Gospel Jazz Music Pioneer Ben Tankard releases his 18th solo smooth Gospel/Jazz project. FULL TANK is available online and in stores TODAY. Tankard is recognized as a dynamic instrumentalist, writer, and arranger and is most noted as the producer that discovered Yolanda Adams and created over 40 hit songs with her (“Through The Storm”, “Just A Prayer Away”, “Battle Is The Lord’s”, “Let Us Worship Him”).

“The music industry is buzzing with excitement about this record and I am honored to just be an instrument and allow God to play through me over and over again,” Tankard shares. “We are celebrating 20 years of Gospel Jazz.”

Ben Tankard is a former professional basketball player. Tankard dropped out of college after one year to play pro basketball in the CBA and NBA but experienced a career ending injury. He “rebounded” from his injury to discover his music talents and has become the world’s bestselling and most popular musician and producer in Gospel Jazz music with numerous Gold and Platinum albums, and Grammy™, Dove and Stellar Awards and nominations — all this from a man who has NEVER had piano lessons. He also spends time as a motivational speaker for the NBA and inspires the players to look “beyond basketball”.

“My goal through my music is to inspire and motivate listeners through relaxed thought, peace, and reflection, Tankard explains. “Way down on the inside everyone has the potential for greatness, and it is time to tap into the FULL TANK that the creator gave you.”

Tankard’s music has always crossed genre, racial, and denominational borders and this release is no different in that two lead singles will be serviced simultaneously to Christian/Gospel and to Mainstream radio. Known for his exceptional collaborative musical ventures, Tankard invites soul singer Cynthia Jones to sparkle on the lead Gospel/CCM radio single “Something About That Name”. Jazz guitarist Tim Bowman, and sax man Gerald Albright jam on the lead Smoothjazz radio singles “Full Tank” and “Sunday Vibes”. (click to watch Sunday Vibes concept video)

In addition to his millions of fans, Hollywood has embraced Ben Tankard. He has signed a major deal for a family based reality TV show which premiers this year. Watch the YouTube sneak-peek of “Ben Tankard’s Reality TV”. It looks like it will be a full (Tank) year for the Tankards!
 

Houston megachurch Pastor Joel Osteen has spoken out on the highly publicized criminal extortion case surrounding the upcoming “Mary, Mother of Christ” film, described by some as a prequel to Mel Gibson’s 2004 “The Passion of the Christ.”

Osteen signed on with Aloe Entertainment to executive produce “Mary, Mother of Christ,” but the Lakewood Church pastor’s first foray into film production has been marred with controversy involving Mexican drug traffickers and money launderers.

“We knew nothing about it,” the megachurch pastor told The Denver Post on Thursday regarding claims that profits from the film’s script had been extorted from a Mexican businessman by money launderers and drug traffickers.

Osteen was in Denver signing copies of his bestselling book Every Day A Friday at a local bookstore.

“We didn’t know about any of this,” he said. “The lady who owned the script when we got involved didn’t know about it.”

In 2006, the script for “Mary, Mother of Christ” was obtained by Mexican businessmen Arturo Madrigal and Mauricio Sanchez Garza and resold to Aloe Entertainment for nearly a million dollars with a clause for an additional 15 percent of the total profits of the film.

However, prosecutors say that Sanchez, along with business partner Jorge Vazquez Sanchez, extorted Madrigal out of his share of the profits from the sale of the script by threatening and kidnapping his brother.

In May, Vazquez reportedly admitted to his involvement in the extortion plot and entered a plea deal agreeing to hand over his 10 percent of future profits for the film to the federal government, according to the Houston Chronicle.

“Mary, Mother of Christ” is based on a script written by Barbra Nicolosi and Benedict Fitzgerald, who co-wrote “The Passion of the Christ.” The film, expected to be released next year, retraces the life of Mary from her youth to her struggles as a young mother caring for her child, Jesus. The film, starring Odeya Rush as the young virgin, reportedly looks at Mary’s life at ages 8, 15, 19 and 27.

Read Full Report on the ChristianPost.com

Former Chart-Topping Hip Hop/R&B Crooner J. Long is a Born Again Christian now and no longer performs secular music. Many remember J. Long for his smash radio single “Personal Freak” featuring platinum selling Hip Hop/R&B Group Pretty Ricky off of his debut CD GIRL LISTEN, which peaked at #4 on the Billboard Charts and “I’m Fly” featuring Hip Hop artist Lil Webbie, which climbed to the #19 position on the Top URBAN INDIE/MEDIABASE CHARTS.

