Contrast is an important ingredient. It’s why salty and sweet is such a great pairing: two unexpected things blending together to create the perfect flavor.
Pro tip – Wendy’s french fries are 10x better dipped in a chocolate Frosty!
I also love when two unlikely artists collab and make something special. Dolly’s iconic country voice on Zach Williams’ “There Was Jesus” is pure gold, and who could forget when she teamed up with for KING & COUNTRY on “God Only Knows.”
I fully believe God can use anyone for His glory and that’s why it’s so exciting when Christian artists collaborate with mainstream acts. Here are 5 of my favorite and most surprising Christian and mainstream artist collabs:
1. Tauren Wells and H.E.R.
In 2021, Tauren Wells teamed up with H.E.R. on “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix)”
H.E.R. (aka Gabriella Wilson) is a Grammy award winner and has won an Acadamy Award for Best Original Song in the film, “Judas and the Black Messiah”.
“We really created something special. It’s important for me to recognize that He is responsible for all of the blessings in my life. It’s not me. My steps are ordered by God. God is GREAT.” – H.E.R.
2. TobyMac and Sheryl Crow
“Promised Land” is a reminder of why we continue to put our trust in the Lord and why his provision is always right on time.
“I think if we’re honest, each of us have wondered, where is the promised land? Where’s the blessing for me and my family that I thought would come my way on this earth when I chose to follow the King of Kings?” – TobyMac
Although TobyMac originally recorded without Sheryl Crow, her vocals bring a warm and refreshing country vibe to the song.
3. Tasha Cobbs and Nicki Minaj
I’m going to be honest with you, this collaboration is really strange.
Nicki Minaj is far from the first person I think of when I think Gospel. In fact, she is nowhere on the list. Most of, if not all of her discography is extremely vulgar. But I do believe God can use anyone for His glory.
Tasha Cobbs told Essence Magazine,
“My assignment with this song was for a particular audience. Some [of the listeners] have never experienced God ever and she exposed that audience in her way, to the God that she loves.”
“The testimonies that have come because of this —I would absolutely do it again. I’ve had thousands of people say to me ‘This is the first time I’ve ever bought a gospel album. This is first time I’ve ever felt God. I didn’t believe in God until I heard this song.”
Now that’s cool.
4. Ben Rector and Snoop Dogg
Singer, songwriter Ben Rector has toured with NEEDTOBREATHE, Drew Holcomb and Andrew Ripp (Jericho). Although his work isn’t explicitly Christian, he writes beautiful music that is hope filled and full of faith.
On the Bobby Bones Show he said,
“When I finished it (Sunday), I really just wanted Snoop to be on this song…I thought it would be super fun to get Snoop because, one, my 9th grade self would melt out of excitement but two, it’s super unexpected and odd and for me that would be perfect.”
“Sunday” is fun and refreshing and you’ll love jamming out to it on weekend mornings.
5. Chandler Moore of Maverick City Music, Justin Bieber, and Tori Kelly
On Instagram, Justin Bieber shared,
“Your relationship with God isn’t earned. Nothing can change how much God loves you. Jesus is a perfect father who picks up his kids every time they fall.”
This song is a beautiful reminder that no matter how many times we fail Him, God will always be on our side. His grace is sufficient and His love covers a multitude of sins.
Why Justin Bieber & Kanye Matter to God
1.) Enneagram skeptic but still identifies as a 4
2.) Doesn't understand football
3.) Enjoys thunderstorms
4.) Photography is his favorite hobby
- Switchfoot Reimagines “The Beautiful Letdown” with The Jonas Brothers, Jon Bellion, and More - August 10, 2023
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- How Crowder Became Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” - November 14, 2022
Wow..
You spelled NEEDTOBREATHE wrong. 😂
It’s true, God can use anyone & everyone, but people speak God with their lips and deny it with their lifestyle. We can’t be luekwarm. Jesus said that in Revelation & in Matthew He said “I never knew you.”
He also warned about wolves in sheeps clothing, and to beware of false teachers.
Hey Alexandria,
Thanks for the comment. I agree with you. I don’t think we should be looking at any of these mainstream artists as godly examples. But I think it’s cool God can still use them.
Thanks for the heads up about NEEDTOBREATHE. 🙂
You’re welcome, thanks for the reply, Jake. 😁
It definitely is & I love how non-Christians are being touched by this. I gave it a listen and I actually think Nicki Minaj would be a great gospel singer. Praying she makes a 180° and lol, no problem
I like all of the different collaborations. It reminds me that God sees all of us and loves us all. We are all His creation. Those that accept Him will be blessed wherever they are. You don’t have to be perfect or come from a Christian background. God will come to you and for you right where you are.
Yes, He does come to us right where we are. He knocks at the door to our hearts; all we have to do is open the door, let Him in, and then let His love and forgiveness totally transform our lives!