Real Gospel with the Xman Podcast

Cheryl Fortune Radio Interview

This weekend get ready for the powerful personal testimony of Cheryl Fortune! She’ll share her story growing up in church, how she got her first record deal and give advice on how to handle domestic abuse. On a lighter note, you’ll hear how those painful and dark days, birthed her incredible new song, “Fighter” on her upcoming project called “Simply Cheryl” Many of you should be familiar with Cheryl Fortune because has been the voice behind James Fortune and Fiya, and has sung background for several artists including Kirk Franklin and countless others. I'm sure this will become an anthem on how we all need to be fighters, whether we are dealing with abuse, illness, financial issues, etc. You don’t want to miss this interview!
#CherylFortune #Fighter #RealGospelwiththexman #SimplyCheryl

The Gospel Radio Tour Radio Interview

The Gospel Radio Tour stopped through Nashville and you know if your a gospel artist stopping by to see me is a must!  Michael Nelson, Nichelle Wilson-Cunningham, William Demps, and Micah Lee are my guests and you don't want to miss this funny, and insightful interview! 
#RealGospelwiththexman #Michael Nelson #Nichelle Wilson-Cunningham #William Demps #Micah Lee #GospelRadioTour

Carl B Phillips Radio Interview

I love it when artist stop by and visit me when they’re in my city! Carl B Phillipsis my in studio guest and he shares his personal testimony of how God used him to pen the project, “Great Rain”, how God brought him through troubled times and his incredible story of how he got his record deal! His song, “I know what God did last summer” is full of his incredible testimony which you absolute must hear! We also give a shout out to John Bidden!Bio: Waiting with expectation for a movement from God in one's life is a current that runs throughout this live project by Phillips, a Detroit-born singer, songwriter, producer, and radio announcer. For example, the title track "Great Rain" encourages listeners to wait on God because He will ultimately bring succor (i.e., the great rain). On "Prove Me," Kimberly Whitsett sings that God will "open up the windows of heaven" and answer your problems, but "by and by." "Restore More" argues that God will not only restore what is lost but will provide "more than I ever had." In that case, Phillips might need a bigger umbrella.Phillips spotlights several singers from his talented ensemble. They take turns soloing, and several extend codas to express passionate prayer or evangelistic testimony. Special props go to Chiffon Mc Neal on "I Know What God Did Last Summer," a song with a title that riffs on the name of the 1997 thriller film but is really about Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. In other words, if times are tough this season, another season is on its way, one better because of God's intervention. There's that waiting with expectation theme, once more.What distinguishes the album musically from similar leader/small choir projects is its spectacular traditional conclusion. With a prominent electric guitar and harmonica, "Meeting in the Air" is an evocation of the hereafter, where there will be "no high blood pressure, no diabetes," among other benefits. On "Statistics," La' Jimmease Jones eschews the reports that say "I should have been dead" with stomping affirmations of life. The message and beat transition into a praise break, which brings the album to its denouement.Great Rain is buttressed by hard-hitting musicians who deliver a full-bodied sound, and fine ensemble singing by the "Friends," never better than on their harmonic resolution at the end of "A Simple Praise."
#CarlBPhillips #RealGospelwiththexman #GreatRain

