ROOT

Issue 25

Feb/Mar 2017

“THE VOICE”

MS. KIM BURRELL GETS HER JUST DUE BMI’S

CATHERINE BREWTON

TALKS PHILANTHROPY, MUSIC, AND HER PASSION FOR FASHION

+TOP20

POWER PLAYERS NOTKARLTONBANKS HEZEKIAH WALKER SHIRLEY CAESAR THE DUFFIES GOO GOO ATKINS

AND MORE!

BISHOP NEIL ELLIS PREPARES FOR RETIREMENT?

CLASS IS IN SESSION WITH VOCAL COACH

ASHAALA SHANAE

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IN THIS ISSUE

Editor's Note

CATHERINE BREWTON..................................6 KIM BURRELL ......................................................8 BISHOP NEIL ELLIS ..........................................12 ASHAALA SHANAE .......................................14 POWER PLAYERS ............................................18 MARVIN SAPP ...................................................25 THE BENEDICTION ........................................30

Editor-In-Chief: Hasan James

Senior Art Director Fatima Williams-Burke www.FatimaBurke.com

Management Shawn Gibbs for The Firm Artist Management Shawn.

Contributors Fatima Burke Markita Collins Torin Derek Shawn Gibbs Larif Hamm Jazz Hunter Roudy Michel Chloe Vanderpoole J.S. Williams

TheFirmManagement@Gmail.com

Sales & Marketing Ricardo Cantrell Michael Gordon Printing Shweiki Media

Photography Bruce McKinzy Derek Blanks Tara Hauck Stephen Reid

Photography by Stephen Reid

them. This year’s BMI Trailblazers have contributed so much to the world of music and continue to raise the L>À > ` yÕi Vi > }i iÀ>Ì Ì i «À ViÃð Marvin Sapp is considered one of the greatest male vocalists in Gospel Music. He quickly rose to fame as a member of Commissioned, and shortly after, made his solo debut in 1995 with his self-titled album. From there, songs like Grace and Mercy, Praise Him in Advance, Do You Know Him? and the million seller, Never Would Have Made It, made Marvin Sapp a household name.

Kim Burrell also knows what it mean to be a household name, as the likes of the late, great Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera and even Brandy, all studied her voice, which is why she is considered to many as “The Voice”. Her second album, Everlasting Life is a classic amongst fans and musicians alike. What’s so amazing is in the 20 years since her debut, Kim Burrell has only given us a handful of albums, yet is still considered a legend.

For the past couple of years, the most anticipated feature in Root at the start of each year is the Top 20 Power Players of the previous year. This year’s top picks had an amazing 2016, in spite of a mediocre year in gospel music. All in all, they’ve weathered the storm and continue to make history.

We even caught up with BMI’s Catherine Brewton to talk about everything from fashion to philanthropy. Who >Ài à i v iÀ v>Û À Ìi >ÀÌ ÃÌö 9 Õ >Ûi Ì ii« Ài>` } Ì w ` ÕÌt 2016 is done and I’m simply glad I made it another year to do what I love, create art through my love of Gospel Music.

Love, Live, Life!

Visit Us On The Web at: www.RootMagazineOnline.com

Hasan E-mail: Hasan@RootMagazineOnline.com Instagram & Twitter: @ROOTMAGAZINE Facebook: ROOT MAGAZINE

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I know we say it every year but 2016 was a real doozy!

November 8, 2016 will go down in history as one of the darkest days of American History, when Donald Trump snagged the presidency from Senator Hillary Clinton in a shocking defeat.

From the beginning of the year to the end, we lost so many great people in music, sports, entertainment and even personally, as a whole. If you would have told me in 2015 that in 2016 we would have lost greats like: Muhammad Ali, Anthony Mason (NY Knicks), Natalie Cole, Maurice White, Arnold Palmer, David Bowie, Joe Ligon, Alan Thicke and Prince, I would not have believed it. On a more regional level, my good friend and up and coming gospel artist, Thomas TC Clay, passed away suddenly last October and it sent shockwaves throughout the industry. “TC”, as he was affectionately known, was well on his way to becoming the next big thing in music, however, his life was cut short.

This is why events like the BMI Trailblazers are so important, because it gives Gospel Music enthusiasts and artists’ peers Ì i V > Vi Ì } Ûi Ì i Ì i À y ÜiÀÃ Ü i Ì iÞ V Õ ` Ã i

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Catherine Brewton is indeed the First Lady of BMI, but her mission in life goes far beyond the music.

As Told to Hasan James

Root:: What is the mission of the “Hope for Harvest”?

also working on a manuscript of my mother’s to publish a book.

Catherine Brewton: We have a main facility that functions as a community center and now we have the “Hope for Harvest” Center, which is named after my late mother; that will be an outlet for young people. We will utilize it for tutorials services, dance groups or for any other creative needs. I want to add a recording studio, computer lab and space for after school activities.

Although the main building is the larger of the two, it is dedicated to feeding the homeless. “Hope for Harvest” is primarily dedicated to the young people. We’ve dedicated the building, but Üi >Ài } Ì vwV > Þ «i v À LÕÃ iÃÃ in the Spring 2017.

Root:: What can gospel artist do better to become more mainstream?

Root:: You are very fashionable, will there be a “C. Brewton” fashion line coming soon?

Catherine Brewton: I know what my lane is. I’ve had opportunities and partnerships with Valentino and some other designers, but producing a line is not something that I would like to do because of time. However, I would like to travel and give my efforts to giving back. For the next two years, I would like to focus on the services that the center provides. Although I love fashion and being fortunate to work with all of the designers, I don’t foresee that being my forte. But, if someone comes with the right specs, then I may reconsider the notion. With all of the time I am rendering to BMI, I don’t think I would have to time to fully commit. In addition to everything else I have going on, I am

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Catherine Brewton: I don’t think it’s a question of doing things better. In order for your music to be impactful outside of your genre, you would have to write the songs that would translate outside of gospel music. There are people who seamlessly do it, because they write great music. Those who try to make rhythmic pop records, often times fail because they’re trying to assimilate something that can’t compete. Kirk Franklin and others have been successful because they write great songs, the production is comparable and it can live in any format. Do what they do. If your calling is just Gospel Music, do that well. Although the church is the foundation for Gospel Music to tour, they still need to start looking at other platforms to see how Ì iÞ ` Ì }ð >Li à ii` Ì w}ÕÀi ÕÌ > way to make these tours make sense and get them out of the four walls of the church.

Root:: Who are some of your favorite artists?

Catherine Brewton: I love Brandy of whom I have known since she was 18 years old. You cannot talk about favorites and not talk about Brandy, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Prince and so many others who are no longer here. But Brandy to me is one of the best voices in the game. Kim Burrell also has an extraordinary voice. Quite honestly, sometimes when I’m in my car, I don’t even play

music because so much of my life is music.

However, if I want to hear something, I’ll listen to what’s new on Spotify or talk radio.

Musically, I am a 90’s R&B girl. I love Toni Braxton. I enjoy really enjoy listening to any melodic Gospel Music.

Root:: What are your thoughts on the evolution of the BMI Trailblazers?

Catherine Brewton: It has been 18 years!

When you look at the evolution of what this has become to now being a televised, it has become pretty epic. Now, we have to turn down more people than what we can ever accommodate. I think this is just a testament of what I’ve tried to do with the show.

In other words, it wasn’t about a television show or to gain a platform. BMI Trailblazers was my way of taking some of the gospel greats music and put a new spin on it with the younger voices paying homage. I think we’ve done that really well. I can lay down at night and say “I’ve been an integral part of this.” I don’t have a price tag and we honor who makes sense in that season. Interestingly enough, so artists have submitted themselves to be honored. That’s how big this show has become. I am however, extraordinarily happy with this years selection. I personally made the call to Marvin Sapp and Kim Burrell.

When I spoke to Marvin, he was so humbled and was actually in tears. He began to give all of the accolades and proceeds to tell me that “this” is indeed my calling. As an inward thought, I instances when those you choose to honor receive it with such humility, those are the moments that I cherish most.

Photography by Bruce McKinzy

BMI HONORS

The Voice

MS. KIM BURRELL

BY TORIN DEREK

BEYONCÉ, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, HARRY CONNICK, JR, BRANDY AND SO MANY OTHERS REVERE HER VOICE, HER TECHNIQUE, HER STYLE. EVEN THE LATE, GREAT WHITNEY HOUSTON WORSHIPPED KIM BURRELL FROM A MUSICAL STANDPOINT, AS SEEN ON BET HONORS A FEW YEARS BACK. ALTHOUGH HER RECORD SALES AND ACCOLADES DON’T COME CLOSE TO MATCHING HER GIFT, ONE THING IS FOR SURE, KIM BURRELL IS WITHOUT A DOUBT “THE VOICE” OF A GENERATION.

