Kanye West is going gospel.
On the eve of the release of his new album Jesus Is King, there are reports that the rapper is done making secular music. During a listening event in Chicago on Saturday, Kanye told the crowd that he is done making secular music, according to Andrew Barber of Fakeshore Drive, who was in attendance.
“Kanye also announced that he is no longer making secular music,” tweeted Barber. “Only Gospel from here on out.”
Kanye is expected to release his new album sometime today featuring 10 tracks with a gospel theme, inspired by his popular Sunday Service series. The religious-themed titles include “Follow God,” “On God,” “Sunday,” and “Selah.” The album closer, “Use This Gospel,” features Clipse and Kenny G. According to Barber, the Nicki Minaj-assisted “New Body” has been cut from the album, despite being included on the latest tracklisting.
Additionally, Kanye previewed his new IMAX film of the same name during his listening experiences in Detroit on Friday and Chicago on Saturday. Jesus Is King brings Sunday Service to life and was shot in the summer of 2019 at Roden Crater, artist James Turrell’s never-before-seen installation in Arizona’s Painted Desert. The movie features gospel performances of West’s hit songs and new music. Jesus Is King will premiere in IMAX theaters worldwide on Friday, Oct. 25.
While in his hometown, Kanye also popped up at Chance the Rapper’s show on Saturday night at Chicago’s United Center. “We came here tonight to declare that Jesus Christ is king,” said Ye before hugging Chance.