PJ Morton, a native New Orleans, LA, most often describes his music as “feel good music that lyrically tells stories about life and love…music that makes your heart think,” has signed with Young Money Records.
 
He made the announcement via his twitter account that he has become the newest member of Young Money Records.

The son of Bishop Paul S. Morton, who also coins his style of music as ‘soulful pop,” is an extremely talented songwriter who is responsible for the widely popular gospel songs “Let Go” and “Over And Over.” 

Young Money Records is founded by the hugely popular rapper Lil Wayne. This is the second recent signing of a predominantly Gospel artist to a secular label. Last month Gospel artist Mali Music was signed to Rapper Akon’s Konvict Music label.

Opinions on the signing have already flooded in on twitter resulting in a trending topic status highlighted by Twitter Monday.

 
This 27-year old musical prodigy who is also a member of the band Maroon 5, is indubitably a “true” seasoned musician who has garnered a reputation for writing and producing warm, heart-felt, and infectious songs that engage the heart. 
 

With PJ’s background in music, it is no wonder that he has found himself right at home in the music business. Coming from a musical background, PJ got his start singing in the church. He began to play the piano at the age of eight years old and by the age of 14; he was already writing and producing. His dream of becoming an artist began to take shape while he was in high school. 
It’s now safe to saying, his hard work and dedication is truly paying off.

Sheilah Belle Contributed to this report.

Well at least one prominent leader is fed up with the replacement process of Pastor Zachery Tims.  Mega-Church televangelist Bishop I.V. Hilliard set on the Bishop’s Council Committee that was created after Zachery Tim’s untimely death.  

In cooperation with New Destiny Christian Center officials, the task of selecting a new Pastor was given to the committee.  

“I was asked to be apart of a four bishop council, a committee of four bishops that would give wisdom and council and guidance to the board during their selection process,” Hilliard said.

In a special video announcement, Hilliard spoke openly about his decision.

“Now after being involved for sometime in the process, I have decided to resign my position in this bishop’s council. Now my commitment to integrity will not allow me to support something that I believe is deceptive and that compromises previously agreed upon procedures and protocol.”

Bishop Hilliard has one of the most successful chains of churches, planting several campuses throughout the state of Texas.  Hilliard leads the New Light Church in Houston, with its East campus seating over 8,000 people.

A teacher of church financial success, Bishop Hilliard’s opinions in such matters that New Destiny officials faced would be highly respected.  So when Bishop Hilliard made a video resigning his position on the council people wanted answers.  Hilliard took to twitter to emphatically voice his disapproval, declaring that a theft had taken place.

Hilliard tweets, “Who stands by and watches a theft take place and does not sound the alarm? Only the irresponsible and the uncaring….NDCC members we care.”

The selection of the new Pastor was supposed to be announced during the New Years Eve service, but several publications in Orlando are reporting that Pastor Paula White will be taken over as Pastor.  The speculation must have some weight because Bishop Hilliard tweets this shortly after, “It is my understanding it was announced…the members are outraged…I know the process was compromised…still in faith!”

Another tweet said, “Wow…Got the news about what happened at NDCC…shocking!!  NDCC Members you are not alone many in the body of Christ stand with you!”

Connecting the dots, it seems like Bishop Hilliard is prepping the public for an official announcement that is unfair to the New Destiny church members, and those applying for the pastoral position.  Even going as far as suggesting a theft had taken place, while distancing himself from the selection process.

IF speculation is true and Paula White is Pastor, it would break the terms set forth by the committee that the new Pastor be married.  Paula divorced years ago when she was married to Randy White, and the two led the highly successful mega-church Without Walls International.

Watch the video below to hear Bishop I.V. Hilliard’s resignation. 

A hearty congratulations are in order for Centricity Music’s Aaron Shust for reaching a career milestone.   Shust’s single, “My Hope Is In You,” this week became the longest running #1 song in 2011 on the AC Monitor chart, which remained in the top spot for eight weeks.  The single also was #1 on the iTunes Single Christian chart last week. This is the longest running #1 for Shust as an artist and is the first #1 hit at AC radio for Centricity Music. The project is Shust’s debut with Centricity Music and the song is from the album, This Is What We Believe.

“What an amazing song!  What an amazing artist!,” exclaims Mike Prendergast, Program Director, KLTY, Dallas, TX.

