Obama's Church Draft

It's time to rack up black voters in the South.

To do that, you got to have a passion for good music, soul food and know how to shout Hallelujah. In the mostly conservative state of South Carolina, presidential hopeful and Democratic candidate Barack Obama is hoping to grasp the attention of black voters, conservatives and to raise monies for his campaign. This is really needed for Obama's campaign since fellow Democratic champion Hillary Clinton, according to polls, possesses a substantial lead over Obama in the early voting state. With hopes of gaining voters, his Outreach team has organized a 3-city gospel tour called "Embrace The Change" for the state featuring big name gospel artists including Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Beverly Crawford, Deitrick Haddon, Hezekiah Walker, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and Donnie McClurkin.

The tour sounds almost too good to be true - especially since it seems like manna from heaven will be falling on South Carolina. But Obama might have crossed the wrong line with gay/lesbian supporters. The buzz, all over the Internet, media resources and in the news publications, have mentioned that a gay rights group has asked Obama to drop Donnie McClurkin from the gospel tour who it says spreads false information about homosexuality being a choice and claim that the popular gospel singer preaches messages of homophobia.

"I don't believe that it is the intention of God," McClurkin said Monday in a telephone interview. "Sexuality, everything is a matter of choice."

In a statement, Obama said he believes gays and lesbians are "our brothers and sisters" and should be afforded the same respect, dignity and rights granted all other citizens.

"I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country," Obama said. "I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as president of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."

The statement did not say whether McClurkin will still perform on the tour.

After the heat has been raised on Obama's next move regarding McClurkin's involvement in his campaign, two questions may be raised: "Will he fall down?" and "Can he get back up again?"

The following information includes the announced tour dates and locations:

October 26, 2007
Gospel performances by:
Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Beverly Crawford
GENERAL ADMISSION $10
DOORS OPEN at 7:00PM
North Charleston Performing Arts Center
5001 Coliseum Drive North Charleston, SC 29418
http://www.sc.barackobama.com/embrace26

October 27, 2007
Gospel performances by:
Byron Cage, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Vanessa Bell Armstrong
GENERAL ADMISSION $10
DOORS OPEN at 7:00PM
Greenwood Civic Center
1620 Hwy 72 221 E. Greenwood, SC 29649
http://www.sc.barackobama.com/embrace27

October 28, 2007
Gospel performances by:
Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon, Mighty Clouds of Joy
GENERAL ADMISSION $10
DOORS OPEN at 5:00PM
The Township Auditorium
1703 Taylor Street Columbia, SC 29202
http://www.sc.barackobama.com/embrace28

[OBAMA RAMMA]
Group to Obama: Drop McClurkin From Tour (AP)
Obama Criticized Over Singer (New York Times)
Barack Obama (Official Website)
Barack Obama (Official MySpace Page)
Donnie McClurkin (Official Website)
Truth Wins Out (Official Website)

Birmingham, In My Own Words

I love my city.

Some might think I don’t. Funny I mention that - since I sometimes feel like I overlook the peeps here (but for really good reasons) and have recently made decisions on PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com to become a more broader, global-outreach community and not to single out the viewing audience from other locations in the world. Most will remember I had a section on the site months ago that focused only on events in my hometown - but decided to incorporate any events of serious magnitude within the national events. But I really have grown to love my community, my birthplace, my home. I always had a heart for it, but I’ve seen it flourish and grow over the last couple of years (even when many skeptics said the “Magic” in the City did an “abracadabra”). And it’s a growth I have accepted and have embraced with great respect and dignity.

Now, for those that don’t believe me and really want to make this blog a laughing matter - let me prove my point in this paragraph. There’s more to Birmingham than historic dates within the Civil Rights holiday calendar. We have a flourishing entertainment community that has grown in leaps and bounds - and the nightlife on the town is something to see. We are proud of businesses and social outlets like WorkPlay and Bottletree - pushing excellence into the mainstream with a down-home, local approach. We have new commercial business and corporations seeking to make Birmingham home and we have kept a large number of our industry neighbors within the city limits. New expansions of the Summit have kept our attention and the gorgeous, new look of Eastwood Village - scheduled to open on October 22 - is an event we all are anticipating to partake of. Old buildings that many condemned for its demise like the City Federal and the old Cabana Hotel have been resurrected with mighty power as extravagant lofts and renovated condominiums. The Birmingham News - the state’s largest newspaper - has a gorgeous building to shout about. Then there’s the new FBI Field Office building - a neat addition to the city’s landscape - and the $100 million, eight-story, state-of-the-art, environment-friendly Social Security Administration building (that is almost completed). The Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, on the University of Alabama Birmingham campus, is also a flagship center of attention for the arts and continues to feed the community with its large, universal popularity. And then add to the mix a culture that is flooded with greatness and attitude including the progressive Southside (Five Points South) area and the renaissance in the Five Points West area. And with the large expansion of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) - set to include a up-scale entertainment district and lucrative dining - and the welcoming of both the five-star Renaissance Hotel into the downtown area and another quality hotel to be placed on the Southside, the people of Birmingham should have a lot to be grateful for.

But are we fellow Birminghamians really grateful?

Others around us are suffering and when they said that misery loves company, that it does. That misery has crept into Birmingham politics and has turned the city’s mayoral race into a circus full of division. And that’s because the heart of our local political body has now bubbled into a amalgamation of mutated, self-absorbed soothsayers. Just say the magic words and act like you can preach a lil’ while and you already have an audience aiming to be faithful.

Not that I hate the idea that so many are now trying to take the mayor’s seat...I just despise the idea that so many candidates are only taking the position seriously because they see an opportunity and have failed to make important strides of success to impact their community. I see Birmingham as a promising territory that has grown in large proportions and have once again made a name for ourselves. Most of the credit concerning the great things that have come from the area must be forwarded to the great people that live here. They have made it all possible...but let’s also recognize that we have a great leader and visionary in position and now that the city’s councilors have cooperated with him, we have seen a great deal of progress with our very eyes. I would hate if we decided to make one wrong move to loose everything we’ve gained.

The future of Birmingham looms and falls on one day - October 9, 2007. We will see who will take this great city forward in hopes to make it brighter and better. All I know is Mayor Bernard Kincaid has done an incredible job during his tenure as mayor. All of the accomplishments mentioned, without a lick of scandal or increases of taxes, were all possible because of the Mayor’s leadership and wisdom. I would seriously hope that the people of my hometown won’t let me down. We’ve come too far to turn around now. One bad move and we just might have to say “abracadabra” once and for all.

[LINKS TO THE MAGIC]
Kincaidformayor.com
Leer Towers
WorkPlay
BottleTree Cafe
The Summit Birmingham
Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center
Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center
Green touch for skyline (Birmingham News)

Chaka Gets Funky Again

You have to give it to her. She has one of the most recognizable and entertaining voices of all time - and she has done it all. From jazz to funk, from soul to R&B, from pop to disco...and even gospel (catch her singing on Richard Smallwood with Vision Journey: Live In New York singing "Precious Is Your Name").

