Kanye West says record labels make artists sign contracts to stop them talking about Jesus

Rapper Kanye West speaks with Pastor Joel Osteen at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, on Sunday November 17, 2019. Lakewood Church

Kanye West says record labels make artists sign contracts promising not to talk about Jesus. 

He made the assertion during his latest Sunday Service performance with VOUS Church at the Bayfront Park in Miami ahead of the Super Bowl.

He said that he and others in the music industry had been guilty of "chasing gold statues" and "selling our souls".

But he also suggested there was pressure on them to keep their Christian faith private, telling the audience that the people he collaborated with on his recent gospel album, Jesus Is King, were relieved to be able to say the name of Jesus out loud while working with him. 

"The devil took all the producers, the musicians, the designers. He moved us all out to Hollywood, moved us all out to New York. Chasing gold statues. Literally signing a contract and selling our souls," said West. 

He assured Christian music artists and producers that they don't need to be afraid to say the name of Jesus around him. 

"They got contracts out there that say, 'you can't say Jesus.' When we were working on this album, people were coming to the studio just to say 'Jesus' as loud as they wanted to. You can say Jesus in 'Ye studio," he said. 

West has been vocal about his newfound Christian faith after converting last year.  In addition to starting his Sunday Service music project, he has released two gospel albums, Jesus Is King and the Christmas-themed Jesus Is Born

The two albums have occupied the top two positions in the Billboard Gospel Chart since their release.

West is reported to be working on Jesus Is King 2 with Dr Dre.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Who represents you and who do you represent?
Who represents you and who do you represent?

Scripture repeatedly shows that God works through representatives, and the spiritual consequences of their actions often extend far beyond their individual lives.

‘Faith covenant’ has strengthened cooperation with local authorities, report finds
‘Faith covenant’ has strengthened cooperation with local authorities, report finds

A “Faith Covenant” 10 years in the making has played a significant role in strengthening cooperation between faith communities and public authorities across the UK, particularly during times of crisis, an independent evaluation has concluded.

Report warns of continued anti-Christian hostility across Europe during April
Report warns of continued anti-Christian hostility across Europe during April

There were dozens of anti-Christian incidents across Europe in April, including violent attacks during Easter services, church vandalism, desecrations, arson cases, and assaults on clergy and worshippers.

The Bohemian queen who was a catalyst for the English Reformation
The Bohemian queen who was a catalyst for the English Reformation

11 May 2026 is the 660th anniversary of the birth of Anne of Bohemia, wife of King Richard II of England, who played an important role in the history of the English Bible. This is the story …