Music Releases
Multi-Platinum Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Smokie Norful Releases Video To #1 Gospel Billboard Chart-topping Single, “I Still Have You”
“I Still Have You” was written and produced by Smokie Norful, Tre Noful and SNW. “My sons wanted to work on a song with me and they said, we need to get in the studio and record this beautiful song now.
Artists: Smokie Norful
Title: ‘I Still Have You’
Label: Tre’Myles/MNRK Nashville
Release Date: July 12, 2023
“I Still Have You” was written and produced by Smokie Norful, Tre Noful and SNW. “My sons wanted to work on a song with me and they said, we need to get in the studio and record this beautiful song now. Before you knew you it, we were in the lab and “I Still Have You” was created,” mentions Smokie. The music video was directed by Tony Pettiford and just made its global on BET Gospel, BET.com and other BET Network properties.
“I Still Have You” is nominated for “Best Praise And Worship Song Of The Year” at the 38th Annual Stellar Awards, taking place this weekend. Smokie is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated 17th studio album, to be released later this fall under the Tre’Myles/MNRK label imprint.
ABOUT SMOKIE NORFUL
Smokie Norful is one of the most successful gospel music artists ever. He’s earned two R.I.A.A. certified gold albums, 300 million digital streams, 3.5 billion radio airplay impressions, and two GRAMMY® Awards. There’s no doubt that he’s put his stamp on the inspiring genre with heart-wrenching ballads such as the recent No. 1 “I Still Have You” and “No Greater Love” to “Dear God” and his 2002 breakthrough classic, “I Need You Now.” The latter was so massive that it’s been covered by luminaries ranging from belter Tamela Mann to Broadway star, Billy Porter. Norful has performed on the BET Awards, at the Essence Music Festival, and even The White House. After a nearly-decade long recording hiatus, he’s finally back in the recording booth with a new album is in the works, thanks to his music-producer sons, Tre’ Norful and SNW.
“I never completely quit music, I just didn’t do the music industry,” Norful explains. “It’s like 7-10 years between albums and I had concluded that I wasn’t doing any more. There are so many great young artists like Jonathan McReynolds, Jekalyn Carr, and my artist, Isaiah Templeton. I was content to be in that posture but, my two boys are incredible musicians.” Norful’s sons have been building their respective and separate resumés as R&B-Hip-Hop producers on the rise. “They have major placements on artists everybody would know,” their proud dad beams. The brothers staged a friendly intervention to convince him that it was time to record again. “They had literally been hounding me during the pandemic to make new music,” Norful recalls. “They literally sat me down and it was a sincere conversation. For me, it was emotional. I couldn’t deny them.”
The Norful trio collaborated on “I Still Have You,” the first release under the new joint venture between Norful’s Tre’Myles imprint and the MRNK Music Group. It’s the kind of raw, piano-ballad that became a Norful trademark during his two-decade affiliation with the Capitol Christian Music Group. It stormed the charts a few months ago, debuting at No. 18 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart, and cresting at No. 1 on the Mediabase Gospel Airplay chart. “It was their first No. 1 at radio,” he smiles. “I beat all these other artists they are working with because my track was released first.” They also cut with Black Elvis, who’s collaborated with Beyoncé and Jack Harlow. The four of them came up with another track entitled, “Blessings,” for the new album.
Blessings have been a recurring theme throughout Norful’s life. He was born October 31, 1975, in Muskogee, OK, but raised in Pine Bluff, AR. He’s the first of three sons born to a now retired African Methodist Episcopal pastor, W.R. Norful, Sr. and his wife, Teresa. He began to study piano at the age of four, sang publicly at six, recorded an album at ten and became a church keyboardist by twelve. “My parents scraped and scratched to get me all over town to get in talent shows and to meet this person and to meet that person,” he once said. The word spread around town and came to a head circa 1989. “Greg Sain and Morris Hayes were part of Prince’s New Power Generation band,” Norful recalls. “Greg is from my hometown of Pine Bluff. He had come home, somebody told him about me… They flew me to Minnesota, and we recorded a demo at Paisley Park. My dad was there the whole time. He would not leave the room. He walked me through the whole process and then said, `they never talked about your education. You are in the 9th grade. There’s no way that they should not have said something about your education.’ He wouldn’t sign the contract, so I was mad at him for a long time, but I can say now that was the best decision because God had a plan and purpose for my life.”
