Remember SWV’s Coko and Mase? They are just a few people who’ve had successful music careers, but decided to dedicated their lives to God in music and or ministry. See if you’re favorite artists made our sinners to saint list.
1. Cheryl ‘Coko’ Clemons
As lead singer of SWV, Coko (center) gained a lot of notoriety as part of the biggest R&B female group in the ’90s. She completed two gospel albums, “Grateful” in 2006 and “The Winner in Me” in 2009. You can still catch her touring with Taj and Lelee.
2. Dave Hollister
Dave Hollister was a background singer for gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong before joining R&B-Hip-Hop group, Blackstreet, and starting his solo R&B career. He would eventually transition back to his roots in 2006 with a gospel album “Book of David.”
3. Michelle Williams
Once part of the hit-making trio, Destiny’s Child, singer, songwriter and actress Michelle Williams has received numerous accolades for her gospel albums, “Heart to Yours,” “Do You Know,” and “Journey to Freedom.”
4. Al Green
Reverend Al Green is still one of the most prolific soul music singers of all time. His memorable string of hits include “Take Me to the River,” “Love and Happiness,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” and his signature tune, “Let’s Stay Together.”
5. Kelly Price
After several R&B releases, Kelly Price released a gospel album, “This Is Who I Am,” but has since then worked on other R&B projects.
6. Mase
Hip-Hop recording artist Mase was signed to Bad Boy Entertainment in 1996, but would retire in 1999 to “pursue a higher calling from God.” Just recently, he returned to the stage for the Bad Boy 20th Anniversary Tour with Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.
7. Shirley Murdock
Remember Shirley Murdock’s sultry R&B hit, “As We Lay?” Apparently, the R&B veteran changed her tune in the early 2000s, releasing two gospel albums and she continues to tour as a gospel artist.
8. Christopher ‘Play’ Martin
Remember the Kid ‘n Play kick step and “Ain’t Gonna Hurt Nobody?” Well, the dynamic hip-hop duo were big in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After their split in 1995, Christopher “Play” Martin (on the left) became a born-again Christian and focused on Christian Hip Hop. Kid ‘n Play occasionally tour the country performing their hits.
9. Cheryl ‘Salt’ James
From “Push It” to “Let’s Talk About Sex,” Salt had numerous hits as part of the ground-breaking duo, Salt-n-Pepa. Salt left the music industry to focus on her family and God, but she continues to perform with Pepa on tour.
10. Regina Belle
In 1992, Regina Belle was best known for her Grammy-winning duet “A Whole New World” with Peabo Bryson for the Disney movie “Aladdin.” Since then, she has released two gospel albums, “Love Forever Shines” in 2008 and “Higher” in 2012.