JJ HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE
The Bridgeport, CT-based choir, Youthful Praise, is back on the scene. Their last CD was released over two years ago but the last single "Incredible God" just recently dropped off of the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart over a year after its release. The gospel industry is buzzing that YP's new single "We Worship You" will enjoy an equally long airplay life. YP's charismatic leader, J.J. Hairston, brings his Brooklyn-bred flavor to the pulsating praise track. "I love the new radio single because it's easy to catch and sing along to, and if you're not careful, it will have you dancing," Hairston laughs.

Recorded at Baltimore's Church of the Redeemed of the Lord, the project boasts cameos by Judith McAllister, Ted Winn (Ted & Sheri), Jordan Martin, Timiney Figueroa Caton & Steve Lawrence, and Hairston's mother-in-law, Gloria White. "This project is different from the others in that it brings it all together," says Hairston. "Meaning we have some worship music, some praise music, some good ole' fashion church music, and it's all done the way YP does it. It's also different because the messages are much more personal. Songs such as 'Everything is Changed', 'You Are', and 'Freedom' are my personal testimonies. I pray that someone can relate to what we're saying and be blessed by it."

Hairston grew up in the church his grandfather pastored (Mt Sinai Cathedral) and where his mom served as the choir director. However, when he moved to Connecticut, he had no desire to sing with or direct any choir. It wasn't until his friend Raheema Harrison was killed in a shooting that Hairston decided to turn his own life around. He did that by joining Central High School's gospel choir and eventually, Youthful Praise. Eventually, Hairston became co-director of Youthful Praise. It was then that he began to write and arrange the songs that Youth Praise recorded. When co-director, Shawn Brown, left to become a pastor, Hairston became the choir's leader. Since then, the choir has performed on the "Stellar Awards" and "Conan O'Brien." They have also won two Stellar Award nominations. Their last single "Incredible God" spent 44 weeks on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart where it peaked at number six.