[PRAYZEHYMN] [Generation Next: 2006 Edition]

By J. MATTHEW COBB
Founder, Editor-In-Chief of PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment
Posted: September 20, 2006

AND THE LIST GOES ON...

There are a few more classmates in today's school of gospel talent that have earned serious recognition and are well on their way to achieving greatness in the gospel community. They are working hard, paying their dues and are shaping their gifts in order to elevate the foundations of gospel music excellence to higher plateaus. Their stories are told here in our special yearbook addition of Generation Next: 2006 Edition. This is the future of gospel music. Read on to discover who they are and their objectives.

CLASS HONORS:
Class Favorite, Student of the Year
Vasser's testimony is full of emotion. Before his live recording session, Vasser battled renal failure and was placed on dialysis. This prepared him for a greater level of faith, enthusiasm and for the next phase of his musical ministry. Because of Vasser's endurance to pursue his purpose, he has earned his medals and has help placed him in a position of well-deserved favor.

Most of us have never heard the name Kevin Vasser before, but don't let that discourage you from listening to him. His blend of traditional and contemporary speaks of the heart he has for exciting music. And while Vasser easily learned from residing in the capital of gospel music (Chicago) from some of their local heroes, he also lists Melvin Williams, Joe Ligon and Marvin L. Winans as some of his musical influences. The vocals from this newcomer is truly mesmeric and definitely points to a promising future. He can he heard on "So Glad", his excellent debut on EMI Gospel. Some of the stronger forerunners in Chicago's gospel - Percy Gray, Jeral Gray and Phillip Feaster - to stage the right tone for the former Youth Edition lead vocalist. Vasser also kicked off the year right by touring with the Chicago Mass Choir, New Direction and Joshua's Troop on a successful three-city tour.

CLASS HONORS:
A-B Honor Roll, Citizenship Award, Dean's List
Songs have been recorded by the choirs of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Dottie Peoples, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Angela Spivey and Mark S. Hubbard. Those detailed contributions alone explains his value and worth to the growth of today's gospel music. His recently-released project on "Walking In My Destiny", was also well-received and satisfied his fanbase and new audiences with its share of guest appearances from Kim McFarland and DeAndre Patterson and well-seasoned gospel tunes.

Say the name and people will sho'nuff respond. Malcolm Williams, in just a matter of a few years, has become one of the independent artists to watch. And what makes this guy so special is that he showcases a working spirit and a heart to nurture the old-fashioned gospelnomics. Great Faith, his musical ensemble, has already proven to be one of the new generation of "community choirs" ready to preserve the sound of authentic gospel music and are already being called the "New G" of tomorrow. Williams wears several hats of production: songwriter, singer, musician and choir director. And must we say, he performs well in all of those areas. These reasons alone give us a good idea that Williams' destiny in gospel music will be of great importance.

CLASS HONORS:
A Honor Roll, Principal's Honor Roll
A wonderful independent project, killer pipes and the right choice of songs ("Try Jesus", "It's Time To Praise The Lord", "Choose Me", "Be Transformed") explain the reasons for the honors rightly due this incredible artist. We still want to know how does he hit those notes like that.

One of the purest voices the gospel world has heard in quite some time, Daniel Austin deserves to be classifed as being one of Gospel's rising stars. He has proven to be a walking canvas of musical artistry with his progressive and intellectual sound and his brilliant, majestic voice. He flies up the scale without strain and weaves through notes with such grace. On his independent release, "On My Mind", Austin displays all of that talent and more - with the help of a cool assembly of stellar musicians including album producer/songwriter Isaiah Thomas, Jonathan Dubose, Calvin Rodgers, Maurice Fitzgerald, Lowell Pye and Mo'Horns. The end result was inseperable. He has great image, a colorful sound and has even showcased his songwriting ability. If the mega labels fail to pay him any attention, it wil be because they went blind by accident.

CLASS HONORS:
A-B Honor Roll, Teacher's Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance
Baker has made her share of appearances at tour events, special concerts, her own recordings and has even made her share of publicity rounds in the media. Her sophomore project, "Since He Came In", is also a beautiful portrait of inspiration and soulful creativity that flows from praise-and-worship to contemporary urban gospel.

This is one student of the gospel that cannot be bullied. She fights back with powerful lyrics, sweet contemporary R&B styled ballads, warm vocals and professional production. Not only that but she has done her homework. The Ohio native has graciously excelled in her artistry and recently proved that on "Since He Came In"; her last project. Baker made her mark on the scene when she was honored with the priviledge to provide background duties for the Evolution II Tour (featuring Byron Cage, Tonex', Percy Bady and Virtue). Amazingly, her song "To Know You Lord" was selected to appear on the Gospel Heritage Today compilation and also embraced Tonex's best selling "Out The Box" project. Since then, her star has increased in its glow and has afforded her the opportunity to minister in song beyond the state of Ohio. Definitely with her impressive background and her lush vocals, we can only imagine what the future will bring for this class favorite.

CLASS HONORS:
Citizenship Award, Perfect Homework
A good background usually results in a good foreground. This applies for Thigpen since he has worked with and around Malaco Records' big namers. That favor has rubbed upon Thigpen's personal career. David Blakely jumps on board to provide production for Thigpen's independent project and also features Jonathan Dubose and a number of notable musicians. He has also paid his dues in the past, so this will surely create multiple windows of opportunity for Thigpen's recording future.

Young, vibrant and stylish are all realistic characteristics to describe the 25-year old Dathan Thigpen. For a number of years, Thigpen has fully embraced his passion for gospel music. With a never-ending resume' that includes work with the Mississippi Children's Choir, the Mississippi Mass Choir, the Williams Brothers and Harvey Watkins, Jr., it was divine destiny for him to take up the mantle to establish in 2003 a new musical entity called Holy Nation; based in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi. They have since recorded their debut project, "Get Up: Vol.1", and are spreading their sound of adoring worship and contemporary gospel across the country. But Thigpen is also showing promising signs of an emerging leader in the gospel biz using his directing skills and gift of worship leading. Along with those talents, his vocal expertise also makes him a forerunner in today's class of new breed worshippers.

OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
We perish because of the lack of knowledge. Get schooled.

Generation Next: 2006 Edition - Part I - In case you missed the first set.
Malcolm Williams - PRAYZEHYMN album review of "Walking In My Destiny"
Daniel Austin - PRAYZEHYMN album review of "On My Mind"
Tonya Baker - PRAYZEHYMN album review of "Since He Came In"