Christian Hip/Hop nominee ATL Shawty

ATL Shawty a nominee for Christian Hip/Hop Artist of theYear

ATL Shawty's new mixtape "Growing Pains Eccles 3". Hosted by Gospel DJ the mixtape delivers the powerful message of aches and pains often associated with growth. This is not only one of the must haves for 2012 but many view this inspirational mixtape as a ground breaking crossover. Bridging the gap between the streets and The Cross. 

The sophomore mixtape from Atl Shawty displays growth in his music. Growing Pains meticulously promotes the goodness of salvation, and the message of forgiveness through bangers that can be enjoyed by music lovers of all genres.Atl stays true to his southern roots on tracks like "Down", displays his versatility on tracks like "He reigns", while clearly cementing growth on his Smash Hit Single "Story of My Life". 

This is one of few mixtapes that can be popped in and played out. After a few brief moments you'll be sure to agree Atl Shawty is certainly an artist to keep your eye on.

Christian Hip/Hop nominee Micheal A.V. Mitchell

Micheal A. V. Mitchell nominated for Christian Hip/Hop Artist of the Year 

Michael A.V. Mitchell grew up in St. Francisville, near Baton Rouge, where I wrote poetry, but didn’t take converting it into music seriously until I was in my early 20’s. Things that surrounded me and a passion to reach others took my interest in music to another level. I’m a graduate of Southern University A&M College, youth leader, and music minister. In the state of Louisiana I’ve overcame various challenges which are embodied in my ministry. Music, motivation, and ministry are the key components of my assignment. The form of music that I utilize the most is gospel rap, considering the youth are my primary target. 

When it is used correctly it is very effective in reaching the mind, will, and emotions of those who hear it. My mission is to share the gospel, motivate and uplift, plant hopes and dreams, compel people to come to God, ignite the passion for righteousness, salvation, success, and change throughout the world by the power and authority of Jesus Christ. In the duration of my life I’ve traveled many places operating in the gift of music as well as speaking. 

The ability to convey messages through music is more than a talent or well articulated skill, but it’s a ministerial tool. It’s also a solution to a problem. The problem that I’m speaking of is the negativity and damnation that’s in the music that the world, mainly the youth listen to on a day to day basis.

Gospel Choir of the Year nominee Walter Smith & Tru Praize

Walter Smith & Tru Praize nominated for Gospel Choir of the Year

Gospel musician/director, songwriter Walter Smith was born and raised both in Baldwin, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he inherited a love for gospel music from his dad, who is a former recording artist with the Spiritual Travelers and his grandparents and began singing in a church choir at an early age. After 7 years of studying classical piano, Walter began playing for the Sunday school department at his home church, First Baptist Church of Baldwin, Michigan and directing the youth choir in his church (starting at the age of five), and later the adult choirs. It was around this time that Walter came across specific recordings of James Cleveland and Aretha Franklin's "Amazing Grace" with the Southern California Community Choir, Clara Ward Singers, Rev. James Cleveland and Southern California Community Choir, New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan that would inspire him to pursue gospel music even more zealously.  

Shortly thereafter, Walter drew inspiration from other gospel performers including Thomas Whitfield, Bethel Pentecostal Church Choir, Mattie Moss-Clark, the Clark Sisters and Keith Pringle. While attending college in Grand Rapids, Walter continued to direct and play for St. Paul Baptist Church and for choirs locally and later became a member of the Bethel Pentecostal Church of Grand Rapids, MI where he began to study under the tutelage of his music mentor, the late Eld. L. Craig Tyson, and was a faithful member of the Youth Inspirational Choir. Walter later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he continued his musical gifts that God had blessed him with. 

After much prayer, in March, 2009, Walter Smith & Tru Praize was manifested. On October 18, 2009, our music ministry was consecrated and prayed over during our standing room only consecration service by our spiritual advisor and Walter’s pastor, District Eld. Michael Martin. Since that time, God has truly opened up many doors for this ministry. This choir has been blessed to minister to the masses not only in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, but throughout the state of Michigan and nationally. Although these short three years haven't been easy and the choir was met with much opposition from many locally, God CONTINUTED to be faithful and to give the ministry strength to press on. Comprised of 19 holy ghost filled young adults, God continues to pour out fresh oil upon the choir as we minister to his people. 

