Black Music Notes July 6

7/6/10
Juanita Bynum is back on top of her game. The Pentecostal prophetess' newest recording, 'Soul Cry ('Oh, Oh, Oh')' debuted at #1 on CMTA's Christian Singles/Tracks chart, and #2 on Billboard's Top Singles chart. The song, which was released as a maxi-single via Mathew Knowles' Music World Gospel label, was the #1 Most Increased Airplay Song at gospel radio and was the #1 Most Added Song last week.

Black Music Notes July 6

7/1/10: Kanye West
Fresh off his comeback performance at this year's annual BET Awards, Kanye West has officially released his latest single, 'Power' this week via iTunes. According to previous reports West's forthcoming Sept. effort 'Good Ass Job,' features production from the likes of RZA, DJ Premier and Madlib. Last month the Grammy Award-winning producer previewed select songs in a New York City club. "Kanye leaned over and said, 'Play track three,'" DJ Scram Jones told MTV News. "They all went nuts, Kid Cudi was dancing on the table, and then we cut it off at about a minute-and-a-half ... By the end of the process, we played four records."

Black Music Notes July 6

7/1/10: Gladys Knight
As America celebrates its national birthday this weekend, another birthday is set to take place in the U.S. capitol. The multi-award winning A Capitol Fourth, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a live performance, live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, featuring performances from the likes of by Gladys Knight, Reba McEntire, and Darius Rucker among others. A Capitol Fourth will air live in on PBS this Sunday from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET

Black Music Notes July 6

6/28/10: El Debarge
Following his surprise performance at this year's BET Awards, El Debarge is set to release his new album titled 'Second Chance.' The 'I Like It' singer is determined to tell fans that "everybody deserves a second chance" in spite of facing challenging obstacles. "I wrote 'Second Chance' to commemorate all the struggles I went through," he said. "And I feel it speaks to struggles in the souls and the hearts of people who are going through what I went through and who want a second chance. 'Second Chance' features the tracks 'How Can You Love Me So Much, Girl,' 'Serenading You' and production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. El Debarge's 'Second Chance' hits stores this Fall via Geffen Records.

Black Music Notes July 6

6/28/10: Mannie Fresh
Former Cash Money Records producer Mannie Fresh has kept a low profile since exiting the label five years ago. Five years later the Grammy Award-nominated hit maker has teamed up with underground New Orleans teen group SoleFresh to release the duo's debut project on his newly found label Chubby Boy Music/Eyecon Music Group titled, 'Peace, Love & Overweight Babies.' The project features the singles 'I Don't Wanna Grow Up' and 'She Don't Wanna,' which is music that fans can appreciate according to Fresh."There's been enough building of fences with labels trying to categorize artists, limiting artists' ability to be themselves," he said. "What we have at Chubby Boy/Eyecon is starving artists' music that people can appreciate. We don't have a budget for special guests, special effects, special preservatives or fireworks. Bam, it's just us." 'Peace, Love & Overweight Babies' hits stores in August.

Black Music Notes July 6

6/24/10: The Roots/John Legend
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend is teaming up with Philadelphia's own hip-hop band The Roots for a special studio offering titled, 'Wake Up!' The Sony Music release, which will feature soulful music from the 1960s and 1970s, was inspired following President Obama's historic 2008 presidential run. According to Legend songs such as Marvin Gaye's 'Wholly Holy' and Donny Hathaway's 'Little Ghetto Boy' are still relevant today. "On most of them, you wouldn't change a lyric," he stated. "'Wake Up Everybody' (the album's first single, featuring contributions from Melanie Fiona and Common) has four verses-the first one is a general statement, the second is about education, third is about health care, and the fourth is about making a better environment. No editing needed." 'Wake Up' hits stores Sept. 21.

Black Music Notes July 6

6/18/10: Doug E Fresh/ Ledisi
Four-time Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter Ledisi and rap legend Doug E. Fresh have been added as Superlounge artists during the 2010 Essence Music Festival. The artists, who will both perform on July 4th, will join a stellar line-up of acts at the annual event over the big weekend, including: Janet Jackson; Mary J. Blige; Alicia Keys; Earth, Wind & Fire; Gladys Knight; Trey Songz; Chrisette Michele; Estelle; Irma Thomas; Melanie Fiona; Mary Mary; Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; Arrested Development and many more.

Black Music Notes July 6

6/18/10: Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg has been banned from performing a free concert in the Netherlands. Political bigwigs have asked organizers of the Parkpop festival, billed as the largest in Europe, to find another act to replace the platinum-selling rap legend "in order to be able to guarantee the open and friendly character and free admission of Parkpop," which will be held in The Hague June 27. Openly appreciative of his love of marijuana, Snoop Dogg (aka Calvin Broadus) reportedly smoked several joints during a performance at a 2008 concert in the region. "This is all very annoying that the headliner is being removed from the program 10 days before the event," a spokeswoman for organizer Ducos Productions told ANP-Reuters.

Black Music Notes July 6

6/15/10: Michael Jackson
As June 25 approaches, the world is still coming to grips with the tragic loss of Michael Jackson. In addition to a number of posthumous projects in the works, this week video game developer Ubisoft held press conference announcing release of an interactive karaoke, dance video game based on the King of Pop. "This game is a natural extension of what he would be doing today to raise his artistry to even greater heights for his fans of all generations," said Jackson estate co-executor John Branca. "It is a game that the entire family can experience and enjoy together and this is something that would please Michael tremendously." The game, which is tentatively titled; 'Michael Jackson: The Game,' is expected to hit shelves just in time for the holiday season this year.

Black Music Notes July 6

6/15/10: Nicki Minaj
Aside from receiving a series of verbal jabs from Lil Kim, rising rap star Nicki Minaj is steadily building up anticipation for her forthcoming debut album. The Queens bred-native is also eyeing to land multi-platinum MC 50 Cent for her as-yet-untitled opus. Although the two hail from the same borough Minaj insists that they have yet to cross paths. "Our paths never crossed, and it's weird," she recently revealed on a episode of MTV2's 'Sucker Free Countdown.' "I did meet [Lloyd] Banks, like, once or twice before. If there is a big surprise, I'm not gonna tell...I know everybody will know by the time I say it. You gonna tweet it and stuff. It's gonna be on the radio."

Black Music Notes July 6