Some heavy hitters in the Gospel industry are set to release new CD’s in the month of March.  You’re definitely going to want to save up a few dollars as practically each week another high profile release will hit the stores.  Here’s a list of what you can expect in the next few weeks.

March 8, 2011

– Andrae Crouch – The Journey – Universal Music – EMICMG

March 15, 2011

-Al Green – The Best of the Gospel Sessions – New Haven Records – Provident

– Donald Lawrence – YRM Your Righteous Mind – Verity Records – Provident

– Richard Smallwood – Promises – Verity Records – Provident

March 22, 2011

– Smokie Norful – How I Got Over…Songs That Carried Us – EMI Gospel – EMICMG

March 29, 2011

– Mary Mary – Something Big – Integrity Music – Provident

– Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear – Fo Yo Soul Entertainment – Provident

Bishop Eddie Long’s New Birth Church is laying off workers. This after previously announcing a 10% pay cut to all employees until further notice. The Church has been loosing money ever since Bishop Eddie Long’s sex scandal involving 4 young men rocked the Christian industry.

In an exclusive report by My FOX Atlanta, The network learned that New Birth Missionary Baptist Church collected nearly $20 million last year with more than a million dedicated specifically for Bishop Long.

That million dollar plus collected in appreciation for Bishop Long is called a love offering.

New Birth says the losses are in fact do to a downturn in the economy, but sources say the membership at New Birth has dipped in recent months. Watch the video below and read the exclusive report on My Fox Atlanta by CLICKING HERE.

Pastor Ed Young preached next to a Ferrari on stage at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas on last Sunday.

Megachurch Pastor Ed Young hit the pulpit this past weekend in a Ferrari.

After causing a stir on Twitter for tweeting “Someone just gave me a brand new FERRAI!!!! (sic),” the Fellowship Church pastor literally drove one onto the church stage on Sunday.

But that wasn’t his car, according to his blog (a call to the church was not immediately returned). He was using it as part of a sermon illustration for his latest series titled “RPM: Relationships. Passion. Marriage.”

“God gave me a Ferrari because I am a Ferrari. You’re a Ferrari too. God has given you a Ferrari,” he said.

Weeks earlier, he was behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce – which also was used as a prop – as he emerged on stage for his sermon.

The luxury car, considered a dream car among many, was also used as a way of telling the congregation that they are a Rolls-Royce because they are made in the image of God.

For the past several weeks, Young has been trying to relay the message that though God has given everyone a Rolls-Royce or a Ferrari (one’s body), many are not using it the way it’s supposed to be used.

“I’ve been submitting to you that a lot of defective dating is going on in our world today,” he said. “Half of all marriages end up as relational wreckage … We’re not doing something right prior to marriage. That’s why we’re doing this series.”

Rather than letting Jesus drive or going down God’s track, many people are off-roading, he said.

“I want to drive the car the way I want to,” he said, describing off-road drivers.

But ultimately, that messes the car up, he noted.

The Grapevine, Texas, pastor described some of the defective dating habits or beliefs people have, including concerns over a ticking biological clock.

“In desperation, a lot of women will get married,” he recognized. “We think marriage will solve all of our problems .. [and] bring in contentment.”

Pointing to a passage in Scripture, he asserted, “Marriage will not simplify your life. It will complicate your life.”

Marriage is not the “dream” that people think it is either.

Young explained simply: “You’re a self-centered sinner, you marry a self-centered sinner,” you have kids who are also “self-centered sinners” and you end up with a “colossal collection of self-centered sinning.”

“It’s complex.”

Many also make the mistake of placing pressure on the spouse to heal one’s brokenness or meet every need.

But all a spouse can do is love and point to the Great Physician – God.

“If Jesus is not number one, if Jesus is not driving the Ferrari, we’ll put divine pressure on human beings. God has to meet the deepest needs,” he stressed.

Young went further to address the issues of fornication, sexual immorality, and adultery

The Bible states five times directly and 23 times indirectly not to have sex before marriage, he said.

In a bit more detail, again using the car illustration, he urged singles to stop at “first gear” – cuddling – when dating someone, though they may want to go into second and third gear.

“The Bible says keep sex sexy. Sex is beautiful when it’s used in the context that God has given us – marriage,” he underscored.

“Don’t play house. Wait until you get married and then God will take you to another level.”

Also expressing his unbelief at the prevalence of adultery, Young explained one possible reason for it.

