Today, Malaco Records announced that they will release a new album from inspirational recording artist and popular television personality Lexi entitled Phenomenal on September 4, 2012. “Burn It All Down,” the CD’s first single has already reached #18 on the Billboard hot Gospel songs and #14 on the Mediabase Gospel music charts. Phenomenal marks the fifth studio album for Lexi, who also hosts a hit TV program, The Lexi Show, on The Word Network.

Born Alexis Allen, Lexi grew up singing in her grandfather’s church and got her start in show business over 10 years ago as a backup singer for legendary artists such as Fred Hammond, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the late, Gerald Levert. Her talent quickly captured the attention of champion boxer Evander Holyfield, who signed her to his record label, Real Deal Records. Lexi released three successful projects while on Real Deal, Lexi & That’s the Way It Is, the Stellar Award nominated A Praise in the Valley and What Heaven Hears.

Now Lexi is back with Phenomenal and prays that songs such as “Burn It All Down,” “None Like You” and It’s You” will take listeners on journey of inspiration, love and faith. She offers, “I picked songs that applied to where I am now. The album really gets back to the basics. The songs talk about God and about getting back to what’s important and what’s important is Him. My songs point towards Him.”

Tyler Perry may have released his latest motion picture production “Madea’s Witness Protection” on Friday but he also admitted that it was no easy feat.

Perry took to his personal website to let fans know that although he had been debuting movies in theaters for six years, the task was no easier than it was when he first began. In a message titled “Still in the Fight,” Perry detailed his struggle for fans on www.tylerperry.com.

“Good God almighty, you won’t believe some of the things I have to deal with. You would think that by now I wouldn’t have to fight to release a movie… but I do,” Perry revealed. “Everything is a fight. By the time the movie comes out I’m so exhausted from the fight that it’s hard to unwind and take it all in.”

“I never take for granted that you are going to come out and see my films. Never,” Perry told his fans. “I know that you have a lot of choices and a lot of other things you can do with your time and money, so all I can tell you is that I’m so glad that you do and that you have been with me from the beginning. This means the world to me.”

Still, Perry revealed some of his vulnerabilities and asked fans to help him win the fight in Hollywood.

“The first weekend is so important. That’s how you’re judged in Hollywood,” Perry said. “And that is how you can help me fight, by showing up at the movie theater this weekend.”

Although Perry said the movie was his funniest ‘Madea’ project to date, he seemed unsure of how successful it would be when appealing to his fans, petitioning for their continued help.

“I sure hope you still have my back,” Perry wrote. “I need your help to win this fight.”

Lift every voice and sing from across the nation as the 45th Annual Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. (GMWA) Convention descends upon Nashville, TN. July 7-13, 2012 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel Center. The weeklong event will offer seminars, workshops, exhibits and musical showcases presented by national Gospel recording labels.

The GMWA showcase and workshop is one of the most storied annual conferences in Gospel history. Founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland in 1968, the annual gathering has discovered many of Gospel’s great legends.

To kick off this years event Bishop Albert L. Jamison Sr., The Board Of Directors, and Team “GMWA Serves” are pleased to announce the Launch of its 4th Annual Community Volunteer Project In Nashville TN.

After an overwhelming success over the past three years in Cincinnati, Ohio and Tampa Florida “GMWA SERVES” continues with great expectation to help hundreds in need in Nashville. GMWA SERVES is GMWA’s answer to the call of President Barack Obama, through legislation by the late Senator Ted Kennedy, to organize America for national community Service. 10 local organizations have been chosen to receive support through volunteerism of at least 150 volunteer GMWA Ambassadors for what Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will honor as “GMWA Serves Nashville Community Service Day.”

GMWA Serves is designed as a platform for the members of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. to reach out into the communities of the host city at its annual national convention and provides service to those in need as mandated by the biblical scripture found in Isaiah 48:7- “…To cloth the naked, visit and pray for the sick and imprisoned and to feed the hungry.”

