Tag Archives: Tasha Cobbs

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Mary Mary Background Singer TaMyya J Comes to the Foreground With New Single “God’s Got My Back!”

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Hello World,

I’ve always said that I love all kinds of music from rap to gospel, but gospel music is the only music that can get you through when you’re going through! Y’all know what I mean! That’s why I’m pleased to introduce an exciting up and coming gospel singer TaMyya J to y’all! Her new single “God’s Got My Back” is truly an inspirational song. Below is a some information about TaMyya J followed by my interview with her!

For TaMyya J it all began in her childhood hometown of Willingboro, New Jersey. Singing in church became a regular part of her life at an early age. It wasn’t until 1998, at the age of 14, when TaMyya’s introduction to the professional music industry would solidify her career choice and inspire a dream.  Her group “Praise” won the 1st place prize for the Youth Division at the McDonald’s Gospelfest at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Since that time, she has ministered in song at events throughout the world and has built a well-rounded career in entertainment over the past decade. Her critically acclaimed independent album in 2005 entitled SUDDENLY even earned her a nomination for the Gospel Music Channel’s “Pop Video of the Year” Award.

In 2005, 2006 and 2007, TaMyya was selected by Fashion Fair Cosmetics, a division of Johnson & Johnson Publishing Company, (publishers of EBONY and JET magazines) to kick-off their spring cosmetic campaign by offering three songs from her album as a gift to their customers and by appearing at major departments stores across the country.

In 2007 she performed in the hit stage play “Who Do You Love” starring Erica Campbell (Mary Mary). In addition, TaMyya has spent the last six years traveling as the soprano background vocalist for mega gospel duo Mary Mary.

1.What inspired your new single “God’s Got My Back?”  I really like the message of feeling your not enough – whether it’s pretty enough, thin enough, etc. and then realizing with God, you are wise enough, strong enough, etc. Did you write this song?

Well, I was just at a place where I just felt like nothing was going my way, nothing that I planned to do or wanted to do. It just wasn’t happening. I got to a place where I was like, ‘Lord, I don’t know. Is it me? Is it that I’m not strong enough? I’m not pretty enough? I’m not good enough?’ And I heard the Lord clearly say that His timing is way better than my timing or our timing so that really inspired me to do this song. I wrote the song with Damon Stewart from IGA Talent. I came to him with my concept of the song, and we just came together and this is how it came out.

concert2. “God’s Got My Back” was released this month, and it is from your new album “Love For Your Name.” When will the album be released and tell me about it?

The album will be released early next year. We have a lot of different kinds of tracks on this album. We have reggae songs, worship songs, a little bit of gospel urban feel, and a little bit of pop feel too. I wanted to go in that direction because I didn’t want to be put in a box where I was in this one genre of music. And I have a DVD release coming too early next year, and we will be recording it at my concert on October 14 in Norfolk, Virginia. We have a lot of special guests – Jonathan Nelson, Goo Goo Atkins, the celebrity stylist; Resound, just to name a few. And then it’s my birthday month so I’m really excited about it!

3. You spent the last six years traveling as the soprano background vocalist for Mary Mary. What was that like and how did that happen?

That was the best experience ever! It was amazing! I learned a lot from them, and it was so much fun. I was actually working at a law firm in Philadelphia. I had just taken the job and was making good money at that time. And all of a sudden, I had the opportunity to sing for them. I saw them at a concert, and one of the drummers who played with them knew that I was a singer. The drummer said, ‘Oh, you have to hear TaMyyya sing.’ So they were singing a song, and they just handed me the mic. Tina Campbell handed me the mic, and I was like, ‘Oh, no, I’m so nervous.’ But I sang and from then on, it was like, ‘You’re going to be our background singer.’  I said, ‘Okay!’ I was just at the right place at the right time!

4. I understand that you, as a 14-year-old girl, along with your group “Praise,” won the 1st place prize for the Youth Division at the McDonald’s Gospelfest at Madison Square Garden in NYC. What was it like to perform at Madison Square Garden at 14 years old?

We were so excited and nervous and happy at the same time! Being that young, at 14, it’s like, ‘Wow!’ When we first won the first portion of the contest, it was like, ‘Wow, okay!’ And then we won the next part and we were like, ‘Wow, okay!’ We were like, ‘We’re going to have the chance to sing at Madison Square Garden!” It was an amazing experience, and we were very grateful and humbled. And then we got to perform on the stage with the top gospel artists Karen Clark Sheard, Timothy Wright, just to name a few. It was wonderful! It was the best experience ever!

5. What do you feel is God’s purpose for your music especially since you’ve been singing you were a little girl?

I believe that God’s purpose for my music is to enlighten and encourage and to also let Him get the glory and reach others for Him. This is a gift that He blessed me with so I believe that it will bless others.

