From Gospel to Love Songs: Marvin Sapp’s Bold, Soulful Detour in Music

Marvin Sapp has spent decades blessing the world with soul-stirring gospel music, but deep within his heart has always been a love for R&B. That love is no secret. In the TVONE biopic Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story, viewers saw a young Marvin passionately belting out R&B hits in junior high school, a moment that encapsulated his undeniable passion for the genre. However, his mother, wise and firm in her convictions, gave him an ultimatum—Gospel or R&B, but not both. Marvin chose Gospel, a decision that has since shaped a legacy filled with faith, power, and musical excellence.

Yet, even as he soared to the heights of gospel greatness, R&B remained a cherished companion in his musical journey. Legends like Peabo Bryson and Teddy Pendergrass influenced him, and if you’ve ever witnessed a Marvin Sapp live performance, you’d notice the unmistakable R&B essence infused in his gospel renditions. Now, in a move both daring and deeply personal, Marvin Sapp is paying homage to the genre that first captured his heart with the release of an R&B EP titled If I Were An R&B Singer.

A Love Letter to the Music That Shaped Him

Crafted by the talented producer Kolten Perrine—known for working with Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran—this four-song collection isn’t just another R&B project; it’s an intentional, soulful embrace of love, emotions, and the richness of sound. Perrine, who grew up playing in the church, approached the project with reverence. “I wanted to tap into the sound of artists like Maxwell—the music that defined true love songs. But at the same time, I wanted to honor Marvin Sapp’s legacy and the integrity of his message,” he explains.

Integrity was a non-negotiable element for this project. While R&B often explores love and passion, this EP maintains a foundation of purity and respect. As Perrine puts it, “God gave us the gift of music, love, and companionship. This project celebrates those gifts in a way that uplifts rather than diminishes.”

Sapp’s Moment of Reflection

For Sapp, this EP is both an answer to a long-standing question and a nostalgic tribute to the music that shaped his younger years. “People ask me all the time if I would ever do an R&B album,” he shares. “This is something I wanted to get off my chest—just once—to celebrate the R&B music that influenced me, without compromising my faith or my musical foundation.”

But make no mistake—Marvin Sapp remains a gospel artist through and through. He is clear that this is a one-time project, and he has no plans to shift genres. However, he hopes that gospel fans will appreciate this venture and that R&B lovers will find something refreshing in these beautifully crafted songs.

The Sound of Love and Emotion

If I Were An R&B Singer features four mesmerizing tracks: “Listen,” “Moment or Lifetime,” “Free Fallin” (co-written by his son), and “Through My Pain.” Each song carries the essence of classic R&B—lush instrumentation, heartfelt lyrics, and, most notably, Marvin Sapp’s unmistakably powerful voice. With live musicians like Johnny Steele on string arrangements, Theo Akai on guitar, Bubby Lewis on bass, and Jeremy Winbush on drums, the EP is rich with authenticity and soul. Additional string production from Roy Cotton adds an extra layer of depth to the already beautifully produced work.

This EP, releasing on Valentine’s Day 2025 via Sapp’s Elev8 Entertainment, is a gift to both longtime fans and new listeners alike. It’s a celebration of love—love for music, love for authenticity, and love for the God-given gift of artistic expression.

A Moment, Not a Movement

For those wondering if this marks a new era for Marvin Sapp, he reassures: “This is a singular moment, not a movement. There will never be another EP or album from me that isn’t Gospel.”

And yet, for one beautiful, soulful moment, we get to experience Marvin Sapp as he might have been—an R&B singer, pouring his heart into songs of love and connection. It’s a rare glimpse into the past, a nod to the greats who inspired him, and a testament to the fact that music—when done with integrity—can be both powerful and pure.

Mark Your Calendars

Whether you’re a gospel enthusiast, an R&B lover, or simply a fan of Marvin Sapp’s unmatched vocal ability, If I Were An R&B Singer is a must-listen. Available on all digital music platforms on February 14, 2025, this EP is a heartfelt musical journey worth taking.

Marvin Sapp has made history in gospel music. Now, he’s making a statement in R&B.