New Associate Editor Troy Lilly interviewed Fred Hammond for you guys…

In this chat, he talks with Fred about Life in the Word (the new album that hits stores TODAY), Fred’s new relationship with Universal Music Christian Group, and plans for the future.

It’s a great read, so I won’t delay things any further… here’s Troy with Fred Hammond.

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Troy: How are you doing this morning, man?

Fred: Good, man. How you feel?

Troy: Good, good. I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with me.

Fred: I appreciate you, doc, for talking to me.

Troy: First off, I want to congratulate you on the new label, fHammond Family Entertainment, and your joint venture with Universal Music Christian Group.

Fred: Yeah.

Troy: Everyone’s really excited about it. Some people are so excited they’ve let their imaginations run wild about what’s going to happen next. I mean really, really wild!

So, tell me how this partnership came about and what exactly this means for future Fred Hammond projects?

Fred: Well, uh, the label is not as new as is kind of being said. It’s fHammond Music, basically, which was on the Verity/Zomba label.

Troy: Ok.

Fred: Verity and Zomba both gave me an opportunity to learn the inside of executive producing …there’s other levels… marketing, and not just finding the talent, but motivating and molding the talent. Verity taught me to do that.

But when we got to the end of our run, Verity wanted to concentrate on less secondary projects and more primary projects. Fred Hammond is a primary and fHammond is a secondary.

Troy: I see.

Fred: Basically, I got dropped! Naw…I’m just kidding! (laughs)

Troy: (LAUGHS)

Fred: And I didn’t really get dropped. We both mutually agreed, you know, it was time to go. It was a good run. We got Joann Rosario [Condrey] out of it, I had the Singletons and Shea Norman … Joann really shined out of that… but I got a chance to learn at each step.

Troy: Right, right.

Fred: But Universal came along. And see, because Universal is not a label – they’re distribution – they can help develop a label, you know.

Troy: Right…

Fred: They don’t have artists to compete with. They were looking for some talented young labels and people who had music and they said, ‘we can help you.’ And when we met up with each other I felt really good about it. I went there and sat down and I felt like this was the place to be.

They allow me, as a businessperson, to say, “this is the plan and this is the direction we’re going.”

Troy: Wow.

Fred: Sometimes I’m almost asking them permission to do something as a label…

Troy: (Chuckles)

Fred: And they’re like… ‘uh, that’s your label. You tell us what to do.’ And I’m like, “oh, ok!” It’s almost like Eddie Murphy in the movie Trading Places when he walked into the house and said, ‘oh, so this vase is mine …so that means I can just throw it down on the ground,’ – POW! You don’t really believe it at the end of the day.

Troy: The first project on the fHammond Family Entertainment label hits stores on July 27th and is titled Life in the Word. What’s the significance of the title?

Fred: It’s interesting that the first CD that comes out is Word-based. It’s what the whole foundation of the company and the label will be based on – life in the Word. So the actual CD itself is a praise and worship devotional.

There’s little narrated scriptures in between most of the music. Some of them are comedic, some are dramatic. But if you just hear them it’ll remind you… that we should go over into the land because we can certainly take it. Whatever your promised land is, go get it.

Troy: Yeah.

Fred: And like I said, some of them are comedic. I play a preacher on one of ‘em, from a store front church, and I scream, “READ!” (Laughs)

Troy: (Laughs)

Fred: And they start reading and I change the words up on ‘em. So they’re reading, ‘for this’ and I say, “No, for that,” then, “no, for this…” (laughs)

Troy: (Laughs)

Fred: It’s funny, but it’s still reading the Word of God.

Troy: Now, I have to say this: the spoken scriptural interludes on the album are a treat and really take me back to the “Inner Court” days with Radical for Christ… stuff like “The Communion Song” where there’s actual reading during the song,

Fred: Yeah!

Troy: And then like “Hear My Cry”…man! That stuff is just ripped from scripture, kind of like hearing people sing the Bible.

Fred: That’s just my style, man.

Troy: You’re credited with creating the sub-genre Urban Praise and Worship, but you described the Life in the Word project as “the other side” of your style. Do you feel this style and sound will appeal to a new, wider audience, or…?

Fred: On this one… it’s a little departure, but it’s not theeeee departure, you know what I’m sayin’? I didn’t wanna shock people too bad. But if they got to listen to “You Are My Dwelling Place” – which I sing on – they’re gonna hear a little alternative and rock edge to it.

