ent.; Publisher: Aunt Gertrude Music]

“Sitting With Me”
Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon, songwriters (Mary Mary)
Track from: Something Big
[Columbia Records; Publishers: Precious Baby Music/T Bella Music/EMI April Music, It's Tea Tyme, That's Plum Song]

“Spiritual”
Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Donald Lawrence & Co. Featuring Blanche McAllister-Dykes)
Track from: YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publisher: Quiet Water Entertainment]

“Trust Me”
Richard Smallwood, songwriter (Richard Smallwood & Vision)
Track from: Promises
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publishers: Universal-Z Tunes/T.Autumn Music]

“Window”
Canton Jones, songwriter (Canton Jones)
Track from: Dominionaire
[Cajo Records; Publisher: CAJO Music]

Best Gospel Album
The Love Album
Kim Burrell
[Shanachie Entertainment]

The Journey
Andraé Crouch
[Riverphlo Entertainment]

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin
[Verity Gospel Music Group/ Fo Yo Soul Ent.]

Something Big
Mary Mary
[Columbia Records]

Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
[Music World Gospel]

Best CCM Song
“Blessings”
Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story)
Track from: Blessings
[Fair Trade Services; Publishers: New Spring/Gleaning Publishing]

“Hold Me”
Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Jamie Grace Featuring Tobymac)
[Gotee Records; Publishers: Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Tunes, Songs of Third Base/Chriscendo Music, Meaux Mercy/Achtober Songs]

“I Lift My Hands”
Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords; Publishers: sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Vamos Publishing/Thankyou Music/spiritandsong.com Publishing]

“Strong Enough”
Matthew West, songwriter (Matthew West)
Track from: The Story Of Your Life
[Sparrow Records; Publishers: External Combustion Music/Songs For Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent Music]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing/Big Skwawka Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing/Windsor Hill Music]

Best CCM Album
Ghosts Upon The Earth
Gungor
[Brash Music]

Leaving Eden
Brandon Heath
[Reunion Records]

The Great Awakening
Leeland
[Essential Records]

What If We Were Real
Mandisa
[Sparrow Records]

Black & White
Royal Tailor
[Essential Records]

And If Our God Is For Us…
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Just a quick reminder to watch the Grammys this weekend!

The awards show airs live on CBS this Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 8pm ET. The gospel categories are awarded during the pre-show, which will be streamed live at Grammy.com beginning at 4pm ET.

In case you need a reminder, the nominees are…

Best Gospel/CCM Performance
“Do Everything”
Steven Curtis Chapman
Track from: re:Creation
[Sparrow Records]

“Alive (Mary Magdalene)”
Natalie Grant
Track from: Music Inspired By The Story
[WOW Joint Venture/EMI CMG]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records]

“Jesus”
Le’Andria Johnson
Track from: The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson
[Music World Gospel]

“I Lift My Hands”
Chris Tomlin
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Best Gospel Song
“Hello Fear”
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: Hello Fear
[Verity Gospel Music Group/Fo Yo Soul Ent.; Publisher: Aunt Gertrude Music]

“Sitting With Me”
Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon, songwriters (Mary Mary)
Track from: Something Big
[Columbia Records; Publishers: Precious Baby Music/T Bella Music/EMI April Music, It's Tea Tyme, That's Plum Song]

“Spiritual”
Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Donald Lawrence & Co. Featuring Blanche McAllister-Dykes)
Track from: YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publisher: Quiet Water Entertainment]

“Trust Me”
Richard Smallwood, songwriter (Richard Smallwood & Vision)
Track from: Promises
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publishers: Universal-Z Tunes/T.Autumn Music]

“Window”
Canton Jones, songwriter (Canton Jones)
Track from: Dominionaire
[Cajo Records; Publisher: CAJO Music]

Best Gospel Album
The Love Album
Kim Burrell
[Shanachie Entertainment]

The Journey
Andraé Crouch
[Riverphlo Entertainment]

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin
[Verity Gospel Music Group/ Fo Yo Soul Ent.]

Something Big
Mary Mary
[Columbia Records]

Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
[Music World Gospel]

Best CCM Song
“Blessings”
Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story)
Track from: Blessings
[Fair Trade Services; Publishers: New Spring/Gleaning Publishing]

“Hold Me”
Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Jamie Grace Featuring Tobymac)
[Gotee Records; Publishers: Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Tunes, Songs of Third Base/Chriscendo Music, Meaux Mercy/Achtober Songs]

“I Lift My Hands”
Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords; Publishers: sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Vamos Publishing/Thankyou Music/spiritandsong.com Publishing]

“Strong Enough”
Matthew West, songwriter (Matthew West)
Track from: The Story Of Your Life
[Sparrow Records; Publishers: External Combustion Music/Songs For Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent Music]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing/Big Skwawka Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing/Windsor Hill Music]

Best CCM Album
Ghosts Upon The Earth
Gungor
[Brash Music]

Leaving Eden
Brandon Heath
[Reunion Records]

The Great Awakening
Leeland
[Essential Records]

What If We Were Real
Mandisa
[Sparrow Records]

Black & White
Royal Tailor
[Essential Records]

And If Our God Is For Us…
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

The industry continues to buzz about the debut solo album from gospel vocalist Anita Wilson. The soulful singer may be best known as a featured lead singer with Donald Lawrence’s ensemble, The Company (think “So Happy Being Me” and “Second Wind”).

