CD of the Year
Kirk Franklin - Hero
Israel & New Breed - Alive in South Africa
John P. Kee & New Life - The Reunion
Youthful Praise - Live! The Worship, The Praise
Hezekiah Walker & LFC - 20/85 The Experience
RESPONSE:
 Hard choice, but YP brings home a wondrous set of gospel-friendly praise and worship material along with a good mix of ol' skool grooves and fine melodies. It's a balanced project and the choir's vocals are good to the ear. More memorable tracks that the rest of the nominations,
such as "I Am Your Help", "Shift This Place", "You Are So Awesome", "He's Worthy" and "The Lifter"
Choir of the Year
Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood - Self-Titled
Myron Butler & Levi - Set Me Free
Charles Hayes & The Warriors - The Remix
John P. Kee & New Life - The Reunion
Bishop Larry Trotter & SHS - Already Lookin Bettah
Hezekiah Walker & LFC - 20/85 The Experience
Youthful Praise - Live! The Worship, The Praise
James Grear & Nu Friends - Live
RESPONSE:
Even though Grear had a great chance of victory on this one, YP succeeds in bringing home the bacon with accessible material for church choirs while presenting a nice package of robust vocals, high-impact energy and mesmerizing tunes.
Glad You're Back Award
Yolanda Adams - Day By Day
John P. Kee & New Life - The Reunion
Mississippi Mass Choir - Not By Might
Mary Mary - Mary Mary
Joann Rosario - Now More Than Ever..Worship
Hezekiah Walker & LFC - 20/85 The Experience
RESPONSE:
 The Reunion project was the perfect project to close out the year, and reminded us of the wonderful times we had with the legendary New Life Community Choir. With two CDs full of new arrangements, a few new tracks, and the return of the original members (Issac Carree, Lowell Pye, LeJuene Thompson, Curtis Red Caldwell, Rhonda McLemore and Vanessa Bell Armstrong),
this album portrays John P. Kee returning back to his roots: giving the people just what they want. What is that? Friendly melodies, excellent riffs, party-like jams and New Life.
Label of The Year
Cross Movement Records
EMI Gospel
Gospocentric Records
Sony Gospel
Verity Records
Integrity Gospel/Epic
RESPONSE:
 Hard decision, but Integrity delivered more hits than any other label, along with acceptable album covers and definitely put out an aggressive campaign of advertising. Amazingly, Integrity Gospel this has to be a first for the gospel division of the leading praise-and-worship label, but with albums from William Murphy, Israel & New Breed, Faithful Central, Charles & Taylor, Alvin Slaughter, and Lisa McClendon coming our way in January 2006, we commend Integrity for their on-time deliveries.
Best New Artist
Michael Brooks & RP - Self-Titled
Myron Butler & Levi - Set Me Free
William Murphy Jr. - All Day
Antonio Neal - Days of My Life
Micah Stampley - Songbook of Micah
RESPONSE:
 Definitely fresh and rewarding, Micah Stampley's vocals are like a breath of fresh aromatherapy. But the most creative thing about him is that he's unique in musical dimensions and he stretched his songwriting craft on his debut project; proving he's far from a one-hit wonder or a "here today, gone tomorrow" artist. Plus, his irresistible charisma is greatly reflected on each of his tracks.
Best Independent Artist
ANC - I'd Rather Have Jesus
Tunesha Crispell - Just As I Am
Jason Nelson - I Shall Live
Dennis Reed & GAP - Water Walker
J. Shep & Another Level - Songs Vol. 1
RESPONSE:
 If it wasn't for NBG, I would have missed this one. Surely, Tunesha is no stranger to the gospel music industry but this project, without the support of James Hall & WAP or Rev. Timothy Wright, is a great way to introduce the
world to her wonderful pipes and elaborate jazzy style. Produced by her husband and keynote songwriter and organist Melvin Crispell. "Just As I Am" and "I'm On My Way" are strong song favorites.
