Biography of Kevin Elijah Burgess Popularly Known as (KB)

Kevin Elijah Burgess was born in St. Petersburg, Florida on July 21, 1988, into a military family. Shortly after his birth his parents moved to Southern Illinois where he was raised for eight years. When he was 8 years old, his parents divorced and he moved back with his mother to the south-side of St. Petersburg, which according to Burgess is "probably one of the worst areas in the state." He did well in school and at age 15 was offered an opportunity to pursue college through a program called St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. But despite this opportunity, he struggled with extreme depression and experimented with various drugs to try to relieve it. He began struggling at school due to his problems with his personal life, and even contemplated suicide. During this period of his life he met a Christian named Jeremy who introduced him to Christian rap. Jeremy offered him a CD, and Burgess says he was saved after hearing the Gospel presentation on the recording.

“I was losing the will to live; life was becoming meaningless, and I was becoming progressively more empty,” and his declining academic performance reflected this attitude. But that would soon change.

It’s not a stretch to say the winding road that began in St. Petersburg, FL led Kevin “KB” Burgess straight to God.

Raised middle class, divorce left KB and his mother in a poor economic situation, “I went from the suburbs to the hood in one day,” he recalls. Having been raised in Southern Illinois on a military base, drug dealers and criminals were a stark contrast to the safe haven he had become accustomed to. Fear of death and the unknown gripped his teenage years, leading him to depression and thoughts of suicide. On the other hand, KB also excelled in high school and was offered the opportunity to be a part of a program where juniors could become full-time college students. After foregoing varsity basketball to join the program, KB soon realized that solely excelling in school wouldn’t bring fulfillment. “I was losing the will to live; life was becoming meaningless, and I was becoming progressively more empty,” and his declining academic performance reflected this attitude. But that would soon change. While in school, a classmate introduced him to Christian rap, and although he already self-identified as a believer, after listening to a song on which an artist delivered the Gospel, KB wholeheartedly trusted and believed in Jesus. In his regeneration, the Gospel exposed the underlying issue of fear and uncertainty that plagued him as a teenager. Emptiness, depression, and meaninglessness were now being exchanged for grace, rest and forgiveness.

After trusting in Christ, KB was motivated and willing to honor God in all his ways. He took more pride in school, his grades began to reflect his intelligence, and he began pursuing the American Dream. He had retained the plans developed by his guidance counselors and ambitions for success, but suddenly, through scripture and prayer, the Lord implored him to abandon all his plans and go to Bible college. After abandoning "the dream," he found himself in fellowship with a bunch of brothers who happened to be Christian rappers, which naturally spawned a personal interest in the genre. But it wasn't until after performing and winning a “Battle of the Bands” competition that he recognized the call on his life to use rap as ministry. 

KB and his friends formed HGA (His Glory Alone) and developed a following, which eventually included Lecrae, Ben Washer and DJ Official, who actually featured him on Entermission. Lecrae invited him along for the “Acquire the Fire” tour and, after months of building with him, KB was asked to join the Reach Records team. As a member of the Reach roster, KB is amazed by the providence of God, which brought him to Reach Records. “I liken my experience to Abraham, who was lead to an unknown land. My land is Reach Records--where I plan to serve for the next several years,” says KB.

Currently residing in Tampa, KB is enjoying life with his new wife and occasionally preaches at Crossover Community Church. Through his music, he hopes to communicate that God is the absolute canon of all things good, true and beautiful. “I want people to realize God and His centrality. It is not us putting Him at the center, He is already there. We must put ourselves onto that reality.”

Source: NRT

Live Album 'Jesus Revealed' By Jason Nelson Debuts At No. 1 No. 1 On Billboard Gospel Albums Chart This Week

RCA Inspiration gospel singer/songwriter and musician Jason Nelson's, newest album, JESUS REVEALED, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Gospel Albums chart this week. The live album features the #1 gospel single in the country "I Am."

"I'm so excited about JESUS Revealed being the #1 CD in the country," said Jason Nelson. "I always believed it was possible, but experiencing it is amazing. GOD is faithful."

The acclaimed singer/songwriter and worship leader continues to receive accolades from fans and critics alike on this latest record. Sarah Hearn from Examiner.com says JESUS REVEALED "is what listeners have come to expect and more from the masterful vocalist who possibly possesses one of the purest and richest voices in gospel music today." From the hit single "I Am," to standout tracks such as "God Is Great," "The Lamb," "So In Love," and more, Nelson sets out to reintroduce listeners to the bible Jesus on the new project. JESUS REVEALED marks Nelson's first #1 album. 