But The Voice is back with her newest CD - FUNK THIS - and she's back to getting down with the funk. Her career took off many years ago as the lead vocalist of the successful '70s-80's funk outfit Rufus and laid down killer grooves and hits that included "Do You Love What You Feel", "Sweet Thing", "Tell Me Something Good" and "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)." On FUNK THIS, Khan goes down memory-lane to pull out that Rufus vibe and uses the tag-team production efforts of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to recreate that same energy and style that made Chaka Khan a household name. On new cuts such as "Hail To The Wrong" and "One For All Time", you can hear the recreation of the sweet grooves found on her earlier solo projects, while the Jimi Hendrix remake of "Castles Made Of Sand" (featuring Jesse Johnson on guitar) exposes her to a gutsy rock funk that sits well on her big vocals. Prince's "Sign 'O' The Times" is an end-time message that places Khan in the prophetic, while "Angel" - the album's strongest ballad and hit single - proves to be a definite moment for Khan's songwriting abilities. When the end of the song resonates, you can hear the song's story blooming of the great possibilities for a better woman to arise from deep within as she declares "you will be free." It's a careful blend of R&B with gospel. R&B diva Mary J. Blige guests on the innovative "Disrespectful"; a song that feels like a '70s funk groove that rides on a tang-tang drum workout. At times, you can't tell who's who. Michael McDonald also jumps into the ring with Khan on the Doobie Brothers/Carly Simon remake; "You Belong To Me". "Will You Love Me" and "One For All Time" are true Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis moments - and feel just right on the music legend.

Plus there's a very special collaboration with Rufus guitarist Tony Maiden on the exclusive Ol' Skool medley featuring Rufus hits "You Got The Love" and "Pack'd My Bags." You can't go wrong here.

There's plenty of funk to go around here and it's beautiful to see that funk music is being re-instituted back into mainstream music. Chaka almost reinvents herself on her new release; proving that she's still the voice that the world instantly recognizes and has forever been associated with the funk.

This week, Billboard Magazine revealed that her single "Angel" is riding at #41 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Singles charts. Her album should do wonders next week on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop. She will, of course, be facing a mean selection of best-sellers including Ann Nesby's newest project This Love and Kanye West and Fiddy's projects - which both hit the #1 and #2 spots consecutively last week.

Below are just a few of the photos from the new album's inside jacket.

[STATE OF CHAKA]
Chaka Khan (Official Website)
Chaka Khan (MySpace.com)
Burgundy Records
Chaka Perfoms "Angel" on the Today Show (NBC)

"Precious Is Your Name" at the Music Center (PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com)

Paula White Speaks, D. James Kennedy Passes

On a recent Praise the Lord program on TBN, co-pastor Paula White sat on the other side of the table to be interviewed by contemporary Christian recording artist Carman. She opened up about the hurt of her recent announcement to divorce her husband of eighteen years, Pastor Randy White. Both Randy and Paula White founded the Without Walls International Church together in Tampa, Florida - which became one of the fastest growing churches in the country. In recent years, Paula experienced a breakthrough of popularity; launching her own ministry and become a best-selling author, talk show host and motivational speaker.

"I say this for Randy ... my former husband," Paula expressed on TBN. "And Randy is a man of God. No one sets their life out and says, 'Boy, this is what I think I'm going to go through.' And people look at things as failure, why didn't this work. But I see 18 years of the rock that I was healed from and I'm grateful for the seasons in my life because I wouldn't be who I am without all the people that God has used to help me, to develop me, to cultivate me."

"Some of the greatest development in the men and women of God ... were those in adverse situation, those in opposition," White added. "But it pulled out because you had that decision. You can either gravitate and put your hand to the plow and say, 'Okay, God, I don't get this one; I don't even like this one. But still what do You have to say to me? I will not be moved.'"

According to an announcement made at the Without Walls church, Randy White took "100 percent responsibility" of the split and will continue as the senior pastor of the Florida church. While White plans to release a brand new book in October revealing journal excerpts from her personal life, there is no word on Paula White's future involvement with the church.

The media failed to really focus and cover one of the big saddened events of the week - the passing of conservative preacher and popular televangelist D. James Kennedy. The longtime pastor of the 10,000-member Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (also located in Florida), Kennedy passed away in his home at the age of 76 on September 5. He had not made a public appearance since suffering from cardiac arrest in December, followed by reported multiple complications. Kennedy's retirement to the ministry was announced seven days prior to his passing. Kennedy was also a popular minister in the roster of TBN's great index of preachers. While his passion for American pride and politics remained a prominent part of his sermons, his respectful and loving nature remained one of his drawing points and placed him in a very small category of well-loved and respected conservative preachers.

[FLORIDA TRIBULATIONS]
Paula White Ministries

Without Walls International Church
Paula White: I'm Not Going To Draw Back (ChristianPost.com)
Thousands to Pay Final Respects to Kennedy (ChristianPost.com)
Obituary: D. James Kennedy (Post-Gazette Now)
Dr. James Kennedy Online Memorial
Thousands Celebrate the Life of D. James Kennedy (ChristianPost.com)
L.A. Pastor Rebukes White, Weeks and Bynum (EURweb.com)

Weeks: How To Have Grown Up Marriage

Incredible YouTube video snippet from the accused Bishop Thomas Weeks preaching on love and marriage during the 2006 Teach Me How To Love Conference in Atlanta, GA. We wonder how long the Bishop is going to keep this profound word up.

The "Week-est" Link

Big-time teleevangelist, occasional host of TBN's highly-rated "Praise The Lord" and successful gospel artist Juanita Bynum-Weeks is in the news once again. This time, it's bloody.

According to FOXNews.com and the Associated Press, Bynum and her estranged husband , Bishop Thomas W. Weeks, III, met at Renaissance Concourse Hotel near Atlanta's airport to try to reconcile, police said. Then around 4 a.m., things got a little shaky as a fight broke out between the two. A bellman employed by the hotel had to break the two up.

Officer Ronald Campbell stated that "she was bruised up and battered...and had purple bruising around her neck and upper torso."

No charges were filed against Bishop Weeks, who also happened to flee the scene of the crime...I meant incident. Authorities are still searching for Weeks.

News like this makes you want to go back and get a refund on that big fancy wedding we all bought for $20 after watching the 2-hour special on TV. Save the "No More Sheets" jokes.

[WEEK-EST LINKS]

Bynum Assaulted By Husband (FOXNews.com)
Rev. Juanita Bynum 'Savagely' Beaten By Bishop Thomas Weeks (EURweb.com)
Husband attacks evangelist Bynum in parking lot (AJC.com)
Dr. Bynum Preaching "Women Are Giving Sex But No Romance" (Youtube.com)
"God Is Faithful" at Bynum-Weeks Wedding (Youtube.com)
Bishop Weeks (Official Website)
Juanita Bynum (Official Website)

Jumpin' Out: Reflections of Tye Tribbett's Live Recording

This reflective excerpt comes from Jon Moore, supporter and contributor to PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com. While we welcome opinions from all sides, the commentary presented here should be treated and viewed as being one person's point-of-view.