The Press Conference will be held in Nashville on Friday, July 6, 2012, 2pm at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in the Delta Ball Room A to announce the convention and the GMWA Serves project to the city. Key attendees include the Hon. Mayor Karl Dean –invited, the Hon. Diane Neighbors, Vice Mayor and President, Nashville City Council-invited, the Hon. Jerry Maynard, Nashville City Council-invited, Laura Creech, the Mayor’s Director of “Impact Nashville,” Bishop Albert L. Jamison Sr. Chair, Board Of Directors, other GMWA leaders, Dr. Jacob Weiss, CEO/Founder of “Can Connect Nashville” & “Creativity Moves Nashville,” Tammy Taylor, GMWA Nashville Chapter Representative, along with several local pastors of various faiths, gospel recording artists and gospel music industry leaders. GMWA Serves Nashville 2012 is dedicated to the legacy of the late “Godfather of gospel music” and Savoy recording artist, “Pastor Timothy Wright.”

Volunteers will meet on Saturday July 7, 2012, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, in the Ryman Ballroom at 1pm for orientation, and leave by bus to selected sites for three hours of service.

Another highlight of this years event will be the “Ultimate Artist Showcase” presented by the Gospel Announcers Guild and produced by Teemade Productions. This showcase will take place July 9th at 5pm with a stellar line-up of artists.  

As an international faith based organization the “Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc.” has registered over 75,000 members’ world wide with over 150 chapters in most states in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. There will be over 12,000 delegates from around the world in Nashville for the 45th Annual Convention, which formally starts on Sunday July 8, 2012.

GMWA, Inc. increases opportunities for the perpetuation of gospel music throughout other industries, arenas and the world. With the assistance and support of millions, GMWA continues to strengthen the heritage of gospel music by academically preparing gospel artists for the future, raising the level of excellence in the worship experience and by providing a forum and platform in which all forms so that gospel music can matriculate.

Visit our GMWA website www.gmwanational.org for more information.

GSN announced the premiere date for two original series premiering in August:  THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE, an original one-hour game show hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, will premiere on Thursday, August 23 at 8 pm ET/PT and BEAT THE CHEFS, an hour-long cooking competition show with host Matt Rogers, will also premiere on Thursday, August 23 at 9 pm ET/PT.

These new shows represent GSN’s broader programming strategy of game-based series that reflect the core attributes of the brand.  THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE and BEAT THE CHEFS on Thursday nights are the first of GSN’s “Shiny Floor Game” category – contemporary studio based game shows that focus on themes prevalent in pop culture.   

THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE

Thursdays at 8 pm ET/PT

Comedian and author, Jeff Foxworthy hosts this studio-based game in which contestants compete based on their knowledge of the Bible.  Utilizing current as well as historical references, questions will be drawn from the rich, dense narrative found in the world’s best-selling book.  The contestants will share their compelling back-stories and each team will be playing for a charitable organization. THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE is produced by RelativityREAL for GSN, with RelativityREAL’s Tom Forman (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies (“The Newlywed Game,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”) serving as Executive Producers on the project.  Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks are Consulting Producers.

BEAT THE CHEFS

Thursdays at 9 pm ET/PT

An hour-long show in which everyday people who love to cook set out to prove that their family recipes are worth prize money and bragging rights.  Each week, the show pits homespun talents against those of professional chefs as they cook the same dish—from firehouse chili to Grandma’s famous chicken and dumplings—but who will do it better? A panel of expert food critics will judge and decide if the amateurs can “beat the chefs.”  Hosted by former American Idol finalist Matt Rogers (“Coming Home”), BEAT THE CHEFS is produced by RelativityREAL, with Tom Forman as Executive Producer.

About GSN

GSN is a multimedia entertainment company that offers original and classic game programming and competitive entertainment via its 75-million subscriber television network and online game sites.  GSN’s cross-platform content gives game lovers the opportunity to win cash and prizes, whether through GSN’s popular TV game shows or through GSN Digital’s free casual games, mobile and social games, and cash competitions. GSN is distributed throughout the U.S., Caribbean and Canada by all major cable operators, satellite providers and telcos.  GSN and its subsidiary, WorldWinner.com, Inc., are owned by DIRECTV and Sony Pictures Entertainment.  For further information, please visit www.gsntv.com.

The 2012 BET Awards delivered without a hitch an organized and fun celebration.  The event featured moments that related to Christian and Gospel music lovers.

