Hezekiah Walker

Bishop Hezekiah Xzavier Walker, Jr. (born December 24, 1962) is an American Grammy Award-winning gospel musician, choir director, songwriter, and Pentecostal bishop renowned for his innovative contemporary gospel sound and leadership of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle megachurch in Brooklyn, New York.^[1][2] Raised in the Fort Greene Houses public housing projects of Brooklyn amid challenging urban conditions, Walker drew early inspiration from gospel music as a means of spiritual and personal upliftment.^[3] He founded the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir in 1985, which quickly gained prominence for its energetic performances and fusion of traditional gospel harmonies with modern R&B, hip-hop, and urban production elements.^[4] In 1993, he established Love Fellowship Tabernacle with just eight members, focusing on youth ministry and community outreach to steer young people away from drugs and crime; the church has since grown to multiple locations, including in Pennsylvania and Africa, serving thousands through preaching, teaching, and worship.^[2] Walker's recording career, primarily through the choir, spans over three decades and includes landmark live albums such as Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College (1994) and Live in New York By Any Means... (1998), both of which earned him Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album by Choir or Chorus.^[5] His signature hit "Every Praise" (2012) became a platinum-certified anthem, topping Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart for 26 weeks and exemplifying his ability to create anthemic, repetitive praise songs that resonate in worship and popular culture.^[6] Beyond music, Walker has amassed 11 Grammy nominations, ten Stellar Awards, two BET Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016, and in 2025 received the Entertainer's Key to New York City and was inducted into the Virginia Union University Gospel Music Hall of Fame, while serving as Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ Fellowship since 2010.^[4][5][7] His dual roles in ministry and entertainment have positioned him as a trailblazer in gospel music, emphasizing themes of faith, redemption, and social advocacy, including recent initiatives like affordable housing developments in East Brooklyn.^[3]

Early Life and Education

Childhood in Brooklyn

Hezekiah Xzavier Walker Jr. was born on December 24, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York.^[8] He grew up in the Fort Greene housing projects, a neighborhood marked by significant socioeconomic challenges, including high crime rates and drug prevalence during the 1960s and 1970s.^[8][9] Walker was raised with two brothers and two sisters in an environment shaped by urban poverty and limited opportunities.^[10] His upbringing occurred without a father present after the latter's death when Walker was 14, and his mother died when he was 21, having played a pivotal role in instilling values of faith and resilience amid these hardships.^[10][8] The family's strict religious household emphasized moral discipline, forbidding activities such as dancing and movie-watching, while prioritizing spiritual growth to navigate the surrounding instability.^[10] From an early age, Walker was immersed in the local community churches of Brooklyn, where mandatory attendance fostered his initial connection to gospel traditions.^[11] His mother, described as a strong woman of God, ensured the family attended services every Sunday, creating a foundation of communal worship and musical expression in the face of adversity.^[11] This environment provided early glimpses into gospel music through church choirs and services, shaping his worldview before his deeper musical pursuits emerged.^[11]

Musical Beginnings and Education

Hezekiah Walker's engagement with music began in his youth amid the challenges of growing up in Brooklyn's Fort Greene housing projects. At the age of eight, he started singing in a church choir, an experience that ignited his passion for gospel performance.^[10] By his teenage years, following the loss of his father at age 14 and a recommitment to faith around age 13, Walker participated in a small traveling gospel ensemble, where he contributed songs and honed his vocal skills in local performances across Brooklyn.^[10][8] These early involvements were shaped by key influences in contemporary gospel, including artists like Walter Hawkins, Shirley Caesar, and the Clark Sisters, whose emotive styles and choir arrangements resonated with Walker's urban Pentecostal upbringing.^[10] Before reaching age 20, Walker began initial songwriting efforts within these community settings, experimenting with compositions that blended personal testimony and rhythmic energy, laying the groundwork for his future ministerial and artistic pursuits.^[10] Walker's formal education further prepared him for his dual roles in music and ministry. He attended Long Island University, where he majored in sociology, gaining insights into community dynamics that would inform his later leadership.^[12] Complementing this, he pursued theological studies at the Hugee Theological Seminary and the New York School of the Bible, deepening his understanding of scripture and enhancing his ability to integrate faith into musical expression.^[12] These academic experiences, combined with his practical musical roots, equipped Walker to bridge gospel traditions with modern influences by the time he entered his early twenties.