Jason Nelson recorded 14 live tracks earlier this year before a packed audience in his native Baltimore. The 2013 Stellar Award winner teamed up with long-time songwriting partner, Dana Sorey to co-write most of the tracks, along with his twin brother and fellow gospel artist Jonathan Nelson contributing writing on "Can't Stop Calling," while, Tasha Page-Lockhart lends her voice to join Nelson on "I See The Lord." 

Fans can witness Nelson's live performance on January 31 at Robert Douglas Headquarters Raeford, NC and on February 16 at Shiloh Baptist Church York, PA.

Source: RCA Inspiration

GAMiE Releases a Hot New Single Called – "Good"

GAMiE (Formally known as GameMan) makes a huge come back after 365 days, with the release of a hot new single, “GOOD”.

Today, January 29th, 2015 is definitely a GOOD day as he celebrates his birthday with the release of this brand new song, produced by S.T.O.

He also officially announces the change of name from GameMan to “GAMiE”; hence, turning to a new page of his career.

Unboxed and unpredictable; exploring the versatility of his God given potential; this piece by GAMiE is definitely a turn up!

Follow on Twitter @Gamemanmusic

Source: PWR

Lecrae announces The Anomaly Tour, Pt. 2

To conclude a Facebook Q&A on Wednesday, Lecrae announced that The Anomaly Tour wasn't over. 

He, Andy Mineo and DJ Promote performed in 31 cities this fall. On Feb. 9, the day after the 2015 Grammys, which nominated Lecrae for three awards, Reach Records will announce more dates for Lecrae and company.

Source: Rapzila

VIDEO: Nikki Laoye & XBlaze – African Dance

After a successful album and video release party over the weekend, Wahala Media Entertainment has just released the exciting video for the new single, “African Dance” from Gospel Act, Nikki Laoye’s second studio album, The 123 project.

Celebrating the beauty of modern African Dance and promoting unity for all African countries, tribes and cultures, the 2014 AFRIMA winner teams up with her brother/producer, Xblaze to deliver another masterpiece collaboration with an array of colorful Pan-African costumes, creative choreography and captivating cinematography.

Scripted by Nikki Laoye herself with choreography by Temisan Ikomi of Alien Nation Dance Crew, the video was shot on location in Lagos,Nigeria and directed by award winning video director, Frizzle and Bizzle Films.

Cameo Appearances include Kiki Omeili of Lekki Wives fame, Gloria Maduka, Mc Ice of Eko FM, Jafextra, BaseOne, Mrs Yetunde Laoye (Nikki & Xblaze’s Mum), Lily Perez, Tobi Cole and Alex Oturu (Nikki’s Husband).

This is the second collaborative single by the unique brother/sister duo as they had earlier dropped the radio single, “Your Number”, a major dance hit with massive airplay since its release in February 2014.

Nikki Laoye is a multiple award winning singer, songwriter, radio host and humanitarian from Nigeria with a collective win of 9 awards since her muscial comeback in 2013 with the hit singles, “Only You and “123” including the 2013 Headies Best Female Vocal Performance and 2014 AFRIMA Award for Best Female in African Inspirational Music.

Xblaze is a multi-talented producer and singer/rapper with hit singles – “All I Do is Win”; “Vortex” and hit productions such as ModeNine’s Muzik Lives, Nikki Laoye’s 123 & Taka Sufe and many more. He was also one of the in-house producers for the 2013 GLO X-FACTOR music reality show.

African Dance by Nikki Laoye & Xblaze is bound to become a global favorite in no time.

Follow Nikki Laoye & Xblaze on Twitter & Instagram: @NikkiLaoye & @TheRealXblaze

For Management Contact & Bookings – booknikkilaoye@gmail.com

The African Dance Creative Team – Credits

Video Scripting – Nikki Laoye

Choreography – Temisan Ikomi for Alien Nation Dance Crew

Costumes and Props – Nikki Laoye and Temisan Ikomi

Make Up – Mary A Pro

Dance Team – Alien Nation

Video Director – Frizzle & Bizzle Films

Follow on Twitter @NikkiLaoye @TheRealXblaze

Source: Praise World Radio

Trip Lee 'Rise' Tour Announced

Reach Records artist Trip Lee has announced a tour to complement his latest album Rise. The tour will feature labelmate KB as his opener.