Yolanda Adams, Amber Bullock, Y’anna Crawley and Jessica Reedy performed a beautiful rendition of the song “You Brought the Sunshine.”  It was really cool to see secular artists jamming with the esteemed Gospel artists.  Jamie Fox, Beyonce, Tank, Genuine, Tyrese, Kerry Washington and Neo were just a few of the artists who could be visibly seen enjoying the upbeat Gospel performance which emphasizes Jesus the Saviour.

The night slowed down to a moment of reflection when Whitney Houston’s mom Cissy Houston sung “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in honor of her daughter. 

Yolanda Adams would take home the Best Gospel Artist award, and used the acceptance speech as an opportunity to reach out to secular artists.  she advised artists to use the gift that they have responsibly because the younger generation is watching.

Rev. Al Sharpton was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award.  He dedicated the award to his mother who passed earlier this year.

For a complete list of winners click here.

BeBe Winans, the critically acclaimed superstar R&B and gospel vocalist-songwriter-producer, and six-time Grammy Award winner, has released his latest album, AMERICA AMERICA (Razor & Tie). Winan’s will perform on July 4th on ABC’s Good Morning America and his television special, BeBe Winans’ America America, will also air on July 4th on Centric at 8:00 PM EST (with an encore presentation at 11:00 PM EST). Legendary singer Gladys Knight will join Winans on “America the Beautiful” and the great Cicely Tyson will contribute special readings to the evening.

BeBe Winans will also be featured on QVC July 3rd at 10:00 pm EST/ 7pm PST. The QVC version of Winans’ album AMERICA AMERICA includes three exclusive tracks, “Amazing Grace”, “Right Now (We Need One Another)” and “Star-Spangled Banner (Reprise).”

America America, Winans’ seventh solo release, is comprised of seven classic patriotic songs including “America The Beautiful,” “Lift Every Voice,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner,” all imbued with his distinct soul-stirring touches. Winans also wrote three new songs for the album – the beautifully hopeful title track and first single, “America America,” the upbeat “We’re The United States of America,” and the heartfelt “Ultimate Sacrifice,” dedicated to our troops.

A flurry of promotional appearances greeted the new album’s release: TBN: Praise The Lord, NBC/Better TV, WNBC Weekend Today in New York, Good Day LA, Entertainment Tonight/The Insider, Access Hollywood, CNN Showbiz Tonight, and much, much more. Winans also introduced the musical performance of “Porgy and Bess” at this year’s nationally televised Tony Awards ceremony at New York’s Beacon Theater.

Winans is a six-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer, including his Grammy for co-producing the song “Jesus Loves Me” on Whitney Houston’s smash film soundtrack from ‘The Bodyguard.’ He has achieved wide notoriety both as a solo artist and as part of the hit-making duo BeBe & CeCe Winans (the first brother and sister duo to be awarded a prestigious Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame). He is also a noted actor who has appeared on the stage (in the Broadway production of ‘Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple’) and screen (2003’s ‘The Manchurian Candidate’). Winans’ poignant memories of the late Houston, his dear friend and frequent musical collaborator, is shared in his upcoming book, The Whitney I Knew. The book will be in stores on July 31, 2012. No one can forget the emotional performance and moving eulogy Winans delivered during Houston’s nationally televised funeral.

BeBe Winans recently joined Dave Koz as featured performer on an exciting summer tour.

Proving their unparalleled ability to connect with listeners, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have been standing tall in the top spot on the Christian AC chart for a solid month now, with their multi-week No. 1 smash “The Hurt & The Healer.”

As the lead single from the studio album of the same name–the band’s seventh project–the song has also snagged the No. 1 position for multiple weeks on other charts including AC Indicator, National Christian Audience and the Soft/AC Inspo chart. In addition, MercyMe have released a live performance video of the track, filmed during a recent tour stop.