Best Cover Art of the Year
Dorinda Clark Cole - Live in Houston
Phanatik - The Incredible Walk
Canton Jones - Love Jones
LaShun Pace - It's My Time
VaShawn Mitchell - Believe in Your Dreams
Faithful Central - Zion Rejoice
Israel & New Breed - Live In South Africa
RESPONSE:
 Definitely a hard one to pull off, a halogram album cover with a gospel artist face in the middle of the Motherland. And Israel pulled it off.
The Knocks Hard Award!
Yolanda Adams - Victory
Anointed - Gonna Lift Your Name
Kirk Franklin - Looking For You
LeCrae - Crossover
Micah Stampley - War Cry
Mary Mary - Heaven (Maurice's Nu Soul Remix)
RESPONSE:
 One good listen to this remix and I was in dance-fever-heaven! Maurice Joshua, no stranger to the house/DJ/remix world, brought us a wonderful blend of ol' skool soul, progressive disco and infectious hip-hop R&B with this one.
A for effort Award
Rodnie Bryant - Change of Seasons
James Grear & Nu Friends - Live!
Out of Eden - Hymns
Soul Seekers - Soul Seekers
Witness - Speak To The Generations
Ron Winans - Family & Friends V
RESPONSE:
 Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Gladys Knight, the Katinas, Marvin Winans, Jesse Campbell, CeCe Winans, Shawn McLemore, BeBe Winans, Rance Allen, Gwen Morton and many others appeared on this excellent project and gave one of the best performances of gospel ever assembled. And to know we lost Ron Winans this year in the flesh, this album is sure to be a memorable classic. Probably the best of the Family & Friends V series.
Da Saint's Anthem
Yolanda Adams - Be Blessed
Kurt Carr - God Blocked It
Israel and New Breed - Not Forgotten
Micah Stampley - Take My Life
Bishop Larry Trotter - Already Lookin Bettah!
RESPONSE:
 "Be Blessed" was everywhere all this year. And Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis are the ones responsible for this instant classic. They always write a good song for Sister Yolanda, and never hold back on delivering good production and remarkable energy. Even after a hundred listens to this song, it doesn't get weary on the soul. "Be blessed...don't live life in distress, forever in His rest"
Best Concept/Special Packaging CD
Kierra "KiKi" Sheard - Just Until
Out of Eden - Hymns
Various Artists - The Gospel
Various Artists - Gotta Have Gospel 3
Various Artists - Wow Gospel 2005
RESPONSE:
 All of the nominations weren't grand presentations, but the concept of a remix album is a rarity in the gospel music world. Kierra "KiKi" Sheard gets my choice for best concept for 2005. We definitely need more house/dance gospel ("remixes") on the market.
Flop, Flop, Fizz Fizz
(Just Didn't Do It For Me Award)
Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment - Instrument of Praise
Mary Mary - Mary Mary
William Murphy - All Day
Rizen - Rizen 2
Hezekiah Walker & LFC - 20/85 The Experience
Rodnie Bryant & CCMC - Change of Seasons
RESPONSE:
 I listened to this one and I tried so hard to love this one, but every attempt failed. The tracks are uneven,
barely convincing and not much replay value.
Please Don't Play That Anymore Award
Byron Cage - I Will Bless the Lord
Kurt Carr - God Blocked It
Dr. Charles Hayes - Jesus Can Work It Out
Mary Mary - Heaven
LaShun Pace - Hey
James Fortune & FIYA - You Survived
William Murphy - Let It Rise
RESPONSE:
 Living in the heart of Alabama can be a blessing and a curse. On gospel radio, which is also on FM, the top 5 is played every 30 minutes. And for some reason, "Let It Rise" is a highly requested tune. After hearing so many renditions of this ancient praise and worship tune, the last thing I need is to hear this one again. William Murphy is the latest to remake this one. What's up with all of that drum racket, those rock elements and clashing cymbals?
Worst Cover Art
Yolanda Adams - Day By Day
John P. Kee Presents - New Artist Showcase
Marvin Sapp - Be Exalted
The Soul Seekers - Self-Titled
VIP Mass Choir - Live at The Fellowship
Mississippi Mass Choir - Not By Might, Nor By Power
Darwin Hobbs - Worshipper
RESPONSE:
 We need to call Hobbs' manager on this one. Every album cover by him depresses me. Great singer, bad album covers. That's not a good combination. His whole face covers the whole cover. And the chosen fonts are kinda outdated and are to small to read.
