Multiple GRAMMY®, Stellar and Dove Award winner Kirk Franklin releases his 12th CD, Hello Fear, on March 22, 2011.

Hello Fear is an innovative musical offering that showcases Franklin’s growth and maturation both creatively and personally, while still boasting his creative genius of combining various styles and genres of music into his own unique, definitively gospel sound.   He has teamed again with five of the most sought after vocalists in the music industry—Isaac Carree, Anaysha Figueroa, Nikki Ross, Charmaine Swimpson and Eric Moore—to create the inimitable harmonies for which his music is known. The result is a Kirk Franklin masterpiece. Hello Fear is produced by Franklin and co-produced by Shaun “Harold” Martin and executive produced by Kirk Franklin, Jazzy Jordan, Jessie Hurst and Carla Williams.

Two singles from Hello Fear have been released simultaneously, and they are among the top songs added at gospel and urban adult contemporary radio this week.  “I Smile” is #1 Most Added at Gospel Radio and #2 Most Added at Urban Adult Contemporary Radio. “I Am” is #2 most added at Gospel Radio.

“‘I Smile’ is a fun, urban upbeat melody I wrote,” said Franklin. “It is a declarative statement that I’m not going to live my life based on how I feel.  I will live my life based on God’s Word. It is not easy and I acknowledge there are always obstacles, but like a lot of folks, I get tired of being guided by my emotions. When I have a deeper trust in God, I live my life in stability.”

“‘I Am’ is about exchanging all of my weaknesses for God’s strength,” Franklin noted.  This song is also about declaring what God says about me and not my situation.  As we daily transform to God’s image, we no longer identify with who we were, but who we are becoming.”

Hello Fear also includes the infectious “Give Me,” featuring dynamic newcomer Mali Music; “The Altar,” a powerful traditional song, featuring Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford; and “Something About The Name Jesus (part 2), ” featuring Rance Allen, John P. Kee and Marvin Winans.  This 13 track tour de force will again raise the standard of 21st century contemporary gospel music.

“I titled this album Hello Fear because—with everything going on in the world—it is the word and the feeling, that paralyzes all of us on some level right now,” said Franklin. “In my own life, fear has been a shadow that has followed me since I was a child.  But the season of running from it is over. I am turning around and speaking directly to it. This album is full of personal and painful work that invites the listener to join me on the journey of letting this familiar ‘friend’ know that his time is over.”

“Over the years, I’ve had the unique opportunity of watching Kirk produce some of his albums,” said Jazzy Jordan, Executive Vice President/General Manager of Verity Gospel Music Group. “I am always amazed at the finished product. Kirk’s music gets better and better. He is masterful, and always delivers a project full of hit songs. Hello Fear is both timely and timeless. It’s an honor to work with him. He’s a brilliant producer and artist. His fans will love this album.”
On March 19, Franklin joins Steve Harvey at the Philips Arena Theater in Atlanta for the first stop on the “Steve Harvey and Kirk Franklin Gospel Comedy Tour” (see tour dates below). Harvey and Franklin have teamed up for the first time for this tour. “We know these are hard times for a lot of people out there, with the economy, family life, even church life…it’s just hard,” said Franklin. “We want people to leave the concert inspired, happy and charged — knowing that no matter what they are facing, hard times do not last forever and brighter days are indeed ahead.” In between promoting his new CD and his concert tour with Steve Harvey, Franklin will begin taping the fourth season of BET’s Sunday Best in early spring.

Franklin received an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional for his New York Times bestseller, The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham Books). Franklin was recently honored at the 26th Annual Stellar Awards with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his humanitarian efforts on behalf of Artists United for Haiti. After the tragic earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Franklin produced an all-star gospel recording of “Are You Listening” in an effort to raise much needed funds for the people of Haiti. Artists United for Haiti included an ensemble of over 100 singers. “Are You Listening” was also nominated for Special Event CD of the Year at this year’s Stellar Awards.

