Video | Do The Jesus Lean - B-Shoc

"I'ma dance for the Lord like D-a-v-i-d" - B-Shoc

Video | Jessica Reedy sings "God Has Smiled On Me"

Ms. Jessica Reedy sings "God Has Smiled on Me" at the Stellar Awards 2011 Concert in Nashville.
Jessica just signed her first contract with Light Records/eOne Entertainment.

I really love her! Her range as a singer is awesome and her personality is great.

Watch now.

2011 Stellar Awards Nominees Are In...

James Fortune & Fiya and BeBe & CeCe Winans lead the pack of nominees for the 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards with 10 nominations each. Right behind them are Gospel superstars, Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp, with seven nominations a piece. The nominees were announced at a first ever live telecast on the Gospel Music Channel television network at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville.

The 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be take place on Sat., Jan. 15, 2011 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Tickets for the show range from $35 to $200 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Complete list of nominees after the jump

TV | Running Russell Simmons Comes to Oxygen Nov 2

Behind every good man is a great woman, but behind every American mogul stands several great women.

The upcoming docu-series "Running Russell Simmons" offers an exclusive peek at the life of Russell Simmons -- entrepreneur, entertainment and fashion icon, philanthropist, and yogi --and the powerful team that helps to keep the machine running. Simmons' assistants not only know the ins and outs of his business deals, but also have a hand in managing his family life and party planning: a 24/7 commitment.

Simone and Christina serve as Simmons' closest confidantes, fierce gatekeepers, philanthropic czars, business liaisons, and more. The series will also feature Adair, Trish, and Piper, who keep operations running seamlessly. Ali and Sagen are Simone and Christina's new interns who struggle to maintain the hectic pace that running Russell Simmons demands.

Simmons' associates are entrenched in every aspect of his life -- both personal and at his Fashion Avenue office in New York City. Their glam jobs bring them face-to-face with everyone from former Presidents and international royalty to Hollywood's elite. And, with many new upcoming projects to juggle in the worlds of fashion, film and television, they have their work cut out for them.

"Running Russell Simmons" was developed and executive-produced by Simmons Lathan Media Group and Picture This Television. Simmons, Stan Lathan, Bryan Scott, Lisa M. Tucker, Danny Salles and Amy Kohn serve as executive producers, and Lesley Goldman is co-executive producer for Picture This Television. "Running Russell Simmons" premiers November 2nd at 10/9c.

Check out the trailer after the jump

D-MAUB to Release "Your Future Presentation:The 1st Showing" Compilation CD

He's BAAAAACCKKK!

 D-MAUB and One Route Entertainment is releasing a compilation cd with some of his most favorite and memorable tracks (such as “I’m a Creature” featuring contest winner KAS and “On The High” with K-Drama and Street Pastor).  The album will be available online October 31 at http://www.onerouteenterainment.com/ as well as Holy Culture Download and The Bus Shop.



Check out Humble Tip - S.P.F (Salvation Prevents Fire) Music Video ft. K-Drama & D-Maub.

Toni Rackard Prepares to Release "Unconditional Love" CD

Passionate Praise is one way to describe the inspiring, contemporary gospel grooves of Tampa, Florida’s rising gospel star, Toni Rackard. For the last dozen years, she’s quietly built a following on the Florida music scene and even toured Europe with the renowned Harlem Gospel Choir. As her first national radio single “You Pulled Me Through” (a sizzling duet with Marvin Winans Jr.) continues to gain momentum at gospel radio stations around the country, buzz is also building for the release of Rackard’s forthcoming debut CD "Unconditional Love" on October 26, 2010.

The project is the first joint venture between Rackard’s Beyond The Veil (BTV) recording label and the Emtro Gospel/Taesis Music Group. “We are planning to release other artists in the future,” says Rackard’s husband, Derrick, BTV’s CEO. Emtro Gospel has enjoyed Top 10 radio hits such as Alvin Darling’s “All Night,” “Troy Sneed’s “Work It Out,” and Youth for Christ’s “Struggle is Over” that spent 12 weeks at #1 in 2007.

