Gospel star Marvin Sapp is taking a mini detour into the world of rhythm and blues. The award-winning singer has released his new EP, If I Were an R&B Singer.
The project opens with “Conversations with the Bishop,” an interview with on-air personality Tyrene “TJ” Jackson, where she asks the former Commissioned member if he’s ever considered singing R&B.
“You know what, I’ve never thought about singing R&B,” he responds. “Let me tell you why. I was 10 years old, it was a Sunday morning and we were getting ready for church. And my mother was in the kitchen cooking breakfast, and she brought me, sat me down, and said to me, ‘Marvin, you can either sing in the church or you can sing in the world, but you can’t do both.”
He continues, “I said that day I wanted to sing gospel music. From that day to this day, that’s all I’ve ever done. I can literally count the number of times that I’ve had the opportunity to sing R&B music. I really feel like this is my assignment.”
TJ then brings up his early beginnings, which were shown in his 2022 biopic, Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story.
“You was singing R&B in the lunchroom in school, wasn’t you?” she chuckles. “Yeah, I had someone to sing to back then,” Sapp says. Towards the end of the intro track, Sapp says, “If I was an R&B singer, it would probably sound a little bit something like this…”
From that moment, dreamy chimes and cinematic strings set the mood for the first song, “Listen,” where he is ready to embark on a new love journey. “Time is of the essence, girl / And I don’t wanna waste a moment / I know just what I need, yeah / And that’s you,” Sapp croons.
If I Were an R&B Singer is reminiscent of the traditional R&B that purists crave, with its heartfelt lyricism, soulful vocals and live instrumentation. (And yes, there are bridges.)
Best of all is “Free Fallin,” which beautifully captures the euphoria of falling in love. “You show me what love is / Girl, I’m invested / Might miss my blessing if I don’t let go,” Sapp belts in the bridge.
Regarding If I Were an R&B Singer, Sapp shares, “Every lyric was written with intention, to make you reflect, revisit, and rekindle the moments that brought you here. Love isn’t just words, it’s a feeling, a journey, a story. And this EP is the soundtrack to that story.”
If I Were an R&B Singer follows Sapp’s 2024 live album, Then and Now (Live). The career-spanning project featured fresh takes of Sapp’s signature songs like “One Thing,” “He Has His Hands On You” and “Never Would Have Made It,” as well as some new songs.
“I’m really proud of this album; I think it sounds incredible,” said Sapp. “I enjoyed working with some new creatives who helped me bring to life this vision of doing a record that feels like a live Marvin Sapp concert – with some tried and true favorites sprinkled in with new songs.”
Stream Marvin Sapp’s new EP If I Were an R&B Singer below.
