New Reunion Records signing, nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter Moriah Peters will release her national debut project, I Choose Jesus, on April 17. The album is attracting early attention at radio, with 23 stations adding lead AC single “I Choose Jesus” its first week, and winning over live audiences, as Moriah performs new music on multiple high profile tours this winter and spring.

A college freshman at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Moriah is honing her time management skills, juggling a full class schedule while promoting her new record nationwide. Produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dave Barnes, Kari Jobe), I Choose Jesus features 10 songs, nine of them co-written by Moriah, that draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including her own relationship with Christ as well as experiences she walked through with other young girls while leading her high school Bible study.

“The overall theme of the record is about making a choice,” says Moriah. “All of these songs are songs about being in different circumstances and choosing Jesus in each circumstance. I know that God has a blueprint for every single one of our lives. He has a plan and a purpose, and He wants to make His Son known through us. If we trust Him in every situation, if we choose Him in every situation, God will give us the desires of our heart.”

Such is the meaning behind breakout single “I Choose Jesus,” available at iTunes and other digital providers on Feb. 7, released last week to Christian AC radio. Moriah embarked on an extensive radio tour, visiting stations across the country over six weeks, introducing the song to station programmers. Her message, song and vibrant personality were well received, with in incredible 23 stations adding the single out-of-the-box.

Jeff Cruz, program director at WMHK-FM in Columbia, S.C., comments, “This song is a mega hit. I never, never, never, never, say this on my first listen of anything, but DANG! What a great song!”

Moriah explains the song’s meaning: “It’s the song that represents who I’m called to be, not only as an artist, but as a daughter of Christ. I’m called to be bold. I’m called to be strong, and I’m called to be outspoken about who God is and what He’s done in my life.”

Moriah has taken that calling on the road, currently appearing on 26 “Rock & Worship Roadshow” arena dates, where she is giving away the single free to concert goers. The tour, which additionally features MercyMe, Tenth Avenue North, Disciple, and others, kicked off late January and runs through mid-March.

Visit www.therockandworshiproadshow.com for a complete list of tour dates. Additionally, Moriah has been asked to join headliner, multi-platinum-selling artist MercyMe on its spring 2012 tour slated to begin in April. Additional details are forthcoming.

To learn more about Moriah Peters, visit: www.moriahpeters.com. Also, follow Moriah on Twitter at twitter.com/moriahmusic.

About Moriah Peters:
Raised in Chino, Calif., Moriah grew up singing in church and at school. As a young teenager she began to pursue her music calling, which included an audition for “American Idol.”That audition connected Moriah to several Christian music community insiders, eventually leading to her deal with Provident Music Group.

Moriah was introduced to national audiences earlier this year as the singing voice of Vanna Banana in VeggieTales®: Princess and the Pop Star DVD and on its companion CD, VeggieTales: Songs for a Princess.

For more on Moriah Peters, visit www.moriahpeters.com

In a story originally reported by North Carolina’s Channel 9 WSOC-TV, we find an amazing story of how good God is.

A North Carolina woman read the Bible to her attacker for an hour and a half after he slashed her throat before the man apologized and left. Lindsay Wood, 32, of Shelby, N.C.,  had just arrived home from Bible study on Wednesday. Wood asked her 15-year-old son to collect the trash can from the curb. During this time, Wood’s attacker walked into her home and slashed her neck.

“She told him please not to hurt her, that she loved the Lord and her son,” neighbor Faye Cooke told ABC affiliate WSOC Police said Wood’s son heard what was happening and hid in the backyard out of sight while Wood continued to reason with the man.

“She offered her car up, as well as money,” Rick Stafford, a captain in the Shelby Police Department told WSOC.

But the man took none of those things.

Despite her injuries, Wood opened her Bible and read to her attacker. He listened. She even invited him to her church. After an hour and a half, her attacker apologized and left.

Wood is in the hospital recovering from her injuries, which required 20-25 stitches and staples in her neck.

Meanwhile, police are hoping to apprehend the man, who didn’t seem to want anything more than to hurt an innocent person.

“We want him off the street,” Stafford said.

Check out the video report here.

Fresh off of the release of her sophomore project “Faithful,” Kendall King is being recognized for her musical accomplishments. On the strength of the lead single, “Crazy Praz,” the buzz from radio and fans alike resulted in the artist netting four Rhythm of Gospel nominations: Contemporary CD of the Year “Faithful,” Rhythm of Gospel Song of the Year “Crazy Praz,” Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, and Producer of the Year. Kendall is known for her smooth sound, fresh eclectic style and arresting energy. 