For additional information on Hello Fear and Kirk Franklin, please visit, www.kirkfranklin.com.

article courtesy of TheBelleReport.com

Congratulations to Deitrick Haddon, whose new release Church On The Moon debuts atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also sits at #65 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Lecrae‘s Rehab: The Overdose comes in at the #2 position. Playlist: The Very Best of Marvin Sapp from Marvin Sapp debuts at the #3 position while We Give You Praise from Dr. Noah Nicholson II & The Family Worship Center sits at #4. William McDowell’s As We Worship: Live rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, The Rance Allen Group‘s The Live Experience II debuts at #10 while Love Unstoppable from Fred Hammond jumps five places to #19.

The Rest of the Top 10:

6 | Lecrae – Rehab
7 | VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant
8 | John P Kee – The Legacy Project
9 | James Fortune & FIYA – I Believe: Live
10 | The Rance Allen Group – The Live Experience II

In the world of radio, “I Believe” from James Fortune & FIYA featuring Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez remains atop the radio charts. “Nobody Greater” from VaShawn Mitchell 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 “I Choose to Worship” from Wess Morgan rounds out the week’s top five songs.

Who is Issac Carree?  Issac Carree is a singer, songwriter, producer, and actor.  For over a decade Issac has sung background for the likes of Kirk Franklin and John P. Kee.  Now he is stepping out to record his first album.  

Following the success of his debut single, “Simply Redeemed,” the sweet sounding Isaac Carree has now released another song on I-Tunes.  This one is called “In The Middle.”  You can listen and purchase the single on I-Tunes by clicking here.

Take a  listen to his first single “Simply Redeemed” below.  His vocal ability is quite frankly amazing. 

Singer, songwriter, producer and actor. A loving husband and father, Isaac Carree is a person that exemplifies true talent.

Native to Greensboro, NC, Isaac started his music career in 1990 when he received the opportunity to sing with John P. Kee and New Life on the hit song “Wave it Away”. Though Isaac had a voice that could stand strong alone, he preferred to work as a team. In 1996, Isaac co-founded a contemporary gospel male group called Men of Standard.

With five albums and hits such as “In Your Will”, “Trust in God”, and “Latter Rain” to name a few, Men of Standard’s success was undeniable. They went on to tour on Power 98, Shout 2000, and the Hero Tour featuring Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. The group was honored with two Stellar awards and several Dove nominations. With such success it is hard to imagine why the group broke apart. As Isaac Carree explains, -Click to Read More {pagebreak}
“We are not broken up. We all just agreed that it was time to take a break and we all felt that God was positioning us to do things as individuals”.

Isaac had a hard time grasping the concept of becoming a solo artist. In the beginning, he never agreed with becoming a solo artist, but he knew that God wanted him to pursue this career path. As he explained, “I was doing it out of obedience.” His solo album titled “Uncommon Me”, really reflects his journey on discovering who he was a musician and a person.

“I see now why God asked me to enter this journey. I have learned things that I could not have learned being in a group. Through this obedience I have found my passion and rediscovered my musicality. ”

On the album you will be able to find parts of the old Isaac Carree, but also things that you have never heard before. The album will make you reflect, get up and praise, laugh, and just have fun.

“My album is fresh and different. There is something on there for everyone. I want people to see my personality through my music. I want listeners to approach the album with an open mind to the project, especially individuals who are familiar with my music.”

What else is there in store for Isaac Carree? “ When we are a child of God we always have work. As I accomplish one goal there will always be another one waiting right behind it.” As for advice to others, Isaac explains, “There will be detours throughout the course of life, but the key is to get back on track and fulfill your dreams. Take the time to follow and understand your journey to find the ‘uncommon me’.”

The Gospel Music Association has asked “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd to host this years Dove Awards.   

Shepherd says fans can expect “a hot night of Godly music and comedy” at the annual event, which has been moved to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre this year from its traditional home of Nashville, reports the AP.

The comedian and actress is a Daytime Emmy winner for her work on “The View” and the host of “The Newlywed Game.” She also has a recurring role on the sitcom “30 Rock.”

Nominations will be announced Feb. 16 in Atlanta. The ceremony will be taped on April 20 and air on GMC on April 24, which is Easter Sunday.

In years past, Eddie Long’s attendance at any event associated with the Trumpet Awards, an annual event founded by media pioneer and civil rights activist Xernona Clayton in 1993 to honor African-American achievement, would merely serve as a photo opportunity significant to black Atlanta and perhaps the larger Christian community at most. Since explosive allegations of sexual impropriety with four young men surfaced in September 2010, almost any appearance by the scandal plagued preacher, including yesterday’s at the Trumpet Awards Foundation’s annual Prayer Breakfast, can attract a camera. ABC affiliate WSB Channel 2 proved that.

