James Fortune’s new project, Identity, hits stores on January 17, 2012. I may or may not have heard some REALLY great things about it.

He just released an in-studio video of the album’s opening track, “Never Again.” It’s pretty tight and you’re gonna wanna check it out.

By the way, he’s singin’ on it. And he ain’t shabby!

Today, James Fortune and Light Records let us see the new cover art for his upcoming album with FIYA, Identity, due in stores on January 17, 2012.

Check it out–

Identity is available for pre-order NOW on Amazon.com.

Also, happy birthday to James Fortune today!

Check out the latest single from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, titled “After This.” It’s an encouraging praise anthem letting believers know that “there will be glory after this!”

The new single is from the group’s upcoming album, due in 2012, on Light Records.

I’ve just added it to the Pundit Player on the bottom of your screen. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

If asked to sum up Jessica Reedy following my chat with her last week, I would have to abandon phrases like “industry newcomer” and “Sunday Best finalist.” While those labels describe her, they don’t define her. Throughout our conversation, only one word circled through my mind– “determined.”

Fighting a cold, Jessica seemed eager to talk with me, and to make it through a full schedule of promotional activities over the coming weeks. When I asked how she’d make it, she confidently replied “I’ll be fine. It’s probably just God getting my mind right to make sure I know it ain’t about me.”

It was this genuine humility that won the hearts of the gospel community years ago, when Jessica Reedy became a familiar name, face and voice in the second season of BET’s Sunday Best. She didn’t win the competition (she was runner-up to Y’Anna Crawley that year), but since 2009, she has managed to maintain more TV time, on-stage appearances and press opportunities than even some of gospel music’s most seasoned artists.

Still, it’s been a lesson in patience for Jessica. Crediting her manager, Phil Thornton, with keeping her grounded, she recalls  ”I thought people were going to forget about me. Phil said ‘just be patient.’ Now, it’s been two years. I didn’t win the show, but I have a highly-anticipated album. That’s God.”

“Highly-anticipated” may be an understatement. Jessica’s debut album, From the Heart (in stores Tuesday, September 27, 2011), has had fans chomping at the bit before it was even being recorded. Once she and her label,Light Records, began leaking video blogs and details about the album’s collaborators, it seems the frenzy became virtually insatiable.

The project is musically progressive– it’s not a churchy gospel album– but it is at all times about Jesus Christ. And that’s evident. When asked about the more mainstream vibe of it, Jessica unequivocally declares “that was not my intention, at all. I’m not looking to crossover– I’m doing what I do.”

Jessica’s stance, though it could make many industry execs cringe, is quite inspiring. “I’m taken care of regardless. I can’t get caught up in numbers and miss God. EJ, the same people that love you now, next week, they’re over you. I want people to be blessed by this music, but this is about me doing what God told me to do.”

“I can’t go to God and say ‘I’m sorry, God. I made 13 tracks of people-pleasing music and it didn’t work. What do I do now?’ I’m going to make the music He gave me, and I just don’t care. Every time I sing the songs, it’s as if I wrote each one of them. It’s true to who I am.”

If her resolve sounds intense and pervasive, it is. Spurred by a series of recent near-fatal events in her life and the lives of her loved ones, Jessica shares that she has resigned to trusting God with it all. Reflecting on the recent house fire that nearly took her life and the life of her young son, or the major car accident from which her son walked away uninjured, Jessica shared through tears, “I’ve got to trust Him. Imagine what life would be if He took His hands off me.”

And so, with unwavering determination, she is moving forward in her ministry and in this calling. Though she would point out that she is still in shock over all that God is doing with her, Jessica is not naive in it. “I won’t let anyone work harder than me, especially on this vision that God gave me. I’m a grown woman and I want to know my business, too.”

It seems to be light years from the wide-eyed young finalist we first met on several years ago on BET’s Sunday Best, the hit gospel talent competition that catapults virtual unknowns to household names, even if just for a time. Jessica is not nearly as critical of the show as many on social media have been– she says that its strength in the marketplace actually has little to do with sales or a launching platform. “It’s about your heart,” she says with a quiet confidence. “God put us on Sunday Best to show us our gifts and how we live them out. And our hearts determine where that goes.”

“Some people get put on the show and get cocky. They start feelin’ themselves and start knocking BET, saying ‘I hate BET, they put me in this contract…’ But it’s not about what BET does or what the audience does. We have to get past what we see and hear– we are spiritual beings,” Jessica testifies. “I thank God that I didn’t see judges or competition. I saw God and I was just grateful. And guess what? BET released me from my contract.”

Jessica’s heart of gratitude shows in every conversation I’ve had with her over the past two years. It practically consumes her. And if you think that might shift a bit because she’s got a new album, think again.

In fact, when I asked how she’s handling the droves of guys eager for a chance to date the early-twenty-something-year old, she was shocked, as if the thought had never crossed her mind. “What?! Who? Nah, they can’t get up with me, EJ,” she yells through laughter. “I’m not going through no foolishness. They have to talk to God about me– I’m not examining nobody because my judgment was way off. I got a baby. Been there, done that!”

