You may remember the Marvin Gaye 1982 hit, "Sexual Healing," but let me introduce you to a young man who is taking over that theme. Jeffrey "JT" Tyler is an outspoken advocate for abstinence who has experienced momentum in recent national coverage about his work. Last November, he was featured in a Gospel Today’s sexual purity article, in an effort to combat what he calls "sex driven media." A voice to men and women, Jeff has traveled around the DC Metropolitan area, as an inspirational speaker and runway model for Worth the Wait, Inc., teaching that "your past does not disqualify your destiny."
    "There are men who are virgins out there," Jeff exclaims. "But they keep it to themselves, usually because of pride. Men like to be respected and the image of being a virgin is not popular. Media makes us think that everybody is having sex as often as they eat but there are some brothers who are not letting their private parts determine their purpose." Well, Jeff is bringing male virginity back, in style.
    Jeff is a 27-year old virgin who claims never to have had difficulty sharing about his expression of self-discipline. In the past 2-3 years he has emerged, through his radio show "The Takeover Live," and in mentorship to area youths, to embody an overlooked lifestyle of abstinence in mainstream culture. "I have had women say, ‘I have never met a male virgin before…It is not about me. It’s about God and those who need help and attention." He has created spaces where men unwittingly profess their virginity because they are inspired by his courage to talk about his life freely.

Jeff studies historical figures and has found that "leaders have to be ready to be the center of controversy." Jeff wants to broaden abstinence talk from reacting to the STDs and HIV/AIDS pandemic to a more proactive discussion about cultivating emotional and spiritual wealth. He is campaigning for personal practices and habits that lead to stable relationships and homes.
    Jeff attributes his virginity to his parents, who equipped him to be the difference. He believes that an abstinent lifestyle is cultivated through guidance. The growing attention that Jeff is receiving reflects the demand for models of virginity and abstinence. "It is my responsibility, as a man, to empower others because it was done for me."
    When I asked him about advice to young men in single parent homes, who would like to demonstrate sexual discipline, he said that it starts with a desire to do right. "Even if a man is not a virgin, his future does not have to reflect his past. For me it is about a man’s ability to take responsibility –and believe me abstinence is not an easy thing to do. I personally have been helped through the power of God."
    Jeff admits that a person does not have to be a Christian to be abstinent but for him a relationship with God is how he is able to maintain standards that help him to keep his testimony.
   Sometimes people are turned off in conversations about virginity because of different personal decisions but also because of assaults on their innocence through abuse. It is important to note that Compassion is central to Jeff’s message to all those, who want to reclaim their sexuality. "There are too many things that try to emasculate us and make us feel less than men because of shame. Don’t let that violation block your gifted and talented future."
    How can men find support where they are? "There are brothers out there. Position yourself correctly. Move out of your environment if you have to. Find a church that actively supports sexual purity and speak up about your decision," Jeff encourages. "There are people who are anxious to support you."

He filled every void in my life.  Now I have a MBA in Business Administration, I am my Church’s Administrator, I produce my church’s TV and Radio Broadcast, I am my church’s Outreach director, I am a Minister of Jesus Christ, I am an author of two books (That Life Wasn’t Easy, But This Life Is Worth It and Naughty By Nature), I am a Kingdom Builder and I love the Lord… I am a prime example that Jesus can speak through your mess. Just because you have messed up doesn’t mean you’re a mess. Just because you have struggles don’t mean you have to give in to them.

God has made me transparent to the nation. Even though I have weaknesses and struggles, it doesn’t mean I have to give in to them. I simply have to identify them and keep them before the Lord and He will handle them.