Trip recently posted a video of himself and GAWVI, the label's in-house producer behind all of Rise, in the studio working on his set for the upcoming performances.

Check for the announced Rise Tour dates below. 

JANUARY 29 RISE TOUR Miami, FL | Central Church	JANUARY 30 RISE TOUR Jacksonville, FL | Murray Hill Theatre
JANUARY 31 RISE TOUR Orlando, FL | Calvary Assembly Church or Orlando	FEBRUARY 5 RISE TOUR Lynchburg, VA | Liberty University
FEBRUARY 6 RISE TOUR Charlotte, NC | Elevation Church Auditorium	FEBRUARY 7 RISE TOUR Cincinnati, OH | The Underground
MARCH 6 RISE TOUR Plano, TX | One Community Church	MARCH 7 RISE TOUR Houston, TX | Living Word Fellowship Church
MARCH 10 RISE TOUR Grand Rapids, MI | Covenant Fine Arts Center	You can purchase the ticket @Purchase ticket at BuiltToBrag.com

Source: Rapzila

Urban D. Set To Release New Free EP, 'Amnesia'

Christian Hip-Hop veteran artist Tommy "Urban D." Kyllonen, pastor of the home of Flavor Fest conference (Crossover Church, Tampa, FL), is releasing an upcoming free EP entitled Amnesia on January 27, 2015.

Tracklisting:

1. Born For This ft. JP, Oscar Urbina, Judah Leon, Da T.R.U.T.H. and Anthony Valor

2. City Of Pain

3. Amnesia ft. Anthony Mareo

4. Fight ft. Brinson and Big Fil

5. Life In 3D ft. Anthony Valor

6. Limitless Life ft. Dae Lee and Canon

7. Above Science (Sermon Remix) feat. Justin Allen

Follow @UrbanD813

Source: Rapzila

MUSIC: Mada Ngoleka – Chikondi

Blantyre, MALAWI – Here is “Chikondi” by Mada Ngoleka, one of Malawi’s fast rising gospel singers. This is off her 5 track EP with other tracks including Bright Side, Consuming Fire, Change and 70 Times 7.

Blantyre-based Mada Ngoleka (born Madalitso Ngoleka on 09 June 1995) is a Malawian gospel singer, songwriter and guitarist signed to Nde’feyo Gospel (a sub-label under Nde’feyo Entertainment). Read More...

Follow on Twitter @MadaNgoleka

Source: Praise World Radio

Biography of Tree63

 

Tree63 is a Christian rock band from Durban, South Africa formed in 1996 currently featuring John Ellis on vocals, guitar and piano, Darryl Swart on drums and Daniel Ornellas on bass guitar. Originally, the band was unnamed. John Ellis, the group's founder, came up with the name Tree in 1997 when performing at North Beach, Durban. The band had to come up with a name before performing on stage. The singer, John Ellis, was standing under a tree, so decided to call the band Tree. They added the 63 in 2000 due to a naming conflict with an American band. 63 had been the name of their second album, which was named in reference to Psalm 63.

Years Active: 1996 – 2009, 2004 - present

Genres: Contemporary Christian music, contemporary worship music.

Label: InPop, Survivor

 

"We were originally just "Tree", after the numerous references in the Bible to trees: the garden of Eden, the cross Jesus hung on etc. "63" was the title of our second record, and it came from Psalm 63. When we got to the States in 2000, we discovered a band in Boston called "Tree" already, and they were unwilling to give up their band name, so we had to either alter or change ours. The compromise was "Tree63".'
— John Ellis, Interview with Christian Music Daily

Their first album released in the United States, Tree63, won the GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2001.

Tree63's recording of Matt Redman's "Blessed Be Your Name" helped to spark the song's popularity. This recording was featured on the 2005 edition of WOW Hits and was nominated for two Dove Awards. On a 2 February 2007 broadcast of 20, The Countdown Magazine (special edition, Praise and Worship), guest Chris Tomlin described Tree63's rendition of "Blessed Be Your Name" as "...the definitive recording of one of the most all-encompassing songs in the entire world of Christian music." The song was then announced as the number 3 Praise and Worship song of all time.

Tree63 parted ways in 2009, and John Ellis returned to South Africa, where he started his solo career. His debut solo album, Come Out Fighting, was released in June 2010.

Splashy Fen Music Festival announced that Tree63 would be part of their line-up in 2014.

