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UNDERGROUND OF THE MONTH
SONG OF THE WEEK:
Sing Hallelujah
Sistah Peaches
A Reflection Of Him

FEATURES
GOSPEL
Demetrus remembers, tales from the heart
more
Martha Munizzi an anointed Praise & Worship songstress 
more

HIP HOP 
ill harmonics ministry or just monkeying around 
more
Fros' t me vs myself 
more

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL MUSIC
Fusebox connects with once again
more
Nicole Mullen on the move with two hot new releases
more

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Labels, PRs, Publicists, artists, and managers, send us your records (for review) to:
The Gospel Zone
P.O. Box 5211
Oakland CA. 94605

Submit your release dates, press releases, calendar of events or anything newsworthy to this email: crj_lawn@msn.com

ADD YOU ARTIST/LABEL LINK TO THE GOSPEL ZONE FOR FREE
For gospel related artists and labels only. Categories include gospel, hip hop, C.C.M., comedy, spoken word, jazz and reggae
CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR LINK TODAY

OUT THE BOX
Verity Records, The Music Experience and The Urban Gospel Alliance invite you to meet TONEX

Buy the new Tonex release, Out The Box and get it autographed by Tonex, Thursday, May 20, 2004 at
The Music Experience
1959 1/2 East 73rd street
(one half block west of Jeffrey)
6 PM until 8 PM

Food by MacArthur's Restaurant

Dedry Jones
The Music Experience
773.493.0154 ph
773.493.0155 fx

"Dedry Jones' listening parties have become the best thing to happen to Sundays since "The Sopranos"...Heavenly" - New City Magazine

In order to ease the process of urban gospel artists getting booked at churches, conferences, and other gospel events, UGA is launching an online artist referral service. Free to both UGA member artists and anyone in charge of securing talent for a program or event, the service connects audiences with talented and ministry minded artists throughout the U.S.

"We are always looking for ways to add value to our members and to the gospel community at large," stated UGA National Director Curtis Jermany. " Easier access to talent for the community and more opportunities to minister for our members was a natural addition."

All UGA members are automatically enrolled in the service. Event planners and coordinators who are searching for urban gospel artists can simply go to www.urbangospelalliance.com,  and click on the "Book An Artist For Your Event" link on the left side of the page. Here they can specify details about their event and what type of urban gospel artist they would like to book. After submission, UGA will supply a list of contact information for all artists who match the specified criteria within 24 hours.

For more information about the UGA Artist Referral Service and to find out how you can be involved, contact Curtis Jermany at 510.472.0177 or info@urbangospelalliance.com. 

NEW UGA CHAPTERS ADDED
The Urban Gospel Alliance welcomes Fresno Cali rep Sam Rangel AKA Dos The Psalmist New York rep Edward B. Perry
Detroit MI rep Karen Hunt Barker
Chicago IL rep  Andre Hampton, Sacramento CA chapter rep Debra Richardson, and Virginia Beach VA rep Angela Peterkin to the UGA family. 

HELP LAUNCH A NEW UGA CHAPTER IN YOUR AREA
Write uganational@netscape.net or call 510-472-0177 for details

First Urban Gospel Triple CD Compilation Invites Artists to Extend Their Reach
UGA Now Accepting Submissions for 2004 UGI Awards & Conference CD Compilation Project

In a move that excites both fans and artists of urban gospel music, the Urban Gospel Alliance (UGA) has announced the production of a triple CD compilation featuring all genres of urban gospel. Set to debut at the 2004 Urban Gospel Industry Awards & Conference, the compilation project is the first of it's kind to include all facets of urban gospel on three discs jam packed with the sounds and ministries of some of the best independent artists and labels in the country.

The follow on project to the official CD compilation of 2003's "Bridging The Gap Holy Hip Hop Conference", "The Underground", this year's compilation kicks it up a notch with more new artists and additional urban gospel genres. Appropriately entitled "The Gospel Zone Presents The Underground Volume II", the 3 CD disc set will include one all holy hip hop CD, one all sanctified spoken word CD, and one CD featuring all other styles that fall under the urban gospel umbrella.