Billed as Long’s “first interview since four young men accused him of sexual misconduct,” the story’s only saving grace is the subject himself. Reporter Jodie Fleischer’s disclaimer that “Bishop Long’s handlers made it very clear he would not answer any questions about the accusations against him,” to her colleague Justin Farmer before the “interview” aired didn’t go far enough. While Long didn’t say anything remotely memorable with his words, to Fleisher’s credit, his body language did speak volumes.

As surprising as it may sound, Long’s humility was hard to miss. Oh it wasn’t so easy to spot when he appeared before his congregation for the first time following the allegations last September, read from an iPad and declared “I feel like David against Goliath. But I got five rocks, and I haven’t thrown one yet.”

To date, he hasn’t thrown any rocks but he sure has caught them. The once defiant minister has opted out of having his day in court and has instead agreed to mediation set to begin in February. More than likely, he will settle with the young men and continue as he’s done since September and before — being Bishop Eddie Long, albeit a slightly changed one.

In this appearance, there’s no noticeable smirk on his face. As he touted the word “hope” and emphasized the family reunion feel of the gathering, he did indeed look like a kid with his hand caught in the cookie jar. If his face didn’t reveal one hundred percent guilt, it did at least register some significant concern. Perhaps membership at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has finally tapered off, forcing the beleaguered Bishop to take it down a notch.

When the appearance of a possibly down-low minister overshadows a breakfast where one of the honorees is Michael Pfleger, the white priest from Chicago’s South Side who made national headlines for mocking Hillary Clinton’s frustration over the futility of her white privilege in defeating her now boss in the race to the Democratic nomination, with a mainstream media outlet, there is indeed a problem.

But perhaps that was the most hopeful aspect of the Prayer Breakfast for Long as he looks ahead. Controversy doesn’t last always. Pfleger never received the Reverend Wright treatment but he was in heavy rotation and now his appearance doesn’t seem eventful at all from a news broadcast perspective. Long had to know he would receive a warm reception at the Prayer Breakfast. After all, the odds of this community turning against him are as likely as Switzerland declaring war. Still, rising Gospel radio host Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey’s reassurance that people were praying for him either way certainly had to relieve Long. It was only a bonus that a camera was there to capture the warm moment, which has to count as a public relations triumph for Long.

No, it won’t shut up the naysayers but it won’t give them much fuel either. At the end of the day, the “speak no evil” strategy Long is employing seems to be working for him. Eventually his harshest critics will only footnote the story once he gets those legal agreements banning the gentlemen from speaking on the allegations.  The young men will undoubtedly receive a nice monetary sum of money, and this sordid chapter will be behind Bishop Long.  Unfortunately for the black church, if this happens another great opportunity will be missed.

The Bishop Eddie Long scandal presented a prime opportunity to openly address homosexuality in the black church as well as sexual misconduct and sexual molestation in the larger African-American community. Instead, it’s being swept under the rug like so much other so-called “dirty laundry.” Like the many other scandals, this one is also showing signs of fizzling out. In the end, Long might look guilty to some but will the public ever know everything that really happened…the jury is still out?

Adapted from TheBelleReport.com/Ronda Racha-Penrice

ALSO READ: Whitney Houston Sings At Funeral of Bobby Brown’s Mother

Whitney Houston paid her respects to Carole Brown, the mother of her ex-husband Bobby Brown, by singing at her funeral this week in Boston.

Whitney performed twice during the service.  She performed “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” solo, and later joined Johnny Gill for a performance of “Never Would’ve Made It.”  It appears that a couple people sneaked in cell phone recordings of the ceremony.  Watch the video clips below.

Carole Brown passed away on January 20th in Los Angeles.  What do you think about recording funerals?

BET has posted the Sunday Best 4 audition schedule. Earlier last year Mary Mary said on their LIVE internet stream that the show wouldn’t be back. Complaints poured in by fans of the competition. Shortly after news came that the show would in fact be returning for a fourth season.

I’m excited because the show has brought us some great gospel acts like Crystal Aiken, Y’Anna Crawley, Jessica Reedy, Shari Addison, and Leandria Johnson.

