35 year old Gospel singer VaShawn Mitchell is getting a street named after him!  Mitchell will get the street block in a suburb of Chicago named Harvey.  

Mayor Eric Kellogg will facilitate the honor with residents of the City of Harvey in an official street naming presentation.  

The presentation will take place at 14615 South Winchester in Harvey at 4pm.  The street will officially be re-named “VaShawn Mitchell Avenue.”

It’s obvious that the impact of VaShawn Mitchell’s hit song ‘Nobody Greater’ has took Mitchell to new heights and installed pride in his hometown of Harvey.

Mitchell is set to record his new album LIVE this week, and R&B star Fantasia Barrino will join him on a song.  Also scheduled to make appearances on the album is Kierra Sheard, and Fred Hammond.

The video below shows VaShawn Mitchell talking about getting the street named after him.

Hawk Nelson enters a different chapter in the band’s history as they announce their new lead singer Jon Steingard. No stranger to their fans, Steingard has been the guitarist for the past eight years. Hawk Nelson will continue with members Daniel Biro (bass), Justin Benner (drums) and Steingard (guitar, vocals).

“I am blessed to announce that Hawk Nelson will be fronted by none other than the talented Mr. Jonathan A. Steingard,” states co-founder and bassist Daniel Biro. “The chemistry we share as a band cannot be fabricated. In other words, we know we have something special here. We’re very excited to be working on a bunch of new songs for everybody. It’s a new day, and we want to make the most of it.”

“Moving forward, I couldn’t be more excited to step into the role of lead singer,” shares Steingard on his new role.

Hawk Nelson is currently working on writing new music and preparing to introduce the new line-up to their fans. The upcoming music will showcase a fresh direction combined with the signature Hawk Nelson sound their fans love.

“We are knee-deep in writing a new record at the moment, and these are some of the most inspiring songs we’ve ever worked on,” says Steingard. “As a band, we’ve had our fair share of highs and lows, and through it all we’ve become a family. A further blessing has been the incredible amount of support we’ve received, particularly over the past few months of growing pains, from family, friends, other bands, industry folks, and especially the wonderful hawk-listeners that have stuck with us on our journey. The future is bright.”

Former frontman Jason Dunn announced his departure from Hawk Nelson earlier this year to pursue his solo project, Lights Go Down (facebook.com/lightsgodown). Hawk Nelson wishes him the best of luck in his new venture.

ABOUT HAWK NELSON: This powerhouse, pop rock band has won the hearts of thousands since its debut release in 2004. Hawk Nelson has released five studio projects (Letters to the President, Smile It’s the End of the World, Hawk Nelson is My Friend, Live Life Loud, and most recently Crazy Love).

Crazy Love produced a three-week No.1 single with the title track at CHR radio. In 2010, Hawk Nelson was also awarded two Canadian GMA awards. In 2011, Hawk Nelson released a Christmas EP. This year, the band was honored with four GMA Dove Award nominations as well as a JUNO nomination.

For more information on the band and stay up-to-date with developments, visit www.hawknelson.com and follow the band on Twitter at @HawkNelson.

Worship Leader, Singer, and Songwriter Patrick Dopson and his independent label Oilonit Music release the highly-anticipated album Open The Heavens on May 1, 2012. Open The Heavens is produced by Noel Hall and Dopson and distributed by Central South Distribution. Dopson celebrates his new CD with an album release party planned April 30, 2012 at Christian Life Church in Montgomery, Ala. where his father pastors. 

“I’m excited about the upcoming release of my new CD, Open The Heavens,” said Dopson. “With the songs ‘Keep Me’ climbing into Billboard’s top 30 and ‘Open The Heavens’ being selected by Maranatha! Music for the Top 25 Gospel Praise & Worship Songs 2012 Edition CD, it’s overwhelming to see how God is using the music. It’s an eight year vision that has been both trying and rewarding.” 

To celebrate the release of Dopson’s new album, Oilonit Music and 104.3 Hallelujah FM presents the Open The Heavens release party and worship service at Christian Life Church in Montgomery, Ala. on Monday, April 30, 2012. The event features Dopson with Earnest Pugh, Troy Sneed, Monica Lisa Stevenson, and David Luckey and kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CST. Connye Bryant of 104.3 Hallelujah FM will serve as mistress of ceremonies. 