Pastor Mark Cooper of the Miami Mass Choir Radio Interview

Pastor Mark Cooper of the Miami Mass Choir is my guest this weekend and he gives a synopsis on the history of the legendary choir, as well as how the Rev Milton Biggham gave him his first real break the industry. Their latest song is “Lord of Everything” and it’s taken off all over the world, their latest project “Miami Mass Choir Live” Here’s their bio: In January 1995, at the suggestion of Rev. Milton Biggham, (Executive Producer of SAVOY Records) Pastor Marc Cooper sent out a clarion call for singers to come together to form a new Choir. Monday, February 27th, 1995, in the Florida Memorial College Chapel, more than 100 of South Florida’s top gospel singers as well as gifted songwriters came together to organize the Miami Mass Choir.July 21, 1995, the Miami Mass Choir recorded their first album “It’s Praying Time” at Bethel Apostolic Temple. The album was released in 1997 and immediately took off with the breakout song, ‘What God Has For Me, It is For Me.” The album climbed to number 25 on Billboard's Top Selling Gospel Albums Chart and earned several awards including the Stellar Award for Choir of the Year.May 16, 1998, the choir recorded their second album at St. Mark Baptist Church in Ft. Pierce, Fl. entitled, “Just For You.” The Choir has been blessed to work with many legendary gospel artists and also recorded an album with Dorothy Norwood, “Ole Rickety Bridge” in 1999, live in Carol City, FL at Antioch Baptist Church. This album was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album.In 2001, the choir recorded its third album entitled, “God Will See You Through” in Miami, Fl. at Upper Room Ministries on Pastor Cooper’s label, MaJo Records.In 2004, members of the Miami Mass Choir performed at the MTV VMA’S with Kanye West performing “Jesus Walks.”In 2010, Miami Mass became the resident choir for the Adrienne Arscht Center’s “Free Gospel Sunday Series,” and has been able to share the ministry of music with a new generation and keep the legacy of South Florida Gospel alive.December 19, 2015, Miami Mass Choir recorded its latest CD titled, Miami Mass Choir LIVE at the Adrienne Arsht Center featuring Betty Wright, Beverly Crawford, Tony LeBron, Zacardi Cortez, Jalisa Faye and many more.He also gives a shout out to Benita Bellamy & Dennis Cole, an interview you surly don’t want to miss!
#Pastor MarkCooper #MiamiMassChoir #RealGospelwiththexman #Lordofeverything 

Lamont Sanders Interview

This weekend Lamont Sanders is my guest. You don't want to miss this exciting interview!!Bio: A father and a husband who was born into a family of music began his earlier years singing in the choir under the guidance of his mother, who was the director and father who played the piano. His life was saturated with music as he traveled around and became known as the young boy with a high vocal registry and melodic tune throughout his hometown of Willingboro, NJ. His musical talents opened many doors and allowed him to travel locally and nationally throughout the country. Lamont started his earlier career as an R&B singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Singing before thousands, he held a successful record deal with Interscope Records under, Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds, Andre Harrell, and Vincent Herbert. Riding in the car after a concert, Lamont Sanders had an encounter that ultimately changed his musical direction and mission. He remembers God confronting him with one question, “how many souls were saved”? It was from that point that he decided to make winning souls for the Kingdom of God, his mission.God has opened many doors and expanded his platform worldwide. Lamont has made appearances on Bobby Jones BET Gospel Showcase and shared the stage with many nationally known Gospel Recording artists such as Tye Tribbett, Martha Munizzi, Dorinda Clark- Cole, Lisa Page Brooks, Bryan Popin, and many others.Armed with a captivating tenor voice Lamont Sanders readies the release of his debut single “Forever Mercy”, the first single from Lamont Sanders debut album set to release in mid-2017. The song speaks to the enduring love of God for his children. Sending listeners on a heartfelt journey from the moment it begins, “Forever Mercy” kicks into high gear with a powerful guitar solo that only takes the already high-spirited song to an even higher level by its end.Lamont’s message he conveys in his speaking and music is that, “God will find them in whatever state they are in, and is able to change any circumstance for the good once we let go and let God”.
#LamontSanders #Whateverittakes #RealGospelwiththexman

Dominique “Doe” Jones Radio Interview

Dominique “Doe” Jones is my guest this weekend and many of you remember her from the group “Forever Jones”, well she’s reaching out and God is surly enlarging her territory with her latest song “Give Thanks”. Doe will talk about growing up as a member of her family group, give advice to College students, give her personal testimony on how she battled with depression and how she overcame it, which will lead to her speaking a very powerful word to those suffering with “Depression”. Bio:Dominique Jones is the second of five siblings in the hit Gospel band “Forever Jones” and for as long as she can recall, has been surrounded by music. She is co-writer, vocalist, acoustic guitar and keyboards for the band. Having developed a love for the piano at a young age, Dominique (nicknamed Doe) spent much of her youth being influenced by the musicians close to their family.After moving to Shreveport, Dominique became heavily involved in the worship ministry at their church, and soon became the youth worship leader, a post she still holds today.
#Dominique“Doe”Jones #ForeverJones #GiveThanks #RealGospelwiththexman

