Press Release Via GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc.:

(Houston, TX — February 16, 2011) — Mathew Knowles, the founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment (MWE), has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Gospel Music Association (GMA). Knowles brings to the board his creative, business and management expertise, as well as a profound commitment to music.

GMA is considered the face and voice of the gospel and Christian music. The working board is comprised of 35 board members who are leaders in the industry. “I am so pleased that Mathew has been elected to the GMA Board of Directors,” Ed Leonard, President and Chairman of the Board of the Gospel Music Association. “He will add his vast mainstream and Gospel expertise to a board stocked with talented professionals. I know he will be integral in leading the GMA to greater heights as we work together to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music.”

Under Knowles’ visionary leadership, Music World Entertainment (MWE) has had an unprecedented global impact on music and entertainment for nearly two decades. In 2002, Knowles launched Spirit Rising Music, now named Music World Gospel (MWG), a division of MWE. The company began with the successful launch of Michelle Williams as a gospel artist. Several years later, Knowles continues his mission to produce high quality entertainment for the faith-based community.

“I look forward to working with the other board members in developing ideas and concepts to further expand both the platforms and audiences for Gospel and Christian artists,” said Knowles. “These are challenging times in the music industry , but it’s extremely important for us to work together to meet those challenges and to achieve long-term stability and profitability for our business, for our Christian and Gospel artists, and the faithful listeners they serve.”

In recent years, MWG has experienced a tremendous amount of growth and success. The label features a roster of award-winning recording artists, joint ventures and special projects including, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Juanita Bynum, Brian Courtney Wilson, Micah Stampley, Pastor Rudy Rasmus and The ESSENCE Gospel Project.

In the Billboard’s 2010 year-end issue, MWG ranked in the Top 5 and 10 on nine of the eleven gospel charts. Music World Gospel was #4 on the Hot Gospel Songs Imprints chart, #6 on the Hot Gospel Songs Label and #9 as the Top Gospel Album Label. In the past two years, MWG set and broke records and made Billboard chart history with the success of contemporary break-through artist and GMA Dove nominee Brian Courtney Wilson. After 87 weeks, Wilson’s CD remains on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart in the Top 20-longer than any other CD title on Billboard’s Top 50. In June 2009, JUST LOVE debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart and #6 on Billboard’s Top Christian Album chart. The CD also remained at #1 on Christian Music Trade Association’s (CMTA) Inspirational Album chart for 52 weeks.

www.musicworldent.com 

ABOUT MATHEW KNOWLES
Mathew Knowles is the founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment (MWE), one of the world’s leading music and entertainment conglomerates. Under his visionary leadership, the Houston-based company has experienced tremendous growth and extraordinary success over the past two decades. Its worldwide platforms include successful record label ventures, management services for recording artists and producers, endorsement deals and partnerships, artist development services, a master catalog series, film ventures, licensed merchandise products, community philanthropic work and investment and property holdings. Knowles is widely recognized in the entertainment industry for his effective approach to developing and promoting award-winning artists. Under his leadership and management, Destiny’s Child became a global phenomenon and the “most successful girl group” in the history of popular music. Destiny’s Child was named Billboard magazine’s Female Group of the Decade (2000-2009). Knowles also successfully launched and managed the solo careers of the members of Destiny’s Child: Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé, who was crowned Billboard’s Top Female Artist of the Decade (2000-2009). Knowles is a 1974 graduate of Fisk University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was bestowed with the honor of Doctor of Humane Letters by his alma mater at the University’s 2008 Commencement Ceremony and is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. He holds a professorship at Texas Southern University and is a popular guest lecturer at colleges and universities around the country. Knowles began his career as a sales and marketing representative for Xerox in Houston, Texas. He became a top sales executive worldwide before turning his attention to the music business that had intrigued him since his youth.

Did you miss Deitrick Haddon on the Monique Show this week?  Deitrick was on the show promoting his new CD “Church on the Moon.”

Haddon performed two songs and answered questions about his innovative new album.  Early reviews of the CD are positive.  Personally, I think it’s his best CD ever!

Tune in to the video below.

Los Angeles, CA — Oscar nominated, multiple GRAMMY,®  Stellar and GMA Dove Award winner and GMA Hall of Famer Andraé Crouch will release his 18th album, The Journey, in stores May 17, 2011. His new single, “The Promise,” will be sold exclusively at Wal-mart beginning February 15.

The new single and album will be released by Riverphlo Entertainment and distributed by Universal Music Christian Group. Riverphlo Entertainment’s founder, President and CEO Luther “Mano” Hanes signed Andraé Crouch to his new label in 2010. “It is very simple. It is the greatest honor in the world to sign Andraé Crouch to Riverphlo,” said Hanes. “I am playing music today because of him. I learned how to play piano by imitating him when I was six years old. I studied all of his records, all day long.”

The single CD package of “The Promise” includes the single, an instrumental version, an instrumental version with background vocals, “The Promise” video, a video with a personal message from Crouch and a PDF copy of the sheet music.  The digital version of single will be sold initially at Walmart.com, iTunes and Amazon beginning February 15.  The digital single will be available at all other online retail outlets on February 22.  The digital single includes the same components as the physical CD, with the exception of the sheet music.

