Back2Basics Magazine - Fall 2020

Fall 2020

THE STELLAR EDITION

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS

+

* Black Excellence * The Free and the Brave * 5min Breakfast Recipe * Work It Out * 20 Questions

CONTENTS Fall 2020

ON THE COVER 05 B2B Feed 06 Category Winners 14

The Free and The Brave

16

Recipe

17

Work It Out

18

Ear of Truth

19

20 Questions

Features

08

Kirk Franklin, Host & Nominee

10

Koryn Hawthorne, Host & Performer

12

Jonathan McReynolds, Host & Performer

Fall 2020, Vol. 8, No. 3 Publisher Brittany N. Winkfield Contributors LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

B2B Tip: Stay in the fight.

Mariam Kazadi, The Good Fight Edward Rue, Ear of Truth Photographers Kauwuane Burton, Rob Ector

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12 (NLT) “Consumption of Black excellence is a privilege reserved for people who value Black lives.” Uprisings around the country changed what was possible. What felt impossible two months ago is being accomplished now; what seems impossible today is doable tomorrow, and we will be the ones to make it happen.

We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams. In this issue we celebrate the 35th Annual Stellar Awards; bringing you BIG performances by: Jonathan McReynolds, Koryn Hawthorne, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Cece Winans, James Fortune, Kierra Sheard, Tye Tribbett, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike, Jr. and so many more! #thestellars @thestellars Remember, it’s always darkest before dawn. I believe we’re about to enter a new day that will bring a country and community that reflects the essence of what Heaven looks like. We WILL prevail against racial injustice and police brutality. Be encouraged and stay in the fight. We’re going to win!

4 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com

Web Development Marcus Winkfield Advisory Board Tracy Augustin, Philip Baptiste, John Boston, Ramona Davis, Juanita Farmer, Kymone Hinds, Marisa Daniels, Timothy Olaore, Terri Roston, Jennifer Stone Editorial and Advertising Inquiries info@back2basicsmag.com Information is correct at press time.

Signed articles do not necessarily reflect the official company policy.

Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in part or whole without permission is prohibited.

Back2Basics Magazine is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States of America.

A Christian lifestyle magazine designed to inform and inspire young people in their walk with Christ.

@back2basicsmag

b2b feed If You Don’t Know, Now You Know

back2basicsmag.com FALL 2020 5

35th annual

winners “Consumption of Black excellence is a privilege reserved for people who value Black lives.”

Category #1 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Heart. Passion. Pursuit. (Live at Passion City Church); Motown Gospel Category #2 SONG OF THE YEAR Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus); Donald Lawrence, William Stokes, Marshon Lewis, Robert Woolridge & Desmond Davis; RCA Inspiration Category #3 MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Kirk Franklin; Long Live Love; Fo Yo Soul/ RCA/ RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #4 ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Le'Andria Johnson; Goshen; RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #5 DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR The Walls Group, Friend in Me, Wall2Wall Entertainment/My Block Records CATEGORY #6 NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Pastor Mike Jr.; Live Free; Black Smoke Worldwide 6 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com

CATEGORY #7 ALBUM OF THE YEAR Long Live Love; Kirk Franklin; Fo Yo Soul/ RCA/ RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #8 CHOIR OF THE YEAR Donald Lawrence presents the Tri-City Singers; Goshen; RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #9 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Kirk Franklin, Ronald Hill & Phil Thornton; Long Live Love; Fo Yo Soul/ RCA/ RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #10 CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR The Walls Group, Friend in Me, Wall2Wall Entertainment/My Block Records CATEGORY #11 TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers; Bless Somebody Else; Kurt Carr Gospel / RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #12 CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Kirk Franklin; Long Live Love; Fo Yo Soul/ RCA/ RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #13 TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR John P. Kee; I Made It Out; Entertainment One CATEGORY #14 CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Heart. Passion. Pursuit. (Live at Passion City Church); Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #15 TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Le'Andria Johnson; Goshen; RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #25 YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR Gospel Kids; Gospel Kids Present... Christian Soldiers; Tyscot Records

CATEGORY #16 CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR Long Live Love; Kirk Franklin; Fo Yo Soul/ RCA/ RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #26 QUARTET OF THE YEAR Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Josh Myles; Inspirational Project; Timeless Music

