This years season of the Monique Show is coming to a close.  You don’t want to miss this special edition of Sunday’s Best with Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and some of the past winners of Sunday’s Best LeAndria Johnson and Y’Anna Crawley.

Also, Rickey Smiley provided some great comic relief.  Tune in below. 

Minister Isaiah D. Thomas is back with his renewed single entitled, “I Dare You” and with the full album to be released nationwide this Fall under Bronx Bridge Entertainment, Inc. and F. Hammond Family Entertainment. Thomas’ “I Dare You” which earned rankings within the top 25 on the Gospel Music Radio Charts is now available on iTunes and through other internet sources.

Thomas comments “2010 is behind me . . . the music which God has given me to share throughout the nation has been revitalized and will now be for all to hear.”

Santiago Cook-Brown, President of Bronx Bridge Entertainment, Inc. says “For the first time, “I Dare You” is finally ready to be released across the country full speed ahead.”

Minister Thomas’ attorney Chris Brown of Brown & Rosen LLC is excited to have negotiated the deal and feels that the partnership between Fred Hammond and Minister Thomas will push this project and Thomas’ career to another level. Brown states, “The praise and worship songs on this album will move masses.”

“Isaiah is a wonderful artist and great songwriter” says Fred Hammond. “I look forward to working with him, Bronx Bridge, and Global Gospel Music.” Isaiah is going to heat up the charts this Summer and the album will be ready to move this Fall.”

Antonio Murchinson, President of Global Gospel says, “This is exactly the team and support we needed for this project”. It’s Isaiah’s time to shine while still recognizing that God gets ALL the glory.”

Minister Thomas is so grateful to God for all of the great things He has done and is yet to do. He is also thankful for all of the love shown by and through supporters, radio announcers, and promoters who continuously push him and request his music.

In October 2010, the stars came out to celebrate and help raise operating revenue for the Black Academy of Arts and Letters that was founded by Curtis King 34 years ago. “In a bad economy the first thing that gets cut is arts funding,” says King whose 250,000 square foot complex is adjacent to the Dallas City Hall. “However, it’s the plays, concerts, poetry readings and other inspiring programming we offer that helps people get through rough times like these. So, we’re thrilled that these artists came together to make a CD that will raise money to help keep these programs going.”

The majority of the songs on the 13-track, Medicine – Live At The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (MCG Records/ $13.99 SRLP), were written or co-written by Sam “Shake” Anderson – a veteran bassist who has toured with the likes of Ray Charles, Curtis Mayfield and Bruce Hornsby. It was recorded live before an ecstatic, diverse and capacity-crowd at The Black Academy. Backed by the 80-voice Black Academy Choir, American Idol champion Ruben Studdard performed two of the album’s highlights. “Medicine For Someone Else” has a bluesy feel and shows off a raspier tone for the Velvet Teddy Bear while the ballad “Teach Me To Love” boasts an unplugged groove.

The album is not a typical gospel set. On it, the songs range from a brash critique of parasite preachers on “PTYHOMP (Please Take Your Hands Out My Pocket)” to the bloody waters of the Atlantic Slave Trade on Jasmine Guy’s spoken word recitation of Curtis King’s “My Language” poem. Ann Nesby (former lead singer for The Sounds of Blackness) wraps her big voice around the poignant anthem, “What Would You Have Me Do?” Yarbrough & Peoples, best known for their 1981 #1 R&B smash “Don’t Stop The Music,” deliver the funk on the percolating street jam, “Jump Til’ You Feel Something.” Tommie Young West, who recorded classic R&B sides for Louisiana’s Soul Power label in the early `70s, rocks the house on the pulsating “Won’t Have To Worry” while Brenda Ellis’ full alto pulverizes the paean, “Bask (In The Presence of the Lord).”

“I look back on my days of the handling of such mega superstars as Phillip Bailey of Earth Wind & Fire, Leon Patillo of Santana, Helen Baylor, Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Denise Williams, and the incredible Al Green, “ says President & CEO James Bullard of Majestic Communications Group (MCG). “This project, in my opinion, is comparable to those superstars. My blood is pumping like never before. This is going to be a big project and is destine to go all the way to the top. I am excited beyond words about this project.”

