Hailing from a family of singers, CJ was destined to sing. Believe it or not, he made his singing debut at the age of 2 in daycare belting out the song “I Love You”, made popular by Barney (yes, the purple dinosaur). Not only did he enjoy singing, but he saw the smiles that were left on the faces of those who listened. The experience gave him a jolt of confidence and he saw how much he loved making others happy. “I didn’t realize the gift I had at the time,” says CJ . “But it was something I liked doing.”

It was his parents, Tondra Peele-Ballance and Corey Ballance, Sr., who really saw the anointing on the youngster’s life and helped him to fully understand how God was using him to bless others. “I started to realize that what I put into my singing directly affected what people got from it,” shares CJ. “My main motive in singing is to touch people,” he adds. “I really put my heart into it and I want people to see their situation differently after they hear me. I want them to know that everything will be alright”.

His goal to inspire continued and he took up vocal training at the age of 7, enhancing his natural gift. Also, around that same time, he began writing songs. Sometimes the melodies came to him first and sometimes the lyrics, but whether it was a situation he’s gone through or a circumstance that someone else is going through, he has learned to pour his emotions into the songs he writes, always venturing to strengthen the listener.

At the age of nine when most kids are focused on getting as much playground time as possible, CJ was dropping his debut project called “Not Too Young To Serve Him”. The title, an obvious response to those who thought he was too young to minister through song, was well-received in his native Ahoskie, North Carolina and found him touring the region singing some of the project’s singles including the CD’s title tune and “He’s A Good God”. It was his first foray into the music industry and he found it to be an exciting and incredible learning experience.

He’s taking the lessons learned from the first CD and using it in the second. Produced by Thurman Lee of Gospel Visions Entertainment, CJ’s upcoming release, “If God Said It“, is a collection of original contemporary gospel songs. Co-writing two of the songs on the new release, CJ’s “This Too Shall Pass”, is destined to provide a dose of hope for those who may have given up along life’s way. The smoothed out groove and relaxing melody provide the track with sounds of reassurance. The song, with a mellow R&B flow, also showcases CJ’s impressive vocals and stunning range.

“I Don’t Look Like” is a song many will be able to relate to. Featuring Rev. Franklin Williams, CJ’s pastor, the song has an old-school vibe, but a current, on-time message. “Singing with my pastor was great,” shares CJ. “But we sing a lot together in church so it wasn’t new to me singing with him on this record.” Each Sunday morning, you can find this youngster singing God’s praises at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Ahoskie. Although he plays saxophone and a little piano, his passion is singing. “When I sing, I am in a world where nothing can go wrong,” expresses Corey.

It’s no doubt that when people hear him, they think the same. Although some may be stunned at the power he sings with to be so young, this teen has had experiences to draw from. “The world is changing everyday,” says CJ. “And for teenagers today, we go through more than anyone could even imagine. I don’t think adults can really understand what peer pressure is like today.” It’s his close walk with God that keeps him on the straight and narrow. And when it comes to music ministry, it’s his prayer that everyone who hears “If God Said It“, draws even closer to God.

WEBSITE: CJ Ballance.com

Early in their marriage, Dewitt & Kim Jones were given devastating news. A bout with toxic shock syndrome at age 18 had resulted in Kim being diagnosed with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and the young newlyweds were told they would likely never have children. The doctor prescribed medication for Kim, but she made a decision not to take it, but rather to completely trust God with her life and for her healing.

Now, after 31 years of marriage and miracle after miracle, Dewitt and Kim have 5 children and recently welcomed their first grandchild. Indeed, “children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” It wasn’t until Kim was holding her fourth newborn in her arms that she was told the condition she had been diagnosed with was known to completely sterilize 99% of the women who have it. “I looked at my miracle Judah and my 3 other kids at that time and said, ‘God, you gave me a miracle,” Kim remembers. “I didn’t even realize how big of a miracle it was.”

