Marvin Sapp Receives Pandora’s “Billionaire” Award

This week, TV One hosted the official red-carpet premiere for its highly anticipated and long-awaited biopic “Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story” based on the life of gospel legend Marvin Sapp. The film premiered Sunday, August 21 on TV One. Held at the Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta, the event was packed with star power including the icon himself, Marvin Sapp alongside film stars Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Ambre Anderson, Stormy Merriweather, Zoe Greene and Jayden Griffin. Other notable attendees included director, Russ Parr, Executive Producers Phil Thornton and Keith Neal and President of TV One Michelle Rice.

In the days leading up to the premiere of the film, Sapp has much to celebrate. He was surprised by the Pandora team with the Billionaire Award celebrating more than one billion streams on the platform on Thursday at the National Museum of African American Music. There is also a re-release of his classic hit “Never Would Have Made It” out today. The impassioned unplugged version of the song continues to bring people to their feet 16 years after it was first released. The song is available for purchase and on all streaming platforms now.

Buzz has reached a fever pitch since the world premiere of the trailer exclusively within the Stellar Awards last month. Fans and industry insiders alike have been waiting to see the retelling of this legendary journey told through the lens of the man who lived it. From an intimate screening in his home state of Michigan to a prestigious showing during the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and a special premiere at his home church The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas, “Never Would Have Made It” has resonated with audiences through its powerful storytelling and dynamic cast. In Nashville this week, the film will wrap up its movie premiere run with a special screening at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

Marvin Sapp’s biopic chronicles the prominent gospel music artist and preacher’s Michigan upbringing, battle against teenage alcohol abuse, love for his wife MaLinda Prince, rise in the music industry and growth in his faith. Sapp came into prominence more than 30 years ago as a member of the iconic gospel group Commissioned and is widely known for his award-winning, chart-topping crossover hit “Never Would Have Made It.” Currently, he is an author, radio show host and senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas and pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan – the church he founded with his late wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp.

The film is directed by Russ Parr and produced for TV One by Swirl Films, with Eric F. Tomosunas, James Seppelfrick and Keith Neal serving as Executive Producers. Additionally, Marvin Sapp and Phil Thornton are Executive Producers. For TV One, Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting and Susan Henry is Senior Director of Original Programming and Production.

News source: GMA. With thanks.

NFN Review Zone – VERITY PRESENTS : Celebrate! 2020. (RCA Inspiration)

Celebrate 2020? I’m not sure how many of us feel like celebrating, after the year we’ve had, and continue to endure? However, this release was envisaged to celebrate the music of top artists and songs. There are ten tracks, each featuring at least one of today’s most popular artists in the gospel genre. Kirk Franklin starts things off, with the joyful “Love Theory,” before Travis Greene praises Jesus for His love and that even when we are ready to give up, He “Won’t Let Go.” Donald Lawrence introduces “Deliver Me” in testimony style, before Le’Andria Johnson belts out the main song, as only she can. Marvin Sapp gives a lovely rendition of “Kind God,” which is probably my pick of the album. Sounding very much like a current secular top 5 hit, Kierra Sheard does her thing with the catchy “Don’t Judge Me.” I had to really listen carefully to hear the lyrics but, once I tuned myself in, I was quite impressed with this one. Other positive mentions go to Donnie McClurkin with “There is God” and Kurt Karr’s mega hit “Bless Somebody Else.” So, maybe you can celebrate, after all, with this very credible collection.   8/10..

AARON LINDSAY announces the launch of MultiEthnic Records

GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar Award-winning artist, producer, composer, arranger and musician AARON LINDSAY announces the launch of MultiEthnic Records, a boutique Los Angeles-based label representing a variety of artists and genres.

For Aaron Lindsey, the label is the culmination of a 20-plus year career in which he has worked with leading artists including William McDowell, Israel and New Breed, Marvin Sapp, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kenny Lattimore, David & Nicole Binion, India.Arie, Thalles Roberto, Darlene Zschech and Karen Clark Sheard to name but a few.

“I have always tried to be a bridge between cultures and ethnic groups in several areas of my life,” says Lindsey, a Cleveland, Ohio area native, whose production credits include English and Spanish language recordings. “Being raised in a culturally diverse city, I developed a passion for a very wide range of musical styles – – from R&B to Gospel, pop to modern worship and everything in between. So, I created a company that will facilitate the creation and distribution of music for fans all across the world who love multiple genres and styles of music… my goal is for MultiEthnic Records to be a home for the musically diverse where we have something for everyone.”

Lindsey’s debut release through MER is the single “Take Care,” a timely reminder of God’s peace and provision that was written, performed and produced by him.

Marvin Sapp Releases “Thank You For It All.”

MARVIN SAPP has released an impassioned new song and video with “Thank You For It All.” Sapp’s soaring voice is a reassuring balm on the track, thanking God for His ever-present guidance and providing strength to survive through difficulties and pain. The 11-time GRAMMY® Award nominated, 24-time Stellar Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, and producer, recorded “Thank You For It All” live earlier this year at his sold-out album recording at his new church, The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, TX.

Marking his first new single since releasing his chart-topping GRAMMY® nominated album Close in 2017, “Thank You For It All” will be featured on his upcoming new album Chosen Vessel. The song was composed by Sapp, Jarmone Davis, Christopher Thomas Leach and frequent collaborator, GRAMMY® Award winner Aaron Lindsey.

Marvin Sapp says: “This song epitomizes the season we are in. Through the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the pandemic and the protests, being people of God means we are rooted in thankfulness to our merciful Father, regardless of our circumstances.”