God has to take care of me. He can’t help it. It’s in His Word. He can’t help getting me out of mess. He can’t help using me in a mighty way. He can’t help blessing me beyond measure. He can’t help giving me my heart’s desire.  I guess you say why can’t He help it? Why can’t He stop helping you?
The bible says in Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

If God can do it for me; He can do it for you!
Minister Alison Moore

EMI Gospel has entered into a long-term distribution deal with Karew Records, the new imprint of legendary recording artist Karen Clark-Sheard. Karew Records creates the opportunity for Sheard and her sisters The Clark Sisters to own their masters and gain greater creative control over their future careers. Sheard serves as President of the label and has named Darrell Thompson as General Manager, Cynthia Ellis as VP of Marketing & Promotions, and J. Drew Sheard II as A&R. Sheard’s next solo effort will be the first project released on the label later this year. In addition, the label will release a new Christmas effort titled Clark Family Christmas due in October and a new Clark Sisters release in early 2010.

LaKeshia Citizen has several years of experience working with publications.  As a former publicist for Gospel Truth Magazine, Citizen discovered her niche in the media.  LaKeshia Citizen is an on-air personality for The Gospel View talk show.  Citizen works for Path MEGAzine as Publisher Kris Patrick’s assistant. 

Contact Info: LaKeshia@TheGospelView.com

Calvin Walker is a young minister who was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. He has been involved in all facets of entertainment and though his career only spans from the ages of 10 to 19, it has set him up to go far in life and most importantly ministry. Calvin is an award winning vocalist and actor; he also has been nominated for Amateur Poet of The Year 3 consecutive years. He has been published in different poetic periodicals 5 times over the last nine years. Calvin attends the University of North Texas where he hopes to attain a BA in Marketing.

(New York, NY – June 10, 2009) – Spirit Rising/Music World Entertainment artist BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON has received “just love” from fans, radio and media outlets for the release of his first-ever CD, JUST LOVE which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Current Gospel Albums Chart and #6 on Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart this week.  Wilson was joined by supporters, including Music World Entertainment President and CEO Mathew Knowles, in celebrating the release of JUST LOVE at a launch event at the House of Deréon in Houston on June 2, which included a live performance set by Wilson.  

“All I Need,” the first single released from the 10-track disc, is receiving great support at gospel radio.  Written and produced by GRAMMY®, Dove and Stellar Award nominated Stan 'STANtastic' Jones, “All I Need” moved up again to #16 with “Most Increased Spins (+82) this week on the Billboard Gospel Singles chart.  The second single, “Already Here” is also moving up the charts and is on the “Most Added List.”

Wilson will perform for three days─July 3, 4 and 5─at the ESSENCE Music Festival’s Experience Stage at the Convention Center in New Orleans from 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. CT.  Also at the Convention Center, Wilson will do meet and greets and sign autographs on all three days at Music World Entertainment’s booth (#402).  In addition, he will also be attending other events during the ESSENCE Music Festival weekend.

JUST LOVE is receiving rave reviews from press.  In a review of the CD, ChristianityToday.com exclaims, “Roll out the red carpet. It's not every day that music industry mogul and famed father Mathew Knowles (Beyonce, Trinitee 5:7) hand selects a new artist for his label's tight-knit roster. But after hearing singer/songwriter Brian Courtney Wilson's smooth grooves and smokey vocal chops, Knowles signed him on the spot. Marrying slick R&B with inspirational messages and straight-up church soul sangin', the singer/songwriter makes a noticeable mark for a newcomer…With a wide appeal and high profile backing, Wilson could be gospel music's next big thing.”

Gospel Music Channel continues the praise in their review of JUST LOVE.  “Once again, Music World Entertainment is flexing their gospel music muscle with debut artist Brian Courtney Wilson's Just Love,” states contributing editor Monica Watkins.  “Don't let your ears be fooled; it's not the O'Jays singing on track one, the title track of the CD.  But Just Love reveals a bit of Wilson’s personality, musical influences and his history, as he sings of his appreciation for his church in Houston, Texas…Just Love is certainly a satisfying debut.”

On BET.com’s “The Gospel According to Torrence,” the no-holds-bar blogger admits to being hesitant in listening to the CD when first received but changing his tune once he hears Wilson’s music.  “Finally I put it on my iPod, and decided that if I was meant to hear it that it would come on when I put my playlist on shuffle.  And guess what, it did! The track “Waiting To Turn” came on while I was walking down the street to my office and it stopped me in my tracks.  The man was singing, hear me? He kind of reminds me of John P. Kee’s solo stuff from back in the day, which I actually miss a lot, but at the same time, he has his own thing going on.”

