::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

James Fortune & FIYA, is slated to release, "Encore" on January 26, 2010 . The Urban Music Scene has a promo video on standby showcasing his recent live performance/recording. Featured guests on the new project include J Drew Sheard, Isaac Caree, Kierra Sheard, Anaysha Figueroa & much more!

Recording Artist Tonex's Mother E. B. Williams Dies The death of E.B. Williams, the mother of Gospelartist Tonex was announced on his official Web site as follows: We regret to inform you that E. B. Williams who is the mother of music artist Tonex has passed away on December 28, 2009. E. B. Williams was known as a national evangelist, recording artist, and assistant pastor of Truth Apostolic Community Church in San Diego, CA. Please keep the Williams family in your prayers. More details regarding the memorial service to come in the near future. All cards and condolences may be sent to Truth Apostolic Community Church 8318 Jamacha Rd Spring Valley, CA 91977. Please do not send any flowers. For more information, please contact Judy Groover at 202.361.3939 or email at tonex@sweetfinesse.com or visit www.theofficialtonex.com.

Jireh Communications Group named official producers of first ever gifting suites for silver anniversary of The Stellars It’s not too late to get your company’s product into the bags of Gospel music celebrities (Bristow, VA) Dec. 18, 2009 -- Jireh Communications Group (JCG) has been sanctioned by Central City Productions , the producers of The Stellar Awards to produce the official Beauty, Wellness and Gifting Suites for the 25th annual show, aligning its prestige with Hollywood’s top award shows. Jireh Communications Group is a Virginia-based advertising, marketing and pr company that organizes events and exposes products to the urban faith-based market. In 2009 the company extended its services to include product placement and is honored to bring choice brands to the 25th Annual Stellar Awards. Erma Gray Davis , President and COO of Central City Productions said, "This is a very special year for us and we brought Jireh Communications Group on board to help us celebrate our s...

SPIRIT RISING/MUSIC WORLD ENTERTAINMENT named the Billboard #10 Hot Gospel Songs Label of the Year BRIAN COURTNEY WILSON's "All I Need" is Listed #19 for Billboard's Hot Gospel Song for 2009 (New York , NY - December 21, 2009) - Gospel newcomer Brian Courtney Wilson has become one of Contemporary Gospel Break-Through Artists of 2009. His debut Top 10 single, "All I Need" is listed as the overall #19 Hot Gospel Song of 2009 from his inaugural CD, JUST LOVE. Brian is signed to Spirit Rising/Music World Music, the faith-based music division of Music World Entertainment. Billboard magazine year-end results are in and Spirit Rising/Music World Entertainment is named the #10 Hot Gospel Songs Label for 2009. The stats for the new artist continues to grow as we usher in the new year. Wilson's JUST LOVE debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart and at #6 on Billboard's Top Christian Album chart. The album has remained in the Top 15 on the B...

Jackson thanks supporters before recording 25th Annual Stellar Awards on January 16; says it will be 'our best show ever' amid criticism from the gospel industry stemming from questions about the nomination process By Mona Austin On January 16, 2010, Central City Productions (CCP) will celebrate 25 years of producing The Stellar Awards, the first and only show that recognizes the contributions of African American gospel artists. But, the path to the company's silver anniversary year has been lined with controversy. Following the announcement of the 2010 nominees in October various bloggers and members of the gospel industry on social networking sites criticized the company and the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA)-- the voting body for the Stellars-- for alleged inconsistencies in the nominations process. Ultimately, the integrity and reputation of the award show was in question. Nearly a month later, on November 24 Don Jackson, Founder and Executive Produce...

Televangelsit passes away Tuesday at the age of 91 Televangelist pioneer Oral Roberts has passed away. Roberts was the Founder and Chancellor of Oklahoma-based Oral Roberts University. In the 1970's he was instrumental in crusading the message of Christ through tent revivals that were broadcast on radio and television. Online reports indicated he had broken some bones from a fall in his California home over the weekend. However, according to the announcement at www.oru.com the noted preacher died December 15 of complications from Pneumonia at the age of 91. Roberts, the son of a preacher, initially rejected his father's beliefs, but entered ministry at the age of 17 after a miraculous recovery from Tuberculosis. In an attempt to raise $8 million for a medical mission, in 1987, Roberts told his followers God would "call him home" if he did not raise the money. The goal was reached, but the ridicule that followed remains a mark on his legacy as a stalwart of the f...

Top Indie Gospel and Christian Artist set to Rip the Runway January 16 in Nashville! Notes on the Red is bringing the top Independent Gospel and Christian artists together on one stage on January 16 in Nashville, TN. Hosted by Lexi from teh Word network's Lexi Show, Notes on the Red is an episodic fashion and musical event that is set to take place at Opry Mills Mall Entertainment Stage. She’ll be joined by special co-host Pastor Vincent Windrow of Olive Branch Church Nashville. The sizzling artist line up for this ground breaking event includes Mali Music, who has been dubbed the industry’s “most dynamic new artist”, and Lisa McClendon who is undeniably the queen of gospel soul. The event will mix in the hip hop energy of Don Dodds and JRad and the urban influence of Nicole Faithful Franklin and Javen who is featured in the upcoming feature film “Preachers Kid”. Joining them are gospel’s most talented – Lisa Page Brooks, Myron Butler, Sylvester Burks, Wess Morgan, Lowell Pye...