 

Red Alliance Medias Release L. Spenser’s “Hooked” Album

Red Alliance Media (RAM) is excited to announce the new album release from singer, songwriter, and producer extraordinaire, L. SPENSER, entitled Hooked, now available on all digital streaming platforms. This is Spenser’s first album with RAM and both are excited to present it to the world. The leading single, “The Cross Alone”, is already climbing Billboard charts and expected to make a major impact in the music industry. Also included on the album is a collaboration with The Hamiltones on the song “For Me” as well as R&B songstress Avery Sunshine on the title track “Hooked”.

When speaking of the album’s anticipated reach, he says, ‘It is my hope that this album reaches beyond the church walls in order bring people together to speak the universal language of love.” Spenser has garnered major attention from celebrities including R&B singer Daniel Caesar, to which he refers to Spenser as his “favorite singer”. Spenser has also collaborated with or written for artists including Marvin Sapp, Men of Standard, Donald Lawrence, and more!

Stellar Awards for RCA Inspiration Artists

RCA Inspiration received multiple honours at the 33rd Annual Stellar Awards hosted by music icon Kirk Franklin and held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV.  One of faith-based music’s most engaging artists, Travis Greene, took home four awards for Producer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and the Stellar Awards’ top honour, Artist of the Year, for his chart-topping album, Crossover: Live from Music City.

22-time Stellar Award winner, Marvin Sapp, added two more Stellar Awards to his collection, winning Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, and Traditional CD of the Year for his chart-topping album, Close (Verity/RCA Inspiration).  For the third consecutive year, RCA Inspiration claimed the award for Special Event CD of the Year, for Greenleaf Soundtrack: Volume 2.  And the legendary Kurt Carr was inducted into the Stellar Honours Hall of Fame for his pioneering career and indelible impact on Gospel music.

The Review Zone – Marvin Sapp : Close @marvinsapp

MARVIN SAPP : Close. (RCA Inspirational : 89854-2225-2)

Spawning the massive title track hit single, this album sees Marvin Sapp doing what he does best. It’s contemporary gospel, with his signature forceful vocals, preaching, through song. Kicking off with a jazz intro, “Safe in You,” is the first track. The message is clear, no matter what comes my [Sapp] way, I’ll trust in you. My only complaint about this song is that at nearly 8 minutes in length, Marvin’s hollering vocals get a little repetitive. “He Is” follows in similar fashion, while “Listen” moves into more of a ballad, in style. Again, when things are against you, “listen” to the Spirit, because He can help and pull you through. Erica Campbell and Izzie Williams make guest appearances on “You & Me Together,” but I found this to be my least favourite track, despite its bouncy beat. “Face to Face” won the battle for my top song. A classy ballad, it features some smooth backing vocals that help carry the song along. As a whole, the album is full of praise and worship. If you like this musical genre, you won’t be disappointed. 9/10.

Grammy Award Winners

The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards broadcast live from Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018 This year’s class of GRAMMY nominees was selected from more than 22,000 submissions across 84 categories. The nominations showcase some of the most gifted music makers of the past awards year (Oct. 1, 2016–Sept. 30, 2017). As the only peer-selected music award, the GRAMMY is voted on by the Recording Academy’s membership body of music makers, who represent all genres and creative disciplines, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers, and engineers. Winners in the Gospel and Contemporary Christian music fields are listed below. Congratulations to all who were nominated!

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album:

Rise — Danny Gokey

Echoes (Deluxe Edition) — Matt Maher

Lifer — MercyMe

Hills And Valleys — Tauren Wells

Chain Breaker — Zach Williams – WINNER!

 

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“Oh My Soul” Casting Crowns

“Clean” Natalie Grant

“What A Beautiful Name” Hillsong Worship – WINNER!

“Even If” MercyMe

“Hills And Valleys” Tauren Wells

 

Best Gospel Album:

Crossover — Travis Greene

Bigger Than Me — Le’Andria

Close — Marvin Sapp

Sunday Song — Anita Wilson

Let Them Fall In Love — Cece Winans – WINNER!

 

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Too Hard Not To” Tina Campbell

“You Deserve It” JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise Featuring Bishop Cortez Vaughn

“Better Days” Le’Andria

“My Life” The Walls Group

“Never Have To Be Alone” CeCe Winans – WINNER!

Marvin Sapp Gets Close

Award-winning icon MARVIN SAPP has released CLOSE, his much-anticipated new album, sharing an uplifting potent message with listeners of encouragement, love, and strength through challenging times on the 10-track album. CLOSE marks Sapp’s 11th solo album, and includes the hit title track.

The multiple GRAMMY nominated, 22-time Stellar Award-winning Gospel superstar, songwriter, producer, and pastor teams up with frequent collaborator Aaron Lindsey on the production, leading into a new season for his global music ministry with a fresh perspective, reflection on faith, and more for the devoted father of three.

Debut Release for Renowned Gospel Singer

CANDY WEST is a name synonymous with Gospel music.  In over 2 decades, she has performed and traveled as a background and featured vocalcandywestist with artists including Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Myron Butler, Mary Mary, Snarky Puppy and Erykah Badu. She now gets ready for the release of her solo debut, Candy West Live. “This record is the soundtrack of faith. It’s the soundtrack for a believer that wants a real relationship with God,” shares West. “One of my favorite songs on the record is one of the most honest songs I’ve written and probably one of the most honest songs I’ll ever sing: it’s called Contentment. The song talks about being between purpose and destiny; where it’s uncomfortable, but you still know and are trusting that God has a plan.”