Sho Baraka is gearing up to release his third studio album Talented 10th on January 1st. The upcoming project will be Sho’s first full-length album as an independent artist.

With Talented 10th, Sho’s aim is to change urban culture by inspiring and challenging listeners to “be exceptional for the benefit of others,” he says. Armed with a deeper resolve after traveling overseas and experiencing a broader scope of pain and struggle, he hopes to bring life to his community and others through music and various art forms.

Sho’s sophomore output, Lions and Liars, debuted at #15 on Billboard Hip Hop charts, #3 on iTunes Hip Hop charts and #14 overall on iTunes charts back in 2010. Since branching out from Reach Records, Sho joined forces with a collective of artists aptly named High Society and signed a distribution deal with Syntax Distribution. Recently High Society released the highly acclaimed mixtape Circa MMXI, and he also released Protest Package I as a member of the duo Hello Revolution. He has toured Africa and continues to perform across the U.S. while also being featured on several chart-topping albums.

“I’m excited to work with an awesome artist and lyricist that transcends this Hip Hop game and touches the world in so many positive ways. Be on the lookout for greatness!” – Jon Jon Traxx (produced for Beyonce and Karmin)

“Sho Baraka has once again proven to be on the cutting edge both musically and lyrically. Conscious and creative, he is one of the most important voices in Hip Hop.” – Chris Broussard (ESPN analyst and writer)

“I have never met a person as creative and musically talented as Sho Baraka. I can’t wait to see what he gives us on this upcoming project. I know it will be fire!” – Tedashii (Reach Records recording artist)

About High Society:
High Society is a musical team of like-minded artists with the common goal of creating art that affects the culture for a higher purpose. To learn more about High Society, visit: thisishigh.com.

About Syntax Distribution:
Syntax Distribution, a division of Quality Junk, is one of the top independent digital distributors and aggregators representing more than 200 record labels. Syntax handles many top independent artists such as Tamela Mann of Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns,” Marvin Winans, Flame, John P. Kee, and John Tesh among others. Their record label clientele includes Central South, Crossroads, Pinecastle, CLG Distribution, iShine, Humble Beast, among others. To learn more, visit syntaxdistribution.com.

New York Times best-selling author Bishop T.D. Jakes will appear on “The Steve Harvey Show” Thursday, September 27. Steve will talk to Jakes about one of the most powerful and healing things that can transform your life today — forgiveness — and his new book on the topic, “Let It Go.”

View clips from the show as Bishop Jakes shares the recipe for forgiveness and how you can start the process to forgive someone who has hurt you.
 

About “Let It Go”:

In his new book, LET IT GO: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven, T.D. Jakes explores what he calls “the art offorgiveness,” in which he goes beyond the topical meaning of the word, examining every facet of what it means to forgive and to be forgiven. He offers tangible examples of what can cause this crisis, and provides solutions on how to work through betrayal to accept true forgiveness.

In LET IT GO, T.D. Jakes serves as the reader’s personal tour guide through learning about and embracing forgiveness, a word that is an ever present part of our vocabulary but not something that we truly apply in our lives with any regularity or meaning. This book will serve as the definitive blueprint for anyone who finds him or herself at the crossroads of forgiveness. The inspiring thoughts and ideas within these pages will help readers to release, recharge one’s life, and press forward in peace and prosperity.

Twitter: @BishopJakes and @IAmSteveHarvey

The voice of civil rights leaders and preachers is giving wings to the passing of laws that go against biblical principles.  

The Christian Post was there to cover the Congressional Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast and preceding press conference in which the trending topic was addressed. 

Prominent black clergy, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, are encouraging American black voters to consider Maryland’s November ballot referendum on same-sex marriage as a civil rights issue, as opposed to a religious or political issue.

The question is now clear, and it’s an important one.  With the loud voices of Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson dominating the airwaves, will conservative black religious leaders have a voice loud enough to stifle the influence they are having on the African American community?

Dozens of black clergy leaders gathered for a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., on Friday, Sept. 21 to discuss the same-sex marriage referendum. The press conference was headed by the Rev. Delman Coates, the senior pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Prince George’s County, Md.

“In a real sense, this is about preserving our democracy. We cannot as a nation spend billions of dollars every week to export freedom abroad, and then enact laws that deny freedom of fellow Americans here at home. That is not right,” Coates said about the legalization of same-sex marriage in Maryland, according to The Washington Post.

The Rev. Al Sharpton also spoke at the press conference, telling the pastors in attendance: “This is not an issue about gay or straight, this is a issue about civil rights and to take a position to limit the civil rights of any one is to take a position to limit the civil rights of everyone.”  

The press conference was also attended by the Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, pastor of the Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, which boasts 12,000 members, the Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, of the Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, and the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria, Va., among others. 

The pastors were visiting Washington D.C. to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast, which was held as a part of the 42nd Congressional Black Caucus annual legislative conference from Wednesday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept 23.