Kendall King is one of gospel music’s most exceptional, multi-faceted talents.  Gifted as a producer, songwriter, artist, musician, minister of music, and worship leader, she has been called to deliver praise and worship with a nontraditional twist and uncompromising message. Andrew Greenhalgh writes—“Kendall King is the real deal and on her sophomore album, Faithful, she delivers the goods. Faithful ebbs and flows through moments of joyous adoration, fueled with throbbing bass notes, soaring keys, and passionate guitar which then segue into times of pure worship, with gorgeous harmonies blending together in vertical praise to the King of Kings.”

Not only has Kendall been recognized for her creative musical talents but her graphic design abilities as well.  Kendall is an award-winning, full-time graphic designer www.kkproductions.biz.  Whether through music or design, Kendall King is a woman on a mission to use her God-given talents for the Kingdom. For more information on Kendall King visit www.kendallking.biz

Clear Sight Music will release FLAME’s sixth full-length album,The 6th, on March 6th, via Central South and Infinity Music Distribution. One of Christian hip-hop’s premier tastemakers, FLAME’s new project features collaborations with a wide variety of artists including Decemberadio, LeCrae, Thi’sl, Young Noah and V.Rose. 

A GRAMMY®, two-time Dove Award and two-time Stellar Award nominee, FLAME has sold over 100,000 units while running his own label, Clear Sight Music, and touring worldwide with Cross Movement, LeCrae and Reach Records’ “Don’t Waste Your Life Tour,” in addition to appearances at Acquire the Fire events. His 2010 release, Captured, shot to #1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and to #5 on the Billboard Christian Chart. 

Inspired by the world around him, and the people he meets along the way, FLAME has always wanted to use the music that inspired him to be able to reach the world with God’s message. And while The 6th has plenty of style, FLAME never sacrifices substance as the lyrics are jam-packed with relevant reflections on the human condition. 

“Really, it’s a study of anthropology as we look at mankind from many different angles,” says FLAME. “God created humans on the sixth day, we are the climax of God’s creation, and God deposited so much meaning, and purpose, into us as humans. So I wanted to explore what that means. Are we still where He intended us to be? How far have we actually fallen from the pace, and how do we return to our original purpose? Those are the questions I explore in this album.” 

When FLAME is not on the road, he’s busy at the helm of Clear Sight Music, where he is mentoring some of the genre’s most promising new artists, such as V.Rose and Young Noah. The entrepreneur is also working towards a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Southern Seminary in Louisville. 

“I always grew up influenced by Christianity. I liked the idea of going to heaven—and not to hell—and being on Jesus’ good side, but I didn’t want to take the steps to make that happen,” FLAME says. “I was caught up in the hip-hop culture of gangs and drugs myself and headed in the wrong direction.” 

But a series of tragic events eventually got his attention. 

“After getting hit three times by an 18-wheeler, my grandmother told me I needed to repent and turn from my sin,” FLAME remembers. “Not long after she passed away from a heart attack, I went to church. There, I heard the Gospel, wept like a baby and was drawn to Him when I was 16. That’s when I became a Christian. Shortly afterwards, I started writing music as little devotionals to God.” 

FLAME eventually converted those ruminations to song, using the medium of hip-hop to not only minister to the hurting and build up the body of Christ, but to tell the story of His Savior to a world that desperately needs to hear it. 

For more information on FLAME, please visit www.clearsightmusic.com.

Shirley Murdock’s current radio single “Dream” has inspired many listeners across the country since it first hit the airwaves. Long before releasing her latest CD & DVD, Live: The Journey, Murdock’s goal has always been to uplift the name of Jesus and unite people through her music ministry.  This month, she is maintaining this goal by releasing not one but two new singles, Lord You Reign and Someday. Both radio singles were written by psalmist and founder of Tyscot Records Bishop Leonard Scott.

Lord You Reign is a timeless worship anthem that speaks directly to God, acknowledging his omnipresence in the lives of his people.  From beginning to end, “Hallelujah” fluently resounds throughout the song along with the lyrics:  “Lord You Reign in majesty and Lord You Reign victoriously”.