Huh?
(What's Wrong With This Track?!)
Rodnie Bryant fea Nikki Ross - My Liberty
Byron Cage - I Will Bless The Lord
Shirley Caesar fea Tonex - I Know The Truth
LaShun Pace - For My Good
Dottie Peoples - He Said It
RESPONSE:
 Rapping is not your calling, Pastor Shirley. Preaching and singing may be, but not rappin'. And Tonex' needs to learn how to back Queen Shirley better than what he did on songs like this. But I guess Shirley is right..."we're off to the Grammys". She was nominated for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album
for the umpteenth time.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage - Invitation to Worship
Darwin Hobbs - Worshipper
Donnie McClurkin - Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs
William Murphy - All Day
Marvin Sapp - Be Exalted
Micah Stampley - Songbook of Micah
RESPONSE:
Definitely different, inspiring and convincing. Enough qualities to win this one. But Micah is different from the other candidates because he sings those notes without a drop of sweat being shed. Especially those high notes.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Yolanda Adams - Day By Day
Dorinda Clark Cole - Live in Houston
Lexi - A Praise in The Valley
Tamela Mann - Gotta Keep Movin
LaShun Pace - It's My Time
Joann Rosario - Now More Than Ever Worship
CeCe Winans - Purified
RESPONSE:
Yolanda leads the pack because she proved to us that she can still sing with confidence, heart and passion. And after a few appearances on the Tom Joyner Show, TBN, Jay Leno, and on a successful tour (Sisters In The Spirit), she has proven to many doubters that she's still cutting-edge.
The Collabo Award
Y. Adams, D. McClurkin, Mary Mary - Lift Him Up
Shirley Caesar & Tonex - I Know The Truth
D. Clark Cole & K. Gray - Everything He Promised
Kirk Franklin & Dorinda Clark Cole - Hero
F. Hammond & N. Wilson - Put Your Hands Together
V. Mitchell fea M. Walker - Your Tears Have Paid Off
Stevie Wonder & Kim Burrell
Your Love Cannot Be Moved
RESPONSE:
 People may wonder if this was even a gospel song, but the musical forces of Stevie Wonder and Kim Burrell singing together is a dream come true.
And the lyrics are powerful enough to make you think and imagine the reality of true love. It's one of those commentary pieces that Wonder is known for penning, and he does a great job with Burrell. Hearing them throw those rolls out together is like hearing a symphony.
Rhythm and Praise CD of the Year
Ambassador - The Thesis
Canton Jones - Love Jones
Antonio Neal - Days of My Life
Phanatik - The Incredible Walk
Kierra "KiKi" Sheard - Just Until
RESPONSE:
 Not my favorite category, but I am definitely persuaded that Ambassador of the Cross Movement presented a thicker grade of musical prowess
and noteworthy production than the other guys. "The Thesis", full of holy hip-hop excellence, is equal to the styles of Kanye West, Jermaine Dupri and Nas. "Feels Good", "Thesis Pieces" and "Get You Open" are infectious hip-hop tunes that are sure to bump a ride down Peachtree (ATL).
Most Anticipated 2006 Release
Karen Clark Sheard - It's Not Over
James Hall & WAP - Live in CT
Donald Lawrence & Tri-City - The Finale
Lisa McClendon - Live at the House of Blues
G. Roberts & SC - Soulful Worship
Tye Tribbett & GA - Victory
Malcolm Williams & GF - Walking in My Destiny
RESPONSE:
Since Melvin Crispell was not invited this time around for Hezekiah Walker's new album, we know we can't wait to hear what he's got in store for us on James Hall's upcoming project. No doubt; it's been a long time comin' and we have been anxious to hear what Professor Hall
has in his bag of goodies this time around. All of the nominees deserve this honor, but we are wearing thin on our patience for James Hall's
upcoming collection. Bring it on!