On November 2014, Tree63 released previously unreleased songs from 2006. They claimed that the tracks were considered candidates for their Sunday! album.

After reconvening in 2014 for a series of celebratory South African concerts, talk of a new album and resumed live work resurfaced and the band began work on their new album in Nashville in November 2014.

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

GRAMMY Winning Third Day Announces Spring 2015 Soul On Fire

Tour Kicking Off March 5 In Boston.

Four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning band THIRD DAY will hit the road this spring to headline the SOUL ON FIRE TOUR, coinciding with the March 3 release of the band's new worship album, LEAD US BACK. The 20+ city spring leg kicks off March 5, in Boston following an album launch party at New York City's famed Beacon Theater on March 3, and will then move on to major U.S. markets such as Philadelphia, Tulsa, Dallas, Grand Rapids and more, before wrapping up on April 26 in Augusta, Maine. The SOUL ON FIRE TOUR will introduce Dove Award Winning New Artist of the Year Ellie Holcomb on most dates, while Grammy nominated Australian favorite Peter Furler will be a special guest on other select dates. THIRD DAY will continue the tour across Canada before moving into some special summer shows, and then complete their U.S. touring in the fall of 2015.

The SOUL ON FIRE TOUR takes its name from one of the first singles on THIRD DAY's brand new worship project, LEAD US BACK, the band's first worship recording in more than a decade. The group's two previous worship albums, OFFERINGS -- A Worship Album in 2000 and OFFERINGS II -- All I Have to Give in 2003, have been the two biggest selling albums of THIRD DAY's career to date.

"LEAD US BACK is a call to worship, not just for our audience but for the band as well," says bassist Tai Anderson. "Why now? We're ready for these songs. We're ready to feel God's spirit fall afresh on all of us again. We have a twofold hope in sharing them. First, that this music will help lead us as a group back to our original fire and desire to worship and second, that it will do the same for our fans who are on the spiritual journey as well."

A special VIP package will be available for SOUL ON FIRE TOUR ticket buyers, including a premium-seat concert ticket and an after-show VIP experience with THIRD DAY. For the most up-to-date ticketing information, please visit www.ThirdDay.com.

Source: Southside Entertainment

TobyMac Kicks Off New Year with New Single Beyond Me

TobyMac Pairs Single Release With Two Additional Remix Versions Of Beyond Me

Five-time GRAMMY® winner TobyMac is giving his fans a treat for the start of the New Year -- a new studio single and two new remixes. Available now, TobyMac's "Beyond Me" is the first new single from his forthcoming studio album. In addition to "Beyond Me," TobyMac also released two new remixed versions of the single -- Phenomenon Remix by Soul Glow Activatur and Moodswing Remix. The tracks are available now at all download and streaming music services. 

The track is the first new single since the release of TobyMac's history-making studio album EYE ON IT, which nabbed the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the third Christian album to accomplish this feat at the time of its release. Just last fall, TobyMac released a collection of remixes from EYE ON IT, titled EYE'M ALL MIXED UP (REMIXES).

Along with preparing for his new album, TobyMac is gearing up to head out on tour this March along with GRAMMY® winner Mandisa and electric pop duo, Capital Kings. TobyMac will perform songs from his hit album EYE ON IT, and fans may even get to hear a few new tracks from the upcoming album. For dates and ticket information, visit tobymac.com/tour.

Source: The M Collective

Jamie Grace Releases Her First Book "Boys, Boys, Boys,"

a book exploring her thoughts on being single, available now

Gotee records artist Jamie Grace has announced her foray into the literary world with her new book "Boys, Boys, Boys," born of her experiences as a single Christian young woman.

The book is exclusively available via Beautiful Family Forever Bookstore (http://bffbookstore.com/product/boys-boys-boys-by-jamie-grace/), and the first 100 copies sold will be autographed by Jamie Grace.

On her facebook page, Jamie says simply of the release "so one day I was like "I'm gonna write a book about being single..." ...then I did."

The book is the follow up to a YouTube video in which she discussed the topic, which gained over 300,000 views. You can watch the video below.

Source: NRT

Andrae Crouch Dead at 72

Legendary gospel pioneer passes away on January 8 after hospitalization January 3

Music legend Andraé Crouch has died. The Grammy and Dove Award winner passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at approximately 4:30pm PST at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Los Angeles area. Andraé, 72, was hospitalized on January 3rd.

Andraé’s family requests privacy at this time.

