Monthly Archives: April 2012

Russell Crowe Confirmed to Play Noah in Film about Noah’s Ark

Months of rumors have now been confirmed: Russell Crowe will take on the lead role in an upcoming film based on the epic biblical story of Noah and his ark.

Darren Aronofsky, director of “Black Swan” who will also direct “Noah,” seemed overjoyed to have the Academy Award-winner as the lead actor in his upcoming project, which is being co-financed by Paramount and New Regency.

“I’d like to thank Paramount and Regency for backing my team’s work to breathe new life into the biblical epic,” said Aronofsky in a statement. “I rejoice that Russell Crowe will be by my side on this adventure. It’s his immense talent that helps me to sleep at night. I look forward to being wowed by him every day.”

Rumors of Crowe’s involvement with the film came after it was discovered that actor Christian Bale (“The Dark Night”), who was originally scouted for the role of Noah, was unable to work on the project because of his involvement with two other films this year. Michael Fassbender (“X-Men: First Class”) was considered for the role as well, but likewise had a scheduling conflict.

The biblical story of Noah and his ark is found in the book of Genesis. It begins when God sees how wicked the human race has become, and decides to destroy the majority of Earth’s living creatures as a result. God commands Noah, who was “a righteous man,” to build an ark on which he, his family and two of each kind of animal can escape the impending flood that He will unleash on the Earth.

A press release from Paramount Pictures claims that the film, which will begin production in Iceland and New York in July, will stick closely to the story presented in the Bible, but some people aren’t so sure. Some bloggers suspect that the film will focus more on environmental issues than on the spiritual implications of the story.

“I think it’s really timely because it’s about environmental apocalypse which is the biggest theme, for me, right now for what’s going on this planet,” Aronofsky told SlashFilm.com in 2008. “So I think it’s got these big, big themes that connect with us. Noah was the first environmentalist. He’s a really interesting character.”

He also stated, “I don’t think it’s a very religious story… I think it’s a great fable that’s part of so many different religions and spiritual practices. I just think it’s a great story that’s never been on film.”

The screenplay for “Noah” was written by Aronofsky and Ari Handel, and was revised by John Logan, an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter who wrote for another one of Crowe’s films, “Gladiator.”

“Noah” is slated to be released on March 28, 2014.

 

This post was written by admin | April 26, 2012

Brian McKnight Second Guesses Christian Upbringing After Recently Released “Adult Mixtape”

Brian McKnight’s adult mixtape idea came to him during a Twitter session with his followers, he claimed in the video. Following that, he created the song “If You’re Ready to Learn,” which shocked fans with lewd lyrics, representing a departure from both his gentle love songs and his Christian upbringing.

“Let me show you how your [expletive] works, since you didn’t bring it to me first,” croons McKnight in the video while playing the piano. “I have lots of things to show you if you’re ready to learn.”

The backlash and outrage of the R&B singer’s fans was immediate and continuous.

“Who told Brian McKnight that was okay? … Isn’t he the brother of a TAKE 6 member?” tweeted Simone Stalls, mentioning McKnight’s affiliation with the gospel group and his Seventh Day Adventist roots.

“I’m convinced Brian McKnight has no family or friends, who let him release that video?” wrote Emilio A.

Brian McKnight and his two sons, Brian Jr. and Niko in a Hollywood Christmas parade November 29, 2009.
Although some fans enjoyed the raunchier style, the singer removed the video, although many copies had been made by that time. Some questioned McKnight’s motives for making the suggestive song, especially when he was previously known for growing up in the church.

“Are or we’re [sic] you really a 7th Day Adventist?” questioned Marco A. Cruz via Twitter.

“I grew up that way,” replied McKnight.

“And now your [sic] not?” asked Cruz, revealing that he, too, was involved in music in his church.

“Religion was man made,” wrote McKnight, promptly ending the conversation. Although the singer publicly abandoned his values learned from his time attending church and in a Seventh Day Adventist university, he seemed unrepentant.

