Events

Albums That Turned 10 This Year

Published

7 years ago

November 15, 2018

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A decade in any instance is a long time, but in the world of entertainment that time span can seem like a century. In today’s music industry filled with one hit wonders and stories of fame gone bad, many artists don’t make it that long, let alone a decade. A good artist is a master at reinventing themselves through eras all while staying true to who they really are. Though it may seem like a cakewalk, putting out music over a span of time that is both relevant and good is a tough task.

Below are five albums that turned 10 years-old this year by five different artists who are still contributing to the world of music today.

Lecrae, Rebel

In 2008, Rebel was the third album released by Lecrae and most would agree it was project that changed the trajectory of his music career. Rebel was the first Lecrae album to chart on Billboard’s Top 200 albums, as well as multiple other Billboard charts. The project featured much of the (then) Reach Records roster, including Tedashii, Sho Baraka, Trip Lee, as well as other artists like Da T.R.U.T.H and J.R. The track “Go Hard” still goes hard today and the successful single “Don’t Waste Your Life” still holds true. The casual fan may have never heard of Rebel, but the day one Lecrae fans know the album well and cherish it.

Trip Lee, 20/20

Before conceptual albums became all the rage, Trip Lee’s 20/20 was laser focused on seeing the Lord clearer. With one of the most captivating covers at the time, given this was ten years ago, it was hard to not be enamored by this project. Production by the late DJ Official, GAWVI (then G-Styles) and Joseph Prielozny as well as features from CHH heavy weights like Lecrae, Tedashii, Flame, Shai Linne and more made 20/20 a must listen. Though many artists experience a sophomore slump, this wasn’t the case for the second album released by Trip Lee.

HeeSun Lee, Re-defined

At a time when there was hardly any female representation in the CHH genre. HeeSun Lee came along and changed things. The first release from Lee was brash, poetic and soulful. Exclusively produced and released via Jahrock’n Studios in Brooklyn, NY, Re-Defined had minimal features, Chris Belmont (Rock) appeared on a couple of tracks as well as Shanelle Gabriel, but it’s HeeSun Lee that carries this project from beginning to end. She started her career breaking barriers and is still doing the same 10 years later.

**Mary Mary, *The Sound***

The Sound was the fourth album released by gospel duo Mary Mary and arguably one of their most successful albums. The project debuted at no. 7 on the Billboard 200, no. 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Album Charts and no. 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Charts. Much of the success of The Sound was due to the smash hit “God in Me” featuring Kierra Sheard which the group won a Grammy for. As with all of Mary Mary’s projects, The Sound was produced entirely by Warryn Campbell and also featured hip-hop star David Banner.

Derek Minor (Pro) The Blackout

Back when Derek Minor was known as Pro, The Blackout was his first studio release. His stage name was not the only thing different at the time, his album was released through his label which is now Reflection Music Group, but 10 years ago was named Christ Like Entertainment. Name changes aside, Derek Minor was ahead of his time during this period. At a time when most Christian rappers were taking sermons, making them rhyme and putting them over beats, Derek’s music was and still is informed by his Christian worldview. He had no problems rapping about what he saw in his neighborhood and how his faith shaped his perspective. The Blackout had a lengthy list of features including Willie Will, Coko Korrine, Dorian Lee and more. Although it didn’t shake up the charts, it shook up the genre.

It’s always great to take a look back and reminisce. Music has the unique quality of mentally transporting us to a totally different place— beautiful nostalgia. We should applaud the artists that created the soundtracks to our lives while and appreciate the art they make today. Though some of these projects don’t hold up well 10 years later, songs like “Go Hard” and “God in Me” are timeless and will forever hold a place in many hearts. Cheers to 10 years!

Events

The Stellar Plus Experience Is Back!

Published

3 months ago

July 9, 2025

Art Soul

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The Stellar Plus Experience is the official, multi-day event leading up to the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. It’s a celebration of faith, music, and culture, offering a range of activities beyond the main awards show. This includes masterclasses, fashion showcases, comedy shows, and special events that enhance the overall Stellar Awards experience. This has also become the space for emerging talent show up and be heard. Don’t miss this experience during Stellar weekend! There will be something for everyone!

For more details on all of the available events for this year, visit the Stellar Plus Experience website: www.stellarexperienceplus.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

*Subject to change*

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025

10a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub

2p – 4p: Stellar Masterclass

7p – 8p: Stellar 40 Welcome Mixer

8p – 10:30p: Stellar Unplugged

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025

8:30a – 10a: Opening Keynote Address

8a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub

11a – 2p: GameChangers Fashion Experience

2p – 4p: Stellar Talks: Fireside Chat + Mixer

9:30p – 12a: Stellar StandUp Comedy Show

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025

4:30p: 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards

ArtSoul Spotlight

2025 Stellar Awards Nominees Announced

Published

4 months ago

June 17, 2025

Tamara Young

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Presented by Central City Productions, the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards returns to Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on August 16, 2025—honoring the biggest names and brightest newcomers in Gospel music.

