In this edition of In With The New, Mia Paylor introduces us to three new artists and the singles they current have available. Check it out!

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Lawrence Haynes
Current Single: “I Will Say Yes”
Website: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lawrencehaynes
Album Release Date: TBA

My peoples, my peoples…let me tell y’all ‘bout this young J. Moss that goes by the name of Lawrence Haynes! Hailing from New Jersey (by way of East St. Louis, Illinois), Lawrence is his own lyricist, background vocalist, arranger, producer, and engineer. “What do you don’t do?!” Lol.

After singing background vocals for folks such as Melonie Daniels and Chaz Shepherd…and working in the studio with Meaghan Williams on Bless You God, Lawrence has stepped out on his own. He’s currently recording his first solo project. But, in the meantime, Lawrence released this delightful “teaser” to keep us saying “YES” to God and “YES” to the idea of buying his CD when it’s finally available.

“I Will Say Yes” starts out traditional and churchy and then evolves into this crisp, modern groove with several transitions that keep you spiritually and musically engaged! The production is clean, the vocals are PAJAM-crisp, and the arrangement moves. The band was awesome. The music was churchy, funky, jazzy, and contemporary while remaining seamless.

Keep your eyes peeled for Lawrence Haynes…and download “I Will Say Yes” TADAY!

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Bam Travis
Current Single: “Seasons”
Website: http://bamtravis.viinyl.com
Album Release Date: TBA

“Seasons” is a contemporary reflection of God’s unchanging and unfailing love in contrast to our ever-changing circumstances. Bam Travis’ passionate, tenor timbre fit this arrangement perfectly. The song flows in the vein of an introspective Fred Hammond tune with tasteful lead guitar riffs and accurately placed vocal runs. You’ll love it.

So, who is Bam Travis?

Well, aside from being a vocalist and songwriter, this Detroit native is a graduate of World Harvest Bible College and an accomplished drummer. Bam served as a drummer at Bishop Wayne T. Jackson’s Great Faith Ministries International (who happens to be the father of actor/comedian Brandon T. Jackson). Bam also recently toured with Charlie Wilson as his drummer. And, most importantly, Bam Travis is a worshipper who’s committed himself to sharing God’s love everywhere.

Support this brutha by downloading “Seasons”…and be on the lookout for more to come from the ministry of Bam Travis.

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Teleah
Current Single: “Champion”
Website: http://teleah.weebly.com
Album Release Date: December 26, 2011 (EP/Mixtape)

Now, admittedly, I’m only a fan of exceptional Holy Hip-Hop. Nothing agitates me more than folks who sound like they’re trying to be down…trying to be cool. My “Clown” meter is very sensitive.

But, Teleah Hollingsworth has a flow that is tight, melodic, decodable, and sanctified. Her single, “Champion” shows that she has a mean pen, spits fire (Holy Ghost fire, of course), and sangs! Teleah’s vocal style is gritty, expressive, and dainty. She switches from raspy phrases to crisp, gentle ad-libs effortlessly. The title of the song pretty much explains the lyrical message within the song. And, uh, I had to be told that the track was jacked from an Ace Hood song, lol. I have no clue who that guy is. *shrugs*

Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Teleah honed her skills in local competitions and Praise & Worship teams. However, while living in Washington, DC, Teleah was afforded the opportunity to perform, travel, and record with Isaiah Thomas and Elements of Praise from 2007-2009 as a vocalist.

I enjoyed “Champion”. Download the free single at http://www.reverbnation.com/teleah). I also sincerely pray Teleah links up with hot producers to churn out some completely original gems for the Kingdom. If that happens, I truly believe Teleah’s ministry will go far.

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New, developing and indie artists, keep sending in your submissions for features HERE, on GospelPundit.com!

All you have to do is email Mia Paylor at InWithTheNew.MP@gmail.com for consideration!

Have you heard the newest single from J Moss, “Good & Bad”?

It’s a classic J Moss urban worship ballad making waves in the industry right now.

Check out this quick video blog about the story behind the song!

Amber Bullock, the most recent winner of BET’s Sunday Best, will release her debut album, an EP titled Thank You, on December 6, 2011.

The project, produced by Eric Dawkins, will feature studio recordings of the songs that she performed on Sunday Best.

