The new set opens with Zacardi Cortez’ intimate ballad “1 on 1” that’s just a few spins away from Billboard’s Top Ten Hot Gospel Songs chart. Bryan Wilson’s inspiring “It Will Happen” just cracked the Top 100 and Ted Winn’s “You Are The Reason” will be the third radio single from the project. Tamela Mann offers a spine-tingling performance on “You Deserve My Praise.” A couple of legendary R&B artists showcase their love for gospel on the set. Ruben Studdard delivers a passionate “Medicine (For Someone Else)” and Lalah Hathaway joins Earnest Pugh and Zacardi Cortez for a rousing “Every Promise.” Jimmy Hicks and Le’Andria Johnson shake the rafters with “Praises Go Up.”
The set features classics like James Fortune & FIYA’s “I Believe” and “I Trust You.” Earnest Pugh combines two of his #1 radio hits into the “Rain & Glory Medley.” Greg O’Quin’s 1998 slow jam “I Told The Storm” and Rev. Paul Jones’ original 1993 rendition of “I Won’t Complain” make appearances. It also boasts the pulsating “Praise You” by Zacardi Cortez ft. Fred Hammond, the uplifting “Holy Is Our God” by James Fortune & FIYA ft. Tye Tribbett and The Brown Boyz’ quartet smash, “I Made It.”
The digital version of the CD offers five exclusive selections such as Damon Little’s current quartet hip-slapper “Make A Way,” Moses Tyson Jr.’s bluesy organ on “You Brought Me,” Derrick Horne’s lilting song of adoration “When You Lift Your Hands,” Kenny Smith’s festive party-starter “Heaven” and it closes with Armar’rae Hill & True Foundation’s mystical song of joy, “The Greatest.
1) 1 on 1 – Zacardi Cortez
2) Praises Go Up – Jimmy Hicks ft. Le’Andria Johnson
3) I Trust You – James Fortune & FIYA
4) You Deserve My Praise – Tamela Mann
5) You Are The Reason -Ted Winn
6) Rain & Glory Medley – Earnest Pugh
7) I Made It – The Brown Boyz
8) I Believe – James Fortune & FIYA ft. Zacardi Cortez & Shawn McLemore
9) I Won’t Complain – Rev. Paul Jones
10) Praise You – Zacardi Cortez ft. Fred Hammond
11) I Told The Storm – Greg O’Quinn
12) It Will Happen – Bryan Andrew Wilson
13) Holy Is Our God – James Fortune & FIYA ft. Tye Tribbett
14) Every Promise – Zacardi Cortez ft. Lalah Hathaway & Earnest Pugh
15) Medicine For Someone Else – The Black Academy Choir ft. Ruben Studdard
16) Heaven – Kenny Smith (Digital version only)
17) You Brought Me – Moses Tyson Jr. (Digital version only)
18) Make A Way – Damon Little (Digital version only)
19) When You Lift Your Hands – Derrick Horne (Digital version only)
20) The Greatest – Amar’rae Hill & True Foundation (Digital version only)
Kerry Douglas’ first “Gospel Mix” compilation CD was released in 2008. The series is known for branding new acts and re-establishing veteran artists. Over the last few years, it has introduced the music of James Fortune & FIYA, Earnest Pugh, Zacardi Cortez and The Brown Boyz and transformed them into household names in the gospel world. For more information, log on at www.mrkerrydouglas.com for news on this project and other Worldwide Music, Inc. releases.