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!

Paul “PDA” Allen, part of the powerhouse production camp PAJAM, was recently named the Youth Pastor of Straight Gate International Church, where Bishop Andrew Merritt is pastor.

Last month, PDA and his wife, Keisha, hosted a huge youth conference in Detroit, in connection with the church’s youth ministry, G1 (God First). The event, intended to encourage and motivate youth for the upcoming school year, featured an array of artists (i.e., Lecrae, Kierra Sheard, James Fortune) and sponsors like McDonald’s and Radio One.

The Henry Ford Health System was on-hand to provide medical screenings and every student in attendance received school supplies and opportunities to speak with college recruiters.

I hear that “Minister P,” as PDA is affectionately referred to, has got more tricks up his sleeve to impact the youth. Let’s pray for him as he walks in this role, cool?

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–

Word has it that the Nevels Sisters, the rising gospel group known for their head-bangin’, hair-whippin’ energetic performances, just wrapped several days of studio sessions with production camp PAJAM.

Twitter messages from the Nevels Sisters and Paul “PDA” Allen suggest that the group’s upcoming album, It’s My Time, will feature great new music from the Detroit-based team.

Excited to hear it!

Legendary vocalist Karen Clark Sheard has released a music video for her latest single, “He Knows,” featuring her sister, Dorinda Clark Cole.

The song is the PAJAM-produced follow-up to “Prayed Up,” the first single from All In One, Karen’s award-winning latest project.

Check it out–

Word has it that Integrity Music’s hit gospel compilation project, Gotta Have Gospel, will be returning to stores with its 8th edition on October 5th.

The project features 24 tracks, with a bonus DVD of gospel performances and music videos.

The track listing?  Glad you asked–

Disc One
1.  I Give You Praise – Byron Cage
2. Expect The Great – Jonathan Nelson
3. All Of My Help – Hezekiah Walker & LFC
4. How I Got Over featuring Tim Bowman, Jr. – Vickie Winans
5. Nobody Like You Lord – Fred Hammond
6. Every Prayer featuring Mary Mary – Israel Houghton
7. I Will Lift – Trin-I-Tee 5:7
8. Your Name Alone – Stephen Hurd
9. Lord You Reign Forever – Crystal Aikin
10. Jesus – Kirk Franklin
11. Free – Rizen
12. I Gave It Up – J Moss

Disc Two
1. Trusting In You – Donnie McClurkin
2. Let The Word Do The Work featuring Brother Hahz – Donald Lawrence & Co.
3. I Praise You – Shari Addison
4. Get Up – Mary Mary
5. It All Belongs To You – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
6. The Master Plan – Tamela Mann
7. Bless The Lord (Son Of Man) – Tye Tribbett
8. Worship Medley: I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You/There’s Something About That Name – Marvin Sapp
9. All I Need – Brian Courtney Wilson
10. Free – Darwin Hobbs
11. Your Will – Ken Reynolds
12. Trading My Sorrows – PAJAM

DVD Footage
1. La Buena Vida (Romans 8:31) – Ken Reynolds featuring Lucia Parker
2. I’ll Say Yes – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
3. Just Wanna Say – Israel Houghton
4. Worship Medley: I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You/There’s Something About That Name – Marvin Sapp

Sounds good, yes?

Who’s thinking of grabbin’ this one???

I like to consider myself hip, happenin’, cool and down wit’ it.

I can spit all the lyrics to my favorite rap song (not here, cuz it’s not Christian and you guys would come for me), and I know what I personally like when it comes to hip-hop, Christian or otherwise.

That said, I don’t actually KNOW what sells in gospel hip-hop– I believe it’s lyrics, beat and hook, like most songs. *shrugs*

In any case, I heard “5High,” the single from PAJAM’s gospel hip-hop artist Chris Clark, and I found myself saying “wax on… wax off… wax on, wax on, wax off…” for the next several hours. Figured that’s reason enough to post it!