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CD of the Year
Kirk Franklin - Hero
Israel & New Breed - Alive in South Africa
John P. Kee & New Life - The Reunion
Youthful Praise - Live! The Worship, The Praise
Hezekiah Walker & LFC - 20/85 The Experience
RESPONSE:
All of the choices except for Hez were worthy of winning this award. The Reunion does it for me though.
For me, this is the CD that I'm going to bump right into 2006 without question. Of course Youthful Praise is next on the list. Just thought I'd throw that in there.
To hear most of the old John P. and New Life hits updated is a treat in an of itself though. It was great to hear the old gang back together again!
Choir of the Year
Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood - Self-Titled
Myron Butler & Levi - Set Me Free
Charles Hayes & The Warriors - The Remix
John P. Kee & New Life - The Reunion
Bishop Larry Trotter & SHS - Already Lookin Bettah
Hezekiah Walker & LFC - 20/85 The Experience
Youthful Praise - Live! The Worship, The Praise
James Grear & Nu Friends - Live
RESPONSE:
JJ and crew definitely have this category on lock. I bet you thought I was going to give it to John and nem but nah. This CD was a MAJOR
step up from their sophomore project and I hope it does really well for them. The praise & worship vibe worked. Great Job guys!
Glad You're Back Award
Yolanda Adams - Day By Day
John P. Kee & New Life - The Reunion
Mississippi Mass Choir - Not By Might
Mary Mary - Mary Mary
Joann Rosario - Now More Than Ever..Worship
Hezekiah Walker & LFC - 20/85 The Experience
RESPONSE:
Hmm. This was a tough one. I was so disappointed with the latest offerings from Mary Mary and Hez. Broke my heart man! I stopped listening to Yolanda a long time ago but this new CD made me fall in love with her again. She came back hard with songs like Be Blessed, Victory, It's Gon Be Nice, Alwaysness and Lift Him Up. Great songs. If I could do a tie, I'd give it to John P. and New Life and Yolanda, but since I can't, I'll give it to YoYo. Don't sleep on The Reunion CD though.
Label of The Year
Cross Movement Records
EMI Gospel
Gospocentric Records
Sony Gospel
Verity Records
Integrity Gospel/Epic
RESPONSE:
 Not a difficult choice for me at all. The brothers in the Cross Movement camp have their stuff together. I'm not a huge Hip-Hop head, but all of their releases this year caught my ear. From the music to the packaging, everything was on point. Now if I could actually get their reps to work me with me a lil better than they do. Sorry, didn't mean to put em on front street like that. EMI had a pretty solid year as well. Hey Elaine!
Best New Artist
Michael Brooks & RP - Self-Titled
Myron Butler & Levi - Set Me Free
William Murphy Jr. - All Day
Antonio Neal - Days of My Life
Micah Stampley - Songbook of Micah
RESPONSE:
Aromatherapy? Mmmk. Not sure about that but the brother can definitely sing. Reminds me of a Jr. Donnie McClurkin without the tongues every 2.5 seconds. lol Take My Life definitely was one of the most played songs towards the beginning
of the year, with War Cry going strong for the rest of 05. There's some good stuff on this disc. He rips I Need Thee to shreds.
Best Independent Artist
ANC - I'd Rather Have Jesus
Tunesha Crispell - Just As I Am
Jason Nelson - I Shall Live
Dennis Reed & GAP - Water Walker
J. Shep & Another Level - Songs Vol. 1
RESPONSE:
A category full of great music by great artists but I can only choose one.
That honor goes to Mrs. Tunesha Crispell. I've been in love with her voice since the early James Hall & WAP days, so to have a full CD, I was ecstatic. I'm thankful for friends all over the country that look out for me. Getting this CD from the artist was like pulling teeth. Just make it available on cdbaby.com. They could have left The Lord's Prayer off.
Best Cover Art of the Year
Dorinda Clark Cole - Live in Houston
Phanatik - The Incredible Walk
Canton Jones - Love Jones
LaShun Pace - It's My Time
VaShawn Mitchell - Believe in Your Dreams
Faithful Central - Zion Rejoice
Israel & New Breed - Live In South Africa
RESPONSE:
 Ezra's CD cover was nice but Phanatik and the whole comic book theme did it for me. Dorinda comes in second because she's so beautiful and her cover is plain ole HOT! A good photo shoot is important people!