“With the economy and condition of our world the past few years so many people are losing hope,” says Joe Buchanan, Music Director, New Life Media.  “I’m so grateful we have a song like ‘My Hope Is In You’ to point people to where true hope can be rediscovered.” 

Shust’s follow-up single, “Risen Today” from This Is What We Believe, will go for adds at radio January 20, 2012.  The song is a re-make of the well-loved hymn, “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today,” and gives the classic tune an upbeat delivery but with the same respect for the message of the lyrics.  Fans will have the chance to hear Shust perform the song live on the spring leg of the highly-popular Called To Love Tour that launces in March 2012. 

About Aaron Shust

Shust exploded onto the Christian music scene in 2005 with his first album, Anything Worth Saying, which led to the artist signing with Brash Records.  The second single from the project, “My Savior, My God,” started generating airplay on its own and rose to #19 on the Christian Radio & Records chart before being released to radio.  Once released, it shot to #1 on six charts by April of 2006.  At the GMA Awards in 2007, Shust was honored with three Dove Awards for Song of the Year (“My Savior, My God”), Songwriter of the Year, and New Artist of the Year.  Shust’s second studio album, Whispered And Shouted, released in June 2007 and in 2009, Shust released his third and final CD for Brash Records, Take Over.  The project included the Christian radio hit, “To God Alone.”  At the 41^st Annual Dove Awards this past spring, Shust won two awards; Veggie Tales Music: Here I Am To Worship (Children’s Music Album) and Glory Revealed II: The Word Of God In Worship (Special Event Album).  Updates on Aaron Shust are available at www.aaronshust.com.

About Centricity Music

Centricity Music is an independent recording and publishing company based in Bellevue, Washington and Nashville, Tennessee.  The company’s mission is to enable our artists to create life-changing experiences for the world. Centricity Music’s artist roster includes Aaron Shust, Andrew Peterson, Downhere, Jaime Jamgochian, Jason Gray, Me In Motion, and Sixteen Cities. For more information about Centricity Music visit online at www.centricitymusic.com.

CLICK HERE to get a larger preview of the shirts! Call 1888-908-PATH to place your order and get the sale price.

The theme of our first wave of designs is church slogans. “We thought consumers would be able to relate to popular church slogans that our Pastors say frequently,” says Patrick. Sayings like “The Devil is a Lie!” and “Amen Lights & Walls,” have sold well. Patrick reiterates, “So the first designs are inspired by the church, but we’re also designing practical motivational messages anyone can apply to keep them on the right PATH.”

The clothes are available online by visiting www.store.pathmagazine.com, or you can call in and place orders over the phone. The shirts will also be appearing in select stores across the country. Retail vendors looking to carry the line are welcome to contact Path Wear for special merchant discounts. Churches looking to sell Path Wear in their church bookstore or also encouraged.

Contact: Christin Gordon
Phone: 1888-908-PATH
Email: PathWear@pathmagazine.com
Website: www.store.pathmagazine.com

About Path MEGAzine: Path MEGAzine is on an online Gospel magazine showcasing the newest, brightest and best in Gospel music. Viewers stay on the righteous PATH through an unprecedented video platform airing video-taped interviews, inspirational editorials and faith-based content used to encourage viewers. Visit www.pathmagazine.com

About Parallel Path Entertainment: Parent company Parallel Path Entertainment (PPE) is a video production company inspired to work with Christian business owners and companies. PPE has produced videos for some of the best in the faith-based and Gospel industry. Founded in 2005, PPE’s brand encompasses media works in publishing, entertainment, and fashion. The Path MEGAzine, The Gospel View, and Path Wear all fit under the umbrella of this media and design enterprise. Visit www.ppevideo.com

According to a post made by Marvin Sapp this weekend, he’s on the hunt for six background vocalists to travel with him for the 2012 touring year.

In Sapp’s words:

“After much prayer I have decided to give and opportunity to 6 saved and vocally skilled individuals who have a passion to minister to the masses with me as I spread the gospel musically in 2012.”

Email your Bio and Picture to 2012backgroundsingers@gmail.com to receive info of when the auditions will be held in Grand Rapids MI. God Bless

So if you think you have what it takes be sure to follow up on this.  Or bless a friend by forwarding this information on to your friends.  It’s not clear how long Marvin Sapp will be taking applicants, so don’t delay.  Good Luck!

The LA Times reports that music producer John Atterberry, who was fatally shot by a gunman on a Hollywood street Friday, was working on a Christian-themed movie about spiritual awakening.

