New music from Kirk Franklin what do you think?  New album is scheduled for release in just a couple months.

Also Read: MARVIN SAPP BRINGS HOME TOP HONORS AT 26th ANNUAL STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

Big news coming out of Nashville, popular hip-hop artists Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and The Ambassador have both been signed with Xist Records. They made the announcement in Nashville, TN during the premiere of the movie “Stand”, produced by Xist Worldwide. Xist is the label home for urban artist Sean Simmonds.

Xist CEO Terverius Black has amassed an enterprise with influence in film, music, and publishing.  Black along with artist Sean Simmonds, throw a popular Gospel cruise each year which caters to urban Gospel artists.

Look out for Path MEGAzine’s interview with Da TRUTH & Ambassador in our upcoming February edition.

Lecrae’s release Rehab returns to the top of the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also enters at #15 on the Top Rap Albums Charts and #11 on the Independent Albums Charts. I Believe: Live from James Fortune & FIYA moves to the #2 position. William McDowell’s As We Worship: Live enters this week at the #3 spot, while Flame’s Captured comes in at #4. Vashawn Mitchell’s Triumphant rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, the debut release from Greater Mount Calvary Recording Choir, titled Live: As Told By the Music Ministry enters at #7 while the compilation album Kerry Douglas Presents: Gospel Mix Volume IV jumps thirteen places to #15.

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 “He Wants It All” from Forever Jones moves to the #3 position. William McDowell’s “I Give Myself Away” takes the #4 spot while “I Choose to Worship” from Wess Morgan rounds out the week’s top five songs.

This years Stellar Awards can be described as a breath of fresh air for many reasons. A few things that I wanted to see happen happened, making the experience fun for the artists, fans, and media in attendance.

The Stellar Awards openly embraced the other events capitalizing off of the Stellar Awards weekend. Many of them took place at the same hotel. Don Jackson, head of the Stellars said he “Supports the events that furthered the Stellar Awards brand.” The Grand Ole Opry hotel in Nashville brought a who’s who list of artists and mainstream entertainers. Many of which bounced from event to event trying to support multiple venues.

The overall experience brought about the same feelings and emotions as previous years that I’ve attended. Artists feeling over-whelmed by fan and media attention, media personnel complaining about standing and their sore and numb feet. Fans excited to catch their favorite artists in pre-show and after-show parties, and artists and media running off a few hours of sleep. The end result is always rewarding though. The artists catch-up with industry friends, media personnel get a ton of material for their outlets, and fans get to reach their favorite Gospel singers in an accessible way.

Path MEGAzine had a very successful Stellar Awards Weekend. We collected well over one hundred interviews from Gospel artist and Hollywood actors. The plethora of talented new and established artists made me feel proud of the direction Gospel music is heading.

I was particularly happy that urban Gospel and Gospel rap is finally getting the long awaited respect it deserves. Artist like Lecrae and Flame blew the doors off the stereotypes that prevented it from getting radio play; a hurdle that continues to be a problem for the genre. Lecrae was heavily recognized with a standing ovation after his performance at the Central South Distributions Stellar Awards pre-show event; A somewhat validating moment for the artist that sits at #1 in sales. Look out for our interviews with urban Gospel artists Canton Jones, Mr. Del, Da Truth, Deitrick Haddon and more!

Some of my more memorable conversations came from interviews with TONEX, now going by the name of B-Slade. Lord help me, you do not want to miss that one! Trinity 5:7 was hilarious and Da Truth opens up with us about his very public marital problems. All this and much more will be coming out soon in our February issue.

I want to say congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the 26th annual Stellar Awards. Fans of Gospel music continue to support these artists and awards shows so they can continue to bring you great Gospel music without the need for a part-time job. Most have a heart to be in full-time ministry and you can help them do that by continuing to support their ministries. That is the kind of recognition that not even the Stellar Awards can provide. Until next time Stay on the Path! 