The Knocks Hard Award!
Yolanda Adams - Victory
Anointed - Gonna Lift Your Name
Kirk Franklin - Looking For You
LeCrae - Crossover
Micah Stampley - War Cry
Mary Mary - Heaven (Maurice's Nu Soul Remix)
RESPONSE:
When I heard this song the first time, I hated it. Didn't like the vocals at all. But now? Everytime I hear the intro I have to turn it all the way up.
The track is crazy! *doin the snake* Heyyy! She kills this live!
A for effort Award
Rodnie Bryant - Change of Seasons
James Grear & Nu Friends - Live!
Out of Eden - Hymns
Soul Seekers - Soul Seekers
Witness - Speak To The Generations
Ron Winans - Family & Friends V
RESPONSE:
 Now this was a tough one. I loved James Grear's project! Out of Eden takes this one because they came from out of left field with the Hymns project.
Hymns I had never heard of before and some I'm familiar with, and gave them a contemporary spin. Yep this deserves an A! I'm afraid it wasn't given a chance in the gospel market because OOE is usually marketed to the CCM crowd. Don't sleep on this one though.
Da Saint's Anthem
Yolanda Adams - Be Blessed
Kurt Carr - God Blocked It
Israel and New Breed - Not Forgotten
Micah Stampley - Take My Life
Bishop Larry Trotter - Already Lookin Bettah!
RESPONSE:
 The CD is one ole Broadway production and the God blocking the Michael Jackson verdict marketing spin was a hot mess, but ole Kurt has a hit on his hands with one.
Everytime I turned around, I heard this song. Be Blessed and Already Lookin' Bettah were my personal anthems for 05 though.
Best Concept/Special Packaging CD
Kierra "KiKi" Sheard - Just Until
Out of Eden - Hymns
Various Artists - The Gospel
Various Artists - Gotta Have Gospel 3
Various Artists - Wow Gospel 2005
RESPONSE:
She had one house mix on there. She could have used another one for So Long. That would have been hot. A remix project is rare in gospel so major kudos to EMI Gospel for this one. I really want to see what KiKi will do on her sophomore joint.
Flop, Flop, Fizz Fizz
(Just Didn't Do It For Me Award)
Eddie Baltrip & Fulfillment - Instrument of Praise
Mary Mary - Mary Mary
William Murphy - All Day
Rizen - Rizen 2
Hezekiah Walker & LFC
20/85 The Experience
Rodnie Bryant & CCMC - Change of Seasons
RESPONSE:
 Eddie Baltrip? Not good at all. William Murphy? Not a fan of his voice. Rizen? Too much hollerin and the material was iffy. But this one pains me the most.
While it has grown on me just a lil, Hez's new joint dissapointed me. Enuff said.
Please Don't Play That Anymore Award
Byron Cage - I Will Bless the Lord
Kurt Carr - God Blocked It
Dr. Charles Hayes - Jesus Can Work It Out
Mary Mary - Heaven
LaShun Pace - Hey
James Fortune & FIYA - You Survived
William Murphy - Let It Rise
RESPONSE:
 Hey I like the title cut off of William's CD. You can have the rest of it though. But my pick here would be ole Byron Cage. I like the original version by DC's Isaiah Thomas & the Elements of Praz. If letting Byron record it, gives him more exposure, great, but I wish he would have left this one alone. The mix on the vocals were off and it was too busy. That Hey song wears me out too.
Worst Cover Art
Yolanda Adams - Day By Day
John P. Kee Presents - New Artist Showcase
Marvin Sapp - Be Exalted
The Soul Seekers - Self-Titled
VIP Mass Choir - Live at The Fellowship
Mississippi Mass Choir - Not By Might, Nor By Power
Darwin Hobbs - Worshipper
RESPONSE:
 John P. Kee put out 5 CD's in 2005. Every last one of them except for the Reunion had horrible covers. Even that
was questionable. What's really good? Marvin Sapp's cover was a mess interesting also. Verity needs to hire me to work in the graphics department. Why Yolanda chose furniture to put on her cover, I'll never know.