CATEGORY #17 TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR I Made It Out; John P. Kee; Entertainment One

CATEGORY #27 RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR Bless Somebody Else; Derek Blanks; Kurt Carr Gospel / RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #28 PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR Miracle Worker; JJ Hairston; JamesTown Music / Entertainment One

CATEGORY #18 URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus); Donald Lawrence presents the Tri-City Singers; RCA Inspiration GOSPEL RADIO OF THE YEAR WINNERS CATEGORY #19 MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR Love Theory; Matt DeLisi; Fo Yo Soul/ RCA/ RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #20 TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR John P. Kee; I Made It Out; Entertainment One CATEGORY #21 CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR Donald Lawrence presents the Tri-City Singers; Goshen; RCA Inspiration CATEGORY #22 INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Rise!; Ben Tankard; BEN-Jamin' Universal Music CATEGORY #23 SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR Greenleaf: Season 3 (Music from The Original TV Series); Various Artists; Lionsgate Entertainment CATEGORY #24 RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Live Free; Pastor Mike Jr.; Black Smoke Worldwide

MAJOR MARKET OF THE YEAR WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta LARGE MARKET OF THE YEAR WPZS Praise 100.9 FM, Charlotte MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR WXHL 89.1, Wilmington SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR WJAY 98.3 FM & 1280 AM, Mullins INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR U Gospel, http://uGospel.com GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR Meta Washington, SiriusXM, Satellite Radio

# blac k li v es m atter back2basicsmag.com FALL 2020 7

Kirk

F ranklin

8 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com

K

Kirk Franklin wants everyone to know one thing. He’s never going to stop pushing the envelope.

Franklin’s latest musical offering—and 13th studio album—is the aptly titled LONG LIVE LOVE from his RCA-distributed label, Fo Yo Soul Recordings. But even before the album’s May 31st release date, its first single is already laying down some serious groundwork.

“Love Theory” bowed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and has kept the position on lock for thirty-nine weeks. The vibrant track marked the singer’s record-extending seventh No. 1, and his second start atop the chart. With 1 million U.S. streams in its first week per Nielsen Music, “Love Theory” also opened at No. 1 on Gospel Streaming Songs as well as Gospel Digital Song Sales. Its colorful and energetic video has accumulated over 17.3 million YouTube views and counting. The album “Long Live Love” and single “Love Theory” won two Grammys in January 2020. Franklin says, “It’s my constant story about this message of love, the love of God, and me trying to play my role in that conversation.”

“We’re living in an era where so many things compete for the attention of our hearts,” says Franklin. “They don’t all have to be bad, but these things can become what matters to us more than they’re supposed to. “Idols” and every song on the album just bubbled up and out—a tapestry of what I believe, how I feel, what I want, and my struggles. It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly,” says Franklin.

After culling through 50 to 60 song ideas, Franklin began collaborating with his fraternity of co-producers, Ron Hill, Shaun Martin, Max Stark, and S1. His last album, 2015’s Losing My Religion, won a GRAMMY Award winner for Best Gospel Album in 2017. It boasted guest turns by gospel and R&B artists including Kim Burrell, Lalah Hathaway, Tasha Cobbs, and Tamela Mann. Franklin opted to let the music—a flavorful mélange of gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and other influences—play the feature role on LONG LIVE LOVE. Celebrating his 26th career anniversary this year, the winner of more than 40 Stellar Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and 16 Dove Awards is also busy pushing the envelope in other endeavors. Franklin brought his total GRAMMY tally to 16 Grammys at the 62nd annual ceremony this year.

In 2020, Franklin has his eyes set on another successful Exodus Music & Arts Festival, fantastic additions to the Kirk Franklin Praise channel on SiriusXM, and starting production on his biopic.

“You already know what I’m going to say,” Franklin answers with a hearty laugh when asked about the secret behind his career longevity and indefatigable drive to keep pushing. “It’s because of somebody bigger than me and you. I’m the most non-perfect person in the world.

But having an opportunity to be here still and communicate this faith that I believe in... I don’t know what else I could ask for.”

back2basicsmag.com FALL 2020 9

Koryn

Hawthorn

10 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com

W

When Koryn Hawthorne sings, it fills your heart. That might sound like something most singers can do. But it’s not. And therein lies the resonating power of Koryn’s voice and insightful lyrics.

Now the voice and the lyrics, which captivated viewers of NBC’s The Voice and soared to the top of the Gospel charts with the No. 1 single “Won’t He Do It,” are back. I Am, Koryn’s second album for RCA Inspiration, reclaims the energy and purpose of her 2018 debut album Unstoppable.

A self-professed warrior for God, Koryn hopes I Am “will affect people’s hearts with songs that are like prayers working in their lives. That’s why I’ll never get tired of singing.” “I Am is who God called me to be,” Koryn proclaims. “I’m very big on purpose, very big on identity. With my first album I was figuring out who I was as an artist. Now I’m more confident in who I am.”

That’s immediately evident on “Pray,” one of the project’s two lead singles. Its dramatic keyboard opening — accompanied by a male voice earnestly cautioning, “You need to find somewhere you can run to” — sets the tone for the up-tempo track’s story about persevering through prayer come what may. It’s a soothing respite as COVID-19 continues to ravage the country. Written last year, ironically, “Pray” was also never intended to be the first single. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever written,” says Koryn, who co-wrote seven of I Am’s 10 songs. “There was no way of knowing then what was going to happen in the world. Its encouraging message is so true to the times, so purposeful. There was no way we couldn’t release the song.”

“I didn’t go into the studio with a preset plan for either album,” says the fearless experimenter.

“When you work with people who are gifted, it’s fun, easy and organic.”

Becoming a recording artist is the one plan the 22-year-old Koryn has followed since she was a child growing up in Abbeville, Louisiana. Singing in her family’s church, Lighthouse for Jesus, she also listened to everyone from Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin to the aforementioned Bllge and Michael Jackson. Making her public debut at a talent showcase in Las Vegas — and winning — Koryn began auditioning for America’s Got Talent, X Factor and American Idol by age 11.

But it was on The Voice that Koryn’s raw, versatile vocals caught the ear of GRAMMY®-winning producer/artist Pharrell Williams (who compared her career drive to Beyoncé’s). After ascending to the finalist level and winning fourth place during season eight of the NBC TV series, Koryn signed with RCA Inspiration.

Debut album Unstoppable reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, yielding the No. 1 Gold-certified single “Won’t He Do It” and the No. 3 title track. The former was originally conceived and written for the soundtrack of Greenleaf, a drama about a megachurch minister and his family now in its final season on the OWN Network.

Set to host the 35th anniversary of the Stellar Gospel Awards, Koryn won her first Stellar Award in 2019 for Music Video of the Year on behalf of “Won’t He Do It.” She’s also a two-time Dove Award winner for Unstoppable (2019 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year) and “Won’t He Do It” (2018 Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year). Her “Speak the Name” garnered a 2019 GRAMMY® nod for Best Gospel Performance/Song, while “Won’t He Do It” gave Koryn her first 2018 GRAMMY® nomination in 2018 under the same category. Her additional industry accolades include the Billboard Music Awards (2019 win for Top Gospel Song/”Won’t He Do It”) and NAACP Image Awards (2019 win for Outstanding Gospel Album, Traditional or Contemporary/Unstoppable). back2basicsmag.com FALL 2020 11 back2basicsmag.com SUMMER

jonathan

McReynolds

12 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com

T

The evolution of Jonathan McReynolds has taken us from a college dorm in Downtown Chicago, to stages across the world, professing the gospel through song ministry.

Garnering the fellowship and support of various talented musicians and singers such as Lalah Hathaway, Kirk Franklin, Stevie Wonder, H.E.R., Justin Bieber, CeCe Winans, and many more, Jonathan McReynolds is creating a new standard for what it means to be Christ led. A young man of just 30 years old, Jonathan uses his incredible voice and beautifully, brutally candid approach to songwriting to reach the ears and hearts of fans worldwide.