“[It’s] because people have been so unfaithful prior to marriage,” he said. “You’re unfaithful to God’s directive, you flip God’s directives off, you shake your

puny fist in his face, you go off-roading, you hop in the … sack with all these people.

“You? Get married? You think now, you’re going to be faithful?”

For those whose “virginity is in the past,” Young made clear that God offers forgiveness and transformation.

“Give Him the keys,” he urged, as he preached on anchoring oneself in God’s Word. “Go where God wants you to go. … He’s given us the Ferrari. I even put a tweet out … You put one out to – ‘I got a brand new Ferrari.’

“It’s time for a sexual revolution. It’s time to understand we’re Ferraris. It’s time to drive down God’s track.

Young is no stranger to talking about sex openly from the pulpit. He made headlines in 2008 for issuing a seven-day sex challenge for married couples in his church and then again in 2009 for debating the founder of AshleyMadison.com, a website for those looking for an affair.

He told parents in the congregation who are worried about their kids hearing about sex that they’re already hearing about it from other sources. And church is the second best place to hear about sex, he said.

New York, NY — After almost a year of making headlines, the lawsuit filed against Habakkuk Music, Inc ended when New York District Judge, George B. Daniels dismissed the suit. The lawsuit which was filed by Isaiah D. Thomas and Global Gospel Music against Habakkuk Music, Inc. and April Washington-Essex last March was dismissed on December 6, 2010 for “lack of personal and subject matter jurisdiction.”

Habakkuk Music, Inc. has worked out an agreement with Global Gospel Music Group, LLC and Isaiah D. Thomas to release him from his recording obligations and to grant Global Gospel the rights to record and distribute his music.

Habakkuk Music, Inc., CEO, April Washington-Essex, said “I’m thankful for the excellent council of my attorney, Mark Frey and the legal team of Serling, Rooks, Ferrara, LLC. As a growing company it is important for us to protect the integrity and credibility of Habakkuk Music. I wish the best for Isaiah Thomas and Global Gospel Music.”

About Habakkuk Music

Habakkuk Music, Inc., an independent gospel music recording label, which launched in September 2008, has a formidable distribution agreement with Universal Music/Fontana Distribution, which includes retail distribution in the United States, Canada and digital worldwide. Other artists on the label include 2009 Stellar Award Winner Jessica Greene, Rev. Stefanie R. Minatee & Jubilation, Lisa Page-Brooks, James Grear & Company, Kevin Levar & One Sound, Papa San, Debra Ashley, Gail Holmes and more announcements coming soon!

CLICK HERE to play video

If you’re interested in writing for PATH you can watch the following video and email us at pathmagazine@hotmail.com & Kris@pathmagazine.com with samples of your work.  And someone will get back with you shortly.  Please watch the video first!

Tyler is back with another movie featuring and starring Madea.  The trailer has some funny moments.  The movie hits theaters April 22, 2011.  I’m guessing Idris Alba won’t be watching it!  He recently criticized Perry for buffoonish characters.  You can check that story out here. 

Synopsis: Madea, everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, take-no-prisoners grandma, jumps into action when her niece, Shirley, receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy, Kimberly and Byron are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can’t manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It’s up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam, to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter… and the revelation of a long-buried family secret.

ALSO READ: Actor Idris Elba Critiques Tyler Perry: ‘I’m Not With Buffoonish Characters Like Madea Or Big Momma’

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Actor Idris Elba was recently selected as the spotlight artist at Rutgers University.  Elba was the guest speaker at the event called “Artist Spotlight.”

The event took place at the Paul Robeson Center of Rutgers University’s Newark campus. Moderated by Ms. Baraka Sele, the current Assistant Vice President of Programming of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Elba spoke on a number of relevant issues.  Two comments stuck out and are being analyzed by movie-goers.

On the Golden Globes and this year’s Oscars

“Halle Berry and I were the only two black actors nominated for this year’s Golden Globes (Idris for Luther and Halle for Frankie & Alice). The Oscars aren’t designed for us…let’s focus on making more films.”

On the Spike Lee vs. Tyler Perry Feud

“Can I be candid?” he asks before turning to face the audience directly. “I don’t like all of Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for “Daddy’s Little Girls” because it portrayed a positive image of a black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success…we need Tyler Perry…by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma.”

So what are your opinions?  To Read What Spike said about Tyler and Tyler’s response CLICK HERE.