“I wrote this song crude as it may be about satisfying all women and look what happened,” he posted on Twitter.

McKnight’s foray into more provocative content isn’t his first – he was on explicit tracks like Juvenile’s “Addicted” in the past – but the barefaced disregard for values and subtlety in “If You’re Ready to Learn” could be more of a desperation move.

His most recent album, Just Me, sold a paltry 47,000 copies since July of 2011 when it was released, compared to 2.4 million for 1999 album Back at One. One critique many fans had of the album’s single, “Fall 5.0,” was the use of Auto-Tune music software to alter his voice, giving it a digitized sound.

Now, McKnight has offered his fans a compromise for the controversial adult track, and possibly a comeback: “I’m gonna finish [the song] today and I’ll put out a clean and a nasty version how about that?” he tweeted.
 

This post was written by admin | April 26, 2012

JSon Partners with Darkness to Light to Speak Out for National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Christian Artist and Nonprofit Team

One in four girls will be sexually abused before she turns 18, and most never tell. It is for this reason that Christian artist JSon has joined the movement to end child sexual abuse.

Together in a Twitter chat, @JSon116 and @Darkness2Light will speak out about the issue and empower others to prevent child sexual abuse on Wednesday, April 25 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (CST). Simply use the Twitter hashtag #JSonGP to follow along and engage in conversation during the specified time. Follow @Lampmode for a first look at the twitter chat questions.

JSon’s 2012 album release, Growing Pains, reached #4 on the iTunes Hip-Hop Chart through a deeply personal chronicle of his family’s last year of life. His grippingly passionate song, “‘Secrets,’ tackles child sexual abuse head on and offers a redemptive conclusion to tragic events. While JSon has not experienced abuse personally, a close loved one has. Chat participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to the person for which the song was written.

“Young girls and boys who have been sexually abused may never speak out,” says JSon. “’Secrets’ is a powerful song because it gives a voice to the silent.”

Darkness to Light (D2L) is a nonprofit organization with the mission to end child sexual abuse. In sharing the solution of prevention, awareness and education, the organization aims to build momentum over time and ultimately change the way our nation cares for, protects, and nurtures children. D2L exists to empower adults through educational programs to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to childhood sexual abuse.

For more information on Twitter chats, visit http://bit.ly/twitchattips

This post was written by admin | April 25, 2012

Jamie Grace Wins GMA Dove Award For New Artist of the Year

Talented Gotee Records’ singer/songwriter Jamie Grace continues to build on an incredible year with her highly successful album, One Song At a Time. With a best-selling record, two No. 1 singles, and a GRAMMY ® nomination under her belt, Jamie Grace can now add the GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year to her list of accolades. Jamie Grace also performed at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, which will air on the Gospel Music Channel tonight at 8 and 10 PM EST.

“Going to the Dove’s was amazing, being nominated and performing… an honor I can’t explain – winning? I cried for a good 20 minutes in total,” Jamie Grace states. “Being in my hometown, spending that evening with my parents and being considered as an artist when I was in a room of people who truly inspire me was an overwhelming experience that I’ll never forget. So thankful that God has given me this opportunity and I pray I can continue to grow into who He wants me to be.”

“Jamie Grace is as exciting a new artist as I have ever witnessed,” states Jamie Grace’s long-time mentor TobyMac. “She is fresh, charming, and a serious songwriter. She is the gospel whether singing or not!! As Jason Crabb put it on Twitter… ‘Jamie, Gotee Records blessed us when they found you!’ We’re all blessed to have a Jamie Grace.”

Many offered their congratulations to Jamie Grace via Twitter, including Reba McEntire, whom Jamie Grace has admired for years, and “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd.