The CD features a smooth jazz reading of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” and closes with the aggressive club track, “The Kingdom Slide.” In between, there are songs of praise such as Rackard’s cover of Hillsong’s “Sing of Your Great Love” and the urban-flavored anthem “Unconditional love.” “You don’t have to be a in a box because you’re saved,” Rackard says of the fresh urban sound of the song. “We are to have fun and rejoice but also spread the importance of intimacy with God.” Rackard is the praise and worship leader at Jesus People Family Worship Center in Tampa, FL. Visit http://www.tonirackard.com/ for more information.

To see some of Toni Rackard's performances and video for her single, "Unconditional Love," click here.
Source:

Bill Carpenter

Are You In Love with a Bully?

October is widely known as Breast Cancer Awareness month, but it is also Domestic Violence Month. While crusing on EEWMagazine.com, I came across Kennisha Hill's post regarding this issue.

You’ve likely heard the reports. Bullying is on the rise in America, and I recently ran across quite a few disturbing stories about the tragic effects of bullying amongst teens.

Right now, there seems to be a terrible outbreak of teens who commit suicide because they are bullied by their peers at school. It is one of the saddest trends we are facing in America today. And, we absolutely have to do something about protecting our teens from this very frightening thing that’s happening in our own backyards.

But, what about in relationships? Can we be bullied there too? Sure can.

Bullying is a real form of abuse and it doesn’t necessarily have to be physical, either. It can take on many different forms. Today, I’d like to enlighten you with facts on bullying in relationships, how you can avoid it, and what to do if you’re faced with any form of it.

According to The Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, verbal and emotional abuse is defined as:


■yelling
■criticizing
■name-calling
■blaming you for everything
■playing mind games or manipulating you
■ordering you around
■keeping you from spending time with friends and family
■threatening to hurt you

Full Story Here

Trin-I-Tee 5:7's First Interview as a Duo

Check out the ladies of Trin-i-tee 5:7, Angel Taylor and Chanelle Haynes, in their first interview as a duo on Essence TV as they discuss working on their fourth album.

Willow Smith "Whips Her Hair" at 106th & Park

“We turn our back and whip our hair/ And just shake ‘em off, shake ‘em off, shake ‘em off/ Don’t let haters keep me off my grind/ Keep my head up/ I know I’ll be fine”

Willow Smith, with a little help from her friends, stopped by BET's 106th and Park to debut her catchy tune “Whip My Hair.” In the clip, which premiered Monday, Roc Nation’s latest signee, joined by her BFFs of pint-size girls, turns a drab classroom into a kaleidoscope of color with a few energetic flicks of her paint-dipped braids. The 9-year-old daughter of A-list actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith explained that her BFFs are her Warriorettes, a supportive team that fully subscribes to the ethos espoused by her smash single “Whip My Hair.”

The outgoing tween, who describes her style as “schoolgirl-meets-punk rock” said, “Whip My Hair means don’t be afraid to be yourself and don’t let anybody tell you that that’s wrong. Because the best thing is you.”

Check out the video to “Whip My Hair” after the jump

Video: Fighting Debt from the Pulpit

As part of the series "Black in America: Almighty Debt", CNN features one pastor who refuses to allow anyone to be swallow up in debt. Rev. Buster Soaries created "D-Free," a program encouraging people to get rid of debts, delinquencies and deficits.

Lulu Roman: From size 54 to 14

The Emmy-winning TV series Hee Haw generated laughs for nearly a quarter of a century. Country’s biggest stars lit up the stage…

Buck Owens and Roy Clark led the cast of off-beat characters, including comedienne Lulu Roman. Hee Haw made Lulu a household name… and her weight was always part of the punch line.

Lulu Roman: I was hired to be the fat girl.

Nearly two decades after Hee Haw ended its run, Lulu Roman has improved her health and dropped 20 dress sizes, and she’s working on losing more weight.

Mia Evans-Saracual: Losing 200 pounds at any age is amazing. But in your 60s, how do you feel?

