Singers Erica Campbell (L) and Tina Campbell(R) of gospel group Mary Mary attended the 2009 BET Awards on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. While on the red carpet Tina Campbell made an announcement!!!! She’s pregnant with her fourth child. In all, Tina and her husband, drummer Teddy Campbell, are parents to girls Laiah,5, Meela,1, and Cierra,15. Tina expressed her excitement, in her and Teddy having their first son due later this year.

(M&M pictured with their 2009 BET Award for Best Gospel Artist)

This was the GI’s first year to represent at the BET Awards. Seeing as though Debra Lee (whom we Love) and the crew over at BET gave the Industry this huge chance they handpicked our girls Tina and Erica aka the Mary’s to do “our” part. They were introduced befittingly as the rising ‘Queens’ of gospel. Their performance was a little slow to start, but gained momentum when entering from stage left was none other than Queen Latifah aka Dana Owens.

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(Album cover for Earnest Pugh Live: “Rain On Us”)

Earnest Pugh is set to hit us with a new project due in July!!!! Pugh who’s been most linked to songs such as ”Wrapped Up, Tied Up” and “Holy Spirit” has inked an exclusive recording distribution deal with GI(Gospel Industry) Major Power Player Kerry Douglas of Black Smoke Music Worldwide. The new project will be entitled Earnest Pugh Live: “Rain On Us” (Previously recorded by psalmist Sha’ Simpson).

(Promotional cover for title track on Earnest Pugh Live: “Rain On Us”)

The CD hits stores Tuesday, July 28, 2009. Black Smoke Music Worldwide which is formerly Worldwide Gospel is also the home of James Fortunre &FIYA (who are busting Billboard wide open with “I Trust You”), Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Jimmy Hicks & V.O.I and our friend Shawn McLemore!

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Like his colleague’s Mary Mary, the Magazine Spreads just keep coming! World acclaimed philanthropist Israel Houghton will appear in JET Magazine’s Black Music Month issue on stands June 28th 2009. Houghton talks to JET in depth about his upcoming ‘The Power of One’ worldwide tour due to kick off in August 2009..    “We’re talking about, with this upcoming ‘Power of One’ tour that we’re doing in the fall, really making it as an event and not just a concert. We’re meeting with homeless shelters and food pantries in various cities and saying ‘What do you need?’ So we’re saying part of your admission to this event (could be) bringing food or bringing something that lasts beyond two hours of music.”

The Integrity Music artist and His Label are sponsoring the ‘Just Wanna Say’ video contest to promote A Deeper Level ’09 Worship Conference hosted by “Mr. I AM a Friend of GOD” Sept 9th-12th, 2009 in Houston, TX. Fifty winners will receive special gifts but only one grand prize winner will receive a trip for themselves and their spiritual leader to attend the conference.

Be sure to cop the Jet Mag on the 28^th and check out the electronic press card Integrity released below.   Also go to www.israelhoughton.net for more information on the contest, tour dates, and Israel’s blog- which by the way is rather interesting!!!

Mary Mary’s back at it again. How many covers can our girls be on!?Hopefully a million!!!! Gospel to the top!!!! The Campbell Sisters are on the newsstands in the June/July issue of Heart and Soul Magazine. The magazine features Erica and Tina discussing weight loss and of Course God.

Heart and Soul which celebrates its 15th year this month entitled their Mary Mary expose’  “Mary Mary Works it Out”- with its focus on being Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. We’d say that describes the sisters to a T! In other Mary Mary news- the sisters have been added to the performing roster for this years 2009 BET Awards!  The BET Awards will take place at the Shrine Auditorium, hosted by Funny Man Jamie Foxx and airs live June 28, 2009 @ 8pm. The Mary’s will join a long list of celebrity performers like Beyonce’, Jay-Z, Kanye West who made a cameo appearance in their ‘God In Me’ video earlier this year.

Also check out the God In Me video featuring Keara “KiKi” Sheard after the cut, other magazines covered by Mary Mary earlier in the year, as well their PZI Jean endorsement promotional ad.

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One of the highlights of last year’s performances. J Nel got the whole audience on their feet singin and dancing. Check out owner/creator of The OC Tiffany B 3:09 killin em in the black sequence. Go Tiff B!!!!

Ok now on with the story!!!

SUBMIT YOUR CD PROJECT FOR STELLAR AWARDS CONSIDERATION NOW ONLINE!!!!!
This just in from one of favorite awards shows- Henry Harris, President of the Sagma Advisory board just released the following:

All record company eligibility submissions will be done electronically at http://www.thestellarawards.com from May 7, 2009 to August 31, 2009. This year also marks the first time when the entire eligibility and voting process for the Stellar Awards will be completely digital.

Online Eligibility Submission May 7, 2009 – August 31, 2009

First Ballot voting from September 21, 2009 – October 3, 2009

Final Ballot voting from October 9, 2009 – October 23, 2009

Thank you for your participation!

Visit http://www.thestellarawards.com Today!!

PLEASE INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN THE STELLAR AWARDS GOSPEL MUSIC ACADEMY GROUP ON FACEBOOK OUR GOAL IS 25,000 PLUS MEMBERS!!!!

Thank You

Henry Harris, President
SAGMA Advisory Board

We love this concept here at the OC, it gives the “hungry” artists a chance to submit their EPK’s and compilations to the committee! We can’t wait to see what’s next, maybe they’ll extend it to Media and E-Media Awards…Thus saith the LORD!!!! Move over Prophetess Bynum, the OC has a new Prophetess!!! LOL