I'm happy to report that we had wonderful weather for the entire trip and I IMMENSELY enjoyed both days of the recording! As you know, the first night of recording was held at the Rock Church International (Bishop John & Pastor Anne Gimenez) before an overflow crowd and the second night was a Beach Party/recording right on the VA Beach boardwalk. As I mentioned earlier, I had a blast but let me just get my gripes out of the way first....

Yours truly was fortunate enough to have purchased tickets well in advance and had a seat in the VIP section. However, in all honesty, the VIP status didn't help much as there was no assigned seating in VIP as we originally anticipated (since our tickets had assigned seats printed on them) and we were seated on a first-come first-served basis...not to mention the fact that the concert was oversold and there were people ev-e-ry-where and by the time they were really trying to get things started there were tons of folks that still didn't have a seat. Mind you, this church seats upwards of 5,000 - 6,000 people (I'm just estimating based upon how large the sanctuary looked) so the fact that there were still folks with no seats was kinda sad to me. There were people who paid for a ticket that ended up standing for the entire concert crowded by the doors, sitting on steps, and leaning on railings. Not cool!

Since I had a VIP ticket I ended up near the front but off to the side, which would not have been a problem with a different audio setup. However, the speakers were setup such that all of the sound was directed straight in front of the stage and left the folks on the side with a less-than-stellar auditory treatment. Lastly, the concert started waaaay late...no, I mean way. I don't recall the exact time it actually started but I know it was supposed to have started at 8:00 pm and the last time I checked my watch (about 30 min. before things kicked off) it was 9:15 pm.

Aside from those three things it was a great experience once everything got rolling. The title of the new album is "Stand Out!" and G.A. opened with the title track which I'm anticipating will be one of their first releases. Other songs to look out for are "Everything Little Thing Will Be Alright", "Bless The Lord Oh My Soul", and "Look Up". Special guests for the new album include Judith Christie-McAllister, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Kim Burrell, and Jon Owens. Jon Owens is a brotha from Tallahassee, FL and actually wrote the aforementioned "Bless The Lord"...check him out when you get a chance (www.myspace.com/jonowensmusic).

We didn't stay the entire time for the first night of the recording because me and my friends had already been there since about 6:45 pm and it was 11:30 pm at the halfway point and they still had a whole second half to go. Additionally, Tye had pulled a stool during intermission and had gotten nice and comfortable in his "preacher" mode with no end in sight...so we had to roll (I'm sure several people that had been standing against the wall immediately started rejoicing, lol). All in all, what we heard, saw, and felt at the Rock Church was all good.

The Beach Party on the other hand was the worship experience! Now I'm sure you'll get differing opinions on that but I can only speak for myself...the Lord made His presence known outside on the boardwalk!! Worship? Do you want to talk about worship? Oh my Lord, did we worship out there?! On our knees, hands lifted in surrender, total liberty in Christ (and you KNOW you won't get Black folks to get on the ground...and when we're all dressed and looking cute?!?). A number of our Caucasian and Hispanic brothers and sisters joined us on the beach just because they were passing by and I believe all in attendance were blessed by the experience. It was incredible! Hard worship and then some hard partying, HA!! It was great!

[G.A. UNIVERSE - EXPOSED]
Tye Tribbett & G.A. (Offical Website)
Tye Tribbett & G.A. Fan Club
Tye Tribbett (Wikipedia)

'A Good Black Man' Under Investigation

When you become a pastor of one of the fastest growing mega-churches in the country and you're seen on BET and TBN almost every week, and have become one of today's high-profiled influential leaders within the African-American community, you can't help but run across a pile of "haters" further down the road. Rev. Jamal Harrison Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple AME located in Baltimore, may have a big problem with such "haters" and the recent reports hitting the media about his recent troubles with Bianca Wilson and Michelle Wedderburn; two different women who both have filed lawsuits against the famed pastor for a number of issues including paternity tests, peace orders and child support.

A few weeks ago, emails from anonymous sources and a number of bloggers challenged the reverend's integrity and have even pressured Bryant to lightly speak about the situations during recent church services. At the time, the future on Wilson's case is still in the air since she is now pregnant with child and will have to deliver the child in order to prove that Bryant is the father. The two have been summoned a peace order by the court system. As for Wedderburn's case, Bryant has to pay $400 a month for child support - since Bryant has been proven to be the child's father. This decision outrages a number of Bryant's critics since they feel he is a multi-millionaire and believes that $400 a month is next to nothing for the plaintiff. Word has it that Bryant's wife had no idea prior to the opening of this case of Naomi Bryant; the young child conceived by Wedderburn and Rev. Bryant.

Public information and documents on Bryant's cases, including a recent case surrounding a traffic violation, can be acquired at the Maryland Court official website.

When will the church be the church? All I ask for is that the preachers of today start to live the same stuff they profess about in the pulpit. If we get that right, then the world wouldn't have a problem with coming to church on next Sunday.

[updated: August 12, 2007]

[MORE TROUBLE AT THE RIVER]
Maryland Judiciary Courts
Check Your Pastor (PRAYZE Report)

Stax Of Music

Call it an overhaul of great soul music.

The Stax-Volt Music label, a historic mammoth of Southern soul/R&B music that swept the country from 1962 until 1974 when it closed its doors for the last time due to bankruptcy, has resurrected in a very big way. With the L.A-based Concord Music Group leading the soul revolution during the label's 50th-year anniversary and helping to revive the world-renowned music label to its former glory, Stax has since released a number of incredible re-issues, a few repackaged 'greatest hits' collections and are already working on new album releases for their new stars including neo-soul sensation Angie Stone, jazz trio Soulive and Black Moses himself Isaac Hayes.

We are pleased to say to announce that the double-disc Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration, the revived label's kick-off souvenir packaged like a collector's edition with a beautiful layout of photos and an intensive bio on the label from Rob Bowman, was released to the public in March - receiving great recognition and rave reviews for its consistency and for containing the big hits. Other projects including The Very Best of Rufus Thomas (a colossal 20-track compilation featuring all of Thomas' cool grooves) and The Very Best of Isaac Hayes (a single-disc greatest hit collection containing eighteen edit versions of Hayes' Stax hits) have since been released.

All of these promotions are being launched to celebrate the fifty-year anniversary of such a great musical institution. And you can tell it's a big deal...in fact, it's big business. The Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau has even adopted the Stax reputation into their 2007 campaign and remain instrumental in helping spread the word about the vast reputation the label has earned the city of Memphis over the years.

On June 22, Concord reunite some of Stax's living heroes on the stage of Orpheum Theater in Memphis and brought the audience to their feet with great tributes and celebrations of the label's history. American Idol judge Randy Jackson and rap pioneer Chuck D. were the event's hosts and helped give the gala a modern, cool outlook. But it was the performances of a recovering Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G's, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, Mavis Staples, the Soul Children and gospel sensation Rev. Rance Allen that made the night a memorable one. Also featured on the bill was Angie Stone, singing Shirley Brown's "Woman To Woman," and Otis Redding III singing "Try A Little Tenderness." Word at the Stax Site states that the show was taped and will be available on DVD in the fall. After reviewing the write-up at The Memphis Flyer and reading the stars that made this night one to not forget, we can't wait to get our copy.

