Dr. Cornel West is leaving his post as a professor of Princeton University to follow what he believes God is leading him to do.

West is a 1973 graduate of Harvard University and starting 2012 will be a Professor at Union Theological Seminary, where he will teach Religious Philosophy and Christian Practice. West is known for his combination of political and moral insight and criticism and his contribution to the post-1960s civil rights movement.

Dr. West has said:
 “Owing to my family, church, and the black social movements of the 1960s”, he says, “I arrived at Harvard unashamed of my African, Christian, and militant de-colonized outlooks. More pointedly, I acknowledged and accented the empowerment of my black styles, mannerisms, and viewpoints, my Christian values of service, love, humility, and struggle, and my anti-colonial sense of self-determination for oppressed people and nations around the world.”

Most recently West is known for his criticisms of President Barack Obama. Cornel West and famed PBS host Tavis Smiley launched a nation-wide poverty tour in August to raise awareness of the poverty situation affecting America.

Over the weekend, Theta Mu Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity honored Grammy Award winning producer, composer and recording artist Donald Lawrence at its Black and Gold Ball at the Double Tree Hotel in Alsip, IL. The ceremony also honored blues great Lonnie Brooks, Marshall Thompson of the Chi-Lites, lyric soprano Jonita Lattimore and iconic jazz/blues guitarist Buddy Guy.

Lawrence is best known for his #1 gospel radio hits “Encourage Yourself,” “Back II Eden” and his current Top 5 smash, “Spiritual.” The bass heavy groove is even winning fans in the Fourth Estate. The New York Times pop critic Ben Ratliff calls it a masterpiece. “The song builds a tower,” he wrote in a recent review. “The last two minutes become breathtaking: the shifting harmony, and Ms. McAllister-Dyke’s hollering give it nearly gravitational force.”

The song hails from Lawrence’s recently released #1 CD, “YRM: Your Righteous Mind“ (Verity Gospel Music Group). The new album blends the classicism of traditional gospel music and soulful grooves with uplifting, messages of self-affirmation and practical exercises of faith. Among the collection’s highlights is the upbeat mantra “YRM (Your Righteous Mind)” featuring Dorinda Clark Cole, the smooth “We Agree” with Israel Houghton and “Through The Fire,” a rousing makeover of Chaka Khan’s 1984 hit. “This project really doesn’t differ from my past ones,” Lawrence says. “I want to continue to teach, through song, spiritual principles and laws based on scriptures.”

The Black and Gold Ball 2011 took place Saturday at The Double Tree Hotel, 5000 W. 127th Street in Alsip, IL.

Visit www.tmlcf.com for more information.

The funeral of rapper Heavy D reportedly will be streamed LIVE. The service will take place Friday, November 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

Gospel artists Yolanda Adams and Kim Burrell are both slated to give musical tributes to the Rapper. Singers Anthony Hamilton and Johnny Gill will also pay tributes.

Heavy D died Tuesday, November 8 in Los Angeles, CA at age 44. Services will be held at Grace Baptist Church, One Grace Plaza, 52 South Sixth Avenue (between first and second streets) Mount Vernon, New York.

To view the live stream Click Here.

Heavy D’s family have requested that, in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund. Donations may be sent to the following address:

C/O JP Morgan Chase
726 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10085
Checks payable to: The Heavy D and Xea Myers Fund

J. Moss readies for the release of his new album V4: ‘The Other Side of Victory’ early 2012.

The new song ‘Good and Bad’ is the second single off the album that J.Moss has released.

Click Here to hear J. Moss talk about the new album. You can listen to the single ‘Good and Bad’ below with the lyrics.

LYRICS:

You love me through my good –You love me through my bad
You love me through my good –You love me through my bad
You didn’t erase my future because of my past
I’m glad You loved me through my good & bad

You keep on loving me …
——————————————————-
highlight lead vocal lyrics:

Every blessing and request that You’ve granted Lord
You could’ve withheld but mercy intervened
Through the rebellion — Through all of my short-comings
(This is my favorite right here)
You keep on loving me — You keep on loving me — You keep right on loving me
Through the good and the bad — You never stop loving me
What You are to me — No man could ever be
You see through every mistake — Through every stumble
You prove to Your children — You’ll always be there
Through every slip — Through all of my issues
You could’ve been finished — You could’ve been gone
But you put up with me — Kept on teaching me — Kept on loving me — Yesssss
What I love about You is Your love runs deep
You gave Your life for a wretch like me
Who else would’ve done that — Who else could do that
Nobody but Jesus — Nobody but Jesus

(through all my good) & my bad
I’m glad You loved me through my GOOD & BAD

GRAMMY ® recognized artists Matthew West and Mandisa will ring in the holiday season with a special evening of Christmas music as part of “The Heart of Christmas Tour.” The shows will hit around 12 markets in the month of December, a full list of events are listed below. The evening of music will include Christmas songs from both artists, including a duet of “Christmas Makes Me Cry,” found on both of their holiday projects.

GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West debuted his first, full-length holiday project on, October 4, titled The Heart of Christmas. The 12 song record features an equal mix of Christmas classics and original holiday tunes penned by West. In addition to Mandisa, fellow GRAMMY ® winners and nominees join West on the album including Vince Gill in “Leaving Heaven” and Amy Grant on “Give This Christmas Away.”

The Heart of Christmas movie will premiere on gmc Sunday, December 4 at 7 p.m. ET. Inspired by the true story of the Locke family and West’s hit song “One Last Christmas,” THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS tells the story of one family’s quest for their seriously ill son to experience an early and magical Christmas and how an entire community came together to make it possible. The Locke family’s journey and desire to cherish every moment would change their lives as well as millions around the world forever.

Mandisa debuted her own full-length Christmas record in 2008 titled, It’s Christmas. The album features such Christmas classics as “It’s Christmas,” “Joy to the World” and “Little Drummer Boy,” along with special duets with West and Michael W. Smith.

World Vision will also serve as a sponsor for “The Heart of Christmas Tour.” World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. For more on World Vision, go to www.worldvision.org.

More information on Matthew West:
GRAMMY ® nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Happy (2003), History (2005) and Something to Say (2008). His latest studio album, The Story of Your Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. The album released on October 5, 2010, and garnered attention from CNN Online, Fox News, Billboard Magazine, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more. The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street week debut of his career selling over 10,000 units the first week landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200. In conjunction with Harvest House Publishers, West teamed up with best selling author Angela Thomas for “The Story of Your Life” book. The Heart of Christmas marks West’s first full-length Christmas project. A multiple ASCAP “Song of the Year” winner, West has had four No. 1 radio hits including his latest, “Strong Enough.” His songwriting credits include Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more. www.matthewwest.com, twitter.com/matthew_west

More information on Mandisa:
Two time GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa’s discography includes True Beauty, It’s Christmas, Freedom and now What If We Were Real on Sparrow Records. The season 5 American Idol finalist is also an author with the release of “Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame.” Mandisa was one of only 26 Idols selected to open Walt Disney World’s American Idol Experience in early 2009. Known for her transparency, Mandisa has been seen on Today, CNN Online, E! News Live, EXTRA as well as the pages of US Weekly and People discussing her weight loss journey. She is also a multiple GMA Dove Award nominee, and earned her first No. 1 radio hit this year with “Stronger.” www.mandisaofficial.com, twitter.com/mandisaofficial

According to our friends at GospelPundit.com, Myron Butler is back, but this time not with his group, Levi. Don’t worry –nothing bad happened… It’s just a worship album with a different direction.

The album, titled Worship, was recorded live in Fort Worth, TX earlier this year. It hits stores on January 24, 2012 and, based on Myron’s incredible songwriting/production (he’s worked with Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and dozens more), this project promises to be a winner.

The project’s lead single, “Bless the Lord,” continues to climb the radio airplay charts. You can listen to the song below.

THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS movie inspired by GRAMMY ® nominated singer & songwriter Matthew West’s viral holiday hit, “One Last Christmas,” will debut on gmc Sunday, Dec. 4. West’s new holiday album, The Heart of Christmas, is out now and features the title track and theme song for the movie along with the viral hit “One Last Christmas” and appearances by GRAMMY ® winners and nominees Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Mandisa from American Idol. The Heart of Christmas album will be featured in Delilah’s “12 Stockings of Christmas” promotion.

The new gmc World Premiere movie stars include Candace Cameron Bure (Make It or Break It, Full House), Burgess Jenkins (Remember the Titans, The Reaping), Kelsey Kingsbury, George Newbern (Father of the Bride, Justice League), Dendrie Taylor (The Fighter, Sons of Anarchy, True Blood), and GRAMMY ® nominated artist Matthew West. THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS is based on a true story that made national headlines when a community in Central Illinois decorated their houses for Christmas several weeks early for a two-year old boy battling a rare form of Leukemia. The movie unfolds as one family’s grief is eased by the love and support of their community and the life-changing legacy their son Dax Locke left behind, which reminds us all to cherish every moment. To see a trailer of the film, click here.

Matthew West, the Locke family and gmc are now launching the “Dollar for Dax” campaign with the goal to fully fund St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for an entire day in Dax Locke’s memory. To date, over $500k has been raised and this holiday season they are calling for 1.2 million people to donate one dollar to help reach the $1.7 million it takes to run the hospital each and every day.

West has been touring over 30 markets this fall including major stops in Texas, California, Maryland, Colorado and more, and will wrap up the year with fellow GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa on “The Heart of Christmas Tour.”