The first single is the title track, her remake of the Walter Hawkins classic “Thank You.” Also, expect to see Kurt Carr’s “For Every Mountain,” J. Moss’ “We Must Praise,” Dorinda Clark Cole’s “If It Had Not Been For the Lord,” Chris Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God,” the Negro spiritual “A City Called Heaven,” and Karen Clark Sheard’s “Secret Place.”

Don’t forget– Amber is also joining Kirk Franklin’s Fearless Tour as special guest artist. She’ll have her own 15-minute set and be featured with Kirk. Click here for more info on the tour.

*switching from reporting to blogging*

An EP of the Sunday Best songs?!

I want some new music from Amber.

But, I cannot lie– it makes great business sense. Music World Gospel has got a Sunday Best business model going. Cookie-cutter? Yes. Successful? Double yes. Just look at Le’Andria Johnson’s sales…

You buying it???

After a hiatus, one of my absolute favorite Christian rap artists, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., returns to the game with a great video for his new single, “Alive.”

The message of the song is great– transparently declaring “I was going left, but Jesus made me right.” And I love its conclusive ending– “I am alive, cuz He’s alive.”

The video is high-energy, with a performance interwoven with footage of Da’ T.R.U.T.H. working on the road. It also features several of his co-laborers in Christian hip-hop, including radio personality CoCo Brother, history-making artist Lecrae and labelmate The Ambassador. I think I also spotted Brian Courtney Wilson, J Moss and Sean Simmonds… a lil’ of e’rybody!

Check it out–

McDonald’s will kick off its 5th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel recording artist Hezekiah Walker. The tour is part of McDonald’s everyday commitment to celebrating the culture of the African-American community.

The tour will make stops at churches in 6 U.S. cities (Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta) and will play at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as, summer festivals in Newark, NJ, and Washington, DC.

Tour dates and locations include:
June 11 – Atlanta, GA (Ray of Hope Christian Church)
June 14 – Jackson, MS (Jackson Convention Complex)
June 16 – Philadelphia, PA (Deliverance Evangelistic Church)
June 18 – Newark, NJ (McDonald’s Gospelfest – Prudential Center) *not a free concert
June 21 – Detroit, MI (Greater Grace Temple)
June 23 – Chicago, IL (Christ Universal Temple)
June 25 – Dallas, TX (Friendship West Baptist Church)
July 22 – Los Angeles, CA (West Angeles COGIC)
September 10 – Washington, DC (Black Family Reunion Celebration – National Mall)

The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour concerts are FREE (except for the McDonald’s Gospelfest event in Newark, NJ), and tickets are available, while supplies last, at the host church and select local retailers.

“Gospel music gives inspiration to people and McDonald’s is known for giving to communities around the world,” said Hezekiah Walker. “I am honored to headline a tour of this nature and be able to share my music with audiences across the country to uplift and inspire them.”

Bishop Walker will be joined by all-star gospel artists 21:03 in Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago; Canton Jones in Atlanta and Jackson, MS; Myron Butler and Anthony Evans in Dallas; and Nikki Potts in Los Angeles.

“McDonald’s is really excited to share in culture and community in a way that really connects with our consumers in a meaningful way,” expressed Rob Jackson, McDonald’s Director U.S. Marketing.  “During the community events, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities® and the incredible work they do to help families right in the local community.”

In previous years, the tour featured top gospel artists such as CeCe Winans, Regina Belle, Smokie Norful, J. Moss, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Kierra “KiKi” Sheard.

For more info about the tour, visit www.365Black.com, McDonald’s portal for its 365Black® programs, celebrating the African American community throughout the year.

Who’s attending???

J Moss and the dudes at PAJAM have been hinting at J’s new album for a couple of months now and anticipation is building.

Last night, J shared a new song via Twitter, called “Strong Enough.”  It’s a tight urban gospel track, with a singable hook and unparalleled vocals (of course) from J Moss.

Lyrically, J taps into the heart of believers– “I’m tired of living like my faith ain’t strong enough… I’m tired of living like I’m scared of what’s coming ’round the corner… tired of living weak when I know that I’m stronger…”

Check it out–

I took a minute before writing my thoughts about this year’s Stellar Awards, held in Nashville, TN this past Saturday.  Aside from being utterly exhausted by Monday morning, I also wanted to reflect a bit before I penned my thoughts. Having so reflected, here we go…

The 26th Annual Stellar Awards program was hosted by Donnie McClurkin– the first time that only one person has had hosting duties.  It had to be a bit exhausting for him, but he’s a great host who keeps the energy high both on and off-camera.

