It seems the aim of Grammy-nominated star Koryn Hawthorne is to bring Gospel back to popular music. This time, she extends the game with her new song and video “Speak to Me.”
Produced by Troy Taylor, Johntá Austin, and Jeremy “TryBishop” Hicks, the midtempo jam calls back to Donnie McClurkin’s “Speak to My Heart” as Hawthorne declares her love and need for the Lord in a way that blurs the line between secular and non-secular.
“You mean the world to me / you are my everything / and I never (no, never) / never wanna know what it’s like without you,” she belts on the track.
The stirring visual shows the many facets of Hawthorne enjoying her daily life, all while keeping her focus on God.
Hawthorn shared what the song means to her in a statement. “I’m really grateful and honored Donnie allowed me to do this,” she said. “This song is legendary for me. I grew up listening to and singing it with my mom. It’s a Gospel classic and that’s really dope.”
She added, “I’m really excited about this, it’s like his way of passing on the baton to me to continue on with Gospel music, and where I’m taking it. I’m grateful he trusted me to do this.”
“Speak to Me” is the second single from Hawthorne’s upcoming sophomore album I Am, following “Pray.” The project is set to be released on September 18.
Hawthorne will host the 35th Annual Stellar Awards, along with Kirk Franklin and Johnathan McReynolds, on August 23 on B.E.T.
Watch Koryn Hawthorne’s “Speak to Me” video below.