If you are thinking about auditioning for the show the schedule is below:

Saturday, February 19 – Dallas, TX
Saturday, March 5 – Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, March 12 – Atlanta, GA

Anybody auditioning?

Also Read: Sunday’s Best Runner-Up Jessica Reedy Releases Single “God Has Smiled on Me.”

NASHVILLE, TN – (January 25, 2011) – The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is pleased to announce that the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards press conference will beheld on Wednesday, February 16th in Atlanta at the historic Fox Theatre’s Grand Salon at 10 a.m. EST. The press conference will be streamed live at HEAR IT FIRST and gmc. This year marks the first time the show has taken place outside Nashville in 40 years. The show will be taped live at the Fox Theatre on April 20 and will air on gmc Sunday, April 24 at 8 p.m. EST.

GMA’s Chairman of the Board Ed Leonard will join the presenters at the historic press conference. “The GMA has been working hand in hand with the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau to make sure we have a very eventful and successful awards show debut in Atlanta. This city offers such a diverse musical landscape and we are thrilled to be here,” says Leonard.

The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Blvd. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Parking for the press conference is available in the public parking lot next door to the Fox Theatre or at The Georgian Terrace Hotel. The phone number for the Fox is 404.881.2100.

Nominees in select categories will be announced by the participating artists, while the remaining categories will be made available online at www.gospelmusic.org, www.watchgmctv.comand www.hearitfirst.com.

SHOW DESCRIPTION:

THE Stellar Awards, the premier Gospel music event that recognizing and honoring African American artists, airs its 26^th annual awards show with all-star performances by Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Deitrick Haddon, Nevel Sisters, JJ Hairston, VaShawn Mitchell, Joshua’s Troop and New Artist of the Year nominee Forever Jones. Hosted by Donnie McClurkin, this year the show honorsKirk Franklin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Donald Lawrence with special awards/tribute performances by The Soul Seekers, The Williams Brothers, The Rance Allen Group and Voices of Destiny (Verizon “How Sweet the Sound” winners).

Also in attendance is Gospel music powerhouse James Fortune and Fiya (leading this year’s nominee with eight nods) and presenters Andrae Crouch, Dorinda Clark Cole, Hezekiah Walker, Omari Hardwick, Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans, J. Moss, Dr. Bobby Jones, Jessica Reedy, DeWayne Woods, Lisa Page Brooks, Wess Morgan, and Yvette Nicole Brown among others.

GMC TELECAST:     Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 8 p.m. EST  (Gospel Music Channel)

AFFILIATE STATION AIR-DATES:  
 

New York: (MNT) WWOR Sun. 1/30 at 3:00p.m

Atlanta: (FOX) WAGA Sat. 1/29 at 4:00p.m.

Chicago: (CW) WGN Sat. 3/12 at 10:00p.m.

Washington, DC: (CW) WDCW Sun. 2/13 at 3:00p.m.

Philadelphia: (MNT) WPHL Sat. 2/5 at 8:00p.m. & Sun. 2/20 at 3:00p.m.

                        WFMZ Sat. 3/5 at 8:00p.m.

Detroit: WADL Sat. 2/5 at 8:00pm

Raleigh-Durham: (ABC) WTVD Sun. 2/20 at 2:00p.m.

Baltimore: (CW) WNUV Sun. 2/13 at 3:00p.m.

St. Louis: (MNT) WRBU Sun. 2/20 at 11:00a.m.

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose: (ABC) KGO Sat. 2/19 at12:00p.m.

 **The show will air in national syndication from January 22, 2011 toMarch 13, 2011. Check local listing for additional air-date(s) in other cities or visit www.thestellarawards.com for more information.**                                                                                

HOSTED BY:            Donnie McClurkin

SPECIAL APPEARANCES:
 

Marvin Sapp, Bebe & Cece Winans, Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans,  Andrae Crouch, Omari Hardwick (For Colored Girls), Meagan Good (The Game), Yvette Nicole Brown (NBC’s Community), BET’s Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones (BobbyJones Gospel), Beth Payne, Byron Cage, Shari Addison and Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 and Committed (winners of NBC’s “The Sing Off”).                        

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Don Jackson

Producer: Barbara Wilson