While “Jesus Walks” was the fourth single off of Kanye West’s 2004 debut album “The College Dropout,” it was the one that really put him on the map.
With its overtly Christian lyrics and booming production accented by pronounced snare drums and a gospel choir, it quickly became a hit with fans and music critics alike.
In the nearly 15 years since “Jesus Walks” was released, spiritual themes have continued to show up in Kanye’s lyrics, most notably on his 2013 album “Yeezus,” his 2016 album “The Life of Pablo” and his most recent offering, 2019’s “Jesus is King.”
Kanye has dealt with more than his fair share of controversy over the years, from his “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” remark to his selling of merchandise emblazoned with the Confederate Battle flag on the Yeezus Tour to his endorsement of President Donald Trump. Since the release of “Jesus is King,” there has been much debate about whether or not Kanye’s ardent embrace of Christianity is genuine or if is merely Kanye ginning up publicity.
The fact of the matter is that Kanye has always been one to say what’s on his mind. He has provided well-thought-out and in-depth explanations for many of his controversial moments and songs. History would tell us that he doesn’t do things simply for the sake of getting people to talk about him and this latest chapter in his life/career has no indication of being any different.
In a recent interview with talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, Kanye spoke passionately about his relationship with God, his family and his faith. At one point the host asked Kanye if he considered himself to be a Christian music artist now.
“I’m just a Christian everything,” Kanye responded.
While Kanye has made numerous references to God and Jesus Christ throughout his career and has touched on Christian and Biblical themes many times, he acknowledged during this recent interview with Kimmel that he is a different person than he was during their last televised conversation, which took place in August 2018.
Kanye clearly anticipated the doubts about the authenticity of his switch to Christian rap/gospel. He has been accused of cheapening the message of the Bible and making everything about himself. In a recent TIME magazine article, minister and activist Alicia Crosby was quoted as saying that “Jesus is King” is “weak theology” and “not substantive.” However, Kanye himself said in a recent interview with Zane Lowe, “I’m not a theologian. I’m a recent convert.” That admission that Kanye made is important to keep in mind when listening to the new album. While the theology displayed in the lyrics on “Jesus is King” may not be on the level with G.K. Chesterton or Wade Grudem, it is by no means “not substantive.” Furthermore, the lyrics on the album are passionate and heartfelt.
Kanye explores this judgment and skepticism—particularly from other Christians— on “Hands On” which saw him team up with legendary gospel singer Fred Hammond. Towards the end of the track, Hammond sings “I deserve all the criticism you got, if that’s all the love you have, that’s all you got. To sing of change, you think I’m joking. To praise His name, you ask what I’m smoking. Yes, I understand your reluctancy, yeah. But I have a request, you see, don’t throw me up, lay your hands on me. Please, pray for me.”
The lyrics on “Jesus is King” are a far cry from many of the lyrics found on any number of Kanye’s songs. Throughout his career, he has incorporated elements of gospel music and Christian lyrics into his songs but this is something we haven’t seen before from Kanye West.
He is not the first high-profile musical artist to undergo a very public conversion to Christianity — artists including Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper and Dave Mustaine have all done the same. Whether or not Kanye continues to eschew profanity, vulgarity and secular music for the rest of his career remains to be seen, but it’s safe to say that as of now, he’s truly a changed man.
Image: album cover Courtesy of GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings
