The project includes vocals from Isaac Carree, Anaysha Figueroa, Nikki Ross, and many more.

Singles “I Smile” and “I Am” have already made spots on top Gospel music spots.

“‘I Smile’ is a fun, urban upbeat melody I wrote,” said Franklin. “It is a declarative statement that I’m not going to live my life based on how I feel. I will live my life based on God’s Word. It is not easy and I acknowledge there are always obstacles, but like a lot of folks, I get tired of being guided by my emotions. When I have a deeper trust in God, I live my life in stability.”

“‘I Am’ is about exchanging all of my weaknesses for God’s strength,” Franklin noted. This song is also about declaring what God says about me and not my situation. As we daily transform to God’s image, we no longer identify with who we were, but who we are becoming.”

Fans can also expect to hear something from Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford.

“I titled this album Hello Fear because-with everything going on in the world-it is the word and the feeling, that paralyzes all of us on some level right now,” said Franklin. “In my own life, fear has been a shadow that has followed me since I was a child. But the season of running from it is over. I am turning around and speaking directly to it. This album is full of personal and painful work that invites the listener to join me on the journey of letting this familiar ‘friend’ know that his time is over.”

Kirk Franklin will also be joining Steve Harvey on their Gospel Comedy Tour beginning on March 19 in Atlanta. Check out some of the tour dates below.

Saturday, April 9
Nashville, TN
Bridgestone Arena

Saturday, April 30
Charleston, SC
North Charleston Coliseum

Saturday, May 7
St. Louis, MO
Chaifetz Arena

Saturday, May 21
Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial

SOURCE: Eurweb.com

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

Known for combining the “phat” vocals of the East Coast sound with complex lyrics and captive melodies, Youthful Praise’s trademark sound has continued to earn them industry recognition. With a rich, well balanced sound and an urban “edgy-ness”, YP has delivered yet another album worthy of awards and chart success.

“After nine years & five CD’s, I believe that this is one of the best efforts yet as it relates to YP. JJ has evolved into an authentic artist as well as Worship leader,” shares James Robinson, co-founder of Evidence Records a subsidiary of Gospelflava.com. Robinson goes on to say “He (JJ) understands what God has truly appointed him for. Along with Youthful Praise, JJ has experienced great growth and maturity. Not just in age, but in spirituality as well. The project “Resting On His Promise” is a great representation of what God does in his own timing.”

Special invited gospel mavericks joined YP as they created a worship experience like never before. Special guests included; Dorinda Clark-Cole, Stephen Hurd, Deon Kipping, and Donnie McClurkin, Myron Butler, and Pastor Shirley Caesar.

Still riding the spiritual “high”, from the live recording of their fifth album, YP will be delivering the same energy during their summer tour.

Whether live in concert or on their new project, “Resting On His Promise,” YP fans will discover that the Youthful Praise they have come to love is now better than ever!

To receive updates on YP’s tour schedule please visit www.youthfulpraise.org or www.myspace.com/youthfulpraise.

Evidence Records is in an exclusive partnership with Nashville based Light Records. Light Records, a full service Independent music company, is committed to releasing and offering quality Gospel music. Light Records is home to a diverse group of Gospel artists including Shirley Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Youthful Praise, Coko, and Paul Porter. You can also visit www.lightrecords.com for more information.

Read entire review by J. Matt at PrayzeHymnOnline: http://prayzehymnonline.com

Read entire review by J. Matt at PrayzeHymnOnline: http://prayzehymnonline.com

Read entire review by J. Matt at PrayzeHymnOnline: http://prayzehymnonline.com

Produced by Dre and Vidal (Alicia Keys, Usher), Warryn Campbell (Kanye West, Mary Mary) Tim and Bob (Bobby Valentino), and Percy Bady (Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond), REVEALED is a genius work that continues to solidify Haddon as one of the most prolific and talented artists in the Urban Gospel genre.

Relevant to present day life, issues, and emotions, REVEALED is a musical kaleidoscope that will speak to the hearts and minds of both the “churched” and the “unchurched” alike. “I believe that Gospel music can be just as big as rock and fill stadiums around the world. But our music has to reach beyond our religious beliefs to connect on a greater level. I wanted to speak to everybody,” says Haddon. “That influenced my approach to the songs of Revealed. They are not ‘religious’ songs so much as spiritual songs that can connect to everybody.”

SOURCE: GospelCity.com

More On Deitrick Haddon:
http://www.myspace.com/heydeitrick

Known for the R&B hits “One Woman Man” and “Can’t Stay,” Hollister has decided to focus on gospel in his latest effort “Witness Protection” slated for release August 5th via Zomba. The 16 track album will feature the single “Striving” as well as the popular tracks “You Are,” “Glow,” and “The Greatest.”

“I’m really happy with what we’ve done on the album,” says Hollister. “I always write and record music that reflects where I am in life, and on this project I was drawn towards a theme of persevering through these situations because we know the testing of our faith produces patience.”

“The Book of David Vol. 1″ and “Witness Protection” are not aimed just at Gospel fans but at Hollister’s R&B fans as well. The songs on the album include blunt honesty about his past, as well as, his present which is as much a purging for Hollister himself as he hopes it will be a primer for those going through the same challenges he has faced.

Hollister, also a former member of Blackstreet, made his gospel debut in 2006 via Gospocentric on “The Book of David Vol. 1″ which spawned the single “What Do You Do.”

“Witness Protection” hits stores August 5th.

Article written by: Njai Joszor
SOURCE: SingersRoom.com