Troy: The album features an ensemble of gifted singers such as Lowell Pye, Ericka Warren, Candace Laster, Michael Bethany, and Faith Anderson. What caused you to choose this particular group of singers?

Fred: Man, it’s like these cats…they can really sing! I reached out to Lowell because he’s a friend of mine. I think Lowell has an [amazing] voice. Some people I sit there and like everything they do. Lowell, when he sings, that’s me. He reminds me of John P. Kee, who’s my favorite male vocalist.

Troy: Yeah, probably for a lot of us. (chuckles)

Fred: So at the end of the day, Lowell was a no brainer. And when I asked him he was like, ‘yeah, man, yeah…I’ll do it.’

And then the rest of them kinda sing with me. They go out on the road with me, except Faith, who sings with Kirk [Franklin]. But it was an opportunity and they all jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always had a heart to help people

Troy: How much will we hear you, Fred, vocally on this new record?

Fred: I’m actually singing two songs on there. One of them is a remake, the full version of “Just to Be Close to You” with the verses and everything.

Troy: Yeah, I saw that. So, it sounds like this new album is really similar to the In Case You Missed It… project, which primarily featured and introduced a plethora of guest artists.

Fred: Absolutely. It’s just the same concept. I may even do an In Case You Missed It 2…  on this label. I may take some of my old music that people didn’t’ really catch onto, songs that I thought were great and nobody really listened to…

Troy: (Laughs)

Fred: And let somebody else do it. Folks will hear it and say, “Wow! I didn’t hear that song that way when he sang it.” So there’s an In Case You Missed It 2… coming, a Life in the Word 2 coming.

Troy: Should we expect to see solo projects on this new imprint by some of the guest artists you’ve introduced over the years…perhaps even solo work from Fred Hammond in the future?

Fred: Well hopefully, all of them. Hopefully all of them will get a chance to be able to do their own projects from this – especially in my camp.

And I’m looking to expand this into different voices and different topics.

Troy: Ok.

Fred: My daughter, BreeAnn, is a great vocalist, but I don’t think I should put her out there in the way where she has to go to churches and stand up, and do this and do that. But she can go to youth groups and sing to other 18- and 22-year-olds about what it feels like to be in love and lose love.

They don’t necessarily have to hear it from all from Rihanna, you know what I’m sayin’?

Troy: Yeah!

Fred:  But they can hear it from a woman with “this” instead of that perspective.

Troy: Wow.

Fred: So I want to have new voices. Then I have another guy who’s been out there, another brother. He has a great album. His name is Steve Huff.

Troy: Oh, yeah man! Steve, definitely.

Fred: That’s my dude. We just hooked up and I’m putting him out. He’s got a great album and I believe in it. He’s super urban. – I mean he’s got like 10, 12 songs of “God in Me,” and they’re all killin’! I mean they’re all killin’.

And then there’s another younger guy I got named Silas. He has another sound with another voice, and he’s talking about life. It sounds like a mixture of Hootie and the Blowfish meets…somebody else.

Troy: (Chuckles)

Fred: Honestly, it’s just different sounding music, and it may not all get radio, but there’s a way to get it out. People are getting 50 million hits on YouTube, and you’ve got Pandora radio and Fred radio…

Troy: Yeah, the game is definitely changing.

Fred: Right, the game is changing, and I love gospel radio but I understand that they just don’t have all the room to put everybody out there, so…

Troy: That’s true.

Fred: I’m gonna put out different forms of music.

Troy: Ok.

Fred: I have a jazz CD I’m putting out, but I’m not gonna do “Lord, Help Me to Hold Out” over a piano solo. No, I’m doing a straight-up smooth jazz album. It’s a musician album. I got a group and it’s a jazz CD, just with a Christian guy who happens to be playing jazz.

We’re going to talk about some regular stuff AND still have God and the gospel going in, because believe it or not, God cares about all of that.

Troy: He does.

Fred: He said “cast all your cares,” not your “gospel” cares or your “Christian cares,” but he said every care that you have cast on me, because I care for you.

Troy: After almost 30 years in the business producing, arranging – playing – are you ready to focus on something other than music, or is it still “all about the music?”

Fred: Music is the base, but man, I’m writing books. I figure the world has enough self-help books, so my books are fictional. They’re stories that I’ve met and seen in my lifetime – people dealing with childhood issues, murder. These are things that I’ve seen. Several of my friends have been killed, executed.

