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Each decade has a distinct musical sound that is easily recognized even to the untrained ear. The 70s had disco, funk, rock, and reggae. In the 80s, new wave, glam metal, synth-pop, hard rock and rap led the scene. Thirty years later, crowds still go crazy for 90s (arguably music’s best decade) R&B, grunge, hip-hop, pop, and contemporary country.
The throughline to all these eras and the genres they introduced has been gospel music.
Many popular artists got their start in church choirs—Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, and John Legend, to name a few. Though their paths didn’t lead to inspirational music, the instruction that shaped their skill and unique style from that experience didn’t escape them.
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Grammy award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri recently addressed the parallels between churchgoing and soulful music. During an episode of “Impromptu with Low” hosted by hip-hop artist and journalist Low Key, he suggested the lack of youth in church has a direct impact on the quality of today’s R&B music.
“Young Black youth of today do not go to church and they don’t have that church band grooming,” Dupri explained. “B.Cox came from the church. Jodeci comes from church. When you listen to that soul (they have), it’s an added piece of information. If you’re going to make these records, it’s hard to beat Jodeci when you don’t have that element.”
The artist continued to explain that when people say, “music ain’t the way it used to be,” this is why. He referenced the singer Anthony Hamilton whose sound is undeniably “soulful.” By no coincidence, Hamilton’s musical roots also lead back to the church.
“You’re not going to get what is in his voice from just being on the internet. It can look like what we’re talking about, but it won’t feel like it,” Dupri said.
He continued [to explain] that the church acts as a “school” for artists. A place where they can learn, feel, and embody the culture and sound. So much so that the emotion and effect naturally translates to R&B – or any other genre they choose.
Gospel music has long proven to be impactful across generations and genres. Since gaining popularity in the 1930s, listeners have relished in the unique, rhythmic style that allows them to celebrate God – quite literally – to the beat of a new drum. Black gospel in particular has taken on many forms. From its traditional sound, highly influenced by the hymnody of Thomas Dorsey, it has morphed into Urban Contemporary, British, Southern, Country, and Rap variations.
As seen in this conversation, faith-based and secular spaces have been known to show appreciation for the signature sound and message as well. Gospel hits are often sampled, covered, and featured in secular music.
Notable songs include “Views” by Drake (sampling “The Question” by The Winans); “Higher” by DJ Khaled featuring John Legend and Nipsey Hussle (sampling “Oh Give Thanks” by Myrna Summers); and “Threat 2 Society” by 2 Chainz (sampling “So Good to Be Alive by The Truthettes).
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