5 of the best Gospel projects of 2020

5 of the BEST Gospel Projects of 2020

So, 2020 was A LOT, right?? Well thanks and praise be to our merciful Father above who mercifully kept us and brought us into 2021. JESUS SWEET EEH MAN!!! One of the tools our King of Kings seemed to constantly use to keep encouraging us and pushing us was music. His musical vessels absolutely did not disappoint! I mean, it was almost like there was another drop every few weeks. Here are a few of the best ones i’ve still got in rotation.

1. His Glory Alone – KB

K to the 2nd letter has done it again! He had me and probably many other fans a lil worried after his split from Reach Records but the “Today We Rebel” maestro has clearly been in his Jesus BAG, nonetheless. He’s making us dance whist simultaneously coming for everyone’s scalp and edges!! Every song will challenge and give you some good Godly perspective, love that for us. This project is drenched in oil, but I definitely recommend 10K and Let it Reign. These two get the nod from me as we are seeing more and more gospel rappers remixing worship songs, very “Worship in the Mosh pit”. This stylistic choice nicely bridges the cavernous gap we often find between worship music and gospel rap music. Give them a listen!

2. Restoration and Restoration: The Deluxe Album – Lecrae

The 116-boss man got real vulnerable with us on this one y’all and all I have to say is WHEW! I for one really appreciate the plain rawness and firm simplicity of faith threaded through every verse with Lecrae’s usual unique, pointed lyricism. For me, Wheels Up and Drown get the nod for me from Restoration and Restoration from Restoration: The Deluxe Album. Lecrae painted a real-life Christian life story here, the message is clear: BE RESTORED.

3. Exit – Wande

The Belle of 116 is here!!! We could not leave Miss Wande Isola out of a list like this! From intern to artist Wande had herself quite a year in 2020 and we have been blessed right along with her. Wande represents some of the best female gospel rap has to offer the Kingdom alongside very few others. She knows she’s in her lane and from her music to WIN beauty, this gospel girl a seh FULL 100!! They say lightening never strikes the same place twice, but I say Be Yourself, Nice Things and Wakande being on the same album really contradicts that. SRIKE AFITER STRIKE AFTER STRIKE.

4. Overcome (EP) – Oshane Mais

The Lord has really laid on my heart that nations and regions have a sound and that we Jamaicans/Caribbean persons should really embrace our unique sounds when worshipping Him, and no, I don’t just mean reggae. For me, Oshane Mais consistently represents some of the best of our Jamaica Gospel sound, this young man really is a treasure in our likkle piece a di Kingdom. You can’t beat chunes like Hymns & Spiritual Songs Medley, very comparable to Rhoda Isabella’s Church Medley which I also love. Get out Grandma’s tambourine and enjoy!

5. Dear God (EP) – Alicia Taylor

Talk about yaadie national treasures!!! This powerhouse musical genius also represents some of the best Gospel music to come out of our likkle rock. I truly never cease to be blown away by the oilll on this bodacious songbird, her expertise is undoubtable. She’s an artiste I had really been longing to hear a full-sized project from but this EP more than satisfies. Dear God and Forevermore have been the songs my heart and soul have really leapt at on this one, they beautifully capture a real level of desire for God as well as a response to His unmatched nature. Bonus recommendation, Double Minded. How does she do it????!!!!

There are so many more favourites of mine like Limoblaze and DA T. R. U. T. H’s big collab Bridges and Jonathan McReynold’s People etc. that aren’t on here but if I were to give you the whole favourite rotation we’d be here for QUITE a while. I hope you take a look at all these projects and be as moved, blessed, and challenged as I have been. Were these new or did you already love them? What are some of your favourites? I’d love to know, maybe I can add a few more faves to my playlist.

Until next time, remember, our present sufferings do not compare to the future glory to be revealed in us.