“Yay for Jamie Grace on winning her 1st Dove award!!!”- @reba

“Congratulations @JamieGraceh on your Dove Award for Best New Artist… just downloaded “Hold Me” BRILLIANT!”- @SherriEShepherd

Additionally, Jamie Grace is also releasing her new CHR single, “Come To Me,” this week and is scheduled to shoot a music video for the song in Nashville soon. This new track follows her previous singles “Hold Me” and “You Lead.” “Hold Me” raked in No. 1’s across the board with a No. 1 at Christian AC Monitored, Christian AC Mediabase, iTunes ® Christian & Gospel Songs, Billboard Christian Digital Tracks and Christian CHR. Jamie Grace is one of very few artists to have their debut single go No. 1 on both AC radio charts as well as score a No. 1 at CHR. Her second album single, “You Lead,” also hit No.1 on the CHR chart.

Jamie Grace is currently touring across the country throughout the summer. To view Jamie Grace’s tour schedule, click here.

 

About Jamie Grace:
Hailing from outside of Atlanta in Lithonia, Georgia, GRAMMY ® nominee Jamie Grace is a 20-year-old-college student who aside from her career and touring as a singer-songwriter, is also studying children’s ministry. At age 11, Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, and has since traveled the country sharing her story and faith through music and speaking. Upon signing Jamie Grace, multiple GRAMMY ® winner tobyMac remarked “I have not been this excited to work with an artist in a long, long time.” Though just releasing her first, full-length record, Jamie Grace has been a part of the well-known Revolve tour, scored a No. 1 radio hit and a highly successful EP.

 

This post was written by admin | April 25, 2012

Contemporary Quartet Group SOUL TEMPO Signs with Taseis Music and WEA/WORD/ADA Distribution

Contemporary Gospel quartet group SOUL TEMPO is a group of four talented men who are sound in a brotherhood of friendship and dedicated to the ministry of music.  Jerry Brunson, Tony Burnett, Kevin Mitchell and Phillip Mitchell are SOUL TEMPO.  These four gentlemen have been friends since childhood and began making music together in high school.  Now, over 25 years later, the group has a camaraderie that is stronger than ever, a vocal blend that is even more precise and immaculate, and is continuing in their fast track forward with a new project for release this fall. 

Photo: Standing L-R back – Ronnie Mitchell (Soul Tempo Assistant), Jerry Brunson (Soul Tempo), Marty Gibbs (Soul Tempo Manager/label GM), Leighton Singleton (VP-Taseis Music), Kevin Mitchell (Soul Tempo). Seated L-R – Phillip Mitchell (Soul Tempo) Tony Burnett (Soul Tempo)

This post was written by admin | April 25, 2012

Kirk Franklin Wins 15th & 16th Career DOVE Awards

Kirk Franklin is a nine-time GRAMMY ® award winner, two-time BET Award winner, recipient of over 39 Stellar Awards and eight NAACP Awards. Last night at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, the No. 1 selling Gospel artist of all-time added two more accolades to his belt as he took home his 15th and 16th Dove Award for “Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year” for his latest chart-topping album Hello Fear. His No. 1 hit single on Urban/Urban AC and R&R Gospel Singles Chart “I Smile,” also featured on the Dove Award winning album, was named the “Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year.”

For nearly two decades, Kirk Franklin has been a multi-platinum-selling artist and has served as a pioneer in bridging audiences of gospel, hip hop, pop and R&B, and has released albums that consistently top Billboard’s Gospel, Christian and R&B/Hip Hop mainstream charts. Franklin can also be seen in the recent feature film “Joyful Noise” starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.

The Dove Awards were ruled by powerful voices last night and the multicultural unity took center stage at the FOX Theater in Atlanta, GA with a blockbuster show that reached new heights. In addition to Franklin’s special appearance, other music icons graced the stage including Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Angie Stone, Russ Taff and more. To watch the biggest night in Christian/Gospel music, tune in on GMC TV April 24 as the night of entertainment kicks off at 8PM ET. For more information, please visit www.doveawards.com or www.gospelmusic.org.