Ministry and Leadership

Founding Love Fellowship Tabernacle

Hezekiah Walker's journey into ministry began with the establishment of the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir in 1985, serving as a foundational precursor to his later church endeavors. Formed as a weekend outlet for his musical talents while he was in his twenties and serving as a Pentecostal minister, the choir initially comprised 12 members and quickly grew into a prominent gospel ensemble. By 1987, it had expanded sufficiently to record its debut album, I'll Make It, which marked the group's emergence as a significant force in contemporary gospel music. This choir not only showcased Walker's early leadership in worship and community building but also laid the groundwork for the spiritual and organizational structure that would evolve into a full church body.^[8] The formal founding of Love Fellowship Tabernacle occurred in late 1993 in Brooklyn, New York, with Walker as the visionary founder and initial pastor. The church began modestly at 2425 Pacific Street in the East New York neighborhood, starting with just 8 worshippers focused on themes of salvation and deliverance. Under Walker's leadership, the congregation experienced rapid early growth; by Easter Sunday 1996, it had relocated to a larger facility at 464 Liberty Avenue to accommodate over 1,000 members. This expansion reflected Walker's emphasis on preaching and teaching that addressed local community needs, including a reported 30% reduction in crime in the surrounding area as documented by nearby police precincts. The church's mission centered on winning souls for Christ and fostering a multi-cultural environment dedicated to spiritual empowerment.^[13][2] Walker's pastoral role evolved significantly with his elevation to the bishopric in 2008, marking a pivotal advancement in church governance. He was consecrated as bishop on August 3, 2008, during the 89th Annual Holy Convocation of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith by Chief Apostle William L. Bonner, with subsequent affirmation in the fall of that year by Bishop Kenneth H. Moales, Sr., and Chief Apostle Huie L. Rogers. This elevation underscored Walker's progression from local pastor to overseer, enabling him to preside over the Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ Fellowship starting in 2010 following Moales' passing. The bishopric enhanced the church's hierarchical structure, supporting expanded oversight of Love Fellowship Tabernacle's locations and affiliated ministries across the United States and Africa while reinforcing its commitment to apostolic leadership and global outreach.^[2]

Expansion and Community Initiatives

Following the relocation of Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn in 1996, Bishop Hezekiah Walker's ministry expanded to include additional sites, notably the Bensalem, Pennsylvania location, which serves as a key campus under his leadership as founder and senior pastor.^[14] This growth reflects a strategic effort to extend the church's reach beyond New York, fostering community engagement in new regions while maintaining core principles of salvation and support.^[2] In 2021, Walker co-founded Every Tribe Church in Times Square, New York City, in collaboration with Pastor Frank Santora, emphasizing inclusive worship that unites diverse congregations from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds to promote hope and healing.^[15] The church's model prioritizes accessibility and multiculturalism, hosting services at venues like AMC Lincoln Square to draw a broad audience seeking spiritual renewal.^[16] Walker's community initiatives have also addressed social needs through programs like the HezHouse Apartments project, where groundbreaking occurred in March 2024 in East New York, Brooklyn, to develop 236 affordable housing units, including 142 supportive units for individuals recovering from challenges such as homelessness or addiction.^[17] This $80 million development, situated on church-owned property, integrates housing with on-site services to support long-term stability and community revitalization.^[18] As of 2025, Walker's outreach has extended internationally, with the launch of a Love Fellowship Tabernacle campus in London, UK, in 2022, led by Overseer Ashley Taylor, featuring ongoing revivals, convocations, and church plantings to build global fellowships, including an affiliated campus in Cape Town, South Africa (Kunjalo Love Fellowship Tabernacle).^[19][20] Recent activities, including Pentecost revivals and alliances like the Covenant Keepers International Alliance (CKIA), underscore continued expansion in the UK, connecting local ministries for collaborative worship and ministry growth.^[21]