With a first run of 1000, "The Underground Volume II" will get into the hands of all conference attendees, including fans and gospel industry personnel alike. Additionally, the "The Underground Volume II" will be featured in the official UGI Awards & Conference Magazine (to include complete track and artist listing) and on UGA's website.

Artists are now invited to submit tracks for consideration. There is a maximum of 2 tracks per label and 1 track per artist. Those interested should submit their media kits (including CD) to the following address:

UGA/CD Compilation
P.O. Box 5211
Oakland, CA 94605

Artists should highlight the tracks they want to be considered, and be prepared to submit a production fee of $100.00 if chosen.

For more information, contact Curtis Jermany at (510) 472-0177 or crj_lawn@msn.com 

UGA CONFERENCE DETAILS POSTED
Click here for UGA Urban Gospel Industry Awards and Conference 
info including host hotel and other location info.
Or contact Curtis Jermany @ crj_lawn@msn.com, call 510-472-0177, or visit www.UrbanGospelAlliance.com 

VOLUNTEER UGA STREET TEAMS WANTED
If you are interested in becoming a street team member, contact your local chapter representative.
READ STREET TEAM 101 FOR EXPECTATIONS 

Pastors, Youth Ministers, Elders, etc. WE NEED YOUR HELP. 
If your church is in any of our chapter surrounding areas please consider hosting one of our free monthly concerts. Please contact your areas chapter rep for details.

NOW SCHEDULING ARTISTS FOR APRIL AND BEYOND
Contact chapter you wish to minister at

MEMBER NEWS

UNLESS INDICATED-THESE ARE NOT UGA SPONSORED EVENTS

Free Movie Soundtrack Placement for Urban Rhythm N Praize Artists: Reach Teach Touch Ministries is still taking Rhythm N Praize artists for their, "Lost Soul," Soundtrack. This independent film will be released on DVD with a free soundtrack as well. There is no fee to be on this compilation with the likes of The Ziklag Boys, C.R.O.W., Bruthaz Grimm, Enock, Mark J, Mr. D-Note and so many more. To submit music send your packages to: Reach Teach Touch P.O. Box 48 Fresno, CA. 93707 For more details e-mail info@rttglobal.com  Or log onto www.reachteachtouch.com

Sierra-Pearl Entertainment has signed a distribution deal with Ophir Entertainment Distribution. Be on the watch...Johnny Mo's CD "A New Direction" is coming to a music retailer near you!

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR THE SOUL SPEECH POETS FOR CHRIST (SSPC) Attention! All Sanctified Spoken Word Artists and Gospel Poets. You Are Never Alone! Are you searching for a place where you can find transparent fellowship and true discipleship? Do you want to work with other artists who seek to impact the Spoken Word Movement and literary poetry w/ the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you seeking to be held accountable to the Word of God in your artistic ministry? If you answered yes to any or all of those questions, then the Soul Speech Poets for Christ (SSPC) is the membership organization for you!  The Soul Speech Poets for Christ is the membership division of Soul Speech Ministries- serving as an artists fellowship for ministry-minded poets, emcees, singer/songwriters, authors, journalists, etc. who seek to yield their pens and voices to the Lord Jesus Christ.  There will be an Open Enrollment Period for SSPC during the months of May and June. As part of our "Operation: Gathering" Program, SSPC will be accepting membership applications from poets, emcees, singer/songwriters, author's, journalists, etc. who desire and require fellowship w/ other Christ-centered artists.  An Orientation Meeting will be scheduled for the month of June for everyone interested in SSPC membership. This will cap our Open Enrollment period, which will end on June 30. The mission and objectives of SSPC, as well as organization structure and ministry ops will be discussed in detail. We will also feature performance ministry from some of the most anointed spoken word artists and poets the Holy Spirit has to offer! Stay tuned for date and location information to be announced.  For more info on how you can be a part of SSPC, e-mail us at  soulspeech@soulspeech.com  or call 1-866-4YO- SOUL (496-7685) x81.

Spoken Word Café is the ultimate source to find spoken word products & events. Also featuring, Poetry Readings, Book Signings, Fashion shows, Stage and theatre productions, Hearing Impaired events.  Read articles from some of your favorite poets and motivators. Purchase gifts for writers etc.  Contact us today to find out how you can be listed and sell your product. All UGA Memebers will receive discount and will be a front page featured artist at no additional charge.