Dopson is currently on a 30-city radio tour and will be a guest on the world’s largest faith-based television network, Daystar, on Celebration with Marcus and Joni Lamb May 8, 2012.

Beginning his life in music ministry at age seven, Dopson played drums and sang in the church his father pastored in Selma, Ala. Since then, his journey of ministering through music has blessed him with opportunities to work alongside some of the most-respected artists and pastors, including a contribution as a writer and singer on Fred Hammond’s first GRAMMY ® Award-winning project, “Free To Worship.” Dopson has shared the stage and opened for artists such as Israel Houghton, Martha Munizzi, Yolanda Adams, Ruben Studdard, Tamela Mann, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.

“Patrick Dopson is one of this generation’s greatest voices,” said Munizzi. “He is a true worshiper with a fresh sound and is anointed with a unique ability to lead God’s people into His presence.”

Dopson has also been featured as a guest artist on albums by Grammy-nominated legend, John P. Kee, one of which charted in the top 3 on Billboard Gospel.

“Meeting Patrick Dopson afforded me the opportunity to witness one of the world’s genuine, anointed vocal wonders!” said Kee. “Being a part of the fabric of the Gospel music genre for almost four decades, I’ve never met such a gift with a heart for the Gift Giver! His message is clear and his gift and presentation corroborates what he stands for and believes! As you listen to Patrick prepare for a unique, soulful delivery that’s not only believable but anointed…”

For more information on Patrick Dopson, please visit www.patrickdopson.com.

Fans can ‘like’ Patrick on Facebook to hear his single, “Keep Me”: www.facebook.com/patrickdopson

Follow Patrick Dopson on Twitter @patrickdopson

<span >TDJ Enterprises / TDJ Independents announced today that the company has signed on as executive producer to two new films — the highly-anticipated feature “Winnie,” the untold love story of Winnie and Nelson Mandela starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard, and “A Million Colours,” the opening film at the 2012 Hollywood Black Film Festival.

<span >Following the success of “Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day” — a TDJ Independents feature that topped its opening weekend’s box office for indies and outpaced all releases that same period on per-screen average — TDJ Enterprises is now leveraging the growing power of the company’s brand to create a global platform for projects that might not otherwise reach a broad audience.

<span >”Stories like ‘Winnie’ and ‘A Million Colours’ are important historically and socially. Collaborations like this offer us a unique ability to provide the global community a window into African culture through the creation of quality content,” said T.D. Jakes. “TDJ Enterprises is excited to work with creative professionals like producer André Pieterse and others to bridge the cultural divide and fuel a freedom of expression that produces dynamic films.”

<span >With production recently completed on both films, TDJ Enterprises will serve in an executive producer capacity helping to develop domestic marketing and distribution channels for both films. This opportunity provides TDJ Enterprises with content for both its mainstream division, which boasts box-office successes like last summer’s runaway hit “Jumping the Broom,” and the upcoming “Sparkle” through the company’s first-look deal with Sony. The deal will also provide content for TDJ Independents, the company’s outlet for indie films.

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<span >Says producer André Pieterse, a thirty-five year veteran of the film industry: “The TDJ brand and its attachment elevates both ‘Winnie’ and ‘A Million Colours’ to the status to which the creative team and cast had aspired during production.”

<span >”Winnie”, directed by Academy Award nominee Darrell J. Roodt, is a sensitive and balanced portrayal that examines the controversies and conquests in the life of the equally beloved and polarizing figure, Winnie Mandela. It also explores in a way that no other film has, the nature of love and relationships in the midst of political turmoil and struggle under the Apartheid system.

<span >”I was compelled and moved by the script,” said Jennifer Hudson. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her.”

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<span >Hudson opted to confine herself day and night to the prison set where the crew shot scenes depicting Winnie Mandela’s 500-plus days in solitary confinement. Hudson wanted, she says, “to experience some of the hell that woman went through.” She goes on tosay about Winnie: “They snatched her out of her home and she had no idea what happened to her children. This was real. As a woman, I am angry for her, hurting for her.”

<span >”‘Winnie’ is the best work I’ve ever done,” said Terrance Howard. “Their story is one of the most inspirational, true love stories of all time.”

<span >The leading cast is superbly supported by Canadian actors Elias Koteas and Wendy Crewson.