As the gospel industry ages, everyone from execs to industry vets are referring to the coming of a “new generation of artists.” Many gifted singers are eager to enter it, but it takes a determination like Jessica’s, wrought with tenacity and resolve, to actually do so and stick around for a while. And I believe she will.

Jessica Reedy’s debut album, From the Heart, doesn’t hit stores until September 27th, but it hit iTunes a day early! Listen to snippets and buy it here:

Folks, you don’t wanna miss the exclusive online listening party for Jessica Reedy’s long-awaited debut solo album, From the Heart.

It’s going down THIS Monday, September 26th, at 8pm ET on Bonnerfide Radio.

Tune in!

James Fortune has signed an exclusive international distribution deal with Music World Gospel in connection with his new label venture, Fiya World, LLC.

Music World will handle distribution of the label’s recordings worldwide, excluding North America.

Earlier this year, James Fortune announced that his imprint would be distributed nationally by eOne Entertainment/Light Records.

The first album on the imprint will be Fortune’s with his group, FIYA, in January of 2012. After that, he plans to sign and release more artists. Good look!

This coming Tuesday, August 30th, the incomparable Dorinda Clark Cole returns to the marketplace with her fourth solo album, I Survived (Light Records).  Dorinda’s powerhouse vocals meet expert production (Asaph Ward and Warryn Campbell) and skillful songwriting, to make I Survived a winner.

The album opens with the high-energy praise & worship “Holy One.” The band hits are absolutely infectious, punctuated by Dorinda scatting and soaring like only she can.  The momentum continues with excellent production and performance on “God Will Take Care of You,” which showcases Dorinda’s unique ability to drive a song.

The next cut, “He Brought Me” is (in my opinion) THE standout of this album. It’s the type of song that Dorinda does, and does well. It’s where she shines brightest, and her performance on it is evidence of that. It also appears to be poised as her next single– good choice!

Other great tunes on the project include ”We Believe” and “For My Good,” as well as ”Welcome,” which serves as a nice departure from the high energy and excitement of much of the other tracks on the album.  It’s a sweet and simple congregation-ready invitation for God to be among His people.

No solo album from one of gospel’s famed Clark Sisters would be complete without at least one track featuring one or more of her siblings.  And I Survived comes through on “Thank You,” written by (and featuring) Twinkie Clark. It sounds a bit more “Twinkie” than “Dorinda,” but I don’t think most Clark Sisters fans will mind.

If I had any contention about the project, it would be that its last two tracks– “This Is Why” and “Don’t Give Up”– don’t seem to be the strongest songs. They’re a bit less high-energy than the other tunes (they’re studio tracks amidst a bunch of live/”live”-styled ones), so I Survived doesn’t have the strongest finish.  I might have placed the hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ “For My Good” here instead. Regardless, Dorinda’s vocal performance on each is undeniable, so they’re worth a listen for that reason alone.

All in all, I’m more than pleased with this project. Again, it’s one of my faves to date because of how well it showcases Dorinda Clark Cole at her best, in her element. It’s worth adding to your collection, and I’ll probably bump it up to high “Dorinda rotation,” just under her debut album.

EJ recaps last night’s episode of Sunday Best on BET…

Last night, Sunday Best viewers were treated to a bevy of vocal tricks and acrobatics that had the makings of an incredible talent competition. Problem was, the mounting anxiety and nerves of several contestants made for some poorly-executed riffs and rather vacant stage presences.

If you recall from last week, 9 finalists were selected, with the 10th slot to be filled by the winner of a 3-contestant a cappella sing-off. Before the sing-off, however, William McDowell opened the show with his radio hit, “I Give Myself Away.”

His performance can be better classified as a worship experience, as was evident by the studio’s atmosphere– even the judges sang along with uplifted hands and tear-filled eyes. Throughout the beginning of the song, William struggled to even sing the lyrics, stepping away several times as he was overcome with emotion. For the at-home viewer, though, it was a bit difficult to join in. I just kind of decided it was a “had-to-be-there” moment, which is not really what you aim for on a national TV performance. Still, I’m glad he got the spot and on-air time– William McDowell’s been working that song for years now and he’s reaping the harvest. [Click here to check out William McDowell's album, As We Worship: Live, on Light Records.]

Sing-off time arrived and Kirk Franklin introduced the 3 contestants vying for the 10th spot. Each had to perform “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” a cappella. The problem with a sing-off among new artists or amateurs is that they realize they have to bring their ‘A’ game and they often translate that to “gotta riff and run.” That’s not ‘A’ game unless you’re a riffin’ and runnin’ wonder, and even then, less is always more.

Shanandolan Reynolds, who I was really rooting for, is better than what we saw and heard. I think her nerves got the best of her and the song was all over the place. Latrice Smith came with some jazzy riffs across practically every part of the chromatic scale, but things fell apart when they runs didn’t seem to just… end. For me, Timesha Sampson had it in the bag from her first note– not because of her tone or notes, but because of the lyric… she is the only one who didn’t start at the chorus. Her approach was most tasteful and she immediately distinguished her performance from the other two ladies.