For more information about Kirk Franklin, please visit www.kirkfranklin.com.

About Kirk Franklin:
Kirk Franklin is the biggest-selling contemporary gospel artist in the history of SoundScan, with over 14 million albums sold to date and over 20 #1 singles at gospel radio. Franklin made music history in 1993 with the release of his debut album, Kirk Franklin and the Family, which became the first gospel album to sell more than one million units. In 2009, Franklin’s eleventh CD, The Fight of My Life, was awarded two GRAMMY® Awards for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song for “Help Me Believe.” It follows his previous RIAA-certified platinum CD, Hero, which remained in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts for close to two years after its release. His latest chart-topping album, HELLO FEAR (with the #1 hit single “I Smile”) went certified GOLD by the R.I.A.A. Franklin also closed this year’s NAACP Awards with a special tribute to his comrade Whitney Houston – which was received by a standing audience as one of the highlights of the show. This morning, Kirk received four Dove Award Nominations – Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year and Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year. Currently, Franklin stars as Baylor Sykes in the feature film “Joyful Noise” starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah and was named of one GQ Magazine’s “Best Dressed Men” at this year’s GRAMMY®s.

To date, the musical trendsetter has garnered nine GRAMMY® Awards; an American Music Award; 39 Stellar Awards (gospel); 16 Dove Awards (CCM); eight NAACP Image Awards; two BET Music Awards, a Soul Train Award and numerous others.

About GMA
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE.

 

This post was written by admin | April 24, 2012

John P. Kee Releases Song in Memory of Trayvon Martin

After the tragic death of 17 year old teen Trayvon Martin, Pastor John P. Kee felt compelled to write and sing a song in his memory.  John writes the following words on his YouTube page.  After reading be sure to check out the special song.

John P. Kee:

After hearing about the Trayvon Martin case my heart was saddened because of it’s senselessness! Many had concluded that it was a simple racial issue when in fact I believe it was also a gun issue! For the last 5 years, I have worked tirelessly to take as many guns off the street as possible! We’ve not only been successful, to date we’ve removed more than the local law enforcement agencies. My passion for this comes from being able to witness the hundreds of young men of color killed daily on our streets. Many of these Homicides go without being solved! I was compelled to write something to encourage the many mothers and fathers that are left with painful wounds of loosing their children. What happens after the protesting, News coverage, Church gatherings and Press Conferences? Many times the parents are forgotten. They literally endure the spirit of loneliness for years! This melody was written to assure those that are still grieving, Their Love-ones lives were not in vain! it was also written to encourage parents to embrace and show love to their kids! I pray you enjoy and share this song, “It Could’ve Been My Son” – jpk

This post was written by admin | April 24, 2012

Former Olympic Sprinter Mariam Jones Speaks to the 700 Club about her Rise and Fall from Grace

Mariam Jones is best known as a former gold medel olympic sprinter, who fell from grace after perjuring herself in federal court.  

The 700 Club’s Special Correspondent, Scott Ross spoke with track superstar, Marion Jones about her public fall after winning Olympic gold. She says, “This is an individual who has graced the covers of Time Magazine, Vogue Magazine, is making millions of dollars, household name, and I am in a cell (federal prison) the size of a bathroom, just me and my thoughts and my Bible, pictures of my kids, and my memories.”

She was born fast — a sprinting spectacle – an Olympic champion. Powerful and poised, Marion Jones was a track and field icon – the fastest woman in the world.

“I fed off of that emotion. I looked forward to it. I anticipated it that at that moment everything that I had worked for came down to those 10, 11 seconds. All eyes were going to be on me, and I had to perform.” 

Scott Ross: “How did fame affect you?” 

Marion: “I thought that I was handling right. But, looking in hindsight I certainly wasn’t. I had got caught up, as I like to say, ‘in the wave of fame.’”