For me, one major highlight of the show was that newer artists (or those that we don’t see often on national TV) were given performance slots– the Soul Seekers, forever Jones, the Nevels Sisters, Joshua’s Troop… I think the overwhelming consensus has been that the “same people” get booked for the Stellars, the Celebration of Gospel, etc.  This year, I feel like the mold was broken a bit.  And that’s good.

Similarly, some non-”regulars” won in a few categories– Lucinda Moore for Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, Darwin Hobbs for Praise & Worship CD of the Year… it seemed like, for a lot of categories, one could not predict the winner. That’s fine, until one also cannot explain the winner, and there were quite a few head-scratching moments as it relates to the winner’s list.

I’m not going to dig too deeply into how I feel about who won an award and who didn’t– what’s done is done.  But I will say that the Just James from J Moss was career-defining and one of the only albums in the past decade that I have allowed to play without skipping a track.  That he didn’t win one of the many awards for which he was nominated is more than unfortunate.  I also think that forever Jones had the greatest eligible song of last year with “He Wants It All,” but the family band wasn’t even nominated in the “Best Song” category.

You’ll see the edited show in various markets beginning this weekend (check your local listings) and on gmc on March 5th at 8pm.  But I’ll tell you my fave moments now–

Key performances for me came from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, who opened the show with “Lord, You’re Mighty,” as well as Beverly Crawford who simply does not disappoint on stage, and VaShawn Mitchell with his unstoppable hit “Nobody Greater.”  I also loved the Nevels Sisters (they whipped their “hair back and forth”) and the quartet moment, which featured INCREDIBLE vocals from The Rance Allen Group, the Soul Seekers and the Williams Brothers. Deitrick Haddon commanded the stage like few can on his set.  But at the end, it was Marvin Sapp, in a moving tribute to his wife MaLinda, who had the entire audience on their feet (and nearly in tears) before Donnie McClurkin had us all pray for Pastor Sapp– hope they show that on TV.

Fairly or unfairly, the Stellar Awards really needed to meet or exceed the performance success of last year’s 25th Anniversary Stellar Awards.  While this year’s show was not bad, it’s hard not to knock it down a few pegs in comparison to the incredible show from last year, with its once-in-a-lifetime collaborative performances.

But then the question becomes “should they be considered ‘once-in-a-lifetime’?”  As the show did this year with the quartet collabo, is there not a way to creatively combine performances each year in such a way that the Stellar Awards consistently features unique performances that you cannot see elsewhere?

If I’ve seen an artist perform his or her song at the Gospel Heritage Conference, then GMWA, then COGIC Convocation and, finally, Celebration of Gospel over the past year, what’s so special about seeing them do it again on the Stellar Awards?  The suits and dresses?  The lights and house band? The audience?  It’s not enough.  We need more than a performance of the song– we need a moment.  Last year, the Stellars gave us hours of moments. This year, we also got a couple. But we need more. I get that last year’s show was special– but I do believe that the gospel community wants it to be the norm.

In any case, kudos to Central City Productions and the Stellar Awards– it’s not an easy task and, for all the commentary I’m giving, I still wouldn’t miss a taping for the world. Here’s to a good 26th, and a great 27th.

The 26th Annual Stellar Awards were held in Nashville, TN this past Saturday.

Special awards went to Donald Lawrence (Lifetime Achievement), Kirk Franklin (Notable Achievement) and Vanessa Bell Armstrong (Living Legend).