On August 1, 2007, at 9:00 p.m (ET), Great Performances on PBS will air Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story - a special documentary focusing on the achievements made by Stax and featuring a number of the label's highlights and special performances.

Of course, the future of Stax Records still remains skeptical. We are not certain if the new artists will enjoy their tenure with the revived label or if they will match the capabilities and artistic definition of the giants of yesteryear. There are strong possibilities of it being a force in modern music, but who can match the contributions of Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Carla Thomas, the Bar-Kays, Johnnie Taylor, Sam & Dave and Isaac Hayes. Of course, that list goes on and on. But it is beautiful to see the kind of work and valued input Concord is putting into this campaign. The expectations may be high for the label, but the endless possibilities continue to remain a figment of our soulful imaginations.

[STAX TO LOOK THROUGH]

Staring All Over Again: Concert Review (Memphis Flyer)

Memphis Soul 50

Memphis Travel - Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Stax Site

Stax Museum of American - Soulsville USA
Stax Records (Wikipedia)

Check Your Pastor

Have you been reading the headlines lately?

Not just national, but local?

The Los Angeles Catholic diocese will be releasing a record-breaking $660 million to victims of sexual abuse this week during a recent settlement. Even though the Archbishop head cardinal Roger Mahony publicly apologized for the 'sin and wrong' done to the victims, many are claiming, including the lead attorney for the victims, are claiming that the recent act of justice was "long overdue."

Heard about Pastor Joel Anthony Ward in Los Angeles, whom admitted to his church congregation that Tarshia Rodgers, the church's choir director, was pregnant with his child? Not only that, but she also has a restraining order on him due to violent threats he has delivered to her. Voice messages of his phone calls to her have been sent to multiple resources, including the local newspaper - the Los Angeles Wave. Sounds like something that was best suited for a motion picture.

And in Birmingham (AL) local news, local church hero and StreamingFaith.com minister Pastor Gregory L. Clarke, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, will be in federal court this week due to tax evasion and tax fraud totaling $40,000 dollars - including personal tax records and documents that somehow were altered and modified. Other black churches in the area are getting on television looking crazy - trying to defend him by saying he is innocent. One local minister, Pastor Stephen Green, stated if "he goes down, we all go down." I guess it's now alright to cheat on your taxes.

I'm tired of ministers and preachers that are trying to taint the Good News of our Christ with their personal affairs and misconduct. I hope you really really trust your pastor...because we are living in the last days. There are more fake prophets out there than those that are true. Don't be misguided...I don't care if that was your family church or if you and your pastor were roommates in college...if he or she is wrong, they are wrong. And they need to be punished for their senseless crimes with the same gavel of justice, just like you. Fair is fair.

I leave you with this question:
DO YOU TRUST YOUR PASTOR?
You better check your pastor.

*originally posted and recently modified by J. Matt (PRAYZE Place)

[CHURCH SOAP OPERAS]
Roman Catholic Church Pays Out $660 Mil (PRAYZE Report)
Sex, Lies and Video Tape: Rev. Joel Ward (Los Angeles Wave)
Local News Featuring Rev. Clarke Court Announcement (Fox 6 News)

L.A. Catholic Diocese Pays Out $660 Mil

A record 660-million-dollar payout to hundreds of victims whom were sexually abused by church leaders and clergy members of the Los Angeles diocese of the Roman Catholic church was poised to be confirmed this week.

Archdiocese head Cardinal Roger Mahony -- who has been accused by angry victims of attempting to conceal abuse cases during his tenure -- apologized to the hundreds of victims as he confirmed the settlement on Sunday.

"Once again I apologize to anyone who has been offended, who's been abused by priests, by deacons, by religious men and women or by lay people ... It should not have happened and should not ever happen again," Mahony said.

Ray Boucher, the lead attorney for the victims, said the settlement, which in some cases related to abuse dating back to the 1940s, was "long overdue."

Now we are wondering when the black church will be under investigation by the government for the hundreds of boys and girls that have been sexually abused. Oh forgot, the African-American community are too afraid to speak out about those things. If this blog could preach the stories of the many viewers or closet-PRAYZEHYMN supporters that have been victimized and are afraid to speak out, because of fear and rejection, the world would know how hypocritical the church has been. Half of those quiet individuals are doing the same thing their foes have done to them, so will the circle ever be unbroken.

Our prayers remain with the Roman Catholic church. You are not alone.

*Quotes taken from the Associated Press - link below

[ROME WASN'T BUILT IN A DAY]

Roman Catholics in deal over sex abuse (AP)

People still at risk in Catholic church (The Herald)
L.A. Catholic church apologizes for 'terrible sin and crime' (The Christian Post)
Bill Maher: The Business of the Catholic Church

Beauty Must Be Skin Deep

Secular and mainstream publications grab all of our attention - from their layouts, graphic design, originality and artistic presentation. Maxim, GQ, Ebony, Sister2Sister, People and Vanity Fair are some of the mighty giants in the press that have gone to the level of high expectations to give their readers a taste of jovial delight for their eyes and mind. From juicy gossip to its illustrious photo shoots, we cannot resist the power of a good read that they unfortunately provide with great results.

But gospel-oriented and Christian magazines are jumping on board to achieve such feats - call it "mimic ministry." Everything we do in our weekly publications, they did first. Such as the Top 10, gossip columns, event calendar, big photo layouts, paparazzi photo spreads. But there should be no war over these things. So childish to do such a thing.

But Shereese Hair & Beauty Magazine caught our attention in a big way with their announcement of the Top 20 Most Beautiful Gospel Artists in their July issue. Even though we aren't surprised to see Yolanda Adams making the number one spot, some of the voters' choice may have been judged by "skin deep beauty." Tye Tribbett even made the list at an astonishing placement of number 10. This is probably due to extreme fanatics and probably by those that forgot this was a beauty magazine. God forbid if the rapture takes place and the Top 9 take flight. We demand a recount.

The list also included:
#2 Donnie McClurkin
#3 CeCe Winans
#4 Shirley Caesar
#5 Smokie Norful
#6 John P. Kee
#7 Kirk Franklin
#8 Mary Mary
#9 Vickie Winans

The results were judge by readers' votes and were compiled by the Dallas-based publication. Shereese Magazine is targeted to reach African-American women ages 18-49 years old.

[SKIN DEEP BEAUTY]
Shereese Magazine
Top 20 Most Beautiful Gospel Artists [Shereese Magazine]

Just Bloggin'

Real. Coolin' Just coolin'
(Listening to Levert's Just Coolin')

Okay people. Had to update the blog with sumthin' fresh. And lately, there's been a lot going on. Lots more in mainstream. Kelly Clarkson's latest project - the one Clive Davis dubbed as being "dark and dangerous" is getting bad press lately and may be the biggest sharpshooting disappointment this year from any of the Idol's superstars. Except if you wanna look at AI's Paris Bennett's indie-project - which contains a very low-budget and home-engineered beats. Mandisa is dropping her Contemporary Christian project, "True Beauty," next week...should be VERY exciting. Next!