<span >The film features the title song “Bleed for Love”, performed by Grammy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson accompanied by the Soweto Gospel Choir and penned by six-time Academy Award Nominee Diane Warren. The score is by the highly acclaimed composer, Laurent Eyquem.

<span >Directed by New York-based Canadian Peter Bishai, “A Million Colours” is inspired by stories of the young Zulu, Muntu Ndebele and his friend Norman Knox — two leading film stars in late 1970s South Africa.

<span >”Our film is a judicious blend of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet,'” said Bishai.

<span >About TDJ Enterprises 
<span >Bishop T. D. Jakes, president and CEO of TDJ Enterprises, is the charismatic leader, visionary, provocative thinker, and entrepreneur who serves as the senior pastor of the 30,000-member church The Potter’s House located in Dallas. Under the TDJ Enterprises umbrella, a for-profit organization, are film and television production, music, bestselling books, live events and other products helping disseminate a faith-based message to a wide audience. TDJ Enterprises latest book, “Let It Go” written by Jakes, has remained on the New York Times bestseller list since its February debut. Through the company’s first look deal with Sony Pictures, TDJ Enterprises produced the successful feature films “Jumping the Broom,” “Not Easily Broken” and “Woman Thou Art Loosed.” TDJ Independents, developed as an alternative distribution platform for strong inspirational content produced on smaller budgets by emerging filmmakers, latest release “Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day,” is currently showing in select AMC theaters. Visit http://www.tdjakes.com for more information.

With Williams powerhouse vocals, vibrant personality and strong songwriting skills, she is already garnering high praise from the music industry. She was named one of Billboard’s “Best Bets” for 2012 and recently performed at the 2012 NBA All Star Weekend in Orlando.

Follow Karyn on twitter @karynwilliams or online at www.karynwilliams.com.

About Inpop Records
Inpop Records is an independent music label based in Brentwood, TN and is home to some of the best-known bands in Christian music. Distributed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inpop Records has become one of the top-selling independent labels within the industry, having established a reputation for seeking out the best artists in emerging talent and for expanding the music marketplace with sound and ideas. Inpop’s roster includes Newsboys, Mat Kearney, Jaci Velasquez, Tricia Brock, Jimmy Needham, and The Advice among others. For more information, visit inpop.com.

Nine-time GRAMMY ® Award Winner and music legend Andraé Crouch lands at #1 on the Billboard Gospel songs chart this week with his hit single “Let The Church Say Amen” from the NAACP Image Award, GRAMMY ® Award and GMA Dove Award nominated CD, The Journey.

“It’s exciting to know that the music God has given me still speaks to the hearts of the listeners,” said Crouch. “Thank you, Jesus!”

“Let The Church Say Amen” includes guest vocals from Pastor Marvin Winans and was produced by Crouch’s label president and CEO, Riverphlo Entertainment, Luther “Mano” Hanes.

“It is truly amazing to see how God has blessed the music of Andraé Crouch in the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, the 90s, and now it’s 2012, and Andraé Crouch is once again #1,” said Hanes. “To me, this speaks volumes! I am humbled and honored to be a part of Andraé Crouch’s life and ministry. I thank God for the divine opportunity to produce one of Gospel’s greatest living legends.”

Crouch’s single is being promoted by industry veteran, Tracey Artis, for I Hear Music, Inc.

“I am excited about Andraé Crouch, a living legend, still writing songs that are relevant today,” said Artis. “I am thrilled about my firm being a part of history and seeing the single “Let The Church Say Amen” go to #1 and reach the masses. I am honored to be a part of the Riverphlo team.”

Whether in the pulpit or in a recording studio, Crouch’s desire is always to impact people with the Gospel.  The Journey CD showcases an artist at the peak of his creative form. There are several commanding performances including longtime friend Tata Vega on “Somebody Told Me About Jesus” and “He Has a Plan for Me.”  While Chaka Khan and Sheila E. lend their distinctive gifts to the upbeat anthem, “All Around the World.” The incomparable Kim Burrell along with Take 6 beautifully deliver the stirring ballad, “Faith” while Daniel Johnson takes the spotlight on the warm, soulful “My Life.” Pastor Marvin Winans appears on the #1 single, “Let The Church Say Amen.”

