The Overflow (Gospel News Round-Up): Michelle Williams, Joshua Rogers, Donald Lawrence, Ashmont Hill

Mary Mary pose it up with Chaka Khan & Fantasia in Las Vegas at last night’s “Hoodie Awards”

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, 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 Donald Lawrence, Joshua Rogers, American Idol‘s Mandisa, Michelle Williams, Ashmont Hill, and newcomers Tobbi & Tommi…

Michelle Williams Dishes On New Albums, Fondest Destiny’s Child Memories, and More

With her newest single ‘If We Had Your Eyes’ eyeing a chart reign on the gospel front, Destiny’s Child diva Michelle Williams is beginning her promo journey in support of the song and its parent album ‘Journey To Freedom’.

Surfacing on Essence just days after the tune’s accompanying music video was shot by famed photographer/director Derek Blanks, Williams shared dibs on the Harmony Samuels-helmed album, fond Destiny’s Child memories, and so much more.

Check in below to hear from the ‘Heard A Word’ hitmaker…

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New Song:  Joshua Rogers – ‘So Good’

BET’s ‘Sunday Best’ season 5 winner Joshua Rogers thrilled fans with his debut EP ‘Well Done’ upon its December 2012 debut. Now, as promised via our interview with the up-and-coming crooner, preparation for its follow-up is already underway.

Set for release in October, the album is preceded by the recently unveiled (and aptly titled) tune ‘So Good’.  A departure from many of the more traditional numbers Rogers has become known for, ‘Good’ shines just in time for summer’s end.  A “feel good” track of sorts sure to get you moving – hopefully in the direction of purchasing the South Carolinian’s forthcoming project.

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New Video:  Ashmont Hill – ‘The Maze’

All roads lead to August 20th for Ashmont Hill.

The Boston-bred quartet, whose third album ‘The Maze’ is lining up as one of contemporary Christian music’s most anticipated releases of the season, are keeping buzz afloat for the new project via a new music video for the album’s title track.

The visual comes as the follow-up to the album’s lead single ‘Love Lifted Me’ which lifted the pop gospel foursome to an 18-week stay aboard Billboard’s Christian Singles Charts’ Top 15.  Will ‘The Maze’ (the song) do the same?  You tell us.

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Unlike many who have graced its stage, ‘American Idol’ contestant Mandisa (season 5) etches her name on a shortlist of contestants who have found success outside of their stint on the show.  Foraying into an illustrious gospel career, the big voiced diva will lend the latest gem to her collection via ‘Overcomer’ – her upcoming album due August 27th.

It’s title track, which premiered in early July, blasted onto the Billboard Christian chart’s top 20 within 3 weeks of its release.  Presently, the song is roosting on the Billboard Christian Digital charts #1 spot (#8 and #12 on “Billboard Christian Songs” and “Billboard Christian Adult Contemporary”  respectively).

Unfamiliar?  Press play below to get acquainted:

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Hot Shot:  Donald Lawrence Unveils New Album Cover

Barely a month separate us from the 20th anniversary album of legendary gospel craftsman Donald Lawrence.  Due in stores September 24th, the highly anticipated project –  ‘20 Year Celebration – Best For Last’ – has already built a bevy of buzz off its lead single ‘The Gift’ and its top named guest list including Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Kelly Price, and many more.

Set to also feature reworked versions of some of his biggest hits, the project’s live recording took place in mid-June and is still the talk of many in attendance.  While the rest of us wait to hear its finished products, Lawrence lends the gift of a sneak peek at the album’s cover.

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New Song:  Tobbi & Tommi (of Donald Lawrence’s ‘The Company’):  ‘Light’

Gospel’s brightest new sister act Tobbi & Tommi – members of Grammy ® award-winning superstar/songwriter/producer Donald Lawrence’s ‘The Company’ – are looking to be seen in their own light.

With Lawrence’s blessing, the duo have readied a sensational debut single ‘Light’ – the high-powered praise performance of the summer already ushering in critical acclaim.

The ladies are reportedly hard at work on the song’s accompanying album.  But, if ‘Light’ is any indication of the direction they’re headed, we’re buying!

Buy “Light” On Itunes

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Throwback Gospel Jam of the Day:  Kirk Franklin ft. Mary J. Blige, Toby Mac, Bono,  & More

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