Gospel music enjoyed significant success, with the Reunion Tour featuring artists Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Israel Houghton, and Tye Tribbett. Not to mention that Kirk reunited with gospel greats the Family and Linda Searight’s God’s Property. Things are looking up this year with the One Hallelujah tour featuring gospel artists Israel Houghton, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell, Jonathan McReynolds, and Jekalyn Carr. Yet, in 2024, so much good music has dropped. I wanted to showcase a few notable singles that you must check out. 

CeCe Winans “That’s My King”

Gospel icon CeCe Winans is a woman of God. We are so privileged to continue to enjoy music from her. “That’s My King” is her new single. It’s a triumphant ode to Jesus. Get ready to rejoice and clap while singing along. During the break, CeCe sings, "That's my king/That's my God/That's my shepherd/My protector/That's my king/That's my rock/That's my anchor," before they jump back into the more uptempo when she sings "My Defender." It's like a child who brags about their dad. Stream "That's My King" on Spotify or buy it on Apple Music.
 

Me’Kayla & ChurchPpl “Werking” 

Emerging artist Me’Kayla is a young lady who took the Internet by storm with her melodic singing and smooth runs via several videos she released on social media. She is a Tennesse State University student featured on T.S.U.'s album, The Urban Hymnal, produced by Sir the Baptist. Now, the Motown gospel artist drops her single, “Werking,” with the gospel artist Church Ppl, produced by Sir The Baptist. I love how Sir The Baptist creates a fun, punchy, staccato song fitting for twenty-year-old Me’Kayla and her generation. Yet, it's a song that anyone can enjoy. Me’Kayla sings of how God and His angels are looking out for her. Look out for Me'Kayla. Hopefully, she'll have Sir the Baptist and other dope producers help cultivate her sound whenever she releases her debut album. Buy "Werking" on Apple Music. 
 

Ace Clark & Mali Music "9 to 5" 

Ace Clark collaborates with fellow gospel artist Mali Music to deliver the high-energy "9 to 5." This tandem should work together more frequently because they have an artistic chemistry that flows organically. Ace admonishes people to put in the work and work hard for life's goals. Put faith into action while we are here on earth. "Blood and sweat/Imma give my best even when it hurts/To my final day." This is a heater, and my head nods while I'm listening. Stream on Spotify and buy it from Apple Music. 
 

The famous Aaron Cole is a multi-talented artist who raps and sings. It can be challenging to balance the two, but he only allows others to force him to choose. He is now signed to the music label Provident Label Group, which supports his artistic duality. He has become hot with his third single of the year, “I Love It.” It’s a slow banger with a hint of trap. Aaron sings about leaving behind toxic people and his "demons" to enjoy his current life. It's fantastic to see Solomon Olds, also known as Soul Glo Activator, as one of the song's writers along with hip-hop artists Saint X and 1995 on the production. Stream "I Love It" on Spotify and buy it on Apple Music. 
 

Jason Nelson “Yahweh (feat. Melvin Crispell III)”

The phrase, “Your favorite singer’s favorite singer,” can be attributed to Pastor Jason Nelson. This brother has a baritone tone with a clear tenor range. He has already garnered much success with his latest single, “Yahweh," from his forthcoming album, You Belong. It's a moving ballad of worship featuring bonafide tenor Melvin Crispell III. Jason and Melvin skillfully sing, “With every breath that we breathe/The Name we will sing is/Yahweh, Yahweh.” There is the more extended version (my preferred version) and the radio edit for those who prefer your songs to be shorter. "Yahweh" is one of the best singles of the beginning part of the year, but it will end the year as one of the best singles. Stream "Yahweh" on Spotify and buy it on Apple Music. 
 

Freddy Washington Jr. “Tomorrow”

Freddy Wasington Jr. has been an underrated artist for as long as I have followed him. He has a voice not reminiscent of the power singer that many expect in gospel music. However, his voice is solid, and he's a great musician and producer. He has a CCM meets Gospel feel to it. The new single, “Tomorrow,” is a powerful song. I love how this ballad builds from its sweet beginning of Freddy singing about how one will make it and be restored. Background vocalists come in unison to sing, “I know your strength is almost gone/But your miracle is coming/and you’ll be grateful.” This is Freddy at his best; he knows how to get to you: “All the tears you’ve cried/It will all be worth it/The pain wasn’t wasted/It all had a purpose/When we look back at today, tomorrow/We’ll tell the story of how we made it through." Stream "Tomorrow" on Spotify and buy it on Apple Music. 

V. George Smith “Billboard (feat. Claude Deuce)”

It has been a while since gospel artist V. George Smith released music. He's a family man, musician, and podcaster who found inspiration to write a pop-oriented ballad, “Billboard,” featuring gospel artist Claude Deuce. The song's concept is reminiscent of some of the pop anthems of the last ten years. Claude’s vocal range is intact, and he interprets V. George’s vision well. It's not a small feat to tell God that one will be a display and representative of Him. That is precisely what is happening here. To me, this is refreshing to hear. Often, we listen to prayers and songs where the talk is about God blessing us. However, asking God to use us and boldly proclaiming to “let your light shine” is what we should be doing. Thank you, V. George and Claude, for reminding us to live a life that will attract others to Christ. Stream "Billboard" on Spotify and buy it on Apple Music.