The jury is still out on whether these strategic partnerships are modern day outworkings of the great commission or purely fame chasing missions.

Lets take a look at a few of these collaborations:

Tasha Cobbs and Nicki Minaj Im getting ready: Tashas highly anticipated 2017 Heart, Passion, Pursuit (Deluxe) project included a collaboration with Nicky Minaj which caused a stir amongst the saints. Known for her racy outfits, Minaj was deemed too worldly for the Break Every Chain singer. In an interview with C1 Media, Tasha spoke about her relationship with Nicki and shared that Nicki had messaged her on Instagram saying when you finish with this song send it to me and Ima put 16 bars on it. Despite the backlash from the church Tasha testified that souls were saved. With those testimonies I would absolutely hands down do it again said Cobbs.

Jonathan McReynolds and India Arie Whole: McReynolds and Aries professional relationship began in 2014 when they were paired to sing at BETs Celebration of Gospel. With their soulful harmonies and perfect vocal blend, the two delivered a heartfelt rendition of McReynolds No Gray and Aries Moved. After discovering their mutual respect for each others craft, they went on to tour together and record Whole for McReynolds Life Music: Stage Two album.

Kierra Sheard and Missy Elliot Dont Judge Me: Growing up in the public eye, Sheards personal choices and decisions have often come under scrutiny so this song is her plea for grace. Based on John 7:24 Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment, Sheard dissuades people from casting their opinions and personal convictions on others. 

The obvious benefit of artists straddling the gospel-secular divide is the potential to reach wider demographics, albeit  at the risk of alientating their core fanbases. Thankfully these collaborations haven't impacted Tasha , Kierra or Jonathan's brands and all three are still very much key players in the gospel industry.

Written by Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo, Premier Gospel Presenter

Gospel music has always been considered sacred and set apart from secular. Gospel artists seeking to reach the unchurched often leverage their relationships with mainstream artists.