Lulu: I feel like a kid. I do. I feel like the Lord’s just given me a whole other chance.

Mia: This is amazing! Unbelievable! You went from a size 54 to a size 14.

Lulu: 54, well actually, it was 56 / 58 to a size 14 /16. That is amazing. I still have clothes that I can hold out here that I can stand in one leg and go "hee hee". I kept them.

To read full interview go here.

Watch interview below.

Video: Tye Tribbett - "Chasing After You (The Morning Song)"

Each and every day
I will seek Your face
my soul is crying out for more
I want more of You
Oh, I won't be satisfied
Nor content
if where I am,woah
So I won't aprehend
till I'm captured by what I'm after

And I will go from faith to faith
From glory to glory
And I'll forever be chasing after You
I'll be chasing after You

I will press toward the mark
For the prize
And I won't faint
Theres one thing I desire
And that's what I'm going for
I can't continue life
Day by day
growing dry
I need to be with You (Jesus)
I'll seek where you are

And I will go from faith to faith
From glory to glory

And I'll forever be chasing after You
i'll be chasing after you

And I will go from faith to faith
from glory to glory

And I'll forever be chasing after You
I'll be chasing after you

First Pics: Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, and Baby Egypt

New parents Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were seen out and about with their new baby Egypt in tow. Just like the rest of us common folk, the new family ran errands around New York, that included a doctors visit for their 5-day-old little one, then the couple strolled around a little bit and shopped for baby clothes for the newborn. It is hard to believe that Alicia gave birth just last week!! While we don’t get a glance at little Egypt, we do get to see his doting parents carry him around in an infant carrier.

Alicia tweeted about her brand new motherhood status: “There is no word to properly describe LOVE, to describe BLISS, to express a FEELING like this!!!”. Swizz has also been sharing his happiness on Twitter, writing, “Much love for all the support everybody been showing but I want to shout out my Wife for being bigger than SUPERWOMAN!”



Kanye West: "I will not give up on life again"

Some may view Kanye West as a media hogger (remember the MTV Awards??), but you can not deny his contribution to music and pop culture at large. He's truthful admission that he contemplated suicide is no news shocker to me. Why you ask?? Well let me tell you...He has not been "right in the head" since his mom's untimely passing. Even though we did not know Dr. West personally, we can tell how much she influenced his music and life.

I digress...

At a recent screening of his movie "Runaway", The "Jesus Walks" rapper revealed that at one point in his life he contemplated suicide, but nows feels he has a responsibility to art and pop culture.

West told the crowd "there were times that I contemplated suicide." However, he said, "I will not give up on life again."

"There's so many people that will never get the chance to have their voice heard" as loudly as his, West said Monday. "I do it for them."

West, who didn't say when he had considered suicide, is credited as director of the abstract 35-minute film, which features portions of nine new West songs, boldly colorful visuals and off-kilter camera angles. The mostly dialogue-free piece, set to premiere this weekend on MTV, VH1 and BET, will accompany West's upcoming album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," which will be released Nov. 22.

Crystal Cathedral megachurch files bankruptcy

Crystal Cathedral, the megachurch birthplace of the televangelist show "Hour of Power," filed for bankruptcy Monday in Southern California after struggling to emerge from debt that exceeds $43 million.

In addition to a $36 million mortgage, the Orange County-based church owes $7.5 million to several hundred vendors for services ranging from advertising to the use of live animals in Easter and Christmas services.

The church had been negotiating a repayment plan with vendors, but several filed lawsuits seeking quicker payment, which prompted a coalition formed by creditors to fall apart.

"Tough times never last, every storm comes to an end. Right now, people need to hear that message more than ever," Sheila Schuller Coleman, the Cathedral's senior pastor and daughter of the founder, told reporters outside the worship hall decked with a soaring glass spire.

"Everybody is hurting today. We are no exception," she said

To read full story go here.

Trin-I-Tee 5:7 is a duo - Adrian Anderson Bids Group Adieu

On the heels of T57’s latest release “A New Day” close to completion, member Adrian Anderson announces her departure.