Sorry if I'm comin' off too hard - but you know how I feel about obvious gospel artists trying to get CCM dollars.

Then there's the Kelly Rowland (Ms. Kelly) project - in stores now. AHotMess stated that the project is bound to sale 100K in its first week. We will see how she fairs out on Soundscan and Billboard when she's put up against T.I's new release.

Now for the gospel.
Somebody shout "GOSPEL!"

Richard Smallwood's project (Journey: Live In New York) drops in sales considerably. He placed number 6 this week , after debuting at number 1, on Billboard two weeks ago. In mainstream, dropping to number 6 isn't such a bad thing, but in a small genre like gospel, it hurts. Currently standing in the top spot on the gospel charts is the surprising Tyscot new release from Bishop Noel Jones' church choir. I don't ever remember a Tyscot release ever hitting the #1 spot...so this is incredible news for the small-yet-quickly expanding music label from Indianapolis. The Detroit crew - J Moss and the Clark Sisters - are still sitting in the Top 5. And R&B diva and icon Patti LaBelle tells Tye Tribbett and CCM artist Nicole Mullen to get outta my way as she sails back to number 8 this week with her on-fire gospel project. It's been an interesting week at Billboard in the gospel world for sure.

We are expecting to see Marvin Sapp hit the Top 5 for next week with his latest release, Thirsty. The album features new and recycled praise-and-worship music penned by a number of writers including Martha Munizzi, Jason Nelson and Jonathan Dunn. The former Commissioned singer sounds good on the project - and fits well in the worship stuff. Even though we prefer a diverse set of material on projects these days. Makes the world happy that way. Expect a full review at PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com in days to come. Not much I say now about the new release - but I will reveal that even though it's nowhere close to the infectious Diary of A Psalmist - it is more rewarding than his last project, Be Exalted.

Now I'm off to my other job...and then to see Transformers at the movies. Hope 2 see you there.

How To Save Gospel Music: Step #1

Originally posted on the PRAYZE PLACE Blog, "How To Save Gospel Music: Part One" (MySpace.com)

I thought about it for a second and I really wanted to post an article on this subject on PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com. Who knows...I just might. But in the meantime, I'm going to throw out a few wise words, choices and options that may bring clarity to this glorious heritage of music we call 'gospel' music.

First you got to know what you are saving before you go after trying to rescue it. And to make it a little more practical in words, you have to know where you've been in order to know where you are going. In the last two decades, Gospel music has making shifts and turns in directions that remain both unprecedented and threatening to its original form of glory. Today's generation has no real respect to the historical relevance of its pre-war pioneers and Golden Age developers. And most of the facts and information has been misconstrued and unappreciated for years that it is hard for serious musicologists (or in better words - music historians) to receive any form of credit. Researchers I have valued including Anthony Heilbut, Horace Clarence Boyer, W.K. McNeil, Bob Darden, Bernice Johnson Reagon have done an incredible job in putting our music's history to words for future generations to adore. Have we as gospel music lovers seriously read any of their works? I'm sure "we" haven't. Even though I know I have, I include myself in the list of today's lazy gospel generation...just because I hung with them at the lunchroom table in grade school and I don't want to sit in the seat of judgement...not at this time. Maybe later.

I felt like writing this piece in parts - because the matter is weighty and very tough to tackle at one particular time. Gospel music is at a crucial point in time...whether critics want to agree or not...whether the "churched" want to believe it or not. Years ago, gospel music was defined by style. A style that used to be clearly identifiable and easy to define. Gospel music had a sound. A sound that incorporated its musical origins of blues and jazz into a swirling frenzy of spiritual soul music. And with that sound came the expressions of the African heritage and the responses from the centuries of agony, survival and conquest. The slave songs, the work songs, the holler, the shout, the moaning and spirituals became our forefather's communication to the Creator and with it came knowledge and power. With the blues and jazz, gospel music began to develop and later emerged into its own style; helping to create and stimulate music icons in multiple genres such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Lou Rawls. Those artists never ceased to use the tools they inhabited from their gospel schooling.

Who would have known artists such as Prof. Alex Bradford would be the primary influence for Little Richard? Who would have thought that Dorothy Love Coates, a female who rocked the foundations of civil rights with her social-gospel messages, would be an inspiration for a number of quartet singers today...especially for men? Who would have thought that a young Aretha Franklin sat quietly and admired the beauty and talent of Clara Ward's performances at her father's New Bethel Baptist Church? Who would have thought that Sam Cooke, a young man that made gospel appealing with the Soul Stirrers, would later create his own genre of music...a genre that artists like John Legend, Alicia Keys, Raheem DeVaughn, Robin Thicke and Anita Baker make a living off of. We as gospel torchbearers have always been the inspiration for our world's priceless musical landmarks. Until now...

I definitely feel we have upset ted the waters of our heritage for numerous reasons. We aren't as responsible, we aren't as intelligent and we aren't as vigilant as the former generations. And the funny thing is...it looks we are because we have more available to us. We have books, computer technology to make our own music without paying one musician, we have mega-churches, we have songbooks, hymnals, MP3s and reasonable resources. AND...we still have a generation of newcomers that refuse to be mentored...that think they are all of that and a bag of Golden Flake potato chips...and cannot take an ounce of valuable criticism. We have cities loaded with lazy and selfish gospel talent and cannot put together one good project of songs. We have selfish producers and songwriters that tend to hold the best songs for their own projects - with hopes they will take home a "notable" award that no one will ever see or remember. We have thousands of MySpace pages with thousands of friends, but not one of those friends are willing to put $15 dollars down to buy their homemade project. And we even have gospel artists nowadays that aspire to be semi-nude models on the side and wonder why the religious-conservative right have a problem with them at the Dove Awards. And we have a generation of newcomers that still don't know what a hymn is...goodness...one evening Yolanda Adams talked to a few of today's gospel celebs on TBN and asked them what their favorite hymn was. Responses such as "I Don't Feel Noways Tired", "Just Another Day" and "I Won't Complain" sparked from their happy souls. As much as I love those gospel gems, those aren't hymns, folkz.

Hey, if you're guilty of any or all of the above...don't write me any hate mail. Just learn to do better.

The first thing we as a people, as a nation of gospel torchbearers, should account for...to help save our genre...we must learn how to be accountable. Of ourselves...of our talent. I can go on and on about that point...but you know the Word. Learn how to properly invest in your talent and to nurture your talents and gifts. Use wisdom upon it and watch your gifts make room for you. Not just at the next midnight musical...but in the industry. The problem with our artists today, both signed and unsigned, is that they believe living a lie and keeping it undercover will make their talent blossom. Hate to say this, but if you are too lazy to write a good song or to search for a good songwriter or producer and too cheap to invest in good ground, then you are not prepared for greater. Learn to be accountable for your strengths and your weakness, for your victories and your failures. Only you posses the key to your destiny. It's time for you to unlock it.

