Black Nativity Musical Brings Joy To Atlanta

credit: Black Nativity Atlanta

Black Nativity is a phenomenal gospel musical based on the song play by Playwright and Poet Langston Hughes. The show is currently showing LIVE in Atlanta at Georgia Tech's First Center for The Arts.

Running until December 19th, the show is a must see.

Check out more details on our BOLD TV YouTube Page. 

For more information on Black Nativity and tickets to the show visit: http://blacknativityatlanta.com/

1K Phew & Lecrae Announce New Collaborative Album, 'No Church In A While' | Release Single "Wildin" [Video]

Gospel Rap Artists Lecrae and 1KPhew are releasing new music, and it's together.

[Jackie O & Co Release] A new breed of artists are taking the trap sensibility and elevating it into a new sound called “Street Gospel,” a term coined by Atlanta based Reach Records artist, 1K Phew. 1K Phew’s smooth delivery, swag, and evocative vocals have an infectious quality that is streetwise yet commercially viable. 

NO CHURCH IN A WHILE Cover Artwork

Reach Records president and co-founder, Lecrae describes Phew’s sound as hip-hop that is equally at home in the club or the church. “Our artists at Reach Records are continuing to prove that faith can exist beyond the pews of the church if expressed authentically. Rappers like 1K Phew are carrying forward the torch we lit with ‘Let The Trap Say Amen’ using their music to reach hip-hop heads with a spiritually that’s not forced or foreign to them.”

 

1K Phew’s new project collaborative album with Lecrae, No Church In A While, features 10 tracks including: “Wildin” “Ready Or Not,” “Move It,” “One Call,” “What We Gon Do,” “Amen,” “Blockhead,” “Born Sinner” “Save Us,” and “No Church In A. White.” Lecrae was recording his mixtape, Church Clothes 4, when it occurred to him that people actually hadn't been to church to even put on those church clothes in a while because of the pandemic, church hurt, and other reasons.

The concept for their collaborative album, No Church For A While grew out of their conversations. “No Church In A While has all types of meanings,” expresses 1K Phew. “We just went through the pandemic and ain’t nobody [go] to church in a minute. This album is for everybody who ain’t been to church or connected to God in a while who thinks they can’t go back. It ain’t really that deep. God is waiting for everybody to tap back in. No Church In A While is telling people there’s still hope, you can still turn to God no matter how long you’ve been away.”

Watch the Video for the Single "Wildin" below:

The Single "Wildin," was released November 17th and the album, No Church In While releases December 3rd. To stream now, click here. 

Check out more Inspiration and Kingdom Updates @BOLDJournal on all social media networks.

Gospel Rapper Lecrae Going Into 2021 With Two Grammy Nominations

credit: schure media group

Multi Grammy Award-winning platinum selling artist, Lecrae, has received two 2021 Grammy Award nominations this year. The first in the category of Best Christian Contemporary Music Performance/Song for “Sunday Morning,” featuring Kirk Franklin. The song is featured on his ninth studio album, Restoration, which was released his own imprint, Reach Records on August 21, 2020. Guest features also include John Legend, YK Osiris, Jozzy, Dani Leigh, Marc E. Bassy, BJ The Chicago Kid and more.

“When I set out to record Restoration, I was sharing my journey to help heal others. I wanted to show you my scars as a proof that wounded people can heal,” explains Lecrae. “This Grammy nomination is a testament of the journey! It’s an acknowledgement for anyone on the road to restoration, and encouragement for those just beginning. It’s bigger than me! This is for us all and I’m honored!”

His second nomination is in the category of Best Gospel Performance/Song category for his feature on Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins’ Allstar gospel benefit song, “Come Together,” written by Jerkins (who also produced the song), the late LaShawn “Big Shiz” Daniels, Jazz Nixon, and Lecrae. Proceeds from the song benefited two organizations: MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund and Compassion International who are providing emergency aid to those in the music community most affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Lecrae is a co-owner, founder, and President of Reach Records, a trailblazing Atlanta based independent label. He is a successful businessman, investor, philanthropist, and platinum selling artist who has sold millions of albums and won countless of awards. He released his first album in 2004 independently on Reach Records and by 2008, he was the first Christian hip-hop artist to reach #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Charts. His freestyle on BET’s Hip-Hop Cypher in 2011 solidified his name in the industry and brought mainstream attention. Lecrae’s 2012 album, Gravity, won a Grammy for Best Gospel Album marking the first time a hip-hop artist won honors in that category. By his seventh album, Anomaly, Lecrae would make history yet again with the first album at the top of both the Billboard 200 and Gospel Charts simultaneously. It debuted at No. 1 on both charts in 2014. 

