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, Twinkie Clark, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Micah Stampley, Joshua Rogers, 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 Erica Campbell, Smokie Norful, Leandria Johnson, Sheri-Jones Moffett, Mali Music, Zie’l, Tye Tribbett, and more:
Erica Campbell Brings ‘Help’ To ‘VH1 Morning Buzz’ As Debut Solo Album Soars To #1
With the help of faithful Mary Mary fans, Erica Campbell saw her debut album ‘Help’ (in stores now) hit #1 on Billboard Gospel Album charts and even peak at #2 on iTunes. The victory comes as WeTV’s ‘Mary Mary’ (the reality show) continues to reel in mega-ratings.
As the ‘A Little More Jesus’ singer readies the next single from the project, check out the stirring performance of the album’s title track on VH1’s “Big Morning Buzz” below:
(Video may not be viewable in every country)
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Tye Tribbett Takes Over BET’s ‘106 & Park’
‘Victory’ hitmaker Tye Tribbett took over BET’s ‘106 & Park’ this week to shine light on the highly anticipated 14th annual BET ‘Celebration of Gospel’ and his chart-topping album ‘Greater Than’.
Tribbett, who is also a performer on this year’s edition, chatted it up with the show’s resident host Keshia Chante and dished on everything from his recent double Grammy win and so much more. Get into it above:
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New Song: Smokie Norful – ‘No Greater Love’
As reported here, Smokie Norful has returned with his long-awaited new single “No Greater Love,” available now wherever digital music is sold.
Acting as the first official singe from his forthcoming album “Forever Yours,” due August 5th, the tune cracked the top 10 on the sales chart just days after its release and debuted at #20 on Billboard’s Gospel airplay chart. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Get into the song below, courtesy of our friends at Gospelpundit:
CLICK TO BUY “NO GREATER LOVE” AT ITUNES
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New Song: Zie’l – ‘State of Emergency’
With news of their newest label venture with Dream Label Group kicking off the next era for gospel girl group Zie’l, the powerhouse trio ring the alarm via their newest single, “State of Emergency,” from their forthcoming sophomore album.
Penned by the group’s own Keyondra Lockett and produced by Drathoven, whose resume lists productions for Tyrese, Yolanda Adams, and more, the song is set to make its debut via digital retailers on April 8th.
Before then, click PLAY above to get your first listen. We must warn you…this is FIRE on a track!
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Leandria Johnson Parts With Matthew Knowles, Signs To RCA Inspiration
It was no April’s Fools Joke as April 1st brought with it news that Grammy-winning gospel songstress Leandria Johnson had signed with RCA Inspiration.
Johnson, season 3 winner of BET’s ‘Sunday Best’, was originally signed to Matthew Knowles’ Music World Gospel – a union that seemed quite tumultuous after the songstress allegedly took to Twitter to defame the music mogul by labeling him a “crook”.
With that in her rearview, the powerhouse vocalist has openly shared her joy with her new label.
“God promises us a future greater than our past,” said Le’Andria Johnson. “I am so happy to have a new home with RCA Inspiration. I look forward to working with the best team in the business to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m ready to use the hurt from my past to love people back to life.”
RCA Inspiration boasts such gospel superstars as Deitrick Haddon, Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, and many more.
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Grammy-Nominated Songstress Sheri Jones-Moffett Releases New Album ‘Power & Authority’
After wowing fans with her Grammy-nominated debut album ‘Renewed’, Sheri-Jones Moffett returns with an equally energetic follow-up in the form of “Power & Authority: Live in Memphis.”
Coming in as the singer’s inaugural live project, the album has already won fans over with its lead singles ‘Shine’ and ‘Faith To Believe’, but now gospel music lovers can get their hand on the CD in its entirety.
Click here to purchase “Power & Authority”
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Watch: Mali Music Makes Moves On ‘The Queen Latifah Show’