ALSO READ: NEW TYLER PERRY MOVIE: Watch Trailer for “Madea’s Big Happy Family”

Houston, TX — Multiple GRAMMY® Award nominee and Stellar Award winner Vanessa Bell Armstrong today signed an exclusive recording and co-management agreement with Music World Gospel. Armstrong will be co-managed by Clive Ennis of CAnthony Entertainment.

“It has been a wonderful journey,” said Vanessa Bell Armstrong. “I am so happy to have a new home with Music World Gospel. I am excited about working with my new team.”

Since her 1983 debut solo recording, Peace Be Still, Armstrong has had a string of number one hit songs. She has recorded 15 critically-acclaimed and award-winning albums that include a mixture of traditional and contemporary gospel, praise and worship songs, greatest hits and “best of” packages. Throughout her career, she has worked and collaborated with numerous artists, including Pastor Shirley Caesar, Tramaine Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Marvin Winans, The Winans, John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir, among others. During the late 1980s, Armstrong had success as an R&B recording artist.

Her self-titled 1987 album from Jive Records featured the Billboard charting hit “You Bring Out The Best In Me,” as well as the club favorite “Pressing On.” Her other career highlights include her 1987 Broadway debut at the Longacre Theatre, co-starring in Don’t Get God Started with Giancarlo Esposito, BeBe Winans and  Chip Fields, among others. In 1989, Armstrong had a cameo role in Oprah Winfrey’s ABC miniseries, The Women of Brewster Place. She also recorded “Shine On Me,” the theme song for the NBC hit series Amen. In 2011, at the 26th Annual Stellar Music Awards, Armstrong was presented with the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award.

Armstrong, who President Barack Obama has said is one of his favorite gospel artists, has a one-of-a kind gospel style and signature sound that is a perfect fit for Music World Gospel. “Vanessa Bell Armstrong is an extraordinary talent with an extraordinary gift,” said Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment. “We are honored that she chose Music World Gospel as her new home. She is one of the best vocalists of our time. She has influenced a generation of singers in various music genres. We look forward to continuing to build on her rich musical legacy.” 

“Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s journey is a source of encouragement to many,” said Clive Ennis, founder and CEO of CAnthony Entertainment. “She has flourished in several areas of entertainment throughout her remarkable career, making her one of the gospel greats of today. It is truly a privilege to work with such an exceptional individual and we are honored and excited about our new joint venture with Music World Gospel.” 

Armstrong was born in Detroit, Michigan and currently resides in Houston, Texas.

Richmond, VA — GI is back! Gospel’s Gentlemen have recently celebrated signing with Infinity Music/Central South Distribution, home to labels such as Reach Records (Lecrae) and Cajo International (Canton Jones). They are gearing up for their Sophomore Album Release this summer.

“We are ecstatic to partner with a company possessing such rich history, success, and knowledge of the business. To work alongside music industry moguls Vicki Mack Lataillade and Rick Greene, I am truly humbled. To God be the glory,” says Branden Anderson-Pres/CEO BGA Records.

“We at INFINITY Music / Central South are excited to be involved with the distribution of GI’s Sophomore release. The GI’s have a sound that will compliment the genres of music that INFINITY & Central South already have success with. INFINITY / Central South will be able to share the sound & music of the GI’s that has the appeal to both the CBA & Gospel markets…It’s like finding a piece of a puzzle you’ve been working on for so long that you couldn’t find – then “poof” – the piece just falls into place…It’s like that: The GI’s just fall into place with our family of labels & artists.” ~Rick Greene of INFINITY MUSIC

GI’s New Album “The Next Dimension” is due in Stores July 5, 2011.  Check out our 2009 interview with the G.I. below.

Okay so I’m not even going to lie! This was the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. Stellar Award winning artist Byron Cage was prank called by Nephew Tommie from the Steve Harvey Morning Show. They called Mr. Cage explaining that there was a mix-up in the Stellar Awards voting process which caused a mis-count in the votes, further explaining that Marvin Sapp was the official winner of the Male Vocalist of the Year.

When the prank caller threatened to come to Cage’s house uninvited, Byron Cage went off! He is truly a Christian for arguing with the man without cursing. The funniest thing to me came toward the end when Byron Cage can be heard saying, “Church dudes man we don’t get down like that.”  “We love the Lord, but the Lord will forgive us!”