J. Matthew Cobb
June 2007

Melinda and BeBe and Cece Together

Just when you thought American Idol was finished with all of the big surprises on their 2-hour Season 6 finale' spectacular, out comes one of our most anticipated reunions in all of Gospel music history. BeBe & CeCe Winans reunited after thirteen years of departing to pursue solo careers. Melinda Doolittle, a former background singer for CeCe and one of AI's hopeful finalists, rocked the stage with BeBe & CeCe Winans during a live performance of Percy Bady's "Hold Up The Light" from the platinum-selling "Heaven". What is so amazing is that the original song featured Whitney Houston dueting with the two...but Doolittle decided to jump into the race to prove that she can handle Houston's over-the-top soaring vocal power. Just a week before the finale', Randy Jackson choose as his song choice for Doolittle a Whitney Houston ballad ("I Believe In You And Me") - stating that he felt she needed to "stretch and challenge herself". The song may have been what cost her the big victory to the finale' since the song seemed to be too colossal for her voice. But Doolittle bounced back with phenomenal performance on gospel power anthem, "Hold Up The Light".

On to bigger news, BeBe & CeCe Winans have announced that there appearance on AI was far from being accidental. The two are reuniting and are working on an upcoming project and tour. Street date has not been released, but they are currently in the studio working on the project. BeBe exclaimed, “I’m so grateful for BeBe & CeCe’s past accomplishments. But I’m so excited about coming back together and blazing new trails of hope into the hearts of people all around the world.” CeCe added, “I’m very excited that the time has finally come for BeBe and I to reunite and encourage the world with uplifting, soul-changing music.”

As for the talented Melinda Doolittle, she will join the top finalists on the American Idol Tour this summer. Tickets are on currently on sale now. For more details, visit the American Idol Official website.

The sixth season finale' was watched by over 29.5 million viewers; a sharp drop from last year's 36.4 watchers. It is possible that the billing of Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis was not what viewers intended. AI judge Simon Cowell mentioned that he would have liked to see two great voices battle it out in the end - preferably Melinda Doolittle and Jordin Sparks.

[MAGNUM A.I AND MORE]
American Idol (Official Website)
Ratings down 19 percent, Jordin wins (Examiner.com)

City Stages Catches Gospel Bug

Since our little and insignificant expose' (or online letter of personal sympathy and expression) on City Stages was posted on the PRAYZE Report awhile back, we felt it would be refreshing to play "catch up" with a follow-up regarding the local music festival's current stand on improving their relations towards gospel music. We have constantly been reminded by public officials since the festival was started that they were committed to being a world-class music festival and yearn to expose as many music styles and genres as possible. Gospel music has been represented, as we cited before, at the Birmingham-based festival in previous years, but we felt that the three-day event has failed to give it the proper accolades and treatment that the mainline stages and genres receive. There has been very little press in the past on the gospel groups they have been featured and usually only one headliner closes the event. Yes, it's sad to say that in the past years, City Stages (another reminder - it's a three-day festival) could only afford one well-known gospel act (and the rest being local church choirs) for its own gospel stage.

Well, it looks like the officials and staff of City Stages have heard our faintest cry and have done some kind of revamping to fix this problem. It's not much...but it's enough considering that now the music festival is trying to bounce back from a serious financial crisis and a few bad attendance turnouts from previous years. City Stages 2007 will be featuring gospel music on the premiere stage of the festival, the well-known Coca-Cola Stage, on Sunday (one day only). While the other stages will be bouncin' and banging their heads to the music of Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin, gospel music will be headlining the big stage from beginning to end. Artists planning to hit the stage include WellSprings Gospel recording artist Vickie Yohe, urban hip-hop/southern R&B sensation Canton Jones, the Birmingham Mass Community Choir and Kurt Carr & the Kurt Carr Singers (coming back once again - he appeared on the stage last year - all thanks to Pastor Stephen Green of More Than Conquerors Faith Church). Expect a repeat performance from Carr once again.

Okay. Maybe City Stages hasn't gotten the gospel idea down to a science. There's a whole lotta' things they need to familiarize themselves with in order to provide the justice the gospel genre deserves. Here's a few pointers:

1. Repeat headliners are a "no-no" in the booking world. Never book the same artist two or three years in a row for a less popular genre. The public and fans of that genre will forever remember that...and will feel like "favoritism" is the operative term for that kind of decision. We do want to see someone different from time to time.

2. The Coca-Cola Stage is an outdoor stage...so if you are going to attract church folk to an outdoor event while other are getting loaded with booze and smoking their lungs away, you better have talent and big names to draw them out there. Second-rate artists can be good...but you got to bring the heat when it comes to gospel. Otherwise, the crowd will tell you if it's a success or not.

3. Diversity can make you or break you. In this instance, it may break you. You got on one same day, three different kinds of gospel music represented. Local choir gospel first, then Praise-and-worship slow material next with Yohe, then comes the big hip-hop breakdown from Canton Jones and then contemporary gospel from Kurt Carr last. Expect to see different groups of people come and go with this kind of line-up. They are all good artists...that's not the problem. The problem is that there's a big difference in styles from all of the artists that instead of seeing a build-up of the audience, you're going to see one group leave and another group come. Start with the openers first and build up on bigger, well-known and established artists as the program continues.

4. If it rains or even drizzles a little, expect the saints to become "aint's". LOL

5. Do some homework on the bigger gospel festivals that take place across the country. It won't hurt. Best place to start might be the annual Chicago Gospel Festival.

[CITY STAGED]
City Stages 2007 (Official Website)
Dear City Stages

Down But Not Out

We are sorry to inform you that we are having techinical issues on this side of town. PRAYZEHYMN updates are still on the way, but we are having computer problems at the time. Hopefully we will be back in business on Friday (May 11, 2007) and will post new updates, blog entries and reviews on PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com and the PRAYZE Report. Thank you for your patience and your prayers.

UPCOMING UPDATES SET TO INCLUDE:
Maurette Brown-Clark
Various Artists - The Lord's Prayer
Bishop T.D. Jakes & the Potter's House Mass Choir
J. Moss
Tony Moore & Jehovah's Chosen
Bishop Noel Jones Presents the City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir
and others
Music Center Update
PRAYZEHYMNLife

J. Matthew Cobb
Editor-At-Large
PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com

In Memory of Kayla Parker

"My music is definitely inspirational. I can identify with people who've been through hard times because I've been there myself and have come through it.” - Kayla Parker-Tolbert

Kayla Parker-Tolbert was a rare talent; capturing the sweet contemporary musical elegance of the Detroit waters while showcasing a jazzy interpretation that was uniquely her own. Of course, her influences may have ranged from Stevie Wonder to the Winans Family, but Kayla Parker found her authentic sound and allowed listeners to discover and embrace her.