Andraé’s accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for "The Color Purple," induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson's hit singles "Man in the Mirror," "Keep the Faith,” "Will You Be There" and “Earth Song.”

Source: Nashville Publicity Group

We the staffs of DBM are praying for you (Andrae's Family)

Biography of Travis Tremayne Tyler (a.k.a Thi'sl)

Travis Tremayne Tyler, (born March 17, 1977) better known by the stage name Thi'sl is an American Christian hip hop producer and songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri. In 2007 Thi'sl was signed to the record label X-Hustler where he recorded three studio albums entitled, After This House I Shall Live, Chronicles of an X-Hustler and Beautiful Monster. In 2012 he was featured on Lecrae's album Gravity which won a Grammy award 

Years Active: 2007 – present

Genres: Christian Hip – Hop.

Label: Reach, Full Ride

At the corner of street life and honest living stands Thi’sl (thizil): an ex-hustler turned urban missionary who brings the Truth to the hood and urban struggles to the Church.  A look into his past reveals the authenticity of his gritty, in your face lyrics and God’s grace, which spared his life and gave him a clean slate to begin anew.  

Travis “Thi’sl” Tyler moved to St. Louis with his mom and brother to one of the worst neighborhoods in America at the age of 2. Living on the Westside of St. Louis, without a father present, his grandmother stepped in to help raise Thi’sl and his brother, while his mom constantly worked. Disaster soon followed—Thi’sl was expelled from all St. Louis public schools in the 8th grade for having a weapon, his mom and other relatives got hooked on drugs and he found himself struggling just to survive.  He moved to live with his grandfather and attended high school for one year, until it began interfering with his hustle: selling crack. “I was a monster. I did whatever I had to do to survive,” he recalls.  By the age of 18, narcotics began to consume every aspect of his existence. With his life spinning out of control, pains and hurts being drowned in a variety of drugs and an identity grounded in the streets, Thi’sl was headed for destruction. 

But then came his awakening—through the murder of one of his cousins. “It rocked my life and it made me look to God for answers,” he remembers. Thi’sl began attending church and reading the Bible, and his conscience was awakened to his sin. He knew he had to leave the street life behind him. He even parted ways with a childhood passion—rapping. While Thi’sl had relocated and experimented with different drugs quite frequently as a youth, rap had remained constant since the age of 11 as a means to vent his pain and struggles and extol the things he valued in life. In light of his awakening, Thi’sl now hated what he promoted in his music, so he walked away from the game and didn’t plan on coming out of retirement. Of course, God had other plans.

After a year and a half of studying Scripture and serving in his church, Thi’sl had a burning desire to reach his generation and culture. He prayed for direction, and God impressed upon his heart to return to rap. Initially, he tried to mimic the heavily theological raps he had been exposed to, until finding his own lane.  He eventually started an independent label and released his national debut album, Chronicles of an X-Hustler, which debuted at No. 4 on the iTunes Hip Hop chart.  Chronicles is a self-described “autobiographical” look into Thi’sl’s life as he addresses real life situations through a biblical lens and provides practical solutions to everyday situations.  That’s his mantra—let his biblical knowledge meet real people in their current realities.  Having been featured on several albums since his national debut, Thi’sl is gearing up to release his sophomore album Beautiful Monster. Driven by his mom’s words, “While people are sleeping, I’m working,” Thi’sl is dedicated to making the most of his platform and changing the world.

He currently resides in St. Louis, MO with his wife and kids as he serves faithfully at New Direction Christian Church. Ultimately, Thi’sl stands as a voice crying out to hoods and suburbs across the globe, “There is hope in Jesus. No matter how messed up you are, what jail you’re in, or how many people have told you that you will fail. There is hope! I found that hope in Jesus.”

Thi'sl is very involved in the Ferguson, Missouri shooting of 18-year-old man Michael Brown. He recently addressed the public about justice issues in the St. Louis, Missouri area and he put together a peace response, calling out the community and church to take part in the healing of the community. On Demember 13, 2014, Thi'sl teamed up with Bubba Watson and donated $25,000 to repair vandalism and stolen technology at local Ferguson school Griffith Elementary.

Official Website

 Label Websites: Reach Records, Full Ride

 Facebook Website

Twitter Website

MUSIC: Protek Illasheva – Amen

“Amen” is the latest release from Protek Illasheva, something off his recently released debut album “I Am Protek Illasheva”.

