Christian rapper and singer Trip Lee – an original member of the 116 Clique – is back with a full-length studio album. Released this past Friday, October 27th, the record titled The Epilogue, is arguably his best body of work to date.
On this project, Lee – who is signed to Reach Records – collaborates with other artists from the label, but also features Madison Ryann Ward and Kirk Franklin. The Epilogue can be streamed and or downloaded from all digital music stores.
In late November, American gospel singer, bass guitar player, and record producer, Fred Hammond, will headline the Worship Live Tour, with special guest artists in select cities across the U.S. Some of the confirmed performers include: Deitrick Haddon, Anthony Brown, James Fortune, and Todd Delaney. Below are all the announced dates and locations.
November 30
Houston, TX
Thursday, 8:00 pm Smart Financial Centre Sugarland
December 1
Dallas, TX
Friday, 7:30 pm Grand Prairie, Texas Trust CU Theatre, TX
December 2
Birmingham, AL
Saturday, 7:00 pm BJCC Concert Hall
December 8
Brooklyn, NY
Friday, 7:00 pm Kings Theatre
December 9
Washington DC
Saturday, 8:00 pm MD, National Harbor, Theater at MGM National Harbor
December 12
Pittsburgh, PA
Tuesday, 7:00 pm Roxian Theatre
December 13
Cleveland, OH
Wednesday, 7:00 pm House of Blues
December 15
Chicago, IL
Friday, 8:00 pm The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
December 16
Detroit, MI
Saturday, 7:30 pm Music Hall
December 17
Bloomington, IL
Sunday, 4:30 pm Grossinger Motors Arena
Houston, Texas-born gospel singer Zacardi Cortez brings his full-bodied vocal gymnastics to award-winning songs of faith and praise. He started out as a member of James Fortune’s FIYA project before launching a solo career in 2012. Since then, Cortez has remained a fixture on the gospel charts, landing a string of hits including “God Held Me Together,” “YDIA,” Time,” “You’ve Been Good to Me,” and “Lord Do It Again,” along with releasing full-length albums like 2014’s Reloaded and 2022’s Imprint (Live in Memphis) that showcase his religious devotion and dynamic vocals.
Having grown up touring the gospel circuit with his family band, the Cortez Family, Zacardi was mentored on the road by John P. Kee. After an appearance on Kee’s 2005 release, Live at the Fellowship, Cortez joined Fortune’s FIYA, singing lead on their 2007 album The Transformation, and its Top 20 single “The Blood.” With Cortez up-front, FIYA would top the gospel charts with singles like “I Believe” and “Let Your Power Fall.”
The stage was set for a solo career, which began in 2012 with The Introduction, released by the Black Smoke Music label. The LP cracked the Billboard 200 and climbed to number two on the gospel charts. 2014’s Reloaded yielded the single “God Held Me (Together),” which enjoyed a 12-week run atop the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart. More hits followed, including 2016’s “YDIA,” 2018’s “Oh How I Love You,” and 2019’s Kerry Douglas-assisted “You Don’t Know.” In 2022, Cortez issued a live rendition of “You’ve Been Good to Me,” the lead cut from his jubilant 2022 live album Imprint (Live in Memphis).
Along with his studio output, Cortez made appearances on major platforms including The Stellar Awards, Black Music Honors, P. Diddy’s Bad Boy Reunion Tour, and BET’s Sunday Best.
Written by David Jeffries.
On Sunday, November 19, Minister Marion Hall, in association with the Holy Ghost Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, will present A Seed of Faith Gospel Concert at the People’s Ballroom – 3440 Main Street – in Hartford, Connecticut.
Petra Kay, Second Chance, Jcee Jermet, Sister Suzzett, and of course Minister Hall will be performing live; with Dr. Delingo acting as the master of ceremony. Early bird tickets are now available and can be purchased from eventbrite.
Ronke Kuti‘s musical journey is more than just a career; it’s a divine calling. With a deep-seated desire to share the boundless love, hope, and joy of God, she founded the “Saints Anchor Drama Ministry and Golden Heart Voices.” This vibrant community serves as a testament to her unwavering faith and the power of music to bring people together in celebration of their beliefs.
Her latest single, Higher, is a spiritual journey set to the rhythm of afrobeat and soul, creating a unique and uplifting musical experience. Ronke‘s soul-stirring vocals and heartfelt lyrics are a testament to her commitment to spreading God’s message of love and hope.
Join Ronke Kuti on this divine musical odyssey and let Higher uplift your spirit and reaffirm your faith. This song is more than music; it’s a spiritual experience waiting to be embraced. Click here or on the image above to stream/download Higher from your preferred music platform.
Before he released his latest album – Father’s Day – recording artist Kirk Franklin shared a documentary with the same name. The film, which was uploaded to his YouTube channel in mid September, pulls the curtains back so that we can see and experience the creative process.
Most importantly however, Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story (the aforementioned documentary) is an open door into the mind and life of the 19-time GRAMMY winner. The powerful clip takes us on a journey with the platinum producer as he meets his biological father for the first time, distances himself from his biological mother, and re-connects with his son Kerrion, someone with whom he has had public spats.
If you have not yet seen it, click here or on the image above to check it out, and remember to like, comment and share. As for Father’s Day, the album, it was released on October 6th via Franklin‘s own Fo Yo Soul Recordings, and RCA Records. It can be streamed or downloaded from all digital music stores.
The Thessalonia Worship Center in Bronx, New York, will be having their Pre-Choir Day Concert on Saturday, November 4th (from 6-10pm EDT) on the church grounds, which is located at 951 Rev James A Polite Avenue.
The event will also serve as the Bronx leg of John P. Kee‘s “The New Life Reunion Tour”, as he is the confirmed special guest. Attendees will also be treated to the Thessalonia very own Mass Choir, as well as music from Angela “Missy” Billups.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 