Gospel music artists are going full steam ahead in terms of releasing music. Here are a few you can add to your playlists.
Tim Godfrey (feat. Nathaniel Bassey & Tim Bowman Jr.)- "Turned It Around"
Nigerian singer Tim Godfrey is a man of strong faith and passion when worshipping God. He can take a song to another level whether he's writing his own or if collaborating with another artist, such as Travis Greene. He is still in wedding bliss, having recently marryied Erica Katrina.
On his new single, "God Turned It Around" (not to be mistaken with the Jon Reddick song of the same name), Tim teams up with the gospel singers Nathaniel Bassey and Tim Bowman Jr. With the three vocal powerhouses taking turns adlibbing, the choir gives the song that much more passion. They go from the simple chorus, "What the enemy meant for evil/God has turned it around/Turned it around" to the marching tag, "He has turned it around/Turned it around for my good."
Keyondra Lockett - "Liar"
Singer, entrepreneur, and clothing designer, Keyondra Lockett's drive and business acumen continues to lead her forward in her decorated career. She is with the music label Tenth Child Inc., which serves to help guide her musical endeavors. Things are popping for Keyondra, having released her new album, Cornerstone, and her clothing line Athleisure with her sister, Kimberly Lockett.
Keyondra's latest single, "Liar," is another heater from this young go-getter. She linked up with producer, TedyP, her frequent collaborating partner, to deliver this reggae-tinged urban groove. Keyondra sings in syncopation and with a slight accent to coincide with the musical theme. However, she is singing about the lies of the devil and his schemes. She suggests relying on the Holy Spirit as a guide.
JohnO & Swoope (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - "Work Real Hard"
Pastor John Onwucheckwa, also known as JohnO, is no stranger to believers and Christian Hip-Hop rappers in Atlanta and around the country. Recently, he opened up about the grief of losing his brother, Samuel, who died several years ago. He, along with rapper, producer, and musician Swoope, have been on a mini tour to talk about grief and more.
To top it off, the duo has released a few singles, including the latest, "Work Real Hard." JohnO is not rapping, but Swoope pulls gospel great Jackie Hill Perry out of semi-retirement to put on a lyrical master class. Backed by a Swoope-produced chill beat, Jackie bats last, and cleans up nicely: "He made the heavens and the Earth/He told the dirt to breathe then He gave it work until the seventh/Then He rested/But I'm restless, steady wrestlin'Triple H, holy holy holy, work was best when/It wasn't so attached to identity, the portrait/The trinity and corporate report, it's not a spirit/I'm tired of feelin', if I don't get it/This girl world stop spinnin', the clock tickin', I'm workin' to death." Sheesh.
Zebulon Ellis -"Surviving Hell"
Zebulon Ellis has been on the Gospel scene for several years especially after finishing in the top 4 of the second season BET's Sunday Best. The guy with a good sense of humor has released several singles and EPs. His new single, "Surviving Hell." features Ellis on lead and background vocals backed by a drum programmed, smooth beat reminiscent of the early '90s gospel great New Jack Swing. Ellis sings about surviving life's trials and going through hell on the way to an eternity with Christ.
John Jay - "Church Hurt (Live)"
In the past couple of years, faith deconstruction, when Christians rethink their faith and drop their held beliefs, sometimes no longer identifying as Christians, has been on the rise, while church attendance has been on a decline. There've been conflicts, scandals--not to be taken lightly or downplayed--and misunderstandings that've gotten so much press as well.
It's not often that Gospel artists sing a live song about being hurt in the church. So, John Jay ventures to do just that on "Church Hurt" from his upcoming November 2022 release, The Dreamer's Session "Live." Jay's haunting vocals sing, "I know that you are hurting/Give it another chance/I know that you don't want to/Give it another chance." John sings about talking out the situation that caused the hurt and showing mercy even though it's easier said than done. This is a sure-fire conversation starter no matter how you feel about the song. Kudos to John Jay for venturing into this topic. Listen to "Church Hurt" on Apple Music.
Dwayne Lacy is a long-time History teacher in Houston, Texas. He also has a passion for diversity in unity in music and in the church.
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