Earnestly Yours, the brand new release from Earnest Pugh, debuts atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also sits at #11 on the Independent Albums Charts and #71 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Kirk Franklin‘s Hello Fear moves to the #2 position this week. Mary Mary‘s Something Big comes in at the #3 position this week, while Trin-i-tee 5:7‘s latest, titled Angel & Chanelle moves to the #4 position this week. The famed WOW Gospel 2011 compilation rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, If You Didn’t Know, Now You Know, the new release from Norman Hutchins debuts at #11. Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s new release titled God’s Groove: The Re-Mix debuts at #18 and No Pain No Love from Pastor AD3 debuts at #24.

In the world of radio, “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin celebrates its twelfth week at the top of the radio charts. “Over & Over” from Trin-i-tee 5:7 featuring PJ Morton holds to the #2 spot while Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” comes in at the #3 position. “My Heart Says Yes” from Troy Sneed moves to the #4 spot while “Well Done” from Deitrick Haddon rounds out the week’s top five songs.

Richard Smallwood is set to release his new CD July 19th. According to his website, a new promise will be revealed each day in anticipation of the release date.  In the video below Richard Smallwood explains the motivation behind his new CD.

The first promise “Sow In Tears” is explained by alto Vision member Andrea on the website.

The second promise is “Mender” which is explained by new Vision member Pastor Steven Jones.  Tune into the video below to hear Richard Smallwood explain his decision to release several promise videos.

Updated Video Interview with CNN (July 11, 2011)

Lexi, brings back her show once again on the WORD network, scheduled for a September premiere.  Currently, Lexi can be heard on “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” covering the latest Gospel entertainment news weekly.  

“The Lexi Show” will have a LIVE taping in Detroit on July 12th at the Citadel of Praise Church, and scheduled guests include Kim Burrell, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Prophetess Taketa Williams and Prophet Walker.  

Look at the flyer below for more details.

Gospel star Shawn McLemore is headlining A Gospel Music Extravaganza benefiting community outreach efforts in Houston, TX.  McLemore is the standout singer on the Smash hit single “I Believe” Featuring James Fortune & Zacardi Cortez.  

Joining McLemore in concert is Mary Griffin and the talented Jeffery Womack.  CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and get the details by viewing the flyers below.

Songwriter, vocalist and producer, Isaac D. Simpson is the visionary behind Divine Providence, also known as DP. Simpson, who comes from a long generation of singers, songwriters and entertainers, has been involved with music since childhood. He began to conduct professional workshops and direct citywide choirs at an early age. By the time he was twenty-six, he had conducted workshops throughout the U.S. and in the Caribbean Islands, Great Britain and Europe. He has shared the stage with gospel greats, Vicki Winans, James Moore, Marvin Sapp, Kurt Carr and Rance Allen. He graced the stage with Coretta Scott-King, appearing as a special vocalist at a celebration honoring her and appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Simpson founded DP in 1998 to give young Christian adults an outlet to share their music with the world. He came up with the name Divine Providence while listening to a sermon by Bishop George “Awesome” Dawson. The name means ‘instantaneous will of God.’ In just one year’s time, the energetic youth chorale from Central Ohio produced an album titled “He Loves Me.” Written, arranged, and produced by Simpson, the project is influenced by jazz and hip hop.

Isaac Simpson is a 3 time Gospel Music Academy Award winner and brought home the national title of Best Overall Artist. Fresh from their recent overseas tour of Italy and Switzerland, Isaac Simpson & DP have completed their second CD entitled “The Process,” which will be released August 9, 2011.

The Process. The highly anticipated sophomore release from international recording artist, Isaac Simpson & Divine Providence reinvents praise for the 21st century. Their multidimensional worship transcends musical genres with relatable lyrics and anointed, innovative musical arrangements. Each track has something for every individual that longs for a deeper and passionate relationship with God. “THE PROCESS,” Simpson says, “will engage the listener to develop a deeper relationship with God and flourish in every area of their life.”

Simpson believes that this generation will be saved through gospel music. “Gospel music is wonderful,” he said. “It has the ability to transcend from generation to generation.” Transcending generations is one goal Simpson shares with DP; the second is helping others bring their lives into focus with their God-given purpose.

As a motorist passed by St. John’s Baptist Church in a Sapulpa, OK, a small town outside of Tulsa, he didn’t expect to see a flaming cross planted right on the front lawn.The incident happened last week.

The Creek County Sherriff’s office took pictures and collected evidence from the scene but no arrests have been made. However, there are three persons of interests including an 18-year-old and two teenagers, all white males.

“They were bored and it was something to do. That’s what the adult said,” said Lt. Charles Redfern in an interview with Reuters. “They did say they wish they hadn’t done it.”

WATCH VIDEO HERE FROM NBC’S KFOR NEWSCHANNEL 4
 

The cross, made up of wooden parts from a waterbed was propped on a chain link fence before it was set on fire. This isn’t the first time the church has been targeted. It’s been both burglarized and vandalized, suffering broken windows and damage from thrown rocks.

The churchgoers have not let the incident get them down. “I love even the one who did this,” said church member Cornelia Booker to NBC’s KFOR NewsChannel 4. “I love them, but I don’t love what they did.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is joining local, state and federal authorities including the FBI to investigate the attacks.

BET‘s hit singing competition Sunday Best will return for its fourth season with a two-hour season premiere on July 10, 2011 at 8p ET. Auditions for this season’s talent took place in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with thousands of hopefuls participating in auditions.

Celebrity judges Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary will return and Kirk Franklin will again serve as the show’s guest host. Kim Burrell will also return as the season’s vocal mentor.  

I spoke to season one winner Crystal Aiken at press time, and she is currently working on her second project after rising to fame on the hit show.  One things for sure, the winners become instant stars!  So who is tuning in to find out who the next big star will be?

This years season of the Monique Show is coming to a close.  You don’t want to miss this special edition of Sunday’s Best with Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and some of the past winners of Sunday’s Best LeAndria Johnson and Y’Anna Crawley.

Also, Rickey Smiley provided some great comic relief.  Tune in below.