Kris Patrick – Publisher

kris@pathmagazine.com

James Fortune & FIYA, BeBe and CeCe Winans Also Score Multiple Wins; Featured Performances by Host Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon, Forever Jones, The Nevel Sisters, JJ Hairston, Beverly Crawford, VaShawn Mitchell and More

The 26^th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Airs in Syndication Beginning January 22 to March 13, and on GMC March 5

NASHVILLE, TN (January 17, 2011) – Platinum artist Marvin Sapp topped the list of winners during the 26^th Annual Stellar Gospel Music AwardS announced Saturday night during the show’s taping at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House Theater. Sapp took home four awards, including Artist of the Year, Traditional Male of the Year, CD of the Year and Traditional CD of the Year. A highlight of the evening, his emotion-filled finale performance of his biggest hit “Never Would Have Made It” with Stellar Awards host Donnie McClurkin created an overwhelming audience response as he dedicated the night to his recently-deceased wife Dr. Malinda P. Sapp.  The Grand Ole Opry landmark was transformed into a spirit-filled sanctuary as Pastor McClurkin led the ‘congregation’ in a prayer for Sapp and provided one of the night’s biggest moments.   

“It’s great to be honored by your peers, and you do your best to give honor and glory to God,” said Sapp.  “But it’s bittersweet with my wife not here with me.”

Before introducing the performance, McClurkin added, “If it wasn’t for Pastor Marvin Sapp’s wife Malinda, this song would have never made it on the CD.”

Other top winners included James Fortune & FIYA who received two awards for Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year, and presented his award to his wife who joined him on stage for standing by him while they were homeless, sleeping out of their car and expecting their third child.  James Fortune was also named Contemporary Male of the Year. Seasoned vets Bebe & Cece Winans won awards individually and collectively; the duo received the Urban Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year and Music Video of the Year awards. Bebe Winans also received the Song of the Year award while CeCe Winans was named Contemporary Female of the Year. 

Karen Clark Sheard received the first-ever Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year award, presented to her by legends Shirley Caesar (former member of The Caravans) and Vickie Winans.  In addition, Serump/Psalms/Universal Music Group artist Kristina Halloway won the hotly-contested Best New Artist category.

Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin, who was honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his Haitian relief efforts, was moved to tears during an All-Star tribute of the song he wrote to benefit disaster victims “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” by his friends and colleagues.  The choir included stars CeCe Winans, Vickie Winans, Karen Clark Sheard, Marvin Sapp, Wess Morgan, Dorinda Clark Cole, Shirley Caesar, J Moss, Myron Butler, The Nevel Sisters, Byron Cage and others.  The award was presented to Franklin by Haitian-born actor Jimmy Jean-Louis (NBC’s “Heroes”).

Franklin spoke of the industry’s response to the tragedy in Haiti, saying “Gospel music — we were the first genre to come together and respond musically.”

The hand-clapping, foot-stomping revival began with star-studded red carpet arrivals featuring stars from Gospel, television and film, such as Andrae Crouch, Omari Hardwick (For Colored Girls), Meagan Good (The Game), Yvette Nicole Brown (NBC’s Community), BET’s Dr. Bobby Jones (Bobby Jones Gospel), Beth Payne, Shari Addison and Jessica Reedy from Sunday Best, Committed (winners of NBC’s “The Sing Off”), and Trin-I-Tee 5:7 as well as other notable personalities.  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented Central City Productions CEO and founder of the Stellar Awards Don Jackson with a proclamation celebrating the establishment of September as national Gospel Music Heritage month.

The show was filled with stirring performances, including a heart-pumping opening performance of “Lord You’re Mighty” by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise; Beverly Crawford brought the audience to their feet with a rendition of “It’s About Time for a Miracle;” Forever Jones masterfully sang “He Wants It All;” and Joshua’s Troop delighted the crowd with the youthful praise song, “Everybody Clap Your Hands.”  Other big performers included Voices of Destiny – 2010 Verizon Wireless “How Sweet the Sound” Choir Contest Winners, Deitrick Haddon, VaShawn Mitchell, a quartet collaboration between The Rance Allen Group, The Soul Seekers, and The Williams Brothers, and more.

The show also recognized the great accomplishments of some of Gospel’s brightest stars as Donald Lawrence received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and Vanessa Bell Armstrong received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award. Both were lauded for their significant contributions to Gospel music which have set the bar for future generations of artists.