More information on Matthew West: GRAMMY ® nominated singer/songwriter Matthew West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Happy (2003), History (2005) and Something to Say (2008). His latest studio album, The Story of Your Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. The album released on October 5, 2010, and garnered attention from CNN Online, Fox News, Billboard Magazine, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more. The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street week debut of his career selling over 10,000 units the first week landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200. In conjunction with Harvest House Publishers, West teamed up with best selling author Angela Thomas for “The Story of Your Life” book. The Heart of Christmas marks West’s first full-length Christmas project. A multiple ASCAP “Song of the Year” winner, West has had four No. 1 radio hits including his latest, “Strong Enough.” His songwriting credits include Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more.

www.matthewwest.com
www.myspace.com/matthewwest
www.facebook.com/matthewwest
www.twitter.com/matthew_west

On the heels of the success of his debut project “Pullin Me Through” which produced “No Other Name”, the title track “Pullin Me Through” and the worship anthem “My Everything”, the anticipated wait is over; Gospel recording artist Todd Dulaney releases new single “Simply Amazing” featuring Grammy Award Winner Michelle Williams.

Simply Amazing is a labor of love for Dulaney. What God has done for him through his musical journey and in his relationship with him is simply amazing. Charting in the top forties on all three gospel music charts, nominated for ‘New Artist of the Year’ for the 2012-27th Annual Stellar Awards can only be described in two words “Just God”.

Dulaney is currently in studio working on his second project. “This project clearly defines the sound of worship. This time around, I have embraced who God has called me to be, I AM a Worshipper. The last project, I was finding me and sharing my love for what God was doing in my life. This time He has shown Himself to me and he has taken over my life, so my heart is singing His praises. He IS AMAZING, says Dulaney”. Look for the full project in the fall of 2012.

About Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is no stranger to the gospel music industry. Rooted and grounded in Christ, she represents the kingdom of God. Michelle’s first two gospel releases “Heart To Yours” (2002) and “Do You Know” (2004) topped the Billboard Gospel charts and touched the hearts of many.

Simply Amazing is available for digital download on your favorite digital outlets iTunes, amazon.com and many more. For bookings for Todd Dulaney and additional information contact: Wanda Adams at marketingministry@live.com. For additional information or bookings for Michelle Williams contact: Phil Thornton at phil@ten2oneentertainment.com

On Sunday, December 4, 2011 at 7pm music education advocates will gather at The Rutledge in Nashville, TN for the 3rd Annual Maestro’s Benefit Concert in support of music education for Nashville youth. Headlining the concert will be 10-time Grammy award winners Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, and Claude McKnight also known as The 3 Tenors of TAKE 6. Joining TAKE 6 for the evening is Nashville’s soulful songstress and recent American Idol top 40 contestant, Jackie Wilson, and the impeccably talented Prentice Family Band, which has become a staple in the Nashville community with their highly acclaimed Prentice Family Christmas Show.

Perhaps best known for penning the anthem “How He Loves,” John Mark McMillan is hailed for his concise, poetic and often “raw” lyrics.

“Raise your voice, chase away the ghosts.” So begins the title track from Economy. A natural progression and a departure, McMillan’s latest album has moved away from the themes of death and resurrection that clothed The Medicine to the interior psychology of a man trying to live in the uneasy valley between this world and the next.

“For me, the greatest days—the birth of a child, the success of a career—have always been coupled with the worst ones—the death of a loved one, a friend’s divorce,” McMillan explains. “It’s a tension we all live in.”

On Economy, that tension is electric. From the first drumbeat of album opener “Sheet of Night” to the post-rock cacophony that closes out “Seen a Darkness,” there is a palpable weight that permeates the entire project. Economy is the sound of glory and shame, murder and grace, darkness and daylight and all those spaces in between. And it shows up in the songs—in the delicate beauty of “Love You Swore,” in the rowdy drawl of “Daylight,” and the quiet solemnity of “Murdered Son.”

For those following the North Carolina-based songwriter’s steady rise as an artist, Economy will not disappoint. Lyrically and sonically, the album is far greater than the sum of its parts, served by McMillan’s band and producers Jeremy Griffith and Joel Khouri. The team has created a perfect accompaniment to McMillan’s searching, searing vision of a world that is “not as it should be.” But it’s not just a broken world that McMillan is singing about. With Economy, he’s pointing across the horizon to the hope of something much more than “broken hearts and counterfeit currency.”

McMillan has been touring the U.S. with the David Crowder Band including sold-out dates in New York, Seattle, Dallas, San Diego and Chicago. Tonight (Nov. 1), he performs at another sold-out concert in his hometown of Charlotte before heading to Atlanta on Nov. 5 and Orlando on Nov 11. In spring, he launches a 30-plus city Ruckus tour. Additional information, including tour updates, can be found at http://thejohnmark.com, https://www.facebook.com/TheRuckusRoom, and http://www.paradigmmgmt.com/stories/john-mark-mcmillan.