Tyler Perry is being sued by the estate of gospel singer/songwriter Bertha James, who claims the filmmaker/director illegally used an entire verse from a song she wrote in 1950 ‘When I Think of the Goodness of Jesus’ in his 2009 film ‘Madea Goes to Jail.’

According to court documents obtained by TMZ on Nov. 26, James’s estate alleges that the 40 year-old black movie maverick, whose real name is Emmitt R. Perry Jr., "incorporated the entire Chorus in a monologue delivered by the main character in ‘Madea’ referencing her deliverance from a jail sentence and leniency for repetitive criminal conduct."

The staged court proceedings were presided over by former ‘Divorce Court’ Judge Mablean Ephriam, who has previously appeared in Perry’s 2005 debut ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and its follow-up ‘Madea’s Family Reunion,’ which was released one year later.

Lionsgate Entertainment, who distributes Perry’s movies, are also named in the suit, which seeks unspecified damages in excess of $75,000 for copyright infringement.

James’s estate is also requesting a jury trial. (from AOLBlackVoices)

TYLER PERRY TRAILER: "Why Did I Get Married, Too?" 

Spike Lee Calls Out Tyler Perry: Calls Perry’s Work "coonery and buffoonery"

The Sequel to Tyler Perry’s 2007 drama “Why Did I Get Married” is due out in April.  Tyler’s first installment featured a scene-stealing all-black cast including himself and Janet Jackson. In the film, Dr. Patricia Agnew, a psychologist, had written a best seller about marriage: hers and those of three other couples who together took a week’s vacation each year to ask themselves, “Why did I get married?” However, that year, all four relationships were strained: Patricia and her husband Gavin have the shadow of grief between them; Terry believes that Diane has abandoned him for her work; Angela, who’s built a successful business, belittles her husband Marcus, who works for her; Mike is cruel to Sheila, his religious, overweight wife. During the week, each person’s secret comes out.

Here’s a preview for the sequel "Why Did I Get Married, Too?"

Darryl graduated in 1987 with an extended Major in Mass Communication.  Working only for 6 months in the corporate world, Darryl decided that becoming an Entrepreneur was the ticket to success.  In 2009, Darryl celebrated twenty-two years as an entrepreneur.  He has become a much sought after speaker and trainer and he’s conducted trainings for numerous companies locally & nationally for the past 22 years.  Darryl has created success formulas that have helped people grasp difficult concepts ‘easily’.  He is a Mentor, Trainer & Inspirational Speaker and has helped hundreds of people reach their full potential, who in turn, have helped thousands. He has a unique gift which allows him to communicate with people from all walks of life.   

During the last 4 years, he has dedicated himself to helping companies, churches, and individuals create an online Internet presence that has helped them reach their goals.  He is the #1 Trainer for an internet company that has developed an Internet Marketing Program that is going to change the way the world communicates and markets.  The company has developed a digital suite of products that no other company has. These products will take marketing to another level almost overnight.  Darryl also loves to travel and was recently awarded the TOP 5 Recruiter for 2008 for one of the largest Travel Companies in the world. 

Darryl’s biggest accomplishment is working FULL-TIME with his wife Maria, and spending lots of quality time with their children.  Darryl believes that everyone should spend quality time with their family.  If you don’t spend time with your children, there are state run facilities that will give them Time.

Darryl Roberts loves coaching and training individuals who realize learning is an ongoing process and who are open to achieving and living the American Dream. He feels extremely fortunate to have shared impacting moments with so many UNBELIEVABLE people!

Our job is to promote the good the bad and yes sometimes the ugly. This one falls under the ugly. We found out information before the news broke but now that the parties involved are publicly reporting it, we’ve decided to keep you informed with what’s really going on.

Another Gospel artist has fallen into temptation, reportedly taking a sabbatical from all ministry activity until his situation can be reconciled. The artist I’m speaking of is Da’ TRUTH. A Stellar Award winning Gospel hip-hop artist. Sources tell Path that Da’ Truth has had an affair with Gospel Star Tye Tribbett’s wife. To make matters worse, sources close to the incident report that Tye Tribbett has also stepped out on his marriage to have a relationship with a Soprano in his choir. Da’ Truth (who is also married) has posted a message about his involvement in this web of deceit on his website www.datruth.net. I’m not going to put the whole message up, but Da Truth said one thing about his shortcomings that’s important for us all to remember.

