Jesus Is King
"Kanye West’s Gospel Rap Revelation"
"Kanye West’s Gospel Rap Revelation"
Released October 25 2019 via GOOD Music and Def Jam Kanye West’s Jesus Is King a 11 track 27 minute gospel rap pivot debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 264000 equivalent album units. Certified gold by June 16 2020 it amassed 1.8 billion streams by March 2025. Born from Sunday Service sessions it marked West’s bold spiritual shift. In 2025 its blue vinyl glow endures as a polarizing yet historic moment.
The blue vinyl cover of Jesus Is King signals a stark departure a canvas of faith and redemption. “Follow God” declares “Father I stretch my hands to you” a cry of devotion while “On God” reflects “I’ve been telling y’all since ’05” tying survival to divine will. “Selah” invokes biblical heroes like Noah. It’s West’s gospel diary unapologetic and personal yet light on struggle leaning on slogans over depth. In 2025 its blue hued zeal still sparks debate.
Helmed by West with Federico Vindver Pi’erre Bourne Timbaland and others Jesus Is King blends gospel choirs with sparse beats. “Selah” thunders with piano and hallelujah chants “Water” flows with lush bass and “Use This Gospel” shines with Kenny G’s saxophone. West’s vocals often raw dance between preaching and melody. At 27 minutes it’s concise yet feels rushed with uneven mixing. In 2025 its blue tinted sound remains a bold gospel rap fusion.
Jesus Is King boasts Clipse on “Use This Gospel” reuniting for a reflective gem “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” Ty Dolla Sign Fred Hammond and Ant Clemons add soulful depth while Sunday Service Choir elevates “Every Hour”. Kenny G’s saxophone soars. West’s vision dominates but guests bring warmth to the blue hued spiritual storm grounding its lofty aims.
“Follow God” “Selah” Soaring choirs and bold drums hook fast West’s blue hued gospel rap energy pulling listeners into a spiritual whirlwind with instant impact.
“Use This Gospel” “On God” Clipse’s reunion and West’s raw reflection shine these blue tinted tracks weaving faith and struggle for fans seeking depth.
“Water” “Every Hour” Lush production and choir driven power glow these blue hued cuts reveal West’s gospel vision for attentive listeners.
“Follow God (Live 2025)” Sunday Service 2025’s blue lit performance reignites West’s fervent delivery a viral moment still resonating with crowds.
West’s journey began with The College Dropout (2004) a soulful classic followed by Late Registration (2005). My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) set a benchmark while Yeezus (2013) pushed boundaries. Ye (2018) was raw and brief. Jesus Is King departs from Yandhi’s leaks embracing gospel over hip hop. It paved the way for Donda (2021) amplifying its blue hued spiritual arc. In 2025 it’s a pivotal shift.
Pitchfork scored Jesus Is King 6.0/10 calling it “richly produced but flawed” while NME praised its “clarity.” By March 2025 with gold certification and 1.8 billion streams it’s a gospel rap landmark. Fans on X call it “underrated” though some see it as rushed. Its blue vinyl aura endures divisive yet groundbreaking a testament to West’s daring vision.
Jesus Is King won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2021 Grammys and Top Christian Album and Top Gospel Album at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards. Its gold certification underscores its blue hued impact on gospel rap’s mainstream rise.
| Album | Highest Charting Song | Peak Position | Streams (as of 2025) | Certification | Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ye | “Yikes” | 8 | 1.2B | Platinum | 1M+ |
| Jesus Is King | “Follow God” | 7 | 1.8B | Gold | 500K+ |
| Album | Certification | Units (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus Is King | Gold | 0.5 |
Data from Billboard RIAA Spotify Pitchfork and NME as of March 2025.