Here’s a full list of the night’s winners…

Artist of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Fred Hammond
James Fortune & FIYA
Marvin Sapp

Song of the Year
BeBe Winans, “Close to You”
Fred Hammond, Calvin Rodgers, Phillip Feaster, Ericka Warren, Michael Bethany and Dynna Wells, “They That Wait”
James Fortune, C. Fortune and T. Vaughn, “Encore”
Marvin Sapp, “Best In Me”

Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage
Fred Hammond
J. Moss
Marvin Sapp

Female Vocalist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Karen Clark Sheard
Lucinda Moore
Tamela Mann

Group/Duo of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Forever Jones
James Fortune & FIYA
The Anointed Pace Sisters

New Artist of the Year
Forever Jones
Kristina Halloway
Travis Greene
Victory Cathedral Choir

CD of the Year
Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
J. Moss, Just James
James Fortune & FIYA, Encore
Marvin Sapp, Here I Am

Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey, Here I Am
Donald Lawrence, The Experience
Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
James Fortune, Terrance Vaughn and Ayron Lewis, Encore

Contemporary Group/ Duo of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Forever Jones
James Fortune and FIYA
Trin-i-tee 5:7

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
James Greer & Company
The Anointed Pace Sisters
The Christian Angels
The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage
Fred Hammond
J. Moss
James Fortune

Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year
Alvin Darling
Darrell Hines
Marvin Sapp
Marvin Winans

Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Karen Clark Sheard
Lisa Page Brooks
Tamela Mann

Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year
Fredericka Faison
Lucinda Moore
Shirley Caesar
Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Contemporary CD of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans, Still
Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
J.Moss, Just James
James Fortune and FIYA, Encore

Traditional CD of the Year
James Hall & Voices of Citadel, Won’t It Be Wonderful
Marvin Sapp, Here I Am
Shirley Caesar, A City Called Heaven
Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Experience

Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans, “Still”
Forever Jones, “Get Ready”
James Fortune & FIYA, “Encore”
Marvin Sapp, “Here I Am”

Music Video of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans, “Close to You”
Kirk Whalum, “Make Me a Believer”
Shirley Caesar, “Playground In Heaven”
The Anointed Pace Sisters, “If I Be Lifted Up”

Contemporary Choir of the Year
God’s Little Soldiers International
Myron Butler & Levi
Youth for Christ
Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston

Traditional Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Special Event CD of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans, Still
Kirk Franklin, Are You Listening
Various Artists, CoCo Brother Live Presents Stand 2010
Various Artists, WOW Gospel 2010

Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
DJ Official, Entermission
Everyday Process, Outtadisworld
Sho Baraka, Lions and Liars
Trip Lee, Between Two Worlds

Children’s Project of the Year
God’s Little Soldiers International, Soldier Story
Kingdom Kids Worldwide, Kingdom Kids Worldwide Volume 1
The Velasquez Family Singers, While We Still Have Time
Youth for Christ, Thanks In Advance

Quartet of the Year
Reverend F.C. Barnes & Company
The Christian Angels
The Golden Wings Quartet
The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Recorded Music Package of the Year
Cameron Hilson and Mark Neubauer, Get Ready (forever Jones)
Denise Trotman, Here I Am (Marvin Sapp)
Derek Blanks and Ken Barboza, Still (BeBe & CeCe Winans)
Jeff Gilligan, Love Unstoppable (Fred Hammond)

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Darwin Hobbs, Darwin Hobbs Live: Champion
James Fortune & FIYA, Encore
Phil Tarver, Place of Worship
The Anointed Pace Sisters, Access Granted

The awards show will air on gmc on March 5 at 8pm ET. Before that, however, you can catch it in most major markets (check your local listings) between January 22 and March 13.

A list of performers and presenters for the 26th Annual Stellar Awards has been released!

Among the performers are Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Deitrick Haddon, the Nevels Sisters, VaShawn Mitchell, the Soul Seekers, the Williams Brothers, the Rance Allen Group, forever Jones, JJ Hairston and Joshua’s Troop.  Also performing will be an all-star choir in tribute to Kirk Franklin, and the winners of the 2010 How Sweet the Sound competition in tribute to Donald Lawrence.

Award presenters and other participants will include J Moss, Dorinda Clark Cole, Hezekiah Walker, Andrae Crouch, Vickie Winans, Lisa Page Brooks, DeWayne Woods, Wess Morgan, Myron Butler, Yvette Nicole Brown, Dr. Bobby Jones and more.

The show will be taped this Saturday in Nashville, TN, at the Grand Ole Opry House, and will air on gmc on March 5 at 8pm ET.  The program will also air in various national markets from January 22nd through March 13th.  Check your local listings!