After high school, Norful earned a history degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and began a seven-year teaching career. By 1998, he had moved to Chicago where he continued to teach school while earning a master’s degree at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. He composed and placed songs with artists such as Marvin Sapp, Dottie Peoples, and the Colorado Mass Choir. While singing at a church, Joanne Brunson of The Tommies choir, spotted his talent and asked him to sing on their next project. He wrote and performed “He’s All I Need” for their live recording, Real. In the audience was Edwin Oliver, a Walt Disney Company executive, who was awed by Norful’s talent. He soon became his manager and negotiated a recording deal for Norful with one of the leading gospel recording labels of the time, EMI Gospel.
Norful’s debut album, I Need You Now, was anchored by a song he hoped that Yolanda Adams would record. “Part of the reason I wrote `I Need You Now’ is because we weren’t supposed to be able to have children naturally,” Norful remembers. “My wife Carla was sick with tumors. They thought it might be cancer. My mom was paralyzed. My dad had just had open heart surgery. I dropped out of seminary to go care for him. My grandmother had her leg amputated. It was literally back-to-back-to-back. In the middle of that I sat down and said, `God, I need you now.’” The song was so personal that Teresa Norful felt that no one should record it but her son. “She never does that,” Norful says. “She kept making me promise that I wasn’t giving the song away, so I didn’t.”
Good thing. Once it was released, “I Need You Now” saturated the gospel and urban mainstream radio airwaves, cementing the foundation for Norful’s now-illustrious career. Although, there was no widely recognized gospel radio singles chart at the time, the song did peak at No. 8 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, sandwiched in between Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father” and Will Downing’s “A Million Ways.” It remained on that chart for 59 weeks, a rarity for a gospel song. The I Need You Now album spent 104 weeks on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, spent five of those weeks at the No. 1 spot, and was certified gold within two years.
For the next dozen years, the hits and accolades continued. Norful’s albums routinely showcased diverse rhythms such as the reggae cut “Nothing is Impossible,” the Pop tune “Run Run,” and the Motown-styled ode to Marvin Gaye, “I’ve Got What You Need.” However, it was always the big ballads that became the radio hits. “The thing and it really frustrates me as a preacher, everyone wants to keep me an artist,” Norful says. “As an artist everyone wants to box me into one style which is ballads, but I am a singer, a real singer. I’ve studied classical. I used to do Latin pieces. I was in a choral ensemble in college and high school. I have these eclectic musical experiences. I was a fan of Stevie Wonder, El DeBarge, Switch. I was a fan of B.B. King, Mahalia Jackson. I don’t like the frustration of everyone trying to box me in. Bishop Jakes once told me people will always try to keep you where they met you but as a creative it makes you exceptionally frustrated because you are so much more than what they proscribe for you. I’ve finally gotten to a season where I’m liberated in my thinking to do what I want to do; not what I got to do.”
One thing Norful feels he’s got to do is preach the Word. “I never had an inkling of an idea of that I would actually be pastoring,” he reflects. “I watched my father and mother make some extraordinary sacrifices for a lot of years. I just wanted to sing. At the height of my career, there was this overwhelming compulsion that I was supposed to do ministry at another level.” It started as a weekly Bible study and morphed into the Victory Cathedral Worship Center in 2005. Over the years, his Chicago congregation has boomed. During the COVID crisis, the church opened its Global campus, an online hub of its worship services that draw over 10,000 weekly viewers. Then, the church opened its third campus, a fellowship in the Atlanta, GA area a year ago. Norful splits time between the two cities while also overseeing churches in Birmingham, AL and Houston, TX.
“Marvin Winans once told me that eventually I’m not going to do music at all,” Norful laughs. “I said, `absolutely not. That will never happen to me.’ Sure enough, once I got into ministry, I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the people and the process: building lives, empowering people. Now, I’m on the front-line watching people go through the worse possible times and experience the best possible times, the triumphs and the trials and tragedies. I’m walking them through it, I’m praying them through it. I’m standing by bed sides in hospitals. It really made music ministry mean something completely different and it made me a deeper student in the word of God because now I have to study and be prepared to preach every single week without fail.”