After four successful independent projects, various top-tier HD concept music videos, high profile performances in front of 20,000+ fans, appearances on BET’s 106 & Park, touring with Grammy Winner Chris Brown, Pretty Ricky, Omarion, Mike Jones, among others, national and international media attention, J. Long, once dubbed “The New King of the Bedroom” has decided to change his walk and ways as he states by getting baptized and saved proclaiming Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

Growing up in a family of singers and musicians, J. Long himself growing up in church played the piano, drums and other instruments. At 14 years old J.Long initially gave his life to Christ, however his road wasn’t always a picture perfect one. In 2008, J. Long was introduced to a different world – A world fueled with drugs, sex, money, women, among other things.

J. Long left the R&B/Hip Hop industry because he didn’t feel right about the message he was sending out to young people. J. Long felt convicted and knew he didn’t want to face the end result of serving anyone else but God. “God tells us once we accept his son Jesus, go and be baptized”, states J. Long, “I wanted it to be known publicly that even me as an R&B Singer could change his ways.”

This gifted singer, songwriter, producer, actor and business man still continues to make his mark in the ever so competitive music industry. The music industry’s demand for multifaceted artists serves as no threat to him.

J. Long is currently prepping for his debut Christian Hip Hop CD release entitled, R&B (REDEEMED & BLESSED) via his independent label J. Fam Music. His first single “Shake The Devil Off” – an uptempo feel good tune that encourages listeners despite their current situations to take authority over the enemy will be serviced to internet and terrestrial radio in June – A concept music video will follow. Marketing and publicity efforts will be powered by the J. Hardy Agency.

J. Long is also featured on his artist BIG RICH concept music video “Jesus I Need You”, which has spawned over 34,000 viral hits in less than 60 days.

Additionally, J. Long is gearing up for promotional performances and interviews, which includes an exclusive interview with mega online entertainment news portal Yahoo! Music in Los Angeles during BET Awards week.

J. Long currently resides in Houston, Texas, he’s a father of one and is a member of Clear Creek Community Church in Leauge City, Texas.

This week’s Billboard Gospel charts sees two newcomers make a bold entrance onto the Gospel music scene, debuting just below sisters Mary Mary.  Zacardi Cortez’s new CD “The Introduction” grabs the #2 spot and singer/Pastor Jason Nelson holds the #3 spot.

While Zacardi Cortez developed his reputation singing lead for Gospel Star James Fortune, Jason Nelson is noted as being an intricate part of Kirk Franklin’s recent “Hello Fear” tour.  Nelson is the twin brother of Gospel great Jonathan Nelson.

Also, making a notable debut is newcomer Cheneta Jones who peaked at #13 on the charts.  With mainly grassroots promotion, Cheneta is making a statement that she’s going to be a major player for years to come. 

The Full Top 10 List:

1 | Mary Mary – Go Get It
2 | Zacardi Cortez – The Introduction
3 | Jason Nelson – Shifting the Atmosphere
4 | Marvin Sapp – I Win
5 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise (Soundtrack)
6 | WOW Gospel 2012
7 | William McDowell – Arise
8 | Trip Lee – The Good Life
9 | Fred Hammond – God, Love & Romance
10 | JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise – After This

Grammy Award nominated recording artist Deitrick Haddon has carved out a new niche in his career as a serious actor. He made a splash in 2010 with his starring role in “Blessed & Cursed” that has aired on The GMC Channel and Showtime.

In early May, Tyscot/Manhaddon Films and Releve Entertainment launched Haddon’s second major film role with the release of the movie, “A Beautiful Soul.” The film initially opened in select AMC Theater markets such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City and Haddon’s native Detroit for a weeklong engagement but the film was extended for a second week due to huge public demand to see the film.

On August 21, 2012 Tyscot Films will release the PG-13 Rated film on DVD ($19.95 List Price).

Directed by Jeff Byrd (“Soul Food “ TV series), the film also stars Harry Lennix (“The Matrix Revolutions”), Robert Ri’chard (“Coach Carter”), Lesley Ann Brandt (“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena”), and Barry Floyd (“The Game”). Currently available in stores and on-line is the Tyscot Records CD release of “A Beautiful Soul (Music Inspired by the Motion Picture) from Deitrick Haddon presents Voices of Unity, which contains original music by Deitrick Haddon, Kierra Sheard, Canton Jones, Fonzworth Bentley and Faith Evans, among others. The Top 30 gospel radio single, “No Betta” is a duet showcasing Deitrick Haddon and Faith Evans.