The tide ebbed for Marion in 2008 when the door slammed on a federal prison cell for her role in the infamous Balco affair, a steroid abuse investigation. Marion claims her coach introduced the steroid known as ‘the clear’, a banned substance, as the nutrient, flaxseed oil. When investigators probed, she denied any knowledge of it, only to end up 6 months in prison.

Scott: “That’s pretty harsh stuff.”

Marion: “It is. It was one of the hardest federal female prisons in the country. I found myself in a situation that I had to defend myself. Because of that, I was in solitary confinement for over 45 days. I was locked up 23 out of 24 hours a day. And many times 24 out of 24 hours a day.”

Marion’s public fall from world’s fastest woman to felon, is the subject of her memoir, On  the Right on Track. Her Olympic dream began in 1984, when Los Angeles was host to the summer Olympics.

Marion: “My step-dad took me to the Olympic parade and I saw the athletes waving. That summer I sat in front of my television and I watched them. I watched the athletes cross the finish line. That summer I wrote on my chalkboard that I was going to be an Olympic champion.”

“My mom has told me that she never doubted me. I mean, cause kids always…”

Scott: “Sure… dream.”

Marion: “But then to fast-forward a few years, at the age of 14 I made my first Olympic team.”

By the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, 24 year old Marion blazed into the record books.

Marion: “I had attempted to win five gold medals, and I walked away with five medals, three of them being gold and two of them being bronze.”

She was the first female athlete to garner 5 medals in a single Olympic games. Marion’s superstar status was secure in Olympic glory until 3 years later when a federal doping investigation among elite athletes revealed her feats were fueled by steroids. In 2007, Marion  pled guilty for lying to federal investigators, and was sentenced to prison.

Marion: “I chose to not ask questions and ignore possible warning flags. When it came down to it and I was confronted by federal investigators, and I knew the difference between right and wrong. Hey, I knew the difference between right and wrong. I made the choice to lie. I made the choice to break the law. The hardest part to me was knowing that so many people who loved me and cared for all this time would just be incredibly disappointed in me.”  

Her fame turned to infamy when she entered prison. But, there in solitary confinement, broke, stripped of her medals, all her prize money, and contact with her husband and two sons, Marion encountered God.

Marion: “Prior to entering prison I found out that I was allowed to bring in a Bible and you’re allowed to bring in a couple of pictures and pretty much that’s about it. When I was in solitary, I found myself opening it up and the words just kind of just oozing into me. And I was like a sponge. Sometimes God puts you in situations where there’s nothing else. You have to turn to Him and I feel comfortable saying that. And it’s okay that I really feel that God put me in a situation, slowed down my life enough to say, ‘Hey, you know what, Marion? I should certainly be the most important thing in your world.’”

Scott: “Because of that surrender to God, to Jesus, that it was worth it to pay that price?”

Marion: “Absolutely!  I say it all the time. Absolutely. I wouldn’t wish it on my enemy, but actually I would.”

“You know if it will change them in such a positive way. It has helped me to prioritize what’s important in my life. It’s not fame. It’s not fortune.”

“God’s still working on me. I don’t want people ever to think that ‘I have figured it all out.’ and ‘I know the plan.’ It’s not like that. I’m still a work in progress. But all along I know what I’m doing is God’s work.”

Click to Read Full Story by the 700 Club.

 

This post was written by admin | April 24, 2012

Zacardi Cortex Brings Soulful Swagger to Gospel In Highly Anticipated Solo CD Debut, “ZACARDI CORTEZ: THE INTRODUCTION”

Since blowing up as the dazzling lead vocalist on James Fortune & FIYA’s 2008 breakthrough hit “The Blood” and their subsequent #1 smash, “I Believe”, Zacardi Cortez has gained a reputation in music circles as a singer’s singer as much for his intricate vocal gymnastics and fiery hoops as for his smooth tone. The Houston native can sing it all, from gutbucket blues to polished symphonic pieces and he displays it all on his forthcoming debut solo CD, “Zacardi Cortez: The Introduction”(Blacksmoke Media) that hits online and retail stores everywhere on May 22, 2012.
 