Norful takes his roles as pastor and artist seriously, one complementing the other. First, he’s a constant learner who brings the art of instruction to the way he manages his church. From the church’s embrace of technology to enterprise, it’s not that old time religion. He was mentored by Life.Church founder Craig Groeschel on how to better manage his church years ago. “I went and just sat with him,” Norful explains. “He had a weekend where he had young pastors come in and he coached us and gave us access and exposure.” As a leader, he has demonstrated to his congregation how to be fiscally responsible. “Our church has millions of dollars of property,” he adds. “We are the largest black owned commercial developer in the far western suburbs of Chicago. We bought a strip mall. Hobby Lobby is our anchor tenant. They rent from us.”
Norful also found mentors in former EMI Gospel President Ken Pennell and the late Bill Hearn (former CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group) who shepherded his career over the last two decades. “Ken is like another dad to me,” he confesses. “He was the most amazing President that anybody could ever ask for coming into this industry for because he was really in love with God. He was mild mannered, and meek. But he was super, super smart. Bill was exceptionally shrewd as a businessman. He was so intuitive to industry trends, progressive thinking. Bill mentored me in business. I brought my whole church staff down and we spent two days locked in a room with him and he mentored my whole team on how to run a company and be profitable. Most people don’t understand that there is a business of ministry. If you don’t do business even as a church, you limit your capacity and reach and ability to make an impact in the world.”
Norful is now poised to share all the mental gems that he has acquired over the years through a yet-untitled mentorship program. “I’ve learned too much to take it with me,” he says. “I’ve learned too much to hoard it or to hide it. I have to share it and I have to train people. It’s about growth and development. I want to teach people how to monetize their art and how to own their voice. I’ll teach how to write successful songs and production. I’m offering this course to anybody who wants to grow and expand. I’m going to show people how to monetize their gift. Most people don’t know the work that it takes to be successful in music. How do you get on radio? How do you increase your streams? I’m in a teaching, fathering season.”
The concept of fathering returns us to the subject of Norful’s sons and the joy he feels working with them on the yet untitled new album. His eldest son, Tre’, just graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in finance and Spanish. His youngest son, Ashton, who’s known as SNW professionally, is a student at Loyola Marymount University. They both play guitar and piano, and have become great song crafters. Norful also has a daughter, Ashley, who seems to show no interest in a music career yet. “I’m like a fish in water,” he laughs of being back in the studio after a long hiatus. “I cannot deny there’s something special about being in the studio with my two miracle babies that I wasn’t supposed to be able to have. That is mind-blowing to me.”
Another mind-blowing occurrence is the conclusion of Norful’s twenty-year affiliation with the Motown Gospel /EMI Gospel music family. His two mainstays there – Bill Hearn passed away of cancer in 2017 and Ken Pennell retired a year later. He signed a joint venture deal with MRNK instead. “I literally went everywhere,” Norful explains. “I went first to EMI. They were my first stop and my first thought. But I have since figured out that it’s a new regime and new leadership. I ultimately concluded that God never calls you back to a place that He delivered you from. The new team offered me literally the same deal I signed 20 years ago [as a new and untested artist]. That was unacceptable. I had some deals on the table from mainstream R&B labels, but I felt most at home and at peace with Gina Miller and her team. It felt very familiar. I respect and honor Gina’s love for ministry and for God and for the music. They were also willing to do a creative deal that allowed me to be the businessman that I am even as I am being an artist. But my main purpose is the gospel and the message of Jesus Christ. “
More information on Smokie Norful:
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Content provided by: 2R’s Ent & Media
Photo Credit: All photos are copyrights of their respective owners.
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Music Genres
YU QT 1ST Single, From Babe? EP, “The Way U”
YU QT “The Way U” is a cool dance/electronic track with syth sounds, manipulated vocals, and house/dance drums . It gives you that nostalgic feeling when you just wanna dance and sweat your problems away.
Artists: YU QT
Title: “The Way U”
Label: LG105
Release Date: Oct 5, 2023
One-Line Review: YU QT, “The Way U” is a cool dance/electronic track with syth sounds, manipulated vocals, and house/dance drums . It gives you that nastolgic feeling when you just wanna dance and sweat your troubles away.
YU QT News
Following their success in recent months with releases like Let It Go and Y’all Ready For Dis amongst their club-ready dubs, rising duo Y U QT now announce their forthcoming BABE? EP via LG105 with new single The Way U. It arrives ahead of their biggest headline show to date at Village Underground on the 8th December in London with tickets on sale now.
