Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Album Review: "The Good Life" by Trip Lee

Release Date: April 9th, 2012
Genre: Hip-Hop
Rating: 5/5 Stars

When one thinks of Christian hip-hop, one of the first names that comes to mind is Trip Lee. No doubt, Trip Lee has played a big role in increasing the popularity of the genre. Since his debut album in 2006, he has grown in both talent and recognition, winning the Stellar Award for Best Hip-Hop Album in 2011. Trip’s fourth studio album The Good Life focuses on redefining what the “good life” really is. Concerning the new album, Trip says, “Though the world, the flesh, and the devil lie to us about what the good life is, we don't have to be controlled by those lies…I want to challenge the lies we've been told, and present a new and more glorious picture.”

The album begins with Trip Lee saying, “I was told that living the good life meant getting everything I could. But I’ve been shown the brand new picture of the good life and its glories.” He then launches into a head-bobbing opener “New Dreams” which features J.R. and Sho Baraka. The first single off

Friday, May 25, 2012

Bible Verse of the Week: Trust in God During Times of Trouble

"They cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way." Psalm 107:6-7a

This verse instills a deep trust in the Lord in my heart. Vast changes or undesirable circumstances often arise the fleshly question of "Why?" to God. It is wrong to question Him, but we sometimes cannot refrain from wondering if God has forsaken us. It is in these times that it is important to remember that such trials are necessary for the testing and strengthening of our faith in our Christian lives. Amidst it all, we experience the faithfulness of God as He guides us through it all. David experienced this which caused him to confidently declare, "The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me." (Psalm 138:8a) I encourage you to face your trials with trust in God that He has a purpose for all things in your life. ~Jesselyn

Song/Video of the Week: "The Hurt & The Healer" by MercyMe

The new single "The Hurt & The Healer" from MercyMe is sure to become yet another hit from the popular band. This song is a great encouragement for those who are hurting. Lead singer Bart Millard reminds us that God is our Healer: "Even though a part of me has died / You take my heart and breathe it back to life." Check out the new music video for the song!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Artist Alert: Brand New Single from TobyMac, New Album "Eye On It" to Release August 28th

Nashville, TN, May 22, 2012: "Me Without You," the brand-new single from Grammy-Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist TobyMac was the most-added single at Christian AC and CHR radio last week, receiving a whopping 53 total adds—40 at AC and 13 at CHR. The song received an additional 10 adds in its second week. Produced by TobyMac and David Garcia, "Me Without You" will be available via iTunes on June 12.

"Me Without You" is the first track to be released from the five-time Grammy winner's upcoming album, Eye On It, set to release on August 28. Along with TobyMac's first three solo projects, his latest, Tonight, was recently certified Gold by the RIAA.

TobyMac has confirmed appearances at high-profile festivals this summer including Spirit West Coast, Creation East and AtlantaFest, in additional to many more. To check out his schedule please visit www.tobymac.com/tour.

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About TobyMac:
With over 11 million units in career sales, each of TobyMac's four solo projects have received RIAA Gold certification with his live CD/DVD taking home a GRAMMY® award in 2009. In 2012 the much-celebrated and acclaimed artist celebrated his eighth consecutive GRAMMY® nomination, this time for his songwriting contribution to rising star (and recording artist on his label, Gotee Records) Jamie Grace’s No. 1 hit “Hold Me.” His latest album Tonight received GRAMMY nods for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" and "Best Contemporary Christian Song" with “City On Our Knees” the track that topped the sales and radio charts faster than any of his previous singles, spending 8 weeks at #1 on the Christian Audience Chart. Tonight also garnered him the highest sales debut of his solo career with over 78,000 units and a No. 6 Billboard Top 200 debut. The album was also named as iTunes® Best Christian Album of 2010 and recently took home the Dove Award for “Best Rock Contemporary Album of the Year.”

Along with sold out tour dates, back-to-back radio hits and being named the GMA Dove Award’s 2008 “Artist of the Year,” he was also nominated for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist” at the 2010 American Music Awards and was up for three Billboard Music Awards in 2011 including “Top Christian Artist.” The hit song “Tonight” was also chosen as the theme song for MLB’s 30 Clubs in 30 Days Spring Training Series and featured on the Golf Channel. Additionally, his music has been heard in major motion pictures such as “Hancock,” “TRANSPORTER 2,” while also being featured on Fox sports, The NFL network, being selected as the theme song for Fox College Football and WWE’s Fatal 4-Way Pay-Per-View. “Showstopper,” from the chart-topping album Tonight, was featured in ESPN’s ESPY Award Show and used to launch the last season of CBS hit television show CSI: NY. For more information on TobyMac, go to: www.tobymac.com

Artist Alert: 2012 Billboard Music Awards Results



The 2012 Billboard Music Awards took place on Sunday, and the winners of the three Christian music categories were announced. Below is the complete list of winners and nominees. Go here to view my own picks for each of the awards.

Top Christian Artist
Winner - Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Skillet
Laura Story
Chris Tomlin
Top Christian Album:
Winner - Casting Crowns "Come To The Well" Casting Crowns "Until The Whole World Hears"
Skillet "Awake"
Laura Story "Blessings"
Various Artists "Wow Hits 2012"

Top Christian Song:
Winner - Laura Story "Blessings"
Casting Crowns "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)"
Jamie Grace Feat. TobyMac "Hold Me"
Mandisa "Stronger"
Matthew West "Strong Enough"