In May, the ArtSoul Radio team started a brand new series on IG Live called “Song Stories”. Hosted by DJ/Host “DJ Standout” and various co-hosts from the team, this series highlights popular singers/songwriters giving them an opportunity to get up close and personal with their fans in a new way. We speak about their musical journey, and share the unknown stories behind their fans favorite songs!

The first episode premiered Friday, May 1st featuring Grammy nominated artist Jonathan McReynolds. Our host DJ Standout spoke with him about his new album “People” and how his collaboration with Pastor Michael Todd, Mali Music and The Walls Group came together. We even touched on his dating life, family and much more! If you missed it, check out the full episode below:

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Watch The Full Episode Here:

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: