Finding the bridge between gospel and R&B can be a difficult path.

Secular acceptance can sometimes come with the cost of sacred rejection. However, in working with artists like Quincy Jones, Ludacris, Lecrae, Karen Clark Sheard and many others – Rudy Currence has seemingly found the place where he belongs.  A Grammy & Dove award winning singer, songwriter and producer, I had the opportunity to talk with Currence about a number of topics – from finding his voice as a gospel and R&B artist to being a light in trying times.

In discussing the inspiration for “I Belong Here”, his current single, he shared with us the broader message behind the song. Here is some of what he had to say:

….you may feel like you’re rejected just because you’re being forced to stay inside, because you’re confined to the house or you’re not necessarily able to get out here and move and shake like you were.  Because of those things – people practicing social distancing, sheltering in place, a lot of people are grieving the death of loved ones during this time and they can’t go to funerals – all these things will cause anxiety to be high, depression is high, domestic abuse is high and I really believe that some people just need to be encouraged and reminded that they have a place in this world – that they belong here. There are some social and economic injustices that are happening and we’re seeing via social media – those people, those communities need to be reminded that there is a place for me – I belong here.

For the full conversation, we hope you enjoy this Grown Folks Music Spotlight Interview and check out his single, “I Belong Here”, from the upcoming album, “Stained Glass Windows”. Also, view his NPR Tiny Desk submission currently on NPR.