Events

Albums That Turned 10 This Year

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2018

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!

Culture

Kirk Franklin & Fred Hammond Bring A Moment of Healing With Latest Versus Series

Gospel legends Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond recently teamed up for the latest ‘Verzuz’ session! But, instead of the typical battle, they turned the moment into a space for healing.

Published

2 hours ago

June 2, 2020

Staff

Gospel legends Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond recently teamed up for the latest ‘Verzuz’ session! But, instead of the typical battle, they turned the moment into a space for healing.

The world almost seems to be in a chaos of change lately. We are still learning how to navigate the new normal of continuing life in the middle of a pandemic. In addition, the death of George Floyd and the nationwide protests that have followed have only added to the challenges in our world today. This night of inspiration was just what we all needed.

Bishop T.D. Jakes opened the music event with words of hope:

“Darkness everywhere, seemingly everywhere,” he said. “Today we pray for light because we have seen too much darkness, from Trayvon to George Floyd. From 100K people dead from Covid … Lord knows we’ve seen too much darkness.”

Jakes continued, “I don’t know about you … but sometimes I feel like that knee is on my back and I can’t breathe. But let everything that has breath praise the lord.,” and led viewers with a prayer: “We pray back the darkness, we pray back the dark clouds … the injustice, the immorality … We pray it back out of our country, out of our world … out of minds, out of every crevice, out of every shadow, we cast you out! … Oh God, wherever there is pain, giving healing … Where ever there is despair, give hope … The joy is coming in the morning. I can hear the ticktock on the wall … We are getting closer and closer … To the morning … It will not be long until joy comes into your heart, our communities, our lives, our homes our churches. Joy is coming in the morning. And we will breathe again. Amen.”

Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond wearing “I can’t breathe” and “I can’t breathe… again” t-shirts for their #VERZUZ battle 🖤#EricGarner #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/OW9rEN4IVd

— Dionne Grant (@DionneGrant) May 31, 2020

Before the tracks were played, Franklin said, “It’s been a painful week. It’s been a difficult week. We want to make it a moment of healing for you. We have 42 songs to give to you. We know the pain, we see the pain.”

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE:

Entertainment

The 35th Annual Stellar Awards Will Now Be An “At Home” Virtual Presentation

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic closing venues in Las Vegas, we are producing our Stellar Awards as a virtual at-home television special to honor our Stellar Award 2020 nominees and winners…

Published

5 days ago

May 28, 2020

Tamara Young

The Stellar Awards released an official announcement today that the 35th Annual production will be taped and broadcast as a virtual national broadcast television special. Kirk Franklin @kirkfranklin joins as additional co-host along with Jonathan McReynolds @jonmcreynolds and Koryn Hawthorne @korynhawthorne. ALL previously purchased tickets for the 2020 show will now be refunded by Ticketmaster. The show will return as a live TV taping in March, 2021!

The virtual presentation will now be a two-hour virtual awards telecast that will air during 3Q of this year. Replacing the live taping previously rescheduled for August in Las Vegas, the new show format will harness the power of technology and creative television production to honor the best in Gospel music. The virtual production will acknowledge all award winners from the Stellar Awards pre-show and main show, with select categories being presented in the broadcast. The broadcast will also feature inspirational performances from Gospel music’s most celebrated artists, and special tributes to first responder heroes on the front lines of the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Award show founder Don Jackson had the following to say about the recent changes:

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic closing venues in Las Vegas, we are producing our Stellar Awards as a virtual at-home television special to honor our Stellar Award 2020 nominees and winners, that will still raise the roof for our fans at home with great Gospel music performances in a new format,” said Stellar Awards Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. “Also, it gives us the opportunity to honor COVID-19 first responder heroes in appreciation of the great work they are doing to save lives during this pandemic. We hope to further inspire these heroes with tributes of thanks from our Gospel music cast of Stellar winners and performances.”

Joining previously announced first time co-hosts Jonathan McReynolds and Koryn Hawthorne is Stellar Awards veteran host, Kirk Franklin. The superstar trio will work together to keep the virtual television praise party lifted and flowing seamlessly throughout the evening. Confirmed performers include Donnie McClurkin, James Fortune, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike Jr., Kierra Sheard, and Doe, with more to be announced.

An important tradition at the Stellar Awards will be held for next year’s 2021 show, where Jackson will bestow well-deserved special honors and recognition upon Gospel greats who have elevated the genre. The previously named recipients – The Clark Sisters, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Caesar in addition to Gospel music industry leaders Dr. Leonard Scott, Skip Barrett, Kerry Douglas, and Dr. Teresa Hairston – will be celebrated for their contributions to Gospel music when The Stellar Awards returns to Las Vegas next Spring in March 2021.

Tickets purchased for 2020 Stellar Awards events that were scheduled for August 14–16 will be refunded. To submit requests or for more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Previously announced nominees for the 2020 Stellar Awards includes, veteran Gospel collective, Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers who leads the field of nominees with nine nominations. Other top nominees include Gospel icon and Stellar Awards Host, Kirk Franklin and powerhouse singer, producer and performer Tasha Cobbs Leonard with eight nominations each; JJ Hairston (7 Nominations), Bishop Paul S. Morton (6 Nominations), John P. Kee (5 Nominations), Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers (4 Nominations), William Murphy (4 Nominations), Pastor Mike, Jr. (4 Nominations), Maranda Curtis (3 Nominations), and Fresh Start Worship (3 Nominations) round out the field of top nominated artists.

For the complete list of the 35th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees, please visit www.thestellarawards.com. More of the biggest names in Gospel and a few additional surprises are being added to the growing list of top performers appearing in this year’s show, presented by AT&T and also sponsored by State Farm.

“I am especially grateful and appreciative of the tremendous positive response we have had from Gospel music artists, our advertising partners and over 200 television broadcast and cable partners around the country who have agreed to support our 35th Annual Stellar Awards At-Home special honoring Stellar winners and first responder heroes,” said Jackson.

Stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars for the latest news and updates about the greatest night in Gospel music.

Events

Remnant Conference Creates A Space To Remind Us “There Is More”

Catch What You Missed Here!

Published

1 week ago

May 23, 2020

Staff

What is Remnant Conference?

Remnant Young Adult Conference is an annual gathering hosted by Deeper Fellowship church where William McDowell is the lead Pastor. The gathering caters to young adults (ages 18-35) who, for two and a half days, desire to be transformed by the presence of God. Hosted by Caleb Grant, this conference was designed to create a space of permission for those who are hungry for more, and a place of invitation for those who might not yet know there is more. There IS more!

1 John 5:21 says, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”

The world we live in today is filled with distractions competing for our attention. Whether it is the invasive nature of social media, the ambition to be successful, or the desire to be known there are many things trying to pull us away from our pursuit of Jesus. This year we are regaining our focus, but more importantly rekindling our first love. We are making a resounding call back to a singular affection (JESUS), and we are declaring war on any competing affections. On May 21st-May 23rd, young adults (ages 18-35) gathered together to immerse themselves in the presence of God, and to hear Him speak.

“It is in His presence where we believe you will be healed, delivered, set free, and set ablaze to live with an unending passion for Him. It is in His presence where we believe you will realize that He Is Enough.”

If you missed this conference, scroll down to catch each session and share it with a friend so you can watch it together!