This makes for the rising duo’s most enticing project and biggest announcement yet with four tracks of pure rave. Releasing new single The Way U from their genre bending journey the fresh track pairs infectious high-pitched vocals paired with pearly melodies and crisp percussion that demonstrates a versatile evolution of the Y U QT sound. Previous single Let It Go will also feature on the EP along with two other highly anticipated cuts Tiempo and Stuck On U to come.
YU QT Upcoming Show
Y U QT have continued to expand their fanbase across radio airwaves as well as club floors on their headline, six date ALL NYTE LONG sold out UK tour and a debut Boiler Room performance alongside DJ EZ, Jyoty, and p-rallel. This year, Y U QT’s DJ expertise have seen them perform sold out shows across Nottingham’s Brickworks, Leeds’ Freedom Mills, and Manchester’s Hidden in addition to sets at Warehouse Project, Waterworks, Leeds Festival, El Dorado, Propyard, Boomtown, The Cause and more.
YU QT Receipts
With a stellar catalogue of releases already on labels like Shall Not Fade, and South London Pressings along with tastemaker support from names like Bicep, Ben UFO, Disclosure, Or:la, Octo Octa, Eliza Rose, Interplanetary Criminal, Daffy and Eris Drew already under their belts, Y U QT have firmly established themselves in the scene as masters of a diverse array of genres across rave culture. Tracks such as debut Beatport no.1 You Belong To Me, a remix of easy life’s skeletons, plus a well-received array of bootlegs including Dave and Central Cee’s Sprinter have all catapulted the duo to the forefront of the scene amongst fans and peers alike as they gear up for their most poignant EP yet.
Elsewhere, demonstrating the genre versatility once more, this year’s Y’all Ready For Dis saw widespread support from going viral via Yung Singh’s Boiler Room set in Melbourne ahead of its release to BBC Radio 1 play from Danny Howard, Charlie Hedges, Jeremiah Asiamah, Jack Saunders’ Future Artists show, earning a Track Of The Week slot and more.
Continuing to exceed expectations with a collection of dancefloor weapons that tap into the most sublime corners of house, breaks, garage and beyond, BABE? will make for Y U QT’s most impressive work yet, demonstrating a standout evolution and fresh approach as they enter the next chapter of an already meteoric rise.
The State of Dance Music
House music, a genre born in the underground clubs of Chicago in the 1980s, has come a long way. With its infectious beats, soulful melodies, and vibrant subculture, it has become a global phenomenon. Over the decades, it has transformed and branched into numerous subgenres, but its core essence remains the same. In this article, we’ll explore the state of house music today.
1. The Resilience of the Underground:
House music’s roots lie in the underground club scene, and this spirit remains alive and well. While mainstream pop music trends come and go, house music continues to thrive in the underground, with an unwavering dedication to the music and the dance floor. Underground clubs and raves provide a space for creative experimentation, pushing boundaries, and fostering a sense of community that’s unique to the genre.
2. The Proliferation of Subgenres:
House music has evolved into a diverse family of subgenres. From deep house to tech house, progressive house to acid house, each subgenre brings its own flavor and style. This diversity ensures that there’s something for every taste within the house music spectrum. It also keeps the genre fresh and innovative, as artists continue to blend and redefine these subgenres.
3. A Global Phenomenon:
House music has transcended its Chicago origins to become a global phenomenon. It has touched every corner of the world, with thriving house music scenes in cities as diverse as Ibiza, Berlin, Miami, and Johannesburg. The global reach of the genre has not only expanded its fan base but also enriched it with diverse cultural influences.
4. Influence on Mainstream Pop:
House music has had a significant influence on mainstream pop music. Elements of house, such as four-on-the-floor beats and soulful vocal arrangements, can be heard in chart-topping hits. Artists like Daft Punk, Calvin Harris, and David Guetta have seamlessly blended house elements into pop music, introducing new audiences to the genre.
5. Technological Advancements:
Advancements in music production technology have had a profound impact on house music. The genre has always been at the forefront of utilizing new tools and techniques. Today, digital audio workstations, synthesizers, and MIDI controllers enable artists to create intricate, layered sounds that push the boundaries of what’s possible in electronic music.
6. A Resurgence of Vinyl:
While technology has ushered in the digital age of music, vinyl records have experienced a resurgence within the house music community. Vinyl not only offers a nostalgic connection to the roots of the genre but also a unique sound quality that many purists appreciate. Vinyl-only sets and limited edition releases have become a hallmark of the scene.