"I ask for forgiveness as I work towards reconciliation. My greatest hope is that my failures and shortcomings are seen for what they are – MY failings and not a reflection of the God I proclaim. Despite my falling short, the resurrection and life changing power of the cross remains the same."

We should all keep these brothers, their wives and family in prayer. We all fall short, but the Gospel artists involved must realize that they are held to higher standards. We pray this situation will bring them even closer to Christ, as we all can learn from our mistakes and the mistakes others.

UPDATE: Da TRUTH’s Record Label Suspends Him

In a separate development Da’T.R.U.T.H.’s record company Cross Movement Records have announced "the suspension of the promotion and forwarding of the artist, minister and ministry of Da’ T.R.U.T.H. aka Emanuel Lambert Jr, due to recent findings of moral failure in his marriage." So far neither Tye Tribbett nor his record company Integrity Music have made a public statement about the revelations.

Lee Daniels’ PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL ‘PUSH’ BY SAPPHIRE is a vibrant, honest and resoundingly hopeful film about the human capacity to grow and overcome.

Set in Harlem in 1987, it is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. She’s pregnant for the second time by her absent father; at home, she must wait hand and foot on her mother (Mo’Nique), a poisonously angry woman who abuses her emotionally and physically. School is a place of chaos, and Precious has reached the ninth grade with good marks and an awful secret: she can neither read nor write.

Precious may sometimes be down, but she is never out. Beneath her impassive expression is a watchful, curious young woman with an inchoate but unshakeable sense that other possibilities exist for her. Threatened with expulsion, Precious is offered the chance to transfer to an alternative school, Each One/Teach One. Precious doesn’t know the meaning of "alternative," but her instincts tell her this is the chance she has been waiting for. In the literacy workshop taught by the patient yet firm Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), Precious begins a journey that will lead her from darkness, pain and powerlessness to light, love and self-determination.

Tamela Mann’s "The Master Plan" gospel CD will be released nationwide this coming Tuesday, November 3. Following up Tamela’s 2004 "Gotta Keep Movin" and "The Live Experience," which spawned a Top 20 Billboard Gospel chart hit and 2008 Stellar Award nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Tamela releases her sophomore solo CD to both music and television fans across the country. Tamela, who also co-stars in Tyler Perry’s "Meet The Browns" on TBS playing Cora Simmons; and husband David Mann, who plays her on-screen father, Mr. Brown, will co-present for the Gospel category on the November 3 taping of the upcoming Soul Train Awards, scheduled to simulcast on Centric and BET on November 29 at 9:00 p.m. EST. The new season of "Meet The Browns" will also begin airing on November 4.

"The Master Plan" was produced by Grammy Award winning Myron Butler (Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams); and Terrell Carter, and features a more contemporary urban/R&B twist to traditional gospel music. As co-writer on "I Trust In You," "Here I Am," "Anything For You" and "In Him," Tamela also performs a stirring new arrangement of "The Lord’s Prayer." Starting her music career in 1999 as lead singer of the multi-Grammy award winning Kirk Franklin & The Family; and currently on the #1 rated television show for black audiences, "Meet The Browns," Tamela, for the first time, releases a collection of gospel songs in which she makes her debut as a co-writer.

Prior to Tamela’s solo recording debut with "Gotta Keep Movin’"and the CD/DVD "The Live Experience," as a member of Kirk Franklin and The Family, Tamela was the featured soloist on the Grammy-nominated "Song of the Year" – "Lean On Me," which featured Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, R. Kelly and Bono . "Father Can You Hear Me" and "Take It To Jesus" are also included on the soundtrack album of " Diary Of A Mad Black Woman ." Tamela, whose Cora Simmons role on "Meet The Browns’" television series originated from her role in the movie "Meet The Browns," has also starred in other Tyler Perry" hit films "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and " Madea Goes To Jail "; and his plays "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," "Madea’s Family Reunion" and "Madea’s Class Reunion."

Know the 10 Commandments?  Can you recite them in order in 20 seconds or less?  Well then you’re on your way to becoming $20,000 richer. 

Marketing expert Darrel Rundus has created a contest where the only requirement is to name the Ten Commandments of God, in order, in 20 seconds or less.

