micah stampley – words of life
Recording Artist
photo by steed media service |
Veteran gospel crooner, Micah Stampley’s readiness to leave his mark on Christian music is evident with the release of his new album,Ransomed. Although he is currently on tour, the father of five made time to share his thoughts on the gospel industry today, and where he’d like to see it go.
Do you feel like your music is targeted toward believers or nonbelievers?
Both. I think that when people hear the album both believers and nonbelievers can get a sense of hope and inspiration, and if they don’t know Jesus Christ, [by] listening to this album they will be able to come to know Him in a very real way.
Given the days that we’re living in right now, what do you think the role of gospel music is and the role of gospel artists should be?
All of us have a great responsibility — we are ministers, even though we may not be standing in the pulpit. We have to stay true to that and not try to dilute it just to get a different audience — and I’m kind of seeing that right now in the industry.
Some rappers have been on popular gospel artists’ songs. What do you think about that?
The thing is, most of the time my peers say, ‘Well, we have to go out and reach those who are not really living the life of Christ.’ Well, do I necessarily have to do that by inviting them to do a cameo appearance on my album? Or is that just my way of trying to get sales? It’s like, now I validate that rap artist and the message that they put out on their own albums. We’re sending mixed messages, but then we wonder why our young people are being influenced with such negativity.
