Andre “A-minor” Johnson, along with artists on his label, have created a collection of songs that exemplify excellence and creativity in sanctified music. This rock-tinged, gospel, neo-soul, R&B, and hip hop album challenges our notions of how genres can be mixed, especially in Christ-centered music. When you don’t expect it, a rap verse attacks a track made of up live instrumentation. In the depths of a gospel/R&B groove, an ambient electric rock guitar pierces the soundscape. This album is rooted in the tradition of black music but is not afraid to venture into areas far from where we expect black artists to go. One worship song even features a classical guitar. This New York-based music collective draws from the unorthodox chord progressions of neo-soul, the lyrical wit of underground rap, and the musicianship of gospel’s best to deliver a fantastic album that shatters the boxes in which we tend to put God-honoring music. This album, “The A-Minor Project”, is currently available on itunes.
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YPJ & FVC will blow you away with their command over the musical idioms of neo-soul, gospel, and hip hop. This immensely creative group creates chord progressions that are completely unpredictable. Don’t try to sing along until you’ve heard a song a few times. This definitely isn’t pop music. However, it is a soulful, intergalactic journey through the musical universe of contemporary underground African-American music. Imagine gospel music that combines the powerful rap lyrics of Common, the creative chord progressions of Jill Scott, the beautiful vocals of Tye Tribbet & G.A., and the creative production of the late J Dilla, and you have something almost as good as YPJ & FVC. Don’t hesitate to check out their groundbreaking music on itunes.
Jonathan Powell & the CrossRhodes, comprised of young church musicians and a singer, have created a contemporary “Neo-Gospel” album that is influenced by Jazz, Latin Jazz, Rock, Neo-Soul, Gospel, and R&B. In these original songs, Jonthan Powell’s smooth voice and gentle vibrato provide captivating melodies over the organic and soulful instrumental foundation. With great lyrics and creative concepts, this album will expand your mind and challenge your notions of what sanctified music can sound like. The instrumentation of this album is largely acoustic instrumentation, however this does not limit the creativity that Jonathan Powell & the CrossRhodes bring to this project. These heartfelt songs will encourage you to worship as well as move in your seat. This self-titled album is available on CD Baby.
Abigail Hamilton’s debut album “Let It Rain” is a wonderful collection of creative song borrowing from, pop, R&B, dancehall, reggae and gospel music. The majority of the album was produced by the 18 year-old prodigy Young White, this is also the first worldwide exposure of Young White’s production. Abigail has a fantastic and soulful voice that blends exquisitely with the hip-hop and gospel influenced sound beds. Abigail uses auto-tune on some tracks, but only as an effect. Her voice is beautiful, powerful. and captures your emotions. This album is the epitome of “sanctifire”. It is edgy, innovative, uplifting, powerful, entertaining, and edifying music. This album is available on itunes.
Deitrick Haddon’s new 2011 release “Church on the Moon” is just that. Haddon takes us into outer space on this futuristic and sanctified album. It is in the risk-taking spirit of much of Haddon’s work. Haddon has typically gone where other gospel artists have not dared to go, even at the expense of potential record sales. This 18-track album is an extensive collection of creative and contemporary music that can compete with anything on mainstream radio. In the spirit of the times, the soundscape of this album is one of starry synths undergirded by bassy drums and rhymthic melodies. It has a strong Godly message and will not fail to uplift and entertain. This album is available on itunes.
