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.

Two of the most beloved and influential artists in the Christian music industry, Bill and Gloria Gaither, have joined with leading Christian publisher, Thomas Nelson, Inc., for the release of The Gaither Homecoming Bible ($44.99, ISBN 9781418549923).

As general editors, the Gaithers drew from their years of Bible study, gospel songwriting and strong faith to create this legacy project that is sure to be treasured by believers and all who love to sing their faith for generations to come. With the trusted and beloved New King James text as their guide, the Gaithers worked closely with 60 friends and Homecoming artists to select the 75 hymns and gospel songs that will be interspersed throughout the text. These hymns and songs are given new life and meaning through articles and stories that fully describe their connection to Scripture. In total, 230 exclusive devotionals were penned by Homecoming artists along with 20 original poems by Gloria Gaither. A custom Gaither Homecoming Bible reading plan has also been crafted which will guide readers on a Homecoming journey through the scriptures.

“It is our hope that the stories and experiences we and the Homecoming family of singers, writers and musicians share will encourage and inspire others to find the Word of God to be a living, vital force in our real, walking-around lives,” explain Bill and Gloria Gaither.  “But most of all, we hope a developing love for the Scriptures will lead those who read it to the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

“We couldn’t be happier or more excited to partner with Bill and Gloria for The Gaither Homecoming Bible,” says Gary Davidson, Senior Vice-President and Bible Group Publisher, Thomas Nelson.  “The impact their songs and Homecoming Events have made on people’s lives aligns with what we hope our products provide – hope, truth and inspiration. We look forward to a long relationship with the Gaithers and pray this Bible blesses millions of people worldwide.”

Bill and Gloria Gaither teamed with Thomas Nelson in order to create a Bible that intersects with the reader’s everyday life.  The notes and editorial aspects of The Gaither Homecoming Bible show how the Bible passages have changed their lives and the lives of Homecoming artists over the years. The Gaithers desire to lead the reader into a close, personal experience with the Scriptures and show how the messages are applicable to everyone’s lifestyle.  With overwhelming input from the Homecoming family, including Jeff & Sheri Easter, Mark Lowry, The Isaacs and The Hoppers, The Gaither Homecoming Bible is already having a powerful, spiritual impact on friends of the Homecoming team.

Anne Graham Lotz – Whenever I open the Bible, I feel that I’ve come “home.”  I pray that this Bible will encourage you to read, apply, obey, and live by what it says, so that you, too, can come home to a heavenly Father who loves you and wants to have a word with you.

The Statler Brothers – There is a special place in your home for The Gaither Homecoming Bible. Wherever you decide to place it, be sure it’s somewhere accessible whenever you need to be inspired by the true Word of God.

Joe Bonsall/The Oak Ridge Boys – I am constantly amazed at the outreach of our dear friends Bill and Gloria Gaither. They are reaching people with the Gospel through every medium – music, television, video, books – and now this magnificent, simple-to-read and understand version of God’s Holy Word.

Andy Andrews/New York Times Best-Selling Author – Few people in the world of music are as admired, respected, or accomplished as Bill and Gloria Gaither. Their love for the Scriptures and for the Lord is apparent in everything they do. The Gaither Homecoming Bible is a natural extension of their ministry and promises to be a life-long source of study and reflection for all who experience it. 

For more information on The Gaither Homecoming Bible, including additional pricing, bindings, and a free download of the book of Psalms, please visit www.GaitherHomecomingBible.com.

The Gaithers have produced more than 700 songs, hundreds of recordings, a dozen musicals, and a collection of books for both children and adults. In affirmation of Bill and Gloria’s contribution to the great pool of treasured gospel music, they have been awarded many Grammy and Dove Awards, and the ASCAP Songwriters of the Century Award. They have been inducted into the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame and into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and Museum. The Bill Gaither Trio and the Gaither Vocal Band have also won numerous awards. For more information about the Gaithers please visit www.gaither.com.

Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher. The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelsoncorporate.com.

Maranatha! Music announces the release of Power of the Cross from Worship Leader and Songwriter Shelly E. Johnson in partnership with LifeWay Worship. The four-track EP will be available August 14, 2012 distributed by EMI CMG Distribution. The lead single, “All Things Beautiful,” is impacting AC and INSPO radio formats.

“Maranatha! Music is thrilled to work with Shelly and LifeWay Worship on her new EP, Power of the Cross,” said Randy Alward, president of Maranatha! Music. “Shelly is a gifted songwriter and worship leader and has a unique ability to engage an audience of worshippers.”

Johnson is an Atlanta-based songwriter with a great passion for leading worship. After graduating from Belmont University in Nashville and releasing her independent album, Mosaic of Grace, Johnson spent four years leading worship at churches across the southeast, serving regularly as a worship leader at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN and developing her own ministry. She felt God’s calling on her life to ministry as early as 14-years-old after the tragic death of her father.

“All Things Beautiful” proclaims the message that in an imperfect world scarred by pain and suffering, God makes all things beautiful according to His perfect plan. Johnson said about her new single, “Thanks be to God, it’s not my place to understand His divine, mysterious and perfect plan. All I know is that He promises to work all things together for good for those who are faithful to Him.”

For more information and tour schedule for Shelly E. Johnson, please visit www.shellyejohnson.com.

ABOUT LIFEWAY WORSHIP
LifeWay Worship is a non-profit company committed to resourcing churches for worship. Whether you have a band, praise team, orchestra, or just you, LifeWay Worship has what you need. We have all the latest worship songs, contemporary and classic hymn arrangements, chord charts, lead sheets, demo MP3s, and accompaniment tracks, all in multiple keys and ready to download now. That’s why thousands of worship leaders look to us every day as they plan and prepare for worship. Whatever the size or style of your ministry, you will find everything you need at lifewayworship.com — your one-stop worship resource!

ABOUT MARANATHA! MUSIC
The Top 25 brand is Maranatha! Music’s best-selling original series with more than 1.7 million copies sold to date. The series features titles in multiple genres including Worship, Gospel, Kids and Spanish. Maranatha! Music is a pioneer in praise and worship music resource publishing. Best known for the Praise Series, Praise Band Series, The Invitation CD and Top 25 Series; Maranatha! Music has sold more than 30 million records worldwide. For more information, visit www.maranathamusic.com.