Jonathan’s last full-length album Make Room debuted #1 on Billboard Gospel. It was undeniably regarded as his best work to date, winning eight Stellar Awards and obtaining two Grammy nominations. The title track "Make Room" and hit single "Not Lucky, I'm Loved" gave Jonathan his first two #1 Billboard songs. His second album Life Music: Stage Two features another superstar fan in India.Arie and maintained at #1 on the Billboard Gospel chart for 4 weeks. It then went on to grab a Grammy nomination, multiple Stellar nominations and a Dove Award win. For his EP Sessions, Jonathan teamed up with another beautiful voice, Tweet. This unannounced, surprise release reached the top of the iTunes Christian chart overnight.

This February, Jonathan McReynolds released a transparent, thought-provoking single entitled “People”, from the forthcoming self-titled album. The single has already begun to gain notoriety, being sung, tweeted, and shared all over social media. “People” allows Jonathan to express his feelings about the influence, opinions, and effects of people in his life and throughout his budding career. The album will be released on April 24th.

This summer, Jonathan will return as a judge for the second year in a row on BET's hit series Sunday Best which is entering its tenth season.

In May 2015, Jonathan attained his Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Jonathan has great desire to have positive impact on society outside of music. With that, he is an adjunct instructor at his alma mater Columbia College, an official contributor to Huffington Post and the founder of Elihu Nation, a nonprofit organization that promotes wisdom and has awarded over $40k in scholarships for youth. Jonathan McReynolds has been honored as a recent member of Mensa, an international high IQ society.

Jonathan continues to break major grounds in gospel. In March 2018, his one hour TV special aired multiple times on TVOne and Jonathan was the first in his genre to form a major partnership with Tidal Music. His appeal stretches across generational, cultural, and musical lines. It is shown in the buzzworthy performances that have marked the last few years of his career including Black Music Honors (2018), BET Celebration of Gospel (2014, 2016) Essence Fest (2014, 2015), 106 & Park, Stellar Awards (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019), Joyful Noise, Revolt TV Live, and the Dove Awards (twice). In addition to headlining monster shows as far as Oslo, London, and Port-of-Spain, Jonathan headlined two sold out American tours (33 cities) and has toured with India Arie and Lalah Hathaway. Jonathan McReynolds will be hosting the 2020 Stellar Awards with cohost Koryn Hawthorne.

back2basicsmag.com SUMMER 2020 13

ThE free and the brave Mariam Kazadi, Contributor

2 Timothy 1:7 God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

It is that power and that love and self-control that is being stirred up in the brave and the free right now. Are you in this group? Are you not sure if you are free or brave let’s take a look.

We see stories of injustice from the murder of innocent civilians and brave soldiers. We also see courage!

Victims no longer accepting the badge of surrender, but instead rising above and demanding justice!

Saying boldly “I can, I will, and I must expose the evil that I know exists in the world.

I must tell my story and bring any and all dark things into the light!”

We are breaking down old chains and inevitably we are watching true freedom ensue.

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

This scripture is speaking of spiritual slavery. It is speaking to ways, habits, and characteristics that cannot come with us into our future because they are like chains; keeping us from ever doing the greater works we were created to do.

This goes beyond sin, although it includes sin. The command here was really “do not go back to anything that will rob you AGAIN of freedom robbing you of your purpose.” The way that addiction robs us of relationships, or an anger problem can rob us of experiencing peace love, and joy or bad financial practices will rob us of ever experiencing generational wealth.

This made me ask myself if freedom internally in our spirit effected our external battles for freedom. I found that it did. I found that to be truly brave and free, outwardly you have to first get inwardly free. We have to allow ourselves to be inwardly freed through the truth that is Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17). Then we can do all things through Christ (Philippians 3:17) as He continues to strengthen us to remain in Christ (John 15:7).

So what does the work look like in 2020 to get this freedom? Well my dears, as Ecclesiastes 1:9 puts it, “There is nothing new under the sun.”

We must do personal work before going into public battles. So if you are one of the brave and the free during this time of addressing injustices, this is for you.

I have found that we have formed three main life-giving groups in today’s movements. I hope you find your own group and do the internal work to truly be brave and truly be free to help set others free; to help others see that freedom and bravery are free tickets on the character train, that we are all eligible for. All necessary, but all being responsible for their own internal spiritual work before anything they do externally benefits those they are doing it for. Let’s break it down...