The 2011 Award Winners are:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:

–          MARVIN SAPP, HERE I AM, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

SONG OF THE YEAR:

–          BEBE WINANS, CLOSE TO YOU – STILL, B&C/MALACO

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:

–          BYRON CAGE, FAITHFUL TO BELIEVE, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:

–          KAREN CLARK SHEARD, ALL IN ONE, KAREW RECORDS

GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR:

–          JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, ENCORE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:

–          KRISTINA HALLOWAY, FREE, SERUM/PSALMS GROUP UNIVERSAL MUSIC CHRISTIAN GROUP

CD OF THE YEAR:

–          MARVIN SAPP, HERE I AM, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

CHOIR OF THE YEAR:

–          WILMINGTON CHESTER MASS CHOIR, HE’S BEEN GOOD, EMTRO GOSPEL

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:

–          AARON LINDSEY, HERE I AM, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

CONTEMPORARY GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR:

–          FOREVER JONES, GET READY, EMI GOSPEL

TRADITIONAL GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR:

–          THE MIGHTY CLOUDS OF JOY, AT THE REVIVAL, EMI GOSPEL

CONTEMPORARY MALE OF THE YEAR:

–          JAMES FORTUNE, ENCORE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

TRADITIONAL MALE OF THE YEAR:

–          MARVIN SAPP, HERE I AM, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE OF THE YEAR:

–          CECE WINANS, STILL, B&C/MALACO

TRADITIONAL FEMALE OF THE YEAR:

–          LUCINDA MOORE, BLESSED, BROKEN & GIVEN, TYSCOT RECORDS/JOYFULA RECORDS

CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR:

–          JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, ENCORE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR:

–          MARVIN SAPP, HERE I AM, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR:

–          BEBE & CECE WINANS, CLOSE TO YOU – STILL, B&C/MALACO

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:

–          BEBE & CECE WINANS, CLOSE TO YOU – STILL, B&C/MALACO

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR:

–          WILMINGTON CHESTER MASS CHOIR, HE’S BEEN GOOD, EMTRO GOSPEL

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR:

–          MYRON BUTLER & LEVI, REVEALED LIVE IN DALLAS, EMI GOSPEL

SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR:

–          VARIOUS ARTISTS, COCO BROTHER LIVE PRESENTS STAND 2010, TYSCOT RECORDS

RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR:

–          TRIP LEE, BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, REACH RECORDS

CHILDRENS PROJECT OF THE YEAR:

–          KINGDOM KIDS WORLDWIDE, KINGDOM KIDS WORLDWIDE VOLUME 1, HEADSTRATE ENTERTAINMENT

QUARTET OF THE YEAR:

–          THE CHRISTIAN ANGELS, BRING IT TO THE ALTAR, 4 WINDS/MALACO

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR:

–          DEREK BLANKS & KEN BARBOZA, BEBE & CECE WINANS – STILL, B&C/MALACO

PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR:

–          DARWIN HOBBS, DARWIN HOBBS LIVE: CHAMPION, IMAGO DEI

SPECIAL AWARDS — HONOREES

Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award HONOREE

Kirk Franklin

Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award HONOREE

Vanessa Bell Armstrong

James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award HONOREE

Donald Lawrence

The 26^th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards is scheduled to air in syndication from January 22, 2011 to March 13, 2011 and air on Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m. EST on GMC (Gospel Music Channel).

The Stellar Awards is sponsored by American Airlines, Ford Motor Company, Verizon How Sweet the Sound, Johnson & Johnson, AllState, Chevrolet, State Farm and McDonald’s.

Gospel singer and producer Canton Jones will make a special appearance at Children’s Hospital and will host a luncheon for children cancer survivors during his Jan. 29 stop in Birmingham, where he is headlining a free benefit concert at Boutwell Auditorium.

The Grammy-, Stellar- and Dove-nominated Christian recording artist will use the gift of music to minister directly to children who are fighting and surviving cancer and other illnesses. So, he will hold a mini-concert for sick patients at Children’s Hospital during his visit.

Jones is also hosting more than 300 children, some of them cancer survivors, at the Golden Corral restaurant in Center Point. The children will also be invited to walk the “Golden Carpet” at the Boutwell concert, which starts at 6 p.m.

Jones is the featured headliner in the free concert sponsored by Golden Corral restaurants to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. He will debut songs from his newest album, Dominionaire that hits stores on Feb.1.