Someday is a definitive revelation of God’s people dwelling in harmony.  The lyrics: “Someday, we’ll unite as one” speaks to the hope for peace in this world.  In addition to its relevant and universal message, another reason why this song holds a special place in Murdock’s heart is due to its featured guests: Kelly Price, Beverly Crawford and Regina Belle, all of whom are longtime friends of Shirley.

“These special ladies have been a part of my journey and it meant the world to me to have them be a part of this song. I believe listeners will be able to hear, see and feel the friendship and admiration we share for one another, as well as the joy of singing God’s praises together”

Lord You Reign and Someday are musically, spiritually and lyrically inspired which was very important to Murdock as she selected the tracks for her current project, “I believe that the ministry is in the lyrics and in the words we speak, they are spirit and they are life!”

Tyscot Music & Entertainment is very excited and anticipates a great response from radio stations and their listeners.

Both songs have already received love from Torrez Harris, Program Director at WHLH-FM in Jackson, MS.  Harris shared, “I feel that “Lord You Reign” and “Someday” are great songs and would play them both!”

Tyscot’s Vice President of Promotions, Jeff Hargrove expressed his excitement, “I’m excited about the new songs on Shirley Murdock that we are sending to radio.  “Lord You Reign” will allow the listeners to see a different side of Shirley as a worshipper and I believe the song will become a standard sung by praise teams across America.

Rabbi Ralph Messer who was the featured minister that crowed Bishop Eddie Long in a Kingship ceremony, speaks out on the mounting criticism of his ministry.  The video where Bishop Eddie Long was crowned ‘King of God’s Government’ has ruffled feathers at a sensitive time of negative publicity for the New Birth Bishop.  Rabbi Messer said that the goal of his visit to New Birth “was to encourage a community that had been extremely discouraged.” 

In the hour long video, Messer addresses two separate faiths.  Jews and Christians.  He started with an apology to anyone who felt the Torah scroll was being disrespected.  The apologetic tone was then expressed to Christians at the conclusion of a sermon that focused on forgiveness and judging.

In response to the Jews who were offended Messer had this to say, “I teach Jesus our savior.  I teach the Hebrew roots of the Christian Faith/the torah.  I teach the first 5 books.. In other words I teach Moses.  We are Christians who believe in the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith.  We are not apart of any Messianic groups.”  

Messer goes on to say, “We never attended to make Bishop Eddie Long a King. I can’t make him a King. There is only one King.  Jesus Christ.”

Ralph Messer feels that he was taken out of context, saying that the 14 minute clip that went viral was not representative of what he meant.  He says, “I was referring to the Kingship in all of us, not in one man.”

Roughly one hour later Messer said this to the Christian community.  “I came to simply honor a man that needed to be encouraged.  The news media and the press had slaughtered him.  What’s wrong with encouraging a man of God?  The heart of the offense is judgement against Bishop Eddie Long, rather then mercy and forgiveness.”

Ralph Messer defended Bishop Eddie Long, but was careful to express concern for anyone who has ever been sexually abused.

Since the original Kingship ceremony aired, several church leaders have taken the steps to distance themselves from Rabbi Messer’s ministry.  Pastor Paula White was recently linked to the Rabbi when a video surfaced showing a similar demonstation evolving White.  In it White was wrapped in a Torah, but she was not crowned a queen.  Whites’ people have vehemently denied any connection to Ralph Messars teachings.  Leading some to believe they weren’t as forthcoming with Paula White’s ties to the Rabbi. 

If you want to check out the apology you can look at the video below.  Whether you except the Rabbi’s reasoning are not, I predict he won’t be wrapping anyone else in a Torah scroll for a while.

Recorded live at Passion 2012 and featuring sixstepsrecords artists Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Kristian Stanfill, along with the voices of more than 42,000 college students at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, PASSION: White Flag will release worldwide on March 13th.

The album will feature some familiar songs while also highlighting brand new music spurred from Passion 2012, including the first single, featuring Chris Tomlin, “White Flag,” impacting radio on February 24th, along with a Bonus Deluxe with three exclusive tracks (full track listing below). White Flag is the follow-up record to Passion: Here For You, which debuted at No. 11 on Billboard’s Top 200 when it released in March 2011 selling over 30,000 units and garnering the No. 1 spot on the Christian Albums Chart. Since the first release in 1998, Passion projects have sold more than 1.8 million albums and introduced the newest and up-and-coming worship songs, including “Better Is One Day,” “How Great Is Our God,” “God Of This City,” “Holy Is The Lord,” “Waiting Here For You,” and in 2010, the #1 radio single “Our God” (from 2010’sPassion: Awakening).

