TSKgrind

When I do this it then clears the cololrs on the lettering(font).

Ok so I have a set back and i need to put lettering on set background and have it fade from a certain color(blue) to a dark or black at the bottom. Ive try using the gradient function but it wipes out my background and turns it white. Ive also tried adding a new layer and using gradient and does the same thing. Any suggestions?