During the month of June and throughout the summer, Wilson will continue on a national promotional tour that will include stops in New York City, Philadelphia, Richmond, Norfolk, Baltimore, Raleigh, Virginia Beach, Jackson, as well as Washington, DC.

For additional information on Brian Courtney Wilson, please visit www.briancourtneywilson.com or www.myspace.com/brianwilsonmusic.

BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON PROMO TOUR DATES

Date                                       Event                                   City/State
Saturday, June 13         WOAD Gospel Showcase                   Jackson, MS
Sunday, June 14         Promo Date                                        Jackson, MS
Saturday, June 20         Star 94.1 “Picnic at the Pavilion”      Virginia Beach, VA
Sunday, June 21         Promo Date                                      Virginia Beach, VA/Norfolk, VA
Monday, June 22         Promo Date                                      Richmond, VA
Tuesday, June 23         Promo Date                                     Baltimore, MD
Wednesday, June 24         Promo Date                                 Baltimore, MD
Thursday, June 25         Promo Date                                    Washington, DC
Friday, June 26          Promo Date                                        Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, June 27         Philadelphia Gospel Fest                   Philadelphia, PA
Sunday, June 28         Promo Date                                       Philadelphia, PA
Monday, June 29         Promo Date                                       Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, June 30         BET Taping                                        Houston, TX
Friday, July 3             ESSENCE Music Festival                       New Orleans, LA
Saturday, July 4         ESSENCE Music Festival                      New Orleans, LA
Sunday, July 5             ESSENCE Music Festival                    New Orleans, LA
Sunday, July 5             Jackson Music Awards                       Jackson, MS

For additional information contact:

Publicity:                    
Gwendolyn Quinn                                                           Robyn Ryland-Sanders
GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc.                                 GQ Media & Public Relations, Inc.
212.765.7910                                                                  212.765.7910
gwendolynquinn@aol.com                                              gqmediapr@yahoo.com

Booking:
Lynn M. Scott                                                                  Nichelle Poindexter
Music World Entertainment                                             Music World Entertainment
713.772.5175                                                                  713.772.5175
lynn.scott@musicworldent.com                                      nichelle.poindexter@musicworldent.com

About Music World Entertainment
Music World Entertainment (MWE) is one of the world's leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to bringing quality entertainment around the globe.  The MWE worldwide ventures include successful record labels, top recording artist and producer management, artist development services, a Master catalog series and investment and property holdings with offices in Houston, Los Angeles, New York and London.

The Founder, President and CEO, Mathew Knowles, is the powerhouse force behind the successful artist management of GRAMMY® Award-winners Beyonce and the global phenomenon Destiny's Child.   The trio became the most successful "girl group" in the history of pop music.  Music World Music, the label division of MWE, consists of four imprints; Music World Kids, Compadre Records, Spirit Rising, and the digital label Hits Revealed. Music World Music’s label partners include Columbia Records, Geffen Records and Interscope Records.

Music World Entertainment has become one of the most prominent label and management companies in the world with award winning and commercial successes.  Over 200 million records have sold worldwide by the artists and music projects that include Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Solange Knowles, Michelle Williams, Brian Courtney Wilson, Sunshine Anderson, the "Dreamgirls" Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack, "Roll Bounce" Soundtrack and the popular Music World Master Series releases which include Chaka Khan and The O'Jays.  

Fresh off of the heels of their dynamic television performances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The View”, the legendary Clark Sisters have been added to the all-star line-up for the forthcoming CD, “I Wanna Thank You… An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.”

     The album will also feature platinum-selling R&B artists such as Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, Mint Condition, Raheem DeVaughn and Ledisi among others.