Although, The Black Academy has been a fixture on Dallas’ local arts scene for over three decades, the organization also has a national standing. Its 1987 fundraising CD by Eartha Kitt entitled, My Way: Musical Tribute To Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (Caravan of Dreams) sold over 250,000 copies. The Academy later funded national touring productions of “Black Music and the Civil Rights Movement,” “Symphony with the Divas,” and the musical, “Blues Bar.” Visit www.tbaal.org for more information.

Producer and vocalist Doobie Powell is preparing for his next live recording. Backed by his ensemble Nu Element, the session takes place on July 5, 2011 at Good Hope Baptist Church in Houston, Texas at 8:30p. The address is 3015 North MacGregor, Houston, TX, 77004.  Admission is only $5 Dollars.

Special guests for the recording include LaShun Pace, Brittney Wright, Shawn McLemore, G. Mayes & Nu Era, Zebulon Ellis, Jason Clayborn, Yunek, and Timesha Sampson.

Powell has released five independent efforts and has worked with the likes of Kim Burrell, The Clark Sisters, Donald Lawrence, John P. Kee, Marvin Winans, and more.

Gospel stars Kirk Franklin and VaShawn Mitchell are poised to bring in the Gospel night of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion of Concerts.  Also taking the stage is Dr. Bobby Jones, and more artists are expected to be added to the lign-up.  Click Here to get more information and purchase tickets.

Deitrick Haddon’s music has transcended time, since he burst on the scene in the mid 90s on Tyscot Records. He is touted as one of the most versatile artists in Gospel, and in music overall.

As a singer, musician, songwriter, music producer, choir director, pastor and now film writer, movie producer and actor; Haddon has continually pushed the gospel music envelope in various arenas.

Deitrick’s style and music is in constant demand along with the God inspired message, which he humbly delivers nationwide. Haddon’s ability to perform and write anointed and classic songs has catapulted him to produce many great projects.

Now, from Haddon’s longstanding and ongoing relationship with Tyscot, which has produced several critically acclaimed projects, comes the quintessential collectible ANTHOLOGY: THE WRITER & HIS MUSIC (Deluxe Edition) CD w/DVD.

This brand new collectible contains meticulously chosen content that showcases Haddon’s superb writing, incredible arrangements, signature vocals and music production skills!

Haddon’ tens of thousands of fans will be eager to own this amazing new collectible to enjoy classic hits and hidden gems such as “Anybody Here (Remix),”“Rise & Be Healed,” “Chain Breaker (Jiffy Cornbread Mix)”, “Live the Life”, “Rain on Me” and much more!

Along with the audio treats, the Bonus DVD contains the hit video “Well Done (Blessed & Cursed Version)” along with the foot stomping church house rocking video “I Gotta Praise (Holy One)” and others.

For new and old fans alike ANTHOLOGY: THE WRITER & HIS MUSIC (Deluxe Edition) CD w/DVD will be a must have for years to come!

ANTHOLOGY: THE WRITER & HIS MUSIC (Deluxe Edition) CD w/DVD will be available August 23, 2011!

Hello Fear, the latest release from Kirk Franklin, spends its second consecutive week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also sits at #13 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #51 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Mary Mary‘s Something Big moves to the #2 position this week. Trin-i-tee 5:7‘s latest, titled Angel & Chanelle comes in at the #3 position this week, while the compilation effort WOW Gospel 2011 holds to the #4 position this week. Yolanda Adams‘s Becoming rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Tough Love & Parables, the new release from Bizzle debuts at #15 while Shonlock‘s debut NeverOddNorEven debuts at #26. 

In the world of radio, “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin celebrates its twelfth week at the top of the radio charts. “Over & Over” from Trin-i-tee 5:7 featuring PJ Morton jumps to the #2 spot while “My Heart Says Yes” from Troy Sneed comes in at the #3 position. Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” moves to the #4 spot while “Well Done” from Deitrick Haddon rounds out the week’s top five songs. 

It didn’t take long for one of the young men to do something foolish with his settlement money.  Bishop Eddie Long accuser, Jamal Parris, 24, was arrested yesterday in Miami on drug and weapons charges. Parris, the one who gave the empassioned television interview about the sexual and emotional buse at the hands of Bishop Long, was pulled over after an officer spotted him operating his vehicle, a 2011 white BMW, with no tags. Upon searching the vehicle, the officer, Sgt. Seth Dubinsky, allegedly found 181 grams of marijuana, 50 plastic baggies and a Taurus semiautomatic handgun. Parris was also reportedly carrying $1250 in cash.

