C O V E R Roy Tosh
13 Opened for Grammy winning recording artists, now Billboard Chart Topping Christian Hip Hop artist is a contributing writer..."Above The Water"
14
Marshawn Evans Daniels Reinvention Strategist, Millionaire Business Mentor, Best-Selling Author, TV Personality,Wife, and Faith-Walker encourages readers to believe bigger
18 Mister ATL Singer/Hip Hop Artist, Songwriter and National Recording Artist
discusses the importance of being versatile, his view on Christian Hip Hop and more
20
4
Marqus Anthony
with over 100k total streams, Christian Hip Hop Artist expresses his excitement as her shares his journey as an artist
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
F E AT U R E S Joy Hill
28 Anointed singer, worship leader, speaker, songwriter, recording artist, producer and first lady at The Potter's House (Denver) shares with readers about being transparent, what makes her unique and more
39 Red Letter Hymnal Chart-topping, Christian Rock band
reveals what has kept them together, their accomplishments and their passion to serve the community
“You will never reach the places God has for you if you are afraid to fail. Failure doesn’t stop you. It gives you experience to continue to move forward”
36 Deborah Joy Winans Actress, Singer and member of the musical
pg.
Winans family talks fashion, worship and "Charity"
................................................................................................................................................................................................. .
5
W H AT ' S 24... Brittany Nicole Salsberry The Meaning Behind Fearless Attire 25.. The John Family
Meet a family that ministers together in the kingdom of God
25... Apostle Michael Petro
Founder and Head Pastor of Forerunner Ministries International, based in Southern California
2 9 . . . Ly n e t t e D a v i d
TBN host, recipient of President Obama's 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of "Choose Your Way Out" explains why it was important to share her testimony
" Resist the negative chatter and keep grinding 33... Johnny Rez
Worship Leader, Background singer and featured on NBC's "The Voice embarks upon his journey as a National Recording Artist
6
I N S I D E 4 2 . . . P o r t i a Ta y l o r
Visionary, a Teacher, Inspirational Speaker and newly Author of her debut book “I’m Not That Woman”
43... Ennis Brown
A father to two beautiful girls, international public speaker/preacher, Author of the book "The Adopted Kid" and young adults Pastor at Rising Star church in Denver Colorado
45... Jo Ann Camm
Family law and personal injury attorney since June of 2009 and decided to follow her dream of becoming a published author.
46... Brenda Sawyer
Retired teacher expresses the desires to inspire others by encouraging them to speak the word through he recently published book
47... Frances M. Cuesta
Speaker, Entrepreneur, Fitnesss and Health Coach releases book given dailey nuggets
52... Praise The Lord Gospel Choir Italian Gospel Choir chats about history, longevity and legacy
54... Steve Chong
Sydney's powerhouse speaker is introduced by Sheneè Edwards to those that may not know about RICE
56... Lisa McClendon
Multi-Award Winning artist opens up about her book, music and view of divorce in the church
"Reaching out to my dad was very important. It helped me to reach back and give attention to a wound that had been neglected for so long. 7
8
9
Mister ATL
"Mister ATL" If I had to define myself it would be a new era renaissance man. This is a period of expansion and bridging the gap between old and new. I feel that Mister ATL is that bridge that closes the musical and artist gap for the old genre of music and to the new wave of music we hear today. I am a songwriter, singer, hip-hop artist, designer, choreographer, youth pastor, business owner, Georgia educator husband, father, and a man of GOD. All these things make me who I am, but there is a story behind the name Mister ATL. I got the name from Slim Terra during my 12th-grade year at Towers High School in Decatur, GA during the time that 106 and park was at its prime. During the time there was a group out named ATL so Slim Terra would joke around telling me, "Man you're the real ATL. You can sing and dance better than the whole group." Ironically a couple months later I started college at Alabama State University that fall and my freshman year the nickname given to me was ATL or Mister ATL to some people. Even the people from Atlanta was calling me Mister ATL. So the name stuck. Fast forward to 2009 I was going to sign a major deal with a label out of Atlanta.
During that time my music started to change because I changed my lifestyle and started to mature more as a man. The music became more positive with uplifting vibes about life, love, and everyday experience. At that time I didn't know that GOD was transitioning me into gospel. I just thought it was more of a contemporary side of hip-hop. So after meeting with the CEO, AnR and label personnel, we hit it off and I knew this was my big break as a solo artist. I went to the studio to write and record a couple of tracks, one being a song called "Black love." The CEO at the time called a meeting to discuss a possible single for me to push so I brought up the "Black Love" track. We all sat down and listened to it and after the song finished he told me that it was hit but, he felt my use of "GOD" throughout the song wouldn't appeal to the masses. They said that it wouldn't be good for sales because it doesn't fit my image. At that point, I was given the option of rewriting the song or walking away from the deal. I knew I couldn't compromise my faith and what I believed in so I had to walk away. It broke my heart because I felt like I lost an opportunity to make it in the music industry. At the moment of my sorrow, GOD told me as I was leaving to head back on the road to school, "There is no need to cry or fear. The same success you had in the secular world I will give it to you double if you give your gift back to me." After that day I dedicated my gift of music back to His kingdom and for His work in this world. The name ATL went from representing the city that to representing the GOD that I serve. ATL now stands for "Anointing the Lord."