7. Social and Cultural Movements:
House music has often been associated with social and cultural movements. It has been the soundtrack to LGBTQ+ rights, unity, and inclusivity. From the early days of Chicago’s house scene to contemporary festivals, it has celebrated diversity and acceptance, offering a space for people of all backgrounds to come together.
8. The Future of House:
The state of house music is strong, and its future looks promising. As technology continues to evolve, new subgenres will likely emerge, pushing the boundaries of what defines house music. The global connectivity of the digital age ensures that the genre will continue to transcend borders and cultures.
House music remains a vibrant and evolving genre. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who have danced to its beats and embraced its culture. With its resilience, diversity, and influence on mainstream music, house music is well-positioned to keep the world dancing for years to come.
Pre-Order the new EP, Babe? here.
More information on YU QT:
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Content provided by: Infectious
Photo Credit: All photos are copyright of their respective owners.
Find more Music Releases HERE!
Music Genres
Wh0 Unleash Heavy-Hitting 2-Track EP, Deeper
News – Fresh off their massive Capital playlisted collab What You Need with Steve Angello this past July, dynamic masked duo Wh0 drop a brand new two-track EP Deeper on their Wh0 Plays label.
Artists: Wh0
Title: Deeper
Label: Wh0 Plays
Release Date: Sept 15, 2023
One-Line Review: Wh0 Drops A Real House Collaboration That Takes You Back To The Hay-Days When Gospel Power-House Singers Pushed Chart-Topping House and Dance Tracks.
News
Fresh off their massive Capital playlisted collab What You Need with Steve Angello this past July, dynamic masked duo Wh0 drop a brand new two-track EP Deeper on their Wh0 Plays label.
Since meeting in 2018 the duo rapidly caught industry attention, landing nominations for 1001 Tracklist’s ‘50 Best Producers’ title 3 years consecutively and releasing on major labels such as Ministry of Sound, Toolroom, Positiva, Ultra, and their own imprint Wh0 Plays, home to rapidly rising artists and industry veterans such as Vanilla Ace, Alex Preston, Makree, and more. Known for an air of mystery and black-masked anonymity, Wh0 has steadily risen the ranks since their debut release a few short years ago, going on to release official remixes for massive names like The Prodigy, Tiesto, Meduza, and more and collaborating with the likes of Armand Van Helden, Nile Rodgers, Roland Clark, Jack Back, and more.
Boasting performances across London’s Printworks and Ministry of Sound, Wh0 have gathered further acclaim on tracks like Feels with Just Aaron and Jinadu, which currently boasts over 7M Spotify streams and support from KISS FM and MistaJam on Capital FM, or Better Day with Nile Rodgers and Josh Barry, which amassed over 8M Spotify streams.
The duo now continue their ascent with an energised, groove-infused two-track EP. While Deeper is a powerful, soul-laden banger full of tantalising drops and disco influences, Boogie Down with James Hurr samples Earth Wind & Fire’s classic hit Let’s Groove for a sheer club weapon and rollercoaster of full-throttle build-ups and colossal breakdowns. Already boasting early support from Diplo and Mark Knight, both tracks are peak-time club weapons destined for packed out dancefloors.
About Wh0
Decked in black masks and fearless in their studio execution, Mysterious UK duo Wh0 have been seducing some of music’s biggest players. The context of this curious duo is blissfully limited. Turning the music world on its head with their own vivid concoction of grooving music with a playful spirit, the young act doesn’t want you to know what they look like, where they’re from or what their favourite colour is.
They do care about making timeless and titillating club records and are unarguably proficient in that department. Formed in 2018, the duo has wasted little time in rubbing shoulders with the upper echelon of electronic talent. Wh0 are confidently marking a much-deserved space in the global market.
Wh0 Deeper EP
The A-Side: ‘Wh0 Deeper’ – a house track of immense energy, crafted by the enigmatic duo Wh0. It’s infectious beats and pulsating rhythms ignite dancefloors, leaving crowds euphoric. Unleashed at Printworks, it garnered a huge reaction. A true anthem for house music lovers worldwide, ‘Wh0 – Deeper’ is a journey of sonic bliss and shared experiences. Surrender to its power, huge BPM change and let the music take control. The B-Side: ‘Boogie Down’ – An electrifying house track, crafted by Wh0 and James Hurr.