Founded by Don Jackson and produced by his team at Central City Productions, the Stellars have long been known as the “Grammys of Gospel.” And for four decades, they’ve remained the premier awards show dedicated to celebrating Black faith-based artistry, excellence, and impact across the globe.

This year’s show is packed with familiar favorites and breakout voices making waves in the culture. From CeCe Winans to Pastor Mike Jr., the nominee list reflects the evolution of Gospel music in real time—bridging tradition, innovation, and divine inspiration.

Check out the full list of nominees below:

Artist of the Year

CeCe Winans – More Than This
Jason Nelson – You Belong: Live in Durham
Kenny Lewis & One Voice – The Healing Project
Pastor Mike Jr. – I Got Away EP
Tamela Mann – Live Breathe Fight

Song of the Year

“Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.
“Clap My Way” – Micah Lee
“I Prayed For You (said a prayer)” – MAJOR.
“That’s My King” – CeCe Winans
“Yahweh” ft. Melvin Crispell III – Jason Nelson

Male Artist of the Year

Chandler Moore
Deitrick Haddon
Doc McKenzie
Jason Nelson
Pastor Mike Jr.

Female Artist of the Year (Albertina Walker Award)

ADIA
CeCe Winans
Dorinda Clark-Cole
Karen Clark-Sheard
Lisa Page Brooks

Duo/Chorus Group of the Year

Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart
FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole)
Ted & Sheri
The Group Fire

New Artist of the Year

ADIA
Bobbi Lane
Josh Bracy and Power Anointed
Micah Lee
Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale

Album of the Year

I Got Away EP – Pastor Mike Jr.
Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
More Than This – CeCe Winans
The Healing Project – Kenny Lewis & One Voice
You Belong: Live in Durham – Jason Nelson

Choir of the Year

Bishop S. Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil
Chicago Mass Choir – Greater Is Coming
Ricky Dillard – When I Think
The Mississippi Mass Choir – We Still Believe

Producer of the Year

Dana Sorey – You Belong: Live in Durham
FK&M team – Time Capsule – The Trilogy
J. Drew Sheard – Still Karen
Pastor Mike Jr. & DLo – I Got Away EP
Stan Jones & team – We Still Believe

Praise and Worship Album of The Year

Praise and Worship Song of The Year

Leading the Pack:

Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson are tied with 9 nominations each
CeCe Winans follows closely with 8 nominations
The Mississippi Mass Choir earns 6 nominations

See Full List of All 30 Categories Here:

This list is just a snapshot of the nominees. You can find a list of all 30 Categories here: https://www.thestellarawards.com/2025-nominees.html

Fans can vote June 16 – July 18th, 2025 at www.thestellarawards.com
Fan-voted categories include:

Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year
Praise & Worship Song of the Year

🔥 ArtSoul Radio + Stellar Awards: A Legacy of Showing Up | Over 10 Years Strong

For over a decade, ArtSoul Radio has been known for showing up for Christian music-not just reporting on award shows like the Stellars and Dove Awards, but for standing in the gaps others overlooked.

Long before CHH and Christian Soul artists were getting red carpet coverage, we were often the only media platform intentionally representing these genres-determined to amplify the sound of a movement that was often being ignored.

We’ll never forget moments like this throwback interview from 2016: when artist Jai (now Jai Vaughn), once spotting our team on the red carpet, paused and said:
“I’m coming to ones who actually play my music.”

That moment still speaks volumes. And it reminds us why we do what we do.

We have watched and captured the evolution of Christian music over the years, and we are excited to see the growth that has come to various award shows, media platforms, radio shows and more – including the evolution of the Stellar Awards as they continue to open their arms to new genres. We have watched the addition of new collaborations as Jai speaks about in the video above along with new features.

We’re here to support that growth, and to honor what the Stellar Awards have been building for decades. From past to present, we remain committed to uplifting the full spectrum of faith-based music and the community connected to it.

“We’re better together. Keep it locked all summer long for updates!”

Events

Jackie The Educator Promotes BCI’s 2nd Anual BCI Conference on ArtSoul Radio’s Own TrackStarz Radio Show

Published

4 months ago

June 17, 2025

Art Soul

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Jackie the Educator recently spoke with “Ryan The Righteous” on the TrackStarz Radio Show airing weekly on ArtSoulRadio via iHeart Radio for a transparent conversation about the journey behind BCI (Black Christian Influencers). Jackie speaks about building faith-centered spaces, and what it really takes to lead in today’s culture.

This interview originally aired on our 24/7 programming TrackStarz, one of our syndicated shows here on ArtSoul Radio—streaming 24/7 with fresh convos, real stories, and voices that move the culture.

In case you missed it, we’re dropping the full interview here so you can hear it straight from the source. Jackie talks about the highs, the challenges, and the future of her growing platform. Whether you’re in the influencer space or just passionate about seeing faith + culture collide in meaningful ways, this one’s worth the listen.

🎧 Watch the full interview below
📻 Originally aired on ArtSoulRadio’s 24/7 Radio Station on iHeart Radio (The TrackStarz Radio Show)
💬 Then tag us and let us know your thoughts.