During the concert, Jones will make a special presentation to Kameron Hardy, a nine-year-old cancer survivor battling retinoblastoma and leukemia. Local Golden Corral restaurants have been raising money for Hardy’s surgeries to remove the cancer in his eye.

Jones headlines a slate of Birmingham-based Christian performers at the concert.

The concert event is organized by Telisa Stinson of SpecialTes, a veteran executive in the gospel music industry and talent coordinator, and by Bessie Bell, Golden Corral’s local store marketing director and CEO of Just Be Reel Marketing Agency. Aaron’s Sales and Leasing is also a sponsor of the concert.

MEDIA ADVISORY: To schedule press interviews, and arrange for photography and video sessions for the event, please contact Vickii Howell.

PHONE: (205) 566-3131 / EMAIL: vickii@avantmediacom.com

For appearances or donations contact: Bessie Bell, (205) 529-2404

Check out the Single Here

Winners are Highlighted in Red.

Artist of the Year

The fourth annual BET Honors will take place on Saturday, January 15, 2011 and will premiere on air during Black History Month on Monday, February 21st.

Actress Gabrielle Union hosts the show for the third year. The show’s star-studded lineup includes Trey Songz, Ne-yo, Lalah Hathaway, Houston’s Yolanda Adams, Keyshia Cole, Guy, Tank, Angelique Kidjo, Naturally 7, Chick Corea Quartet and the Cicely L. Tyson Concert Choir.

Some of the first presenters confirmed are Tyler Perry, Cedric the Entertainer, Anika Noni Rose, Hill Harper, Jimmie Jam and Noah Gray Cabey.

Honorees for this year include legendary actress Cicely Tyson (Theatrical Arts), Oscar award-winning actor/musician and comedian Jamie Foxx (Entertainer), supermodel/entrepreneur Iman (Service), publishing mogul Linda Johnson Rice (Media), world renowned musician/composer Herbie Hancock (Musical Arts) and accomplished historian/educator Lonnie G. Bunch (Education).

Proceeds from this year’s BET Honors  private ticket sales will be given to the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.

Also Read: Tyler Perry’s House Robbed

I am a lover of the word of God. As I began to truly study the word, I realized that I had been exposed to a lot of poor teaching. Preachers would teach the text and they would use their personal vocabulary to score what the writer was saying. However, when studying the bible it is important to read the word in its original language and in the correct context. These two things will totally change the face of a text. When you incorrectly translate a word and use that as the basis of your revelation; the whole revelation is skewed.

Many of us have used our own finite understanding to score divine things. We have based the revelation of who we are on truths that are skewed. Therefore, our perception of ourselves is completely off. There are those who have been coached to think a certain way because those around you read you incorrectly. It is time to break off the chains of poor labeling. The way this is achieved is through finding out the word that was originally spoken about you. Through prayer and fasting and reading the word, God will reveal Himself to you. The more you know about Him. The more you know about you. Then go back and look at the word in context. Look at what God placed in you; the gifts and talents. Then, from here, refuse to be defined as anything other than what God has called you. I deny anything that does not match what I know He has made me to be! Stay on the Path!

About the Author:Path contributing writer Calvin Walker has been writing editorial content for Path MEGAzine since 2007.  Calvin’s ability to break down the word of God with thought provoking analogies and real life analysis makes an impact on Christians seeking a closer walk with God.  An accomplished author, Walker released his debut book titled “The Gallery” early 2010.  Click here to read excerpts and purchase Walkers’ inspirational novel.  Email calvinwalkerauthor@yahoo.com

John P. Kee readies for new CD release January 18, 2011.  With a stellar career spanning well over 20 years, John P. Kee is going back to his roots with the new release, “The Legacy Project.” His latest recording harkens back to the days of incredible quartet music.

Pastor Kee has assembled some of the most recognizable and incomparable voices from Gospel and R&B, with guest appearances from Anthony Hamilton, Fred Hammond, Joe Ligon (The Mighty Clouds of Joy), Elder Rance Allen (The Rance Allen Group), and Harvey Watkins (The Canton Spirituals).

Click Here to Pre-Order and Preview the CD.