In a recent interview with Essence.com, the artist formerly known as Tonex speaks to writer Mona Austin as a persona revamped “B-Slade.”  B. Slade gives updates on his life as an openly gay man, and as a pop/soul artist. 

ESSENCE.com: Is your gospel career a thing of the past?
B SLADE: When it comes to the genre, yes. Unfortunately I was pigeonholed into that genre even though I felt that gospel music could very much so cross over to mainstream. Formidably and exclusively, yeah that part is over. There will always be a spiritual core to what I do and you will still feel that light and that love in my pop and soul music.

ESSENCE.com: What about your fans?
B SLADE: Some crossed over with me. I think because they connect with the truth and even if they don’t understand everything. That’s one thing they can always bank on with me is I’m going to present truth and courage and objectivity.

ESSENCE.com: How is B Slade different from Tonex?
B SLADE: B Slade is a recording activist. Tonex was more of just a recording artist. I think that the people’s interests were at both brands heart, but the represent the culmination of raw art, audacity and hard work. This brand represents the essence of the Black Sheep, the person who pretty much has all the odds against him, that phoenix rising aura about them.

ESSENCE.com: Since you’ve become openly gay, have you experienced more or less freedom?
B SLADE: I will say more. I think the interesting notion is that people kind of knew. It’s just as long as it wasn’t confirmed I was deemed okay. It’s just when you bring confirmation to some things, then it becomes controversial.  It’s interesting to see people coming up to me and apologizing for the way the handles the whole coming out process, how they turned their backs or initially reacted.

Check out music from Dorinda Clark-Cole.  The CD is available for pre-order on Amazon.com

From Amazon: Grammy-winning contemporary gospel artist Dorinda Clark-Cole is ready to unveil I Survived, her first full-length album since 2008′s Take It Back. I Survived premieres joyous and powerful new gospel songs, including “God Will,” “He Brought Me,” “Holy One,” “This Is Why,” and the infectious lead single, “Back To You”. Recorded on the heels of a devastating house fire, and health scares for one family member and the loss of another, I Survived is a declaration of perseverance, resilience, and an ever-growing faith in God.

On I Survived, which is already being touted as a career-defining release for Clark-Cole, she collaborated with two of Gospel’s most heralded and sought-after producers; longtime collaborator Asaph Alexander Ward (Kim Burrell, Smokie Norful, Vickie Winans) was at the helm of the live session, which took place before an enthusiastic crowd in Nashville, TN, while super-producer Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Brandy, Yolanda Adams) took the reins of the studio portion. The result is a powerhouse gospel music project rife with the absolute best of music and ministry.

On August 17^th, Tyscot Music and Entertainment will share new and exciting movies and music with the gospel community during the 2011 GMWA Convention in Tampa, FL.

To kick off the day, as a special gift to the gospel announcers, Tyscot will air Blessed & Cursed the Movie from 5pm-7pm during the Gospel Announcers Guild meeting. 

Blessed & Cursed the Movie is a modern retelling of the Biblical account of Saul and David and stars gospel music sensation Detrick Haddon, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Drew Sidora, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard, Damita, and more.   

Tyscot Artists The Rance Allen Group and Shirley Murdock will also be in attendance and performing at the 2011 GMWA Convention.

The Rance Allen Group and Shirley Murdock’s schedule will be full from the minute they arrive in Tampa.  Shirley Murdock’s first stop will be at the Gospel Announcer Guild’ meeting where she will thank all radio announcers for supporting her new single “Dream”.  Following the guild meeting, Murdock will sing new music at the General Assembly concert at 7pm.

The Rance Allen Group will flow along aside Murdock as they meet with announcers and media during convention activities.   The last stop for The Rance Allen Group will be a performance at the James Cleveland Concert Series-Event Two along with Marvin Sapp and John P. Kee.  During the concert, the group will perform songs from their latest project “Holy One” and “You That I Trust”.  Paul Porter will make a surprise appearance during the group’s set. 

From Blessed & Cursed the Movie to the Rance Allen Group’s anticipated performance, Tyscot Music and Entertainment is grateful to partake in the historical 2011 GMWA Convention

The Rance Allen Group’s Live Experience II CD & DVD is available in stores and online.

Blessed & Cursed the Movie is available on DVD in stores and online.

Shirley Murdock Live: The Journey CD and Music DVD will be released on Tyscot Music & Entertainment on October 18, 2011.   

For More Info on Shirley Murdock, The Rance Allen Group and Blessed & Cursed the Movie please visit: www.tyscot.com  

For Publicity contact, Tracy Y. Williamson at twilliamson@tyscot.com  www.tre7inc.com and www.tyscot.com

Pastor Zachery Tims of the popular New Destiny Christian Center in Orlando was found dead at the W Hotel in New York City. He was found unresponsive on the floor of the hotel room and pronounced dead by emergency responders.  Pastor Tims was 42 years old.

The New York City Medical Examiners office is awaiting results of an autopsy. Tims is survived by his ex-wife Riva and their four children.

Hello Fear, the latest release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates another week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also sits at #17 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #73 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Earnest Pugh‘s Earnestly Yours moves to the #2 position this week. The famed WOW Gospel 2011 compilation comes in at the #3 position this week, while Something Big from Mary Mary enters at the #4 position this week. Times of Refreshing from Pastor James R. Adams & The Abounding Life C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir & Musicians rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, William McDowell‘s effort As We Worship: Live jumps eight places to #7 while Culture Shock, the debut release from Jai debuts at #25.

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

On the heels of being named one of “10 Men Leading the Way” by EEWMagazine.com & DaSouth.com DA’ T.R.U.T.H. releases the first two singles from his highly anticipated forthcoming project THE WHOLE TRUTH exclusively on his Facebook page. Supporters can listen to “Alive” and “The Whole Truth” by clicking here.

