Ever keen to broaden our musical scope, recent months have seen That Grape Juice venture into a number of new musical landscapes including, most recently, gospel.
Spearheaded by well-received interviews with gospel singers Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, and more, TGJ is now offering readers ‘The Overflow’ – a collection of the top gospel-themed news stories from the week.
Tuck in below for the latest news on Micah Stampley, Faith Evans, Lecrae, Michelle Williams, Marvin Sapp, and more…
New Song: Marvin Sapp ft. Joe – ‘Home For Christmas’
As reported here, October 22nd saw Grammy nominated gospel superstar Marvin Sapp release ‘Christmas Card’ – his first holiday themed album. Boasting multiple appearances from legendary gospel group Commissioned (where Sapp got his start), the release also features an appearance from R&B veteran Joe.
Found on the tune ‘Home For Christmas’, acting as the set’s lead single, the two highly touted crooners share tales of travel that only increase the desire to be home for the holidays. Hear it above.
Bonus: Check out our recent interview with Marvin Sapp by clicking here.
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Watch: Michelle Williams Reunites With United Harmony For Impromptu Performance
Start at 1:09
‘If We Had Your Eyes’ hitmaker Michelle Williams is eyeing a 2014 release for the new album ‘Journey To Freedom’ – her highly anticipated return to gospel. And, while fans anxiously await the album in full – and the visual for its second single ‘Fire’ – Williams took to her hometown of Rockford, IL for ” I Love Gospel Music Convention Honors Luncheon for Michelle Williams” last week for a spirited homage paid in the form of tribute performances and the like.
One such performance that had guests in awe was the reunion of Williams and gospel group United Harmony. The ladies first wowed audiences nationally when they shared gospel tune ‘Look To Me’ on MTV in the early 2000s. Now, if the video is any indication, time has only made them better. See it above and look below to hear BET ‘Sunday Best’ winner Amber Bullock stun the crowd with a stirring rendition of Williams’ first solo single ‘Heard A Word’.
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New Song: Dr. Bobby Jones feat. Faith Evans – ‘Rejoice With Me’
After guest starring on the gospel offerings of the likes of Coko, Karen Clark Sheard, Donald Lawrence, and more, R&B Diva Faith Evans returns to her gospel roots yet again for a new song in the form of ‘Rejoice With Me‘.
Helmed by Dr. Bobby Jones, the tune will be found on his forthcoming album slated for a 2014 release. Backed by the legendary Nashville Super Choir, see below for the high-spirited number:
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Preview: Micah Stampley Shares ‘Love Never Fails’ Album Sampler
All roads lead to November 12th for a certain Micah Stampley.
Indeed, the day is set to bring with it the crooner’s new album ‘Love Never Fails’ – his first from new label home Motown Gospel (sixth overall). Led by his critically acclaimed Chris Tomlin cover ‘Our God’, the album is comprised of 10 other dynamic gospel numbers that showcase Stampley’s effortless blend of Urban, traditional, pop, and even rock-inspired sonic to accompany his soaring vocals.
If you’re looking for a taste of what Micah is cooking up, click play above.
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New Video: Lecrae – ‘Believe’
Christian rapper Lecrae sent fans into a frenzy last week after visiting BET’s ‘106 & Park’ to unveil that his newest album ‘Church Clothes 2’ will be available for free download on November 7th.
Set to feature the likes of including Paul Wall & David Banner, the album has already built quite the buzz off the hems of the tuned ‘I’m Turnt’ (which can be heard here). Now, the Houston-born hitmaker sends that buzz into overdrive with a video for the tune ‘Believe’. See it in full above.