Famed MC Kanye West has announced the release date for his ninth studio album entitled “Jesus Is King.” In a photo posted on West’s website, a handwritten list of 12 tracks and September 27 date follows the album’s title.
The album was initially titled “Yandhi,” according to Entertainment Weekly. However, after multiple changes in release dates, West’s new title reflects his recent proclamations of his Christian faith.
For years, West has been a polarizing figure and often come under fire for his eccentric words and behavior. His most recent “Sunday Service” events have sparked debates among audiences about whether or not Kanye is sincere and qualified to lead a church.
His latest Sunday Service was held at Atlanta megachurch, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, where Jamal Bryant serves as lead pastor.
After the service, Bryant came to Kanye’s defense in an Instagram post on New Birth’s page. “You don’t have to understand the vessel to see the vision. God doesn’t anoint based on people’s approval. Thank you #kanyewest for being available to be used for this assignment,” Bryant wrote.
According to The Christian Post, Kanye’s wife Kim Kardashian West said the services were a Christian ministry that Kanye does “for God” because he is “born again” on The View.
“Kanye started this to really heal himself and it was a really personal thing, and it was just friends and family … He has had an amazing evolution of being born again and being saved by Christ,” Kardashian West said.
She added, “People always ask, ‘What are you worshiping?’ It is a Christian service, like a musical ministry. They talk about Jesus and God.”
Listen to GHOGH with Jamarlin Martin | Episode 67: Jamarlin Martin
Jamarlin goes solo to discuss the NFL’s entertainment and “social justice” deal with Jay-Z. We look back at the Barclays gentrification issue in the documentary “A Genius Leaves The Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay-Z.”
Though there are many critics, there are also many supporters of Kanye’s services, which include gospel music, prayer and sometimes preaching. Actor Brad Pitt is one of them.
“I think he’s doing something really special there … It’s a pure celebration of life and people. It’s really delightful. It really is,” Pitt told Entertainment Tonight.
The song titles on “Jesus Is King” seem to reflect Kardashian West’s words about her husband’s faith. Songs names include: “God Is,” “Selah,” “Sweet Jesus” and “Baptized.”
The last time Kanye said he was releasing a gospel album it was laced with vulgar and profane language. This time may be different as people – including fellow rapper T.I. who has publicly criticized his friend – say they see a change in West.
Kanye has been preaching radical obedience to Jesus and asked why people want to do the least for God when God has done the most for them.
This wouldn’t be the first time Kanye made a sincere tribute to Jesus as one of his most acclaimed singles was “Jesus Walks.” In 10 days, the world will be able to hear whether “Jesus Is King” is more like “Jesus Walks” or another project that is the “gospel according to Ye.” In the end, only God really knows what’s in Kanye’s heart.