There has been an outpouring of tributes to Atterberry from the entertainment industry since his death Monday. The Los Angeles native got his start at Tabu Records, according to a biography on the Facebook page for GridLock Group, where he served as senior partner and chief financial officer.

Early in his career he was a vice president of Death Row Records, which at the time was home to Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. He later worked on albums by Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson, Brandy, the Spice Girls and Jessica Simpson.

PHOTOS: A deadly scene in Hollywood

Atterberry was producing the independent movie “God’s Country,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. Atterberry co-wrote the film — about a businesswoman who finds religion while working on a big deal — and was shifting more into the movie business, the paper reported.

Atterberry, 40, of Hollywood Hills was driving near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street when he was shot three times in the face and neck by the gunman, later identified by authorities as Tyler Brehm, 26, of Los Angeles.

Brehm repeatedly fired a .40-caliber handgun at motorists, police said. Atterberry’s silver Mercedes-Benz coupe was one of several cars Brehm shot at from close range. When police arrived, Brehm screamed that he wanted to die and pointed his weapon at the officers, who shot him.

Click Here to Read the full story by the LA Times.

Congratulations to Sunday Best winner Amber Bullock, whose debut EP, Thank You, debuts at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart this week!

Labelmate Le’Andria Johnson follows at #2 with William McDowell landing at #3 from his #1 spot for the past four weeks.

Here’s the full top 10:

1 | Amber Bullock – Thank You
2 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
3 | William McDowell – Arise
4 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
5 | Lecrae – Rehab
6 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart
7 | WOW Gospel 2011
8 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of…
9 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
10 | Le’Andria Johnson – Christmas Best

New releases are just about through for the year, so movement on the charts may be minimal until the new year.  Leading January 2012 releases include James Fortune’s new album ‘Identity.’

Gospel sensation Trish Standley has a voice that gets noticed. The Atlanta-based songstress has been getting the attention of gospel music lovers with her unabashed love for the Lord and her striking vocal prowess. She hasn’t just been gaining fans in the US, but also in the UK. “Love”, the danceable single from Standley’s sophomore release Redemption, peaked at #5 on the UK Soul Charts. The 2011 Excellence in Christian Music Award Recipient will be holding her CD release event for Redemption on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 9PM at Finding Eve Soul Café (49 Boulevard SE, R-6, Atlanta, GA 30312 – 678.971.3101). More information can be found at FindingEveSoulCafe.com.

The event will feature a live performance from the artist singing songs from the new project. Neo-Soul artist Sonya Knight as well as duo Go2 will be Trish’s special guests. CDs will be sold on the night of the event. Twenty percent of CD sale proceeds from the evening’s festivities will be donated to Thistle Farms (www.ThistleFarms.org), a Christian women’s rehabilitation center for recovering addicts and prostitutes in Nashville, TN.

The intimate venue will allow Trish to minister personally. The artist is looking forward to the CD release event and says, “I am so excited about starting the year off with this Redemption concert because that is exactly what ‘Redemption’ is all about. The new year is all about new beginnings,” shares Trish. “It is VERY important to me that an atmosphere of ‘inclusion’ is set because no one is worthy of the message of Christ, that he loves, died and rose for them, too. My prayer is that through this event seeds will be planted in the hearts of those who are unsure of this message and that they are connected with the ‘watering’ of that Word so that it can grow in their hearts and minds.”

A native of Kokomo, Indiana, Trish began singing at her home church. Her songwriting career began when she took her mother’s poetry and put melody to it. Years later, after moving to Atlanta, she continued embracing her musical talents, and studied voice with Canangela Boyd-Robertson of Jan Smith Studios, owned by the famed vocalist and songwriter. Trish formed a children’s choir and served as Lead Director at an Atlanta church. In 2004, she formed the gospel ensemble, AHAVA, which consisted of nine members who worshiped at various churches throughout the Atlanta area. In 2009, she released her first album entitled Introducing…Trish which was followed by her latest release, Redemption. For more information about Trish Standley, log on to www.jansjoy.net.

To say that 2011 was an outstanding year for Centricity Music is only fitting after the record-breaking successes they have accomplished since January. Centricity Music is an independent record company that focuses on artist development through a creative A&R department, innovative marketing ideas, and a powerhouse radio promotion team. As a result, the artist’s unique talents are able to develop leading to such spectacular results this year.