The choir celebrated their first live recording session, June 25, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan and eagerly anticipates their CD release, August, 10, 2012.  To GOD be the glory for the things he has done and continues to do.

Quartet of Year nominee Sons of Christ

Sons of Christ nominated for Quartet of the Year 

The Sons of Christ are a group of anointed and talented young men who are commited to the Great Commission that Christ gave to go throughout the world and spread His gospel to all nations. The group is on a mission to bring a new sound to quartet, while still maintaining traditional gospel roots that will bless the old and young. 

Their first major project "Gotta Feelin" is now available on cdbaby.com and will be coming soon to itunes, amazon.com, and glorylandgospel.com!

Aaron Clark & Ministry nominated for Group of the Year

Group of the Year nominee Aaron Clark & Ministry 

Music that encourages and uplifts.  Concerts that engage and edify.  Lyrics that inspire and speak life.   Experience all this and more with Aaron Clark & Ministry. With songs that address real life circumstances and direct the listener to Jesus Christ, it is apparent that Aaron Clark & Ministry are on a mission to reach the masses for the Kingdom of God through music. This dynamic gospel ensemble delivers far more than music that invokes praise and worship - they are committed to living a lifestyle of worship, believing that an example of Christ in their everyday walk is what wins souls and changes lives.

Aaron Clark & Ministry is a talented group of singers and musicians based out of Springfield, Ohio.  Singing together for over seven years, this group produces a sound that is unified and causes God to be glorified.    In 2009, the group released its first CD, "Min. Aaron Clark & Ministry: The New Beginning."  Featuring jump-up-and-shout songs like "I'm Free" to slower heart-touching melodies such as "You're Not Alone," The New Beginning has something for everyone - regardless of age, social status or genre preference.  This CD represented a fresh start for the group, having been the first release under the leadership of Minister Aaron Clark, who also penned and arranged most of the songs of the CD except two. Encompassing more wisdom, discipline and vocal style, the group released its latest CD, this summer, titled “Conquerors” We Always Win! With this CD, You will be ushered into worship with the title cut “Conquerors” and praise will lift you right out of your seat with the single titled “shift.”

Minister Aaron Clark, director of the group, currently serves as Youth Minister of Music and multi skilled musician at Restored Life Ministries in Springfield, Ohio, under the leadership of Pastor Larry D. Coleman.  Min. Clark has had the anointing and passion for delivering God’s message through the preached word and music, but in 2011 God added another level to his ministry by way of drama. He wrote, directed, and produced a dynamic gospel state play “God’s Masterpiece”. By letting God’s anointing flow through him, this playwright produced a play that not only took the city by storm, but also won souls for Christ in the process. Min. Clark is also a devoted husband to his beautiful wife Briana Clark, who is also a minister, and one of the lead vocalists of the group.

Since being led by God Min. Clark has been serving as director and spiritual mentor for the group, ensuring that worship is a lifestyle and not a mere act.

For the past  years, Aaron Clark & Ministry have been blessed to share the word of God, through music, at venues across the county, in such places as Kansas, Michigan,  Pennsylvania, Atlanta GA, Orlando FL,  Indiana, Kentucky, Dayton, OH, Cincinnati OH, Columbus OH and North Carolina, just to name a few. They have also been blessed to minister on national TV shows “Atlanta Live” in Atlanta, GA and "Kraze in Orlando, Fl., in addition, they have been featured guest on different showcases around the United States. The group has also been spotlighted in JO Magazine and Gospel Synergy Magazine.  Ministry is committed to taking God’s word where ever the Lord leads them, and they are always prepared to share a "right now rama word” that will reach people no matter what situations they may be facing, in their lives.

Thurman B. Thornton II aka TBII nominated New Artist of the Year

2013 New Artist of the Year nominee Thurman B. Thornton II aka TBII

Thurman B. Thornton II aka TBII began singing at the young of age of 3years old and ever since then, the gift God blessed him with has grown and matured into something big. He currently attends Changing Lives Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Michael C. Bradford. Thurman has worked with national recording artists such as Dorinda Clark-Cole, Percy Brady, Joshua's troop, Donnie McClurken and others, but it was being apart of Youth Gospel Music Conference under Janice Moorehead, that Thurman learned the importance of ministry.. "I have always loved singing, but Janice really trained us to be more than just singers. She taught me to really appreciate the gift God gave me and to share it with the world!" After singing in local groups, numerous stage plays, and staying in the background, he decided it was time to take a leap of faith and pursue a solo music career. Thurman released his first single entitled "More" on June 24th, 2011. 