Recently commended by President Obama in his speech (at 12:43) at the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, Passion 2012 helped 42,000 students representing 31 countries and more than 1,700 campuses learn about the horrific realities faced by the 27 million people worldwide who are enslaved as forced laborers, child laborers or trapped within the all- too prevalent sex trade. In total, $3.3 million was given to support more than 20 projects around the world by organizations that are focusing on prevention, rescue, and restoration for the millions of men, women, and children entrapped in modern day slavery.

Not only did students give financially to impact people all over the world, but they also provided enough towels and socks to the homeless shelters in the city of Atlanta to supply them for more than a year. More than 36,000 towels and 150,000 socks were donated.

CNN captured the heart of Do Something Now this year in a story profiling the efforts being made by the students and the heart and purpose behind Passion. Click here to watch the story.

Passion 2012 was a four-day gathering for college students and was led by renowned teachers Louie Giglio, John Piper, Francis Chan, and Beth Moore, among others, as well as lead worshipers Chris Tomlin, David Crowder* Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, and more.

To keep up with the Passion movement throughout the year, follow @Passion268 on Twitter, find on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Passion268generation or visit http://268generation.com. To track the freedom efforts visit http://dosomethingnow.com.

African Americans have contributed much to today’s musical landscape. Both genres of Gospel and Jazz have allowed African Americans to express their faith and passion through two different improvisational styles of music. Both genres will be on display on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the famed jazz supper club, Blues Alley, as Inspirational Singer Robert E. Person takes to the stage making his debut at the Washington, D.C. venue. Person will be performing songs from his repertoire, many penned by African American composers. The artist plans to introduce new material as well. Humbled at the opportunity, Robert will be performing at the same venue that artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ramsey Lewis have played. The live concert will be hosted by WEAA’s Marcellus “Bassman” Shepard. Tickets are available for the evening’s two shows, 8PM and 10PM, at www.bluesalley.com.

Joining Person will be the Allyn Johnson Trio. Called “The King of D.C. Jazz Piano” by The Washington City Paper, Allyn Johnson and his exceptionally talented group will be on display on February 16th. The Director of Jazz Studies at University of The District of Columbia, Johnson is a renowned jazz musician and the producer of Robert’s latest release, Soul Sanctuary. The project’s lead single, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, has catapulted the artist to impressive chart placements and national recognition. An award-winning vocalist who has been seen on The WORD Network and at the festivities during the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication, Robert is a rising star in the world of Gospel music.

Many in Gospel and Jazz have been raving about the singer. Bob Baldwin, GRAMMY Nominated Jazz Artist and Radio Host says, “Robert E. Person is a new, true, soulful and heartfelt artist on the horizon and deserves your attention!” Harold Rayford, Pastor & Stellar Award-winning Gospel Jazz Saxophonist says, “There aren’t any singers out there today that could even imitate this guy. Honestly, his vocal style and class are only surpassed by the humility and discipline he exhibits in his songs.” Bob Marovich of TheBlackGospelBlog.com says, “Robert E. Person is from Washington, DC but his voice is as big as Texas. His robust style – part gospel singer, part jazz balladeer – can be heard on his third CD, Soul Sanctuary, an indie project with major label personality.” More information about Robert E. Person can be found at www.RobertEPerson.com.

From the eclectic and boundless elements of music evolve a vocalist and a lyricist who convey an inspiring message through hard hitting beats of hip hop, the cutting-edge appeal of alternative, while giving you cool melodic infusion of jazz and R&B. Not restricted to one genre, heartfelt testimonial lyrics penetrate the soul as a musical therapeutic experience, giving you the captivating truth of God leaving you encouraged to be F.R.E.E.

F.R.E.E., Forever Radical Edifying & Exalting, are two young, gifted ladies from San Antonio, TX. While pursuing individual musical adventures, God’s divine intervention would sync these two musical songwriters to accomplish a greater goal for kingdom building and inspiring souls to have the liberty to be set F.R.E.E.