“The Promise” is written by Crouch and Hanes, an award-winning producer, who is also the creator and executive producer for the CD project. “He has always been progressive, prolific and ahead of his time,” said Hanes. “He dominated radio during his time in the industry, but that was not the thing that made him great. What made him great was how his songs exploded and took deep root inside the church—no mater what color or denomination. His songs were made great by the churches all over the world. When I thought of this project, it was very important that we start off with a song that spoke to the state of the world today, the times we are living in and how we really need to hear from God. The body of Christ needs to be reassured of God’s promise to His people.  I felt this song was the perfect song for the body of Christ in this hour.”

As a testament to Crouch’s music legacy, Riverphlo Entertainment will present “The Promise” Choir Competition, which will run from February 15, 2011 through June 30, 2011. “The Promise” Choir Competition is open to church and community choirs in the US, Puerto Rico and Canada. All participants must be at least 18 years of age or older.

The winning choir will receive numerous prizes, including a two song recording digital deal with Riverphlo Entertainment. The label will also handle the marketing and promotion for the winning choir’s digital release. The songs will be produced by Crouch and Hanes.  The winning choir will have the opportunity to appear in Andraé Crouch’s upcoming documentary film. Both Crouch and Hanes will come to the winning choir’s city/community to conduct a music workshop on songwriting, production and music ministry. The winning choir will have the option of Crouch and Hanes appearing and/or participating at the winning choir’s sponsored concert in their city/community. In addition, the winning choir will have the opportunity to participate in various local and national media opportunities with Crouch. The winning choir will also receive music and sound equipment from a leading music supplier. For further information on the competition, please visit www.riverphlo.com.

Crouch has been an important figure in Christian Music since the 1960s.

Crouch is credited with revolutionizing the sound of contemporary gospel music and was one of the first black gospel artists to crossover to mainstream contemporary Christian music. His songs have been performed by Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, and church choirs and other musical groups around the world. Crouch also has worked as a producer or arranger with Michael Jackson, Madonna (“Like A Prayer”), Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and Rick Astley (“Cry For Help”). His film credits include Once Upon A Forest, The Color Purple, The Lion King, and Free Willy.  In 2004, he became the only living contemporary gospel artist—and just the third in history—to have his star enshrined on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

As Crouch puts the final touches on the new CD, he spends his time writing 20-30 songs per week.  He currently serves as Senior Pastor at the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in San Fernando, California, the church founded by his parents. His twin sister, Sandra Crouch, is the Executive Pastor.

For more information on “The Promise” and Andraé Crouch, please visit:

www.riverphlo.com.

I figured today was a good day to send some love out to all of our subscribers.  I’m so happy to present you with Gospel music and Christian entertainment each day.  

Gospel music is the only genre of music that fulfills and sustains all human emotions.  It’s the only form of music that can utterly uplift your spirits, inspire you, make you reflect on love, heal and offer advice based on moral and biblical principles.  More than that it helps you stay on God’s righteous PATH for your life.

I’m truly proud to be apart of it, and as I love on God today I encourage you to remember from whom all love comes from.  You may not have a “boo” to share it with but take comfort in the Lord today.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”-John 3:16

The ultimate Love for me is that right there.  Thank you for letting us into your places of work and the comfort of your homes.  If you haven’t checked out February’s issue yet, make sure you swing by www.pathmagazine.com, and check out all of the “Cover Articles.”  It’s a wonderful issue featuring Canton Jones on the cover, as well as some of your favorite Gospel artists and Hollywood Celebrities.  

In the near future we have some great new things in the works for everyone.  I can’t speak on it now, but it’s major!  Please keep us in your prayers.  In the meantime make sure you tell a friend about Path MEGAzine.  Until next time.

Shalom,

Kris Patrick
Kris@pathmagazine.com

WOW Gospel 2011, the latest installment of the popular WOW Gospel series, debuts atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also sits at #29 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Canton Jones‘ new release Dominionaire debuts at the #2 position. Church on the Moon from Deitrick Haddon takes the #3 position while I Believe: Live from James Fortune & FIYA jumps to #4. Lecrae‘s Rehab: The Overdose rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, …Then Sings My Soul, the newest effort from The Mississippi Mass Chior debuts at #13 while Live at the Cathedral from Pastor E. Dewey Smith, Jr. & The Hope Mass Choir jumps eight places to #24.

In the world of radio, “Nobody Greater” from VaShawn Mitchell moves to the top of the radio charts. “I Believe” from James Fortune & FIYA featuring Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez enters at the #2 spot while William McDowell‘s “I Give Myself Away” moves to the #3 position. “He Wants It All” from Forever Jones takes the #4 spot while “Walking” from Mary Mary rounds out the week’s top five songs.

The Winners are Highlighted in Orange.