Root: How does it feel to be considered “legendary” and honored for your work?

Kim Burrell: To be called “legendary” feels rewarding, gratifying and I feel complimented that the Lord has given me something that is retained in the hearts and minds of people. To be celebrated by your peers and your publishing company feels great.

Root: What are your thoughts on the current state of Gospel Music?

Kim Burrell: There is so much to Gospel. The message, the sound, variety, so many components and so many years has been put into Gospel music that it is a staple in the hearts

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and minds of many. Those who have gained careers in the Pop and R&B worlds also credit Gospel as their foundation and their “go-to.” Most of your current R&B and Pop artist reference people such as myself and many others in Gospel music as their “go-to.” Gospel is here and it is a staple for now and always. It is the soundtrack of what the Bible represents, The Good News.

I do believe that is in on an incline with a lot of the up and coming artist, musicians and writers who have interest in telling the story about the Lord. There is so much creativity in the hallways and auditoriums of schools and people are trying to enhance Gospel with skilled music.

Speaking with Pharrell, he has a very high interest in Gospel. I believe that Gospel Music is on the incline again.

Root: What is the story behind “I See A Victory” with Pharrell Williams?

Kim Burrell: “I See A Victory” was a song in the heart of Pharrell before the conception of the movie “Hidden Figures.” He is not just the soundtrack provider, but he is one of Ì i ÝiVÕÌ Ûi *À `ÕViÀÃ v Ì i w ° When Pharrell composed this song, he reached out to me and said “Kim, no one could convey this song like you.” I am thankful that he and his wife expressed that they listened to my music down through the years.

When this moment came to talk about

“victory,” he felt that there needed to be a Gospel delivery with someone strong and all of the things that he referred to me as being. Thankfully, I possess those qualities that caused him to call me.

When we did the Toronto Film Festival, this year, in the interview sat Pharrell, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. The soundtrack came up, Taraji turns to Pharrell and says, “Thank you so much for choosing Kim Burrell. We love her.” It means so much to me that it’s not just him who believes in my voice. Once the executives at 20th Century Fox heard the song, they said “No, this song is too powerful.

We her voice throughout the movie.”

Since recording “I See A Victory,” I have since gone back to the scoring studio in Los Angeles and lended my voice to 14 other scenes of the movie. My spirit is really involved in Ì Ã w > ` > Ài> Þ «À Õ`° Root: How does it feel to be an ambassador to bridge the Gospel and secular genres?

Kim Burrell: It feels like the message is getting across in not just my talent, but my purpose. I don’t think about the four walls that we call “the church” because I believe that we are “the church.” This compelling and compassionate involvement that I have in music feels so good to be able contribute to people’s lives directly and indirectly. I think it’s strictly because I talk about the Supreme Power. I am grateful for my gift because I think I have used my gift as unto The Creator and He has done the rest. He has compelled, empowered, enlightened, inspired and has called many people from different genres to pay attention to Him through the attractions of His gifts. I consider it an honor, a privilege and I gird myself ready for the journey.

Root: Throughout your 30 years in the music business, what are some things that you have learned along the way?

Kim Burrell: I have learned to be very sure of who I am as an individual.

Some people go to the religious and spiritual side, which is essential.

However, when you view this industry from a career prospective, you have to know who you are as an individual.

It’s very necessary to pay attention to the trichotomy of man, because it’s going to be pulled on in every à ÌÕ>Ì ° / Li Ì i wi ` v Õà V that I am, it’s not strictly about album sales. I have learned that you have to pay attention to your audience, the people, the world along with its issues; you cannot be so “heavenly bound until you’re no earthly good.”

You have to have morals, a character, an appreciation for others and selfrespect. When you respect yourself you guard yourself from others, but you want to display your illumination and wisdom of The Creator.

Being in this industry for over 30 years, I have observed the behaviors and talent of all who are involved from the musicians, singers, songwriters, producers and artist as well as the participants in the audience, backstage handlers, drivers and all of the components to the world called “industry.” Paying attention and marking time has really helped me to be sustain.

Root: What was the purpose of the title to your 2015 album, “A Different Place?”

Kim Burrell: Down through the years, I have interviewed a lot of artist as friends and as colleagues. A lot of them have one major thing in common; they have often referenced what they have gone through or going through when writing their music. I didn’t feel that I need to do that, because I have practiced to be very private as an individual. I often thought that to reveal an intimate side of you through music was a bit risqué, until I realized that you are who you are. As I was recording, “A Different Place,” my mother passed away. I sang from a pain, a reality and a newness of life that was very unfamiliar. My direction was very honest, open, spiritual, sad, happy

and that was very different for me.

Out of the seven records I have recorded, I always had a plan with the studio and record company with deadlines. Normally, I had a plan to go into the studio and knock it out. Not this time. This time, I had to live it and embrace my emotional reality while still doing what I’ve always done. It was very different for me, but it was something that I had to do because I’ve been called to it. At times I could hear my precious mother speaking to me and encouraging me. She knew that her leaving this earth would affect my life so deeply. I had to depend on everything I have learned about the Lord to sustain my mind and emotions because I very close to my mom.

Root: What have you learned through your friendship with Whitney Houston?

Kim Burrell: Whitney taught me that “trusting” is an authentic trait that can be used. Trust is a valuable source of life. She taught me how to be very adamant of myself without any apology; not just by watching, but through conversation and her personal experience of being born an icon while proving her iconic status. When Whitney passed, I started doing a lot of interviews with news outlets. The interviewer from Nightline asked me how did I feel about the evidence of how she died and that there were drugs in her system. I told him that I was more overwhelmed about Whitney’s 25 year career that brought America so much pride to be able to say the name “Whitney” in every continent across this world. I wasn’t evading the question, but within that moment, I was very defensive and loving of her as I am today. I learned that she was poised for the life that she >`° "vÌi ] ÀiyiVÌ Ã i v Ì i things she had to do to prepare for the public even when she knew, as a person, she was not at her best. She still thought enough of the world to consider what she meant to them.

Whitney taught me to consider

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what you mean to others and make preparation for that.

Root: When did you know that God called you to Pastor?

Kim Burrell: I knew the Lord called me to pastor around the age of 22 or 24. At that time, I was on a 10-year traveling schedule. I was at LaGuardia Airport with some of my singers and the Lord spoke to me and said I had the anointing to pastor. I was so upset. I didn’t want to pastor, because I grew up in a church where pastoring seemed far less celebrated than what I wanted be a part of. I was used to the singing world where they clap after you’re w à ` } Ü >Ì Þ Õ ` ° 7>ÌV } my father be a Pastor and my mother be a First Lady, I didn’t see the claps after they took people home after church who didn’t have a ride or after they emptied out our cupboards to

feed another family. When the Lord called me, at the time, I only had my parents to reference. It didn’t excite i >Ì wÀÃÌ] ÕÃÌ i > Þ Ì iÀ Ì i when the Lord speaks and tells you to do something. It compelled me and cause me to walk in the responsibility.

Many years later, I took heed to that call and did it.

I answered, “It’s simply who I am, K.I. M... keeping it moving” She was intrigued by my answer and asked if I would be interested in doing television. I said of course and the rest is history. It was just that simple.

Root: What is “Keeping It Moving with Kim Burrell?”

Kim Burrell: I just recorded “Kim Burrell- Live in Miami.” In 2017, I am going to be releasing some Christmas music. I am looking release a two books. 2017 is going to be a spectacular and mind-blowing year for Kim Burrell.

Kim Burrell: It started as a conversation with television producer, Jacqueline Oluto, who heard me speaking on a panel at the University of Houston concerning “the arts.”

I didn’t know her at the time, but she was a part of the panel as well. I caught her attention with the things that I was saying and doing. We were out to dinner and she stopped in the middle of the conversation to ask me “How do you do all that you do?”

Root: Tell us about your upcoming projects.

A Global Movement with Bishop Neil Ellis THREE YEARS AGO, BISHOP NEIL ELLIS LEFT FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP WITH NO ANIMOSITY OR REGRET. SOON AFTER, HE FORMED GLOBAL UNITED FELLOWSHIP, AN ALL DENOMINATIONAL FELLOWSHIP WHOSE MANDATE IS TO UNITE, EQUIP, ENHANCE MARRIAGES AND FAMILY, RESURRECT THE DYING DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER AND BUILD GENUINE FELLOWSHIP. GUF NOW BOASTS OVER 700 CHURCHES WORLDWIDE. THE BAHAMAS NATIVE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON FAMILY, POLICE BRUTALITY AND WHERE THE FELLOWSHIP WILL BE IN TEN YEARS. Root: How does a young man from the Bahamas ascend upon the United States and gain tremendous trust among more than 700 churches?