The Lyricist – Shantelle “Eclectic” Thompson – My rap style is one of clear delivery in execution and in message. For those who may listen to rap, not necessarily gospel rap or spoken word, I want the message of Christ to be received by them. As a very ambitious person, I strive to give everything my all and have a sincere passion for the success of people as a whole. It’s very important that everyone understands the lyrics that flow through the mic and for the songs to be appealing so it can catch the ear of the listener who would rather hear the sounds of mainstream. My desire is for all to love the beat and music, but most of all, I want them to leave knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Vocalist – Yvette “Vet” Hardin – People can’t receive you if you’re too “deep”, so I keep my writing style simple, which is sometimes best. I’m a bit quirky and love to laugh. I’m honest, very caring and my vocal style reveals just that. I do what I do because of the love for Christ and his message. Christ + music = my divine purpose. Although some people may consider it cliché, I believe only what you do for Christ will last. As I sing and Eclectic raps, I want our music to be heavily receptive and to inspire people from all walks of life. The Lord made us to all to be individually different. He loves us just as we are regardless of our flaws; it’s time we do the same. Being a Christian is so cool and so much fun! We serve a loving God with a loving message full of deliverance. Offering Christ to people is why I’m here.

F.R.E.E. humbly takes on the roll as the only Hip Hop female duo with a Christian platform.

Although F.R.E.E. has only been a group for only a year, an organic flow and kindred spirit bonds Yvette and Shantelle in music, love and sisterhood. The two met on the campus of Prairie View A&M University while chartering the Lambda Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women.

Through their debut EP, UNRESTRICTED, F.R.E.E.’s infectious music is captivating audiences, but, more so, the lyrical content is being absorbed and piercing the souls of listeners. Yvette and Shantelle are sweet spirited young women, but bring an authoritative and confident presentation to the stage as demonstrated recently when the ladies opened up for the popular MisFits Tour that featured The Ambassador, DaT.r.u.t.h., Mali Music and B. Reith. Their single “Free” is that example of the bold lyrical content and a fresh bangin’ track that resonates with generations of all ages.

While growing in God themselves, their goal is to reach the hearts of youth and young adults who do not have a relationship with Christ and to elevate those who desire a closer walk with Him and for all to dwell in a life that’s 4Ever Free!

Contemporary Gospel Artist/Songwriter Carl Brister releases his inspirational version of the classic hip hop soul track “Love No Limit” as performed originally by R&B Icon Mary J. Blige. The up-tempo urban gospel remake features new inspirational and uplifting lyrics written by Carl Brister. Carl Brister states, “I believe now more than ever, people really need to hear about God’s love and also have a good time. So I re-wrote the lyrics and made it a party song that feels good.”

Carl Brister’s third solo album UNDEFEATED is an uplifting feel-good contemporary gospel CD that crosses over into various elements of Rhythm & Praise, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, and Christian Contemporary music. It satisfies the listener who enjoys a variety of today’s music, yet desire lyrics that feed the spirit and soul. This powerful 12-song disc distinctively displays the vocal, songwriting, and musical growth of this gifted and talented artist.

It’s often stated that most timeless songs have been birthed out of the great extremes of life’s experiences. With many tragedies, triumphs, pains, and celebrations, this new CD clearly showcases Carl Brister’s most enduring collection of songs he has ever written. Each of these songs have all found their place on his triumphant new CD appropriately titled UNDEFEATED.

Carl Brister adds, “I pushed myself to go outside of my box and intentionally worked with a lot of new people who would stretch me as a singer and songwriter in order to grow.” The result is an anointed CD that delivers stand out original and cover songs, which includes the guitar driven contemporary christian worship anthem and title track “Undefeated”.

Carl Brister’s musical accomplishments include being featured on the Sony/Word release A MIGHTY FORTRESS by CD Hawkins and Singers. Past solo credits include two independent solo CD albums entitled THE JOURNEYand FOCUS.

Carl Brister’s sophomore solo effort produced two singles entitled “Pray for Me”and “Determination” which was voted as the #1 most requested song on radio in the Hampton-Rhodes, Virginia market. The music video for the single “Pray for Me” continues to be a favorite on video programs world-wide.

Carl Brister has been seen nationally and internationally with appearances on the NBC daytime drama “Another World”, B.E.T.’s Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Show, B.E.T.’s Video Gospel, The Word Network, Music Choice, JC-TV, among others.

In lieu of his new CD release, Carl Brister will embark on a “Love No Limit” regional promotional tour during the months of April and May 2012. To book Carl Brister contact Agape Music Works, LLC at 973-325- 0373. For more information visit www.carlbrister.com

Carl Brister resides in West Orange, New Jersey and is married with two children.