Musical Career

Formation of Love Fellowship Choir

In 1985, Hezekiah Walker founded the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (LFC) as an outlet for his musical talents while serving as a Pentecostal minister in Brooklyn, New York. The ensemble began modestly with just 12 initial members recruited from local Brooklyn communities, reflecting Walker's commitment to nurturing gospel music within his immediate surroundings.^[8][22] Under Walker's direction, the choir's early members underwent rigorous training focused on gospel harmonies, vocal techniques, and performance discipline, often rehearsing as a weekend group to balance community involvement with musical development. This hands-on leadership emphasized building a unified sound rooted in traditional gospel traditions while incorporating contemporary elements, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the participants drawn from diverse Brooklyn neighborhoods.^[8][9] The LFC's first major performances occurred in the late 1980s, including notable appearances at local churches and events that showcased their energetic style, such as a 1988 rendition of a signature gospel piece and a 1989 live concert in Greensboro, North Carolina. These outings were complemented by initial recordings during the same period, capturing the choir's raw enthusiasm and laying the groundwork for broader exposure into the early 1990s.^[8] As the choir evolved under Walker's ongoing leadership, it expanded rapidly from its original 12 members to a larger ensemble by 1987, developing a more formalized structure with defined sections for sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses to enhance precision and dynamics. This growth solidified the LFC's role as a cornerstone of Walker's ministry, which later culminated in the establishment of Love Fellowship Tabernacle in 1993.^{[22][9][8][2]}

Major Releases and Collaborations

Hezekiah Walker's breakthrough in the recording industry came with the 1994 live album Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College, performed by the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir during a concert at Morehouse College on February 5, 1994. Released through Benson Music Group, the album captured the choir's dynamic blend of traditional gospel with contemporary urban influences, establishing Walker as a leading figure in choir-led worship music.^[23][24] Building on this foundation, Walker's 2001 album Love Is Live!, recorded live at the Love Fellowship Tabernacle with the LFT Church Choir, marked a significant evolution toward a more youthful, hip-hop-infused sound while maintaining gospel roots. The release peaked in the Top 5 on Billboard's Gospel Albums chart, highlighting tracks that emphasized themes of faith and communal praise.^[25] In 2008, Souled Out further solidified his commercial success, debuting at No. 55 on the Billboard 200 and achieving strong placement on the Gospel Albums chart, driven by the title track's enduring appeal in live settings.^[26][27] Throughout his career, Walker has engaged in notable collaborations with fellow gospel artists, including a joint performance with Tye Tribbett at North Carolina Central University's 2024 homecoming gospel concert, where their shared set energized audiences with high-energy choir arrangements. These partnerships extend to other prominent figures in the genre, such as shared stages with Donnie McClurkin and Erica Campbell. Recent highlights include Walker's headline performance at the Rise Up NYC Evening of Faith concert on July 21, 2025, at Wingate Park in Brooklyn, featuring a lineup of gospel luminaries. He is also scheduled to lead S.O.U.L. Fest on November 21, 2025, at the Clyde Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana, alongside artists like Josh Copeland and Mac Red.^[28][29][30]

Awards and Recognition

Grammy and Dove Awards

Hezekiah Walker has earned two Grammy Awards in the category of Best Gospel Album By Choir Or Chorus. His first victory occurred at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in 1994 for the live album Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College, recorded with the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.^[4] His second win came at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001 for Love Is Live!, also featuring the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.^[31] Throughout his career, Walker has received a total of 11 Grammy nominations, spanning from 1994 to 2024 in categories such as Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance/Song.^[5] Notable nominations include 2001 for Family Affair Volume 2: A Gospel Celebration in Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, 2006 for "Lift Him Up" from 20/85 The Experience in Best Gospel Performance, and 2024 for "God Is Good" (featuring Stanley Brown and Kierra Sheard) in Best Gospel Performance/Song.^[32][33][5] Walker has also secured two Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. In 2014, at the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards, he won Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year for "Every Praise," a powerful worship anthem from the album Azusa: The Next Generation that resonated widely in gospel communities for its uplifting message and repetitive praise structure, achieving a 26-week No. 1 run on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart and eventual platinum certification by the RIAA in 2020 after selling over one million units.^[34][35] In 2016, at the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards, he received Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for "Better," a collaborative track emphasizing themes of personal improvement and faith that also reached No. 1 on gospel charts and highlighted Walker's ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary appeal.^[36]