And she got the 10th finalist slot. Immediately, Timesha was on the spot to perform her tune for the week. Here’s how each contestant fared…

Timesha Sampson – “This Is The Day”
I think this was a cool arrangement, but I agreed with Erica Campbell– the performance would have benefited from a slowed-down and controlled presentation, as some of Timesha’s riffs get away from her. She’s definitely got great potential, though, and I love that she’s unassuming with a bit of a powerhouse voice inside.

Amber Bullock – “How Great Is Our God”
If I never hear another gospel version of this CCM classic, it will be too soon.  I don’t like this song in any format aside from the original Chris Tomlin version. That said, Amber has got an undeniable and consistent gift, with great control and tone.  This performance was not her best, but she’s clearly a frontrunner in the competition.

Michael Pugh – “You Are God Alone”
I like him. I loved the song choice, as I haven’t heard anyone do it on Sunday Best before. Michael is definitely “a good gospel singer,” like Tina Campbell said in her critique– just solid church. I’ll be interested in seeing a more reserved performance in the coming weeks, though. I know he can drive a song with a good growl and exhortation, but I’d also love to see him perform something without the goal of slaying people in the Spirit.

Andrea Helms – “Yesterday”
It’s always risky to sing a Mary Mary song– despite their urban style and contemporary approach, Tina and Erica have some very churchy, powerhouse vocal ability. And this song ain’t an easy one to sing. This week felt a little “Showtime at the Apollo” to me– a person you wouldn’t expect to even be on the show gives a decent vocal, and the sheer diversity of the moment makes everyone do backflips. I’m not saying Andrea isn’t gifted– I’m just saying that it wasn’t “perfect,” as Pastor Donnie commented.

Isaiah Freeman IV – “All I Need”
I personally don’t want to hear anyone but Brian Courtney Wilson sing this song– it’s HIS! Lol My bias aside, though, I didn’t think the vocal was strong enough. Whereas the original demonstrates great crooning and tone, especially on the vamp, this cover didn’t really shine in those areas. I just think it wasn’t a great song choice this time.  Still, he’s one of my favorite contestants.

Sue Roseberry – “Jesus Can Work It Out”
Mama Sue brought it once again. She does EXACTLY what we want. I love that she changed up the ad libs to this classic tune. The judges’ response to her reminds me of last season’s Elder Goldwire McClendon– everyone loved his traditional, old-rugged-cross, ol’ landmark nature, but people didn’t select him as their winner.  It makes me wonder if the masses would want a Mama Sue album.

Monica Smith – “Pass Me Not”
While I definitely love the raw talent she exhibits, I’m always fearful that she’s going to blow out her voice! Be caaareful! Lol Kirk Franklin is right to liken her to Shirley Caesar– it’s that guttural, growling, traditional style and approach. Her zero-to-sixty approach is vaguely reminiscent of LeAndria Johnson, but she doesn’t have the same confidence level. I’d love to see her grow in that regard.

Michael Washington – “Falling In Love With Jesus”
This dude is smooth, with clear tone and precise agility. On this Jonathan Butler cover, I heard a bit of Jonathan, mixed with a few Howard Hewitt scats. I agree with the judges that the song kinda got away from him, but I think it was definitely his nerves. He’s a great singer, but it’s hard to figure out what his lane would be.

Felicia Russell – “Precious Jesus”
I don’t know when this song became such a sermonic solo, but I still love it as an ensemble tune like Thomas Whitfield wrote it. That said, I don’t think Felicia is really comfortable just letting it all go, and I want her to. Too poised, too reserved, even in the climax of the song. I agree with the judges– better than last week, but her audition ROCKED. I wanted to see it like that, again.

Carlington Roberts – “Oh How I Love Jesus”
Carlington is a nice guy, but this performance was a bit pitchy and behind the tempo the whole way through. I’m sure I’m not alone– after the modulation, things just got tense. His range, tone and confidence were shaky and it just didn’t quite land safely. I don’t know that he could compete with some of the other vocalists this season.

At the end of the show, the judges cut Felicia Russell, Carlington Roberts and Michael Washington from among the finalists… and we’re down to 7.  I agree with the judges on this decision.

I can’t deny that I’m longing for a bit of the skill and delivery of past seasons. If I recall, in those seasons, several contestants really stood out as virtually “ready-to-sign” artists. This season, not so much…

So far, Sunday Best isn’t a tough competition because there are so many great voices from which to choose; it’s tough because there aren’t enough.

Hey folks, just a quick reminder that today is the day to grab From Now On, the new album from gospel duo Dawkins & Dawkins.

The new project, released on Light Records, features 16 tracks, including the single “Get Down.”

Listen to snippets of the whole album right here and get yours–

This is how you do an album cover.

Dorinda Clark Cole’s new album, I Survived, hits stores on August 30th (Light Records).

Get ready!