Bishop Neil Ellis: While the fellowship is fairly new, my name is not new among American churches and pastors. I have been preaching throughout America for the past 26 years. I think what has developed over the years is not just a camaraderie, but being able to maintain integrity; which is important in this season. Now, pastors and leaders are looking to connect with people that they can trust and believe in. I think that’s one of the reasons people are joining the fellowship, because of the leadership. That puts pressure on me to maintain integrity; because as fast as you gain followers, you can lose them if what attracted them to the fellowship no longer exists. It is important that leaders maintain a high and ethical moral standard.

Root: There is an uprising of police brutality in America. Do the citizens of the Bahamas have to deal with this as well?

Bishop Neil Ellis: No, police brutality is foreign to us. This is not to suggest that we do not have our share of crime and violence; but this issue of inequality and injustice is not prominent in the Bahamas. Our greatest concern is a retaliation kind of violence with people killing one another because someone killed another individual. We are one people, so we rarely see that. We are also a predominantly black country and our forces are predominantly black, so we don’t have the issue of “White vs. Black” and “Black on Black” crime is somewhat non-existent.

Root: In a time when people are losing churches, what can you say to individuals who are losing hope?

Bishop Neil Ellis: If you’re losing hope, it means that your hope >à Lii LÕ Ì «iÀà > Ì ið - iÀ À >ÌiÀ] yiÃ Ü v> Þ Õ° Man is going to disappoint you. When you really put your focus in the right place and anchor your hope in Jesus, as He becomes the solid foundation of your life, it’s hard to lose hope even when you’re discouraged.

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Root: How important has your family been with the building of your church and ministry?

Bishop Neil Ellis: Family is so important and has become a huge «>ÀÌ v Ì i wÛi «À }à v ÕÀ vi Üà «° " i v Ì i «À }Ã Ã Ì enhance marriages and families. If we look at what’s happening, we have to conclude that there is a calculated, satanic and wellvÕ `i` ÃÌÀ>Ìi}Þ `ià } i` Ì i Ì iÀ `iÃÌÀ Þ À Ài`iw i v> Þ° Those of us in the body of Christ that are lovers of family and the institution of marriage, must do what is necessary to prove that marriage is as wonderful as God ordained it to be. We have to Ài`iw i Ì Ì > i Ì Ã iÌ } Ü `iÀvÕ ° 4QQV 9JCV CTG [QW NQQMKPI HQT YKVJKP VJG PGZV ƂXG [GCTU QH Global United Fellowship?

Bishop Neil Ellis: I love that question, because I have a ten year plan for the fellowship, and three years are already done. My responsibility is to change the face of the church. Before you can do that, the Lord gave me the analogy of remodeling and Ài Û>Ì }° / i wÀÃÌ « >Ãi v Ài Û>Ì Ã] V } ` Ü Ü> Ã Ã Ì >Ì Þ Õ V> ÀiV ÃÌÀÕVÌ° / >Ì Ã Ü Þ Þ wÀÃÌ iÃÃ>}i Ü>Ã “The Walls Are Falling.” I’ve allocated three years of the knocking down of walls. We are at the end of knocking down walls. The next two years is allocated to clean up the debris. In those two Þi>ÀÃ] Üi½ Li V ÀÀiVÌ } > Ì v iÀÀ ÀÃ Ì i L `Þ] wÝ } Ã i things in our fellowship and reappointing some individuals. We have put some people in place and come to the realization that they were misplaced. They are good people, but they are in the wrong place. We have to clean up the debris and put people Ü iÀi Ì iÞ Li }° / i w > wÛi Þi>ÀÃ Ü Li Ì V ÃÌÀÕVÌ > ` for me to carry out the assignment. I have served notice that I’m prepared to give the fellowship ten years, after which, I think it will be time for the next leader to come forth. -H. James

Class Is In V

OCAL COACH TO THE STARS, ASHAALA SHANAE SHARES SECRETS ABOUT VOCAL HEALTH THAT ALL SINGERS NEED TO KNOW! AS TOLD TO TORIN DEREK As a vocal coach who works with a plethora of gospel artists, what is the biggest mistake gospel artists in particular, make when they sing?

One of the biggest mistakes most gospel artists make when they sing is not using their diaphragmatic muscle correctly to help extract the air out of the lungs, which connects to the vocal folds in order to produce the best quality of sound. Diaphragmatic Breathing is 80% of singing and speaking support. Most gospel singers end up singing from the throat color which ends causing a lot of vocal health issues in the long run.

There are many people in the gospel music industry who sing as well as preach. Is that a recipe for disaster when it comes to misusing their vocal cords?

Absolutely! Especially if there isn’t proper vocal health and vocal pedagogy practices being done. There are 4 main ways in YJKEJ YG|WVKNK\G|QWT XQECN HQNFU singing, speaking, yelling, and whispering. If the vocal folds are not sustained properly with adequate vocal health etiquette and techniques, the “Singing Preacher” can damage the

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vocal folds severely, which in the long run affects their career KP OKPKUVT[ |/QUV UKPIGTU VJCV preach, especially those that may “hoop” as we say in the black church, end up utilizing a part of the voice box called the “Ventricular folds”.

For years, we’ve all heard stories about legends like Aretha Franklin and Barbra Streisand not performing at venues with air conditioning, in an effort to preserve their voices. Are these legends over-reacting?

No, not at all. It is important that the singer practice vocal health etiquette on and off stage. Poor vocal health etiquette contributes to almost 60% of vocal health issues.

When performing at any venue, it is important that the air conditioning is not too cool, as this may cause dehydration in the vocal folds and provoke sinus pressure, allergies, nasal congestion, and/or a head cold.

It is also important to make sure that the air conditioning is not too warm or that the green room isn’t too warm, as that may cause moisture which produces mold.

Let’s face it, there are many gospel singers out there who are overweight. It’s actually accepted in gospel music. How important is diet, as it pertains to singing effectively?

1DGUKV[ FGƂPKVGN[ RNC[U a factor in how a singer effectively sings. There is a big misconception in the gospel

Session

with Ashaala Shanae

music industry that says, the larger the singer is in size, the better or more powerful they can sing. Obesity can cause major health issues for a singer which have a direct affect on the the vocal folds. These health issues may KPENWFG JQTOQPCN|EJCPIGU KP VJG DQF[ which can alter a singer’s register and vocal range. Obesity also causes complications with physical stamina and endurance while performing on stage, as well as other medical health issues that can affect the vocal folds such as heart disease, high blood RTGUUWTG CEKF TGĆƒWZ CPF QT KPHGEVKQPU caused by mucus build up.

You are an amazing singer in your own right. You’re debut album “Matters of the Heart� was a solid piece of work that you released independently. When can we expect to hear new music from you? |

who sought after my expertise right after experiencing vocal health issues, which caused him to have surgery on his vocal folds. He felt at the time that he wasn’t fully rehabilitated the way he should have been and therefore enrolled in my “Vocal Acceler-8�

Program. Within that program, using my custom designed curriculum and practicums, I was able to provide him with effective vocal health tips, as well as pedagogical techniques to prepare and sustain him through his recent live TGEQTFKPI CPF PGY CNDWO p(GCTNGUUq | I remember interviewing an opera singer years ago and she said that many gospel and urban artists don’t really know technique, causing them to use their ÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂŒĂ€Ă•Â“iÂ˜ĂŒ ˆ˜VÂœĂ€Ă€iVĂŒÂ?Þ° Âœ ĂžÂœĂ• w˜` ĂŒÂ…>ĂŒ ĂŒÂœ be the case?

+ LWUV Ć‚PKUJGF TGEQTFKPI C PGY UKPING entitled, “Big God,â€? a Reggae Gospel worship anthem which features International Gospel Reggae recording artist, Papa San. I am also working on a Live worship album scheduled for recording in (GDTWCT[ |

Absolutely! It’s the worst mistake any gospel and/or urban artist could make.

There’s a myth that says that if you can naturally sing, then you don’t need to get any vocal health or pedagogy training and that is far from the truth. Most great athletes still have coaches! One of the best voices of all times, Celine Dion, still conditions and maintains her healthy vocals with the aid of a Vocal Pedagogy expert. It is important that singers invest in their voice, which is their brand, and learn to sustain their brand by investing in practicums that will equip them for NQPIGXKV[ KP VJGKT ECTGGTU ||

You have worked with a plethora of artist.

In your opinion, what artist has made the most progress?