Both growing up in the state of Washington, Dewitt and Kim come from very musical backgrounds and have been traveling, writing songs together and singing Gospel music in one form or another since their teens. Dewitt experienced early success as a songwriter when world-renowned worship leader Ron Kenoly recorded his composition “Use Me” on the landmark 1994 album“God Is Able.” Since then, that song has gone on to become a staple in many churches around the world and has been covered numerous times, most notably by the GRAMMY® Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

A songwriter and musician most all his life, it wasn’t until Dewitt obeyed a very specific call from the Lord that there was a marked moment in the young family’s life that would notably change their path forever. “20 years ago the Lord gave me an invitation to spend time with Him at 9 A.M. every morning,” recalls Dewitt. “I remembered the account in 1 Chronicles, where Obed Edom had the amazing privilege of entertaining the Ark of the Covenant, the very presence of God, in his home for 90 days. As a result, everything he had was blessed.” Those 9 A.M. family devotions and worship times have not stopped since, and continue to be the foundation and driving force behind the heart for worship and passion for the presence of God that forever JONES so fervently embody.

It was through a long time relationship with their manager Jeoffrey Benward that the Jones family was introduced to GRAMMY® Award winningwriter/producer Tommy Sims. I took no time at all for Sims to take a liking to what he heard and saw and quickly signed up to produce forever Jones’ debut recording. “In 20 years of being in professional music, I’ve never heard anything like this,” proclaims Sims, himself no stranger to the very best that the music world has to offer.

The resulting album, “Get Ready” (EMI Gospel), is a spirited and distinctive tour-de-force of pop/rock/soul Gospel that captivates listeners from beginning to end. From the instantly memorable piano-driven pop melody of “Heaven” to the swirling throw back in-the-pocket rhythm of the title track and lush melodic song of worship “You Can Do Anything”, the songs alone are remarkable selling points from this otherwise “debut” group. “All of our songs are born out of our 9 A.M. family devotions,” says Dewitt. God-breathed, indeed.

While mom and dad are certainly prominent figures in the group, each contributing musicians and vocalists on the project, forever JONES’ “Get Ready” is nothing less than a full-fledged family affair, with all 5 children adding the mix with their respective musical gifts.

The Jones’ eldest daughter D’Jeniele’ (pronounced Jineel) is not only a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist but also now a wife and mother herself. One of the shining moments on “Get Ready” is “Adoration (SoAmazing)”, which was composed by D’leniele’ and finds her rendering flawless harmonious praise with her younger sister Dominique. In addition to being one of forever Jones’ principal songwriters, Dominique is a dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist in her own right, often writing complex arrangements on both the guitar and keys. While “Get Ready” is replete with “wow” moments, Dominique’s compositions “He Wants It All” (the first radio single) and “Heaven” are easily two of the most standout tracks.

Youngest daughter Mya Joy Grace may be the latest addition to the family but that certainly doesn’t diminish her contribution to the family or group. In the context of the Jones family’s testimony, there’ssomething riveting about hearing Mya deliver the closing line of “Time To Believe”, her favorite song on the album.

Not to be out done by their sisters, the Jones’ sons Dewitt IV and Judah also bring a considerable amount of musical chops and charisma of their own to the table. Sharing both his father’s musical ability and heart for others, Dewitt IV is a born leader who also happens to be quite an accomplished bass player. Kim remembers an infant Dewitt hearing his father playing the organ and mimicking the groove he heard with his mouth. Youngest son Judah has been the group’s drummer since the age of two when pots and pans were his percussive instruments of choice. An avid student of great drummers for much of his life, Judah’s God-given ability is now the rhythmic backbone of the forever JONES sound.

While their roots are in the Northwest where they still travel and minister, the Jones family now makes their home in Shreveport, LA where they are all actively involved in ministry at their church, Shreveport Community Church. “We are living a miracle,” says Kim. “Any time I stand on any stage with my children is an amazing moment and reminder of God’s faithfulness to me and my family.”

