From the Streets to the Sanctuary: Gospel Gems by Secular Artists

At BossesMade Music, we believe that music is more than just a sound — it’s a spirit. Whether it’s hustling in the streets or healing in the sanctuary, the power of music to lift, redeem, and inspire is unmatched.

You don’t have to be a “gospel artist” to create a gospel moment. In fact, some of the most powerful spiritual tracks have come from artists you might not expect. These are the anthems that came from the heart — born in the middle of the struggle, the success, or the soul-searching.

Today, we’re shining a light on secular artists who’ve stepped into gospel, if only for a song — and gave us heaven in the process.

R&B / Soul Voices Who Took Us to Church

• Whitney Houston – “I Love the Lord”
  Anointed. That’s the only word that fits. From The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack, Whitney delivered a gospel performance that rivals the greats.

Aretha Franklin – “Amazing Grace” (Live Album)
The Queen of Soul never left her gospel roots behind. This legendary album reminds us why she’s also the queen of the church.

Mariah Carey – “Fly Like a Bird”
A modern gospel classic. With a full choir and heartfelt plea to God, Mariah lets her soul fly on this one.

Fantasia – “I Made It” (feat. Tye Tribbett)
A testimony in song. Fantasia’s passion is matched by Tye’s fire, making this a modern gospel anthem.

Hip-Hop & Gospel Collide

• Kanye West – “Jesus Walks” & Jesus Is King
  Kanye didn’t just flirt with gospel — he committed. These tracks (and the whole album) marked a full spiritual turn

Chance the Rapper – “Blessings”, “Sunday Candy”
Chance’s Coloring Book project lives on that sacred line between hip-hop and hallelujah.

DMX – “Lord Give Me a Sign”
DMX prayed on wax — and we all felt it. A raw, real talk with God from a soul in battle.

Snoop Dogg – Bible of Love (Gospel Album)
Yes, Uncle Snoop went gospel — and did it right. Featuring Fred Hammond, Tye Tribbett, and more, this album is legit.

Classic Voices, Gospel Hearts

• Elvis Presley – “Peace in the Valley”, “How Great Thou Art”
  Say what you will, but Elvis loved the Lord. His gospel catalog is surprisingly deep and heartfelt.
• Bob Dylan – “Gotta Serve Somebody”
  From his Christian phase, this track hits like a sermon wrapped in folk-rock.

• R. Kelly – “U Saved Me”
  A personal testimony of redemption (despite the controversy), this song struck a chord with many.
• Patti LaBelle – “Walk Around Heaven All Day”
  A church classic from a woman who knows how to carry the Spirit in her voice.

• Justin Bieber – “Where Do I Fit In” (feat. Tori Kelly & Chandler Moore)
  Part of his Freedom EP, this track blends pop, gospel, and vulnerability.