Are your services just geared toward ĂƒÂˆÂ˜}iĂ€ĂƒÂś 7Â…Âœ iÂ?Ăƒi V>˜ Li˜iwĂŒ vĂ€ÂœÂ“ ĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ services?

I was super elated to work with eOne recording artist, Jonathan Nelson,

My services are geared towards any one that uses their vocal folds

for ministry, career, and/or business advancement. This includes but are not limited to: Singers, Rappers, Poets, Actors, Public Speakers, Pastors, Radio and Television Personalities, Educators, Lawyers, Politicians, Debaters, Hosts, Emcees, Voice Overs, Announcers and OCP[ OQTG | Who is your dream client?

Wow...I have so many, but I would have to say, Lalah Hathaway!

Give us a synopsis of the Music and Arts Healing Institute.

6JG /WUKE CPF #TVU *GCNKPI|+PUVKVWVGv

/#*+ KU C|/WNVK 'PVGTVCKPOGPV 5GTXKEGU Consulting Firm which provides a EWUVQO FGUKIPGF |U[NNCDK CPF U[UVGO QH over 12 years of professional study and Music Industry experience; targeted towards helping Music, Entertainment, and Media Professionals as well as nonmusic industry Creatives artistically and holistically heal through four (4) Artistic curriculum streams involving: Vocal Health and Pedagogy; Songwriting Mastery and Expressive Writing; Artist Development and Music Business Mentoring; and Character Enrichment for Entertainers and Public Figures.

For more information regarding Programs and Curriculums of the Music CPF #TVU *GCNKPI +PUVKVWVGv XKUKV www. themahi.com or call, (513) 435-7007.

Connect with Ashaala Shanae on all social media outlets: @ashaalashanae.

Connect with the M.A.H.I. Program on all social media outlets: @ themahiprogram.

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>ÃÌ Þi>À] / i ÕvwiÃ] Ü V V à ÃÌ v à L }Ã] i `> ] i Û Ã ­ Þ`i® > ` V i i] >`i our Top 5 power players and has since moved full speed ahead. To give you a bit of insight, D3 Entertainment has worked on an array of television programs and faith based movies, V Õ` } £ L Ý vwVi Ìà 7>À , ] , Ãi > ` `½Ã Ì i>`° / iÃi Û ià >` à > budgets, however, the marketing strategies of D3 have resulted in a 50% increase in the ƂvÀ V> Ƃ iÀ V> v> Ì L>Ãi` >Õ` i Vi] > ` Ài Ì > fÇää ÀiÛi Õi v À w studios. Their grassroots marketing and promotions work on Boo! A Madea Halloween, i «i` Ì i Û i }À Ãà fÇx >Ì Ì i L Ý vwVi] > ÃÌ>}}iÀ } Õ LiÀ v À > Ãi>à > movie. Their next movie, The Shack, featuring Academy Award® winner, Octavia Spencer, is set to be another big win for D3! Additionally, the company boasts numerous #1 records from artists including Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Tasha Cobbs and Mary Mary. Due to the ÛiÀÜ i } ÃÕVViÃÃ Ü Ì Î ÌiÀÌ> i Ì] / i Õvwià >Õ V i` Î Õà V À Õ« 2016. Distributed by Sony/Provident Distribution, under the agreement, D3 Music Group will sign artists, record, release new music and provide creative oversight of specialized «À iVÌð / À Õ} Ì Ã `i> ] Ì i wÀÃÌ > LÕ Ài i>Ãi` LÞ Î Õà V À Õ« Ü>à i ÕÀ - Õ Inspired By, which features the new song Back to You from Mary Mary, and let’s be clear, it Ü>Ã Ì i ÕvwiÃ Ü LÀ Õ} Ì >ÀÞ >ÀÞ ÕÌ v > wÛi Þi>À ÀiV À` } >ÌÕð

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@d3egroup

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D3 6JG &WHƂGU D3 Entertainment/D3 Music Group

@davidandtamela

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DmTm2 David & Tamela Mann

David and Tamela Mann epitomize the term “Family Affair”. The fact that they both began their careers as lead vocalists of Kirk Franklin and The Family some 20 plus years ago, is mind boggling.

They furthered their career by becoming actors in movies and in television, courtesy of Tyler Perry, ÞiÌ Ì iÞ V Ì Õi Ì > i ÃÌÀ `ià Õà V] w > ` Ìi iÛ Ã ° / i À ÃVÀ «Ìi` Ã Ü Õ Vi /6] Mann and Wife, has been renewed for a third season after garnering over six million viewers in Season 2 alone. Their hit reality series It’s A Mann’s World, was also a ratings juggernaut and has also been renewed for a third season. After being distributed by Central South Distribution for her wÀÃÌ Ì Àii > LÕ Ã] >ÃÌ ÃÕ iÀ] / i > ý / Þ > Õà V À Õ«] > Õ Vi` Ì i à } } v > agreement with Sony RED Distribution for physical and digital distribution in the U.S. and Canada.

The distributor released Tamela’s current project, One Way, and the album’s second single, God Provides, is another smash hit. To top off an already incredible year, Tamela Mann’s recordbreaking single, Take Me To The King, received the highly coveted honor of an RIAA platinum ViÀÌ wV>Ì Ü Ì Ài Ì > i à } ià à `°

TillyMann Music Group/ Reality TV Stars

Long gone are his days as an intern for Arista Records. Phil Thornton is the ultimate “Renaissance Man” who has carved out an amazing path for himself in not just Gospel Music, but in entertainment as a whole. Thornton had a very impressive 2016, as he was appointed by the Gospel Music Association to sit on the Board of Directors as a Vice-President. He was also named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the #1 gospel label in the world, RCA Inspiration, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, where he works with a wide range of inspirational artists including Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp and Donnie McClurkin.

Prior to his position at RCA, Thornton served as Vice President and General Manager, Urban Inspirational at eOne Music, where i ÛiÀÃ>Ü > ` ÛiÀà wi` ÃÌ v ëi ] À ÃÌ > ] > ` ,E >ÀÌ ÃÌà such as Lalah Hathaway, Erica Campbell, Michelle Williams, Shirley Caesar, Jonathan McReynolds, and Tweet. In addition to those duties, Thornton still served as executive producer on the eOne-created hit show It’s a Mann’s World, starring David and Tamela Mann, which airs on BET and is going into its third season. His company, Ten2One Entertainment, struck rating gold when last October, Ten2One along with Sony Pictures Television > ` / v>VÌ ÀÞ i` >] Ài i>Ãi` Ì i >`i v À /6 w ] Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Miche’le. The biopic, based on the life of R&B recording artist Miche’le, premiered on Lifetime Network and garnered an impressive average of 2.3 million viewers the night it debuted. But even with all of his success, this “Power Player under {ä»] ÃÌ w `Ã Ì i Ì } Ûi L>V ] >à i à i>Û Þ Û Ûi` Ü Ì -Ì° Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This is why, for the second year in a row, Phil Thornton is Root Magazine’s #1 Power Player. Will three be a charm?

@rcainspiration @phillionaire1911

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Pt1 Phil Thornton RCA Inspiration/Ten2One Entertainment

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@kirkfranklin

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Kf 6 Kirk Franklin

Since the inception of this list, Kirk Franklin has managed to be in the number every single time. At 46 years old, the Dallas native has transcended gospel music both on and off the stage. We all know that Kirk is known for collaborating with artists outside of gospel music, so it was no surprise when Kanye West performed the song Ultralight Beam on Saturday Night Live, he brought out Franklin along with new Hip-Hop sensation, Chance the Rapper. In the same month he won his 10th Grammy® for the song Wanna Be Happy and in the summer of 2016, he recruited “Mr. Happy” himself, producer Pharrell Williams, for a fresh version of his second single 123 Victory from his Grammy® nominated album Losing My Religion, which topped Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart last fall. Undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights of 2016 for Franklin and fans alike was the 20 Years in One Night Tour in conjunction with Live Nation. The initial 24-city concert tour kicked off in Miami in March of 2016 and went to other major U.S. cities including: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Oakland and Washington, D.C. The tour was so successful that it was extended due to overwhelming demand and returned for an additional 14 dates, hitting an impressive 38 V Ì iÃ Ì Ì> ° " i v Ì i ÃÌ «À wV à }ÜÀ ÌiÀà v ÕÀ Ì i] i Ài«i>Ìi` Ì i >} V v Take Me To The King with God Provides for Tamela Mann, as the latter ended off 2016 as #1 Gospel song for 12 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Gospel Indicator Chart.

Artist/Songwriter/Producer

imericacampbell For 14 years and 7 albums, Erica Campbell was consistently side by side with sister Tina and had a very successful career as one of the top selling duo’s of all-time with the group, >ÀÞ >ÀÞ° ÕÌ Óä£{] ] `iV `i` Ì ÃÌi« ÕÌ iÀ Ü > ` Ài i>Ãi` iÀ wÀÃÌ iÛiÀ solo project entitled Help. The album went on to win several awards, including a Grammy® for Best Gospel Album. In the spring of 2016, Erica enjoyed more success with her sister when Season 5 of their self-titled reality show continued to air in over 1.3 million homes i>V Üii ° " i Ì >vÌiÀ Ì i -i>à x w > i] > «Li Ài« >Vi` The Yolanda Adams Morning Show with her very own morning show- Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, which is nationally syndicated and can be heard every weekday 6am-10am ET. Her love for hair propelled her into the hair industry, where she became a global ambassador and partner for VeMa Couture Hair. Her line, titled, Erica by Erica Campbell, features bundles and wigs made exclusively with Indian virgin vegan Rey hair and is available in three different textures and a variety of lengths. Go Erica!

@PastorShirleyCaesar

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Sc 4 Shirley Caesar Artist/Social Media Sensation

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Ec5 Erica Campbell Get Up! Mornings/ Reality TV Star

What an amazing year it has been for the Queen of Gospel, Pastor Shirley Caesar. For over 50 years, Caesar has recorded over 40 albums, toured around the world twice over, received 11 Grammy® Awards and in 2016 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Even at the age of 78, The Reigning Queen of Gospel, has managed to debut at the the top of the Billboard charts yet again with her latest offering, Fill This House. Not only ` ` Ì i ÀiV À` } ÀiVi Ûi > À> ÞÁ >Ì v À iÃÌ Ã«i Ƃ LÕ ] Ì i wÀÃÌ Ã } i] It’s Alright, It’s Ok (feat. Anthony Hamilton), also garnered a Grammy® nomination for Best Gospel performance, in addition to a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement at the 59th Annual Grammy® Awards. It was however, a unorthodox approach that made Pastor Shirley Caesar a household name in 2016, when the #UNameItChallenge hit social media like a ton of bricks! Everyone from multi-platinum recording artist, Chris Brown, to popular talk show host Wendy Williams (on which Caesar appeared as a realm-life hot topic), danced and twerked to Caesar’s Hip-Hop fueled version of her classic, Hold My Mule. While the world was dancing to her song, Caesar, who has a Bachelors degree in Business from Shaw University, danced all the way to the bank, as the lyrics “I got greens, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb, rams, hogs, dogs” put her in another tax bracket. Just one week after the #UNameItChallenge went viral, www.unameitshirley.com was launched and served up some great items just in time for the holiday season. Everything from aprons to mugs to tote bags to ugly Christmas sweaters were some of the hot ticket items on the site. U name it, she sold it!

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@notkarltonbanks

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As the old saying goes, “Laughter is good for the soul” and nobody seems to know that more than Karlton Humes (AKA Notkarltonbanks). Humes has become an overnight internet sensation with his brand of church humor that has millions of people laughing each day from a 30 second video. Characters like Lee Lee and Patrice have become our guilty pleasure, and the familiarity and nostalgia of it all is what keeps us coming back for more. With over half a million followers on Instagram and over 620K Likes on Facebook, the 23 year-old University of Arkansas graduate used his popularity to his advantage and partnered with the aspiring media group Emoticon to create an array of Notkarltonbanks emojis available for both iPhone and Android devices. When the app was released it was the #2 most purchased emoji application, second only to funnyman, Kevin Hart. To top off an already amazing year, the multi-talented internet sensation was handpicked by Grammy® award winner Erykah Badu as one of 2016’s Internet Sensations of the Year and received a special award from the Neo Soul singer in front of 1.7 million viewers at the Soul Train Music Awards.

Karlton Humes Internet Sensation/Comedian

Back in 1976, Dr. Leonard Scott co-founded Tyscot Records along with his nephew, Craig Tyson.

Get it..Ty, Scot? 40 years later, the label is the oldest existing black-owned recording label in the 1 Ìi` -Ì>ÌiÃ] > ` >Ã > `i«i `i Ì] ÃÌ > v ÀVi Ì Li ÀiV i` Ü Ì ° ÕÀ } Ì i wÀÃÌ µÕ>ÀÌiÀ v 2016, Tyscot’s latest top selling act, Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy, was nominated for their ÛiÀÞ wÀÃÌ À> ÞÁ v À Ì i Ì Ã } Worth and also won an astounding 10 for 10 Stellar Awards, making history for Brown and Tyscot Records. Over the years, Tyscot has introduced the world to gospel superstars like John P. Kee, Deitrick Haddon, VaShawn Mitchell and Lonnie Hunter, all of Ü V >Õ V i` Ì i À V>ÀiiÀÃ Ü Ì /ÞÃV Ì° >ÃÌ ƂÕ}ÕÃÌ] Ì i ÃÌ À V >Li Ü>Ã V Õ`i` wÛi categories at the GMA Dove Awards, bringing home one for Urban Worship Recorded Song of the Year for the song Worth by Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy. The highlight of 2016 came when Tyscot Records received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards that took place on October 11, 2016 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, proving that Tyscot has literally been making great gospel music for a lifetime, and show no signs of slowing down.

LsBs9 Dr. Leonard Scott Bryant Scott Tyscot Records

@bowtyetrib

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Tt 8 Tye Tribbett Joyful Noise/Songwriter

To say that Tye Tribbett had a great 2016 would be an understatement. The 2x Grammy® winner recorded a highly anticipated live album, featuring the reunion of his former group, G.A. and was also tapped to co-host one of the most coveted award shows in Gospel and Christian Music: The Dove Awards. But the opportunity of a lifetime came when Dr. Bobby Jones decided to call it quits after hosting the show that bear his name for an unprecedented 35 years. Tribbett, a Camden, New Jersey native, was asked to host a new Sunday morning BET show Joyful Noise, which premiered last fall, and for which he also wrote the theme song. As if that were not enough, the 40 year-old planted a church in his new home of Orlando, Florida and the response has been overwhelming.

One of the biggest breaks of Tribbett’s songwriting career came last summer when American Idol and Grammy® winner, Fantasia, premiered her second single I Made It, from iÀ wvÌ ÃÌÕ` > LÕ ] / i iw Ì "vo Ûi Good Morning America, which has a viewership of @MotownGospel over four million daily viewers. The song, written @ejgaines

by Tribbett, is a song about weathering the 45K 35K storm, ultimately making it out on top, something Tribbett surely did in 2016!

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This 30-something year old, real life attorney, probably had one of the best years ever both personally and professionally. On the personal side, he and his wife- rising gospel star, Janice Gaines, LiV> i «Ài} > Ì Ü Ì Ì i À wÀÃÌ V `° *À viÃà > Þ] i > >}i` Ã Ü vi½Ã V>ÀiiÀ > ` Ü>ÌV i` her debut album “Greatest Life Ever” crack the Top 10 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

Additionally, he also managed the careers of Grammy® nominees William McDowell and Jonathan McReynolds, who both had major success in 2016. In May of 2016, Gaines was appointed for a one year term, as Secretary of the Gospel Music Association and last Fall, Gaines was handpicked

by Ken Pennell, President of Gospel Music at Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) to operate as Vice President of Marketing. In this position, Gaines will further the label’s mission by building upon its artist signing and development strategies, in addition to overseeing Commercial Partnerships, Publicity and Events, Digital Marketing, Content Creation/Monetization, Sync and Business Affairs. A far cry from his days as owner and operator of gospelpundit.com

Eg7 EJ Gaines Motown Gospel/PathLight Entertainment

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@bishophez

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Hw14 Hezekiah Walker The Hezekiah Walker Show/ Mid-day Praise/Artist

For 31 years, the name Hezekiah Walker has been synonymous with choir music and for a myriad of years, songs like I’ll Make It, Clean Inside, Power Belongs to God, Souled Out and others, have set the tone for today’s choir music sound. Last summer, Walker reunited The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir for a SOLD OUT- One Night Only event at the Kings Theater in his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. For the second year in a row, he co-headlined The Festival of Praise Tour with Fred Hammond and still found time to host a daily radio show on New York’s WLIB 1190 AM. There are a plethora of artists who host their own radio show; Erica Campbell, Yolanda Adams, Maurette Brown Clark, Donnie McClurkin and many others, but multiple Grammy® winner, Hezekiah Walker, can now make claim as the host of two radio shows that bear his name. Not only did Walker continue to host his top-rated daily radio show in Gospel Music’s top market, New York City, he signed an exclusive syndication and sales partnership with Rejoice! Musical Soul Food. The Hezekiah Walker Show launched last November and is currently in 40 markets, trending well in major cities like Atlanta and Washington D.C. The show targets Urban, Urban AC, Hip-Hop and Gospel stations with a one-hour, weekday music driven Inspirational format to kick-off the mornings with a burst of inspiration. Additionally, Walker has also packaged a two-hour weekend program targeting multi-formats. Lastly, his song Better was the #1 most played gospel song of 2016.

