James Fortune has made quite a name for himself over the past several years. With significant radio airplay and increased television appearances, he’s risen from “just another ensemble frontman” to one of the leading artists of the next generation in gospel music.

With his new project, Identity, James Fortune further solidifies his position and offers one of his best projects to date.

Backed by his group, FIYA, James Fortune presents a high-energy, but often heartfelt, collection of music that will appeal to a broad audience.

What stands out most for me on this 18-track album is the songwriting and lead vocals. Not only does Fortune feature numerous industry peers, from Fred Hammond and Kim Burrell to Le’Andria Johnson and Monica, he does so on songs with heightened musicality and authenticity. To be sure, some of the tunes follow a formula, but the bulk of the project is by far more experimental (and successfully so) than his previous work.

Stand-out cuts include the piano-guided title track, “Identity,” the churchy banger “Could Be Worse” (featuring Le’Andria Johnson and Zacardi Cortez on lead) and “What If,” a true-to-the-Gospel tune set to an absolutely beautiful melody. Pay special attention to “Curse Is Broken,” “Make A Sound,” featuring the incomparable vocal acrobatics of Nikki Ross, and the passionate “With You,” led by Kim Burrell.

My personal favorite on the album, however, is “Hold On,” an old school soul-vibed song of encouragement featuring awesome vocals from Monica and Fred Hammond. It’s just one of those feel-good tunes that doesn’t get old for me.

For fans of James Fortune & FIYA, this project will take your “fanship” to the next level. For naysayers or skeptics, take an open listen to it– you will be thoroughly impressed. If the rest of the new releases in 2012 follow James Fortune’s lead, we’ll be in pretty good musical hands.

Listen to snippets and pre-order right here.

I may or may not have gotten my ears on Identity, the new album from James Fortune & FIYA, which hits stores in just two weeks, on January 17th.

And I may or may not love it. Okay, I do. Lol

I’ve already got my favorites, which I’ll chat about in my full review, but I’ll say this for now– the guest appearances will blow you away. From Le’Andria to Monica to Fred Hammond to Nikki Ross and MORE… unreal.

I can’t share the full project with you yet, but take a listen to the snippets below and pre-order it NOW.

I want you guys to check out this video.  I think it’s a great idea– powerful and rather innovative for the gospel community.

The video features the newest single from J Moss, “Rebuild,” behind a bunch of artists and industry peeps talking about what “rebuild” means to them.

You’ll see J and his wife Melanie, PDA, 21:03, Tye Tribbett, Hezekiah Walker, Monica, Fred Hammond, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Kierra Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Canton Jones, Warryn Campbell and more…

I think it’s pretty powerful and inspiring.  And I love to see all the artists that got on board to help him out with it.

Whatdy’a think???

Kirk Franklin will be appearing on The Mo’Nique Show tonight, on BET, at 11pm ET.  I hear that he did very well, so you don’t wanna miss it!

Kirk Franklin has also been added to the performance line-up for BET’s Haiti relief concert/telethon, SOS Saving OurSelves – Help For Haiti, which will be broadcast live TOMORROW night at 8pm ET on BET, Centric, MTV and VH1.

The event, hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs, Queen Latifah and Pharrell, will feature performances by a who’s-who list of artists, including  Wyclef, Mary J Blige, Robin Thicke, Chris Brown, Monica, Ne-Yo, Justin Bieber, and more.

Congrats to Kirk for the tremendous opportunities that the Lord is trusting you with!  Thanks for reppin’ the Kingdom of God and the gospel community.