This success at radio caps off the month following the release of their newest album via Fair Trade Services, which was met with overwhelming critical praise, including the following:

“With all of their success, MercyMe might have thought getting ‘comfortable’ would be the easy route. But this latest album shows that the band continues to push itself to greatness. They tackle difficult subjects and stretch themselves musically…this is their best project to date.” – CCM Magazine

“All the way around, Healer is sure to please, with enough diversity and pathos to continue to provide encouragement and inspiration to the fans who have made MercyMe one of the most beloved acts in Christian music.” – Crosswalk

“Full of heart, melody, and sure to find a massive radio time, The Hurt and the Healer stays the course. The strength of one of the most eminent bands in Christian music has always been their ability to have fun. MercyMe don’t take themselves too seriously, leaving them able to provide musical insight for full radio-friendly impact.” – Worship Leader

As the band celebrates their new album, MercyMe will visit markets across the country throughout the summer. More information about tour dates can be found on MercyMe’s official site.

For more information on MercyMe and The Hurt & The Healer, please go to www.mercyme.org.

About MercyMe Since their debut in 2001, Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and multiple GMA Dove Award winners MercyMe have sold over 6 million units in CD and DVD sales, while being one of few Contemporary Christian music groups to have had all of their recordings certified Gold or Platinum, as well as garner 23 No.1 multi-format Christian radio singles, and four consecutive mainstream radio hits with “I Can Only Imagine,” (No. 4 AC/top 25 on Top 40/Hot AC), “Here With Me” (No. 4 AC), “Homesick” (top 10 AC), and “So Long Self.” In 2009, BILLBOARD named MercyMe’s “Word Of God Speak” the #1 Song of The Decade and the group the #1 Christian Songs Artist of the Decade, with an additional #1 as the Christian AC Song Artist of The Decade as one of the industry’s most notable talents. MercyMe made history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. The multi-platinum selling band has sold out venues including Radio City Music Hall and has been seen on The Tonight Show, CNN, Fox New Channel’s Fox & Friends, ABC News, CBS’s The Early Show, and on the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today, Billboard, and more. www.mercyme.org

Many in the Gospel industry continue to be shocked by Charles Jenkins who holds down the #1 spot for a second straight week.  Sales for Jenkins’ new album “The Best of Both Worlds,” puts them ahead of Mary Mary who comes in at #2 this week.

Byron Cage released his new CD last week and sales for his new album “Memoirs of a Worshipper” debuted at #3.

Outside of the top 10, BeBe Winans debuted his solo project “America, America” at #18.  And congratulations to the new quartet group Tim Rodgers & The Fellas, who debuted their new project “Real” at #21.

The Rest of the Top 10:

1 | Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago – The Best of Both Worlds
2 | Mary Mary – Go Get It
3 | Byron Cage – Memoirs of a Worshipper
4 | Marvin Sapp – I Win
5 | Andraé Crouch – The Journey
6 | William McDowell – Arise
7 | WOW Gospel 2012
8 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
9 | JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise – After This
10 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise (Soundtrack) 

Xist Music and UpLift! Group have joined forces with world-leading child-sponsoring organization Compassion International to present the MOVE TOUR—the highly anticipated follow up from the producers of the acclaimed 25-city MISFiT Tour 2011. MOVE TOUR 2012 is a movement to challenge, refresh and ignite the world through a life-changing MOVE of God. This annual tour brings excitement, inspiration and a strong transformative Biblical message through an electrifying musical experience that will engage any audience.

This year’s MOVE TOUR brings together the fierce creative explosion of seven of today’s leading voices in music & ministry—BET’s “Sunday Best” favorite Jessica Reedy, Hip Hop generals Da’ T.R.U.T.H. & The Ambassador, Christian Hip Hop’s multi-talented rapper/singer/producer Sean Simmonds, Urban Pop artists B.Reith and/or Jai in select markets, and Hip Hop’s favorite event emcee/producer/recording artist DJ MaL-Ski.

In March, MOVE Tour 2012 announced their strategic partnership with FrontGate Media for exclusive representation of sponsorship over the next five years. Scott A. Shuford, founder of FrontGate Media, has experienced this tour and its fan base firsthand. “The MOVE Tour is a cross-market, cross-ethnic, Cross-centric experience of what the church is today. They have created a great opportunity to join in the evangelistic movement God has commissioned to redeem people through the most popular music genre around the world. We at FrontGate see this tour as exactly the kind of value and reach that our company was created to support by making new connection points for companies and ministries with this audience.”

