R&B Goes To Church

Do not change your dial. You are reading correctly.

If you are hearing a few of your favorite R&B artists issuing out new singles on your favorite gospel radio stations, then you are not on the wrong station. As Fall 2006 approaches, several popular R&B and pop artists will be releasing gospel projects and hope to bring to the table their faith and interpretation of gospel music to the world. While it is no surprise to see this kind of influx taking place in gospel (wow, we easily remember Whitney Houston's quick jump to gospel and safe trip back to mainstream), this year proves to deliver one of the most interesting seasons for popular music icons attempting gospel music.

First up to the plate is Dave Hollister. You remember him for singing with Teddy Riley's R&B dream team, BlackSTREET. Eventually, Hollister decided to go solo and delivered some of the coolest R&B records of the nineties including "My Favorite Girl", "Baby Mama Drama" and "One Woman's Man". But his appearance on the unforgettable "Let's Dance" remix, recorded by Hezekiah Walker, along with the popular concept video, opened up speculations that Hollister would eventually record a gospel project. Now GospoCentric Records, along with Zomba Recording Corporation, has announced that on September 26, that dream will become a reality with the release of "The Book of David". Production will be handled by PAJAM, Teddy Riley, Mike City, Shep Crawford and Warryn Campbell.

Another shocking surprise is on the way. The soulful R&B duo, Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore, will be delivering their debut gospel/inspirational collection, along with another disc filled with new R&B/love songs. The idea of this ever happening was once a rumor, but Verity Records and Babyface's Laface Records has confirmed the release of this project and will surely rattle the gospel industry with imminent force. The first single from the gospel project, "Make Me Like The Moon", was produced by Fred Hammond. The release date of the double-disc "Uncovered/Covered" is slated for October 10, 2006.

Coko, formally one of the lead vocalists for the best-selling R&B group SWV, will also deliver her debut full-length collection this fall on the newly-organized Light Records. And R&B diva Kelly Price, known for her stylish vocals and several keynote appearances on gospel projects, will finally reveal her finished gospel project on the GospoCentric label this fall.

So this fall, don't get too concerned when you hear Dave Hollister, Coko, Kelly Price, Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore singing on your local radio station...or singing at your local church function...we told you here first.

[R&B-GOES-GOSPEL RESEARCH]

Kenny Lattimore (Official Website)
Chante' Moore (Official Website)
Kenny Lattimore & Chante' Moore (MySpace.com)
Coko (MySpace.com)

Light Records - Street Team
GospoCentric Records

Verity Records