Centricity Music’s high energy pop-rock band, Me In Motion, will be heading to Canada in December to join Peter Furler’s 2011 Christmas Tour.  The 10-day tour launches December 1^st and features Building 429 and Levi McGrath along with Me In Motion. 

“I’m really honored for the opportunity to join Peter on the road this December,” says Me In Motion’s frontman, Seth Mosley.  “It’s been a big blessing to get to know him, as the band worked on Peter’s debut solo record.  And now to get the opportunity to share the stage with such an iconic figure in Christian music, who had a big impact on me growing up, is a dream come true.  Peter is 100% genuine and lives what he sings. It’s gonna be a good one.”

Me In Motion just released their new single to radio, Yes We Can, and already the upbeat, catchy song has received eight radio adds out of the box.  The song’s lyrics are based on the message from Phillipians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  As Mosley describes the single, “It’s difficult to live our faith in this world but when the world says we can’t make it we shout back….yes we can!”

Gospel’s fresh-faced, mega talented girl group Zie’l (pronounced Zye – el) stepped into gospel music with an amazing sound that entranced the music industry and exhilarated new fans.  Their phenomenal vocal ability captured on their 2006 debut release Genesis featured the customized hit remake of the Clark Sister’s “Is My Living In Vain” and the James Cleveland favorite “Surely He’s Able”.  Crystal Bell, Christina Bell, Aphten Jones and Keyondra Lockett perfected a contemporary harmonic style that no one could duplicate.  Now, the Stellar Award nominated skillful singing acrobatics of the four will be heard as three until the decision is made to replace departing member Christina Bell.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson from Le’Andria Johnson remains atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week, sitting in this position now for five of the last six weeks. The album also enters at #9 on the Independent Albums Charts and #52 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Jessica Reedy‘s debut release From The Heart holds to the #2 position on this week’s charts. Kirk Franklin‘s Hello Fear moves to #3 followed by Lecrae‘s Rehab which enters at the #4 position. Uncommon Me from Isaac Carree rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Triumphant from VaShawn Mitchell, jumps seven places to #9 while the latest release from Norman Hutchins titled If You Didn’t Know, Now You Know re-enters at #20.

The complete Top 10 this week:

1 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
2 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart
3 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
4 | Lecrae – Rehab
5 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
6 | 116 Clique – Man Up
8 | CoCo Brother – Gospel Mix V
7 | WOW Gospel 2011
9 | VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant
10 | Andraé Crouch – The Journey

In the world of radio, “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh spends its fourth consecutive week at the top of the radio charts. Isaac Carree‘s “In The Middle” holds to the #2 spot while “Spiritual” from Donald Lawrence & Company holds steady in the #3 position. Yolanda Adams “Be Still” moves to the #4 spot while “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin rounds out the week’s top five songs.

The new CD releases this week are by Kierra Sheard, Micah Stampley, Sounds of Blackness and Shirley Murdock.  It will be interesting to see where they land on the Top 10.

The nominees for the 2011 BET Soul Train Awards have been announced with nods to veterans Michael Jackson and CeCe Winans.

Chris Brown leads the nominations with five while Beyonce received four. The soul diva is up against husband Jay-Z for Album of the Year.

Jackson was nominated for Record of the Year (Hold My Hand) while Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans are up for Best Gospel Performance (Along with others).  In addition Machel Montano is up for Best Caribbean Performance (Bend Over).

In what might be an omission in the nomination announcement, Jay-Z and Kanye West are nominated for Hip-Hop Song of the Year for Otis; however, Otis Redding, who is listed as a contributing artist on the record, is not given a nomination.

The awards ceremony will be held November 17 on BET and Centric on November 27 and it will be hosted by comedian Cedric The Entertainer.

A complete list of Soul Train Awards nominations are as follows:

Best New Artist
– Bruno Mars
– Marsha Ambrosius
– Miguel
– Frank Ocean

Best Male R&B/Soul Artist
– Trey Songz
– Chris Brown
– R. Kelly
– Miguel
– Cee-Lo Green
– Eric Benet

Centric Award
– Ledisi
– Raphael Saddiq
– Bilal
– Anthony David
– Aloe Blacc

Best Caribbean Performance
– “Man Down” -Rihanna
– “Summer Time” -Vybz Kartel
– “Wotless” -Kes The Band
– “Bend Over” – Machel Montano
– “Delilah” – Movado