According to World Net Daily, Rundus, a self-made millionaire, will dial telephone numbers of people who have signed up online on his Ten And Win website, giving each person, in the order they are randomly selected, an opportunity to recite the Ten Commandments in 20 seconds or less.

The first successful contestant gets the $20,000 prize. Rundus will make the random calls on Friday, Nov. 13. He said he will continue taking entries for the competition until that date.

Rundus told WND he was distressed that Americans readily can recite a list of 10 stores, 10 sports teams, even 10 beers, but most can’t recite the Ten Commandments. You can sign-up for the contest at http://www.tenandwin.com

James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award: Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s

Thomas A Dorsey Notable Achievement Award: Mississippi Mass Choir

Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award: Edwin Hawkins

Artist of the Year
Donald Lawrence – The Law of Confession Part 1
Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir – Souled Out
Kierra Sheard – Bold Right Life
Vickie Winans – How I Got Over

Song of the Year
"Back II Eden" – Donald Lawrence, The Law of Confession Part 1
"I Am Souled Out"- Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out
"God in Me" – Mary Mary, The Sound
"How I Got Over" – Vickie Winans, How I Got Over

Male Vocalist of the Year
Israel Houghton – The Power of One
Philip Carter – Songs from the Storm
Smokie Norful – Smokie Norful Live
Stephen Hurd – Times of Refreshing

Female Vocalist of the Year
Crystal Aikin – Crystal Aikin
Kierra Sheard – Bold Right Life
Niyoki – Rest
Vickie Winans – How I Got Over

Group/Duo of the Year
Donald Lawrence – The Law of Confession Part 1
Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers – Just The Beginning
Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers – Experience The Evolution
Mary Mary – The Sound

New Artist of the Year
CoCo McMillan – I’ve Been Delivered
Crystal Aikin – Crystal Aikin
Kim Ruff – Ready To Live
Shari Addison – Shari Addison

CD of the Year
Donald Lawrence – The Law of Confession Part 1
Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir – Souled Out
Smokie Norful – Smokie Norful Live
Vickie Winans – How I Got Over

Choir of the Year
Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir – Souled Out
Joe Leavell & St. Stephen Temple Choir – God Is Able
Malcolm Williams & Great Faith – In Your Glory
Philip Carter & SOV – Songs from the Storm

Producer of the Year
Donald Lawrence & Daniel Weatherspoon for The Law of Confession Part 1
Philip Carter and Michael Smith for Songs from the Storm
Troy Sneed, Derrieux Edgecombe and Titus Robertson for In Due Season
Vickie Winans for How I Got Over

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
5AM Praise – The Beginning
Christopher Page & The Dream Keeper’s Ensemble – A Page From My Heart
Donald Lawrence – The Law of Confession Part 1
Mary Mary – The Sound

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
Endurance – The Best of Endurance and More
Greg O’Quin & iPraize – After The Storm
Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s – Fall On Me
Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers – Experience The Evolution

Contemporary Male of the Year
Darwin Hobbs – Free
Earl Bynum – Open My Heart
Smokie Norful – Smokie Norful Live
Troy Sneed – In Due Season

Traditional Male of the Year
Bishop Paul S. Morton – Cry Your Last Tear
Donnie McClurkin – We All Are One (Live in Detroit)
Malcolm Williams – In Your Glory
Philip Carter – Songs from the Storm

Contemporary Female of the Year
Crystal Aikin – Crystal Aikin
Kim Burrell – No Ways Tired
Kierra Sheard – Bold Right Life
Kim Ruff – Ready To Live

Traditional Female of the Year
Dorothy Norwood – 50 Years: It’s Been Worth It All
Dottie Peoples – Do It!
Shari Addison – Shari Addison
Vickie Winans – How I Got Over

Contemporary CD of the Year
Crystal Aikin – Crystal Aikin
Donald Lawrence – The Law of Confession Part 1
Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir – Souled Out
Kierra Sheard – Bold Right Life

Traditional CD of the Year
Bishop Paul S. Morton & The FGBCF Mass Choir – Cry Your Last Tear
Malcolm Williams & Great Faith – In Your Glory
Philip Carter & SOV – Songs from the Storm
Shari Addison – Shari Addison

Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year
"Let the Word Do the Work" – Donald Lawrence & Company, The Law of Confession Part 1
"God in Me" – Mary Mary, The Sound
"Joy" – Niyoki, Rest
"How I Got Over" – Vickie Winans, How I Got Over