Produced by Egarboi, mixed and mastered by Osh, “Amen” is groovy, up tempo and very contemporary in every sense of the word. This rap song is a follow up to his last release ‘Ayaya‘ which is still rocking the airwaves and dance floors all over the country.

Download.

Follow on Twitter @Protekniks

Source: PWR

Biography of The Afters

The Afters are a Christian pop rock band founded by Joshua Havens and Matt Fuqua. Havens and Fuqua first worked together in aStarbucks coffee shop in Mesquite, Texas, where they played for customers, before deciding to form a band. They added Brad Wigg and Marc Dodd, who were also employed at the same Starbucks, under their original name of Blisse. Their song "Never Going Back to OK" was the most-played song on R&R magazine's Christian CHR chart for 2008.

Years Active: 1999 – present
Genres: Christian Rock, CCM, Alternative Rock, Pop Rock
Label: Columbia, INO, Sony BMG, Integrity

The only true alchemy in this world occurs when trials turn to gold, the debris and heartbreak of life transformed and polished into shining beauty by a loving, unseen hand. We try to catch a glimpse of this remarkable change in action, yet human eyes fail us. However, once these storms of life pass, we see the afterglow through signs as sure as Noah's ancient rainbow. A loved one overcomes. Morning breaks after an impossibly long night. Grace thunders through spiritual drought with a mighty downpour of living water. All of this, and more, affirms the fact that yes, life is beautiful. 

Such alchemy transforms The Afters' fourth studio album, Life Is Beautiful, though the title came innocently enough to vocalist-guitarist Josh Havens. He's been carrying it in his head ever since the release of the Oscar-winning 1997 film of the same name. But by the time the music came to fruition, Havens said he was wrestling with an ordeal that tested him like no other—and this from a guy who, along with his wife and kids, survived a near-fatal car wreck several years prior. 

"My son had some unexpected problems at birth and had to spend some time in the hospital ICU," he recalls. "And I prayed that God would turn my trials into testimonies." 

The result: "Waiting for an Answer," a song Havens says was inspired not only by his son's struggles with a punctured lung, but also the children and parents in that ICU who coped with much more: "I don't have to know how/ Or see you turn this around/ To believe in you now…" 

"I had a friend who lost his child,” Havens continues. “He went through years of depression. I can't even imagine going through that. But he said something to me I'll never forget: 'The thing that challenged my faith in the short term is what strengthened my faith in the long term.' I hope to move through the struggles to find a deeper faith in God. I want to be the person who grows closer to God through the hard times." 

That spirit surrounds Life Is Beautiful, an album that dares to affirm all that matters through its every detail, right down to the artwork. The Afters solicited fans, friends and family to send in photos that answered the question, "What are the beautiful things in your life?" The album design assembles a collage of those pictures, much as the songs explore the facets of finding beauty in ashes, the everyday, and all spaces between and beyond. 

Take "Every Good Thing," the debut single that rockets from backbeat intro to melodic pop chorus on a feel-good tide of riffing guitars and handclaps. Praise to the maker comes for "every heartbeat, every day we get to breathe … every second chance." Rarely do catchy songs come this infectious and insightful; "Every Good Thing" lifts the listener to a place where they can see the source of true joy, even as they feel it through the music. 

"We wanted something strong, upbeat and positive," Havens says. "We were looking back over the last year and we were struck by how many times we'd wake up and see those horrific headlines in the news. We're reminded every day of how many bad things there are in life, so we wanted to write a reminder of how much God is capable of doing." The verse they turned to for inspiration, fittingly, was James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." 

Definitive as that statement sounds, Life Is Beautiful began with challenging questions the group members pondered while on a writing retreat in Colorado. "As songwriters, we never what to make the same album twice," says guitarist-vocalist Matt Fuqua, who co-founded The Afters with Havens while the two worked as Starbucks baristas in Mesquite, Tex. "For us we try to go in asking: ‘What can we do that's different? How can we stretch ourselves? How can we take things further? How can we do more?' It was intentional to be really honest with our audience, and to be honest with ourselves by sharing things that are personal and meaningful." 

The title track itself makes good on that promise; in fact, it earned a spot in the film October Baby long before the rest of the album was complete. "That was a song we had to rush to finish," Fuqua recalls. "The producers of the movie heard the song and got so excited. They shifted things around in terms of turn-in and release date just so we could get the song completed, and it was perfect timing." 

