As the child of a pastor and choir director, one would expect Tye Tribbett to be "on fire for God." With this being (perhaps obviously) true, then it is even less surprising to know that Tribbett has dedicated his life to the music ministry as well. Such palpable observations have a direct correlation, however, to the unexpected blessings that time affords, especially when a man's life is in accordance with God's plan.
In less than a decade, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing have transformed the Gospel music genre. And although the group has collaborated with notable mainstream artists like Sting, Faith Hill, and Justin Timberlake, Tribbett has made a vow to keep the focus of his musical endeavors on Christ—citing Ephesians 6:11 as his guide. "Putting on the whole armour of God," Tye Tribbett follows in the footsteps of Kirk Franklin and Hezekiah Walker—fusing non-traditional musical elements to create high energy praise and worship.
Like Franklin and Walker before him, Tribbett has been subject to the harsh criticisms of traditional Gospel lovers, but his innovative work has brought spiritual music to mainstream audiences. On May 6, 2008, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing released their third album, Stand Out, which was recorded in a live production at the Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Upon review of Stand Out, Tye Tribbett managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry— reflecting on life, God and his music ministry.
Every new generation of contemporary Gospel music inevitably suffers some form of backlash from traditional listening audiences. Kirk Franklin and Hezekiah Walker were principle targets. So were Fred Hammond and John P. Kee. What do you say to those conventional criticisms?
I understand that we go from glory to glory and faith to faith. I really don't see their criticism as, "Oh, they're against us." Thanks to Kirk Franklin and Hezekiah Walker, I haven't received it too bad.
In the Gospel arena, comparisons are often made between you and Kirk Franklin. What influence did his career have on yours? And how do you see your career evolving in contrast to his?
When Kirk Franklin first came out, people would "add fuel to the fire," thinking it was an encouragement. But it was actually a discouragement because the void I thought I was going to fill in this industry had already been filled. I thought I was going to be touring, but he was touring. I was kind of discouraged, but it actually put me in my place. It actually gave me focus and purpose and lined me up to exactly where I was supposed to be. This leads me to your second part of your question. I don't see the Gospel music to be changing completely. I don't want everybody to start sounding like myself or Kirk Franklin. I need them to remain as they are. I see this as an extension of Gospel music. It's growing but not changing; evolving but not transforming.
Article comments
1 - mimi
Great interview! He has an awesome ministry!!
2 - Jennifer Heath
Hey Clayton!
I really enjoyed this article! It's encouraging to see that someone our age chose to spotlight a gospel artist for a change and put it on Facebook!! Keep up the good work.
Jennifer Heath
3 - Shaquana Jackson
This article was awesome!!! i loved it, it was the best one that i have ever read.
4 - Tom
I am well aquainted with Tye and his ministry. I get to see him in person on a regular basis. He has integrity, humility, and an unbelievable anointing
5 - Adrian Henry
much Love to this man of God his ministry has help me through a lot I love him and the Hole G.A. God bless them all!!!!! wonderful article:)
6 - Melissa
If anyone know's how to get in touch with Mr. & Mrs. Tribbett please let me know. We meet him & g a before God took the up. My son and now my son needs their help. I am also trying to get in contact with Al Sharpton and more. [Personal contact info deleted] Thanx & God Bless
7 - TODAPOINT
Phophecy fullfilling. Individuals and organizations attempting to turn Gods truth in their own way. Gays are bringing their agenda, so called christians are bringing theirs. Man are producing garbage and say its worshipping. Women and men dressing and looking the same way.Doing their hair, ears, nails etc. Women wearing tight pants wining themselves say they are worshipping which God? I know it will get worse, before Christ comes, so I am not alarmed with all this music folly. NO WORSHIP, JUST NOISE AND YOUTHFUL ADRENALINE RUCHING THRU BODIES!
8 - Hearmenow
Why do people always think that someone is under the annointing when they are excited? Foolishness! I guess if you see me jumping and screaming in church I am under the annointing. What about a basketball game? I scream and get so emotional too. People true worship is not having a good time partying.
9 - Hearmenow
Why do people always think that someone is under the annointing when they are excited? Foolishness! I guess if you see me jumping and screaming in church I am under the annointing. What about a basketball game? I scream and get so emotional too. People true worship is not having a good time partying.
10 - zionsdaughter
There was a part that Tye commented that wasn't clear to me. When he said that "gospel music is growing, not changing and that its evolving and no transforming??? Can anyone name on ething on Gods green earth thats able to grow without change? So I beg to differ..gosple music has CHANGED. The words are similiar yet the sound is changing drastically and adapting to the rock and hip hop cultures...The bible says if anyone has a love for the world the love of the father is not in them...its so easy to be snared and sifted into doing things that draw peoples fleshly attention...rather then spiritual attention.
11 - Nate
Justify it if you can try, but gospel music is losing its soul. Kirk Franklin in the early 90s-that was gospel. But now, you dont know if his music is gospel or R&B. You have to bring gospel music to the world not worldly music into gospel. Stuff like that will not bring conviction and stir ones soul to coming to Christ.