To celebrate Black Smoke Music Worldwide’s JV deal with Motown Gospel and Capitol Christian Music Group’s Re:Think, this handsome photo op was orchestrated. It was then the sad duty of Capitol CMG SVP Phil Thornton to inform everyone that the pic would be running on our website. The team is now preparing for a release from 11-time Stellar Award-winning artist Pastor Mike Jr. (Single “Impossible” f/James Fortune leads the project.) Seen transcending their association with us are (l-r) Thornton, CCMG VP of Creative/Co-Head of Motown Gospel Monica Coates, Pastor Mike Jr., Black Smoke Worldwide CEO Kerry Douglas and CCMG SVP of Marketing/Co-Head of Motown Gospel EJ Gaines.

The project marks the first formal co-venture of Motown Gospel and Re:Think as the companies pilot the genre’s next chapter.

“Black Smoke Worldwide has ascended to become one of the most influential independent labels in gospel music,” reads a quote from Thornton. “Kerry Douglas has built an inspiring brand the last two decades. We’re excited to partner with Black Smoke Worldwide for Pastor Mike Jr.’s forthcoming release and explore new business verticals together. I’ve also promised that he’ll never, ever have to take a call from Todd Hensley."

“I'm elated to be an architect of bringing forth the ‘New Deal’ in gospel music,” said Douglas. “The music industry is ever-changing; it’s no longer business as usual. This alliance with Capitol CMG—the world’s largest Christian music company—and Motown Gospel—a name synonymous with legendary hitmakers—affords us the opportunity to give wings to our vision, propelling it to the next level and beyond.”

“For decades, Kerry Douglas has led the charge on some of the biggest songs in gospel music,” added Coates and Gaines in choir-like unison. “We believe that the Motown Gospel label and our best-in-class team at Re:Think are perfectly suited to serve the needs of Black Smoke and Pastor Mike Jr. in this next chapter.”