The quarantine and the pandemic of 2020 hasn’t slowed Lecrae’s stride. After releasing his album in August, two months later, he dropped Restoration: The Deluxe Album, adding 6 additional new songs and a lineup of features including Rapsody, Ty Brasel and Reach Records artists Andy Mineo, Hulvey, Wande, WHATUPRG, and 1K Phew. Through his partnership with 3 Strand Films, he also released a three-part video narrative, The Road To Restoration, a teaser for his forthcoming documentary.

A New York Times best-selling author, Lecrae has authored two books! His first, Unashamed and the second book, I Am Restored: How I Lost My Religion, but Found My Faith available now everywhere. If things couldn’t get any better, he recently landed two songs on the new Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales video game, “This Is My Time” (featured on the trailer) and “Where We Come From” which can be hard on the original video game soundtrack.

“Restoration is the idea that something broken can return to its original form or even better,” explains Lecrae. “The Restoration ecosystem started with a journal. I wrote the word Restoration on the front of at the lowest point in my life. As I started my restorative process, the word on the front of my journal became the theme for the entire ecosystem: the album, book, and documentary. A big part of the restorative journey is the belief that change will come.”

Listen To Our Exclusive Interview with Lecrae on BOLD Podcast titled: Grace To Get Through

Stay tuned to BreathOfLifeDaily.com and connect with us on all platforms @BOLDJournal

news submitted by: schure media group

DJ D-Nice Teaches Students New Skills at Otis Redding Foundation Music Camp

DJ D-Nice, the Creator of the World Famous "Club Quarantine," recently treated Students to a Master Class at the Otis Redding Foundation's OMC 2.0

The latest version of Otis Music Camp, OMC 2.0 The Virtual experience, held June 8-12, allowed for a plethora of familiar industry faces to stop by and continue the mission of enhancing and motivating young minds in music and the arts. Just when campers thought the week couldn’t get any better, legendary DJ, Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, treated them to a surprise guest appearance.

D-Nice’s virtual “Club Quarantine” parties have been bringing millions of music-lovers, including Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna, Ellen DeGeneres, Lionel Richie, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, together.

“Having someone who is not only a prominent member of the music industry, but also someone who is dedicated to bringing people together and lifting us up with music, is indeed an honor and a privilege for OMC 2.0,” says Karla Redding-Andrews, daughter of Otis Redding and VP/Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation. “The campers were tasked with writing songs around the themes of Ban Hate, Love All Over the World, and Empowerment, all of which are so prevalent in D-Nice’s messaging”.

“I do believe, especially for this age group that this was one of the most important lessons I ever learned in my life; I learned it at this exact age, 15 years old, learning about life, learning about music, and being creative and learning about community and being passionate and being true to yourself,” says D-Nice, speaking to the campers via BlueJeans. “Being able to speak to you guys and being able to share this story on what life could be, I don’t have the perfect life, but I have a life full of amazing experiences and it all started with music and community.”

Other presenters for OMC 2.0 included: Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, songwriter Billy Mann, recording artist Alex Aiono, PR executives Isaac Hamm, Aliya Crawford (W&W PR) and Karen Lee (W&W PR), attorney Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb, Inc.), recording artists Bren Joy and Eric Burton (Black Pumas), Tom DeSavia and Michele Smith (Concord Music Group), Ron Andre Elvis Telford (Creative Titans Music), and Atlanta rapper Deante Hitchcock.  Screenshots of the presenters speaking with the 25+ campers and 10+ coaches are attached. Hi-res images are available upon request.

The full schedule and more information about the OMC 2.0 presenters, coaches, etc. is available online at https://otisreddingfoundation.org/2020-virtual-otis-music-camp/

The Otis Redding Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Macon, Georgia. Founded in 2007, ORF looks to empower, enrich and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing and instrumentation. For additional information on the foundation and to see pictures from past camps visit https://otisreddingfoundation.org. To keep up with the conversation follow the foundation on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.


Follow @BOLDJournal on on all social media networks for the latest updates.

Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond Take Verzuz To The Next Level

Gospel Music giants Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond will jointly host the verzuz event Sunday May 31, 2020. Bishop T.D. Jakes will open with a few words of encouragement before the battle begins at 5PM EST.

