It was a NIGHT to remember! Gospel GIANTS Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond got together (due to producer Timbaland's and Swizz Beatz's urging) and did a "battle" on Verzuz TV! Mainstream artists and producers have been doing virtual battles on Instagram Live where they play music that they produced, wrote or were from their own albums. Fred Hammod and Kirk Franklin made it a night of celebration and healing. With all of the rioting and the PEACEFUL protesting over the unjust slayings of Ahmad Arbury, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, many have been on edge; Hammond and Franklin got together in a studio in the Dallas/Fort-Worth area and had a BALL!
Bishop TD Jakes started it off with a prayer that was passionate as well as poignant. When Kirk and Fred came in, they were both playful and prayerful, funny, yet fervent in ministry. They were able to revisit such songs as Kirk's "Why We Sing", "Brighter Day", "Awesome God", "Love Theory", "Silver and Gold" and many more. Fred Hammond played songs such as "We're Blessed", his version of "Awesome God", "You Are the Living Word", "Running Back to You" and "Ordinary Won't Do" from his Commissioned days, "No Weapon", "Please Don't Pass Me By" and more. Marvin Sapp made a surprise visit and sang "Never Would Have Made It," and Tamela Mann masterfully sang the Kirk Franklin' penned "Take Me to the King."
A pivotal and surreal moment came when Ahmad Arbery's mom, Wanda, called in and she was put her on speaker to talk to everyone. Afterwards, Fred led everyone in a prayer to receive Jesus in their hearts. It was a night to remember, and one that included a considerable amount of singers, actors, producers.