"More means a lot to me, because the song really expresses my true emotion towards God and after i lost my mother last year, I needed that void to be filled, and so i was in the studio really crying out to God and He blessed with a song that really showcases my desire for Him!" More was released to very positive reviews and has gained continuous airplay in several states. He is also currently in the studio working on his debut album entitled "The Soul Experience" due out May 14, 2013. "It's time to return to true soulful music and God has placed me here to do so." With God leading him, this young man's future looks very promising. Recently, Thurman signed with the independent record label, New York Connect Entertainment headed by CEO Mr. Will Young, who intends to take his sound to another level. 

"Everybody that is on this journey with me, stay tuned because the best is indeed yet to come! On Valentine's Day 2012, his new single "The Definition of Love" was released everywhere online to strong reviews and was produced by the awesome producer that is J Wash from The J Wash Music Group. Thurman has performed in concert with National Recording artist Evangelist Faye Mosby, has been on tour with The BAD Conference for LRB Ministries under the leadership of Prophetess Lutricia Roberts, but one of the most memorable moments came on August 5, 2012 when he was giving a chance to perform his single "The Definition of Love" at the Missouri Black Expo in front of a major audience. Recently his single debuted at #3 on the Top 20 indies request charts on The PG network, which is broadcast to several national charts all over the world and he hit another milestone in his career when he received a nomination from the Gospel Sounds Radio Network Annual Gospel Music Awards  for "New Artist of the Year!" "I am so humbled and grateful to God for this gift and the doors He is opening up and the best is really yet to come!"

Gospel Choir of the Year nominee Johnny Sizemore & One Accord

Johnny Sizemore & One Accord a nominee for Gospel Choir of the Year

In life there are many talented individuals whose musical gifting and expressions appear effortless to audiences. Some are born with these gifts while others are trained to become great minstrels and psalmists. However, there are those who are exceptionally blessed to marry their natural gifting with their learned skills to become known as "masters" of their craft! .Johnny Sizemore  immerges on the Gospel much scene as an artist with an astonishing musical knowledge, skill and unparalleled creativity that places second, only to his passion for ministry. Born in Greenville, SC and affectionately know as a child prodigy. Johnny has always shown a great interest in much. With a strong spiritual foundation laid by his family. Jonny participation in music ministry at his local home church began at the very young age of four, as did his formal training. Due to that Johnny Sizemore has accomplished a great musical exploits in his short life. 

He along with his musical team “One Accord” released their 1st cd single entitled “Wait” April 24th 2012. Also their upcoming Album #WhatDavidSaid featuring “One Accord” will be released Spring 2013. Outside of Johnny having a community group, he serves faithfully as the Director of Music Ministry at his local church Valley Brook Outreach where Overseer Curtis Johnson is Pastor.

The year of 2005 was one of the biggest and greatest years of his life this was the year he stepped out on faith and accept his call to ministry. He was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in May and launched his music ministry “One Accord “in June.  Johnny Sizemore sets an unblemished illustration of a servant in the body of Christ. He has devoted his life to uplifting the kingdom of God and refuses to let the enemy tear that Kingdom Down.

ONE ACCORD

 “One Accord” is an anointed group of singer under the leadership of Min Johnny Sizemore. One Accord ministry is built and focused on Kingdom principles. They have been called for such a time as this! The singers have a mandate on their lives to releasing a Kingdom Sound anytime and every time they stand together and open their mouths. The ministries objective is to reach and alter people’s lives through song. With radical praise and soul stirring worship they demonstrate to all people that they are not ashamed to pronounced and worship a true and living God!