Other Honors and Inductions

In addition to his Grammy and Dove Awards, Hezekiah Walker has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to gospel music and community leadership. He has won multiple Stellar Gospel Music Awards, including Artist of the Year in 2010 and Choir of the Year in 2004 for Family Affair II: Live at Radio City Music Hall. These honors highlight his enduring influence in the genre, with further wins such as two awards in 2017 for Choir of the Year and Contemporary Choir of the Year.^[37][38][39] Walker was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame on April 17, 2024.^[4] Walker was inducted into the Berklee Gospel Music Hall of Fame on May 2, 2024, during the Gospel Extravaganza at Berklee's Performance Center in Boston, Massachusetts. This recognition celebrated his lasting impact as a two-time Grammy-winning artist and founder of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church, alongside other inductees like Reverend Dr. Milton Biggham. The event featured performances by Walker's choir and Berklee's Reverence Gospel Choir, underscoring his role in shaping gospel music culture.^[40] In 2023, Walker was inducted as an honorary member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., at the organization's annual conclave in Houston, Texas. The fraternity acknowledged his achievements in gospel music, spirituality, and philanthropy, particularly his work in education, youth empowerment, and social justice through his ministry, aligning with Phi Beta Sigma's values of service and brotherhood.^[41] On July 21, 2025, New York City Mayor Eric Adams presented Walker with the Entertainers Key to the City, marking him as the first gospel artist to receive this prestigious honor. The award recognizes Walker's outstanding contributions to music, faith, and community initiatives in Brooklyn, where he has led Love Fellowship Tabernacle for decades. This milestone underscores the growing societal acknowledgment of gospel music's cultural significance.^[42][7] Walker was also honored at the 2024 Black Music Honors ceremony on May 18 in Atlanta, Georgia, where he received tribute performances from artists including Ricky Dillard, Jekalyn Carr, and Kim Burrell. The event celebrated his trailblazing career alongside figures like Johnny Gill and Bootsy Collins, emphasizing his broader impact on Black music heritage. Community recognitions tied to his ministry include the establishment of the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame at Virginia Union University in July 2025, reflecting his dedication to uplifting urban communities through faith-based programs.^{[43][31][44][45]}

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Personal Challenges

Hezekiah Walker was born in 1962 in Brooklyn, New York, and experienced early family loss, with his father passing away during his teenage years and his mother dying when he was 21. These events shaped his commitment to family, particularly after his father abandoned the family when Walker was eight years old, prompting him to vow never to be an absentee parent himself.^[46] He married Monique Walker in 1992, following their meeting as teenagers, and the couple had one daughter, Ky'Asia Monet Walker.^[10] Their marriage lasted 24 years until their divorce around 2016, during which Walker emphasized his role as a devoted father, breaking what he described as a generational "curse" of paternal absence by prioritizing time with Ky'Asia despite his demanding career.^[47] A significant family milestone occurred in 2021 when Ky'Asia married Terrell Bookman, an event celebrated by Walker and his former wife.^[48] Walker has publicly discussed the challenges of balancing his pastoral duties with his musical pursuits, noting in a 2007 interview that it was "a little difficult" managing multiple roles, including pastoring two churches while leading a prominent choir.^[8] This dual responsibility often required him to navigate the pressures of ministry, such as community outreach and sermon preparation, alongside the rigors of recording albums and touring, which he described as a constant juggling act in his 2021 Unsung profile. Despite these demands, Walker maintained strong ties to his church community, viewing his family life as intertwined with his spiritual leadership. In early 2025, Walker disclosed a personal health challenge, revealing an eight-month battle with prostate cancer diagnosed in late 2024. He attributed his complete healing to divine intervention without medical treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery, sharing this testimony in April 2025.^[49] This experience echoed his father's own prostate cancer diagnosis over 50 years prior, adding a familial layer to his testimony of faith overcoming illness.^[50] By February 2025, he reported making progress in his recovery while continuing his pastoral work, and he has remained cancer-free through 2025, actively participating in ministry events as of October.^[51][52] Earned the nickname "Hip-Hop Pastor" from Sean "Diddy" Combs for his outreach to hip-hop artists, Walker has consistently avoided secular influences, using rhythmic elements from the genre to enhance gospel music while upholding strict faith-based principles in his personal and professional life.^[53] He has emphasized that his connections to secular figures serve evangelistic purposes without compromising his commitment to gospel integrity.^[8]

