Kanye West\u2019s Jesus is King will probably not rate among many traditional gospel followers. Kanye is one of the world\u2019s biggest rap artists. Gospel music has its roots in the Spiritual and the blues \u2013 African Americans singing their theology, their world view.<\/p>\n
But, Kanye and gospel? A tantalising, provocative and interesting combination. So, what is it like?<\/p>\n
As a musician who has been privileged to play with many contemporary gospel artists, I get it. Jesus is King is gospel. Maybe Kanye\u2019s gospel, but gospel all the same.<\/p>\n
Maybe not as we knew it (I\u2019m thinking here of the late, legendary singers Clara Ward<\/a>, James Cleveland<\/a> and Aretha Franklin<\/a>) but still true to its community. Emotional, honest, raw, laid bare and real \u2013 honouring God as the great forgiver and transformer of lives.<\/p>\n Kanye\u2019s song writing, sound crafting, production values and sheer force of expression commands respect. And yes, for me, that\u2019s gospel.<\/p>\n