Peep the video below and let me know what you guys think of it. And for my true hip-hop heads, I want you, ESPECIALLY, to weigh-in.

Wax on… wax off… You’ll be saying it while you walk around today. Guaranteed.

What do you think???

A couple of weeks ago, GospelPundit.com contributing writer Mia Paylor wrote her first editorial in her new series, Purchase Or Pass, regarding Jason Champion.  You guys loved it so much (and so did I), that I figured we need to hear from Mia again, sooner than later.

So, without delay, here’s Mia’s… policy… on purchasing music. *giggling*

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Jesus said we should forgive 77 times. But at $10 each, I can’t afford to forgive $770 worth of disappointing CDs!  Once I hit $20, you’re CUT from my “MUST BUY” list. My most common disappointment is unmet expectations…and my most recent encounter with it involves Byron Cage.

Byron Cage’s self-titled GospoCentric debut is a CLASSIC. With production headed by Kurt Carr, this CD impacted how Praise & Worship was done…PERIOD. What praise team didn’t sing “The Presence of the Lord is Here”…and beg to cut at least two modulations?! The power of God, a seamless flow from high praise to reverent worship, top-notch background vocals, and well-written, perfectly arranged…very church-friendly songs were all present on this CD. Surely, I’d get more releases like this from Byron. My expectations were sealed!

Already familiar with Isaiah Thomas’ “I Will Bless the Lord”, I didn’t rush out to buy Byron’s 2005 release, An Invitation to Worship (produced by PAJAM). After hearing “We Love You”, which sounds like Byron’s a featured guest on J. Moss’ song, I opted to pass on it altogether. Both songs were nice. I just couldn’t imagine how they fit together on the same CD.

But, I did purchase Byron’s 2007 release, Live at the Apollo (also produced by PAJAM), when I found out Kim Burrell was featured on it. It had its highlights…specifically, “Royalty”, “Anyhow” and “If You Never.”  But, where did the seamless flow go? Where were the well-written, church-friendly Praise & Worship songs?

So, this time, my good friend, Cynthia Jones (make-up artist extraordinaire), had to convince me to give Bryon’s most recent release, Faithful to Believe (produced by Aaron Lindsey), a listen. She said that she shared my reservations initially, gave it a shot anyway and was pleased with the CD.

So, I downloaded it…and it’s definitely a step up from the last two releases. “I Give You Praise” is a nice Praise & Worship song. “Simply Yes” and “I Can’t Hold It” are soul-stirring choir selections. And “Lord, You are My Everything”, with Karen Clark-Sheard and Pastor Marvin Winans, is a churchy treat. But, WHERE, OH WHERE is the PLETHORA of songs that praise teams everywhere MUST learn? And why are the background vocals lacking precision?

If Byron hadn’t been marketed as “The PRINCE of Praise”, I’d be at peace with my post Byron Cage purchases. Instead, I’m longing to have my princely expectations met. If my expectations were set in error, tell me!

Artists should use the formula that catapulted their recording career while preparing to record subsequent projects. I think that would decrease the likelihood that CD-buying supporters will be disappointed with what an artist offers as it relates to their future CDs style, flow, lyrics, and overall production.

I’m willing to purchase Byron’s future projects. But, first, I have a question. What should I expect from a Byron Cage CD?! Depending on the answer, I’ll ignore my $20 cut-off limit, tweak my expectations accordingly and prepare to buy the next release.

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I hear you, Mia.  I will say that I enjoy his most recent release more than his previous two… but there’s nothing like that first one on GospoCentric!

What do you folks think?

I just love hearing Marvin Winans sing.  And this is one of those “wish-I-was-there” type of moments– it just looks like they had a GREAT sing-along type of time.

PAJAM featured this video on YouTube.  It features Marvin Winans singing Fred Hammond’s “You Are The Living Word,” before transitioning to “Stand” (for which he brings out Donnie McClurkin and J Moss).

Check it out:

Whatd’ya 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…