Anderson who replaced former member Terry Brown 10 years ago, is branching out to move full steam ahead with her new beauty company “Halo Tu Beauty.”

We wish Adrian the very best in all her endeavors!!


Watch T57 performing "I Will Lift"

RHOA Kim Zolciak's speaks on NeNe & other items in interview

In an recent interview, RHOA's Kim Zolciak's discusses NeNe, the meaning behind her new song "Google Me", and her relationship status...

TVGuide.com: You and NeNe seem to have genuinely gotten past the choking incident. Surprised?


Zolciak: NeNe and I have always had a love-hate relationship. It's like having a bad boyfriend. You just can't get away from it. But she makes me laugh and she's a ton of fun, so, you know, we're doing a lot better.

TVGuide.com: What about you and Kandi? In the last episode, she told a friend that you hadn't paid her for producing "Tardy for the Party"...

Zolciak: Yeah, I called her after I saw that. I wasn't too happy. I generally just watch myself on the show, but my Twitter went crazy when the episode aired. People were like, "I can't believe how awful you are... that you would not pay Kandi any money after all that she did for you." And I was like, "What in the... Why would she say that?" So I watched it and then I texted her: "Why did you say that? That's not necessarily true. My feelings are really hurt." And then she called me and then we talked.

But we have a great friendship. We're two years apart [in age], two years and two days, actually, and we understand each other. We resolved it. It was really just miscommunication, and she did get money for the song. [Ed. Note: See what Kandi has to say about whether or not that's true on her Bravo blog.] I would never in a million years not pay her. Kandi's not about money and I'm not about money -- money will never come between us, ever. I don't know how the music industry works, with producers and publishing and fees and who gets paid what. I still to this day don't really understand how it works.

Read more after the jump...

Video | Former Drug Dealer Queen Pin Comes to Christ

The FBI called her "Queen Pin". Jemeker Hairston ruled the tough streets of South Central L.A.

“I didn’t play when it came to delivering my drugs and getting my money," Jemeker says. "I was serious about the game.”

Jemeker was obsessed with power and control, something she picked up as a young girl.

“I was in the fourth grade, so probably about eight, nine years old. One day I came home and we were evicted from our home. I quite didn’t understand what was going on, but I knew that it wasn’t right. I just know that we were put out and had to stay in a motel.”

But Jemeker wanted a better life for herself and asked to live with her grandmother in Mississippi. Her mom agreed and scraped together enough money for a plane ticket. She lived there for six years and didn’t return to L.A. until she was 14. It wasn’t long before she met Daff.

Read the full story here.

Watch her testimony here:

Bishop Long Preaches about Social Networking

Even though he is facing numerous allegations from former church members, Bishop Eddie Long's preaching life continues.

In his latest sermon, posted Sunday (Oct. 17) on YouTube, the leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church covers a wide range of topics, including his view of the new Facebook movie “The Social Network,” and his own addiction to the iPhone.

“Jesus sent me by here this morning to remind all of us of one simple thing: I am the vine. I am your only connection. I am your lifeline,” he said.


“God says even if you’ve still got a rotary phone, you can still be connected to me,” Long added. “I am your iTune. I am your iPad. I am your Google search engine. Anything you want to know, you ask me and I’ll run it back in you so quick and so fast…”

Listen below.

Pastor sentenced for stealing from Katrina victims

A Louisiana court found that a minister who served as a FEMA housing liaison took more than $350,000 in cash and property from residents following Hurricane Katrina.

The Rev. Martin A. Denesse, of Homeplace, La., has been sentenced to two years in prison and must pay restitution, according to a report by the Religion News Service:

Denesse is the former pastor of Grace Harbor Christian Ministries and was appointed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as the Plaquemines Parish's official housing liaison in 2007. As the liaison, Denesse was charged with helping residents place trailers on their own property instead of living in crowded trailer parks.

However, the minister apparently misappropriated thousands of dollars residents paid him for connection fees and insurance for the trailers. Denesse also was sentenced on drug charges but he will serve that sentence concurrently.

To read more of the story, click here.