Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

Ayiesha Woods’ music video for her song “Never” premiered last week on the Gospel Music Channel, and is currently one of the “Fresh” songs in the GMC rotation. The video has a cool, vintage feel and the message of the song is inspiring; take a look and listen:

Artist Notes

Record Label: Gotee Records

Official Website: www.myspace.com/ayieshawoods

Ayiesha Woods on Twitter: twitter.com/ayieshawoods

“There’s a story in John 4 that I’m always reminded of; it’s the story about the woman at the well. As Jesus was talking to her, He addressed various issues in her life, and then He told her, “You worship what you don’t know and what you don’t understand. But the time is coming and now is when the true worshippers will worship, and will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” And that’s the scripture for me. It really brings everything home.”

– Ayiesha Woods in an interview with the Gospel Music Channel

Her first album Introducing Ayiesha Woods was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and for the Dove Award for New Artist Of The Year. Her second and latest release, Love Like This, came out in September 2008.

Woods’ style of music can be described as an eclectic mix of Christian pop and soul, and some compare her sound and style to “a blend of India Arie and Amy Grant”.

Blair Wingo of the Passion for Christ Movement, a youth and young adult church/movement located in Los Angeles, recites her powerful, original poem, “Don’t Add On,” and gives her testimony in the poem “All My Devotion Was Emotion.” In her poems, Wingo always tells it like it is, never tip-toeing around issues in the church, and conveying the meaning of a true relationship with God.

Christian rapper Trip Lee’s video "Real Vision" featuring Tedashii debuted on BET’s 106 and Park on May 29th as their "New Joint". The song from Trip Lee’s sophomore album “20/20” speaks truth about not basing faith on what others have said, but on God’s word.

Description from Reach Records:

“We are constantly bombarded with messages to believe from popular culture, from churches, from friends, etc. It seems like everywhere we turn someone has something they want us to buy into. But which messages line up with the heart of God? And where do we go to filter what is a lie and what is truth?”

You can vote for the video online on BET.com to support. Maybe this is the spark of even more Christian artists being featured?

"He’s the King of Kings and author of all creation,
Some say He made it then lets it run like a clock
Nah, He controls every soul and every action on the block
If it happened then He watched and it happens on His watch
No surprise in His eyes, no my God’s never shocked." – Trip Lee, "Real Vision"

Picks & Clicks is a new series on Dream in Soul that features great selections of positive Christian media & resources. Check out the Picks & Clicks for this week which include Vessel Vibe Magazine, Gospel artist Kari Jobe, Gospel news site GospelPundit.com, the latest album fron Hillsong, and the urban Christian fiction novel Testing Relationships by Brittney Holmes.

Christian Fiction: Testing Relationships by Brittney Holmes

Testing Relationships chronicles the lives of young adults who face difficult everyday situations, like infidelity and temptation, while struggling to maintain their walks with God. This book provides a gripping story and is great alternative to all of the overly racy and graphic urban novels out there. What’s most impressive is that Holmes, now in college, wrote the book while a senior in high school, and her books (she has three books published) have become Essence Magazine bestsellers. Holmes says she’s inspired most by her mother, national bestselling author, Kendra Norman-Bellamy. You can read a sample of the book here and buy it online. Visit Brittney Holmes’ website to learn more.

Gospel Artist: Kari Jobe

Kari Jobe is an international worship leader and songwriter out of Dallas, Texas. Her devotion to bringing the hearts of people to the heart of God, and her candid perspective on worship allow her to connect to people through her beautiful music. Watch this interview of how she describes her role as a worship leader, and listen to clips from her self-titled worship album. (I especially love "Revelation Song" and "I’m Singing"). Visit Kari Jobe on Youtube, on Twitter, on Myspace, Facebook, or her official website www.karijobe.com.

Gospel News Site: Gospel Pundit

Gospelpundit.com is one of the premiere places to get your Gospel music news. The site’s founder, EJ Gaines, provides a candid and down-to-earth inside look at all things Gospel through interviews, industry guest bloggers, reviews, and more. The site recently launched a Gospel industry TwitterRoll, the Pundit Player with exclusive previews of artist albums, and is continually rolling out other innovative features and discussions. Check it all out at www.gospelpundit.com.

Magazine:VesselVibe.com

Vessel Vibe is an edgy urban Christian e-magazine with topics ranging from fashion, entertainment, ministry and lifestyle. The site also has real discussions that delve into various issues without sugarcoating them, and enlightening interviews with Christian rap artists such as The Ambassador, Da T.R.U.T.H., FLAME, and iroCc Williams. Head over to VesselVibe.com.

Music Album: [a_CROSS//the_EARTH] Tear Down The Walls by Hillsong United

Every album from Hillsong Church seems to be filled with worship music that speaks to the heart of people of every background and creed. The songs on this new album, their latest live recording since 2006, are sure to become classic anthems of faith as past ones from Hillsong. Some of the songs have more of a fast-paced rock flavor then on previous albums, but there’s still that intimate atmosphere about every track, making you feel as if you’re part of the worship experience. You can listen to samples of the tracks below. Visit Hillsong United at the website, www2.hillsong.com/united