According to ajc.com, the officer stated the gear was “indicative of a drug dealer,” and he was jailed and charged with two felony counts: possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. He was also charged with operating a motor vehicle with no registration, which is a misdemeanor.

The website also states that Parris immediately demanded a lawyer, according to the officer, and kept telling him that he bought that BMW with the settlement money and that he’d been admitted to Miami-Dade College. He also reportedly said, “you guys are getting the wrong impression of me.’”

It’s an interesting turn in a situation that has been a mystery to many, being that the case was settled quietly through mediation. The fact that crime seems to follow these young men (two of the other accusers were arrested for robbing Long’s office prior to the abuse charge becoming public knowledge) seems to lend an air of suspicion to the to their claims. It doesn’t necessarily exonerate Bishop Long, since he helped the court of public opinion find him guilty by settling with no trial, but it certainly makes you wonder if there was crafty collaboration behind the scenes that led to the allegations that rocked New Birth and the religious world at large.

Marvin Sapp, Steve Harvey, Bishop Lester Love, and Bishop Derek Triplett taping footage Southfield, MI – June 27th, 2011 – The Word Network will record from the 2011 Essence Music Festival, which will be held in New Orleans July 1st-3rd. During the weekend of the music festival, The Word Network will record The Marvin Sapp Show’s first interview featuring comedian and best-selling author Steve Harvey.

The Word Network reaches millions of viewers in over 200 countries and over 80 million homes in the United States alone.

On the road with The Word Network for the weekend will be Bishop Derek Triplett, Senior Pastor of Hope Fellowship Church in Daytona Beach, and Bishop Lester Love, Senior Pastor of The City of Love in New Orleans. Bishop Derek Triplett uses his gifts in music and ministry to serve his community in Daytona Beach and to spread the good news around the nation. Crowned “The Voice of Hope,” Bishop Lester Love brings messages of empowerment and positive thinking to people of all ages across the country.

Interview opportunities with The Word Network are available for artists at the Essence Music Festival. For more information, contact Star Harris at (513) 247-0205 or starihearmusic@zoomtown.com.

The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards Garnered Unprecedented Viewers On gmc television network And Quickly Sold Out The Fabulous Fox Theatre As Atlanta Welcomed This Year’s Honors To The City

THE GMA Dove Awards offer recognition in a variety of genres making it the most comprehensive awards show celebrating Christian music will again air on gmc

THE GMA Board of Directors and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will again take place in Atlanta, Georgia in 2012 and will be aired on gmc. The awards, slated to take place in April 2012 offer the most comprehensive platform of music celebrating Christian and Gospel music.

The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards quickly sold out this past April at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre garnered its highest ratings on gmc. With over 1.5 million viewers turning in to catch host Sherri Shepherd and such artists as Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris August and other superstars Third Day, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant , Chris Tomlin, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Kenny Rogers and many others perform unique collaborations and take home honors at the annual awards show.

“We’re excited for the Dove Awards to return to Atlanta,” says William Pete, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO. “There was a buzz throughout the city surrounding the show and the excitement was contagious. We look forward to making the 43rd Annual Dove Awards another success.”

This year’s awards marked many firsts for the iconic awards. With its move to the culturally diverse city of Atlanta, the gmc airing, numerous promotions with radio, TV and area churches, coupled with the location being home to so many of the genres artists and the international TV star and comedian Sherri Shepherd bringing her uniquely apropos hosting duties to the show made for a complete facelift for “Gospel Music’s Biggest Night.”

Mitchell Solarek, chairman of the GMA board states, “Our experience this past year in Atlanta exceeded our expectations. How exciting to have the Governor of Georgia personally there to welcome our artists, and guests of the show. The City of Atlanta made us feel so welcomed from the city and state leaders to the multitude of local and international media that covered the awards. We are thrilled with the results of the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards and are looking forward to another amazing outcome in 2012.”

Charley Humbard, gmc CEO adds, “The GMA Dove Awards is one of the preeminent events in the world of Christian, Gospel and Inspirational music. Our relationship with the GMA and the Dove Awards is an important part of our strategy. We are pleased with the increasing numbers we are garnering with awards show. And, having the awards in Atlanta, the home of gmc, makes it doubly sweet.”

gmc can be seen in nearly 48 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.