The nominees for the 26th annual Stellar Awards were announced on Saturday in Nashville, TN during a live telecast on gmc, hosted by Donnie McClurkin and featuring performances by Jessica Reedy, VaShawn Mitchell, Lucinda Moore, Joe Pace and more.

The show takes place on Saturday, January 15, 2011 in Nashville, TN. It will be hosted by Donnie McClurkin, alone, serving as the first time that the show has been hosted by only one person. Also, in honor of Albertina Walker, the “Female Vocalist of the Year” category will be forever named the “Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year” award.

The following are the recipients of the special awards:

Donald Lawrence will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award
Kirk Franklin will receive the Thomas Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award
Vanessa Bell Armstrong will receive the Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award

And the nominees are…

Artist of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Fred Hammond
James Fortune & FIYA
Marvin Sapp

Song of the Year
“Close to You” | BeBe Winans
“They That Wait” | Fred Hammond, Calvin Rodgers, Phillip Feaster, Ericka Warren, Michael Bethany and Dynna Wells
“Encore” | James Fortune, C. Fortune and T. Vaughn
“Best In Me” | Marvin Sapp

Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

New Artist of the Year
Forever Jones
Kristina Halloway
Travis Greene
Victory Cathedral Choir

CD of the Year
Fred Hammond | Love Unstoppable
J. Moss | Just James
James Fortune & FIYA | Encore
Marvin Sapp | Here I Am

Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey for Here I Am
Donald Lawrence for The Experience
Fred Hammond for Love Unstoppable
James Fortune, Terrance Vaughn and Ayron Lewis for Encore

Female Vocalist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Karen Clark Sheard
Lucinda Moore
Tamela Mann

Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage
Fred Hammond
J. Moss
Marvin Sapp

Group/Duo of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Forever Jones
James Fortune & FIYA
The Anointed Pace Sisters

Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage
Fred Hammond
J. Moss
James Fortune

Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year
Alvin Darling
Darrell Hines
Marvin Sapp
Marvin Winans

Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Karen Clark Sheard
Lisa Page Brooks
Tamela Mann

Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year
Fredericka Faison
Lucinda Moore
Shirley Caesar
Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Traditional CD of the Year
James Hall & Voices of Citadel | Won’t It Be Wonderful
Marvin Sapp | Here I Am
Shirley Caesar | A City Called Heaven
Vanessa Bell Armstrong | The Experience

Contemporary CD of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans | Still
Fred Hammond | Love Unstoppable
J.Moss | Just James
James Fortune and FIYA | Encore

Contemporary Choir of the Year
God’s Little Soldiers International
Myron Butler & Levi
Youth for Christ
Youthful Praise featuring J.J. Hairston

Traditional Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Forever Jones
James Fortune and FIYA
Trin-i-tee 5:7

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
James Greer & Company
The Anointed Pace Sisters
The Christian Angels
The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Quartet of the Year
Reverend F.C. Barnes & Company
The Christian Angels
The Golden Wings Quartet
The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
DJ Official | Entermission
Everyday Process | Outtadisworld
Sho Baraka | Lions and Liars
Trip Lee | Between Two Worlds

Music Video of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans | “Close to You”
Kirk Whalum | “Make Me a Believer”
Shirley Caesar | “Playground In Heaven”
The Anointed Pace Sisters | “If I Be Lifted Up”

Urban Inspirational Performance of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans | “Still”
Forever Jones | “Get Ready”
James Fortune & FIYA | “Encore”
Marvin Sapp | “Here I Am”

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Cameron Hilson and Mark Neubauer for Get Ready
Denise Trotman for Here I Am
Derek Blanks and Ken Barboza for Still
Jeff Gilligan for Love Unstoppable

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Darwin Hobbs | Darwin Hobbs Live: Champion
James Fortune & FIYA | Encore
Phil Tarver | Place of Worship
The Anointed Pace Sisters | Access Granted

Children’s Project of the Year
God’s Little Soldiers International | Soldier Story
Kingdom Kids Worldwide | Kingdom Kids Worldwide Volume 1
The Velasquez Family Singers | While We Still Have Time
Youth for Christ | Thanks In Advance

Special Event CD of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans | Still
Kirk Franklin | Are You Listening
Various Artists | CoCo Brother Live Presents Stand 2010
Various Artists | WOW Gospel 2010

What do you guys think of the nominees???