trip lee between Two Worlds (Reach Records) FOR FANS OF: Grits, Lecrae, John Reuben QQQQ As a mere teenager, Trip Lee was penning devotionals and writing songs, eventually leading to a deal with Reach Records, a Dove nomination and a slot on the Billboard Top 200 albums charts. His third official long player marks his most seasoned merger of rap, hip-hop and even some acoustic soul (enhanced by famous friends like Lecrae, After Edmund’s Mitch Parks and Jimmy needham), while his street-savvy lyrics are sure to be a beacon of hope for non-believers. –Andy Argyrakis We Like: “Show’s Over” AshMont hill your Masterpiece (Axiom Records) FOR FANS OF: Natalie Grant, Israel Houghton, Avalon QQQ Possessing the vocal prowess of music veterans, April, Deborah, Philip and wil—otherwise known as Ashmont Hill— distribute a heavy- hitting inspirational hybrid of Gospel-tinged modern worship and potent power ballads on their second national release. The dynamic foursome successfully utilizes their deep church roots and notable industry experience (like opening for CCM darling natalie Grant) to steer a hook-driven, but decidedly worshipful sophomore set list. And though vocal groups aren’t raging the charts like ten years ago, Ashmont Hill has experienced steady sales success for a relatively unknown act—a position Your Masterpiece should change rapidly. –Andrew Greer We Like: “Show My Love” dArWin hobbs Champion (Imago Dei) FOR FANS OF: Byron Cage, Luther Vandross QQQQ The Luther vandross comparisons are bound to continue post-Champion as Darwin Hobbs can’t seem to escape that silky smooth delivery he’s long been known for. But it’s a winning trait given the power and polish on tunes like the pew-shaking title track and the equally resonant “Power in Praise.” The sheer live power of this project is something to behold. –Matt Conner We Like: “Champion” MArvin sApp here I am (Verity) FOR FANS OF: Fred Hammond, Donald Lawrence QQQ Between his time in Commissioned and solo-superstardom anchored by the 40-plus week chart topping single “never would Have Made It,” Marvin Sapp’s more than proved his place atop the contemporary gospel scene. Though the lead single “The Best In Me” sounds like a lesser throwback to that aforementioned smash, there are still plenty of R&B romps, booming ballads and even the funk throw down “keep Holding On” to keep fans on their feet. –Andy Argyrakis We Like: “keep Holding On” urbAn revieWs All release dates and album titles are subject to change. For the most up-to-date release schedule, visit www.CCMmagazine.com/music/upcoming_ releases. urbAn neW releAses 07.13.2010 y’AnnA The proMIse (unIvERSAL MuSIC GROuP/ EMICMG) 07.20.2010 DEITRICk HADDOn bLessed & Cursed (TySCOT RECORDS/wORD) 07.27.2010 FRED HAMMOnD LIfe In The Word (unIvERSAL MuSIC GROuP/ EMICMG) urban 44 CCM