Mary Mary, Authors of "Be U"
When it comes to urban gospel superstars Mary Mary, everything is done on a big scale. All of their pursuits--musical, spiritual, or otherwise--are larger-than-life: not a single thing is left to chance. For them, there's simply no room for halfway, half-done, half-baked efforts. No matter the venture, the bar is always sky-high. Absolutely everything must be handled with an utmost sense of excellence.
"We represent a great, big God who is excellent, so we like to think that our work represents that, too," says Tina Campbell, one-half of the best-selling duo. "God's blessings are new every day. He's blowing our minds every day. We should be able to speak to a new day in a new way." Her sister Erica Campbell can't help but concur: "I wholeheartedly agree," she says.
With nothing to prove, Mary Mary could very well rest on past successes and settle for the middle-of-the-road. After all, they are Grammy, Dove, Stellar, MOBO, and American Music Award winners, and all of their studio albums--2000's Thankful, 2002's Incredible, and 2005's Mary Mary--are either platinum- or gold-certified. But independent of older glories, THE SOUND proves they go it all out, all the time.
"We consider ourselves to be unpredictable," Tina says. "We like to think that we're innovative and original so you cannot figure out what our next move is and you can't really define our ability or what you think the expectations are."
More mind-blowing is THE SOUND's title track, a psychedelic, synth-driven retro piece that seems lifted from a '60s spy film. The song is perhaps the wildest Mary Mary has ever committed to tape, but it's not a vanity number: it was created in hopes it will touch someone who doesn't normally listen to faith-based music---a big part of Erica and Tina's ministry.
"There's always someone who has music that will reach an unchurched audience," Erica says. "That's definitely the position Mary Mary holds. Growing up, we didn't look at people who didn't go to church any differently from those who did. When it comes to our music, our music is for everyone. Everyone needs to know that God loves them."
Tailor-made for both the streets and the sanctuary, songs like "Dirt" ably wrap a timeless message into a tune that could apply to individuals on either side of the spiritual divide. "We all need a little bit of dirt to grow," the pair sings in this thought-provoking number, a guitar-laced composition that rides a smooth, mid-tempo groove.
Beyond the music, THE SOUND also marks the launching point for a new phase in the sisters' career. In addition to it, the singers hope to continue to expand the Mary Mary brand to territories once uncharted for the duo, into areas such as a bath and beauty line, a designer t-shirt collection, children's books and music, interactive computer games, stage work, television, and much more.
Of these projects, perhaps the one they're the most excited about is BE U-a bath, body, and candle line whose purpose isn't to only encourage external beauty, but also to foster inner splendor, honesty, and integrity.
"We don't want to limit ourselves to just singing," Tina says. "All the gifts and all the talents and all the great entrepreneurial ideas that God has given us, we want to use them."
She continues: "I don't care if you're making a statement in fashion, doing movies that reflect who you are, whatever it is that you decide to do outside of just one thing-if God has gifted you, you should do it all to bring Him glory."
About the Book
Be the "U" God intended:Be Honest.
Be Beautiful.
Be Intentional.
Be Strong. Be You!
In this inspirational book by popular performers Mary Mary, the heart and faith of this urban gospel duo permeates every page and motivates young women to be the "U" that God created you to be. In it, Mary Mary reminds readers that to "Be U" has more to do with the strength God puts in our hearts than it does with how we look on the outside. It's all about seeing ourselves as God sees us: beautiful, forgiven, cherished, and loved.
Inspired by Mary Mary's popular songs, each message is complemented by journaling questions that make the message real, scriptures that inspire readers to grow strong, and a "Be U Affirmation" that helps readers boldly stand on the promises of God.
The mission of Mary Mary is to encourage young women to discover the true beauty that lies within, as they inspire an awareness of natural beauty and a celebration of inner uniqueness. Professing their faith in God, they consistently promote a message of strong family values and the joy of being a woman.
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