James Fortune & F.I.Y.A. | “Identity”

JAMES FORTUNE TO LAUNCH F.I.Y.A. MUSIC WORLD WITH NEW ALBUM IDENTITY

IN STORES JANUARY 17 2012

Nashville, TN (January 5, 2012) – Breakthrough artist James Fortune launches his new imprint, F.I.Y.A. Music World, on Light Records with the release of his new album IDENTITY that hits stores January 17, 2012.

IDENTITY Fortune’s third album is a powerful collection of 15 soul-stirring songs of encouragement, hope and healing that speaks into the hearts of the religious and agnostic alike. A dynamic songwriter, producer and arranger, Fortune delivers a timeless message that is realized within mere moments of listening to this rapturous body of work.

Fortune’s knack for pairing the right vocalist for the right songs is evident with a collective set of notable guest artists such as famed R&B songbird Monica and Fred Hammond on “Hold On,” a beautiful rhythmic flavored groove; Nikki Ross on the upbeat “Make A Sound,” and the phenomenal “With You,” featuring they dynamic vocal aerobics of Kim Burrell.

In keeping with his previous chart topping success with “I Trust You” and “I Believe,” Fortune continues to build on those elements that attributed to him fast becoming a beloved gospel sensation. Compelling songs such as “The Curse Is Broken” and “Still Able” strike the right chord speaking life and healing into dreary and dismal challenges of life. “Still Able” the power-filled first single has had an immediate impact at radio and is currently at number 5 on the Gospel radio chart.

James shows his dexterity with “It Could Be Worse,” which features the talents of Leandria Johnson & Zacardi Cortez, as it speaks to the traditionalist while ushering in the atmosphere of worship with the powerful line ‘praise now, it could be worse.’

The album also includes the radio-friendly and follow up single “Never Again,” a high-powered rhythmic track. Fortune will bolster the new single with an upcoming performance on this year’s Stellar Awards. Also on IDENTITY is the introspective ballad “What If,” led by Cheryl Fortune; and the album’s title track “Identity” a thoughtful and sincere composition that highlights the ultimate Christian goal – to be more like Him.

In 2005 Fortune & F.I.Y.A. set the world ablaze with their breakthrough debut album YOU SURVIVED and the lead single “You Survived” which peaked at #2 on the R&B Gospel singles chart, and became one of the most played gospel songs of that year. Fortune also received the ASCAP Writer’s Award for Gospel Song of the Year in 2006. He amassed worldwide recognition in 2009, with the award winning acquiescent song, “I Trust You,” off of the sophomore release THE TRANSFORMATION. “I Trust You,” held the number one slot on the Gospel National Airplay chart for over 30 weeks, making history by becoming the longest running #1 single for any genre.

Fortune continued amassing accolades with his meteoric rise and subsequent success in 2010 of the soaring single “I Believe,” which earned him a second ASCAP Writer’s Award in 2011. Additionally “I Believe” received a 2011 Soul Train nomination for “Best Gospel Performance” and Fortune is up for three Stellar Award nominations this year for “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Group/Duo of the Year.”

Find your IDENTITY January 17th. IDENTITY is now available for pre-order on iTunes.