Lawrence Thomison Radio Interview

This weekend the Lawrence Thomison is my special guest! Not only is he a hidden gem in the gospel music industry, he’s a member of the Dr. Bobby Jones Nashville Super choir, and my brother in the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.! His new song is “I thank you Lord” and you’ll hear his moving and riveting testimony of how God has lead him from growing up in Nashville TN to stardom in the gospel music industry! Bio: Rev. Thomison became a recognized name and face in the gospel world with the Grammy award nominated hit single “You’ve been Good to Me” featuring the Music City Mass Choir on the compact disc album entitled “Never let go of His hand”.Rev. Lawrence Thomison’s next release was his, “Deliverance will Come” album which is the third compact disc from Rev. Lawrence Thomison. “Deliverance will Come” captures all the energetic excitement of a “Rev. Lawrence Thomison” performance. Lawrence without protest admits that is was truly a memorable occasion. His next compact disc entitled "Hymns of the Church" was truly a powerful testament of what God can do. Rev. Thomison enjoys a periodic change in scene from his traditional gospel style with a more contemporary feel and has the adaptability to pull it off. Due to the landscape and style of gospel music changing ever so rapidly, "Hymns of the Church" has something for all of gospels varied taste. NOW, to feature his unique soulful talent, he has displayed it fully on this latest single entitled "I Thank You Lord" and WOW does it speak to your Spirit and makes you MOVE. This song bubbles with tradition that quickly turns into a contemporary swing that gives you power and enjoyment.
#Lawrence Thomison #IThankYouLord #RealGospelwiththexman

William Becton Radio Interview

William Becton took a well-deserved break of over 12 years from the music industry, why? You’ll have to listen to find out. This man of God best known for the hit song “Be Encouraged” is back and he’s already dropped two great songs, “Sing unto the Lord” and “I Yield”. The new project is called “Broken III”, lives in Charlotte N.C. and guess what, he’s also a pastor! So what does “Broken” mean? Does it mean what we think it does or is there another underlining theme, you’ll have to tune in to find out how losing his wife and his parents tested his faith in the Lord, this is truly a touching interview you don’t want to miss!!BioPastor, producer, songwriter, and gospel recording artist are a few facets of William Becton. He is most popularly known for his contributions to the gospel music industry, yet he has made waves in radio, and in the evangelical community. He creatively and consistently spreads the message of encouragement in all three venues, while fulfilling his mission to make disciples of the broken.The MusicWith over 20 years of experience in the gospel music industry, William Becton continues to influence and shape the gospel music sound. After a 13-year hiatus, this is being demonstrated with his current single, “Sing Unto The Lord”— an up-tempo, cross-cultural, energy charged masterpiece with a fresh new sound of praise while merging familiar “Old School” influences—from his forthcoming Broken Trilogy—his fifth praise and worship-focused project entitled, “Broken III,” recorded in Nashville, TN, also known as the Music City.The ministry-packed project features worship music from a multi-denominational and multi-cultural perspective that was honed while Pastor Becton was Minister of Music at a culturally diverse ministry in Laurel, MD. “This is by far my greatest body of work,” says Pastor Becton. In 1995, Becton made major noise when he released the gospel hit single, "Be Encouraged" from the CD entitled “Broken.” The song took Pastor Becton from anonymity to notoriety almost overnight. Astonishing the gospel and R&B communities, the album debuted on the Billboard Gospel chart at #3 followed by the album propelling to #1, for over 11 weeks. It also hit the Billboard R&B singles chart at #59 for 21 weeks, allowing secular listeners to experience music with an underlying Christian message. The crossover success of “Be Encourage” set a new trend in gospel music and paved the way for upcoming gospel artists who also had crossover hits.His group William Becton & Friends have received two Stellar Awards (including six Stellar Award nominations), two Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Awards, three Washington Area Music Awards, Dove Award nominations and a Gold Record. Four CD’s and numerous recordings later, Pastor Becton has firmly established himself as one of gospel music's finest songwriter/producer machines.The Ministry & EdificationPastor William Becton was licensed as a local minister in 1998 in the A.M.E. Zion Church. He was ordained as Pastor in 2002. In 2005, he pioneered Kingdom Purpose Worship Center in Charlotte, NC. He has over 10 years of experience in the pastorate as a preacher and teacher of the Gospel.His foundation and priceless experience at the world-renown Duke Ellington High school of Performing Arts in D.C., prepared him for his educational journey to study Music Education at the University of the District of Columbia, receive a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology (2010) and a Master’s degree in Theology (2011) from Life Christian University (Tampa, FL). He is currently on schedule to receive a D.M. in in Theology, also via Life Christian University the summer of 2016.
#WilliamBecton #RealGospelwiththexman #Broken