18
Versatility The word "versatile" means able to adapt to whatever function or situation you are put it. I know as a Christian artist and being a musician in order to be multifaceted in this industry you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and adapt to changing times. It is also important to stay true to who you are as a person and artist. That's why it's important to find your lane of making music and stay in it. When I first started recording music I didn't have my own personality musically. I tried every style and sound and experimented with it, but it wasn't until I grew into a man that I am in Christ that I found my own sound, my own style and my own creative way of making music. I know that if you're not willing to show versatility than you are only reaching a specific area and in order to change the landscape of music and the world you have to be heard by individuals outside of your own base. I know that my sound and style is not traditional and may be unorthodox and risky to some but, that's who I am. I am comfortable with how I dress, sound, talk, and make music. Regardless of if you find it to be RnB, hip hop, gospel, urban inspirational, you can not deny it is dope music that can transcend the four walls. Gospel Hip-Hop Industry Inspirations I salute a lot of individuals who are doing God's work for kingdom purpose. People don't necessarily inspire me musically, but rather help push me to keep up the good work. Lecrae who is my Kappa Alpha Psi frat brother, Canton Jones, Calvin McCoy aka PCrunk, Danny Wilson, TP9, Bwise, Da Moon, DJ Young Hope, Hollyhood Fin, Ray Knowledge, just to name a few. These are people who I know and have sat down and talked to as either a friend of music or mentor for advice. To be honest I am more motivated than inspired. Inspiration points you in specific direction internally. I see what a lot of people are doing in the industry and it pushes me to keep grinding for the purpose. I tend not to focus on another person's grind because I am very tunnel visioned at this point and have to ride my lane to where GOD is directing me. I remember at a point in time people in the gospel industry wasn't checking for me or wanting to work with me because of my different style and delivery of my music. It was so different, but I feel like two think that experience I faced early on when I transition into Gospel music will help me inspire someone who needs someone to look up to that doesn't fit in also.
www.mister
Let's Talk "Honeymoon." I believe this project is my best work to date. I feel excited to finally share this music with the world. "Honeymoon" is the second entry to a trilogy series that I am introducing to the masses. "Honeymoon" picks up after my hit single "Beauty" and follows the same couple on their honeymoon phase after locking down their love. It is the embodiment of what I felt like my honeymoon would have been like. I got married young so I and my beautiful wife didn't have our honeymoon getaway. So I wrote the song imagining what that experience would sound like, look like, how it would feel. It is a feel-good year-round song that will make you want to get up and dance and have a good time with your loved one. It features D-Hall and is produced by award-winning producer Terra Tunez. I just want people to take any good vibes from the track because it's not too many songs that are geared toward people in love wanting to have fun in the kingdom. The track was written for everyone in mind so no matter where you're at or what stage of love you're in, "Honeymoon" will make you fall in love again and make that commitment to make the jump and experience your own personal honeymoon. My new Single "Honeymoon" featuring DHall produced by Terra Tunez is now available for streaming and downloads everywhere music is sold.
"I relaunched my clothing line Born Sinner Dying Saved this year with a new
women division HERbeauty. New designs and a new graduation line geared to raising money for scholarships to HBCU colleges inspired by my sister Dr. Sharhonda Davies. I will also be gearing up to hit the road again touring, performing, and setting a release date for my 1st full-length studio album coming this Fall featuring my new #1 hit single "Honeymoon" feat Dhall and produced by Terra Tunez.
