Memphis, TN is affectionately known as the Home of the Blues and The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. From the famous Beale Street to the historical Graceland, the city inhabits a constant melting pot of live music from any genre you can imagine. Memphis based Stax Records introduced the world to renowned soul and blues artists Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding. Gospel roots in Memphis run deep with the legendary Al Green, the late O’landa Draper and Bishop G.E. Patterson; as well as current hit makers Earnest Pugh, and duo Ted and Sheri. Continuing in the tradition of creating and celebrating great gospel music, Dedicated Music Group and label President Mr. Del (Delmar Lawrence) has created the first installment of a series of compilations showcasing Memphis’ finest songwriters, talented vocalists and even some undiscovered musical talents.
The project is a slight twist from the Hip Hop records Mr. Del and his Dedicated Music Group (DMG) label is noted for releasing. Via a local competition, ten contemporary and traditional gospel artists where chosen to represent the flag of Gospel Music in Memphis on the forthcoming THE GOSPEL OF MEMPHIS project. The CD also showcases the writing and musical production of Key of D (David Gilliard and Marque Walker). THE GOSPEL OF MEMPHIS is an eclectic mix of musical styles that exist within the culture rich city. THE GOSPEL OF MEMPHIS releases June 19.
THE GOSPEL OF MEMPHIS TRACK / ARTIST LIST
1. One Shot – Darryl Petties
2. Yahweh – D. McGhee
3. Recover – Chris Williams
4. He’s Able – Lisa Knowles
5. I love To Praise Him – Courtney Little
6. If I – Carla Tolbert
7. Won’t Fail You – Markevius Faulkner
8. Tis So Sweet – Sharonda Mitchell
9. Hold On Just A Lil’ While Longer – Vision
10. Best Is Yet To Come – Cameron Bethany
11. Tears – Chris Williams
DMG will also release RELOADED, a new Christian Hip Hop project by Memphis, TN based ministry and music coalition The Holy South.
RELOADED marks the 10-year anniversary of The Holy South hip hop music ministry that started in Memphis as a result of founder Mr. Del parting ways from secular gangster rap group Three 6 Mafia. Mr. Del committed his talents and efforts to forming a special spiritual task force that had an evangelistic mission to win teens and young adults in the city and later expanded to the entire country. The Holy South has continued evangelizing and hitting the streets, touring extensively throughout the U.S. impacting their generation and the generation next.
RELOADED enlists a new generation of young musical soldiers ready for battle with lyrical messages of praise and salvation. This project shamelessly addresses common issues and situations our young people daily are saturated with: violence, drugs, and idolatry. “This CD is a result of God assembling a strong team who are empowered by the Holy Spirit, and armed with the message of Jesus Christ and the cross,” explains Mr. Del. “They are ready to counter-attack the strategies of the enemy on our generation with kingdom music…warfare music!”
RELOADED releases on DMG and Universal Music Christian Group on July 3rd. Guest artists on RELOADED include DMaub, Canton Jones and Gangsta Boo.