Who Play
“Wh0 Plays is another independent, artist run imprint which has shaken the foundations of what was becoming a very rigid dance music industry.” – thisiswh0.com
The State of Dance Music
House music, a genre born in the underground clubs of Chicago in the 1980s, has come a long way. With its infectious beats, soulful melodies, and vibrant subculture, it has become a global phenomenon. Over the decades, it has transformed and branched into numerous subgenres, but its core essence remains the same. In this article, we’ll explore the state of house music today.
1. The Resilience of the Underground:
House music’s roots lie in the underground club scene, and this spirit remains alive and well. While mainstream pop music trends come and go, house music continues to thrive in the underground, with an unwavering dedication to the music and the dance floor. Underground clubs and raves provide a space for creative experimentation, pushing boundaries, and fostering a sense of community that’s unique to the genre.
2. The Proliferation of Subgenres:
House music has evolved into a diverse family of subgenres. From deep house to tech house, progressive house to acid house, each subgenre brings its own flavor and style. This diversity ensures that there’s something for every taste within the house music spectrum. It also keeps the genre fresh and innovative, as artists continue to blend and redefine these subgenres.
3. A Global Phenomenon:
House music has transcended its Chicago origins to become a global phenomenon. It has touched every corner of the world, with thriving house music scenes in cities as diverse as Ibiza, Berlin, Miami, and Johannesburg. The global reach of the genre has not only expanded its fan base but also enriched it with diverse cultural influences.
4. Influence on Mainstream Pop:
House music has had a significant influence on mainstream pop music. Elements of house, such as four-on-the-floor beats and soulful vocal arrangements, can be heard in chart-topping hits. Artists like Daft Punk, Calvin Harris, and David Guetta have seamlessly blended house elements into pop music, introducing new audiences to the genre.
5. Technological Advancements:
Advancements in music production technology have had a profound impact on house music. The genre has always been at the forefront of utilizing new tools and techniques. Today, digital audio workstations, synthesizers, and MIDI controllers enable artists to create intricate, layered sounds that push the boundaries of what’s possible in electronic music.
6. A Resurgence of Vinyl:
While technology has ushered in the digital age of music, vinyl records have experienced a resurgence within the house music community. Vinyl not only offers a nostalgic connection to the roots of the genre but also a unique sound quality that many purists appreciate. Vinyl-only sets and limited edition releases have become a hallmark of the scene.
7. Social and Cultural Movements:
House music has often been associated with social and cultural movements. It has been the soundtrack to LGBTQ+ rights, unity, and inclusivity. From the early days of Chicago’s house scene to contemporary festivals, it has celebrated diversity and acceptance, offering a space for people of all backgrounds to come together.
8. The Future of House:
The state of house music is strong, and its future looks promising. As technology continues to evolve, new subgenres will likely emerge, pushing the boundaries of what defines house music. The global connectivity of the digital age ensures that the genre will continue to transcend borders and cultures.
House music remains a vibrant and evolving genre. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of those who have danced to its beats and embraced its culture. With its resilience, diversity, and influence on mainstream music, house music is well-positioned to keep the world dancing for years to come.
More information on Wh0:
soundcloud.com/thisiswh0
twitter.com/thisiswh0
instagram.com/thisiswh0
youtube.com/user/thisiswh0
Content provided by: Infectious
Photo Credit: All photos are copyright of their respective owners.
Find more Music Releases HERE!
Gospel Music
Erica Campbell Releases Her Anticipated 3rd Studio Album, I Love You On September 15th
“I Love You” is the anticipated third studio album from is the anticipated third studio album from multi-award winning singer-songwriter-producer-actor-pastor’s wife-media personality, Erica Campbell.
Artists: Erica Campbell
Title: I Love You
Label: My Block Inc / SRG-ILS Group
Release Date: Sept 15, 2023
One-Line Review: Erica Campbell I Love You album and single, “Trust and Obey” – “It is so on point. So often our faith wane when we don’t fully trust that God will see us through, but he never fails. “
“I Love You” is the anticipated third studio album from is the anticipated third studio album from multi-award winning singer-songwriter-producer-actor-pastor’s wife-media personality, Erica Campbell. The album will be released on Friday, September 15th, via the My Block Inc/SRG-ILS Group label imprint. “I Love You” was introduced to fan across the globe with the success of the back-to-back #1 songs, “Positive” and “Feel Alright (Blessed)“. “Positive” spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Charts and was nominated for a 2023 Grammy nomination for Best Gospel song and won the 2023 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Gospel Christian Song.” “Feel Alright (Blessed)” just spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Charts simultaneously.