Sharpton’s remarks are in line with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s who recently performed a gay marriage ceremony and said that he has no problem marrying a gay couple.  

The Christian Post points out that not all those attending the conference agreed with the legalization of same-sex marriage, which has been a hot topic of political discussion since President Barack Obama voiced his support for same-sex marriage in May.

In a roundtable discussion on the last day of the conference, the Rev. Annette Wilson outwardly opposed Obama’s view on same-sex marriage.

“When God says a man should not lie with another man as a woman, that’s what he meant,” she told those at the roundtable discussion.

“When He says that two women should not lie together as a man would a woman, that’s what He meant. He meant what He said, and we have to give an account for it. . . . When we know what God says and then go against it, there are consequences,” Wilson added.

Polls show overwhelming that Christians are the largest group backing the traditional definition of marriage.  It seems like many civil rights leaders wearing the title of clergy are seeking to change the definition of marriage and soften the hearts towards the homosexual agenda.  Backed by the President, Americans and believers are entering un-charted territory. 

It should be noted that this is not just an Christian American struggle.  Countries and religions all over the world are dealing with similar issues that effect gays.  In the United Kingdom Pastors are fighting laws that would force them to marry gay couples.  This year Taiwan held their first public gay marriage in a buddhist temple.  Other religious Christian and Islamic countries threaten jail time and extreme discipline for performing ceremonies.

One thing is for sure, the issue of gay marriage and gay rights will be a long struggle for decades to come.

You can read more reactions and the full report at Christianpost.com

James Fortune & F.I.Y.A. to premiere their groundbreaking music video “Hold On,” on BET 106 & Park this Thursday, September 27th. The inspiring song features famed R&B songstress Monica and gospel icon Fred Hammond.

“Hold On,” has connected with audiences everywhere and is currently in the Top 10 on the gospel radio chart and in the Top 20 on Urban AC Mediabase and BDS charts.  Off of Fortune’s third album, IDENTITY, “Hold On,” is a universal song that offers hope and encouragement.

Shot in HD, the stunning video was directed by Bobby Yan on location in Atlanta’s historic Carter Center in Freedom Park.  F.I.Y.A. and Monica look absolutely gorgeous as Fred Hammond lend his signature brand of cool to the video’s aesthetics.  Also featured are cameos by Atlanta’s own, Isaac Carree and Toya Wright.

The video premieres Thursday as 106 & Park’s ‘New Joint of the Day.’  106 & Park airs nationally on BET at 6:00pmEST/5:00pmCST. 

James Fortune is a dynamic songwriter, producer and arranger.  He released his debut album YOU SURVIVED in 2005. He amassed worldwide recognition in 2009, with the award winning song, “I Trust You,” off of THE TRANSFORMATION. 

Fortune continued his meteoric rise with subsequent success in 2010 with the single “I Believe,” which earned him a second ASCAP Writer’s Award in 2011.  Fortune is a multiple Stellar Award winner and nominee.

Fortune’s current album IDENTITY debuted at Number 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Chart when it was released in early 2012 and spawned two Top 10 hits “Still Able” and “Never Again.”  He will be releasing a Christmas album, GRACE GIFT, October 16th featuring amazing vocalists and a combination of classic holiday tunes and original songs.

YouTube Music debuts Australian duo, for KING & COUNTRY‘s music video, “The Proof of Your Love.” This groundbreaking partnership signifies the first time YouTube has promoted a Christian music video via their music channel. The single is currently in the Top 10 across the board (NCA Monitored, No. 10; AC Monitored, No. 9 and CHR, No. 4).

“The Proof of Your Love” music video, in addition to two “Inside Look” videos, are now live on YouTube Music (http://smarturl.it/proofofyourlovevideo). You can watch the video below on PATH! On September 25, fans will be able to purchase the official video on iTunes for $1.99. “The Proof of Your Love” single can also be purchased on iTunes (http://smarturl.it/theproofofyourlove). September 26, for KING & COUNTRY kick off “The Proof of Your Love Tour” in Overland Park, KS alongside Jason Castro and Dara Maclean. For further information and upcoming tour dates on for KING & COUNTRY, please visit www.forKINGandCOUNTRY.com.

“The Proof of Your Love,” is the second single from the duo’s debut album, Crave, which was released earlier this year to outstanding critical praise. for KING & COUNTRY were named as one of Billboard’s 17 acts to watch in 2012 and are already Contemporary Christian Music’s best-selling new artist of 2012. New Release Tuesday noted that Crave was “One of the Best Debut Projects in Years!” Their music has also piqued the interest of music fans outside the Christian genre. Entertainment Tonight’s The Insider.com said the duo, “make music that speaks directly to your heart” and have been “gaining popularity in the alt-rock genre.” American Songwriter commented that “for KING & COUNTRY may just be Australia’s answer to Coldplay.”

About YouTube
Founded in February 2005, YouTube allows billions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform, and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. See our company timeline for more information on our company history.

