The Return of GAWVI Posted May 30, 2024 By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know
GAWVI generated much success, first as a young producer (remember the Rhema Soul days?) and then as a resident producer for Reach Records. He expanded into a full-on artist/producer with the 2016 release of Lost in Hue, followed by multiple albums that toed the lines of EDM, Hip-Hop, Urban Soul, and a little R&B. GAWVI's creativity was through the roof and his impact on CHH and Christian music was massive. Unfortunately, he made some horrible decisions that cost him his marriage, his reputation, and was eventually dropped by Reach Records, even after pursuing counseling. After hitting that low, he took time away from the public eye. He slowly started coming back to social media and eventually started sharing that he was going to be releasing new music. After two years away, GAWVI has released his new single, "Into the Atmostfear," on Alienz Alive, a new imprint by superproducer, Rodney Jerkins. It is great to see him back after seeking restoration. People have been praying for GAWVI and God is a great restorer with an incredible track record!
What It Sounds Like
Many wondered what GAWVI's first message coming out of this season would be, and he wasted no time staking his future in the redemptive power of Jesus. It is still that GAWVI sound–the 5-plus minute track feels like multiple tracks in one–but the message is to "Rise up and know that the Christ in you resurrected from the dead so that we may have life in abundance. Let's breathe again." Part 1 of the song begins and it has that typical GAWVI sound that was missed. Symbolically, he feels like can come up for "air" despite apprehensions and regret for past discretions. Through the EDM dance beat, he has a lot to say. For instance: "Like CPR (Like CPR)/ gotta heal this heart (Gotta heal this heart)....I had to go through the fire/through the cold nights. When I open my eyes I can see You there/All this time I've been looking for You/CPR (CPR), gotta heal my scars, they left me/It brought me to Your love." He also speaks of the struggle of personal loss from this season that many experience walking through sin publically, "Had a lot of lonely nights to get up out the hills God broke the seal."
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
The tempo shifts in the second part of the song, introducing a slower beat with a stronger Hip-Hop influence. This change mirrors the artist's renewed vision and deeper Christ-centered focus. He sings about being supported by the right people during his time away ("Lately I been unavailable, I been surrounded by angels Some people had to go change roads"), emphasizing his clarity and determination. GAWVI's unwavering focus on Jesus is evident as he prepares to drop an album and maybe make more appearances. On the outro, he seems relieved as he says that it has always been about Jesus amidst it all.
Final Word GAWVI is back! "Into the Atmostfear" is a great way to step back into a field where he will be met with skepticism, doubt, and anger, while also being accepted with love and appreciation. With the help of Jerkins' Alienz Alive, GAWVI's close friends, and the right spiritual guidance powered by a God that redeems, I am excited for GAWVI! It's about to go crazy!