Best Gospel Performance
– “I Smile” – Kirk Franklin
– “Walking” – Mary Mary
– “Heaven Hear My Heart” – Trin-I-Tee 5:7
– “I Believe” – James Fortune ft. Shawn McLemore
– “More” – Cece Winans

Album of the Year
– 21 – Adele
– F.A.M.E. – Chris Brown
– 4 – Beyonce
– Passion, Pain & Pleasure – Trey Songz
– Light of the Sun – Jill Scott
– Watch The Throne – Jay-Z and Kanye West

Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year
– “Moment for Life” – Nicki Minaj
– “All of the Lights”- Kanye West ft. Rihanna
– “Look at Me Now” – Chris Brown ft. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne
– “Out of My Head” – Lupe Fiasco
– “Otis” – Jay-Z & Kanye West

Best Female R&B/Soul Artist
– Kelly Rowland
– Beyonce
– Marsha Ambrosius
– Jennifer Hudson
– Jill Scott
– Mary J. Blige

Song of the Year
– “Motivation” – Kelly Rowland ft. Lil Wayne
– “Sure Thing”- Miguel
– “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
– “She Ain’t You” – Chris Brown
– “All of the Lights” – Kanye West
– “So In Love” – Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton

Record of the Year (The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award)
– “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele (Writers: Adele, Paul Epworth)
– “Far Away” – Marsha Ambrosius (Writers: Marsha Ambrosius, Sterling Simms)
– “Best Thing I Never Had” – Beyonce (Writers: Antonio Dixon; Kenneth Edmonds; Larry Griffin, Jr.; Beyoncé Knowles; Caleb McCampbell; Patrick Smith; Shea Taylor)
– “Good Man” – Raphael Saddiq (Writers: Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson)
– “Hold My Hand” (Duet with Akon) – Michael Jackson (Writers: Aliaune Thiam (Akon), Giorgio Tuinfort, Claude Kelly)

Best Dance Performance
– “Motivation” – Kelly Rowland
– “Only Girl in the World”/”What’s My Name” – Rihanna
– “Run The World” – Beyonce
– “She Ain’t You” – Chris Brown
– “Walking” – Mary Mary
– “Pretty Girl Rock” – Keri Hilson

2011 Soul Train Award Legend Award Recipients
– Gladys Knight
– Earth, Wind & Fire

Traditional Jazz*
– “In Concert On Broadway” – Harry Connick Jr.
– “James Farm”- Eric Harland
– “Light My Fire”- Eliane Elias
– “Silver Pony”- Cassandra Wilson
– “What’s It All About” – Pat Metheny

Contemporary Jazz*
– “Contact” – Boney James
– “Hello Tomorrow” – Dave Koz
– “Rock-et Sci-ence” – Bela Fleck
– “Let’s Touch The Sky” – Fourplay
– “Time Together” – Michael Franks

Brian Courtney Wilson just sent PATH his new single “So Proud,” and it’s a sure hit!  I first heard the song about a month ago, and was told that it wasn’t even mastered yet.  I was told not to speak about it.  Now with permission to speak about it, I’m excited to present it to you’ll.

In a busy room filled with artists and media, Brian asks me if I had some headphones.  I pulled out my huge Sennheizer headphones and Brian Chuckles as I seemed to surprise him by having the large headphones on hand.  I connected it to his I-Phone, and for a moment there I think Brian wondered if he would ever get his I-Phone back.  I played the song twice, nodding my head looking crazy to the room full of people.  Afterwards I told Brian, “That’s a hit man!”

Brian has a sure gift that resonates with the body of Christ.  His new song is called ‘So Proud’ and oddly enough we are “SO PROUD” of Brian for sharing his gift to the world.  

Brian tells me that he is hard at work making a new album for 2012.  Brian Courtney Wilson rose to fame in 2009 with hits like ‘Already Here,’ and ‘All I Need.’  

Now it’s you guys chance to hear the song before it’s released to radio and let Brian no what you think.  Brian will be checking out this page for your comments.  I also want to give a special shout out to Uncle G Promotions and Entertainment. They do an incredible job with Brian’s promotions.  Path MEGAzine now presents to you “So Proud,” by Brian Courtney Wilson!