     The Clark Sisters will revive Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s 1983 chestnut “I Wanna Thank You” for the project. Joining the sisters on the song will be their cousin, J. Moss, of “We Must Praise” and “Praise on the Inside” fame.

     Rounding out the highly-anticipated collaboration will be Clark Sister Karen Clark Sheard’s daughter, Kierra Sheard, who is known for her radio smashes “You Don’t Know” and “Why Me?”

     The producing duties fall to Grammy winner Donald Lawrence. He produced four out of the Top 5 songs on Billboard magazine’s 2007 Year-End Hot Gospel Songs chart: “Encourage Yourself” by The Tri-City Singers, “Faithful is Our God” by Hezekiah Walker, “Let Go” by Dewayne Woods and “Blessed and Highly Favored” by the Clark Sisters. Lawrence is currently at the top of the charts as an artist with the smash hit “Back II Eden.” (Via Press Release)

     The album is the brainchild of Frankie Beverly’s son, Anthony Beverly, who is serving as the project’s executive producer.  Beverly developed the idea to properly honor his father’s contributions that have largely been overlooked by the music industry.  It is the first and only album recognizing Beverly and Maze’s nearly 40-year career including 12 albums and almost 30 R&B chart singles. “I am excited to pay tribute to my father’s legacy by working with this incredible group of artists who embody the spirit, appreciation and talents consistent with Maze’s sound and message,” says Beverly.

     Originally released on Maze’s 1983 the “We Are One” LP, the inspirational love song “I Wanna Thank You”  reached #59 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart the following year. The song has become a staple of Maze’s concerts and a fan favorite.

     Production has begun on the project with an album release date set for August, 2009 with 101 Distribution. The project is “powered by” NuFace Entertainment, LLC.

Although President Obama’s speech was generally hailed as successful in placing the U.S. and the Muslim world on better terms, some Christians and Muslims found fault with what he chose not to say.

For some Christian leaders, the speech was “brilliant” in terms making America more presentable to the Muslim world, but it failed to address the important issue of unequal treatment of religious minorities in Islamic countries compared to Western nations.

These critics took issue with Obama’s seeming to gloss over problems in Muslim countries, with some even saying the president seems more “pro-Islam” than “pro-Christian.”

“Obama’s speech seemed over and over again to say that we must give Muslims a better chance to be known in the West instead of allowing Christianity to be known in the Muslim countries,” complained Dr. William Wagner, professor or missions and evangelism at Olivet Theological College & Seminary in San Francisco.

Wagner pointed out that Obama noted the many mosques in America, but did not mention that it is forbidden to build Christian churches in Muslim countries. Obama also said it is important for Western nations not to restrict how Muslim citizens practice their faith, but did not note that the persecution of Christians in Muslim countries has resulted in near extinction of the community in some Muslim countries.

“What bothers me the most is not what he said but what he did not say,” said Wagner, the author of the book How Islam Plans to Change the World.

Similarly, Open Doors USA President Dr. Carl Moeller wished Obama had spoken more about the plight of Christians and other minorities in Muslim countries. Moeller said in countries where Islam is the official religion and sharia law is enforced, it is virtually impossible for Christians to practice their faith without persecution.

He also disagreed with Obama praising Saudi King Abdullah for his interfaith efforts, noting Saudi Arabia has the worst religious freedom in the world behind North Korea.

“Saudi Arabia calling on international religious tolerance is a little bit like the wolf calling for a sheep convention,” Moeller wrote in his column for The Christian Post.

Yet despite their criticisms, both Moeller and Wagner applauded Obama for striving to improve relations between the United States and the Muslim world.

Other Christian leaders and groups also praised the U.S. president for his historic speech.

The National Council of Churches and a large group of American Christian leaders, including Pastor Joel C. Hunter of Northland Church in Florida and the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, commended Obama for addressing the people of the Middle East and challenging all sides to work towards peace in the Holy Land.

Among Muslims, many welcomed the U.S. president’s display of respect for Islam in his speech and his commitment to a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser, president of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD), however, had a different take on the speech. Instead of focusing on the president’s praise of Islamic culture, he said he was glad to hear Obama defend the United States against the “stereotype of a self-interested empire.”

