gospel music

Mandisa, Grammy-Winning Christian Singer, Dead At 47

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Today, it was revealed that Christian recording artist Mandisa has passed away at the age of 47. Her death was reported by Christian outlet K-LOVE this morning and has since been confirmed by reps on the late star’s official Twitter/X account. She was found deceased at her Nashville home yesterday (April 18). Her cause of death has not been revealed.

“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” the post on Mandisa’s Twitter/X account reads. “At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

Read More: Big Boi Calls Rico Wade’s Passing A “Different Type Of Hurt,” Honors His Legacy

Fans Mourn The Loss Of American Idol Star

Countless fans and peers are mourning the loss of the beloved performer, who rose to popularity after appearing on American Idol in 2005. The Citrus Heights, California-born singer made it to the top 10 on the show, releasing her debut album True Beauty two years later. The project and its lead single “Only the World” were a major success, topping Christian music charts and receiving critical acclaim. Her fifth studio album, Overcomer, later won her a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014. Several fellow Christian musicians have reflected on Mandisa’s legacy since hearing the news, including Natalie Grant, Matthew West, and more. K-LOVE‘s chief media officer David Pierce also shared some heartfelt words about the late star’s passing.

“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn. Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles,” he wrote. “Mandisa’s struggles are over, she is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.” Our hearts are with Mandisa’s loved ones during this difficult time. Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Mister Cee’s Cause Of Death Revealed

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Lil Nas X Gives Fans An Extended Listen To His Forthcoming Gospel-Inspired “J CHRIST” Single

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It seems that Georgia rapper and singer Lil Nas X is finally making a full return to his music career. Yesterday, January 8, the 24-year-old shared the cover art and release date for his brand-new single, “J CHRIST.” It will be out on Friday, January 12, and it will see his foray into Christian/gospel music. Nas X has been talking about making a religious switch for quite some time now. In fact, it was just over a year ago that he began making these statements.

They have put him in some hot water and Nas X feels like he was “blackballed” from dropping anything in 2023. But, the wait is finally coming to an end for him and his fan base. Lil Nas is dedicating this track to the special man above. In his Instagram announcement post, he says, “MY NEW SINGLE IS DEDICATED TO THE MAN WHO HAD THE GREATEST COMEBACK OF ALL TIME!”

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Lil Nas X Has People Excited

On top of the art and day of the release, Nas X has given fans plenty more to chew on in the coming days. A fan account on Twitter (known now as X) unearthed a possible preview of “J CHRIST.” The teaser is about 1:45 long and sounds very good. It is not a full dive into Christian music, but the elements are prevalent. Nas X is rapping over some heavenly background vocals mixed with some trap kick drums. Fans are digging what they hear so far. One says, “Wow this is beautiful.” Another says, “This go hard [flame emojis].”

What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new preview of Lil Nas X’s upcoming single? Do you think this is a good direction for him to go with his music, why or why not? Will this next album be better than his debut, MONTERO? Is his controversial nature good or bad for his image and why? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Lil Nas X. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: JAY-Z Unsure Whether He’ll Headline A Super Bowl Halftime Show, Discusses Racist History Of “Cowboy“

The post Lil Nas X Gives Fans An Extended Listen To His Forthcoming Gospel-Inspired “J CHRIST” Single appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Chrisean Rock Says Her First Word Was “Hallelujah,” Shares New Gospel Song

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Even our earliest memories stick with us all the way to adulthood, and sometimes they can result in some streams. Chrisean Rock teased a new gospel song called “Hallelujah” via Instagram and said that it was her first word. In the short clip, she sang along to the song’s lyrics and jumped up in excitement. Also, some trap drums come in later that makes it sound like a potentially hip-hop based cut. Whatever the case, Blueface’s lady was excited in the comments to share the track.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 14: Chrisean Rock and Blueface attend Daniels Leather Fashion Show Blue Moon on September 14, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

“Fun fact : my first word was hallelujah n made a gospel song called hallelujah,” she wrote. “In Jesus name this year 2023 with be nothing but abundance and more Love MORE LIFE Amen.”

In addition, there was another clip shared from her TikTok where her love of gospel comes through clearly. Moreover, she was chilling with her boo Blueface as they listened to a gospel song together. In the video, the California rapper is sitting down drinking, throwing up a few sets as the song plays. Meanwhile, Chrisean is dancing and singing along to the song, occasionally going in for a hug with her man.

However, Chrisean jokingly tried to stop Blueface from signing during the song. Even with all the years passed, there’s still that gut reaction, but it was a sweet moment. Still, it hasn’t been all peaches and cream for the two. In recent clips from their Crazy In Love reality show, they bickered over their relationship, with Chrisean saying it’s forced.

“I need space from this, like, forced-ass relationship,” she said. “Like, I don’t know if it’s a business-ship or a relationship. Is he with me because there’s opportunity in it, or [does] he really just want to be with me?”

While their relationship has been notoriously rocky, that clash unfortunately transcended beyond the couple’s boundaries. Blueface’s mom and Chrisean are notoriously at odds, especially after recent social media jabs.

What did you think of the clip of Chrisean’s new song “Hallelujah” and it being her first word? Let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest in hip-hop relationships and upcoming music.

Marvin Sapp Says Ye “Ain’t A Gospel Artist,” Calls His Inclusion “Unfair”

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He’s hailed as one of the greatest Gospel artists of our time, and Marvin Sapp is sharing his thoughts on Kanye West. Despite the anti-Semitism backlash West has received, he continues to tout his Christian faith. For years, Ye has been making waves in Gospel circles, especially following the success of Jesus is King. The album won several Gospel awards and Christian artists praised his addition to the genre. However, Sapp offered a different take in a recent interview.

“I’m just looking at it differently,” he told VladTV. “I can absolutely sympathize with up-and-coming artists when you look at Billboard and Kanye’s whole record is in, like, one through 40 of our genre.”

Read More: Kanye West Is Billboard’s Top Gospel Artist Of 2020: Report

“Do I think that it’s fair…now that I think about it, it’s not,” he continued. “I don’t think that it’s fair at all. And I think what ends up happening is it ends up eclipsing those of us who really do this for the genre and as a lifestyle.” He jokingly patted himself on the back for that observation and added, “Yeah, that was good, Marvin.”

“But, you know, it happens,” Sapp added. “All of these streaming platforms—if an R&B, Hip Hop artist comes along and they do something that’s Gospel oriented, they’ll bring it over into our genre, and we embrace them. But that’s not something that happens across genres.”

Read More: Kirk Franklin Discusses Kanye West And His Place On The Mount Rushmore Of Gospel

The singer-songwriter pastor used Lil Nas X as an example. Sapp brought up the Country Music Awards’ minimizing the “Old Town Road” icon because it was argued that his hit single didn’t belong in the genre. “If we did it, it would look like we not Christian.”

He noted that opposition or criticism of West from Christian circles doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with someone’s “religious position.”

“I think it does have something to do with making sure that the playing field is fair. Kanye ain’t a Gospel artist.”

Do you agree with Marvin Sapp about Ye’s inclusion in Gospel music culture?