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Hip-Hop Artist Gawvi Dropped by Reach Records After From Label After Claims Of Sexual Misconduct

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4 years ago

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Gawvi, an artist and producer in the Christian hip-hop community, has been dropped by his label, Reach Records. He was also removed from the label’s upcoming tour in light of what has been a developing scandal involving sexual misconduct. Gawvi has been accused of sending unsolicited sexually explicit photos to multiple women while married.

Several credible sources have spoken up regarding this developing story which was followed by an official direct statement from Reach Records Monday afternoon:

“Due to behavior that is inconsistent with our core values, we have ended our professional relationship with GAWVI,” Reach Records said in their statement released on social media. “This was a tough decision for us because of the level of complexity and because we invest in our artists not just for their talent, but also as brothers and sisters in Christ. This is something we have been processing for over a year and have wrestled with what would be the right way forward. New details that were provided made us realize today’s decision was necessary.”

(See the full statement from Reach Records below.)

This news was released only 5 days after Reach Records announced their upcoming tour featuring the full Reach roster. The tour will still continue in March and April as planned with the the artists currently remaining on the label – Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, Tedashii, 1KPhew, Wande, WHATUPRG and Hulvey.

Gawvi announced he was getting divorced on his Instagram account Saturday, saying he and his wife had separated back in 2020. He also included in his statement “There is no scandal to gossip about.” This statement released floodgates of backlash from multiple women including reputable women within the CHH community such as Mogul business owner Butta P and well known Multi-hyphenate and visual artist Cataphant. Cataphant has been known to never shy down from supporting women and bringing light to unjust practices among them within the CHH world. In 2017, she took a bold stand to speak up against sexism within CHH which fueled the CHH sexism conversation on Twitter. Cataphant is also the wife of CHH artist Wordsplayed who has stood by her as she made her claims.

Both women among others shared posted that hinted details of the situation at hand. Click on the tweet below to view the post from Cataphant that created the thread that followed. Their statements were followed by the official announcement from Reach Records breaking all business ties with Gawvi.

When another user admonished the designer that “dragging people in public is not scriptural,” and that any admonishment of Gawvi should have been kept to church circles, Cataphant responded, “Do u think I’d be doing this if he actually listened to his circle? They did address it, he cut them all off. He’s got like 3 friends left.” Cataphant also had exchanges on Twitter with other users who claimed to have had or know of similar incidents involving the rapper.

Gawvi’s Wife Aso Hinted to the Scandal on Tik Tok

@_beyondbri_ your abuse doesn’t define you. The way you own your story does. Take your voice and story back. YOU GOT THIS. #narcissistabuse #healingtiktok ♬ I Gotta Find Peace of Mind (Live) – Lauryn Hill

The website Rapzilla posted a detailed story that originally included a series of TikTok videos from Gawvi’s estranged wife, Brianna Azucena, that the article said “seem to allude to infidelity, trauma, and healing,” but the TikTok account was made private after the story was posted.

Gawvi could not be reached for comment. The artist’s Twitter account has been deleted, and his Instagram page now includes no material newer than early December.

Reach Record’s statement concluded well stating,
“We also want our actions to be a reflection of love, care, and concern for those who fail and those who are affected by our failures. Each of us needs God’s grace and we invite you to pray for the families and individuals whose lives are being impacted. This is not a chance to throw anybody away. We continue to hope for restoration to be the outcome.”

Lecrae, Gawvi’s most famous and frequently collaborator, has tweeted just once since the news broke of his labelmate being dropped — to quote scripture: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Prov 28:13,” he tweeted.

Gawvi’s Career History

Gawvi, 33, has won or been nominated for several Dove Awards, gospel’s highest honor. He was signed to Reach that same year and released four full-length solo albums, the latest of which was 2021’s all-Spanish-language “Noche Juvenil,” along with three EPs. His peak to date on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart was the No. 25-charting “Fight for Me,” featuring Lecrae, in 2018; the song won a Dove in the rap/hip-hop category the following year. Two of his releases have made the top 10 on Billboard’s Christian albums chart.

