‘Jesus is King’: Kanye West’s album is number 1

The new songs of the influential hip hop artist have been streamed 197 million times in the United States in the first week. West’s mission, he says, is “to spread the gospel”.

Evangelical Focus

CHICAGO · 07 NOVEMBER 2019 · 16:00 CET

Kanye West in a picture of November 2019. / Photo: Instagram Kanye West,
Kanye West in a picture of November 2019. / Photo: Instagram Kanye West

Kanye West, probably the most influential Hip Hop artist in the last two decades, hast hit number 1 on the Billboard charts in the USA with his new album.

In the first week after being released on October 25, the songs of ‘Jesus is King’ have been streamed 197 million times in the USA. In addition, 109,000 albums were sold.

Each song of the new album uploaded on Youtube has between 2 and 4 million views, and the impact worldwide of his new musical projectis still difficult to evaluate.

WEST'S NEW FAITH IN CHRIST

The new album is fully related to Kanye West's newly discovered faith in Christ. Earlier this year, he started organising what he has called Sunday Services - musical worship events in which invited preachers shared gospel messages.

In recent interviews, Kanye West has said he is a “born-again Christian” who took a decision to follow Jesus in April 2019.

The artist has been honest about his past, and his struggles with mental illness and addiction to pornography. But he has made clear he is now “in complete service to God”.

“Now that I’m in service to Christ, my job is to spread the gospel, to let people know what Jesus has done for me”.

“Everything I do, even designing a shoe, is for the Church… It’s my only mission and calling, is to spread the gospel”.

West has also announced he plans to release a new album entitled “Jesus Is Born” on Christmas Day.

Kanye West is one of several celebrities who have recently said they have converted to Christianity.

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