MUSIC COMPETITION Singer, group from Valley win national gospel awards

By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- A hip-hop singer and a local contemporary group plan to continue their ministries after winning separate awards at the American Gospel Music Awards.
Judah Early, 23, of Youngstown, who performs as Judah E., won as top artist in the Rap/Hip Hop category.
He works with The Beat Lab, which includes Derrick Dixie, and Micah and Darryl Anderson.
Monica Phillips and Vizhens of Worship won as top contemporary group.
The group consists of Phillips, 38, of Youngstown, the group's founder, and Lucretia Croom and Brenetta Geddis, both of Youngstown, Sheria Grayer of Warren and LaRonda Walker of Columbus. Cheryl Evans of Youngstown is the manager.
The goal of the New York-based AGMA is to promote gospel artists. The competition and awards were held May 7-8 in Orlando, Fla.
At a local gospel music expo in January, Phillips and Vizhens won a free trip to the awards. Early, a Youngstown State University student, paid his way.
Songs
Phillips and Vizhens competed against about eight groups. They sang "My Destiny."
Early performed along with five other competitors. He said he sang "What's Weird About It," a song "about being a Christian on fire for Christ."
"He rocked the house," said Phillips.
Early performed solo, but Dixie and Micah Anderson went to provide technical and other help.
When the rap/hip-hop winner was to be announced, Early said the drum roll went on and on and on. Despite the suspense, "At 8:53 on May 8, I was glad," he said.
Winning, Early added, "was a taste of satisfaction. God senses my faithfulness. This isn't the end."
Early said winning was a humbling experience, noting, "There's always somebody better."
When the contemporary winner was announced, Phillips said, "I cried all the way to the stage. I cried and cried."
Phillips said the experience was also humbling for the group.
"We vowed to keep God first," she said. "You can see God's faithfulness if you stay humble."
No wild night of partying followed for the lifelong Christians. Phillips caught an early flight back while Early relaxed with his friends.
Phillips said one benefit of going to the competition was meeting other musicians from throughout the country.
What's next
Both plan to continue their ministries.
Early has been involved with the JD Mime ministry with DuJuan Ball for two years.
He's also working on his second CD. He's a senior studying hospitality management as a backup career.
The Cleveland native's first CD, "Scriptures," is available at Rainbow Family Book Center in Maple Heights at (216) 662-5673. His father, the Rev. Willo Early, is pastor of Mount Hebron Baptist Church on Cleveland's east side.
Phillips' CD, "You Are First," is available at Family Christian in Boardman at (330 758-1774. She said the group likes to minister, especially with healing and prison ministries. The members will be at Monument of Faith Church of God in Christ at 6 p.m. June 18.
wilkinson@vindy.com.
XFor more information, visit http://www.thebeatlab.com/, or http://www.mpvizhens.com/