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ArtSoul Radio is a 24/7, online Christian Radio Station and Entertainment news site promoting new and diverse sounds in Christian music! We highlight both indie and mainstream artists in Contemporary Gospel, Pop, Soul, Hip-Hop, Alternative, and Spoken Word Poetry.

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NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”

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3 months ago

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August 30, 2025

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Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.

Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.

👉 Watch the live performance here.

Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥

Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.

Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.

The Vibe

With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.

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ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest

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4 months ago

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August 15, 2025

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Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.

Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:

  • A private link to the full panel replay
  • Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
  • Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2

Why This Event Matters

Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.

About Churchy

After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.

ArtSoul Radio teams up with XL Film Fest, the Empowerment Actor Summit & BET+ for an exclusive Chicago screening and panel of KevOnStage’s “Churchy” Season 2.

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Culture

Holy Smoke! Festival 2025 Kicks Off This Week in Nashville — Full Guide, Lineup, Schedule, & How to Tap In

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4 months ago

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August 11, 2025

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Holy Smoke! Festival returns to Rocketown (Nashville, TN) this week for three days of Christian hip-hop, alternative faith-based music, community, and culture—plus a free industry conference and pop-up market. Running August 14–16, the 2025 edition features Indie Tribe and a stacked roster of special guests. Holy Smoke!

Fast Facts

  • Dates: August 14–16, 2025
  • Venue: Rocketown, 601 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
  • Ticket Types: 2-Day GA (Fri/Sat) and VIP (3-day access + VIP perks)
  • What’s New/Notable: Free Indie Institute conference, an outdoor Holy Smoke! Market, VIP party with a cypher/listening session, and Meet & Greet access. Holy Smoke!+1rocketown.org

The Lineup

Headlined by Indie Tribe — nobigdyl., Jon Keith, Mogli the Iceburg, Torey D’Shaun, and DJ Mykael V — Holy Smoke! also features WHATUPRG, Alex Jean, Aha Gazelle, West Indies (Miles Minnick & Jon Keith), Zauntee, Briana Shanae, gio., Sarah Juers, Taylor Hill, Bodywash, and Josh P. Expect surprises, collabs, and a DJ Mykael V super set. RapzillaHoly Culture

What’s Happening Each Day

Thursday (VIP Only)

  • VIP Party with a cypher, special guest performances, and an exclusive Indie Tribe listening party. (VIP ticket includes 3-day access.) Holy Smoke!

Friday

  • Indie Institute (FREE) — the festival’s industry conference (RSVP required).
    Time: 1:00–3:00 PM • Location: Rocketown
    Expect panels with “heavy hitters” covering artistry, business, marketing, and more. (RSVP is free; you don’t need a festival ticket to attend.) Holy Smoke!X (formerly Twitter)
  • VIP Meet & Greet + Early Entry
    VIP Doors: 3:15–4:30 PM • GA Doors: 4:30 PM
  • Main Stage: 5:00–9:30 PM. Holy Smoke!

Saturday

  • Holy Smoke! Market (OUTSIDE): 12:30–8:00 PM — pop-ups, merch, and community.
  • VIP Doors: 1:00 PM • GA Doors: 1:30 PM
  • Main Stage: 2:00–9:30 PM.
  • VIP Inner Circle: Note the Native Stage opens early for VIP (limited capacity) and a 2:45 PM Main-stage Meet & Greet. Holy Smoke!+1

Tickets & VIP Perks

  • 2-Day GA: Access Friday + Saturday festival programming.
  • VIP: 3-day access, Thursday VIP party (cypher/listening session + special guests), early entry both days, and Indie Tribe Meet & Greet. Prices are tiered and may change; rain-or-shine; no refunds.

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