6. Some may compare you to Tasha Cobbs or Kierra Sheard or a host of other younger gospel artists about there? What sets you and your music apart?

Well, being compared to them, you know I love them! I think that’s great! I think with all of us our main goal is to serve God and serve people who listen to our music. I love what they do! It’s evident in their music and their ministry so being compared to them is awesome.

7. Tell me about your involvement with House of Esther Ministries?

This is a ministry based out of my church Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia with Bishop Courtney McBath and Pastor Janeen McBath. What Pastor Janeen did is she created this housing for young moms or just young people who cannot provide for themselves or it’s very hard for them to get through school. So she provided a home for these young ladies and is helping them to get the education they need to get good jobs. It’s a great program for young ladies, and I just love being a part of that whether I’m giving clothes or money or whatever is needed.

Check out TaMyya J’s new single “God’s Got My Back” below!

TaMyya J’s music is available at all digital outlets!

Any thoughts?

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The Top 10 Blog Posts and or Articles for Black Christian Women in April 2016

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Hello World,

Well, I missed March’s list, but I’m still doing my monthly post in which I corral interesting blog posts and or articles for black Christian women from last month that intrigued me as a black Christian woman ( but you don’t have be a black Christian woman to to check them out:) ! ) As usual, let me know if you like my list! Enjoy and share!

1.The Church Needs Lemonade by Brandi Miller

Excerpt: Intuition. Denial. Anger. Apathy. Emptiness. Accountability. Reformation. Forgiveness. Resurrection. Hope. Redemption.If one were to put these words together on a Sunday morning, slip them into synthesizer led worship, announce them from the mouth of a plaid clad pastor integrated with anecdotes about his child and wife, or present them in an altar call or prayer, we wouldn’t blink. These words are integral to the Christian narrative. Try to find a bible tract or gospel presentation that doesn’t have at least 50% of them.  Christians love these words…that is until Beyoncé says them. See more at: thesaltcollective.org.

2. Gospel Singer Tasha Cobbs Says Black Church Can Help With Depression by Brennan Williams

Excerpt: Tasha Cobbs’ journey to award-winning and chart-topping success as a gospel singer has come with both praise and self-discovery.The 34-year-old has publicly shared her personal testimonial battling depression through the years, and is dedicated to inspiring others dealing with the same issue. After years of masking her sadness and self-neglect, Cobbs says she decided to seek professional help in 2010 prior to the release of her debut independent project, “Smile.” See more at: huffingtonpost.com.

3. Hollywood’s Black Christians Are on The Rise by Ronda Racha Penrice

Excerpt: Black Christians shocked Hollywood last September. War Room, the mainstream, prayer-themed film starring unknown black actors, dethroned the hit N.W.A. biopic, Straight Outta Compton, at the box office over Labor Day weekend. But this was no fluke. Black Christian entertainment has been broadening its appeal for years. See more at: urbannewsservice.com.

4. Episcopal Saint is Namesake of New Yale Residential College by Lauren Markoe

Excerpt: A new residential college at Yale University has been named for an Episcopal saint who was the first African-American woman to be ordained an Episcopal priest. Anna Pauline Murray, known as “Pauli,” was also a civil rights activist who helped shape the legal argument for the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling and a women’s rights activist who co-founded the National Organization for Women. She received an advanced law degree from Yale in 1965 and an honorary doctorate in divinity from the university in 1979. See more at: religionnews.com.

5. Organized After Civil War, Mount Zion AME Remains a Cornerstone of Ocala’s Black Community by Marian Rizzo

Excerpt: With a glowing face and smiling eyes, the Rev. Rhella P. Murdaugh stood in the doorway of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church last week and talked excitedly about the church’s 150th anniversary celebration, which will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday. To Murdaugh, Mount Zion AME Church is more than just a building, more than just a meeting place: “It’s a beacon of light,” she said. See more at: ocala.com.

6. ‘One Day the War Came’ — Liberian Nobel Prize Winner to Talk Peace in Ottawa by Kirsten Fenn

Excerpt: It’s a tactic Gbowee used to her advantage during Liberia’s civil war in 2002, after waking from a dream one night that inspired her to create a women’s peace initiative.  The idea morphed into the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, a movement of more than 10,000 Muslim and Christian women staging peaceful protests in 20 communities across the country. See more at: ottawacitizen.com.

7. Lest We Forget Museum Keeps Slavery’s Lesson in People’s Memory by Arlene Edmonds

Excerpt: Gwen Ragsdale feels that the African-American church and slavery history is so important that she stepped into the pulpit recently, although she is not an ordained minister. Ragsdale, along with her husband, J. Justin Ragsdale, are founders of the Lest We Forget Museum in Northeast Philadelphia. One can often find her at a local Black church sharing historical accounts. See more at: phillytrib.com.

