Album Notes

2008 Gospel Music Stellar Award Nominee

Joseph Holt, formerly known as "Big Shank", but now known as "Joe-L Da Vessel" began his career of music in the 1980's as a party dj and rapper. Joe-L has shared the stage with a variety of industry artist and rappers such as Ludacris, Mobb Deep, Kurtis Blow, and Fat Joe. Joe-L launched his career by writing songs with T.V. and film star Raven Simone as well as working with The Inc. / Def Jam artist Vita. As Big Shank. Joe-L released his first hit single "Long Dough in early 2000. After finding some success in the secular side of the music industry, along with having offers from Blackground Records, and Sony Music, Joe-L decided that he wanted to make a change in his life. Instead of glamorizing the thug life, he wanted to give all glory to God. Joe-L left the secular music industry and gave his life to Jesus Christ. During this transition he began to spend more time with his family and loved ones, along with concentrating on other career options. After taking a momentary absence from the music industry, God revealed the name Joe-L Davessel and began to pour songs into his heart again - only these songs glorified the most high. Using the principles found in gospel and elements of popular music as the medium, Joe L. leads a movement that is being created to counter the glorification of crime and violence in the current generation’s music. Joe L. feels there is great need for change in the current music industry, and the industry in turn is steadily approaching a reformation. Even now the core of gospel is to deliver a message “ The Good News“. Joe L. now incorporates elements of gospel and diverse musicin his current album “Testimony:1 Lyrics for life produced by D.A.A.S. Wuz Up Ent.. Joe-L is a husband, a father, and an ordained deacon who loves God and his people. Currently Joe-L is performing and ministering with his band "Melodic Praise" at youth events, churches, clubs, jails, youth detention centers, and anywhere else where his music ministry is needed. Joe L worships at Judah Family Christian Church under the Pastor, Calvin Smith.