A Beautiful Soul PG-13 Rated Film on DVD will be available in stores and online August 21, 2012

The case involving the affair between former Democratic Senator John Edwards and his mistress, Rielle Hunter, may be far from over. On Thursday the trial’s presiding judge declared a mistrial after the jury informed the court that they were deadlocked on five counts but found him not guilty on one count.

Judge Catherine Eagles handed down her ruling after the jury foreman sent word to her that the group had reached a unanimous verdict on a single count against the one-time presidential candidate. But shortly after receiving instructions from the bench to continue discussions on the remaining five counts, the jurors said any further deliberations would be useless.

The one count that Edwards was cleared of involved the charge that he accepted and received illegal campaign contributions in 2008 from Rachel “Bunny” Mellon.

Edwards, who was also Sen. John Kerry’s vice presidential running mate in 2004, had an affair with Hunter, who he fathered an out-of-wedlock child with in 2009. In an effort to cover up the relationship, Edwards’ assistant, Andrew Young, and his wife, Cheryl, were given the task of taking care of Hunter and her unborn child. At one time Young admitted he was the father of the child.

After the mistrial was announced, Edwards addressed reporters outside of the Greensboro, N.C. courthouse and made another effort to renounce his actions while saying he did nothing illegal.

“I did an awful, awful lot that was wrong. There is no one else responsible for my sins,” said Edwards. He also expressed his appreciation to his family for standing by him, “including my precious Quinn,” who is the daughter he fathered with Hunter.

The government’s case centered around the fact that two wealthy benefactors, Mellon and the late Fred Baron, provided nearly $1 million dollars toward taking care of Hunter in an effort to cover up the extramarital affair. The prosecution claimed the money amounted to illegal campaign contributions.

One of the key issues that the government failed to prove was that Edwards had knowledge of the funds and their use. Neither Edwards nor Hunter took the stand during the trial.

However, defense attorneys admitted that Edwards lied to his late wife and family about the relationship, but did not violate federal campaign election laws.

A mistrial gives the government another opportunity to retry Edwards on the five counts where the jury could not reach a verdict. He cannot be retried on the one count where he was found not guilty.

Judge Eagles did not set a date for retrial, only saying she could not find an availablity on her calendar until September or later.

Things are still smoking over at Black Smoke Music where Kerry Douglas’ Houston-based company is currently enjoying a Top Ten gospel radio smash with Zacardi Cortez’ “One More Time” and Earnest Pugh’s spine-tingling “I Need Your Glory” that currently sits atop the Radio & Records Gospel Recurrent chart. Pugh is ready to hit the top again with his new soul, stirring track, “For My Good”, which features Beverly Crawford.

The third single from Pugh’s Stellar Award nominated CD, “Earnestly Yours”, and the ballad was recorded in the sophisticated chorale style of the late gospel conductor, Thomas Whitfield, who was known as the Maestro. “I wrote this song after going through some unmanageable disappointments in my life and career with church folk,” Pugh adds. “I felt betrayed, rejected, and hated by people I thought really loved and cared for me. One day God allowed me to step back and look at the situation and see it from His perspective, which was that of a victor and not a victim. He assured me that the situation would work together for my good. I knew Beverly Crawford could relate to my pain and would be the perfect artist to help me deliver the song.” Executive Producer Kerry Douglas is excited about the song’s progress and says, “I always knew this single would reach deep into the hearts of people because Pugh wrote it while enduring one of his greatest storms in life but he lets the people know that at the end of the day all things work for good.”

In 2010, Billboard magazine named Pugh the #4 gospel radio airplay artist of the year and his recent radio single, “I Need Your Glory,” spent 3 months at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart. The “Earnestly Yours” CD debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and was the first gospel project within the eOne Distribution system to debut at #1. A Memphis native, Pugh released his first solo CD in 2006 and showed off his five-octave vocals on the radio hit, “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up.” After years of making respectable forays into gospel, Pugh finally hit it big in 2009 with his #1 smash “Rain On Us”.

Shaunie O’Neal, producer of VH1’s reality show “Basketball Wives,” consulted with her pastor about leaving the program during its season finale on Monday.