In Honor of National Poetry Month Realistically Speaking Publishing Company Launches Creative Arts Community Website "Spoken Word Café" "New Virtual Creative Arts Lounge Celebrates the Art of Verbal and Written Poetic Verse" Spoken Word and Poetry enthusiasts now have a new spot on the Internet to congregate and collaborate on all forms of spoken and written lyrical expression.  SpokenWordCafe.net is a resource for spoken word artists and fans to stay informed on the latest products and national events, and to hear from some of the best performers and writers in spoken word. SpokenWordCafe.net was specifically designed to supply the increasing demand for information and products on spoken word by both artists and fans. Artists will find a variety of products that consists of everything they need to begin their writing journey To find out more information on what's happening in the Spoken Word and Creative Arts circles, visit http://www.SpokenWordCafe.net.

Every Last Friday @ 7:00 PM SPOKEN WORD & ARTS CAFE located at the South Bay Pavilion, Carson Mall, 20700 Avalon Blvd.. Carson, CA 90746. Featuring spoken Word and Arts Café is a poetry , music and arts showcase , featuring poets, singers, musicians, dancers & more from the Carson community and surrounding cities. There will be giveaways, prizes and more! Free to the Public! Bring Grandma, Grandpa and the Kids! For More info Contact: Sheréa VéJauan 562.674.2955 or visit www.realisticallyspeaking.net

DETROIT GOSPEL PROMOTIONS COMPANY MINISTERS TO UP AND COMING GOSPEL ARTISTS Motor City Gospel Connections, a gospel artists promotions company based out of Detroit, MI, is dedicated to assisting up and coming gospel artists of all genres in exposure and promotions. Our mission is to help artists find the venues they are looking for to minister to the word of the Lord through their particular genre. We assist all genres of the gospel industry, including but not limited to: traditional gospel artists; contemporary artists; gospel rap-hip/hop artists; spoken word artists; Christian comedy; Christian poets, and much more. Let Motor City Gospel Connections help you save souls and uplift spirits for those who view your ministry. MCGC is a member of the Urban Gospel Alliance.  Please visit our website at www.motorcitygospel.com.  Ray Harris, Owner Motor City Gospel Connections 500 Temple, Suite 6M Detroit, MI 48201 (248)262-6834

HOLY HIP HOP MUSIC RETAINS THE NEXT LEVEL With the newly formed alliance between Atlanta-based Holy Hip Hop Music (HHH Music) and Nashville-based EMI Gospel, the much anticipated debut release, Holy Hip Hop: Taking the Gospel to the Streets is poised for availability in key retail stores world-wide on June 29, 2004. As a result, HHH Music announced today that it has retained Houston-based marketing company The Next Level. As negative images and stereotypes plague the hip-hop community, Holy Hip Hop Music and The Next Level's goals are to expose and educate the general public about inspirational and uplifting hip hop ministry as depicted on the upcoming compilation CD. The Next Level will coordinate listening "invite only" parties to connect with key supporters, pastors and media and album release parties/concerts to inform potential consumers in select markets, including but not limited to Atlanta, Houston and Philadelphia. The Next Level's chief executive officer, Lakeshia Baptiste, is a seasoned marketing executive who is trusted and respected within the Holy Hip Hop and gospel community for her innovative ideas and ability to persevere in such a unique market. "Holy Hip Hop Music is proud to be in partnership with The Next Level and look forward to working together for years to come," said Danny Wilson of HHH Music. Holy Hip Hop: Taking the Gospel to the Streets is an exciting project with diverse tracks, featuring powerful, recording artists to include former Three 6 Mafia member Mr. Del, soulful songstress Shei Atkins and Atlanta's own Ziklag. "We are excited about coordinating this project and working with HHH Music in its efforts to transform lives through spiritual enlightening hip-hop music," expresses Baptiste. The Next Level is a strategic marketing communications and special events company specializing in marketing, promotions and events that aim to restore positive, value added products, services and entertainment to the urban community.  For more information about The Next Level visit www.thenxlevel.com.  Please visit www.HolyHipHop.com,  www.DJLace2004.com  and www.UrbanGospelAlliance.com  for more information on the Global movement to take the Gospel to the Streets.  For more information on EMI Gospel or EMI Christian Music Group, log on to: www.EMICMG.Com.

ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE AL Co rep opportunities available. Call 510-472-0177 for details  CALIFORNIA    FLORIDA TAMPA Derrick J. Washington PO Box 5555 MC#3901 Saint Leo, Fl. 33574 (352)588-8517  derrick.washington@saintleo.edu   SEEKING MORE UGA REPS Send inquiry to uganational@netscape.net   GEORGIA ATLANTA GA  Emmett McCord, Jr. Cell: 770-912-2719 Fax: 404-758-6521 Office: 404-589-3531  urbangospelga@aol.com     ILLINOIS  CHICAGO Andre Hampton (708)396-4080   chiuga@msn.com  MAY 28 free UGA  Kickoff Concert Theme: Food For The Soul Living Hope Community Church 15712 Church Drive South Holland, Il, 60473 Youth Pastor Ernest Gray 7-9p.m.  MICHIGAN  DETROIT Karen Hunt Barker The Elyon Group/E2 Music Group 26665 W. Carnegie Park Drive Ste K Southfield, MI 48034 (248) 470 - 0823 -cell elyonentertainment@yahoo.com    (new label/Christian events)  Elyongroup@yahoo.com    (artist/ministry/business strategic planning) MAY 22 free UGA  Kickoff Concert House of Prayer & Praise Ministries 16520 Wyoming Detroit Featuring Larue Hill, an anointed gospel hip/hop  artist from Detroit; and Chicago's own Dana Divine, creator of the "Gospel  Slide"!  Also ministering in praize will be Damon Lamar of Chicago; Tina  Hubbard, Sonnie Day, Path of Revelation, Stephanie Pride & HOPP Praise  Singers, Spoken Work Artist "Angel", and Detroit's Emerging New Artist  Showcase, featuring Bro. DeShon Legion and Bro. Izaak, both of Detroit To RSVP your seat or group, or for more information contact Stephanie @ (313) 340-0230; Ray Harris of Motor City Gospel Connections (248)262-6834; Kenneth Barker of The Elyon Group (248) 480-9680; Steve Chavis of Heavenly Sounds (313)461-3142.  The overseer of the Detroit Chapter of the UGA is Karen Hunt- Barker, who can be reached at (248)480-9680 or Elyongroup@yahoo.com May 21st Acclaim Community Outreach Services 18630 W. McNichols, Detroit, Michigan will be presenting is 2nd Annual Board of Directors Banquet on Friday May 21st promptly at 7PM.  Keynote speaker will be Frankie Darcell of 92.3WMXD FM Radio.  Tickets are $40.  Location - The American Serbian Memorial Hall, 19940 Van Dyke (at Outer Drive) Detroit, MI. For more information contact Pastors Gerald & Carol Ervin at (313) 839-3707  MISSOURI SEEKING NEW CHAPTER REP Send inquiry to uganational@netscape.net   NEW YORK NEW YORK Edward B. Perry 139-28 228th St. Laurelton (Queens), NY 11413 hm(718) 525-4568 cell(646) 326-9737 fax(718) 525-4568 eperry@edwardperry.org   www.edwardperry.org   PENNSYLVANIA SEEKING MORE UGA REPS Send inquiry to uganational@netscape.net   TEXAS DALLAS Kennya Redmond-Perry  (CEO) The PowerHouse Media Group Dallas/Ft. Worth 6969 Clarkridge Rd #502 Dallas TX 75236 972-780-9043 office/fax 817-233-2140 cell website www.gospelmusictrak.com (under construction)   VIRGINIA VIRGINIA BEACH/HAMPTON ROADS Angela Peterkin  Excelsior Entertainment Group (Management, Publicity, Promotions, Consultation),  P.O. Box 62658 Virginia Beach VA 23466 757-472-2404   excelsioreg@hotmail.com   www.excelsioreg.com   D.C./MARYLAND CONCERTS COMING SOON SEEKING MORE UGA REPS Send inquiry to uganational@netscape.net