@donmac6453 For well over two decades, this multi-platinum, Stellar, Dove, and Grammy® Award winner and pastor has wowed audiences the world over. With songs like Stand and We Fall Down in his catalog, no one can deny that Donnie McClurkin is indeed Gospel Music royalty. He made headlines last summer when TBN’s Matt Crouch inadvertently announced that McClurkin was getting married to CCM artist, Nicole C. Mullen, claims he swiftly denied; stating that the two were seriously dating at that point, but that marriage was not out of the question. McClurkin is not on this list because of his Grammys, platinum selling albums or marital expectations, his syndicated radio show entitled: The Donnie McClurkin Show, celebrated a full decade in 2016. His show is syndicated in over 70 markets, including Jamaica, Bahamas, The UK and the entire continent of Africa. He has reached #1 in major markets like Philadelphia and New York City.

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Dm13 Donnie McClurkin The Donnie McClurkin Show/ Artist

@c_brewton

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Cb12 Catherine Brewton BMI/Hope for Harvest

There aren’t too many outlets for gospel artists Ì yiÝ Ì i À ÕÃ V> ÕÃV i° À Ã }] / i Stellar Awards was the only outlet for gospel artists to shine. However, some 17 years ago, a “PK” by the name of Catherine Brewton took her love of Gospel Music and turned it into one of the most covetous events in the genre. The BMI Trailblazers of Gospel, has gone from a luncheon to an all out production, televised exclusively for TV One in a multi-year deal, in which Brewton is Executive Producer.

Last year, the annual event, featured tributes celebrating sibling groups BeBe & CeCe Winans and Mary Mary, along with the year’s most successful gospel artists. Tributes given by Tasha Page Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks, Tamia and Marvin Winans, had social media ablaze, solidifying BMI Trailblazers as one of the most electrifying award shows in Gospel Music. Ever the philanthropist, Brewton not only has a heart for music, but a heart for mankind. Her organization, Hope for Harvest, is a Charlotte@eonenashville L>Ãi` v À «À wÌ À}> â>Ì Ì >Ì @theeginamiller provides clothing, school supplies, and necessities for underprivileged children 27K 21K and feeds the homeless. In 2016, the organization opened a brand new state of the art youth center in honor of her late mother, Barbara Brewton.

Just a little over a decade ago, Gina Miller was an intern at Light Records. Today, she sits as VP/ General Manager of the Urban Inspirational division of eOne Music. During a whirlwind industry shake-up last year, Miller was promoted from her former title, VP/National Promotions and Label Relations for eOne to her new title as VP/General Manager, a title that Phil Thornton maintained until his move over to RCA Inspiration. Since being at the helm, Miller oversaw an award-winning roster of A-list artists that span a wide range across the gospel music genre, from traditional and contemporary gospel, to praise and worship, choir and urban inspirational.

In addition to her day to day duties, Gina used her POWER to EMPOWER a plethora of independent artists who had projects out, via her social media pages. She partnered with various media outlets to collaborate on “Gina Miller Presents The Spotlight”, an initiative that allowed artists to celebrate and support one another, as well as get special recognition from Miller and iÀ >vw >Ìið

Gm11 Gina Miller VP/General Manager of Urban Inspiration, eOne

@theegoogoo

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Ga17 Goo Goo Atkins Celebrity Stylist/Reality TV Star

You want to know what to wear, how to wear it, where to get it from, what’s appropriate, what’s not, and everything else in between? Then you need to Let Goo Dress You! Goo Goo Atkins maintains the perfect balance of entertainment and style education on her most recent project with WeTV, Goo RU Style. The web series made its premiere on Youtube and was a huge success. The younger sister of Erica and Tina Campbell has managed to stand on her own two feet, as a sought after fashion stylist to the stars.

She expanded the Let Goo Dress You brand with the opening of her showroom “GHoG Style Suite” located in the L.A. garment district. Goo Goo has crafted a unique design language throughout her decade and a half styling career. In 2016, Atkins launched out and collaborated with designers on custom pieces for her clients. Her outstanding work caught the attention of celebrity clients that include: Neicy Nash, Lisa Raye, Laila Ali, Stacey Barthe, Kierra Sheard, Morris Chestnut, Laz Alonzo and of course, sisters, Erica and / > > «Li ° ÜiÛiÀ] iÀ ÃÌ `iw } i Ì v Óä£È] V> i Ü i à i ÃÌÞ i` Ƃ iÝ Martin (daughter of Oscar winner, Whoopi Goldberg) for the 88th Academy Awards, in an electrifying blue dress that had her name ringing bells on fashion blogs, radio shows and even by Goldberg herself, who sang Goo Goo’s praises on The View.

@theplaymakerscomedy @kevonstage

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Pm16 The Playmakers

2016 was a huge year for the two brothers and a best friend, who’ve managed to turn Christian Comedy into dollars. The Playmakers consist of Jason Fredericks, the witty comedian who has a gift for storytelling, Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks, the actor, writer and probably the most popular of the three, and Anthony Davis, the funny preacher’s kid. It is safe to say that these three young men have taken the social media world by storm! Do popular YouTube videos like: Stuff Black Parents Say, Stuff Choir Members Say, How To Shout In A Black Church and 10 types of Black Preachers ring a bell? If it does, it is because these videos have garnered over 18 million views and counting. Their popularity eventually led to the development of The Playmakers Show, which debuted on Alright TV, a YouTube channel headed by BET Founder, Bob Johnson and producer and business mogul, Tracey Edmonds. The proud entrepreneurs have also written, directed and produced nearly a dozen stage plays and traveled across the nation performing Ì i À Ì Àii > V i`Þ Ã Ü° *Ài«>À } v À Ì i vÕÌÕÀi] Ì iÞ >Ài `iÛi « } À } > w ] television and web projects that focus on relevant issues while taking their audience on an amazing comedic journey.

Christian Comedians/Actors

@marquisbooneent

26K / i Õvw }Ì * ÃÌ `ÕLLi` > Ì Ài >Ì Ûi] >ÀµÕ à i]º/ i ÕÌÕÀi Ûi >Û Ã v ëi ÌiÀÌ> i Ì»° à >Ìi } vÌ v w ` } iÜ Ì> i Ì > ` Õà } i > Ì Ã Ì do so, is what sets him apart from the rest. Marquis Boone keeps his ear to the streets, the church and social media, and his artist Bri (Briana Babineaux), started off 2016 on a high note, as her impromptu New Year’s praise video garnered over 500,000 views on YouTube.

Her debut album Keys To My Heart birthed songs like I’ll Be The One, Love You Forever and Jacob’s Song, which catapulted the album to the #1 spot on the Billboard Gospel Album chart, #138 on the Billboard Top 200 and #9 on the Independent chart. His artist, Casey J, also had an amazing 2016, winning Best New Artist at the 30th Annual Stellar Awards, not to mention her inclusion in the 53-city Festival of Praise Tour, featuring veteran acts and Grammy® winners Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Hezekiah Walker and Regina Belle. Speaking of tour, Boone didn’t wait for any big corporate sponsors to fund his New Artist On The Block Tour featuring Casey J, Briana Babineaux, and new Boone protégé’s, Kelontae Gavin and C West. Quite the entrepreneur, he funded the tour himself. / i wÀÃÌ i} v Ì i Ì ÕÀ >Õ V i` >ÀV v Óä£È] Ãi } ÕÌ > ÃiÛi V Ì ià > ` i>À } a major New York Times write-up revolving around his company and Babineaux’s meteoric rise to fame. The three week extension tour (which included eight more dates) also featured Geoffrey Golden from BET’s reality competition show Sunday Best.

Mb15 Marquis Boone Marquis Boone Enterprises

2016 WAS A TURBULENT YEAR FOR GOSPEL MUSIC, TO SAY THE LEAST. THERE WAS A LOT OF MOVING AROUND IN THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRS IN AN EFFORT TO GIVE THE INDUSTRY A MUCH NEEDED SHAKE-UP. THIS YEAR, MANY OF OUR PLAYERS ARE MADE UP OF PRECISELY ARTISTS, WHICH PROVES THAT ARTISTS ARE MAKING POWER MOVES BEYOND THE STAGE. A FEW HAVE BEEN MAINSTAYS ON THIS LIST, WHILE OTHERS HAVE MADE THEIR INAUGURAL APPEARANCE. RADIO HOSTS, COMEDIANS, SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATIONS, ENTREPRENEURS AND MORE MAKE UP THIS YEAR’S POWER PLAYERS. LET’S SEE WHO MADE THIS LIST THIS GO ROUND. BETTER YET, WHO WILL BE #1?

