Style: Gospel mash-up; compare to Israel Houghton, Mary Mary, and Fred Hammond
Key of D Presents The Gospel of Memphis
May 22, 2012
Key of D Presents The Gospel of Memphis
May 22, 2012
Top tracks: “1 Shot” (featuring Darrel Petties), “He’s Able” (featuring Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers), “I Just Love to Praise Him” (Courtney Little)
A wide array of genres hail from Memphis’ storied musical history, including rock ‘n roll, blues and yes, gospel. Committed to cementing the ties between River City and gospel, Grammy-nominated Christian hip-hopster Mr. Del scouted and recorded the best of his hometown’s gospel artistry for his Memphis label’s latest locally-focused release. Tracking the genre’s every nuance, Gospel features Motown (“He’s Able,” “I Just Love to Praise Him”), R&B balladry (“Yahweh”), quartet throwback (“Hold On Just a ‘Lil While Longer”) and contemporary gospel (“Recover”), all splendidly-a testament to the region’s dazzling talent and Del’s ear for uncovering it. And though “various artist” albums are rarely the rage, Gospel is a priceless contribution to its title city, and gospel music at large.
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