About Word Entertainment
A leader in the music industry, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Group 1 Crew, for King and Country, Everfound, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Films, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records and Fervent Records.

Talking about Jesus Christ on French Quarter’s Bourbon Street in New Orleans is allowed, at least for the moment, because a federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of a year-old city law that prohibits preaching at night in the area famous for its revelry.

Attorneys say that there is a good chance that two separate cases, one involving a group of Christians who were arrested during Southern Decadence, an annual gay lifestyle celebration, and another involving a New Orleans pastor who was threatened with an arrest on a different occasion after 30 years of street preaching, will be consolidated into one case prior to an Oct. 1 hearing by a judge.

Alliance Defending Freedom, which is representing Pastor Paul Gros of Vieux Carre Assembly of God Church in the French Quarter, filed a lawsuit and a motion for preliminary injunction Thursday against the City of New Orleans for criminalizing religious speech on Bourbon Street.

“Religious speech is just as important, and just as protected by the First Amendment, as speech about any other subject at any time of day,” ADF Legal Counsel Joseph La Rue, who is acting as co-lead counsel, told The Christian Post Monday. “New Orleans cannot make criminals of people simply because they want to talk about their faith.”

The ordinance, which was adopted by the city council last year, makes it illegal to “loiter or congregate on Bourbon Street for the purpose of disseminating any social, political or religious message between the hours of sunset and sunrise.” Although La Rue said that it appears no one was arrested prior to the incident during the gay pride event, the violation is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.

The temporary restraining order on the ordinance was issued by U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon on Friday (Sept. 21) as well as the date of the preliminary injunction hearing (Oct. 1).

Nine Christian preachers and activists were arrested during Southern Decadence. The Times-Picayune reported that one Christian held a sign reading “God Hates Homos.” Other participants shouted what witnesses characterized as slurs, according to the reporter.

The American Civil Liberties Union said it is defending someone separate from the gay pride incident, who was preaching on Sept. 14, according to the Picayune. Police arrested the Rev. Troy Bohn and several others belonging to Raven Ministries.

Gros, whose ministry included street preaching on Bourbon Street every Tuesday and Friday night, was threatened with arrest in May, according to La Rue.

“Sometimes he had a sign that said, ‘Jesus Loves You.’ Sometimes he might have had a cross, but he would engage people as they walked by. He would just speak about his faith,” La Rue said. “He didn’t grab anybody. He did not solicit any donations. He didn’t try to stop anyone from passing him. He would only keep talking to them if they stopped and engaged in the conversation. He was always polite and never said anything that would be considered disrespectful or hateful.”

La Rue said he did not know the reason the city council passed the ordinance and did not want to disclose his speculation “because they would only be guesses.” The Oct. 1 hearing will most likely be postponed by a judge in order for ADF to have more time to prepare for the case when consolidated with ACLU’s case, he said.

The ADF lawyer said he clearly views this as a First Amendment issue.

“The government simply cannot tell us the subjects that we can’t discuss. The First Amendment doesn’t allow that,” La Rue said. “The city has said ‘you can come on to Bourbon Street, you can discuss lots of different things, but not religion. Government isn’t allowed to do that to us. We get to decide what we will discuss, not the government.”

Read More at The Christian Post.com
 

The EPM Music Group’s latest signing; Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis have hit the radio airwaves with a joyous song of gratitude entitled, “Thank You, Lord”. Although, the tune is a great way to kick off the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, it’s also a message that reverberates throughout the year. “I’ll bless the Lord at all times,” Tharpe leads Kenosis on the percussively funky sing-a-long track. “His praises shall be in my mouth continuously”. The tune hails from the dynamic ensemble’s forthcoming CD, “Live in Memphis”, that hits stores everywhere on October 30, 2012.

Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their highly anticipated national CD debut that is a bridge between the popular choir sound of the `90s and today’s contemporary praise and worship music style. Gospel star Earnest Pugh, who owns EPM Music Group, spotted the group at a TV taping earlier this year. “We shared the stage to sing my song, `I Need Your Glory’,” he recalls. “They did what they do and `brought it’ in a major way and I wanted to give them this opportunity to `bring it’ on a national level. I’m very optimistic about their ministry because they manage to attract young adults but they are also seasoned enough to capture the attention of the mature church crowd as well”.

Tharpe received the inspiration to launch his own group when he was the director of the Voices of Harambee, a gospel choir at Craigmont High School in Memphis. He took the word Kenosis from Philippians 2:5-8 (a Biblical scripture) in which Jesus Christ emptied himself of his divine attributes in order to identify with mankind. The group has recorded a couple of indie CDs and won a Rhythm of Gospel Award as New Artist of the Year in 2010. They also won Dorinda Clark Cole’s Singers & Musicians Conference Artist Showcase Competition in 2011 and they have appeared on BET’s legendary, “Bobby Jones Gospel” TV program. For more information on Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis and other EPM Music Group acts, visit www.epmmusicgroup.com