Ef 20 Eboni Funderburk EFG Radio Promotions & Consulting

RVc19 Ray and Vivian Chew A Night of Inspiration

With almost 20 years in the industry, Eboni Funderburk is a Gospel Music industry veteran. The Washington, D.C. native and graduate of Hampton University, got her start in 1998 as Assistant Editor of Gospel Today Magazine and Managing Editor of Gospel Industry Today Magazine. At the close of the century in 1999, Funderburk broke into the music industry and swiftly rose up the ranks at Verity Records (now RCA Inspiration), and shortly afterwards was brought on staff full-time in the radio promotions department. Before heading up her own company, Funderburk was responsible for the hugely successful break-out record of 2008 with Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” which stayed a total of 79 weeks on the R&R Gospel Chart, and #1 for a record 52 weeks ~the longest running #1 single in the HISTORY of the radio in all formats. For the last eight years, Funderburk has been owner and operator of EFG Radio Promotions & Consulting, a company that specializes in supplemental Gospel radio promotions for major labels, as well as up-and-coming independent Gospel artists. Her workings in 2016 included Jekalyn Carr’s Grammy® nominated song “You’re Bigger”, which landed as the #2 most played gospel song of 2016. In addition, both of crooner, Brian Courtney Wilson’s singles “Worth Fighting For” and “I’ll Just Say Yes” were Top 10 hits.

For over 120 years, Carnegie Hall has been the place where distinctive artists of all walks of life have come to make their names in New York City. This tradition of excellence has made Carnegie Hall an essential part of the city’s cultural fabric and the world’s most famous concert hall. In 1973, the late Andraé Crouch recorded a LIVE album at Carnegie Hall, as did his protégées, The Winans, some 15 years later. Gospel Music has made its mark down through the years, but for the past seven, Ray and Vivian Chew have made Gospel Music a staple at Carnegie Hall with their A Night of Inspiration series. 2016 was by far one of the biggest years for the franchise with a SOLD OUT crowd that featured Gospel Music royalty like: Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Richard Smallwood, Kurt Carr and Pastor Shirley Caesar, alongside concert violinist, Olen Cesari, Jewish liturgical singer, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Operatic tenor, Lawrence Brownlee and Pop music icon, Dionne Warwick. Backed by a 64-piece orchestra and 200 piece mass choir, A Night of Inspiration was the talk of New York City and beyond thanks to musical director, Ray Chew and his producer wife, Vivian Scott Chew. Ray Chew also served as music director for Fox’s American Idol, It’s Showtime at the Apollo, BET’s Sunday Best and the primetime Emmy Awards. Ray’s long-standing history with the BET Network, heading up the music for their biggest annual events include: BET Honors, Celebration of Gospel, and the BET Awards. The Chews were also very instrumental in obtaining major sponsors like Prudential Financial and United Airlines, Inc. for A Night of Inspiration.

Touring in Gospel Music is something that has been an uphill battle for the last decade. That said, Fred Hammond, has managed to defeat the odds and prove Ì >Ì Ì ÕÀ } ëi Õà V ÃÌ Ü À Ã] > ` V> Li ÛiÀÞ «À wÌ>L i° À Ì i Ì À` year in a row, Hammond’s Face to Face Productions presented The Festival of Praise Tour. Like in times past, the tour featured a “Who’s Who” of A-list talent that included Grammy® and Stellar Award winners, Hezekiah Walker, Karen Clark Sheard, Israel Houghton, Regina Belle, Hammond himself, newcomer Casey J and seasoned comedian Earthquake. Not your average gospel concert, FOP 2016 featured skits, lights, camera and staging, mirroring mainstream tours by some of today’s top selling artists.

The tour hit a record breaking 53 U.S. cities and coincided with the release of Hammond’s latest project Worship Journal LIVE, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel albums chart.

Fh18 Fred Hammond Face2Face Productions

@realfredh

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and under are not interested. We have to re-educate our Gospel music consumer and make sure they understand things like “Spotify” and “Apple Music.” We have to make sure that they understand that they can still get music and support their artist through these mediums.

I am raising millennials. My son and daughter don’t buy cd’s. No one does that anymore. However, once we reeducate the “community,” then we can push them into the new era of music.

“Never Would Have Made It” is still a « i i ° ÕÀ À wÛi Þi>ÀÃ >} “Never Would Have Made It” went Platinum on ringtones and then it went digital about two years ago. People buy, but they are not buying whole CD’s anymore; they’re buying singles. The artists have to learn how to market in those areas; but within our marketing practices, we have to educate again. It’s going to take money for that to happen.

Record companies, executives and those in the industry are really going to have to do some due diligence to ensure the consumer is made aware of these things.

Root: Will there ever be another “Commissioned” Reunion?

Marvin Sapp: Ask Fredo " ° Ã>Þ Ì >Ã Fred because he is the busiest guy out of all of us. Mitchell and Carl, they would be open to do it because they’re schedules are not as busy. Michael Williams, who was the former drummer, travels with me as my sound technician; I know he’d be open to it. I would be open to it as well.

I have always said that I would love to do a Commissioned record. However, I would like to add producers such as Warryn Campbell, Eric Dawkins or Aaron Lindsey. They understand Commissioned and the “pulse” of today. They “get it.”

If we used our old producers, it would be dated. These guys grew up listening to us. Let them do the record and it will sell a millions units.

Root: If you could be in another group, who would be your group members?

Marvin Sapp: If it was a Gospel group, it would be myself, Rance Allen, of course Fred Hammond and Marvin Winans.

It would be us four. I think that would be amazing. If we had cameos, I would bring in Walter Hawkins. However, if it were secular, Teddy Pendergrass of

whom my mother always played in the house growing up. I would choose Peabo Bryson. I am a huge Peabo Bryson fan.

The 70’s was my era. My line up would be, Teddy Pendergrass, Peabo Bryson, Donny Hathaway and myself.

Root: What is your go-to television program?

Marvin Sapp: Although I am a Bishop in the Lord’s church, I love watching television. I like to watch “Love & Hip Hop.” It is ratchetness at its best and I get so tickled, but it’s real life. I love Cardi B, I don’t care what they say. I love Ì >Ì Ã i } Ì iÀ ÌiiÌ wÝi` > ` Ì iÞ >Ài amazing. Everyone has their own guilty pleasure, but I have always liked watching ratchet television. It all started for me watching “Flavor of Love” and I have been hooked ever since. I would rush out of church to watch it. My wife would say, “I can’t believe you love this show!”

When she was living, I made my wife watch it with me. I have been a ratchet television junkie for years.

Root: What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received?

Marvin Sapp: The best advice that I have ever received was from Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Whenever I get around Bishop Jakes, I am every different. I believe when you get around people that have succeeded in areas that you aspire for, you should be asking of them. Most preachers get around each other and refer to one another as “doc” this or that. I don’t do that around Bishop Jakes. I ask questions about the type of books he reads or what direction does he see the church going or things like that. He has such a wealth of information and he likes talking about those topics.

The greatest advice he gave me, I will never forget it. One year after my wife’s passing, he brought me to his church for a concert. We, along with some other guys, were sitting downstairs talking.

One of the guys asked, “What’s the best advice for a man who’s trying to get his life together?” He answered and said, º À i ` 1«°» i Ã> `] iÛiÀ w ` vÀ i `Ã at your level. That was the greatest advice I had ever gotten in my life. He Ì ` i Ì > Ü>ÞÃ w ` vÀ i `Ã Ü >Ài doing more than you; they motivate you to go forward and do more.

Root: Are you working on new music?

Marvin Sapp: I just met with my brand new team for a new album to be released September 2017. We’ve planned to begin writing sessions after the BMI Trailblazers Awards. We have a lot of surprises. I am not a “cameo guy” because if the song is a hit, the artist that you recorded it with will not be there when you perform it live. We’re going to try to add some artist on a couple of songs. I am excited about the new CD; I already have a working title.

Root: What do you miss most about your wife MaLinda?

Marvin Sapp: Without question, she was the only person that I trusted outside of Jesus. We currently live in refocused society. Everyone is on the “come up” and everyone is trying to win. Throughout the 20 years we were married, my wife Ì>Õ} Ì i Ü Ì Li Ãi yiÃà > ` Ì Ãi wà ° - i Ì>Õ} Ì i Ü Ì «ÀiviÀ others before I prefer myself; because if I looked out for others, God will always À i° / >Ì ÌÀ> Ì Ã >À` Ì w `° Ì’s >À` Ì w ` Ãi yiÃà ` Û `Õ> ð ÃÃi` the friendship, the connection, the ride or die type of attitude and so many Ì iÀ ÌÀ> Ìð Ûi ÌÕ> Þ] Ü w ` Ì >}> ° I have no doubt in my mind because I have not been called to be single forever.