And so does "Broken Hallelujah," a tender anthem inspired by last summer's wildfires in Colorado. Writing went into high gear after a friend sent pictures, snapped from his church, that showed the flames creeping precariously close: "Nothing left to hold onto/ I raise these broken hands to you/ Here's my broken hallelujah." 

"There were times," Havens recalls, "when we were in tears writing that song. We opened the book of Job and saw a man who experienced more losses than we could ever fathom. In the midst of all that, he shaved his head and got rid of his clothes so that he had nothing left, and yet he still worshiped God. 'Broken Hallelujah' came out of that sense that when we're broken, the only thing we have is our worship." 

Live and in the studio, Havens and Fuqua team up once again with drummer Jordan Mohilowski and bassist Dan Ostebo, who bring nimble musicianship and plenty of personality to the proceedings. "Dan is an outstanding writer and bass player, and Jordan is a phenomenally talented producer," Havens says. "A key to the dynamic of our band is that we have four creative minds, and we get along great. We love traveling together and when we write, there's wonderful chemistry. Something special always comes out of it, and if we weren't in a band together, we'd be hanging out." 

Producer Dan Muckala (who helmed the band's 2010 effort Light Up the Sky) also returns to guide eight of the new album tracks. David Garcia (Mandisa, Britt Nicole) and Ben Glover (For King & Country, Jason Castro) produce three more tracks, while Mohilowski took on the song "Moments Like This," earning praise from his bandmates: "He killed it, and the song sounds amazing," Havens raves. 

Such enthusiasm for "Life Is Beautiful" may sound like idle boasting. It's not. Rather, The Afters sweated this recording in a way they could hardly anticipate. Life gave them the unplanned, the unexpected, even the unwanted. No one would've blamed them had they crumbled beneath it all, or called a long time out. Instead, they dared to ask a simple question: 

"What are the beautiful things in your life?" 

Havens sums it up thus: "Our hope for our record—and a lot of heartache went into this album—is that it will encourage people to see how God is working in their lives. He's not just there on the sunny days. No matter what we go through in life, God is still with us and life is beautiful—God is beautiful."

Official contact links for The Afters:

Official Website

New Album

MySpace

Facebook

Cobhams Asuquo Releases Official VIDEO For Ordinary People.

The Official Music Video for Cobhams Asuquo’s hit single “Ordinary People” is finally out. The video was Directed by Eric Haviv of FUGO STUDIOS.

Follow on Twitter @CobhamsAsuquo

Watch the video below and also tell us what you think of it:

Video Interview: Lecrae Response on Being GRAMMY Nominated for Best Rap Performance

Lecrae talks about whether or not he's surprised to be GRAMMY nominated for Best Rap Performance with Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Drake, and Childish Gambino.

Watch the video below courtesy Rapzila.com

Follow @Lecrae on Twitter

Israel Strong New Single Out Titled "Life Of A Winner"

Israel Strong is out with his new single titled “Life of a Winner” which was inspired by the Word of God thought by his Father, Pastor and Life Coach, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD and produced by Kelly Lyon.


Israel Strong is a Gospel minister from the Believers’ LoveWorld Nation aka Christ Embassy. Look out for more of him to come.


Follow Israel @IsraelStrong3

Source:  Praise World Radio (PWR)

Biography of Andy Mineo

Andy Mineo, former stage name C-Lite, Born in April 17 1988 is an American Christian hip hop artist, producer, minister, TV and music video director from New York City. He is currently signed to Reach Records and in addition to his solo work is a member of that label's hip hop collective 116 Clique. 

Years Active: 2001 – present

Genres: Christian Hip – Hop, Hip Hop

Label: Label:  Trace, Marshall Street, Reach

At just 17, Andy Mineo was living a dream; he had money, local fame and the respect of his peers. But while attending college in NYC, he finally faced the music—neither was the key to life.

Andy, formerly known as "C-Lite," grew up in a single parent home in Syracuse, New York. Without any positive male figures around, at a young age, he struggled with profanity, submission to authority and physical aggression. With his conduct becoming uncontrollable, Andy was removed from the public school system and placed in behavioral modification centers. But change was on the horizon.

The summer before entering the 8th grade, Andy attended a Christian camp where his sister served as a counselor. While there, he heard the gospel preached clearly, cried out in desperation for Jesus to forgive him and experienced “some pretty unforgettable prayer sessions that really rocked [him].” Andy came home with a love in his heart for people that he once hated, and knew he was changed. But, he also came back to no home church, no community, no bible study and no mentors. So, as he rode his spiritual high into the ground and neglected to fan the flame that had begun, his relationship with God was compromised. His heart wasn’t set on pursuing Christ; instead, music and status had become his focus.

