The US release of Shackles (Praise You), by Mary Mary proves a hit

The biggest R&B gospel crossover hit since Kirk Franklin has emerged with the US release of the Mary Mary single "Shackles (Praise You)". The new duo consisting of sisters Erica and Tina Atkins are 14 in America's mainstream singles R&B chart and 37 in the US pop chart with their single as we go to press and a huge hit is predicted for their album 'Thankful', released by Columbia into the mainstream and by Word into Christian bookshops. Hitmakers Destiny's Child guest on the duo's song "Good To Me" while producer Warryn Campbell (who has previously worked with mainstream hitmakers Brandy and Dru Hill) told Billboard, "At a time when gospel music is selling in groundbreaking numbers, the group has delivered solid material that's uplifting and accessible."