Anita Wilson’s project, titled Worship Soul, hits stores on April 3, 2012.

I’m digging her album cover– it’s bright and happy, but the colors say “jazz” and “soul,” which are hallmarks of her voice and style.

Check it out–

Whoo hoo! I dig her voice, so I’m happy…

LeJuene Thompson has announced her plans to release her next project, titled The Evolution of Me, this Spring. Her lead single, “Let God Do It,” hits radio this month.

A dynamic vocalist, LeJuene is well-known for her work with John P Kee and Donald Lawrence’s Tri-City Singers. She’s also got a couple of solo projects under her belt– Soul Inspiration (2001) and Metamorphosis (2008).

Produced by hubby and Grammy Award-winning producer-to-the-greats Cedric Thompson (Marvin Sapp, Donald Lawrence, Vanessa Bell Armstrong), The Evolution of Me will be showcased in just a few days during Stellar Award weekend in Nashville.

If you’re town, see her on January  12th at the Urban Soul Café event, on January 13th at the Preacher Kid Production’s “Friday Night Live” event, and on Saturday, February 14, at the Stellar Award After-Concert event at Hopewell Baptist Church.

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!

The nominees for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards were announced tonight during a live telecast on CBS.

In the gospel categories, the nominees are–

Best Gospel/CCM Performance
“Do Everything”
Steven Curtis Chapman
Track from: re:Creation
[Sparrow Records]

“Alive (Mary Magdalene)”
Natalie Grant
Track from: Music Inspired By The Story
[WOW Joint Venture/EMI CMG]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records]

“Jesus”
Le’Andria Johnson
Track from: The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson
[Music World Gospel]

“I Lift My Hands”
Chris Tomlin
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Best Gospel Song
“Hello Fear”
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: Hello Fear
[Verity Gospel Music Group/Fo Yo Soul Ent.; Publisher: Aunt Gertrude Music]

“Sitting With Me”
Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon, songwriters (Mary Mary)
Track from: Something Big
[Columbia Records; Publishers: Precious Baby Music/T Bella Music/EMI April Music, It's Tea Tyme, That's Plum Song]

“Spiritual”
Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Donald Lawrence & Co. Featuring Blanche McAllister-Dykes)
Track from: YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publisher: Quiet Water Entertainment]

“Trust Me”
Richard Smallwood, songwriter (Richard Smallwood & Vision)
Track from: Promises
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publishers: Universal-Z Tunes/T.Autumn Music]

“Window”
Canton Jones, songwriter (Canton Jones)
Track from: Dominionaire
[Cajo Records; Publisher: CAJO Music]

Best Gospel Album
The Love Album
Kim Burrell
[Shanachie Entertainment]

The Journey
Andraé Crouch
[Riverphlo Entertainment]

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin
[Verity Gospel Music Group/ Fo Yo Soul Ent.]

Something Big
Mary Mary
[Columbia Records]

Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
[Music World Gospel]

Best CCM Song
“Blessings”
Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story)
Track from: Blessings
[Fair Trade Services; Publishers: New Spring/Gleaning Publishing]

“Hold Me”
Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Jamie Grace Featuring Tobymac)
[Gotee Records; Publishers: Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Tunes, Songs of Third Base/Chriscendo Music, Meaux Mercy/Achtober Songs]

“I Lift My Hands”
Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords; Publishers: sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Vamos Publishing/Thankyou Music/spiritandsong.com Publishing]

“Strong Enough”
Matthew West, songwriter (Matthew West)
Track from: The Story Of Your Life
[Sparrow Records; Publishers: External Combustion Music/Songs For Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent Music]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing/Big Skwawka Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing/Windsor Hill Music]

Best CCM Album
Ghosts Upon The Earth
Gungor
[Brash Music]

Leaving Eden
Brandon Heath
[Reunion Records]

The Great Awakening
Leeland
[Essential Records]

What If We Were Real
Mandisa
[Sparrow Records]

Black & White
Royal Tailor
[Essential Records]

And If Our God Is For Us…
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

If you recall, NARAS significantly revamped the awards categories this year, chopping down 7 categories to 5, and crunching all of it into either “gospel” or “Christian contemporary music (CCM)”… it’s cleaner, though it may unfairly treat some very significant sub-genres (like Christian hip-hop).

*shrug*

A full list of nominees in all categories can be viewed here.

What do you think of the nominees???

This Saturday, December 3rd, at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm ET, gmc will air the finale of the Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound choir competition, which took place last month.

The event, taped at the Staples Center, will feature co-hosts Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans, judges Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton and Shirley Caesar, Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton (singing a tune from their upcoming movie, Joyful Noise) and, of course, some of the nation’s best church choirs.

Tune-in!