But besides that slight approval, Jasser found many faults with the speech. He criticized Obama for giving “naive lip service” to Al Azhar University, the co-sponsor of the speech, which Jasser says has disseminated sharia laws that are “truly anathema” to the human rights ideas the U.S. president is trying to lift up in his speech.

He was also disappointed by Obama's failure to address the “global dangers” of political Islam driven by extremists groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, of which many has received guidance from Al Azhar University.

“If he felt comfortable enough to cite the Koran, then he should have also felt comfortable and clear enough to cite the problems with Islamist ideologies,” said Jasser, who is a devout Muslim American. “The ideological theocratic threat will never go away until it is confronted head on.”

The former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander emphasized that Obama should have made stronger statements regarding the U.S. conflict with political Islam, which is a global security risk.

“To speak in Egypt and avoid the topic of political Islam, radical Islamism, and the Muslim Brotherhood was like visiting Moscow in the height of the Cold War and avoiding any mention of the inhumanities of communism and its incompatibility with liberty,” Jasser said.

At the end of his long, mostly critical opinion piece, Jasser applauded the president for “moving forward” and “rebooting” the relationship with Muslims around the world.

“But engagement done in vagaries with the core issues of ideological conflict entirely ignored will ultimately cause more harm than good,” the Muslim American warned.

He calls on President Obama to stand with Muslims around the world who want to challenge Muslim or Arab fascism and theocracy.

Marvin Sapp's record breaking tune 'Never Would Have Made It' has made it past the million mark for number of ringtones sold, another first for the hit-making gospel artist.

     The accolades continue to pour in for Sapp's song, which officially has sold 1,254,957 ringtones. It was named Top Song of 2008 by the Associated Press and was the longest running top radio single in all formats after 47 weeks at #1 in Gospel.

     "This is so exciting. I remain humbled by the overwhelming response to this song and thank everyone who made 'Never Would Have Made It' their ringtone," said Sapp, adding that "this is truly more than I could ask or think and I am grateful."

     Ringtones are the most popular entertainment feature on mobile devices. These personalized tones have developed into a global phenomenon that includes all genres of music and television show theme songs. Sold at around $3.00/month for access, ringtones have created another stream of income for artists, record labels and the cell phone industry.

     Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, Sapp is a former member of Commissioned and recorded with them until its dissolution in 1995. He began his own solo career with a self-titled album the following year. Sapp currently is touring around the country and is scheduled to perform July 5th at the Essence Music Festival's tribute to TD Jakes in New Orleans.

Anissa King is a 2002 graduate of the University of South Florida, where she earned her BA degree in Mass Communications. Since completing college, she has worked in various fields to include Insurance and Real Estate. Currently, she works full-time as a Real Estate Agent. She has been very successful in the real estate industry and works very closely with families, especially minorities, in helping them achieve their dreams of owning a home. Anissa also holds several professional licenses to include: 620 Insurance Adjuster license, Notary Public license, Notary Signing Agent, and Loan Officer license. Her college degree and business experiences were the prerequisite for preparing her to give back to her community. In 2004, Anissa formed a non-profit, faith-based, Christ-centered organization called Camp David Community Center. Camp David Community Center is an organization geared towards helping at-risk youth and their families. The Center offers several programs to enhance spiritual, emotional, physical and educational growth. While being an active volunteer in the community, Anissa has established many relationships with other people and organizations that share in her vision and have similar values and interests in reaching the world for Christ. The PATH MEGAzine is one of the many organizations that supports Camp David Community Center. Consequently, in 2006, Anissa started to work part-time alongside the talented Producer, Kris “K.P.” Patrick as an editor for the magazine. Her hard work and dedication led her to the role of Managing Editor in December 2006. Anissa is a young leader with a dream and a heart that loves people and seeks opportunities and avenues to help improve their lives, whether it be personally or professionally.