When Ye released “Jesus Walks” in 2004, a track expressing his spiritual essence as a creative, he challenged the industry’s disapproval of religious connotations in rap. Contradicting the standard “they say you can rap about anything except for Jesus”, the track received praise by publications and eventually won a Grammy for Best Rap Song. Years later, Ye once again blurred the lines between religious gospel and rap by creating his own “Sunday Service” that debuted on the first Sunday of 2019.

Inspired by a trip to Uganda where he hoped to capture an ancestral energy to pour into Yandhi, he saw children chanting hymns and took the opportunity to add his rhymes to their singing – what he found to be a deeply healing experience. Reworking popular music into gospel-inspired songs is a cornerstone of Sunday Service, from flipping Ginuwine’s ‘So Anxious’ to sing ‘Souls Anchored’ and modifying his lyrics on ‘Jesus Walks’ from “I want to talk to God, but I’m afraid because we ain’t spoke in so long” to “I know exactly what to do to right my wrongs. We ain’t afraid to talk to God”. Featuring a Choir named “The Samples”, each Service includes 60 minutes of angelic vocals, choir attire inspired by Yeezy’s aesthetics, and an exclusive invite-only guest list.

Scheduled to recur on a weekly basis, the transcendent yet intimate gatherings were initially reserved for those in KimYe’s inner circle. To prevent disclosing the location prior to the Service, the location would change each week including open vistas with serene backdrops, indoor studios with James Turrell inspired lighting, Adidas HQ and even a Houston Jail. The most notable Sunday Service, also inviting the largest audience was the 2019 Coachella experience. Although minimal in comparison to the typical performance productions from Ye, a mountain was built for Ye and the choir to be elevated a few feet above the audience.

Sunday Service has largely been paused since the pandemic, but in their latest performance, Ye and the choir honoured the late DMX – who had previously led a Sunday Service prayer – during his Celebration of Life memorial this year.