Gospel: Summer 2023

Monarch Gospel Recommendations

KELONTAE GAVIN
Testify

Chart-topperĀ Kelontae GavinĀ has launched a new single from his upcoming album with the release of the song and visualizer forĀ ā€œGood Loveā€Ā featuring Kim Burrell.Ā ā€œGood Loveā€ provides a deep reflection on God’s love and how it can heal wounds, bring hope, and transform lives. Kelontae Gavin’s smooth, rich vocals complement a contemporary gospel instrumental with a funky twist. Grammy-nominated artist Kim Burrell joins him on this track, together contemplating various themes related to God’s constant love in the midst of life’s changes. Released on July 21,Ā TestifyĀ is Kelontae’s third full-length album.

SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS
Woke

Fresh from their NAACP Image Award nomination for the anthemic single, ā€œTime for Reparations,ā€ the three-time Grammy award-winning Sounds of Blackness is back with an urgent new social justice anthem for today: ā€œWOKE.ā€Ā  The track features the soul-charged vocals of the Sounds of Blackness’s very own Quan Howell while weaving together a tapestry of social justice themes and iconic protest music references. ā€œWOKEā€ is a message to stay alert and understand deeply the history of systems of hate across the globe. ā€œWOKEā€ is a demand for a life that is free of systems of oppression.

TASHA LAYTON
Never

RenownedĀ  for a number of anthems that have encouraged people all around the world, Tasha is back with another, he powerful pop track, ā€œNever,ā€ penned by Layton, Keith Everette Smith, AJ Pruis, and Matthew West. Produced by Layton’s husband, Grammy and Dove award-winner Keith Everette Smith, ā€œNeverā€ spotlights the hope and healing found only in Christ. Echoing a theme that hallmarks Layton’s life and music, ā€œNeverā€ unequivocally declares His promises: ā€œThere’s not a broken too broken for You/Will there ever come a day when You’re not holding me together?/You say, ā€˜Never.ā€™ā€ Tasha says her prayer is that ā€œthis song serves as a reminder that you are never forgotten, never forsaken, and never abandoned. That God is close to you in this exact moment. That whatever you are going through will never be wasted.ā€

CANTON JONES & EVERETT DRAKE
Amen Right There

Christian hip-hop act Emcee N.I.C.E. teams up with Canton Jones and gospel legend Everett Drake to produce the upbeat production ā€œAmen Right There.ā€ The song is an instant rap and gospel classic, especially with Canton and N.I.C.E.; it crossesĀ multiple genres in Christian/gospel and hip-hop/rap. ā€œAmen Right Thereā€ is very upbeat, a sing-alongĀ song with a dance vibe that has South meets West bounce andĀ melodies with a Kanye West ā€œThrough the Wireā€-type vibe. Instruments includeĀ bass, drums, lead guitar, piano, and a hard hip-hop kick drum merged withĀ Everett Drake’s gospel vocals, delivering a feel-good sensation and inspiring all who listen to praise and worship.

VASHAWN MITCHELL
Elements

The latest release from singer-songwriter VaShawn Mitchell creatively draws the audience into an exploration of nature’s basic elements: wind, fire, and rain. The music guides listeners to examine the fundamental principles of the believer’s walk. It serves to encourage and inspire to continually walk ā€œby faith,ā€ allowing confidence in God to become truly foundational in the interpretation of life’s issues.