Samm Henshaw and EARTHGANG Deliver a Gospel Hip-Hop Sermon in "Church"
From gospel to hip-hop, the idea of church has existed as a fixture in music belonging to the African diaspora. It stretches back from the beginnings of soul and R&B and extends to the modern day–perhaps most readily familiar to many in the gospel-inspired leanings of Chicago hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper. Well, today, Samm Henshaw is stepping up from the pews to deliver a gospel hip-hop sermon that will have you clapping along in praise.
The critically-acclaimed British singer and songwriter blends UK R&B, pop, hip-hop, and gospel to heavenly effect in his latest single "Church." Joined by Atlanta hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, who is on tour with Smino this spring, Henshaw channels the out-of-body ecstasy of attending southern revival sermon. From an angelic backing gospel choir to spirited handclaps, "Church" is brimming with soul.
Intertwined within Henshaw's latest masterpiece is an undeniable fervor that can be felt no matter your religious tastes. Equating streetwear with holy imagery, "Rocking your halo like a snapback cos you hang with ghetto angels" the "Church" that Henshaw sings of is one that welcomes all. EARTHGANG chimes in with a set of equally set of standout lines, rapping, "Who listening when you pray / It just depend on your taste" and "I don't care who you praying to / I just pray you believe in you." With "Church," Henshaw may have just found the most effective way to get kids out on a Sunday morning, or at the very least, an exquisite gospel hip-hop anthem to get down to for the foreseeable future.
Watch the lyric video for "Church" below: