Style: Contemporary choir gospel; compare to Hezekiah Walker, Myron Butler, James Fortune
Top tracks: “After This” (ft. Bishop Eric McDaniels), “The Victor,””The Blood” (ft. Lashun Pace)
Hairston, a Connecticut music minister and longtime leader of contemporary gospel collective Youthful Praise, emphasizes “how to get over” on twelve testimonial tracks packed with redemptive themes and a powerhouse guest list, including John P. Kee, Hezekiah Walker and Tye Tribbet. Traditional call-and-response choir jams are infused with a fresh generational flair thanks to the brilliance of Youthful Praise’s young vocal harnesses, reminiscing early Kirk Franklin and the Family. Hairston’s singing is a bit pitchy, making the group, and guests, imperative in carrying each melody. But his leadership is already legendary, and After This continues the group’s significant gospel impact.
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