“So Proud” by Brian Courtney Wilson by Path MEGAzine

According to Sheilah Belle of The Belle Report, Travis Malloy recently filed with the U.S. Copyright Office an application for copyright for the music he wrote for “Nobody Greater”. Mr. Malloy prepared the music with the lyrics written by Darius Paulk. The US Copyright Office has issued a copyright to Mr. Malloy, SR 680-801 (see below). “Its just a step in the process” Said Christopher Brown of Brown & Rosen LLC.

“As I previously stated, all parties will have a chance to address the allegations. Mr. Malloy still contends he wrote the music to VaShawn Mitchell’s song and the Court has set a conference date for November 14, 2011. Hopefully Mr. Paulk will be in Court that day. We have been unable to locate Mr. Paulk and one of his representatives has refused to accept service of the Complaint on his behalf. I recently read Mr. Paulk’s denial of Mr. Malloy’s claim on the internet so he is clearly aware of the lawsuit. However, we can’t seem to find him. We will move forward with the lawsuit and continue to search for Mr. Paulk. Either way, the case will move forward as I expect Sony and EMI to attend. EMI and Sony are entities that take such matters seriously.” Said Brown.

About Travis Malloy
Travis Malloy, a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, is a singer, songwriter and producer. Travis graduated from The Pittsburgh High School For The Creative And Performing Arts (CAPA), where he studied in the vocal department for four years. Travis Malloy is currently signed to Cory Rooney Entertainment.

The Blind Boys of Alabama appeared in Washington more than a year ago with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band performing music from their latest Grammy winner, “Down in New Orleans.” The proceeds of that album went toward the city’s restoration.

Now they return to raise their glorious voices in “Take the High Road,” the group’s first country gospel album.

Lead singer Jimmy Carter has been with the ensemble since the beginning 72 years ago at Alabama’s Talladega Institute for the Blind. He and his colleagues grew up singing and harmonizing in the church, so it is no wonder that their five Grammy Awards and five Lifetime Achievement Awards were topped by their 2007 induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

“We’re hoping this new album will earn a sixth Grammy,” Carter said. “All the songs are uplifting and thoughtful. We’re testing the water as far as concert music goes. It takes us in a new direction with lots of great guest artists, including Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack, Vince Gill and the Oak Ridge Boys. My favorite numbers are the title song and ‘I Know a Place.’ It has deep, deep meaning and a beautiful melody.”

The Blind Boys of Alabama are proud to share their music and spirituality with the world. Carter is the only remaining founding member who performs regularly. The positive public response and many rewards continually energize him and the current members, keeping them at the top of their game.

During the past decade, they have collaborated and toured with numerous famous artists, among them Taj Mahal, Prince, Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples. They have appeared on the radio and TV shows of Imus, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and Davis Letterman, and have been featured at the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland and the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C.

Thinking back upon the highlights of his career, Carter recalls more than can fill a page, but foremost in his heart are the performances at the White House for three presidents, George Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The second-biggest thrill was his band’s first Grammy Award in 2002 for “Spirit of the Century.” Another memory close to his heart was the response from the people of New Orleans to the proceeds from “Down in New Orleans.”

“I told them we couldn’t use hammers and nails, but we could sing and give them hope,” he said. “Our greatest pleasure comes from helping and touching people’s hearts. When I get on stage and hear the audience response, that is my reward.”

William McDowell, well known for bringing us one of the most powerful songs in recent times, “I Give Myself Away,” has returned with an all new two-CD set, ARISE, in stores Tuesday, November 8th. This prolific collection was recorded live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL at Christian Life Center and includes 23 compelling songs of worship, praise, authority, inspiration and revelation.

Judging by the seamless, no-holds-barred worship of ARISE, McDowell had a keen pulse on his vision for the project. A music minister at heart, he exhibits no-nonsense attitude about praise and worship music, sidestepping the typical conventions of album recording, from rehearsals and song selection. McDowell, worked with friends and collaborators on ARISE – among them, fellow worship leaders Martha Munizzi, Mary Alessi, and David and Nicole Binion, all of them veterans in leading the saints in song.

Prior to the live recording for ARISE, McDowell and his team made sure to spend a time of solace before the Lord – in fasting, prayer, community, and worship. By the time the worshippers hit the stage and without a big introduction or opening acts, it was clear their only intent was to create an atmosphere for the Lord to be pleased.

The results are awe-inspiring.  From the triumphant strains of the opening title track to the last lingering note of the closer, “I Won’t Go Back,” ARISE is one of the most fluid and Spirit-led displays of congregational worship in recent memory.

