Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett "Stands Out!"

Tye Tribbett is native of Camden, New Jersey -- whose father was a preacher and mother was a choir director. Tye says that heard his "calling" early on. "I always wanted to do something for the Lord," he acknowledges.

In 1996, Tye founded Greater Anointing (G.A.) gospel choir which consisted of a group of family and friends whose combined goal was to praise the Creator through the gift of music. Tye says "That first rehearsal blew my mind - the musicianship, the quality of the voices and the spirit of the choir, the character of everybody...I knew that this was it. I knew that this is what I was supposed to be doing."

With that much "Passion for Christ," it is no wonder Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing broke into the popular mainstream two short years later with group performances on the The Prince of Egypt (Inspirational) album, one of three high profile soundtrack collections released for the Academy Award winning animated film from DreamWorks.

Since that time, Tye Tribbett & G.A. have gone on to tour and perform with some of the biggest names in the secular pop music world including Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Luther Vandross, Elton John, Don Henley and Jill Scott, to name a few. While performing with neo-soul performer Vivian Green, his keyboard skills and undeniable showmanship caught the eye of key players in the music industry, earning him a contract with Columbia Records.

A few days ago, Tye took some time to drop some knowledge during a phone conversation. He says that his "wife (of 10 years) is a great influence. She has always made me look at myself and made me do the right thing." About the criticism that other artists like Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Donald Lawrence sometimes get for "mixing with secular music and artists," Tye responds " I think it is a wonderful step toward showcasing Gospel Music and sharing it with the world."

In the video for one of songs from the new "STAND OUT" album entitled, "Good In Da Hood," he parodies mainstream media and their incessant need to portray only the negative things that go on in the "hood" or urban neighborhoods. It is a humorous piece in which he plays a reporter. About his acting; Tye states; "I've always wanted to try out acting. When the idea came to me for the video, I thought it would be a good opportunity to try it."

Tye agrees that, people are embracing spirituality and religion more so now with the current state of the world. He comments; "I realized that GOD was trying to get our attention and show us who is in charge. Especially after 9/11 and with all the other natural disasters." Living your life by "The Standard" is something he repeatedly refers to - and although it is something that might make one feel uncomfortable at times and even "STAND OUT" in a crowd, he encourages all to check it out!

Tye uses his life as a testimony to what GOD can do and says that by "listening to the voice of faith within" he stepped out and challenged G.A. to consecrate themselves, forsaking any revenue from secular music for one year, relying solely on the Lord to provide. Everyone in G.A. accepted the challenge and the result was Victory Live! Released in May 2006, Victory Live! entered the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart at #1, generated the #1 Gospel Radio single, "Victory," and earned Tribbett two Stellar Award wins and three Grammy nominations -- Best Gospel Performance ("Victory"); Best Gospel Song ("Victory"); and Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.

Tye Tribbett and G.A. are attempting to live their lives, recognizing that it is all because of the "anointing of God." During our conversation, I was really inspired and found myself exclaiming "Preach On My Brotha!" Tye smiles and concludes that "You have to actually try it for yourself. You can see how God has blessed me, but I would love for you to experience how much better it is to do things God's way- Stand Out and Try God's Way, y'all!"