ratlmusic.com
19
It was 1984 when Marco Augusti, a young conservatoire student, accepted to take over the small choral group of the Parish of San Giulio in his hometown Cassano Magnago (Varese, Italy) giving rise to the “Laudate Dominum” Polyphonic Choir. The main activity was at first singing on Sunday mornings’ and holidays’ masses, officiating the liturgical service. This commitment will always remain an important part in the life of the choir, so much so that it is still accomplished today. After years of Renaissance repertoire, the group decided to tackle the study of the Spiritual and Gospel genre: hence a new musical adventure has begun, aiming to proclaim and witness the Christian message. In 1996, within the “Associazione Coro Laudate Dominum”, the Praise the Lord Gospel Choir was formed. The enthusiasm and the desire to broaden the musical knowledge, brought the chorus to the encounter with the genre Spiritual and Gospel, thus marking, through an in-depth study of an appropriate vocal tecnhnique and interpretation, a decisive turning point in the undertaken musical journey. A determinant step for this path has been the collaboration with Sherry Hill Kelly, director of Belmont Chorale - USA, who shared many original choral arrangements, including pieces by Jester Hairston. In few years the Praise the Lord Gospel Choir put many concerts together and counted a number of invitations and participations in radio and TV programms (Rai, Mediaset, Novaradio A, Telenova, Telepace, SAT2000), always receiving excellent feedback from both the industry critic and the audience. All the sold out concerts prove how appreciated is the level reached by the whole group, which currently consists of 50 singers, a solo voice Eva Rondinelli and Marco Augusti, of course, directing and piano accompanying. What characterises the Praise the Lord compared to other Gospel formations (which in recent years are growing in numbers in the Italian scene) is to address the study and the interpretation of choral a cappella arrangements by important composers such as Moses Hogan, Jester Hairstone, Robert Ray and Kirby Shaw, which requires a methodical vocal approach, autonomy of the individual voices and a remarkable rhythmic and dynamic control. Starting from November 2001, the Praise the Lord has embarked on a path that since then has never stopped following. Always pursuing the aim of spreading the Good News, the choir has collected the witnesses of the main and most popular authors and interpreters of the genre, studying and reproducing some of their masterpieces. From 2001 the choir started to collaborate and performing alongside with Reverend Lee Brown and the Freedom Family, two of the most important realities in the Italian Gospel scene, and this partnership had been led through 2002 and until 2005. In April 2007 the choir presented the "Gospel Celebration": a great Gospel concert for choir, Symphonic-Pop Orchestra and Jazz quartet. In that occasion the choir had the pleasure to perform om stage alongside with the OCL Pop Orchestra and some important jazz musicians. In 2008 the Praise The Lord took part in the KRISTFEST 2008, the International festival of Christian music, taking place every year in Osijek (Croatia). Consequently in the same year, the group attended a Master Class held by the worldwide-known gospel composer and arranger Kirby Shaw, who eventually prepared and took on stage with the choir an extraordinary and unforgettable concert. In April 2009, on the advice of Kirby Shaw and at the invitation of the Mid-America Music Production, the Praise the Lord performed his most important concert at the NEW YORK CARNEGIE HALL that counted two hundred singers. In that occasion, the solo voice of Praise the Lord, Eva Rondinelli was chosen to duet in the closing concert piece, "Operator" by Manhattan Transfer.
52
Praise The Lord Gospel Choir
The Journey of an Italian Legacy
In 2012, thanks to the American adventure, the Praise the Lord brought the musical drama "The Resurrection" (based on the work by Bradley Knight, "The Easter Son" to the European premiere. The opera, orchestrated by Bradley Knight, traces the last moments of Christ's life: from passion, through death, until the great event of the resurrection. The plot is inserted in an emotional concatenation of very intense musical, choral and recitative passages, which have as their ultimate goal the testimony of the Christian message. Written in perfect cinematic style, the orchestration is very classic with some references to the Gospel genre; great importance is also given to the choral parts, always very rich in harmonics and demanding. The plot is narrated in nine scenes divided into recited, choral, solo and instrumental pieces, which are enriched by some video projections and plays of light that help the spectator to recreate the biblical situations and to identify with the main characters. In 2018 the new challenge for Praise the Lord is represented by the study of a new Musical that will be proposed next December 2018 during the Christmas’ Holidays. Faith, joy, love and beauty are part of the engine that keeps alive and active this group, which remains as originally, a company of friends who, through the beauty of singing and the passion of singing in choir want to be witnesses of the Risen Christ. The Praise the Lord has become over the years bigger and bigger, counting today 50 singers of all ages, both students, adults and senior citizens. Having reached the number of 350 concerts in Italy and abroad and having published more than 10 albums, the Praise the Lord continues its ambition to witness the Christian Catholic faith through the weekly liturgical service and participating in charity and fund-raising events. 53
56
HFM: Hello! Thank you for being a feature in His Favor Magazine. How are you? LM: I'm doing amazing! HFM: What was the inspiration behind the single "Brilliant" LM: Brilliant was inspired by the evolving of my relationship with God. It's a love song to how amazing our Creator is and a celebration of God's Love. HFM:Everyone goes through "ups & downs". What advice would you give a young woman that seems to focus on the "downs?" LM: Listen to your own voice. Often times, we have been taught and even trained to run everywhere on the outside for advice but Greater is God within us. A lot of times the strength that we seek is already inside of us waiting to be discovered but you must slow down and honor, cherish and respect yourself first to tap into. HFM: When people in ministry are going through a divorce, how do you think "the church" should respond? Why? LM: I think the church should first acknowledge the human beings involved and show compassion and genuine non-judgemental support to both parties. I think the church can also stand in as the family counsel meaning sit with the couple and address the issues with love, understanding, balance and accountability. HFM: Please share with our readers, what you would like them to take away after reading "And She Lives Happily Ever After" LM: Wow. That more than anything you are responsible for your own love and happiness. I want the readers to walk away with some of my own personal tools I used to rebuild my life and start attracting the right kinds of people. I want the reader to feel like after they have read my story they can do. They don't have to be afraid to love again and that first love should always be with You. HFM: Are there any other ventures you would like to pursue in the near future? LM: Absolutely! I am definitely looking forward to seeing our Relationship Form experience expand. Also, I am working on a few projects to help heal relationships between men and women.
Pre-orders for "And She Lives Happily Ever After," now available at www.LisaMcClendonmusic.com (Pre-orders will be invited to be apart of my online Q&A session)
New song Brilliant and Ms. Tina now available on iTunes.
Lisa McClendon
57