The first single “I Won’t Go Back” has started to make waves at radio – a powerful song of purpose inspired by, of all people, Obed-Edom, an obscure Bible character whose blessing from God was instrumental in revealing to King David the importance of pure and undefiled worship.

Other highlights of ARISE include the anthemic title track, a call-to-arms for the Body of Christ; the unifying “You Are God Alone,” “Song of Intercession,” with lyrics that remind worshippers that God is already working on our behalf; the gorgeous “Place of Worship,” a building ballad that expresses the freedom found in God’s presence; and “Overcomer” and “Standing,” each a duet with twin sisters Martha Munizzi and Mary Alessi, respectively. McDowell also revisits his hit “I Give Myself Away,” with an all-new live version that proved extraordinarily moving when the whole audience joined in.

“I’m praying for one thing specifically,” McDowell says as he looks back on the two-disc compilation, “and that is that the Lord will accept this worship.”

Independent of past, present and future accomplishments, Arise leaves no doubt that McDowell remains committed to the calling on his life to lead others to God’s throne.

ARISE will be in stores and online everywhere November 8th.

By Jessica Brooks BREATHEcast reporter

Known for speaking from his prerogative, singer Bobby Brown thinks he’s identified the reason for the split with his former R&B group New Edition – a lack of prayer.

Brown entered the music industry in 1980s with early pioneers of the boy band trend New Edition before embarking on a successful solo career in 1987. Having a strained relationship with New Edition, Brown wasn’t able to rebuild the broken relationship with his former group despite attempts on both sides.

To the surprise of many former fans, Brown revealed in an interview with Sister 2 Sister Magazine that the group is once again attempting to reunite but this time with added spirituality.

“We’re putting [New Edition] back together. I think the thing that was missing with us was prayer – us being able to pray together and understand our differences.”

Brown, who is the former husband of pop singer Whitney Houston, became a cultural icon during the late 80s stretching into the 90s of his solo music and acting career, recording top ten Billboard hits that led to a Grammy Award.

Brown’s career has been threatened by a history of substance abuse.  Brown recently visited BET’s The Mo’Nique Show with “Heads of State” tour mates and former band members Johnny Gill and Ralph Tresvant, and spoke of having overcome his additions.

With his return to music, in addition to the surprising reunion, Brown also has publicly acknowledged that the group also plans to capture the reunion with a reality TV show.

Tyler Perry has gotten plenty of criticism from those who feel his popular movies like “Madea’s Family Reunion” border on buffoonery and don’t reflect well on the black community.

But on Wednesday night, the filmmaker was honored by the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. The civil rights leader lashed out at Perry’s black detractors, calling them “proper Negroes” who don’t understand regular black folk.

“This man never apologized for who we were,” said Sharpton, who is also a cable TV host, at his second annual Triumph Awards.

Sharpton said Perry has given work to many black actors who have been ignored by Hollywood, and has created an empire on his own terms: “The ultimate pride is where you don’t have to bend and adjust for others to accept you. … He didn’t go mainstream, he brought mainstream to us.”

Perry was given the Chairman’s Award. Also honored: Chris Rock and his wife, Malaak, and California’s attorney general, Kamala Harris. Perry — whose films include “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” ‘’Why Did I Get Married?” and “Daddy’s Little Girls” — was recently named by Forbes magazine as the highest-earning man in Hollywood. He writes, directs and produces his films and sometimes stars in them; he’s best known for his Madea character, the foul-mouthed, sassy grandmother who has appeared in many of his movies.

He is also responsible for the TBS comedy show “House of Payne.”

But Perry’s films rarely get critical acclaim, and some in the black community have accused him of perpetuating stereotypes.

Perry acknowledged his detractors as he thanked Sharpton for the award.

“When you start out and you’re doing things and you’re trying to do the right things, and you find these attacks happening, and you try and figure out, ‘How do you handle this? How do you deal with this? How do you go there?’ So to have someone like you who has done all that you have done … and have inspired and encouraged and fought for so many people, to stand here and to give me this award, this is really, really awesome,” Perry said.

Perry said black people first gave him success, and he has sought to tell his community’s stories. He accused his critics of trying to remove themselves from their roots.

“I stayed with who we are, and what I wish I could get us to understand as a people is that instead of getting your education and running from us, you need to ground and root yourself in who we are. Every other culture in this country knows the value of us as black people but we don’t know it ourselves,” he said.

Click Here to Read the full story by the Washington Post