With all the craziness going on in the world right now surrounding the murders of unarmed black men and women. Hopefully this will bring some uplift even if just for a moment.

Touted as "The Healing" Verzuz, rightfully we know that real "healing begins when change starts happening". One Instagram user commented in regards to the event happening. We are definitely appreciative of Kirk, Fred and Bishop Jakes moving toward the effort.

12 Year Old Keedron Bryant, whose video "I Just Want To Live" has gone viral, was used as the background music for the event.

The broadcast featuring Kirk Franklin, Bishop TD Jakes, and Fred Hammond will take place LIVE on http://verzuztv.com/ and Instagram.

"I Just Want To Live" is a perfect example of rising up and using your voice accordingly! We salute Keedron for using his gifts. Check out "I Just Want To Live" by Keedron Bryant below:

View this post on Instagram

😭😭😭😭😭 . . . #Repost @keedronbryant • • • • • • just singing what’s on my heart...hope this blesses someone🙏🏾❤️ @sdhtoronto thanks for this dope shirt!!🔥🔥 #ijustwantolive #blacklivesmatter #ijustwannalive #equality #black #blackexcellence #racism #justice

A post shared by Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) on May 31, 2020 at 4:40am PDT

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Latice Crawford Releases Brand New Singles "Amazing" & "Something Something"

Latice Crawford is back with new music! The Gospel Artist just released not one, but two new singles "Amazing" and "Something Something". She is signed with EOne Nashville. Both singles showcase Latice's ability to deliver melodic and soulful messages to listeners and followers of Christ. 

Latice recently shared a statement about her new projects: "This new music I'm releasing is all about our common symptoms (our temptations, struggles, stumbling blocks on our journey, those pills we use to maintain or fill our voids.) My hope is that my music will simply help us identify our stuff, see that we all have the same issues, and that we all use a variation of the same resources. I hope that we can judge less, and come together to see, and ultimately find our common source, the cure, Jesus Christ,"

After stealing the hearts of believers on BET’s singing competition Sunday Best, using her three-octave, contralto vocal range, her self-titled debut album reached two Billboard charts, and the Top Gospel Albums chart. Her second album, “Diary of a Church Girl,” also appeared on the Top Gospel Albums chart. The gospel superstar is back in action. Her new songs deliver the powerful, passionate message we need right on time! 

"Something Something", a fresh, original take on a classic expression is a funky feel-good melody! It has a nice vibe that will make you want to get up and dance, and praise at the same time! Check out the official video for "Something Something" below:

Both songs are available now at all major digital retailers, You can check them both out  HERE. and connect with Latice on Instagram @LaticeCrawford

What are your thoughts on these fresh new singles? Leave your thoughts about the new music in the comment section below and share them with us on all social media platforms @BOLDJournal

Leandria Johnson Talks Finding A Relationship With GOD

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts you double-minded. - James 4:8

 

In an Interview from the Breath Of Life Daily archives there is a special interview with Gospel Recording Artist Leandria Johnson. Her voice is amazing!

In the interview, Leandria shares more about developing a relationship with GOD and when it happened. You can check out the interview below and on Breath Of Life Daily's YouTube page.

What is your favorite Leandria Johnson song? How was your relationship with GOD developed? Leave your responses in the comment section below and connect with us on Social Media @BOLDJournal to follow the latest conversations.

Juan & Lisa Winans Release 'It Belongs To Me' feat. Marvin Winans

Gospel Music's premiere millennial GRAMMY-nominated couple, Juan and Lisa Winans’, celebrate the release of their official debut single, “It Belongs To Me,” featuring 6X GRAMMY-Award winner Marvin Winans. Following the success of their 2018 Holiday EP, A Little Soul for Christmas, “It Belongs To Me” encourages all that the good news and promises of God are for them and will come to pass. It’s a beautifully rendered and timely message as the world faces a global health crisis and rising social and political unrest. “It Belongs To Me” will be available on all major digital retail outlets on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Juan Winans began his career with the Billboard #1 Gospel Album, “Winans Phase 2: We Got Next.” Juan and his sister Deborah Joy Winans (“Greenleaf”) toured in the original musical Born For This: The BeBe Winans Story, for which Juan won Best Male Lead at the 2019 NAACP Theater Awards. Lisa Winans (formerly Lisa Kimmey) is best known as one third of the Dove Award winning, Contemporary Christian Music trio, Out of Eden. The group was active from 1994 to 2006, producing seven albums. During Lisa’s tenure with Out of Eden, she appeared on the 90’s sitcom “Moesha,” and hosted original programming for the Gospel Music Channel. In 2006, Out of Eden retired and released a greatest hits compilation. The trio reunited in 2014 for a special Gotee Records compilation album with a cover of House of Heroes’ single “Constant.”