They have been able to minister through song at various events up and down the eastern coast including sharing the stage with great Gospel artist such as Tye Tribbett, VaShawn Mitchell, Dewayne Woods Maurice Griffin, Larry McCullough, Practice Riddick, Kevin Lemons, Shawn Bigby, Bonnie Franks, Stellar award winning Teen Pure n Heart, Grammy Award winning Le’Andria Johnson, Overseer William Murphy III, Tasha Cobbs, David & Tamela Mann and many more.   

Group of the Year nominee The Chosen Few

The Chosen Few nominated for Group of the Year 

The Chosen Few is a gospel group out of Tarboro, NC that consists of family and friends who love to spread the word of the Lord through their distinguishing arrangements of quartet gospel. The group branched out from the St. Luke Youth Choir of Princeville in November of 1998 and has continued to be a blessing to many. The group consists of Tuekellia Jones, Stevie Lawrence, II, Caroline Pippen, and Mechelle Jones.  

The Chosen Few has shared the stage with artist such as The McDonald Sisters, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, Jeff Majors, The Christianaires, The Bolton Brothers, Luther Barnes, The True Believers, Damon Little and Nu Beginning, Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, Lisa Knowles and the Brown Singers, Darrell McFayden and the Disciples, Tim Rogers and the Fellas, George Dean and the Gospel 4, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, and many more. They have additionally appeared on “Spiritual Awakening,” a widely viewed television show that showcases gospel music artists and Paramount’s Kings Dominion for the last three years, a venue that often overlooks traditional quartet gospel. 

They have had the opportunity to take part in the Gospel Music Workshop of America and Esther Wooten’s Annual Exclesisa Showcase.   They reference their main reason for singing is to give God the praise that he deserves and in doing so save souls. The Chosen Few released their first album "Spiritually Connected" in November of 2005 and their sophomore project entitled "My Testimony” was released in February of 2011.  They are currently working on a third recording entitled, “Open Book” that is sure to blaze the charts and bring a new type of flavor to the quartet genre of gospel music. God blessed The Chosen Few to sign with the independent record label, Music Revived Records, Inc.(CEO/President, Milon Fenner, Jr.). This independent label sets new standards for the quartet world of gospel. 

The Chosen Few are characterized by their unique, yet traditional style of quartet that will put you on your feet and their distinctive and flamboyant form of dress.  Their ministry has touched the lives of many and with continued favor from God, the plan is that the movement continues.  

Revived nominated for Quartet of the Year

Quartet of the Year Nominee - Revived of Anderson, SC

Revived are a group of anointed women who love praising and worshipping God. Revived came together October 1, 2011 all coming from groups as background singers. God has blessed us and anointed each of us with our own ministry. Even though Revived has only been singing for a short period of time God has really been blessing us to travel spreading His words through song. Revived has been on programs with the Canton Spirituals, Swaniee Quintet, The Legendary Stars, and The Gospel Legends. 

Revived was blessed to record our first single entitled (The Blood), and we have released our album entitled Revived. Revived has allowed God to use us to impact peoples lives every time we minister, and He hasn't steered us wrong yet.

Gospel Choir of the Year Nominee Sheldon Issac & WBFM

Sheldon Issac & Walking By Faith Ministries nominated for Gospel Choir of the Year

Walking By Faith Ministries better known as “WBF” released its 1^st CD Project “Hold On”, the musical testimony of its founder Sheldon Isaac. This encouraging, and energetic CD has gained respect in the gospel industry, and is now being heard in several cities throughout the Country via Radio and Internet. Isaac and WBF are committed to serving Christ, the Community, and the Church, and is now working on its Sophomore Project “Everything” that’s expected to be released in June of 2013.

In April of 2012, Isaac & WBF produced and released the highly anticipated recording from Houston Mass Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. This was the choirs 2nd recording, with the 1st being recorded by the late Rev. James Cleveland “The King of Gospel” in the early 80’s. This project allowed Isaac to work with National and Local Recording Artist from Houston like Shawn McLemore, Mark Taylor, Minister Ronald J. Materre, Chester D.T. Baldwin, and Dr. Theola Booker just to name a few. Sheldon & WBF has also had the privilege to share the stage with National Recording Artist like Kathy Taylor, and Tamela Mann, but takes its greatest pride in working with “Generation of Praise” the Middle Tennessee State University Gospel Choir of Murfreesboro, TN. WBF will continue to Walk By Faith because they believe “FAITH WORKS”!