“The “I Love You” record is special to me because it is a culmination of me totally receiving God’s love. I’ve grown to understand that He loves me as I am, but loves me enough not to let me stay as I am. These songs have taken time to record and write, and I believe it will reignite our desire for love and God’s love. Unfortunately, many people are hopeless and don’t have high expectations because of past trauma, but I promise you, this love record will reconnect you to God’s love. I am excited about my collaborations with PJ Morton and D Smoke. Also, with all of my sisters and my children, Krista, Wozy and Zaya, being a part of this record, it feels like love to me, and I pray that’s what people feel when they hear it,” shares Erica Campbell.
In anticipation to the “I Love You” album release, fans have been feasting on other songs released from the album. There is the throwback to testimony service, “Sho’ Been Good“. “The saints would stand up and say, “When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all He’s done for me, my soul cries out ‘Hallelujah’. Thank God for saving me.” That’s not a cliché. That’s real talk and I wanted to put it in a song as a reminder of all God has done because He’s done so much. I hope this song makes you remember all He’s done in your life. I hope it encourages you to reflect on the goodness of God, the greatness of God, the mercy of God, the favor of God, and the power of God, and then celebrate that goodness. He sho’ has been good,” she adds.
The most recent song release is “Trust and Obey“. “The song was was written by my friend, Gromyko Collins. It is a beautiful song and impacted my heart the moment I heard it. I knew I wanted to sing it because I feel every one of these lyrics. After all, without trust and obedience to the Father, I won’t live the full life God has for me. I want to experience all that He has for me. To be transparent, there’s been many times I have not obeyed and I did not trust Him but God’s gracious hand helped to build my faith back up when I lost it and wasn’t even sure how to find it. I found it in trusting God and obeying him even when it didn’t make sense to me. So I hope this song reminds you to trust and obey the Father because we can trust Him. He’s trustworthy. He’s got a great track record!.”
In addition to her continued success as a music artist, Erica Campbell also touches fans’ lives as the host of the syndicated morning radio show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell. Currently available in 40 markets nationwide, the show sets a new bar for syndicated morning programming by creating a high-energy experience for listeners through a range of music styles, powerful interviews, lively features and a fresh approach on news and listener engagement.
About Erica Campbell
Multi-Grammy Award-winning and Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, Erica Campbell, is one of the most respected inspirational recording artists in music. She has released two solo albums as well as seven albums with her sister as part of the dynamic duo “Mary Mary.” Campbell has received numerous awards and accolades. Her debut solo album, “Help,” won a 2015 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album as well as eight Stellar Awards. Last year, she made a strong return
with the release of her single, “Positive.” The powerful record earned Campbell her first solo #1 Billboard Gospel Airplay chart placement along with a 2023 Grammy Nomination for Best Gospel Song Performance, a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song and three Stellar Award nominations. She continues in her success releasing another upbeat and hope-filled anthem, “Feel
Alright (Blessed)”.
In addition to her dynamic music career, Campbell celebrated a 7-year milestone as the host of nationally syndicated radio show “Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell.” It can be heard weekdays 6am-10am EST in about 40 markets via Reach Media/Radio One, while ministering internationally.
Erica Campbell is the author of the book “More Than Pretty: Doing the Soul Work that Uncovers Your True Beauty” which is available now. In the book, Campbell speaks to women of all shapes and sizes, demonstrating that true beauty is found not in external appearances, but in celebrating the person God made you to be.
More information on Erica Campbell:
Facebook: @imEricaCampbell
Twitter: @imEricaCampbell
Instagram: @imEricaCampbell
YouTube: @imEricaCampbell
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Rhythm and Blues
JOSH X “Love Takes Me Higher” Hits No. 9 On Billboard Magazine’s TOP 10 R&B Charts
“Love Takes Me Higher” by Josh X snags the #9 slot on this week’s Billboard R&B charts. This is Josh X’s second Top 10 single of his musical career. His first was with the now fan-favorite, “I Miss You”, in 2020.
