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Black America Web
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Modern Southern Soul: Evolution, Key Artists & Today's Vibrant Scene
Pictured: King George Source: Paras Griffin / Getty Modern Southern Soul music beautifully bridges the past and the present, blending heartfelt traditions with contemporary sounds. Rooted in the deep emotional storytelling of its predecessors, this new wave of Southern Soul captures the spirit of its origins while daring to push boundaries. One defining element of modern Southern Soul is its ability to keep the authenticity of gospel, blues, and rhythm & blues alive, all while incorporating modern production techniques and relatable themes. Artists like King George exemplify this evolution with chart-topping hits like 'Keep On Rollin'' and 'Girl You Got It.' His knack for pairing genuine lyrics with infectious melodies has established him as a driving force in the genre. Other artists are also making waves. Tucka, known as the 'King of Swing,' has reimagined Southern Soul with tracks like the 'Jukebox Lover (Remix)' featuring King George. Meanwhile, voices like J-Wonn, with heartfelt ballads such as 'Mr. Right Now,' and Stephanie McDee, with powerful anthems like 'Let Me Take You There,' highlight the versatility of the genre. These talents merge traditional soul vocals with contemporary beats, creating music that resonates across generations. Modern Southern Soul doesn't just honor its roots; it thrives by offering relatable stories of love, heartbreak, and resilience. Its bold fusion of vintage and fresh elements makes it accessible while still retaining the emotional depth that defines soul music. Thanks to this innovation, Southern Soul continues to thrive, cementing itself as a vital and evolving genre in today's music landscape. Scroll Down For 15 Key Tracks That Capture The Southern Soul Sound! Modern Southern Soul: Evolution, Key Artists & Today's Vibrant Scene was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
10 Contemporary Gospel Singers You Need To Know
Paras Griffin Gospel music has done our culture good over the past century, providing melodic inspiration to get through some our toughest mental battles and touching our souls by way of some of the most dynamic voices you'll ever hear. From the pioneering days of Mahalia Jackson and the pen game of Thomas Andrew Dorsey to the ones we consider legends today like The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, Mary, Mary — shoutout to our girl, Erica Campbell! — and Kirk Franklin to name a few, it's a genre of music you simply can't help but love regardless of denomination. With the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music making its way to Nashville in August 2025, we couldn't think of a better way to show our appreciation for the genre than by taking a look at compelling new voices carrying it to new heights for the next generation. When looking at the state of contemporary gospel music, it's clear to see that future legends are quickly on the rise. Borrowing inspiration from the ones who came before and oftentimes even collaborating alongside them, many new acts to the game of gospel are making sure to add their own fresh spins while still enforcing the core message that's been clear since the beginning: God is the greatest love. Of the many fresh faces to pop up at the Dove and Stellar Awards over the past few years, there's no denying a handful are leading the pack in being a messenger of His word. These are the artists who younger worshippers are turning to for guidance in battling the temptations of a secular world and struggles with their faith in general being that it's coming from a voice closer to their generational experiences. Some are utilizing even more modern elements from hip-hop and R&B that could even compete (and has been!) with a few top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. We've got love for all those currently making gospel music on any level, but take a look at these 10 rising stars in specific who we seriously recommend adding to your Sunday cleaning playlist if you haven't already. If you loved her as part of Forever Jones, her solo career will be a pleasant surprise. It was amazing to finally see her achieve GRAMMY gold earlier this year in winning 'Best Gospel Performance/Song' alongside Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton and Jonathan McReynolds with their collaboration, 'One Hallelujah.' Those who were lucky enough to attend his live taping of Greater earlier this month at Redemption Church Greenville know exactly what we're talking about. Whether it's with Maverick City Music or in her own right, we simply can't get enough of her voice. From a summer tour scheduled to the high anticipation for a follow-up to last year's well-received EP, Covered Vol.1 , our guy Melvin is the man of the hour. Major points for putting an innovative spin on gospel music by way of introducing elements of Afrobeats and Amapiano to the mix. Last year's release of You're Gonna See It (Live) was a testament to his capabilities when it involves carrying the stage of worship for well over two hours. From his exuberant energy to clever lyricism for the Lord, there's no surprise that Pastor Mike has grown into the fan-favorite of gospel. We can't wait to see how his star continues to rise following yet another big win at the 2024 GRAMMYs! Building a full lifestyle brand from cooking to mentorship for women (see: SistHER Inc.), Kierra is reshaping what it means to be a gospel star. SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