Troy: Man! (gasps)

Fred: That’s the kind of life I’ve dealt with, you know. I’ve been in the church and in the streets, so I’m gonna tell the story. But, I’m going to tell you where God shows up, how God heals that moment!

Troy: Right!

Fred: And it doesn’t have to sell a billion books. But it’s going to be unique.

Troy: I’m excited.

Fred: It’s a start, you know? One day, Commissioned had a record called “I’m Going On,” and people were excited. But, we also heard the other side: “it’s not as good as the Winans,” and “you guys aren’t big time…” I heard all of that.

But you still put something out, and you do another one and another one, until you look up and you’ve sold millions of records and you’re doing an interview talking about your first label. (Laughs)

Troy: (Laughs) That’s how it happens.

Fred: That’s it.

Troy: I want to say congratulations again. I hear the vision and I see that you are really taking the reigns, creating opportunities, not only for yourself, but for other people as well. I enjoyed the talk, man, and I hope you did as well.

Fred: Yes sir. Yeah, I appreciate you, man. Keep doing what you’re doing and anything you need to ask, just hit me up. We gotta work together.

Troy: Definitely.

Fred: Very good, man. Thanks.

Troy: You’re welcome. Take it easy.

*     *     *

Niiiiiiiiice!

Glad to hear, officially, what all the fuss is about over Fred and Universal Music.  And, I’m glad to know more about the direction he’s heading, musically– some of those projects (especially that jazz one)… I want them NOW!

So, what did you guys think of Troy’s interview with Fred Hammond?

Just had a lil’ “I Do Worship” craving this morning… and I was reminded of one simple fact– John P Kee is a singing/writing/producing/arranging wonder.

Just for fun–

Remember that?!

The latest project in the Gotta Have Gospel series– this one, featuring Choirs– will be in stores on July 27th.  There will also be an accompanying DVD released on the same day.

Check out the track listing–

1. Lift Him Up -Hezekiah Walker
2. Victory (Live) -Tye Tribbett & G.A.
3. Zion Rejoice (featuring Erica Campbell of Mary Mary) -Faithful Central Church
4. Let The Praise Begin -Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ
5. You Are Good -Lakewood Church
6. High And Lifted Up -Joe Pace
7. God Is Featuring The Tri-City Singers -Dewayne Woods
8. Imagine Me -Kirk Franklin
9. I Speak Life -Donald Lawrence featuring Donnie McClurkin
10. Total Praise -Richard Smallwood With Vision
11. God Great God -Kurt Carr
12. Holy Is The Lord -The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
13. Show Up! -The New Life Community Choir Featuring John P. Kee
14. The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow -Bobby Jones & New Life with The Nashville Super Choir
15. Stand! -VIP Mass Choir featuring John P. Kee
16. Give Thanks- T.D. Jakes

For anyone who doesn’t already have the individual projects that first featured these songs, this is a pretty decent line-up.  I am, however, givin’ the side-eye to the notion that Kirk Franklin’s “Imagine Me” should be listed as a choir song…

Again, it’s in stores next Tuesday, but you can pre-order now by clicking here.

Anyone thinking of grabbin’ it?  Do you guys typically buy compilation projects like this???

The hottest choir competition in the nation, Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound, is just about ready to begin its nationwide tour dates, hosted by Donald Lawrence and featuring performances from some of the sangin’-est choirs in the country and some of the top gospel artists in the game.

I attended one of the sold-out events last year and it was INCREDIBLE. I strongly urge you to attend one in your area, if you’re at all able to do so.  Tickets for the events go on sale on July 10th.

Details on dates, cities and performers are as follows:

Houston, TX
September 9, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Byron Cage

Jacksonville, FL
September 11, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, James Fortune

Memphis, TN
September 14, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Dorinda Clark Cole

Philadelphia, PA
September 17, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Lonnie Hunter

Washington, DC
September 18, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Richard Smallwood, Maurette Brown Clark

Newark, NJ
September 22, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Kurt Carr

Cleveland, OH
September 24, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, James Fortune

Detroit, MI
September 25, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Kurt Carr

Chicago, IL
September 27, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Dorinda Clark Cole

Charlotte, NC
September 30, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, John P. Kee

Atlanta, GA
October 2, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Israel Houghton, Tamela Mann

St. Louis, MO
October 5, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Dwight Stone

Oakland, CA
October 9, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Byron Cage

Los Angeles, CA
October 11, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans

Visit http://www.howsweetthesound.com for more updates and info.

Who’s attending???

Is it just me, or is gospel the only genre that allows (maybe expects, and even demands) artists’ names to follow the format of “So-And-So” & “Such-And-Such”?

Think about it… Jonathan Nelson & Purpose, Myron Butler & Levi, DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet…

But it didn’t just start happening… there was Israel & New Breed, Kirk Franklin & The Family, Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ…

And before them, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Walter Hawkins & The Hawkins Family, Andraé Crouch & The Disciples…

And let’s not forget the choirs– Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Ricky Dillard & New G, John P Kee & New Life, Milton Brunson & The Tommies, O’landa Draper & The Associates…

Understand this– my absolute ALL-TIME FAVORITE gospel artists are mentioned above, so I’m not mad at their names at all.  Love you guys and you KNOW it!

I definitely think the the name choices make sense– ours is the only genre with the artist format of frontmen backed by an ensemble or a choir.

But I’d be lying if I said it isn’t refreshing when I hear creative names like Mary Mary, Excelsior, 21:03 and Mali Music.

In short, it’s not a good or bad thing, just… a thing.  A gospel thing.

Anyone noticed???

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…

I will admit that I was skeptical– if you remember last year’s Celebration Of Gospel, there were just a bunch of moments that left us wondering… “WHY?!”

But this year, for its 10th anniversary, BET seems to have taken time and done things well and with purpose.  I honestly thought it was a GREAT show.

My quick comments about each song, in order:

Fred Hammond featuring Kelly Price and Shirley Caesar – “Awesome God”
I loved the album version of this song (and wondered if it should’ve been the single) for months now. For me, the addition of Kelly Price to the performance made this song a great opener.

Yolanda Adams – “Victory”
It’s a great song, and Yolanda always gives an incredible live performance, but I didn’t necessarily NEED it. Just seemed a bit random.

Anthony & Tarsha’ Hamilton – “Better Is One Day”
One of the best performances of the night for me. It was an awesome arrangement of a CCM favorite, it was heartfelt and simple. And Tarsha’ can SING! Geeeeeeez.

Bobby Jones & The Nashville Super Choir featuring Y’Anna Crawley – “The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow”
Dunno what was up with Dr. Jones’ costume in the beginning (it was creative, but the bubble wrap thing threw me for a loop), but by the time the singing started, I was all in. Y’Anna sounded & looked great, the Nashville Super Choir went hard, and it was a solid performance.

Kelly Price & Ledisi – “How Great Thou Art”
From what I hear, BET edited some of the best parts of this performance from the TV broadcast. No matter… even as an edited shadow of itself, the performance was one of the night’s best. These are two of the most gifted female vocalists in the music biz right now. Loved it.

BeBe & CeCe Winans – “Close To You”/”Grace”
I sent a tweet last night that, though I love them, BeBe & CeCe could’ve done a throwback tune for me and I would’ve been thrilled. From a business standpoint, I get it (and they still did a great job)… I’m just even more eager for that reunion tour!

City Of Refuge P.S.A.L.M.S. Choir – “Shout”
I’m not a huge fan of the choir, but they did a great cover of this classic Milton Brunson tune. Lots of energy and a clean look make them stand out. Nice job.

Shirley Caesar – “Celebration”
The First Lady of Gospel always delivers a solid performance. Performing her newest single, she remained consistent and demonstrated that traditional vocals will NEVER go out of style.

James Fortune & FIYA – “I Trust You”
A bit underwhelmed by the use of background vocal tracks instead of live bgv’s until the vamp, but the song is powerful and so was the performance. This group is solidifying itself as a mainstay in the gospel landscape.

Fred Hammond – “They That Wait”
Actually, I wasn’t as interested in this song without John P. Kee being there. Makes me wonder if, in the end, it wasn’t the collabo that made the song so popular. I didn’t necessarily need to see this performance, especially given that he did the opener…

Fantasia & Diane Barrino – “He’s Done Enough”
From the moment she hit the stage, Fantasia’s shoes were off and she was jumpin’. It’s how she does gospel and I LOVE it. I also loved seeing her mama lookin’ like an artist herself… they performed together at the 2009 Chicago GospelFest and on Bobby Jones last season– I could get used to this!

Rance Allen Group – “Something About The Name Jesus”
Watching Rance Allen perform is always an adventure– you never know where the riffs & squalls are gonna come from, but you know they’re coming! It was great to hear him sing this classic tune, but I’m beginning to see less of a need for the “Group.”

Tye Tribbett & G.A. – “So Amazing”
It’s been said that this is the last we’ll see of G.A., as Tye is reportedly disbanding the group (per in-the-know journalist Jawn Murray, who attended a “farewell concert” on New Year’s Eve). If so, this was a nice performance to end their run. The song is good, the energy was what we’ve come to expect… cool deal.

Donnie McClurkin – “We Fall Down”
Donnie continues to demonstrate why there is no substitute for a good song and a solid vocal performance. No frills or gimmicks– just a 10-year-old tune and a vocalist who never really misses. Excellent.

Marvin Sapp – “The Best In Me”
This song was a hit from the moment he sang the first note at his live recording. And you all have been listening to it here for a while now, and lovin’ it. Another dynamic performance from an incredibly gifted singer. Chalk up another one for Marvin Sapp.

Donald Lawrence – “Back II Eden”/”The Best Is Yet To Come”
An awesome finale performance, with the incredible Floyd Wilkinson on the vamp, from the man with the Midas touch. The only thing missing for me was Donald’s group of singers, but I’m just spoiled.

All in all, this show was really great. The tribute to Steve Harvey was heartfelt and touching. And I’ll say this– if some of the greatest ministers of music in our industry come together annually, and interact with non-believers, we’re SUPPOSED to see a change in people. What that says for other annual televised gospel programs, I’m not sure… but it’s encouraging to see what God’s been doing in Steve’s life through Celebration Of Gospel.

Now… WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE SHOW?!

Only one friend of mine has ever been able to demonstrate that they know as much about this album as I do.  And it kinda shocks me cuz it had all the right ingredients for a hit record.

Released in 1994 on GospoCentric, Personal Inspirations is the debut gospel album from Stephanie Mills.  No novice to performance (she was the original “Dorothy” in The Wiz on Broadway and had a wildly successful R&B career), she recorded this project LIVE.  On production?  None other than Donald Lawrence, her long-time musical director.  On background vocals?  The Tri-City Singers.

I won’t say that I adore every track– some are simply nostalgic at this point.  But there’s no denying that she’s got some real gems on this project.  From the album’s opener, “I Had A Talk With God,” to her cover of The Caravans’ ”Sweepin’ Through The City,” Stephanie Mills demonstrates that she’s no outsider to the gospel genre.

My favorite track on the project is “He Cares,” written by John P. Kee (and, on which, he makes a guest appearance).  It’s classic.  As if it weren’t enough on its own, she does a reprise of it and grabs Arnetta Murrill-Crooms (remember her lead vocal on Tri-City’s “I Am God”?) from among the background vocalists… beautiful.

Other stand-outs for me is her remake of the Winans’ classic “Everything You Touch,” “Everybody Ought To Know,” “I’m Gonna Make You Proud,” and the gospel version of her own R&B hit, “Power Of Love,” re-titled “Power Of God.”

I’m not saying that it should’ve been #1 on Billboard for a year.  But I am saying that it was good initial effort, with great production, nice songs and arrangements…

I couldn’t find many clips online from the project, so bear with me on the YouTube video below (audio only). And also, click here to hear that reprise of “He Cares” (the person disabled embedding, so I couldn’t post that video).

Whatd’ya think???

The blessed and highly favored ladies of Mary Mary took home another trophy last night in recognition of their music– this time, it was the Soul Train Music Award for Best Gospel Performance.

Their crossover hit, “God In Me” featuring Kierra Sheard, won among other notable gospel tracks “Close To You” (BeBe & CeCe Winans), “They That Wait” (Fred Hammond feat. John P Kee), “Praise Him In Advance” (Marvin Sapp) and “Justified (Smokie Norful).

Congrats on the win, ladies, and congrats to the nominees.

The Soul Train Music Awards will be simulcast on BET and its new channel, Centric, on Sunday, November 29th at 9pm ET/PT.

Isaac Carree has released the title of his upcoming debut solo project… it’ll be called Uncommon Me.

Word has it that the vibe of the album is supposed to demonstrate the vocal agility we’ve seen from Ike, but will also share another side of his musical style and influences.

The vocalist, known best as a member of hit gospel group Men Of Standard and as a singer with John P. Kee’s New Life Community Choir, has not announced a release date.

He’s one of my favorite male vocalists in gospel, so I’m really looking forward to his solo project.

What do you think?