Music Video of the Year
Dr. Bobby Jones presents Renee Spearman & Prez – Dr. Bobby Jones presents Renee Spearman & Prez
Gerald Hinton – I’m On My Way
Niyoki – Joy/Rest
Vickie Winans – How I Got Over

Contemporary Choir of the Year
Earl Bynum Ministries – Open My Heart
Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir – Souled Out
Mike McCoy & Voices United – Continue to Continue
New Direction – Destiny

Traditional Choir of the Year
Bishop Paul S. Morton & The FGBCF Mass Choir – Cry Your Last Tear
Joe Leavell & St. Stephen Temple Choir – God Is Able
Malcolm Williams & Great Faith – In Your Glory
Philip Carter & SOV – Songs from the Storm

Special Event CD of the Year
Dorothy Norwood – 50 Years: It’s Been Worth It All
Endurance – The Best of Endurance and More
Reverend Timothy Wright – The Godfather of Gospel
The Clark Sisters, J. Moss & Kierra Sheard – Silky Soul Music: A Tribute to Maze

Instrumental CD of the Year
Ben Tankard – Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Daniel Weatherspoon – Official
Derrick Scott – The Seed of Kenaniah, The Total Experience
Mel Holder – Music Book Vol. 1

Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Da’ T.R.U.T.H. – The Big Picture
Dooney Da Priest – Pull Your Pants Up!
Lecrae – Rebel
Papa San – Higher Heights

Children’s Performance of the Year
Eva Sabiniano feat. Alex Duncan – Born to Praise CD-2
Pure N Heart (Children’s Choir) – Pure-N-Heart Live
Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews & Oxon Hill High School Choir – Amazing
The Velazquez Family Singers – Family & Friends

Quartet of the Year
Endurance, The Best of Endurance & More – SCCME Records
Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s, Fall On Me – MCG Records
Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers – Experience The Evolution
The Soul Stirrers – A Soul Stirring Reunion

Recorded Music Package of the Year
Chris Fieldman for Deitrick Haddon – Revealed
Denise Trotman for Donald Lawrence – The Confession Part 1
Lucretia Knight for Vickie Winans – How I Got Over
Sam Noerr, BOERHAUS for Israel Houghton – The Power of One

Praise & Worship CD of the Year
Israel Houghton – The Power of One
Kathy Taylor – Live: The Worship Experience
Micah Stampley – Ransomed
Stephen Hurd – Times of Refreshing

Atlanta, GA – Closing out a remarkable year in music, Ann Nesby , the two-time Grammy award winning former lead vocalist to the Sounds of Blackness readies the release of her latest musical offering ‘Ann Nesby’s a Soulful Christmas’ for the 2009 holiday season.

‘Soulful Christmas’ released on Nesby’s It’s Time Child Records in association with Tyscot Records follows her acclaimed The Lula Lee Project album which debuted at #13 on Billboard’s Top Gospel album chart and #57 respectively on the R&B chart this year.

Spending the summer promoting The Lula Lee Project , she taped ‘Soulful Christmas’ with a live band at the Gospel Music Channel studios in Atlanta in front of a live studio audience.

"I wanted to be used by God to help them usher in the masses into the holiday season," says Nesby who excitingly marks this as her first ever Christmas show collection.

‘Soulful Christmas’ highlights a few of the most noted holiday anthems sung only as Ann Nesby could deliver – "Jesus, What a Wonderful Child" leads the musical montage setting the tone for cheerful yuletide, the classically melodic "Silent Night " finds an appropriate spot on this Christmas set, to her holiday staple from the Sounds of Blackness, "Soul Holiday," featuring Grammy award winning songwriter/singer Big Jim Wright, musical director of the new hit BET late night talk show the Mo’Nique Show.

Nesby also revisits a few of her other popular inspirational tunes from Sounds of Blackness and her own solo musical repertoire to round out ‘Soulful Christmas’ – "I Believe," "Going All the Way," "So Much Joy," to her recent radio single, "I Found a Place."

‘Ann Nesby’s a Soulful Christmas’ DVD will arrive in stores November 3, 2009 . To promote ‘Soulful Christmas,’ The Gospel Music Channel will air Nesby’s holiday special air nationally on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 8pm with an encore at 11pm . The Gospel Music Channel will re-air the TV special through the end of December.