By Robert M. Marovich Fresh off the thirty-city I Got Away tour, in partnership with McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, singer and songwriter Bri Babineaux is looking forward to releasing a new album this fall. Besides Bri, the McDonald’s-sponsored I Got Away tour featured hit makers Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy, Deitrick Haddon, and Pastor Mike Jr. “I always enjoy being part of the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour,” Bri told JGM. “It’s great to be a part of an ensemble with amazing artists, and Ronald McDonald House Charities is a great cause.” It was the fourth ..read more

“Medicine” JDimock Independent (release date: May 8, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich Denver, Colorado, singer-songwriter JDimock’s influences include Ed Sheeran and Post Malone, which is why his single “Medicine” moves to a hook-laden hip hop/pop sensibility. JDimock likens the Lord to a medication that lifts him up again. It’s a new take on an old sentiment that God is the ultimate doctor. “Medicine” would be as comfortable on a gospel music station as on a Top 40 channel ..read more

“No Stressing” Damon Little feat. Angie Stone Little World Music (release date: May 16, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich At first glance, Damon Little and Angie Stone make an odd singing couple, but they complement one another like they’ve sung together all their lives on the bouncy and eternally-optimistic “No Stressing.” The song, written by Little, offers an important message that transcends the spiritual: ignore the negativity in the world today, enjoy life while you are living it, and “treat everybody right.” Can I get an Amen ..read more

“Press On” Da T.R.U.T.H. & Isaac Carree From the Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia soundtrack album Shanachie Entertainment (release date: December 1, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich It’s gratifying to see contemporary gospel artists like Isaac Carree and Christian rapper Da T.R.U.T.H. featured on the same soundtrack as top R&B artists like Jill Scott. That’s what’s happening on the soundtrack for Bad Things Happen In Philadelphia, producer/director Kyra Knox’s award-winning documentary film about gun violence in Philadelphia and how Gary Mills’s organization Shoot Baskets Not People is ..read more

“Favor” Danielle Stephens DRS Music (release date: July 1, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich Producer Sean Keys turned a snippet of something Danielle Stephens sang over her cell phone into “Favor.” It’s a bubbly paean to God’s grace from Louisianan Stephens. The joy in her voice and the effervescent arrangement are all happiness and gratitude. With an MBA, a doctorate in the works, a job at IBM, and a nascent music ministry, Stephens has plenty for which to be grateful. But, as she sings, it wasn’t until she let go and did it God’s way that things fell into place. The phrase “favor ain’t fair” has ..read more

“Liar” Keyondra Lockett IndieBlu Music (release date: July 22, 2022) www.keyondralockett.com By Robert M. Marovich With a touch of a Jamaican patois, Keyondra Lockett gleefully disrespects the devil on “Liar.” Put on the armor of God and the “Holy Ghost fire,” Lockett sings, and nothing the devil can throw at you will hit its target. These include shots fired, lying haters, and general stress. The penetrating electronica that surrounds Lockett all but leaps out of the speakers. It’s an attention-grabbing single from an original member of Zie’l, whom JGM first heard singing a cappella at the 20 ..read more

Kirk Franklin Father’s Day Fo Yo Soul Entertainment / RCA Inspiration (release date: October 6, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich “Welcome to the duality of reality, where sunshine and rain coexist,” Kirk Franklin announces on “Welcome Home.” It’s the opening salvo on the opening track of Father’s Day, Franklin’s thirteenth album and first since the start of the pandemic. Franklin’s declamation is the album’s theme and sets the tone. On Father’s Day, it is the best of times, it is the worst of times. One has to suffer and die in order to live. As in the folk spirituals, trials on earth are resolve ..read more

“For You and I” Shunice Hill Independent (2023) By Robert M. Marovich On her debut single, “For You and I,” Chicagoan Shunice Hill chooses a quiet storm groove to croon about the selfless love of Jesus, who gave his own life on the cross for the salvation of everyone. “He didn’t have to do it,” Hill sings in her laidback, no-frills soprano, “but he did.” It’s a universal message made intimate by Hill. Adding a rap interlude from Samantha Peavy was smart, as it gives the song the extra kick the message deserves. Otherwise, “For You and I” is musically aligned with Hill’s equally chill 2015 EP ..read more

“I Will Wait” Bri Babineaux Bri Babineaux Music LLC / Tyscot Records LLC (release date: April 7, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich Because it showcases her sassier vocal side, “I Will Wait” is Bri Babineaux’s finest single in some time. Bri’s penetrating vocal is ideal for the song’s note of assurance that God may not come when we want, but he’s right on time. Despite the mountain in front of her, our songstress is not worried. “He ain’t never failed me yet.” “I Will Wait” is from the pen of the talented Makeba Riddick-Woods. An alumna of the Marquis Boone artist roster, Bri Babineaux made her nat ..read more

“Clap Your Hands” Batayah feat. Molech Dawid and Princess Davorah Independent By Robert M. Marovich While one might be tempted to consider Batayah’s “Clap Your Hands” somewhat of a novelty track because she recorded it with two of her children, it actually comes across quite well. The North Carolina-born singer has a voice as creamy and sweet as honey, and the incorporation of her children’s singing and rapping into the mix is done skillfully. It’s a shoulder-grooving praise song from an artist with a compelling voice—not a gospel voice per se—but inviting and believable nonetheless. Dare I ..read more