Kandi Burruss Releases Gospel Song With Marvin Sapp, Sparks Controversy
Kandi Burruss, the singer-songwriter and producer, is responding to criticism after her recent release of the gospel song "Prayed Up" featuring pastor and gospel singer Marvin Sapp.
Burruss possesses many titles, including a reality television star of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and entrepreneur who has a line of intimate bedroom toys called "Bedroom Kandi." She also hosts a late-night show online called "Kandi Koated Nights" where she talks about all things pertaining to intercourse. Still, the 36-year-old singer-songwriter ventured into the gospel world with "Prayed Up," where she admitted to being a sinner while sharing her testimony.
"I stay prayed up, That gets me by / That's how I made it through my darkest times / Yeah I'm a sinner and that's no lie," Burruss sings in the song. "Thank God my prayers are heard cuz he knows I try / Yeah I stay prayed up, yes I stay prayed up / The only way I made it through my pain is through God's favor."
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However, some questioned Burruss' decision to release the record.
"So Kandi has a gospel album out talking about being prayed up. Meanwhile, her site has her hosting a 'male revue for the ladies,'" one person tweeted.
Another individual followed the same sentiments on the social networking website.
"Kandi is coming out with a gospel song," one person questioned. "The same Kandi who sells sex toys..?"
However others defended the singer-songwriter in a debate on the social networking website.
"I guess everyone that is criticizing Kandi for making a gospel track leads a perfect life and has never done anything wrong then," one person tweeted.
Another person thought Burruss' decision to release a gospel song was a great idea.
"It's funny that 'religious' folks have a say in who can sing gospel and spread the word," the person tweeted. "I think it's great that Kandi can reach people."
Burruss' took to her own Instagram account that became number one on iTunes gospel charts Monday.
"I knew when I decided to do it that I would be criticized. That's to be expected," Burruss wrote on the photograph sharing website. "I am honest about who I am. My great grandfather and my grandfather were Bishops in The Church of God Holiness. I believe in God but I have always struggled with the rules of the church, just like a lot of people."
The singer's new song also received backing from the likes of Sapp and singer Fantasia Barrino.
"I wanna thank @Kandi for sharing her heart through song in a different genre and asking me to be apart of that process," Sapp wrote on his personal Facebook page.
Barrino called the song nothing short of a masterpiece.
"It's a great song & my MD Javon Hill has his hands in this project," Barrino tweeted. "Together he @kandi & Marvin Sapp have created a masterpiece!"