Huh?
(What's Wrong With This Track?!)
Rodnie Bryant fea Nikki Ross - My Liberty
Byron Cage - I Will Bless The Lord
Shirley Caesar fea Tonex - I Know The Truth
LaShun Pace - For My Good
Dottie Peoples - He Said It
RESPONSE:
 I read where studio execs wanted to leave her cracking in the song, but I don't understand that decision.
Her appearances on several other songs weren't necessarily stellar, so to have you cracking in the middle of the first single from your new joint, that was definitely a turn off. I love the rest of CD though. Nikki Ross was just a bit too busy on Rodnie's joint. Once the excitement wore off that she was on the remake of My Liberty, I couldn't listen to the song anymore.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage - Invitation to Worship
Darwin Hobbs - Worshipper
Donnie McClurkin - Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs
William Murphy - All Day
Marvin Sapp - Be Exalted
Micah Stampley - Songbook of Micah
RESPONSE:
Most of these artists are great vocalists. In terms of projects though, I agree,
Micah deserves this one. Marvin Sapp and Darwin Hobbs delivered decent projects this year as well. Congrats Micah!
Female Vocalist of the Year
Yolanda Adams - Day By Day
Dorinda Clark Cole - Rose of Gospel
Lexi - A Praise in The Valley
Tamela Mann - Gotta Keep Movin
LaShun Pace - It's My Time
Joann Rosario - Now More Than Ever Worship
CeCe Winans - Purified
RESPONSE:
 This is difficult. In this particular category, I'd have to declare a tie. In looking at the
# of songs that are on my iPOD, both Dorinda and Yolanda come out equally. Although I could give it to Dorinda just for I've Got A Reason alone. And that cover, ahhh. There are some heavy hitters in this category vocally. But not all of them had solid albums.
The Collabo Award
Y. Adams, D. McClurkin, Mary Mary - Lift Him Up
Shirley Caesar & Tonex - I Know The Truth
D. Clark Cole & K. Gray - Everything He Promised
Kirk Franklin & Dorinda Clark Cole - Hero
F. Hammond & N. Wilson - Put Your Hands Together
VaShawn Mitchell fea Monique Walker
Your Tears Have Paid Off
S. Wonder & K. Burrell - Your Love Cannot Be Moved
RESPONSE:
 This almost went to Kirk and Dorinda. She came in towards the end of that track and nailed it! Since you went left field with Stevie and Kim,
I'm going to jump even further out there. Monique's presence on Hez's projects has been missed. This was a great way to keep her name out there by appearing on this track.
So, she and VaShawn get MY collabo award.
Rhythm and Praise CD of the Year
Ambassador - The Thesis
Canton Jones - Love Jones
Antonio Neal - Days of My Life
Phanatik - The Incredible Walk
Kierra "KiKi" Sheard - Just Until
RESPONSE:
Out of all of these, Antonio Neal, though different, didn't do it for me. Canton, Ambassador and Phanatik have bumpable tracks, but I usually have to
skip through others to get to em. KiKi's CD is one that I can listen to straight through. This was a nice lil CD to tie us over until her sophomore joint. She wins this one.
Most Anticipated 2006 Release
Karen Clark Sheard - It's Not Over
James Hall & WAP - Live in CT
Donald Lawrence & Tri-City - The Finale
Lisa McClendon - Live at the House of Blues
G. Roberts & SC - Soulful Worship
Tye Tribbett & GA - Victory
Malcolm Williams & GF - Walking in My Destiny
RESPONSE:
Great category and I'm looking forward to all of em, but I'm definitely checkin for Greg Roberts & Soulful Celebration
and a new one from Malcolm Williams and Great Faith. I just hope that both groups spent time and energy on their production and packaging.
It would be a sad thing to have iffy production and cheesy packaging from two of the hottest groups in the country. I can't wait! Come on 06'
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