She began her career with the discovery of Special Gift (a female group formed in the traditions of Witness) and doors began to open for the emerging vocalist and songwriter. Even though she remained a prominent force in the local Detroit community, her biggest break appeared on the Marvin Winans & the Perfected Praise Choir (“Introducing Perfected Praise”) debut album on Selah Records. She penned and sung the phenomenal and pinnacle hit “Now Are We” - a song that became a favorite in urban churches across America. Throughout the 1990s, Parker-Tolbert managed to work with such artists including CeCe Winans, Vickie Winans, Anthony Hamilton, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, Anointed Pace Sisters, Brandy, Mark Kibble of Take 6, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child and the late Ron L. Winans. She also provided background vocals for a number of projects, including her loving support on the posthumous Thomas Whitfield album; “Tribute to the Maestro”. She is highly known for writing CeCe Winans’ recent hit, “He’s Concerned”; off of her “Purified” album release.

Tolbert-Parker also tied the knot with popular gospel play screenwriter and producer David A. Tolbert and made her transition to Hollywood, California for greater opportunities as she began work on her very first solo project. But that reality was altered with a serious bout with breast cancer. That bout would later claim her life on April 21, 2007.

The gospel music industry loses a star today. Kayla Parker-Tolbert never reached her greatest potential, but she made a great impression on her listeners and those that experienced her wealth of experience and musical input.

The Homegoing Service is as follows:
Funeral Arrangements
Saturday, April 28, 2007
11:00 a.m.
Faithful Central
321 N. Eucalyptus Ave
Inglewood Ca, 90301
310-330-8000
(Send all flowers to the Church)

Internment: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
21300 Via Verde Drive
Covina, CA 91724800-204-3131

[TRACES OF KAYLA]
Kayla Parker (Official Site)
Kayla Parker (MySpace.com)

Celebrate Easter With Israel & New Breed

CBS will air a very special presentation of powerful praise-and-worship and gospel music featuring Integrity Gospel's Israel & New Breed on an exclusive special airing of the CBS Morning Show on Easter Weekend (Saturday) at 7 a.m.-9 a.m. EST. The live performance will feature cuts from their recent album release and RIAA-certified gold "Alive In South Africa". The album also picked up a victory at the 49th GRAMMY Awards for Best Traditional Gospel Album.

Their "Live From Another Level" propelled them to extreme popularity; landing at the #1 spot on the Billboard Gospel charts and #5 on the Christian charts.

Not much information has faced the light of day in the media world regarding this event, but according to BlackNews.com, the information is valid and current. Check local listing for air times in your area.

For more information contact:
Erma Byrd at (323) 965-5551 or erma@ebyrdcom.com

[BREEDING THE SOUND]
New Breed Music (Official Website)
Israel's MySpace Page
Rise & Shine With A Song In Your Heart (Black News.com)
Purchase "Alive In South Africa"

Luther Comes Alive

Darwin Hobbs, since he debuted as the gospel crooner with the rich velvet voice, has always been compared vocally to the late R&B legend Luther Vandross. And on ABC's "The Next Big Thing" this May, the former EMI Gospel recording artist will get his national opportunity to show and prove to the world how he bears a stylish resemblance with the great Luther.

"For years and years I've always been compared to Luther Vandross,” says the Atlanta-based crooner. “Finally, I'm able to act on the comparison by actually competing as Luther himself! What better way to honor this legendary icon in our industry than to sing his songs during a primetime slot on ABC!"

Hobbs will appear on the show - which debuts on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. EST. The reality-TV show conducts a national search in finding the best celebrity impersonators in the country. The show is hosted by Michele Merkin with celebrity judges: Jeffery Ross, Elon Gold and Lisa Ann Walter. Hobbs is expecting his fan base to support him on this groundbreaking opportunity and is publicly inviting them to the show's taping on April 28 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

Remembering Bishop G.E. Patterson

I'm far from being a member of the "Grand Ole" Church of God In Christ denomination. I have family that are COGIC (considered to be the second largest Pentecostal Christian church in the U.S. and the fourth largest Protestant religious denomination in the world) but I never found myself linked to the church. Being around them offered my amount of experience of the sanctified lifestyles and characteristics of the saints of this profound and well-respected denomination. But it wasn't until I encountered for the first time on a TBN telecast the likable, charismatic and down-home personality found in Gilbert Earl Patterson, the longtime leader of the Temple of Deliverance Church in Memphis, Tennessee. His approach to ministry was comforting and his viewpoints border lined strong fundamental guidelines and a passion for liberation and social change. Whether you were Democrat or Republican, it was hard to not like the Bishop. Whenever he tried to sale a point to his listeners, he gave it with a loving smile, that irresistible Southern charm and never feared to find the appropriate scripture and response to coincide with it. He was truly a man of truth to his very end. Even in the midst of confrontation and controversy, Bishop G.E. Patterson was the embodied example in modern society of how to conduct a life of balance and purity. His "over-the-top" views may have bothered a number of deep conservatives such as his position on women preachers, politics and advancements in technology in the church. "I used to be like many of the brothers: down on the women," he told delegates during a message in 2001. "But the Lord showed me that COGIC was started in a prayer meeting that was held in a woman's house." Women are "the envy of the religious world," he added. He also shared that we should overcome our differences with race and culture to spread our faith. "I don't know why we ever got stuck on that thing that we're only supposed to witness to black folks," Patterson said. "Once you've received the word, spread it. God's not going to do something to bless your work until you do something to bless his work."

After I viewed his weekly telecast and continued to listen to his life-changing messages of faith, hope and love, I almost felt as if I was a member of his church.

That voice was silenced on Earth on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 4:03 p.m. due to a serious battle with prostate cancer and heart failure at the Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. He was 67 years old. He was the founder and pastor of one of the country's largest mega-churches (totaling 12,000) and was also a gospel recording artist on his Podium Records label - even receiving a GRAMMY nomination for the "Just Right For A Miracle" album in 1999. At this year's Stellar Gospel Music Awards, he won Traditional Male Vocalist for his "Singing The Old Time Way Volume Two" album. He was considered to be one of the greatest clergyman of all time and anchored the Church Of God In Christ as Presiding Bishop since 2000.

"America lost an angel today," former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. of Memphis said in a statement on Tuesday. "He was favored by the Almighty, and he used his favor to instruct us all on how to be better servants."

We mourn and extend our prayers to the Church of God In Christ and Patterson's family during this time of bereavement. He will truly be missed and will forever be remembered.

FUNERAL & FINAL ARRANGEMENTS
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2007 • 7 PM
(Local) TEMPLE OF DELIVERANCE MEMORIAL SERVICE

FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2007 • 7 PM
TENNESSEE 4th JURISDICTION MEMORIAL SERVICE

SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2007 • 10 AM
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST NATIONAL HOMEGOING SERVICE

All Services will be held at:
Temple of Deliverance Church of God In Christ
369 G.E. Patterson Avenue
Memphis, TN 38126

* All Cards and Condolences for Mother Lousie Patterson and Family may be sent to Temple of Deliverance at the above address.