Aaron Shust hit a home run with his debut project for Centricity Music, This Is What We Believe. The first single, “My Hope Is In You,” became the first #1 AC hit for the label, remaining at the top position for eight weeks on AC Monitor, seven weeks on AC Indicator and six weeks on the Soft AC chart. This year the Dove award-winning artist also became a six-month columnist for CCM Magazine, appeared on Moody’s national radio show Chris Fabry Live!, performed at Focus On The Family’s Thanksgiving Chapel, and will be featured in Lifeway’s ParentLife magazine in January 2012. Shust’s next single, “Risen Today,” goes for adds at radio January 20, 2012.

Downhere’s Marc Martel is now officially the lead singer of the Queen Extravaganza tribute band that will tour nationally and internationally in 2012. Martel flew to Los Angeles last week and auditioned before a panel of judges that included Roger Taylor of Queen. Martel became an overnight viral sensation with his audition video of “Somebody To Love,” for the Queen Extravaganza contest. Martel’s video exploded online and ended up receiving 5-million hits which led to an appearance on the Ellen Show (where he received a standing ovation from the audience), an interview on LA’s powerhouse rock station KLOS, and a feature in the Tennessean newspaper.

And for Downhere fans, Martel is still touring with his ten-year band mates in support of their new album, On The Altar Of Love. The CD received the strongest reviews of any album of the band’s career with NewReleaseTuesday.com declaring, Don’t miss out on this gem, one of the absolute best albums of the year. The group just released “Rest,” the second single from the project that is already #30 on the AC Indicator chart. Downhere just completed the Called To Love Tour with labelmates Jason Gray and Aaron Shust and will join them for the second leg of the tour in spring 2012. Downhere is currently on their How Many Kings Christmas Tour that concludes on December 18th. Also this year, Downhere was once again honored by the GMA Covenant Awards winning Song Of The Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.

Jason Gray started off 2011 winning ASCAP’s Performance Award that is based on radio airplay for “More Like Falling In Love,” that peaked at #4 in late 2010. His follow-up single “I Am New” peaked in the Top 10 on the AC Indicator Chart in April. In September, Gray released his third studio album for Centricity Music, A Way To See In The Dark and the first single, “Remind Me Who I Am,” became the number one downloaded song on the iTunes Christian Chart the week after Thanksgiving and is currently #11 on the AC Indicator chart and #13 on AC Monitor. Always a critic favorite, Worship Leader Magazine says, A Way to See in the Dark is a real listening pleasure. Musically easy on the ears and lyrically stimulating to the mind. Gray has toured with such major acts as Michael W. Smith, Third Day, tobyMac, Francesca Battistelli, Sanctus Real, and will join Andrew Peterson for the 2nd year on his Behold The Lamb Of God Christmas Tour 2011.

Andrew Peterson continues to build a larger and more dedicated fanbase as proven with his 2011 single, “Dancing In The Minefields,” that went Top Ten on the AC Indicator chart and the video had over 500,000 views online. This summer Peterson was the closing act on the highly popular Music City Roots in Nashville and received a standing ovation from the mainly Country/Americana audience. In May 2011, Peterson released the third book in his four-part Wingfeather Saga series, “The Monster In The Hollows,” and it’s already being hailed as a classic. This fall Peterson hosted his 2nd Annual Hutchmoot event in Nashville that sold out in six hours and immediately following the event Peterson joined Steven Curtis Chapman on his Songs & Stories Tour. The response was very strong with sold out shows and enthusiastic audiences so Chapman and Peterson, along with Josh Wilson, will be doing a second leg of the tour in the spring. In December, Peterson launched his 12th annual Behold The Lamb Of God Christmas Tour 2011 that is heralded as one of the best holiday shows and is a continual sell-out across the country. Peterson will be releasing his third studio project for Centricity Music in Fall 2012.

Other standouts for Centricity Music’s roster includes Jaime Jamgochian’s Top 30 AC Monitor hit, “The Stand,” as she continues a heavy touring schedule that includes her popular Modest Is Hottest events for teen girls. Me In Motion enjoyed a Top Ten hit on the CHR chart with “Eye Of The Hurricane,” and their new single, “Yes We Can,” is already #20 after only six weeks of airplay. The Yes We Can EP is now available on iTunes. The group has joined Peter Furler’s and Building 429’s Christmas tour in Canada this month. Sixteen Cities is gearing up their next single, “Love Is Making A Way,” that goes for radio adds on December 30.

For future updates on Centricity Music and their roster of artists please visit www.centricitymusic.com