Inland Empire’s premiere gospel rap group, 2Face, sets date for release of sophomore album, Never Going Back, under own label, Bind’Em Up Music. On January 31, the new album becomes available via cdbaby.com, iTunes and countless other online music stores. The first single from Never Going Back, We Won, is a promising track sure to be one of the hottest singles this year.

Bishop Craig W. Johnson, Th. D., Full Gospel Southern California Regional Bishop, in support of the new album, is hosting a listening party, followed by a release concert on January 30, 2010. Bishop Johnson who is also pastor of Cathedral of Praise International Ministries, where 2Face attends church, is a long time supporter of the rap duo and has volunteered to hold this event at one of his church facilities.

2Face fans across the U.S. have been anticipating a second album for the group since early 2008, when the duo performed songs from their debut cd, Covered In His Blood, at Universal City Walk. Fan response was overwhelming. In early 2008, producers of the hit Christian television show, The 700 Club, overheard a sample of a song from the Covered In His Blood album and developed an interest in 2Face. By October the same year, they were re-enacting their amazing testimony of victory and deliverance for the 700 Club production team.

Interest for the group continues to grow, and the need for a group like 2Face in the gospel rap world is becoming more evident. Justin Mensah, music blogger from thascript.com, boasts about 2Face, “Christian Hip Hop just keeps getting better and better every day, and with cats like 2face repping the mic, it can only get better”.

Their West coast flavor and steady flow is sure to be a great addition to the Southern and East coast dominated gospel rap world. We Won, the first single off of the new album, is an excellent song, featuring Kelvin Bell and GBS, proclaiming victory over all adversity. Secular radio stations are unsure whether to play the gospel track in fear of losing its nonreligious listeners, but requests are sure to keep the song alive. 2Face has flawlessly blended encouraging lyrics and beat-worthy beats on Never Going Back, creating a gospel rap masterpiece, by any standards.

The free listening party and release concert will be held at 2591 Rubidoux Blvd., Riverside, CA 92509 at 5:30 pm, January 30, 2010.

Merchandise will be available for sale.

All are welcome and refreshments will be served.

By Natasha Ferguson –

A virtuous wife, who can find her… her worth, is far above rubies. Purpose Center International Ministries under the anointed leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Gerald T. Hightower will pay homage to first ladies at its Kingdom Women of Excellence Day on Sunday, January 31^st at 6 p.m. at The Purpose Center located at Oak Grove, 23115 Rider St. in Perris, Calif.

“Pastor’s wives make tremendous sacrifices for their husbands, their children, as well as the church, and often times their sacrifice and contributions to the community are overlooked,” said Dr. Hightower. “Our vision for this event is to honor the first ladies for not only standing by their men, but serving with grace, dignity and excellence. They are in essence, ‘Unsung Heroes’”.

Attendees will hear a word from guest speaker and honoree Dr. Marty Alexander, first lady and executive director of Shield of Faith Fellowship of Churches Int’l in Pomona, California.

Special musical guest worship leader, vocalist and song writer Jackie Gouché has an incredible and life-changing testimony which transcends through her music. Her powerful and anointed vocals ignites every soul she ministers to.

Gouché is well known throughout the Gospel community and has several recordings including writer and lead vocalist on the popular praise song, “Perpetual Praise”. Her voice can also be heard in The Color Purple as the voice of Shug Avery’s younger sister singing “God is Trying To Tell You Something”, as well as one of the voices of the Ikettes in the film, What’s Love Got To Do With It. She has served as music and worship leader under the prophetic teachings of Dr. Beverly “Bam” Crawford of Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church for over 13 years.

For more information about Kingdom Women of Excellence contact director Tracy Phillips at 951-200-4101 or email info@purposecenterinternationalministries.org.

When the official nominees for the 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards were announced several weeks ago, all Brantera Music Group label heads and husband and wife team, Anthony and Heather Beverly could say was, “I Wanna Thank You.”

That’s one of the 10 powerful tracks on the new CD, “Silky Soul Music…An All Star Tribute to Frankie Beverly” which was nominated in the Special Event CD of the Year category. The CD is the first and only tribute album of its kind celebrating the nearly 40-year music career of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

“I Wanna Thank You,” is the classic inspirational song, which was released on Maze’s “We Are One” LP in 1983. Twenty six years later, The Clark Sisters, J. Moss and Kiera Sheard recorded a stirring rendition of the song under the production eye of Donald Lawrence.

The ten-song CD features brand new studio recordings of Maze’s biggest hits such as “Joy and Pain” and “Before I Let Go.”

The set boasts an impressive list of artists such as the legendary Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, Ledisi, Kem, Mint Condition, Joe, Raheem DeVaughn, Kevon Edmonds, Avant and the Clark Sisters with J. Moss and Kierra Sheard.

Anthony Beverly will join the Clark Sisters as presenters at the Stellar Awards this Saturday, January 16, 2010 from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Check local listings for airdates and stations.

Church members of the Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) and San Bernardino Clergy Association (SBCA) have confirmed that they will join St. Paul A.M.E Church in providing food for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day “Living the Dream Community Luncheon” to be held January 18, 2010 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Inghram Community Center located adjacent to the church at 1355 West 21st Street in San Bernardino, Ca.

ICUC community organizer Tom Dolan said, “ICUC is very concerned about the issue of economic distress in our communities and the families who are suffering for lack of food security.”

“As people of faith, we give our total support to aid the efforts of St. Paul A.M.E Church and other churches who are coming together to put on this important event,” Dolan said.

The St. Paul Men’s Ministry who are sponsoring the “Living the Dream Community Luncheon” will be joined by churches of various denominations and faiths from within the City of San Bernardino to provide soup, sandwiches, dessert and drinks for an estimated 1000 disadvantaged people in the community. The free meal is part of an ongoing community outreach vision of senior pastor, Rev. Larry E. Campbell. The church fed over 600 people at its “Sharing and Caring Thanksgiving Meal” sponsored in November 2009.

For more information about the meal contact James Inge at (909) 884-9393 and for media inquiries call Samuel Williams, Jr. at (909) 880-8701.