Forever Jones on Twitter: http://twitter.com/officialfjm

Forever Jones on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/officialfjm

Forever Jones on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/officialfjm

With his sophomore project 20/20, not only does Trip Lee challenge all listeners to evaluate every area of life through the lens of Scripture, but also desires for the listener to have a proper view of God and how they are to relate to Him. Trip set out to encourage seekers, as well children of the King, to see God as He has revealed Himself. In Christian hip hop it is easy to merely focus on the horizontal necessities of the faith. Trip Lee urges us not to forsake the importance of our vertical understanding and worship of Jehovah.

The album 20/20 showcases a more diverse sound from a more mature artist. While serving at a local church and attending Bible college in Philadelphia, Trip has been challenged, not only in his personal growth, but also in his contribution to the growth of others. A southern swagger and love for the East Coast sound brings a unique stylistic mixture and the album satisfies a diverse blend of musical tastes. 20/20 offers the listener everything from southern bass to live instrumentation. There are feature guest appearances from all Reach artists (Lecrae, Tedashii, and Sho Baraka). Flame, JR, Diamone, Cam and shai linne also lend their giftings to his sophomore project. Production credits range from Joe Prielozny (notable Amped Producer), veterans DJ Official and Tony Stone, to promising newcomer G Styles. 20/20 provides the fan with 15 tracks of non-stop banging exaltation.

Music can easily deceive the listener with aspirations of shallow and futile desires. But Trip’s primary goal is for the listener to fall more in love with God. Once we have an accurate view of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit, then we can begin intimacy with Him. Trip Lee’s prayer is that through the album listeners will be introduced to Christ Jesus and His people will rejoice and reflect on His goodness.

SOURCE: http://myspace.com/triplee116

For more, please visit http://RhemaSoul.com

At first glance, HB’s clean-cut appearance and penchant for catchy, urban and soul influenced tracks would make one think he most likely hails from any number of large metropolitan cities. But soon after seeing him on stage or watching him in a video, HB’s easy and confident swagger combined with his relaxed and courteous speech are dead giveaways to his church-laden Mobile, Alabama upbringing.

It is in Mobile that HB honed his vocal chops, and was first christened the nickname that sticks to this day – ‘The Boy Wonder’. “The first song I learned on the keyboard was Stevie Wonder’s ‘Ribbon in the Sky’,” remembers HB. “Before that I actually never wanted to sing – I was set on being a drummer. But I started mimicking Stevie’s vocals, and soon everyone back home started calling me ‘The Boy Wonder’.”

With his grandmother as the pastor and his mom serving as administrator of his childhood church, it’s no surprise the budding musical prodigy directed his gifts to glorify God. By the age of 13, he was playing the drums and singing background for a local choir, The Spirits of Mobile. The city continued to show him love throughout his gospel music journey, which included stints as the founder of a choir (Higher Calling), a quartet (Anointed Sons of Praise) and as a solo artist under his own startup record label (Holy Boy Entertainment).

But like many who grew up in the church, HB had a ‘prodigal son’ experience in the midst of his growing ministry in gospel music. In the early 90′s, HB did a 2 year stint as a member of an R&B group with a promising record deal. It wasn’t until after getting released from the label and spending the next 6 months doing gigs in local casinos that HB remembered that the person he had become was not who God meant for him to be. “God had a calling on my life and I couldn’t rest doing what I was doing. I had to go back,” reflects HB.

Regardless of genre, music always made HB feel complete. HB’s reverence for his mainstream influences (Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook, Luther Vandross, and Usher) is evident in the soulful R&B energy that is embedded in his current music. But it’s the gospel inspirations (John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Deitrick Haddon, Smokie Norful, Kim Burrell, and The Clark Sisters) that allow him to showcase the versatility in modern gospel while holding true to the message of Christ.

With the release of “Out of Time”, his first album after signing with Next Era Music Group, it is this message that HB wants everyone to be hooked on – even more than they might be hooked by the beats. Whether he’s discussing homelessness, street life, joy in Christ, or desperately seeking God – HB desires most for his listeners to be inspired to live a saved and sanctified lifestyle. “You don’t hear too many people talking about being sanctified anymore,” HB explains. “But that’s where I want to lead them, that regardless of the circumstance it’s important to be holy because God is holy.”