Artists: Josh X
Title: “Love Takes Me higher”
Label: KSR Group
Release Date: April 21, 2023
One-Line Review: Josh X “Love Takes Me Higher” – “This underlying Afro Beats synth single is hot!”
“Love Takes Me Higher” by Josh X snags the #9 slot on this week’s Billboard R&B charts. This is Josh X’s second Top 10 single of his musical career. His first was with the now fan-favorite, “I Miss You“, in 2020. “I am beyond thankful to all those that continue to support me… JOSH X, the kid from Queens, NY, with dreams. It feels amazing that everyone is loving this new song and I could not be more proud and grateful to those that are streaming, playing, spinning, downloading and even singing the song at shows, I say THANK YOU!“
“Love Takes Me Higher” was written by Josh X and produced by Dr. Wang. “I was inspired to write this song after the passing of my father on Father’s Day last year. The love that I have for my dad and God, continues to inspire me and reminds me every day that love does take me higher,” shares Josh X.
About Josh X
Born as Joshua Exantus in the bustling borough of Queens, New York, Josh X’s extraordinary journey into the world of music began with a humble upbringing. Raised by a single mother who
worked tirelessly to provide for her five children, Josh X’s deep love for music ignited at a remarkably young age. His mother recognized his innate talent and became a pivotal figure in nurturing his musical aspirations.
At the tender age of six, Josh X’s destiny took shape as he first laid hands on the keys of a piano. His innate talent and unwavering dedication quickly set him apart from his peers. His musical prowess was undeniable, leading to a life-changing opportunity—an esteemed
scholarship to attend Juilliard’s Summer Program. This early exposure to world-class music education would forever influence his artistic path.
Josh X’s artistry blossomed under the influence of musical legends like Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight. His unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul began to take form, catching the attention of the music industry’s biggest names. As a proud signee of KSR Records, Josh X
embarked on collaborations with industry heavyweights such as Cardi B, Nipsey Hussle, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and Swizz Beatz. Most notably, he became one of Stevie Wonder’s cherished proteges.
Josh X’s career reached new heights with the release of “I Miss You,” a single that soared to Billboard’s Top 20 R&B charts and garnered over half a million streams across various digital platforms. His signature song, “Heaven On My Mind,” became an instant fan favorite, showcasing his incredible versatility as an artist. Collaborating with the illustrious Rick Ross on the hit single “All On Me” further solidified his presence in the music industry, with the music video accumulating over five million views.
Even in the face of the global pandemic, Josh X’s creative spirit remained undeterred. In the summer of 2021, he unleashed “Eskize Mwen,” a street anthem featuring Haitian superstar BAKY, with the music video amassing over one million views on YouTube. The pandemic also saw Josh X stepping into the world of acting, where he portrayed the character Derrick in the Amazon Prime series, “Sister’s Keeper.” However, his enduring love for music continued to be
his guiding star.
In November 2022, Josh X released “Forever Love,” a soul-stirring love ballad that resonated with audiences worldwide. This marked another milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to capture the depth of human emotions through music. Additionally, “Love Takes Me Higher,”
released in April 2023, soared to the top 10 on the Billboard charts, cementing his status as a chart-topping artist. The lyric video for the same song accumulated an impressive 5 million views, a testament to his growing and devoted fan base.
Josh X’s journey recently led him to an electrifying performance at WBLS’ Quiet Storm legend Lenny Green’s Birthday Party on September 2 at Brooklyn Chop House. This event showcased his innate ability to mesmerize live audiences with his undeniable musical charisma.
The next exciting chapter in Josh X’s journey is set to take place on September 19th, 2023, at City Winery in Atlanta. This highly anticipated performance promises to be a night of musical
excellence and a testament to Josh X’s enduring passion for his craft.
In March 2023, Josh X continued to serenade his fans with “One Last Time,” a heartfelt composition that tugged at the heartstrings of listeners. This marked another significant step in his musical evolution as he consistently delivered soulful and moving melodies.
This biography chronicles the incredible odyssey of a young boy from Queens who, against all odds, transformed into a musical luminary. With each chapter of his life, Josh X continues to redefine the boundaries of his artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.
More information on Josh X:
Website: www.JoshXantus.com
Instagram: @JoshXantus
Twitter: @JoshXantus
Facebook:/JoshXOfficial
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Photo Credit: All photos are copyright of their respective owners.
Find more Music Releases HERE!
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