J. Matthew Cobb
Editor-at-Large
PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment
www.prayzehymnonline.com

[G.E. PATTERSON - THE LIFE AND THE MEMORY]
BREAKING NEWS: Bishop G.E. Patterson Has Died (WREG-TV)
G.E. Patterson (Wikipedia)
BBless.org
COGIC.com

American Idol Close-up

Another season. Another blog to post. FOX's American Idol is still setting and breaking records. And while the other networks prepare to roll out their strategies to bring down the pop culture phenomenon, American Idol has already announce their Top 12 contestants and are gearing up for a few big specials in the weeks to come. From big-time special musical guests to an amazing fund raiser to benefit poor and devastated areas in Africa and in New Orleans.

But this season, most have glorified much of the bombshell drama and negative press on the show. But for a show this hot, the negative heat has only ignited the show's success to higher heights and has helped broaden the exposure of this season's contestants, as well as previous winners and potential stars.

Let's look at the AI scorecard, shall we.

Chris Daughtry, one of our big predictions from last season, is killing the stars on Billboard with his #1 self-titled album. And even though he has found his home in performing what is elementary to him (rock music). And while southern charmer Bo Bice, the popular runner-up to victory in Season 5, may have proved that AI could produce a rock star album, Dau ghtry took things to the next level with his more edgier look, distinctive modern approach and lots of sex appeal and presented an album that is being compared to modern rockers such as Fuel and Nickleback. The album reached #1 on Billboard Pop charts.

Fantasia is doing pretty good too. She just got picked up to join the stellar Broadway cast of The Color Purple - brought to life by mega-billionaire and television talk show host Oprah Winfrey. And not only that, her latest album release (this is #2 for her) is getting some love and attention from critics - calling it an album that shows depth and more personality than her debut. Fantasia calls the new album a mix of Aretha Franklin meets Tina Turner. Funny, we all thought she was capable of pulling that off when she was on the show. Her new album climbed to #3 on Billboard's R&B charts and #19 pop and is being anchored by her hip-hop club anthem single, "Hood Boy". Oddly, with all the praise her new album is getting, we should mention her first album sold more units; reaching #2 R&B and #8 pop.

All eyes are glued on Miss Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson also after nabbing the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie White in the motion picture version of Dreamgirls. Even though she has taken a new career in acting, she hasn't forgotten her roots. She loves to sing and her acting role in Dreamgirls was definitely about singing and showed the world that she definitely has pipes worth signing to any record label. And in the next couple of months, she will be working on just that and will be releasing an album sometime in the fall of this year. In the meantime, her performances on the motion picture soundtrack, a glorious showcase of 60's pop-soul swinging ballads and dance numbers, are breathtaking and also claimed the #1 spot on both pop and R&B charts. Amazing accomplishment there, especially for a movie soundtrack.

Other winners including Carrie Underwood (whom took home a GRAMMY for Best New Artist) , Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard are also enjoying their careers and are still visible in the public eye. Seems like everyone is reaping their rewards from Idol fame.

So this season shouldn't be different. Right? Well, sorta. Seems like the guys this year are not as macho as they need to be. Our biggest predictions on the guys' side leans on the pop-flavored looks and sounds of Blake Lewis and Chris Richardson. Lewis leans more on the edgier, urban reincarnations of Justin Timberlake. He may not be the strongest male vocalist in the competition this year, but he definitely is pop material and has what it takes to form a good sounding record. Chris Richardson also has that pop wow-factor. He's refreshing and has good vocals and handsome features. He's also picked up some love for soul and R&B music - which should win favorable results across the cultural board.

But it's the girls that are bringing home the bacon this season. Both Lakisha Jones and Melinda Dolittle are delivering the goods on performance night and are both showing their passion for victory. Jones is one of those contenders that we didn't expect. She's not a goddess of beauty, but she's charming, likeable and full of personality. Her smile definitely is a connecting force to viewers. But it is when her killer vocals exit her lips that America hears talent in powerful motion. She leans on big ballads and fiery R&B to showcase her strengths. Dolittle is also a dominating force this season with her youthful style, facial expressions and over-the-top power vocals. She works the stage and is showing a broader range of material - a big plus for viewers.

No one can really explain why the 17-year old Sanjaya Malakar remains in the competition. All three judges remained baffled and puzzled over the better male vocalists leaving the show on previous nights while Malakar, with a weaker vocal and barely any soul and rhythm, remains standing with the other contenders. This is probably one of the biggest jokes in American Idol history. And who can forget the biggest episode of drama resting on Antonella Barba and her racy nude photos? Of course, the media are questioning AI's decisions of letting her remain in the competition until she was voted off the show on March 8. Even the controversial Rosie O' Donnell decided to put AI on blast for calling the show "racist" for kicking Frenchie Davis off a few seasons ago without her even getting much time on the show.

That's probably why American Idol works. These are real people, but there is some soap opera action that looms around all of this hype and fame.

At AllMusic.com, the fierceness continues as the All Music gang gets together for an adventure of words and opinions on the #1 show on TV. That's why I love them so - so opinionated yet they are so right. Check out the full conversation by clicking here.

[IDOL MINDS INDEED]
American Idol (FOX)
Mandisa Fan
Ruben Studdard
Daughtry
Fantasia

Jennifer Hudson (MySpace.com)
The Final 12 Revealed... (AllMusic.com)
Antonella Isn't Talking (RealityTVWorld)

Rap Music Sales Creates Concern

Glamorized lifestyles of booty, sex, drugs and big P-I-M-P-I-N-G in today's rap music take a turn for the worst. According to recent statistics, revealed by the Associated Press, rap music sales dropped a whopping 21 percent from 2005 to 2006, and for the first time in its 12 year history on the Billboard charts not one rap album was among the top 10 albums of the year. The report also stated that a recent study by the Black Youth Project showed a majority of youth "think rap has too many violent images". In a poll of black Americans by The Associated Press and AOL-Black Voices last year, 50 percent of respondents said hip-hop was a negative force in American society.

Rap insider Chuck Creekmur, who runs the leading Web site Allhiphop.com, says he got a message from a friend recently "asking me to hook her up with some Red Hot Chili Peppers because she said she's through with rap. A lot of people are sick of rap ... the negativity is just over the top now."

The article is indeed chilling and amusing in parts as hip-hop star David Banner expresses that his music is what he feels most Americans want to hear and is a depiction of society; reflecting the problems in urban communities. But let it be said that most rap consumers are white also and they may not be buying the material as much because they now see the consequences of the negatively-portrayed genre.

Many people are calling rap music the new "disco". Even though disco music never really died, the popular fad of it did and has now been replaced with other sub-genres including dance, techno and house music. Many predict this could also take place in the realm of rap music. And with popular rapper NaS scoring a hit with his controversial album "Hip-Hop Is Dead" - many may label him a modern prophet. It's not dead now...but according to sales, he apparently can predict the future. If this is the case, we probably won't have to worry about Oprah embracing rap in the future.

Thanks Aima for the story.

[FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS?]
Sales of Rap Albums Take Stunning Nosedive (FOXNews.com)