DeWayne Woods
Jovita Sheppard & Manna
Tru Destiny
Blessed
With a life of full time ministry and over seven years performance experience, Douglas “Blessed” Sheppard has moved from behind the scene to center stage spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through rap. Blessed is gifted and anointed to share heartfelt lyrics over soulful rhythms that enlighten, encourage and empower all who listen. His success as an artist is solely attributed to his lifestyle of righteousness through Jesus Christ. God has gifted Blessed to move his listeners from simple enjoyment of the music to appreciation of its content; ultimately leading to self evaluation, brokenness and deliverance. The big band sound is matched by the integrity of his lyrics. While his music is appealing, the message is powerful and life changing. His ministry bridges the gap between the older and younger generations. The older generation will appreciate the principles of his message, while the younger generation enjoys the presentation of the message as it relates to this generation. His stage presence is commanding and his delivery of God’s message is undeniable.
Living a life of ministry, Blessed operates as a Minister at his church, Benaiah Ministries; a loving son to his mother, Pastor Margarine Sheppard of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, a husband to his wife Jovita Sheppard, and brother and friend to many. Fellow artists, JoWriter, Jason Hendrickson, Manifestation of Praise, Q da Prophet, J Skywalker, Pastor Hezekiah Walker Thomas Warren Jr., to name a few, have welcomed his ministry; giving him the opportunity to master his craft.
Understanding his gift and ultimate purpose, adding souls to the Kingdom of God, Blessed brings a unique style and stage presence to demonstrate yet another way for souls to be reached. His 1st album entitled “Messages In Conversation”, released in April of this year, has sold over 500 copies. Inspired by rappers Da Truth, Corey Red and Precise, J.A.Z, Manifestation of Praise, Richie Righteous, and Todd Bangs; Blessed has answered the call to be the vessel God moves through to change a nation.
Earl Jones, Jr.
Trying to find the right words to encompass Earl Jones Jr. is not that difficult once you’ve had a conversation with him. Is he a singer? No, he is a psalmist penning music that touches the heart of God with an anointing to minister that same music to bless God’s people.
Earl Jones Jr. has shared billing and stages nationwide with such gospel greats as Hezekiah Walker, James Hall, Kim Burrell, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, Kirk Franklin, Dottie Peoples, Vickie Winans, Rance Allen and of course his music mentor, "The Godfather of Gospel", Rev. Timothy Wright. Earl’s accomplishments are too numerous to mention them all, but the most cherished is the completion of his freshman project entitled "I’m Gonna Wait". Earl Jones Jr. possesses a vocal span that extends from crooning soulful worship ballads to belting hardcore contemporary and traditional gospel music. Jones is "just what gospel ordered" as his versatility is sure to bring him longevity in this industry, but Earl humbly accredits the Lord for every success. His much anticipated project and future endeavors will definitely generate international attention.
Some of Earl’s other musical credits include establishing a record label, Ms. Viola Music, with his brother William "Bootsy" Jones; being featured on the Word Network and BET channels in gospel music videos with Rev. Wright and New York Fellowship; ministering on Bobby Jones Gospel, as well as annually in New York’s City Hall for political and large social events; being featured on major network television’s Gospel Superfest with Rev. A. R. Bernard, Clifton Davis, Gary Anglin and the Christian Cultural Center; continuing to minister at concerts, youth conferences and other venues nationwide.
What drives Earl Jones Jr. the most? Knowing first that God is pleased with his life and the use of his gift. His other motivation is to make his family proud. To Earl, family relationship is everything, but a relationship with God is paramount!