Songwriter. Producer. Composer. Choir director. Recording artist. The guiding force behind such No. 1 hits as Encourage Yourself, Back II Eden and The Blessing of Abraham. Equally at home in both the inspirational and contemporary arenas, the multiple Grammy and Stellar Award winner has collaborated with a diverse roster, including such marquee names as Karen Clark Sheard, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, En Vogue and Mary J. Blige. After scoring his second No. 1 gospel album with 2011 s YRM (Your Righteous Mind), Lawrence is preparing to commemorate his anniversary milestone with the first of two albums featuring live re-recordings of select songs from his vast catalog complemented by several new tracks. Due this fall, titled Best for Last, was recorded primarily in Chicago with longtime songwriting/production colleagues Daniel Weatherspoon and Percy Bady. The second volume, slated for 2014, will be recorded primarily in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Lawrence was born. Also joining Lawrence for the two-volume series is a host of special guests, many of whom have played important roles in his career. The list includes Faith Evans, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Kelly Price, Lalah Hathaway, Hezekiah Walker, Stephanie Mills and Yolanda Adams.