Some people’s lot in life is to be single.

However, I am a husband. From the ages of 23- 43, I was a husband. These last seven years of being single, I am not good at it. I’ve learned that what I needed from the ages of 23- 43 is not what I need at age 50. Ultimately, I miss the companionship of the person I knew that I could trust completely. Doing that at my age and with my accomplishments >Ài Ài ` vwVÕ Ì° Ì’s easier to have all of that when you are broke; but, when you have accomplished things, that level of trust is not easily given. It has to be earned.

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25 |ROOT

ON ROOT |26

MARVIN SAPP TALKS SINGLE PARENTHOOD, LOVE AND HIP-HOP, TURNING 50 AND A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE

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As Told To Hasan James

I’LL KEE MOVING

For over 25 years, 10x-Grammy nominated artist, Marvin Sapp, has been synonymous with the sound of Contemporary Gospel Music. Beginning with Commissioned in 1990, Sapp is known for his smooth tones and undeniable vocal stylings. By 1996, he began his solo career and embarked on a journey to establish himself as one of the premier men in Gospel Music. Throughout his career, Marvin Sapp has released countless musical pieces, such as “Lord Send Your Anointing,” “Not The Time Not The Place,” “You Are God” and many others, that have become staples in the Sunday Morning Worship experience. But, it was the release of “Never Would Have Made It” from his 2007 album, “Thirsty,” that made him a household name and propelled him into crossover status. His follow-up work, “Here I Am” is the highest charted Gospel album in history, snagging the #2 position on the Billboard Top 200 chart. “I Win,” garnered him several awards and acknowledgements, including his 2011 Dove Award win of “Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year” for his single, “The Best In Me.” Through consistency, heart-wrenching pain and worldwide triumphs, the now- Bishop Marvin Sapp, continues to evolve by using his truths to produce music which has now established him as one of the bestselling male vocalist in Gospel Music.

Root: How was your transition into singleparenthood?

Marvin Sapp: It’s one thing to be in this position by choice, but it’s another thing to be in this position by default. I didn’t have a choice. My job is different. I had Ì w}ÕÀi ÕÌ Ì i Ü i º«>Ài Ì }» thing via text and via FaceTime, trying to make sure I was in their lives as much as « Ãà L i° Ü>Ã Ì iÀi v À Ì i à } wV> Ì things like Coronation, Cotillions, Proms and other things that teenagers go through. I tried to be there to the best of my ability because I knew it was important. A lot of Pastors got upset with me. I would call them, and in being very honest, tell them that I couldn’t make it because it was my daughter’s 1st game as a cheerleader. They would say “Are you serious?” and I would tell “yeah I am.”

I didn’t lie and say something came up or something happened at the church; although, the reality was that something was always happening at the church.

Being an individual that shows integrity and honesty, I made a conscious decision to be honest about what I had to do. / i ÌÀÕÌ Ã] Ì i wÀÃÌ ÃÌÀÞ Ì >Ì > Þ minister gets is to their family. I made a decision that I am not going to lose my kids by trying to save the world. That has been my goal and God has been good to us. My children have adjusted very well. It’s been a struggle and we have our moments, but they have adapted. We’re

doing good. I can see where we could do better, but I am just excited to see that I hadn’t raised individuals who got mad at God and decided to walk away.

My children have a passion and a love for God, even with the loss of their mother; they have balance. That’s the best part about my kids. They all have jobs; I make them work. I think that has created a great balance in their lives. I am excited, because I feel like I did well raising great contributors to the world that we live in.

Root: Even though you received this award previously with Commissioned, what does this honor mean to you as a solo performer?

Marvin Sapp: I am a Gospel music fan.

I have been raised in this type of music, I have always enjoyed everyone and what they bring to the table. It’s been such a great honor to be a part of this music industry for 28 years. Fresh out of college, 28 years ago, I never thought that I would be honored like this. As an artist, this is not the type of thing that I would seek after. I am always pleasantly surprised when honors like this happen.

I am excited. Not trying to be deep, LÕÌ ` >à >`i i à i ëiV wV promises. 2017 is a big year for me; I turn 50 years old this year. I have declared and decreed that 2017 is my year of restoration, and God is going to turn some things around for me. I am about to

rebound and recoup some things back. In 2017, I will be turning 50 years old, it will be 7 years since my wife’s passing and I will be an empty nester. It’s a lot of brand new things that I am about to experience and a part of life that I would have never imagined. I am looking forward to the BMI Trailblazer’s Awards, because that’s just the beginning of what God has promised that He was going to make Ì i Þi>À v Óä£Ç Li v À io / i Þi>À v restoration.

Root: After selling over one million copies of your album, “Thirsty,” what are you views on the how the public consumes Gospel Music? Is there a way for the consumer to be more supportive to the Gospel Music artist?

Marvin Sapp: I am a student of the industry and not just a student of Gospel music. Everything has moved to streaming and the industry has not caught up. I have had several conversations with record executives that we should re-educate the Gospel Music consumer. In this season, we have to understand, people aren’t interested in having music that they can put their hands on. Back when I started and up until 10 years ago, people wanted to by the album or the cd because they wanted to open up the jacket of the cd to read the credits. Those individuals would be 35 and up; but, those 35 years of age

27 |ROOT

V3

V3 Welcomes the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music to Th Theeir Hometown, Atlanta!

Stellar and DOVE-nominated Atlanta siblings Shelley, Sacha & LaToya Vinson, better known as “V3,” are back with their second album, ALIVE, a powerful project designed to uplift, inspire and encourage souls around the world.

V3’s 2017 Standout Single “Getting Better” “‘Ge “‘ Gettttin ing Be ettte ter’ r’ is so pe errti tiine ne n en ntt in tod oda ayy’’ss ne eg ga atttiv ive cli iv lim ma atte ate e! I lo ov ve th he e Re eg gga gae Bea eat th ha at mak akes es you wan yo you ant to da an nce, ce, allo ce on ng g wiitth th he e bea eaut utiifful ul ha arrm mo on nyy of V3, 3, and nd I ca an n’t ’t sa ayy en no oug ugh gh ab bo out ut the he ssllam ammin’ ammi miin’ m n’ rap ap from rom Th ro he e Scciie en nttiist st! It’ t’s a so on ng of Hop ope e-- It’ t’s Ge ettti tiing ng Be ng etttte er! r!” ~T Tw wa an nd da a Bla lack acck k, KIIS SS 10 04 4.1 .1 FM Attlla an nta ta Good Go od Ne ew ws Go osspe p el pel

77 7 70.

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www.virtuosomusicanddistribution.com/V3/V3-Alive.html www.facebook.com/V3friends d i dd 1

12/29/16 4 41

THE BENEDICTION

By Fatima Burke

T

homas TC Clay was born on January 14, 1982 and passed away on October 16, 2016, a few hours after performing at a church in New York City. He was 34 years old and left Li ` > wÛi Þi>À ` Ã > ` > ÃÌ v v> Þ] friends and industry colleagues. TC was such an open book, something that was evident in is random social media posts. He loved music and he wore his heart on his sleeve. TC was one of the most un-famous, famous people in Gospel Music, and he didn’t care what anyone thought about him. TC wasn’t your average Gospel artist.

His exterior was rough and rugged, but once he hit the stage, the glory of God fell every single time! I think that’s why his death hit home for so many who knew him, and even those who learned of this musical genius after his passing. He was just beginning to scratch the surface in his musical journey and most of us simply felt robbed, while others felt guilty. Guilty because they didn’t put him on, guilty because they didn’t recognize his potential, guilty because they didn’t hear him.

Because you see, all TC wanted was to be heard.

I’m glad I happened to be one of the ones who heard him, because he was such a gift to the body of Christ and so amazingly talented. Funny, witty, musical, genius- all adjectives to describe one Thomas TC Clay. “When we all get to Heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory”. We hear you TC. We hear you.

Issue 25

Feb/Mar 2017

MARVIN SAPP

TALKS SINGLE PARENTHOOD, 2ND MARRIAGE COMMISSIONED REUNION AND LOVE & HIP HOP

+TOP20

POWER PLAYERS RAY & VIVIAN CHEW DAVID & TAMELA MANN PHIL THORNTON KIRK FRANKLIN GINA MILLER

THE BENEDICTION WE REMEMBER THOMAS TC CLAY

AND MORE!