Unless you've been living under a rock, there's no escaping the musical avalanche that has grown from VaShawn Mitchell's now career-defining single, "Nobody Greater." The song, from Mitchell's Triumphant album (EMI Gospel, 2010), rocketed to the top of the gospel radio charts and made him one of the most in-demand artists of 2011.

Mitchell garnered six 2012 Stellar Awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Artist of the Year (11 Stellar nods in all) and two 2011 GRAMMY nominations.

In addition to opening the 2011 Still Something Big Tour, featuring BeBe & CeCe Winans and Mary Mary, Mitchell secured several key television performances, including The Mo'Nique Show, and BET's Celebration of Gospel. He capped it all off with a well-produced concept music video that premiered on BET's mainstream video program 106 & Park, all making "VaShawn Mitchell" a household name.

But Triumphant was not Mitchell's first foray into the music industry. With over a decade of experience, this Chicago-born and bred artist honed his skills with ministries such as Lonnie Hunter & The Voices of St. Mark, and as the Minister of Music at Sweet Holy Spirit Church, under the leadership of Bishop Larry Trotter. In addition to penning songs for several successful artists, including Smokie Norful, Bishop Paul Morton and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Mitchell released two albums through Tyscot Records before being signed to EMI Gospel.

Mitchell believes these experiences, however, have all prepared him for this season.

“I’ve been in process, waiting my turn. Watching God’s purpose and timing unfold keeps me appreciative,” he shares. “The reach continues to grow. The mandate and requirement makes the scripture – “to whom much is given, more is expected (Luke 12:48) – so much more clear.

With 2012 off to a great start, Mitchell shares that plans are in the works for a live recording in Atlanta in March, a role in a stage play “Always Remember,” tour dates in the spring and summer, and several new partnerships.

When asked how he’ll top his success in 2011, he acknowledges “it would be impossible for me to attempt to top, or even duplicate, what God has done with “Nobody Greater” and Triumphant. That’s not my main focus. What is important for me is to stay in the face of God to hear the next sound for the time and to write, sing, and produce the next sound of timeless music.”

It is that music, Mitchell prays, that will “continue to equip, inspire, and encourage listeners.”