14 SUMMER 2020 back2basicsmag.com

We have our leaders How’s your home family, in Genisis 35:2 Jacob shows us it starts at home How are your finances Luke 16:11 and Proverbs 22:7 tell us clearly that poor management of finances results in a poor financial future! Secure your future by not just securing the bag but by properly managing it as well.

It is not enough to be loud and proud of what others cannot see like a world filled with peace and justice when what they cannot see such as your health, wealth and relationships are out of order so we must work from the inside out that’s where the power comes from.

Then we have our followers Hey not everyone is made for the front lines!

This is our support system. This group will need self-care.

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Let’s take the original followers.

In Acts 4:33 we see even they had to be filled before being sent.

So fill yourselves up, self-care is your best friend and fighting the fight to be whole before going out to fight the good fight is a great way to ensure you will succeed in all your battles!

And last but certainly not least our beloved creatives Those that will create the beats that will carry the strong hearts into battle both figurately and literally.

Think songs like “Eye of the Tiger” or “Lion of Judah.” Even consider the inspiration of the Mona Lisa or the captivating qualities of The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo.

These creatives give life to the lifeless and songs to any situation a picture for history and for feelings we cannot see, but can only imagine. This group is the group that keeps hearts fighting for great causes from racial injustices, mistreatment of children, mistreatment of Christians, poverty and so much more, creatives have been the beating drums for decades. They are necessary but only when they understand their necessities.

Understanding that their gifts are tools for the kingdom. It is not your own.

Here’s a story to better illustrate. A short one at that!

Did you know in Martin Luther King Jr.’s most desperate and distressed moments, he would call on creatives like Mahalia Jackson? Not to talk but to simply do what they did best. To sing. Her singing and the talents of many of his closest friends like Maya Angelou kept Martin going. Who will you keep and encouraging if you commit to your talents and to giving them freely as you have received them freely?

So creatives, honor your gifts and the One who gave it to you. Ask Him daily how to use them as well as when to use them. I pray to the holy spirit to show me when to encourage to keep me alert to moments I need to encourage, I pray the Holy Spirit quickens my spirit and brings things I may have forgotten, but I need to remember. I do this because I know my creativity and ideas come from God. I encourage you to write down your songs, write down your plans, and your visions. They are not your own, they are from God to help the Kingdom.

Write it down, and make it plain and make a plan and do the good and great things God has planned for you!

Jeremiah 29:11 In order to fight for the freedom of others and be outwardly free, we have to be brave enough to go inside and do the work and first be set free from the inside out!

Be encouraged. back2basicsmag.com FALL 2020 15

Egg, Pesto + Arugula Breakfast Sandwich Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Ingredients • • • •

• •

1 teaspoon olive oil 1 egg 1 multi-grain English muffin 2 to 3 tablespoons high-quality basil pesto (purchased, vegan or homemade if in season) 1 handful baby arugula (or other baby greens) Kosher salt

Directions 1. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan and sprinkle with a few pinches kosher salt. When the whites are mostly cooked after a minute or two, flip and cook another 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.

2. Meanwhile, toast the English muffin. Spread both sides generously with pesto. When the egg is done, slide it onto one half of the English muffin.

3. Add a handful of arugula to the still hot pan and return to medium heat; add a pinch of kosher salt and cook for a few seconds until wilted down. Remove from the heat and place the arugula on top of the egg.

4. Top the sandwich with the other half of the English muffin and serve immediately.

Recipe source: https://www.acouplecooks.com/5-minute-pesto-arugula-breakfast-sandwich/ 16 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com

Work it out Do The Workout

If you, like many of us, overindulged this summer and would like to get back to your prequarantine weight, this elliptical tabata workout can help.

Never heard of Tabata?

Tabata training is one of the most popular forms of high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

It consists of eight rounds of high-intensity exercises in a specific 20-secondson, 10-seconds-off interval. back2basicsmag.com FALL 2020 17

In Memory of Chadwick Boseman November 29, 1977 - August 28, 2020,

Christian Music News & Reviews www.earoftruth.com

18 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com

20+ per “The Greatest Night for in Gospel Music” mers

back2basicsmag.com FALL 2020 19

Back2Basics Magazine

20 FALL 2020 back2basicsmag.com