::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

Attorneys say Isaiah Thomas is 'free and clear', but legal dispute is heating up By Mona Austin Gospel record label Habbakuk Music Group (Habbakuk) --named after a Hebrew prophet and Old Testament book in the Bible-- is still in a holy spat with its former artist, Isaiah Thomas. In February EUR published an injunction from Habbakuk alleging Thomas violated his contract by recording a CD with another label while he was still in his agreement with them. Details of the the dispute were revealed in several emails obtained from Washington-Essex after an interview request. According to April Washington-Essex, CEO of Habbakuk, the rift between the artist and label transpired when Thomas was "in a rush" to record a second CD and she wasn't ready. In an e-mail dated April 27, 2009 she explained to Thomas that God did not green light the label's involvement in a CD he wanted to record. "I have been seeking God about the timing of your next recording," she wro...

The following press release is a follow up to a notice of injunction that was originally issued to the media on February 15. Habukkuk Music stands by it's original claim that gospel recording artist Isaiah Thomas is an exclusive agreement with them and . Baltimore, Maryland, March 14, 2010 – It is the intent at Habakkuk to consistently practice biblical principles in its effort to resolve the matter between Habakkuk and Isaiah D. Thomas (“Thomas”). At no time will Habakkuk, its representatives or its affiliates (1) engage in or resort to any public or private assault of character; (2) wield any fictionally-based accusation or (3) rush in response to any erroneous allegation, past, present or future, to protect its reputation…. For the latter, Habakkuk will faithfully trust God to be our continued defense and the ultimate vindicator of our good name. In the February 15, 2010 press release, Habakkuk asserts entitlement to an Exclusive Music Agreement (“Agreement”) with Thomas, not t...

According to a press release from independent gospel label Habakkuk Music, label member Isaiah Thomas is still contractually obligated to record an album with them, but is allegedly connected to another label. Thomas is the leader of the Maryland-based 2008 Stellar Award winning Contemporary Choir of the Year, Elements of Praise. Thomas is also an acclaimed songwriter who penned the Byron Cage praise anthem "I Will Bless the Lord." While Habakkuk claims they have an exclusive music agreement with Thomas and intend to record a second album with him, they will pursue necessary legal action if he continues to breach their existing contract. The notice demands that both Thomas and Global Gospel Music Group cease and desist their agreement. The release also serves notice to the gospel industry that Isaiah Thomas is off limits. (We were unable to find any details online about Global Gospel Music Group. Mr. Thomas has been contacted to offer his side of this story.) Read the entire...