With the buzz swirling around Cortez’ name over the last few years, it’s no surprise that a who’s who in music has signed up to croon with him on the 13-track CD. Lalah Hathaway duets with him on the smooth anthem “Every Promise” and Fred Hammond brings horn-driven funk to “Praise You.” James Fortune opens the soul-stirring ballad, “God Held Me Together.” The silky soul of “Alright” features Isaac Carree on a track that fits neatly between tracks by R. Kelly and Trey Songz. Cortez shares the lilting ballad “For Me” with Kierra Sheard and shows off his quartet growl with the Williams Singers on “He Brought Me.” The legendary John P. Kee, stops in on the current Top 10 smash, “One More Time.”
 
In spite of the awe-inspiring duets, the set is equally impressive for Cortez’ nuanced solo performances.  He brings a little Isley Brothers vibe to the R&B-styled groove “Living For You” and demonstrates sophistication and class on the tune, “It Was Love.” It’s just Cortez and a cheerleading organist on the riveting  “Hymn Medley” that shows him riffing like a Pentecostal storefront preacher. On the up-tempo “Come Bless The Lord” and  “Mighty God” Cortez proves that he can even lead praise and worship tunes. The iTunes deluxe edition of the CD features a digital booklet and two additional songs, “All That I Need” and “The Blood.”
 
The 26-year old rising star has been singing all of his life and began his career singing with his family, The Cortez Singers, and recording with his musical godfather, John P. Kee.  “Zacardi is the best singer in America today,” says Blacksmoke Media CEO, Kerry Douglas. “I’ve been grooming him like I groomed James Fortune and Earnest Pugh. Zacardi is my next superstar and I have no doubt that he will be one of the biggest artists the gospel world has ever seen.” For more information, please visit www.mrkerrydouglas.com or www.zacardicortez.com.

 

This post was written by admin | April 24, 2012

NATALIE GRANT GARNERS FIFTH DOVE AWARD FOR “FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR” AT 43RD ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS

Recent GRAMMY ® nominated female vocalist and dove award forerunner Natalie Grant was honored last night as she accepted her fifth Dove for “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. The highly anticipated event was held at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA and will air on GMC TV on April 24 at 8PM and 10PM ET.

Grant also received a standing ovation when she gave a powerful performance of the Dove and GRAMMY® nominated song “Alive” featured on The Story, alongside her husband and award-winning producer Bernie Herms.

Hosted by comedian Chonda Pierce and actor David Mann from Tyler Perry’s sitcom Meet the Browns, music fans can tune into the nationally televised broadcast on GMC TV on April 24 from 8PM to 10PM ET.

For more information on the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or www.doveawards.com.

CLICK HERE to View The Full List of 2012 Dove Awards Winners

ABOUT NATALIE GRANT: A powerhouse vocalist, heart-gripping songwriter and charismatic performer, Natalie Grant has an unshakable determination to remind us of the simple significance of love, and the revolutionary power that it carries, as expressed on her latest project, Love Revolution. Released in August 2010, Love Revolution gave Natalie the highest-selling debut of her career. As a Grammy Nominee, GMA Female Vocalist of the Year for four consecutive years (2006-2009) and the top-selling Adult Contemporary female solo artist in 2005, 2006 and 2008, Grant is among a select number of artists to have achieved a formidable foothold at mainstream media and radio. Despite these?accomplishments, it is the message of the Gospel, and the revolutionary power of love it carries, that she waves as her banner and her hope. Beyond her artistry, Grant remains an outspoken advocate for victims of human trafficking through Abolition International, which she created in 2005. She balances all of these endeavors with her greatest calling-as a wife, and mother of three.

ABOUT GMA: Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org, www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation.

 

This post was written by admin | April 24, 2012

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