So… I was looking at the Billboard chart last week and I noticed that Karen Clark Sheard’s latest project, All In One, had decreased in sales a bit, which is utterly ridiculous.

I don’t know how many albums I’ve done this for in the past, but lemme say this one good time– if you do not have this project, you are missing out on some INCREDIBLY good music.

I believe it is her BEST project since her 1997 debut, Finally Karen.  And I’m not kidding.

So, do yourself a favor, while the digital album is ONLY $5 until the end of August at Amazon.com… click here and “git you” a copy.

I’m sooooo not playing.  That is all.

Umm… anybody been over to the official website of Verity Gospel Music Group lately?

If so, you probably noticed that it has a brand new look (which I’m lovin’), with new content, new features and new offers…

My favorite part of the site, though, is the section called “Inside Verity,” which provides an inside peek at the inner workings of one of the biggest and most successful gospel labels in the world.  It’s a blog-style feature with articles, news and info about the folks who work at Verity, as well as some of big industry topics.

Anyway, take some time and visit their new site (http://www.verityrecords.com)– lemme know what you think!

I’m just sayin’… the new music from Y’Anna Crawley is BANGIN’.

I’ve been fortunate enough to hear some new music from it, including some a track that she recorded with PAJAM (“Blessed”) that is going to knock your holy ghost socks off.

The project is a blend of some jazzy tunes, some urban tunes, but altogether GREAT music.  I can work out to some of it, ride with the windows down to some of it and fake-squall in my office to some of it.  What more do you need?! LOL

The project doesn’t drop until July 13th, but I just wanted to let you guys know– it’s gonna be worth the wait.

In the meantime, peep the artwork for the first single, “Grandma’s Hands.”  The track will be available for purchase on iTunes on May 4th!

More comin’ soon…

I got my advance copy of Myron Butler & Levi’s newest project, Revealed: Live In Dallas, this week and I’ve been listening nonstop.

My favorite tracks so far are the title cut (which is also the single), “I Just Can’t Live” featuring Kirk Franklin, “Greatest Love,” “I Am God,” “Run To The Cross,” featuring Smokie Norful, a jazzy cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and “Covered.”

The full album isn’t in stores until March 30th, so you’ve got a minute to save up.  But do save up– you’ll wanna make this purchase.

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, under the direction of founder Carol Cymbala, released its newest album last Tuesday, entitled Declare Your Name.  And I’m REALLY enjoying it.

The first thing that stands out is the impeccable production.  The band sounds great, the choir vocals are precise… great sound.  More than that, though, the songwriting is excellent.  The songs can EASILY be translated to church services led by choirs or praise teams.

Add to that the guest appearances by several artists, including Israel Houghton and Jonathan Butler, and you’ve got a great project.

Because of the upcoming holiday, I didn’t know if I’d have time for a full review, but I didn’t want a moment to pass without me telling you guys to CHECK OUT THIS PROJECT.

You still trust me, right?

Okay, click the link to the left to listen and purchase.

Lemme know what you think!

I dunno how many of you knew about it, or how many of you have already bought it, but the new album from New Breed, Generation: Love, is pretttttty good.

As you’re probably aware, New Breed is the group that sings with Israel Houghton on most of his album releases.  On the 15-track project, member Daniel Johnson seems to step up as frontman, taking a big role in production and providing lead vocals on most of the tracks.  I haven’t listened enough yet to do a full review, but there are several songs that I really like.

Check ‘em out at www.newbreed.me for more info.

Anybody have it already???

The Master Plan, the new album from Tamela Mann, is in stores today.  I plan to write a full review on it, but I wanted to urge you guys to check it out now.

It’s got some great tracks on it and, of course, Tamela’s demonstrating her incredible vocal ability throughout the album.  Favorites on the project, so far, are “In Him” (written by Tamela Mann) and “Anoint Me Lord” (written by Myron Butler & Ted Winn).

If you have it already, lemme know what you think.

Anybody planning to buy it today???

I got my paws on Rizen’s upcoming album (due on October 27th), entitled Free.  Don’t forget that the group has gone from four to two– it’s just the two sisters on this one.

I haven’t listened to all the tracks yet, but the songs that I’ve heard so far have a sort of funk-meets-quartet kinda style.  I’ll give a full review as the release date approaches.

In the meantime, I’m liking the album cover:

How many of you are already Rizen supporters???

Just a little teaser cuz I’ll do a full review later, but this Vanessa Bell Armstrong album, The Experience, is NICE.  She gives her CLASSIC sound on lead vocals, plus Donald Lawrence does a phenomenal job of preserving the traditional gospel style in his production.

It’ll be out on October 6th… save your pennies now.

Sooooo, I’ve got Kierra Sheard’s new mixtape, available everywhere on September 22nd (EMI Gospel), and I’m just sayin’… it’s kinda hot.

Track listing:

1. “I Want Back”

2. “You Don’t Know”

3. “Wave Your Banner” – Monstamix

4. “Sing To The Lord”

5. “Teach Me”

6. “Why Me”

7. “Love Like Crazy” – Extended Mix

8. “This Christmas”

Hottest tracks to me include “I Want Back,” the rock-infused “Sing To The Lord,” and the jazzy/neo-styled “Teach Me,” which is sooooooo signature “Kierra” to me.  Incredible.  Also, her remake of the classic “This Christmas,” featuring the dynamic Marcus Cole, is great stuff.