While in middle school, he began recording in his mom’s house and was buying new pieces of equipment with birthday money. Eventually, he started selling studio time out of his closet; before long, he was a sophomore in high school running a lucrative business out of his mother’s basement recording and producing hundreds of artists in Upstate New York. He had also started a rap group with a few friends that led to a deal with Syracuse University's Marshall Street Records, which gave them the opportunity to open up for the major acts that performed at SU. As a solo MC, Andy became well known in the underground freestyle rap scene for winning battle competitions during high school and his freshman year in college. Adding to his resume, he also excelled in athletics—thriving in football, basketball and lacrosse throughout high school.

Unfortunately, all of the success and recognition only led him away from God and towards greater sin. Headed for the big lights of New York City to attend college, stardom and rebellion seemed inevitable. But while taking a piano class his freshman year, Andy met Alex Medina (producer of “Background,” “The invasion (Hero)” and many other Reach tracks) who invited him to check out T.R.U.C.E. (an urban ministry that focused on evangelism via performing arts). He soon got connected with others, was discipled and the Lord began to deal with him more deeply concerning sin patterns in his life. After hearing Da Truth's “Price Tag” song, he vowed to shut down his recording studio and never use his gifts to help record music that did not honor God. He lost all his business and income, but he found his new identity in Christ.

Armed with a new purpose, Andy spent several months traveling with T.R.U.C.E. and sharing the Gospel in some of the most poverty-stricken and drug-infested neighborhoods in the U.S. He went on to release Sin is Wack Vol. 1, which caught the attention of Lecrae and many others. To his credit, he has since been featured on Rehab, Flame’s Captured, Tedashii’s Blacklight, Ambassador’s Stop the Funeral and many other notable projects. While his introduction to a larger audience came through his vocals on Lecrae’s “Background,” and he continues to pen melodic choruses, rapping remains his passion and focus for future projects.

Entering a new season in his life, Andy decided to drop his stage name, C-Lite, in favor of his birth name; it symbolizes his aim to live out everything off stage that he pours out through his art on stage. He recently graduated from City College of New York and currently serves on the board as a leader of a new church plant in Washington Heights. He is also leading weekly small groups and men’s groups at his apartment, traveling on the weekends to minister and working on his highly anticipated debut album. Once divided in his ambitions, Andy has resolved to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, strength and mind—no compromise.

To date, Reach Records' sales approach three million records and is distributed through Sony Music Entertainment's RED. Its founder and flagship artist Lecrae made Billboard chart history with his #1 album debut across five Billboard charts including the coveted Top 200. Andy Mineo is Reach Records' next big artist to break. And the pressure can at times be palpable. But in the midst of it all, Andy remains himself.

"I think its more a Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar relationship," Andy expounds. Mineo doesn't get too caught up in the hype and he doesn't focus his attention on possible album sales or the success or failure of any one project. On his debut album, "Heroes For Sale," he took an approach exploring infectious party beats, memorable hooks and a wide anthem-driven sound. Following "Heroes For Sale," Mineo's follow-up EP, "Never Land" took a lyrical and personal direction. For Andy, his success has given him an opportunity to dig deeper into his music and expand and grow as an artist. And for his next highly anticipated full-length album, Uncomfortable, Andy is exploring a sound that is a tribute to his home, New York City. "This album will be very nostalgic, musical and sample-driven. There are not a lot of anthemic pop songs on this album. It's more of a cohesive body of work. My other albums have sounded like playlists. This is more of a focused full-body of music. It's uncomfortable in its approach. I break a lot of song structure but it will take people on a journey." Mineo explains excitedly.

Ultimately, beyond the empathetic lyricism, colorful storytelling and emotion, Andy Mineo fans can always expect a relatable truth. While appealing to fans of artists like Action Bronson, Macklemore, Drake or Vic Mensa, Mineo's music stands apart as the only hip hop that weaves weighty topics, truth, humor, and inspiration from all genres of music into one cohesive and excellent work. It is in Andy's ability for self-reflection where his fans discover the honesty in his music. But Andy's take is simple. "At the end of the day, I want to sit at the table of hip-hop, be respected for my artistry and have an opportunity to bring what I believe to the mix like everyone else does."

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