“Our single, (“It Belongs To Me”) is more than a song to us, it’s the way we are aspiring to live. Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life. That’s a big, bold statement and just one of many promises offered to us as children of God. This song is a declaration of our desire and dedication to living in those promises; to possessing every gift and blessing that God makes available to us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. ‘It Belongs To Me’ is our anthem of grace and faith,” says Juan Winans.

Listen To It Belongs To Me In The Official Lyric Video Below: 

“It Belongs To Me” will be available wherever music is sold and streamed on Friday, May 8, 2020. For more information on Juan and Lisa Winans visit JuanAndLisaWinans.com; follow them on social media using the handle @JuanAndLisaWinans. Dare Records is distributed by ADA (a Warner Music Group company).

Follow the conversation @BOLDJournal

Gospel Icon Bebe Winans Opens Up About Coronavirus Diagnosis

Jesus! Don't take Bebe! Legendary Gospel great BeBe Winans is the latest celebrity to open up about a difficult coronavirus diagnosis, and the gospel icon stopped by SiriusXM's The Joe Madison Show to reveal that while he has recovered, it wasn't an easy process.

"Sometimes, for some reason, we as a people when we look in and we look at television and various things that's going on around us, we somehow say, that can't happen to me for some reason," he explained. "I don't know why, but sometimes we believe that, and even myself being cautious, when the outbreak started, I did just a little travel. I was actually in New York and I was like, well, I'm going to Detroit because I had a friend pass and we were having a funeral and just that little travel, I caught it."

"You can't just go to the hospital, and if you're not in need of a respirator they won't even take you," he continued, before noting that both his brother and mother also caught the virus. "I'm a man of faith and just raised in and in my mind, I'm just concrete in the subject matter that God is greater than everything. Yet, and still, it's so important for us to use common sense. So, being on the other side of it now, I'm just grateful that the word, I just finished my run and through the whole run, I was just saying, God, I thank you. I thank you because it could have been a different outcome for me and my family. So, I've learned to be more grateful for life itself. Forget about homes and automobiles and all these things. You can't take none of that. That means nothing to you when your health is gone."

"I'm going to do what's best for me, and that is keep moving health-wise in my mind and my spirit," he added. "Keep the spirit moving. You can sit still and keep your spirit moving. I read a whole bunch. I didn't know I could read so well."

It is incredible to hear that Bebe Winans has recovered. We definitely will still be praying for him and his entire family. As gospel fans we know what a talented, multifaceted family it is.

Please stay safe out here in these streets, as a matter of fact STAY HOME! Make sure you wash your hands and take all the safety precautions, and more. GOD is a healer, but do not be foolish. Too many people are dying. GOD rest their souls.

Please, please be wise about this! Read! Get educated before hand. Remember like scripture says Wisdom is the principle thing.

Follow @BOLDJournal on all outlets for the latest inspirational news and updates!

source/image: Billboard.com  Hear Bebe's full interview on Billboard.com

BET Network To Air "Saving Our Selves" A COVID-19 Relief Effort

BET Network recently announced an array of high impact initiatives to support communities of color impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Black Americans are being disproportionately harmed by the health and financial devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. BET, in partnership with the NAACP, United Way Worldwide, leaders in the African American creative, civil rights and business communities will provide critical financial, educational and community support directly to the African Americans hardest hit by this crisis.

These initiatives include the “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcast special; the creation of a relief fund in partnership with United Way Worldwide to assist people of color most impacted by this health and financial crisis, and our support of the NAACP’s Town Hall Series.

For 40 years, BET has been rooted in a legacy of helping afflicted communities of color, raising $12 million for Katrina victims and millions more for Haiti earthquake victims.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BET will use their global platform to provide critical educational and financial resources directly related to the African American community.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is savagely compounding the profound health and financial vulnerabilities many Black Americans face. Every day, there are new reports of how this pandemic is killing African Americans at much higher rates than other communities.” said Scott Mills, President of BET.  “BET is using all of our resources – our capital, our media platforms, our relationships with the creative community, sponsors, businesses and charitable organizations to support our community in this time of crisis.” 