Joining Xist & UpLift! this year for the first time will be Compassion International. “We are thrilled to be the ministry partner for The MOVE Tour,” says Paul Haddix, Director of the Artists Program. “The opportunity to share Compassion’s ministry with MOVE Tour attendees is wonderful and we are excited to see them respond to the needs of children living in poverty around the world.” Returning as national sponsors are brand innovators designbySPIRIT and online ticketing vendor Trinity Ticket Solutions joined by entertainment company Mylache Concerts and new media partners leading Rapzilla.com, HearItFirst.com and HM Magazine.

On Saturday, July 14th, the tour kicks off in Atlanta, GA. A list of current dates with purchase links is provided below, but stay tuned to MOVETour.com for up to date information on new cities being added!

Sat., July 14, 2012—Atlanta, GA Wed., July 25, 2012—Amarillo, TX Sat., August 11, 2012—Jamaica, NY

Sun., July 15, 2012—Raleigh, NC Thurs., July 26, 2012—Phoenix, AZ Tues., July 17, 2012—Nassau, Bahamas Sat., July 28, 2012—Los Angeles, CA Thurs., August 16, 2012—Smyrna, DE

Wed., July 18, 2012—Freeport, Bahamas Thurs., July 19, 2012—Mobile, AL Fri., August 3, 2012—Chicago, IL Sat., August 18, 2012—Roanoke, VA Sat., July 21, 2012—Houston, TX Sat., August 4, 2012—Indianapolis, IN Sun., August 19, 2012—Charlotte, NC Sun., July 22, 2012—Dallas, TX Fri., August 10, 2012—Washington, DC

Visit www.movetour.com for more information on the tour and how promoters can bring the experience to their city or sponsor the tour nationwide.

TOUR BREAK

Fri., August 17, 2012—Virginia Beach, VA

Sun., August 12, 2012—Bridgeport, CTAbout Xist

Xist Music is the recording label of Xist Worldwide, which produces innovative projects from our award-winning artists, who are leaders in the inspirational urban music industry. Xist Worldwide was founded by Terverius Black and Sean Simmonds to become the leading producer of inspirational urban entertainment, lifestyle and media content. With properties in music, film, publishing and other lifestyle projects, Xist Worldwide acquires, produces, markets and distributes inspirational urban content. Visit Xist at www.xistmusic.com for more information and follow them at www.twitter.com/xist_music.

About UpLift! Group

The UpLift! Group is a management, marketing consulting and coaching firm that partners with individuals and organizations to help them See their vision, Soar towards it and Succeed at bringing it to pass. A ministry-focused firm, UpLift! develops and strive to provide the best in spiritual and personal development resources and lifestyle products in partnership with a stellar portfolio of clients including: GRAMMY® nominated Christian Hip Hop artists Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and The Ambassador, award-winning producer and Pop artist JR, Essence bestselling author and Certified Empowerment Coach Felicia Scott, dynamic spoken-word artist Oraia and Lamp Mode recording artist shai linne. Visit UpLift! at www.upliftgroup.com and follow them at www.twitter.com/UpLiftGroup.

About Compassion International

Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 26 of the world’s poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works through local churches to holistically address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children, enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Compassion has been awarded ten consecutive, four-star ratings by Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator. Visit Compassion International at www.compassion.com and follow them on www.twitter.com/Compassion.

This Sunday the BET Awards will air, and Gospel music will be represented with performances by Jessica Reedy, Yolanda Adams, Y’Anna Crawley and Amber Bullock. 

The BET Awards will be broadcasted LIVE from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, and hosted by actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Other highlights include Cissy Houston joining in on a special tribute to her daughter, the late Whitney Houston.  Rev. Al Sharpton is receiving the State Farm Humanitarian Award and Frankie Beverly and Maze is being awarded the Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards will air this Sunday, July 1st on BET.

BET Awards 2012 Best Gospel nominees are:

Fred Hammond
James Fortune & FIYA
Kim Burrell
Trin-i-Tee 5:7
Yolanda Adams

To see the full list of nominees Click Here