THE WHOLE TRUTH will mark the first CD release with new joint venture Xist Music/220 Entertainment on September 13, 2011. For more information on Da’ T.R.U.T.H., visit www.datruth.net or www.xistmusic.com.

About Xist Music Xist Music is the recording label of Xist Worldwide, which produces innovative projects from award-winning artists who are leaders in the inspirational urban music industry. Xist Worldwide was founded by Terverius Black and Sean Simmonds to become the leading producer of inspirational urban entertainment, lifestyle and media content. With properties in music, film, publishing and other lifestyle projects, Xist Worldwide acquires, produces, markets and distributes inspirational urban content. Visit Xist at www.xistmusic.com for more information and follow them at www.twitter.com/xist_music.

About 220 Entertainment 220 Entertainment Group, a Black Fuel Music, LLC company, is a multi-layered entertainment entity led by partners CEO Jeff Adams, COO Martin Lovelace and Executive Vice President and General Manager Al Marks, encompassing several mutually beneficial enterprises that work to deliver success for the artists, clients and companies it partners with and represents. 220 Entertainment Group’s management division, Streetlight Artist Management, represents some of Christian Music’s hottest new artists including Group 1 Crew (Fervent), Rachael Lampa, Ryan Stevenson (BEC), Hyland (Tooth & Nail), Charmaine (in:cite), Rhema Soul and more. 220 Entertainment Group is now also partnering with several record labels, providing distribution and other services. Black Fuel Music, LLC is the parent company of 220 Entertainment Group, Streetlight Artist Management and the concert and artist event booking entity, Upstream Artist Agency.

Via the Belle Report:

Although the 2012 Stellar Awards are over four months away, the first step in selecting its Stellar Award winners is underway, as Voting is now open for the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

In order to begin the voting process, please enter your SAGMA ID Number and PASSWORD (email address) in the spaces provided. You are only allowed to vote for one (1) artist in each category. And, you may only vote on this 1st ballot one (1) time per person. When entering your sagma ID you must include all characters, do not remove the dash. Your email address on file is used as the second form of verification. If you have any problems please contact us, were here to help and every vote counts.

Each category is limited based on the discretion of the Stellar Awards Nomination Committee therefore all entries cannot be included on the ballot. Technical quality, lyrics, voice quality, charting duration, project content and charting performance will be reviewed for inclusion on the ballot. All Stellar Awards Nomination Committee selections are final.

As for the breakdown on who is leading out of the 30 categories, Mary Mary and VaShawn Mitchell are both holding down 10 nominations. Earnest Pugh, James Fortune & FIYA, and Deitrick Haddon have all been nominated for 9 awards. Holding on to 8 nominations are Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard & New G, Tye Tribbett, Canton Jones, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 and Brian Courtney Wilson. And with 7 nominations it’s the Mississippi Mass Choir and Israel Hougton.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards was the first Gospel Music award show in the country, honoring Gospel Artists, Writers and Industry Professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry and has now become a premier Gospel Event, honoring and recognizing the top entertainers in the Gospel industry.

Click below to see the entire list of nominations and cast your vote now!

Click: VOTE HERE!

105.9 KISS has added legendary gospel artist Vickie Winans to the Radio One Detroit roster. Winans has been singing the praises of Jesus Christ with her fine tuned instrument that piques the emotions and uplifts the spirit for more than 24 years. “SUNDAY MORNING PRAISE WITH VICKIE WINANS” inaugural show is Sunday, August 14, 2011 from 6am until 9am on 105.9 and will air every Sunday going forward. This will make for great conversation as Winans will be going up against her ex-husband, Pastor Marvin Winans’ on competing radio station.

“Detroit has a strong gospel base that deserves to be heard. Vickie Winan’s personality merged with incredible inspirational music will uplift Sunday morning radio in Detroit,” said Armando Rivera, Program Director of 105-9 KISS.

Kathy Stinehour, V.P. / General Manager said: “Vicki is an internationally renowned, hard working musician and we are honored that the name synonymously mentioned with gospel is sharing her light on our Detroit station starting this Sunday”

Get a sneak peak of the Grammy-nominated, Stellar Awards and NAACP Award Winner in the KISS studios this Sunday or call to set-up a post show interview with Wendy Cyrus-Herndon, Radio One Detroit Marketing Director at wcherndon@radio-one.com.

Life Radio Network announced today that it is adding comedian AKINTUNDE to its programming lineup. AKINTUNDE debuted on radio with “The Akintunde Show” in Washington, DC in 2009 and continues to tour with Pastor Creflo Dollar. He has written for comedians Mo’Nique and Chris Tucker, and currently serves as head writer for ‘The Mo’Nique Show’. In 2003, he was named writer for ‘It’s Showtime at the Apollo’ as well as writer for ‘The BET Awards’, and others shows. “With apperances on TBN, The Gospel Music Channel and others we are so excited to extend his popular brand of Inspirational Comedy to radio,” says Life Radio Network president, Michelle Price. “Not only does he have family appeal, he has a modern edginess that translates to all audiences. He is just plain funny, and we are looking forward to the success of this partnership.”

AKINTUNDE will be featured in the daily LAUGH OF THE DAY, and the weekly AKINTUNDE RADIO SHOW. For audio visit www.akintunde.net



About Life Radio Network

Life Radio Network is a leader in syndicated Inspirational programming with 24/7 content and stand alone features. Formed in 2004 LRN has worked in the US and international markets providing creative broadcast and sales features for radio, television, and digital content.

For More information:

Press Contact

Cole Johnson 832 265 4962 cole@liferadionetwork.com

Radio Contact

Life Radio Network/Michelle Price – 615 554 9190 michelle@liferadionetwork.com

AKINTUNDE – www.akintunde.net