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, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, 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 jam-packed news on Anita Wilson, BET Celebration of Gospel, Tye Tribbett, Erica Campbell, newcomer Stephen B. Steward and more:

Stephen B. Steward Unveils “Enter Your Gates” Album Sampler

All roads lead to May 20th for award-winning gospel newcomer Stephen B. Steward.  For, with the day will come his long-awaited debut album “Enter Your Gates,” featuring the hit single “With My Whole Heart” (ft. Andrae Crouch).

As anticipation for the Californian crooner’s inaugural project mounts, he looks to push it into overdrive with his recently unveiled album sampler.  Shining with 13 stellar tracks, get a taste of what Steward is serving above before the album hit stores and online on May 20th.

Bonus:  Check out the live music video for Stephen’s official sophomore single “Purify My  Soul” below:

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Behind the Scenes:  Anita Wilson Readies “Vintage Worship” For June 24th Release

Grammy, Stellar, and Dove-award nominated singer Anita Wilson keeps the sonic flame of Urban contemporary alight with her unparalleled fusion of Gospel and Soul.  First finding notoriety as part of the Grammy®-nominated ensemble Donald Lawrence & Company, Wilson’s strike to the solo stage –  via her debut album Worship Soul – was accompanied by a bevy of critical acclaim.

Her sophomore album, VINTAGE WORSHIP, will follow in its predecessor’s stead by unveiling a collection of masterfully crafted worship tunes with each serving as a modern-day tribute to the eclectic sounds of gospel and soul’s yesteryear.  See all the behind the scenes action of its creation and album artwork photo shoot above.

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BET Unveils 2014 BET AWARDS’ Gospel Nominees

As announced here, BET is readying their biggest celebration of Black entertainment yet by unveiling the long-awaited list of nominations for the 2014 BET awards. While Beyonce, Drake, and Jay Z lead the tally with their whopping nods, BET is still shining light on the year’s top gospel acts.

The nominees for 2014 BEST GOSPEL ARTIST are:

-Donnie McClurkin

-Erica Campbell

-Hezekiah Walker

-Tamela Mann

-Tye Tribbett

Tune in on Sunday, June 29th at 8pm ET on BET to find out who will walk away with the coveted trophy. 

New Music:  Chanel (formerly of Trin-i-tee 5:7) – “Repay”

 ‘Trin-i-tee 5:7 According To Chanel’ is the highly anticipated debut album from former Trin-i-tee 5:7 starlet Chanel.  Bursting onto the scene with the solo jam “Believe”, Chanel returns to share its follow-up ‘Repay’.

Written and produced by Young Money maestro PJ Morton, the ballad precedes the June 17th release date of its parent album.  Listen below:

From our friends at GospelGuru:

Rumor Mill:  Is BET Celebration of Gospel Back After Rumors of Cancellation?

After setting record highs for religious programming with its Taraji P. Henson-hosted 2014 rendition, reports surfaced weeks later that BET’s “Celebration of Gospel” would be cancelled due to inability to find advertisers.

Now, rumor has it, the show has not been cancelled.  Trusted sources at BET report that the show will simply take on a new format and possible change dates/times of airing.

It looks like we won’t know until the channel issues an official statement.  Until then, we’ll keep our fingers crossed.

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Throwback Gospel Jam of the Day:  Georgia Mass Choir – “Come On In the Room”

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