And the Grammy Goes to:

Best Gospel Performance

“He Wants It All” by Forever Jones | Get Ready
“You Hold My World” by Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People.
“Nobody Greater” by VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant
“He’s Been Just That Good” by Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway | The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III
“Grace” by BeBe & CeCe Winans | Still

 Best Gospel Song

“Beautiful Things” by Lisa Gungor & Michael Gungor, songwriters (Gungor) | Beautiful Things
“Better Than A Hallelujah” by Sarah Hart & Chapin Hartford, songwriters (Amy Grant) | Somewhere Down The Road
“It’s What I Do” by Jerry Peters & Kirk Whalum, songwriters (Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway) | The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III
“Our God” by Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin) | Passion: Awakening
“Return To Sender” by Gordon Kennedy, songwriter (Ricky Skaggs) | Mosaic

Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album

Church Music | David Crowder Band
For Those Who Wait | Fireflight
Beautiful Things | Gungor
Rehab | Lecrae
Hello Hurricane | Switchfoot

Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

Beauty Will Rise | Steven Curtis Chapman
Love God. Love People. | Israel Houghton
Pieces Of A Real Heart | Sanctus Real
Mosaic | Ricky Skaggs
Tonight | TobyMac

Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel

Times Like These | Austins Bridge
The Reason | Diamond Rio
Expecting Good Things | Jeff & Sheri Easter
Journey | Ty Herndon
Live At Oak Tree: Karen Peck & New River | Karen Peck & New River

Traditional Gospel Album

The Experience | Vanessa Bell Armstrong
A City Called Heaven | Shirley Caesar
Downtown Church | Patty Griffin
Here I Am | Marvin Sapp
All In One | Karen Clark Sheard

Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

Get Ready | Forever Jones
Love Unstoppable | Fred Hammond
Triumphant | VaShawn Mitchell
Aaron Sledge | Aaron Sledge
Still | BeBe & CeCe Winans

The man  taking Gospel Rap by storm is up for a Grammy nomination.  He makes a few observations that I’ve been wrestling with myself lately.  So I thought I would share this.  

Some times we can work so hard to achieve things that we forget that we’re working for the Glory of God.  Even in the secular industry you can let your light shine among men.  Lecrae talks about it below.

From Lecrae:

I’m in LA. I’m 2 inches away from some of Americas most popular entertainers. I’m walking around during Grammy week amongst tons of people who deeply desire to be accepted. I’m in a world where people want to be embraced by society and those they think are more important or significant than themselves.

It’s quite sad, but what’s sadder is that there are few Christians amongst them who are fighting to serve them and help them see where our true significance is found.
In Christ.

I didn’t come to take home a Grammy. If I’m honest I really doubt I will. I came to take home relationships with people who seem untouchable and who are addicted to the praise of men. I’m came to strategically place myself among them, to love them, to share hard truths with them and serve them.

Pray for my time here. Read more at Reach Records

Stellar Award Winner LONNIE HUNTER returns with his new choir STRUCTURE to bring forth “I’M BACK” on Black Smoke Music Worldwide.  This week, Radio Stations across the country began to put in rotation the title track, I’M BACK”.

Hunter’s new album will be the first under the Black Smoke records label.  Tune into the Lonnie Hunter radio show which is syndicated across the country, for your chance to win I-Pods that come pre-loaded with the album.  We also have Lonnie in our prayers as he recently lost his father this week. 

Check out the song below, and then check out our interview where Lonnie Hunter first announced the new partnership with Black Smoke Records.  He speaks about the expectations for the new release.

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“I’m Back”

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Creative Classic Agency is excited to welcome up and coming Gospel artist JAI, of St. Louis Missouri to its evolving talented roster. Jai’s larger-than-life charisma, effectiveness in ministry and musical gifts, were the driving forces that lead CCA to bring her aboard. She is a third generation ordained minister and former Worship Pastor with endless energy and a unique sound.

Jai is featured on the song “God Is Enough” from Lecrae’s 2011 Grammy nominated album Rehab (where she also receives writing credit) and will appear on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel in the New Artist Spotlight later this month. Having spent two years on the road as a background vocalist for Grammy Award-winning duo Mary Mary and also serving as background vocalist for Pastor Donnie McClurkin during the 2008 Barack Obama campaign, Jai is no stranger to the music industry. Jai is also featured on the single “The Invasion” from Trip Lee’s 2011 Stellar Award winning album Between Two Worlds which was debuted on BET’s 106 & Park as “New Joint of the Day” this past summer.

In August of 2010 Jai released her single “Incredible” through iTunes and other major digital platforms and received a positive response reflected in a peak position of #51 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel chart. With her independent success she has proven to be a dedicated and driven individual determined to reach her goals and continue sharing God’s message.

Creative Classic Agency looks forward to great endeavors with Jai and is immediately preparing for the release of her debut (full-length) album Culture Shock with a targeted release date of August 2011.

“We look forward to not only assisting in the growth of her music ministry, but also transforming her passion and vibrant character into a brand that demonstrates how impactful Gospel artists can be when groomed and positioned properly. The opportunities are really endless,” says CCA President, Nicole Heyward.

There is a new lyric video for Kirk Franklin’s new song “I Smile.” I like it because it’s really helping me learn the words to the song. A lot of anticipation is building for Kirk’s new CD. Expect Kirk to do big numbers when this project comes out in March.