O’Neal, ex-wife of former NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, spoke with Bishop Kenneth Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, Calif., about leaving “Basketball Wives” after weeks of verbal and physical fighting led to protests and petitions against the show. After O’Neal told the pastor about the volatile relationships that have turned violent on the reality television series, Ulmer had some questions for the executive producer.

“How long will they go on like this? How many times do the women, cuss, fuss and get mad,” Ulmer asked. “Do you resolve this frustration when you see these women clawing at each other? Is it worth you walking away from?”

O’Neal admitted that she was thinking about leaving the show and could no longer agree with the direction it was going in.

“I have really strongly considered walking away. Do I walk away and love the ladies from the distance,” O’Neal questioned. “I feel like there’s nothing else that I can do. At this point i can no longer defend it, I can no longer stand by it.”

Earlier this month, the executive producer responded to the large amount of criticism to “Basketball Wives.”

“We take responsibility. After talking and seeing ourselves this season, this season was bananas,” O’Neal recently said in S2S magazine. “It definitely was a lot more bad than good. Even when we did have the good, the bad seemed to outweigh it.”

Ratings for the show reportedly dropped from two million viewers a few weeks ago to 1.75 million last week, according to Eurweb.com. The 12.5 percent drop caused O’Neal and show producer Shed Media to take notice.

O’Neal said she has tried to showcase a balance on “Baksetball Wives” in the past, but the dip in ratings may have finally caused executives to take notice.

“I think my voice is being resonated and Shed Media and VH1 have heard me,” O’Neal said at the show’s reunion taping. “We’re all on this page of getting some balance and getting some good and positive content.”

Today Tyscot Music & Entertainment will host the virtual lyric video debut of Damita’s current radio single “Won’t Turn Back”.

The lyric video will feature the hot track and never before seen images of Ms. Damita. Won’t Turn Back is the current single from the upcoming project Anticipation, to be released July 24th.

“Won’t Turn Back” is a fun song that also carries a strong message of staying with God no matter the circumstances.

Written by Damita and produced by, Fredrick “Blaze” Crawford, the song’s declarative lyrics say, “I’ve been running for You a long time and I won’t turn back, No I won’t turn back, I’ll keep on Running!” Throughout the song, she expresses her commitment to God with the lyrics, “With you by my side, I know I can win, You’re my Guide and You’re my closest Friend-I won’t turn Back!”

On May 31st, Damita fans will be treated to a musically unique and visually electrifying lyric video which will debut on Tyscot Music and Entertainment’s Youtube channel.  You can watch the lyric video below on PATH.

Damita will release the follow-up to her acclaimed album, No Looking Back, on July 24th. For those who purchase the album via iTunes, Amazon MP3 or Digital 7, fans will be treated to a Deluxe version of the Anticipation album which will include a brand new, never-released bonus track, her previous hit single “No Looking Back” and its video which has generated nearly 1 million views on Youtube.

Anticipation will be available in stores and online July 24th. The current single, “Won’t Turn Back” can be heard on radio stations across the country. If you haven’t heard it on your favorite station, request it today.

Zacardi Cortez was groomed over the last few years by pairing him on duets with major artists and giving him a platform to display his dynamic vocal gifts. It’s all paid off with Cortez’ much-anticipated debut CD, “Zacardi Cortez: The Introduction.” The new CD has debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and #71 on the Top 200 Pop Albums chart. Meanwhile, Cortez’ radio single, “One More Time”, moves up to #4 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart while his new radio single, “God Held Me Together, “ heads to the Top 40.

The 13-track CD features Cortez singing solo and alongside musical heavyweights such as Lalah Hathaway, Isaac Carree, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee and James Fortune. “Zacardi’s roll-out was part of a strategic plan,” says Douglas. “We used the same free marketing tools such as social media, church partnerships and aggressive radio promotions that we used to break James Fortune and Earnest Pugh. On top of that, I was able to get Zacardi a featured slot on comedian Rickey Smiley’s Laugh & Shout Experience tour that has helped build Zacardi’s brand for people who don’t even go to church.”

“Zacardi is the best singer in America today,” Douglas continues. “However, it’s not the singing alone that has made him successful. It’s first having God at the center of everything we do. Then, it’s the combination of the right songs and the right team of people to work it. That’s the recipe for this success that we’ve been able to give to Zacardi. My New Deal promotional plans have set him up for a long term career just as they’ve done for James Fortune and Earnest Pugh.” For more information, please visit www.mrkerrydouglas.com or www.zacardicortez.com.