Folks– take a listen to “Champion,” the first single from Darwin Hobbs’ upcoming project of the same name.  As a reminder, the full album– the first live recording of his career– is due on June 8th.

“Champion” is a song empowering and encouraging people– we’re overcomers… we’re champions.  The track is already ripping through radio and I think you’re gonna like it.

It’s got a praise & worship, battle cry type of vibe to me… definitely a song intended to be DECLARED!  I can see praise teams giving it a go on Sunday mornings…

AND, word has it that Darwin Hobbs has just signed a recording deal as the FIRST artist on Imago Dei/Universal, a new label venture by none other than MAX SIEGEL (former President of Verity Records).  WOW… Congrats Darwin!

Click here to listen to “Champion,” then leave a comment to let me know what you think!

EXCLUSIVE LEAK!!!   EXCLUSIVE LEAK!!!   EXCLUSIVE LEAK!!!

Okay, folks.  You know how 21:03’s been sharing, bit-by-bit, some of the music they’re working on?  Well, if you’re like me, you’re sick of bit-by-bit…

So, just for you guys, I nabbed the full track of their could-be-a-new-single: “Favor“!

This track is straight from the lab to your ears– I dunno if Verity even knows I’m doin’ it (don’t be mad at me guys, okay?!).

Don’t ask, but do tell… CLICK HERE to listen NOW!

This is such a catchy track to me… I can’t stop singing the chorus.  Talk to me, folks… what do you think?

By now, I’m REALLY hoping you guys own Resting On His Promise, the latest album from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise.  If not, tarry no longer– click here
to go’n and make your purchase. LOL

JJ reached out to me to let me know that they’ve selected their second single– “Lord, You’re Mighty.”  The track hasn’t even hit radio yet, but I think it’s an awesome choice.  The song, featuring lead vocals from Deon Kipping, is a great rock-infused worship chant, simply and catchy… and POWERFUL.

For your listening pleasure, JJ is allowing me to add it to the PunditPlayer before the radio edit even hits the airwaves!  You heard it here first… click here to listen.

And make sure you let me (and JJ) know what you think about it by leaving a comment right here!

This year, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy are celebrating 50 years in the gospel music industry– a HUGE feat!

You’d think that after 50 years, the group would just let compilation albums abound and they’d slow down or retire… Not so.

Their newest album, At The Revival, features new tunes produced by famed mainstream producers Raphael Saadiq and Devante Swing.  At all times, though, their music remains traditional and true to what their fans have loved about ‘em.  It’ll be in stores on January 26, 2010.

You be the judge– I’ve just added their newest single, “He’ll Fix It For You,” to the PunditPlayer.

Click here to listen!

I’m not even a huge quartet fan, but I know good singing when I hear it– this is a solid effort from the Clouds and I kinda can’t stop listening to it!

Whatd’ya think???

Myron Butler & Levi have released their newest single, “Revealed,” from their forthcoming album, due in March.

And for your listening pleasure, I’ve added it to the PunditPlayer!

Click here to listen!

I really enjoy it.  Myron is leading the charge, along with a few others, in terms of creating a dynamic sound from a handful of superb singers.

Let me know what you think, aight?!

Earlier today, James Fortune announced on Twitter that his label posted some snippets from his upcoming album, Encore, on YouTube.  The project, is due at the end of this month, on January 26th.

Consider this a little web listening party with some commentary dropped in between the tracks…

My personal fave so far is the very last track on the video, with Kierra Sheard on it… yessir!!!

Whatd’ya think of the new music from James Fortune & FIYA???

Just cuz I love you guys, I’ve added Marvin Sapp’s newest single, “The Best In Me,” to the PunditPlayer.  CLICK HERE to take a listen!

AND, make sure you guys call Marvin Sapp on his new fan line at 616-773-1547.  He’ll be updating the line on a regular basis, with lots of new info in anticipation of his upcoming album, Here I Am.  There will even be some contests exclusive to the fan line, so you definitely don’t wanna miss out on it.

In the meantime, enjoy the single.  Folks are saying it’s another “Never Would Have Made It”…  lemme know what you think!

There is STILL time to add music to your Christmas collection and I strongly urge you to do so with the Christmas project from producer Aaron Lindsey, Coming Home For Christmas.  I have a feeling it’s gonna be a classic project for the Christmas season in my home.

It’s my belief that Christmas and jazz go together like Santa & his Mrs., and Aaron Lindsey gives 11 tracks of both classic and original holiday tunes set to jazz arrangements.  The project features Lindsey on piano and bass, with guest sax solos from Kirk Whalum and drum performances from Marvin McQuitty.

For your listening pleasure, I’m adding TWO singles to the Christmas PunditPlayer so you can check ‘em out before you purchase.

The first song on the player is “When I Get Home (No Place Like Home),” an original composition by Lindsey, written for his wife, Adrian.   The second track is the classic “Silent Night.”  And, FYI, he’s doing some head-turning lead vocals on both of ‘em.

My only disappointment with the record is that it came upon the industry so suddenly that I fear not enough folks know about it.  That’s not news to Lindsey, though.  He acknowledges the sudden release, but explains “I did this record in three weeks solely to keep my promise to my wife, who was in need of new holiday music.”  Can’t be mad at that… especially since we all get to be beneficiaries of his love for his wife.  LOVE ON, then!

The project is available for immediate download (or physical purchase) from his website: http://www.aaronlindsey.com/.  If Christmas music has ANY place in your sentimental little hearts, you’ll want this project– I promise.

CLICK HERE to take a listen and tell me what you think!

Got somethin’ to share with ya…

It’s “Living On The Top,” the newest single from DeWayne Woods, and I’ve just added it to the PunditPlayer for your listening pleasure.  Click here to listen!!!

Make sure you check it out QUICKLY cuz I’m not leaving it up for long.  Why?  Because the single is available on iTunes as of TODAY and we’ve gotta support one another.

The full album, My Life’s Lyric, is due in stores in early 2010, specific date TBD.

As for the single– I’m really enjoying it.  The song is cool, the production (Aaron Lindsey) is very well done, especially when that vamp hits… geeeeeeeez!  Plus, his vocal performance is solid, as always.  *applause*  Good job!

What do you folks think of the new track?

You’re hearing it here FIRST, folks!

It’s the EXCLUSIVE web premiere of “Prayed Up“

the newest single from the one and only

KAREN CLARK SHEARD

from her forthcoming album, All In One!

Click here to listen!

It’s at radio NOW, too, so make sure you call and request it!

And make sure you visit the official websites of The Clark Sisters (http://www.theclarksisters.com) and KaRew Records (http://www.karewrecords.com) for more info!

Also, click here to check out the e-card for the Clark Sisters’ Family Christmas album.  Make sure you pick that up if you haven’t already done so!

AAAAAND, tell me what you think of this track!!!