8. All Female Christian Hip-Hop Cypher Is Fierce by Alex Osborne

Excerpt: Except for maybe Tupac’s Only God Can Judge Me, my exposure to Christian hip-hop is nil (I am assuming Tupac doesn’t really count anyway). That was until today, when Christian Hip-Hop’s YouTube channel posted this incredible cypher featuring an all female cast: Porsha Love, Speez Louise, Ily Rap, Ty Cage and Lady Adamas.The women all hail from Detroit and are serious about spreading the word of God through their raps. See more at: howlandechoes.com.

9. Too Blessed To Be Stressed? How Christianity is Harmful to Those With Mental Illness by Tracey Lloyd

Excerpt: I consider myself a Christian. I believe in God, I read the Bible, I go to church. My faith plays a role in certain aspects of my disease, but this wasn’t always the case. Earlier in my Christian journey, and before I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I had experiences that would lead me to believe that Christianity and mental illness could not be reconciled. That information came not from the Bible, but from how some Christians exhibit their faith. See more at: madamenoire.com.

10. The Emotional Verbal Abusive Narcissistic Church Mother

Excerpt: My mother is the oldest girl out of nine children who was raised in a single parent home by my grandmother. When my mother was six years old, her father died in a car accident. One could only imagine the devastation and impact that a child at the age of my mother could’ve experienced due to the sudden death of her father. My grandfather’s death trigger the narcissistic behavior that my mother suffers with today. See more at: preyingnarcissist.blogspot.com.

So I’ve covered pop culture, mental health and faith, an Episcopal saint, a new slavery museum and more…how did you like the list?

Any thoughts?

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Sherri Shepherd Hosts the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Scores New Sitcom & More…

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Hello World,

stellar hostsMy favorite Christian celeb Sherri Shepherd, an ABC’s “The View” contributor, is a moving target because she stays on the move! Tomorrow night in Las Vegas, Sherri along with syndicated radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley will return as co-hosts of the 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, having hosted together in 2014.  Hailed as the “biggest night in gospel music,” this year’s Stellar Awards will be held at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena. The telecast will premiere on TV One during the week of March 6, as well as in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets around the country from March 12 – April 10.

The 2016 Stellar Awards nominees in 28 categories were revealed in January with gospel heavyweight Anthony Brown, a contender for both Male Vocalist of the Year and Producer of the Year, topping the list with ten nominations. The prolific songwriter and his bandmates Group therAPy are also nominated for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, CD of the Year, Choir of the Year, Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.

Also returning to the show with a slate of nominations this year, chart-topping act Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago receives eight nods, the second highest number overall. Jenkins is nominated for Producer of the Year and Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, and his critically acclaimed group is competing for Song of the Year, CD of the Year, Choir of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year.

With eight and six nominations respectively, Erica Campbell and Tasha Cobbs demonstrate the powerful impact of women in gospel music, recognized for Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Campbell also receives a nod for Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year while Cobb garners one for Praise and Worship CD of the Year.

Richard Smallwood, nominated for Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, and his group Vision are in contention for Traditional Choir of the Year, Special Event CD of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year. Other artists earning multiple nominations include Israel & New Breed, Jonathan McReynolds, Tina Campbell, The Rance Allen Group, newcomer Casey J and living legend Dorinda Clark Cole.

In other Sherri Shepherd news, Sherri and John Lithgow will star in NBC’s legal comedy pilot The Trail, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Below is the description of the new sitcom!

The Trail is described as a serialized single-camera comedy following a young big-city lawyer and his oddball defense team during a high-profile murder trial in a small Southern town.

Lithgow will play the man on trial, Larry Henderson. A smart but slightly clueless poetry professor at a South Carolina community college who is accused of killing his wife, Larry finds the whole notion of being charged with murder absurd, but he has a couple secrets that could really derail his defense.

Shepherd will play Anne, the well-meaning and enthusiastic assistant/receptionist at a makeshift law office in East Peck, S.C. She suffers from facial blindness — the inability to recognize people by their faces — along with a host of disorders that make her job as a member of Henderson’s defense team much more difficult.

As Sherri is a former legal secretary, I know she will be great in this role!

And finally, Sherri is hosting and executive producing WE TV’s unscripted series Match Made In Heaven for its upcoming second season, according to Deadline.com!

“During my time co-hosting The View, I was always talking about the need for an African-American bachelor on television,” Shepherd told Deadline. “When We TV approached me about partnering up with them I had to say yes. Words can’t describe the amount of fun I’ve had working on this show.”

 Any thoughts?