Months of rumors have now been confirmed: Russell Crowe will take on the lead role in an upcoming film based on the epic biblical story of Noah and his ark.

Darren Aronofsky, director of “Black Swan” who will also direct “Noah,” seemed overjoyed to have the Academy Award-winner as the lead actor in his upcoming project, which is being co-financed by Paramount and New Regency.

“I’d like to thank Paramount and Regency for backing my team’s work to breathe new life into the biblical epic,” said Aronofsky in a statement. “I rejoice that Russell Crowe will be by my side on this adventure. It’s his immense talent that helps me to sleep at night. I look forward to being wowed by him every day.”

Rumors of Crowe’s involvement with the film came after it was discovered that actor Christian Bale (“The Dark Night”), who was originally scouted for the role of Noah, was unable to work on the project because of his involvement with two other films this year. Michael Fassbender (“X-Men: First Class”) was considered for the role as well, but likewise had a scheduling conflict.

The biblical story of Noah and his ark is found in the book of Genesis. It begins when God sees how wicked the human race has become, and decides to destroy the majority of Earth’s living creatures as a result. God commands Noah, who was “a righteous man,” to build an ark on which he, his family and two of each kind of animal can escape the impending flood that He will unleash on the Earth.

A press release from Paramount Pictures claims that the film, which will begin production in Iceland and New York in July, will stick closely to the story presented in the Bible, but some people aren’t so sure. Some bloggers suspect that the film will focus more on environmental issues than on the spiritual implications of the story.

“I think it’s really timely because it’s about environmental apocalypse which is the biggest theme, for me, right now for what’s going on this planet,” Aronofsky told SlashFilm.com in 2008. “So I think it’s got these big, big themes that connect with us. Noah was the first environmentalist. He’s a really interesting character.”

He also stated, “I don’t think it’s a very religious story… I think it’s a great fable that’s part of so many different religions and spiritual practices. I just think it’s a great story that’s never been on film.”

The screenplay for “Noah” was written by Aronofsky and Ari Handel, and was revised by John Logan, an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter who wrote for another one of Crowe’s films, “Gladiator.”

“Noah” is slated to be released on March 28, 2014.

Brian McKnight’s adult mixtape idea came to him during a Twitter session with his followers, he claimed in the video. Following that, he created the song “If You’re Ready to Learn,” which shocked fans with lewd lyrics, representing a departure from both his gentle love songs and his Christian upbringing.

“Let me show you how your [expletive] works, since you didn’t bring it to me first,” croons McKnight in the video while playing the piano. “I have lots of things to show you if you’re ready to learn.”

The backlash and outrage of the R&B singer’s fans was immediate and continuous.

“Who told Brian McKnight that was okay? … Isn’t he the brother of a TAKE 6 member?” tweeted Simone Stalls, mentioning McKnight’s affiliation with the gospel group and his Seventh Day Adventist roots.

“I’m convinced Brian McKnight has no family or friends, who let him release that video?” wrote Emilio A.

Brian McKnight and his two sons, Brian Jr. and Niko in a Hollywood Christmas parade November 29, 2009.

“Are or we’re [sic] you really a 7th Day Adventist?” questioned Marco A. Cruz via Twitter.

“I grew up that way,” replied McKnight.

“And now your [sic] not?” asked Cruz, revealing that he, too, was involved in music in his church.

“Religion was man made,” wrote McKnight, promptly ending the conversation. Although the singer publicly abandoned his values learned from his time attending church and in a Seventh Day Adventist university, he seemed unrepentant.

“I wrote this song crude as it may be about satisfying all women and look what happened,” he posted on Twitter.

McKnight’s foray into more provocative content isn’t his first – he was on explicit tracks like Juvenile’s “Addicted” in the past – but the barefaced disregard for values and subtlety in “If You’re Ready to Learn” could be more of a desperation move.

His most recent album, Just Me, sold a paltry 47,000 copies since July of 2011 when it was released, compared to 2.4 million for 1999 album Back at One. One critique many fans had of the album’s single, “Fall 5.0,” was the use of Auto-Tune music software to alter his voice, giving it a digitized sound.

Now, McKnight has offered his fans a compromise for the controversial adult track, and possibly a comeback: “I’m gonna finish [the song] today and I’ll put out a clean and a nasty version how about that?” he tweeted.