You can tell that Gospel dynamo,Koryn Hawthorne has been sangin’ — yes, sangin‘– since she was seven. The Grammy nominee’s robust vocals are unstoppable with well-deserved accolades. When her debut album shattered Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs Chart in 2018, she claimed the title of longest reign by a female artist, with her infectious #1 smash hit “Won’t He Do It,” which she performed as a guest star on OWN’s, Greenleaf. Her latest offering, On God, debuted as #1 Top Christian & Gospel on Apple Music and iTunes. Featuring the viral single, “Look At God“ and the soothing yet serious, “Cut ‘Em Off,” it’s an exhilarating collection of certified-bops that anoint current fans while grasping new ones.
During a recent chat with Raquelle “Rocki” Harris of ThisisRnB, the former NBC’s “The Voice” star, shared how her prodigious career keeps her awestruck.
“It has been a long journey, but it also feels so fast. Just because I started so young. … at 16 I was on The Voice,” she says reflecting on her ascension. “When you achieve things at a young age, you only want better for yourself. So I feel like that’s what keeps me pushing like I need more. So we’re definitely going to keep getting all the things that God has for us. I love to say ‘only the beginning’ because it is, so I’m excited to see what’s coming next.”
In the meantime, Hawthorne’s third album, On God, is a manifestation of her growth as an artist and a woman over the past few years. Her past doubts have turned into determination.
“I never thought I could sing gospel music because I didn’t sound like a typical gospel artist,” she reveals. “I feel like with this album, I’m 100% more confident in my artistry and who I am, and the type of music that I want to make,” she shares.”I feel like with the first two albums, they were very kind of like, okay, go with the flow. I was really young, I was still figuring myself out not really confident enough to push the boundaries as much as I am now. …With this album, you’re seeing the real artistry of Koryn.”
‘On God ‘ is a refreshing blend of gospel, pop, hip-hop, and R&B featuring production from Grammy-nominated producer, J. White Did It, who has also worked with Beyonce, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion, which explains its mass appeal.
Hawthorne wants listeners “to enjoy the music … Listen to the album with an open heart and an open mind,” she says. ” What I also would challenge people to do is to catch the message in the songs because each song has a message and it’s written with intention. …what’s beautiful is people relating [the] songs to their own lives.”
Life is a whirlwind for the self-proclaimed foodie who is booked and blessed with several upcoming events such as her nuptials with her childhood sweetheart, Hunter Register, 27. Another highly anticipated event is the Girls Night Out Tour which opens June 11 in Orlando, Florida. The co-headliners are Hawthorne along with her Gospel girlfriends, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Naomie Raine, and Wande.
“I want to make it very clear for all the men that are listening, y’all are welcome to come. So if you ain’t got no woman, baby, you looking for a nice Christian wholesome girl, they’re going to be at the tour. And if you have a woman and she’s a Christian, y’all need to come together. It’s going to be a great date night.”
Having carved a lane like no other, Hawthorne also appeared in the 2023 Peacock original film, Praise This as mean-girl, Fallon. Watch the full interview with Koryn Hawthorne below to hear how she dispels the traditional mindset, her two favorite tracks from On God, her wedding plans, how Fantasia inspires her, and more.
Take a listen to ‘On God” here, available everywhere. Watch our exclusive interview below.
As a passionate media presence, Rocki covers culture, entertainment, music and relationships. She is also the host/producer of Rocki's Reality podcast. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter(@writedowntoit3) and Instagram @writedowntoit and @rockisreality.
