Ok, so the OC couple of the Week is not exactly Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland (that is too funny even for us…); however in their playful introduction of each other, they often refer to each other as such! It’s hilarious! Cedric and LeJuene Thompson have earned their place as this weeks’ Bonnie and Clyde in the GI (Gospel Industry).

You can mention the name Cedric Thompson to any musician, singer, producer or writer in the GI and beyond and get instant respect. He is a Stellar Award Winning, Grammy Award Nominated producer. He’s worked on projects for just about “eeeeerrrrrbody”-Bishop T.D. Jakes, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, John P. Kee, Heather Headley, Monique Walker, Shirley Murdock, Men of Standard, Marvin Sapp, Micah Stampley, Donald Lawrence, Twinkie Clark and Karen Clark-Sheard- and that’s just the short list.

Known for his signature swagger, and signature slogan “Bless Ya Heart”, his heart evidently belongs to The LeJuene Thompson. LeJuene, a gospel powerhouse has been the ultimate gospel “hype woman”, bringing her existential craft and distinctive sound to Gospel Greats like Donald Lawrence, and John P. Kee.Known in NC as a Phenom for years, she most notably turned heads in early 2000 with her lead vocal on the smash hit “Testify” with Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers. The hit peaked at No. 13 on Billboard Mag’s “Hot Dance Music/Club Play” Chart (wow).

This hit earned LeJuene the playful title of “Diva in Waiting” from Billboard mag, and we here at the OC- second that Motion!!! Her sophomore effort Metamorphosis renders a softer, matured, intense LeJuene. A LeJuene who is eager to allow us a more intimate access to her personal relationship, thoughts and conversation with God.

These two are carving their mark in the GI while showing us a Christian example of healthy personal and business relationship. LeCe Productions, a production firm founded by the Thompsons’, was  formulated as a result of their dynamic partnership! The two hope to write and produce music, and we are sure much more! Maybe before Jay Z and Beyonce got hitched, they should’ve called the Thompson, after all…. they’ve been in the Game for Years!!!

(The Thompson’s working out the kinks before a performance with Micah Stampley)

The couple resides in Charlotte, NC with two sons, Lil CJ (Music Mogul in the Making…real sick on the drums) and Chris ( a Football Sensation). For LeCe Updates stay tuned here at the OC and at www.myspace.com/lejuenethompson or www.cedricthompson.com . (Follow Mahalia and James on twitter.com- they are too funny!!!)

(Ced and LeJuene pictured with their son CJ [Cedric Jr.])