The “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcast special, will air on Wednesday, April 22nd at 8 pm EST. The special, co-hosted by Grammy Award-Winning singer and actress Kelly Rowland, TV personality Terrence J, and actress Regina Hall; will feature virtual appearances and musical performances from some of the biggest names in music and entertainment as they share tips on how to manage, cope and help during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Celebrity guest appearances and performances will include DJ Khaled, Charlie Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Melvin Crispell III, and many more. The special will give up-to-date information and drive viewers to needed resources during this unprecedented time.  In partnership with United Way, proceeds are being donated to African American communities severely impacted by COVID-19.

“Our goal for this special is to come together in a collective spirit of strength, community and hope. As we unite in harmony and compassion, through the collective healing power of music, comedy and entertainment, we can bring restoration and inspire the world that our brighter days are ahead,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET.

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET  will serve as Executive Producer for the “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcast special along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

To support these initiatives, BET has established a COVID-19 relief fund in partnership with United Way Worldwide to support African Americans that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  United Way, the largest private funder of human services in the U.S., has a presence in 95% of communities across the country, and has, for more than 130 years, mobilized the caring power of the community to advance the common good. United Way is unparalleled in its power to convene local partners, providers and resources to address the needs of vulnerable communities on the ground.

Financial donations from the joint fund will allow United Way to disburse resources to local organizations under United Ways in New York City, Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago, regions that have been most impacted by this crisis.  There are long-term plans to expand these resources to other markets going forward.  In particular, United Way will be supporting families in crisis who are experiencing food insecurity and are in need of emergency assistance.

“United Way is deeply embedded in communities across our country, and our ‘local-ness’ means we know the needs on the ground and how to get the right kind of help to those who need it most,” said Stan Little, Chief Experience Officer of United Way. “We look forward to partnering with BET to bring much-needed relief and long-term recovery to already vulnerable communities that are being hit especially hard because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

BET is also providing resources and content on COVID-19 across multiple digital platforms including a four-part virtual town hall series in partnership with the NAACP.  On Wednesday, April 8, at 8 PM ET/ 5 PM PT, “Unmasked: A COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Series Powered by NAACP & BET” will stream on NAACP.org and focus on how the pandemic is affecting African Americans and what steps the community can take to build an action plan for positive change. The first town hall will focus on the health, emotional, economic toll, congressional response and how activists can apply pressure to ensure legislation is equitable. Additionally, BET.com is reporting daily on what the African American community needs to know about COVID-19, and how it is impacting our lives. 

You can donate to the fund beginning Friday, April 10th.  More information on BET’s partnership with UWW and additional extensions of our relief efforts are forthcoming. For further details, please visit BET.com.

JJ Hairston's New Single "Excess Love Remix" Impacting Radio

JJ Hairston pictured with Mercy Chinwo

JJ Hairston’s new single, “Excess Love Remix (feat. Mercy Chinwo)” lifted from the Stellar Award-nominated album, Miracle Worker has officially been released.

JJ Hairston who now serves with his wife, Trina Hairston as co-pastors of All Nations Worship Assembly Live District of Columbia (and also serves as Director of Music & Arts at City of Praise Family Ministries in Landover MD), is a GRAMMY nominated, Billboard Music Award winner, and a seven-time Stellar Award winner. Hairston’s latest offering “Excess Love Remix” features lead vocals by Nigeria native powerhouse vocalist Mercy Chinwo. The single was recorded live in Abuja, Nigeria at COZA Church for Hairston’s tenth Billboard chart-topping album, Miracle Worker.

“In a time where fear is trying to take the world captive, it is important to talk about the love of God. The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. We are fighting against the spirit of fear with love in this season! That’s why we’re excited to release this new single “Excess Love Remix,” says Hairston.

Hairston’s tenth album, Miracle Worker, was accompanied by the release of a relationship themed book co-authored with his wife Trina Hairston titled, A Miracle Marriage, - giving believers a balanced dose of knowledge and inspiration. The book is a simple guide on how millennial couples can learn to make their marriage work in today’s society. Additionally, the album single of the same title, “Miracle Worker,” reached #6 on Billboard Gospel’s National Airplay Chart. The album Miracle Worker debuted at #2 on the Billboard Gospel sales chart.

Check out The Official EXCESS LOVE Remix Video Below:

JJ Hairston is nominated for seven Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the 35^th annual show taking place in Las Vegas on Sunday, August 16^th. Hairston’s latest album Miracle Worker, and book A Miracle Marriage, are available now at all major digital retailers. For more information visit JJHairston.com or follow him on social media using the handle @JJHairston and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Youthful.Praise/.

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