You Deserve It, the sixth album from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, has been highly anticipated for months. The excitement created by the album’s self-titled first single has translated into a monumental debut for the project as JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise lands at #1 on three sales charts, and Top-5 on three additional major music charts. Additionally, the celebrated ensemble lands impressively at #33 on the Billboard Top-200 Albums chart.
This exciting debut is especially significant for Hairston, who released the project March 10th on his own Jamestown Music label. “We wanted to establish a system for how we are going to do things at Jamestown Music. I wanted to test everything out with my own project first,” says Hairston. “This response is overwhelming, and I am grateful.”
The album You Deserve It was recorded live at City of Praise Ministries in Hyattsville, MD (where Hairston is the director of music and arts). The 18-track project boasts new recordings of Youthful Praise’s biggest hits alongside new songs with guest artists including Grammy® Award nominated singer, songwriter and producer, Travis Greene.
Hairston calls the single “You Deserve It” a simple song with a huge message. “It is such a pure song that gives the accolades and applause to the One who truly deserves it – God,” says the singer and choir director. “It has captured the hearts of worshippers across nationalities and across demographics because of its simplicity and its pure, vertical focus.”
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise is nominated for two The Stellar Gospel Music Awards: Song of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year (“You Deserve It”). The ensemble will perform on the telecast, which tapes March 25th in Las Vegas. Additionally, Hairston will co-headline the 20-city Bloody Win Tour that kicks off April 20th in Orlando, Florida.
Formed in 1991 out of Faith Temple in Bridgeport, CT, Youthful Praise was originally known as Teens of TFT and served as the choir for the church, pastored by Bishop J.C. White and Evangelist Gloria White. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise is known for their Top Ten gospel radio hits such as “After This,” “Resting on His Promises,” “Incredible God, Incredible Praise,” “Bless Me” and “You’re Mighty.”