Influence and Philanthropy

Hezekiah Walker has profoundly shaped contemporary gospel music through his innovative blending of traditional gospel with urban and hip-hop elements, earning him the moniker "hip-hop pastor." His ministry's appeal to younger audiences and secular artists has facilitated cultural crossovers, with notable figures such as Lil' Kim and Sean "Diddy" Combs attending services at Love Fellowship Tabernacle. This fusion is evident in his collaborations and songwriting, which incorporate rhythmic influences from R&B and hip-hop while maintaining spiritual depth, influencing a generation of artists to experiment with similar styles.^[8][54][55] Walker's mentorship extends to nurturing emerging talent, exemplified by his establishment of the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music at Virginia Union University in 2021, which offers curriculum on songwriting, instrumentation, and the business of gospel music to aspiring artists. Through projects like the 2013 album Azusa: The Next Generation, he has collaborated with younger gospel figures such as Deitrick Haddon and Brian Courtney Wilson, providing platforms for their growth and emphasizing educational resources in the industry. These efforts underscore his role as a trailblazer who prioritizes empowering the next wave of gospel musicians.^[56][57][58] In philanthropy, Walker has spearheaded initiatives beyond local housing via the Hezekiah Walker Community Development Corporation, founded in 2013, which focuses on economic empowerment, social development, and youth programs in East New York, Brooklyn. His youth efforts include annual conferences like the Hezekiah Walker Youth Conference and Kingdom Kid's Conference, alongside specialized camps such as the Drum Fantasy Camp at Virginia Union University, aimed at building skills and leadership among young people. Internationally, through the Covenant Keepers International Alliance (CKIA), Walker leads missions to expand gospel outreach, including the 2025 Holy Convocation in Chicago and launches in Pakistan, fostering global community building and soul-winning endeavors.^[59][60][61] Walker's legacy as a gospel innovator is cemented by hits like "Every Praise," which topped Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart for 26 weeks in 2013–2014 and remained on the chart for 102 weeks, marking it as the No. 1 gospel song of the 2010s decade and highlighting his enduring impact on worship music.^[62][63][64]

Discography

Albums

Hezekiah Walker's discography includes a mix of studio and live albums, primarily released under his name or with The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, spanning gospel music from the late 1980s onward. These recordings often feature choir-led arrangements and were produced by labels such as Sweet Rain, Benson, and Verity Records. The following catalogs 14 key studio and live albums, distinguished by type, with release details and peak positions on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart where applicable.

Studio Albums

• I'll Make It (1987, Sweet Rain Records) – Early studio effort produced in New York, focusing on traditional gospel tracks.^[65]
• Oh Lord We Praise You (1990, Sweet Rain Records) – Studio recording emphasizing praise anthems, self-produced by Walker.^[66]
• Focus on Glory (1992, Benson Records) – Studio album with contemporary gospel production, peaking at No. 12 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[67]
• Family Affair (2000, Verity Records) – Studio project blending family-themed gospel, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[68]
• 20/85 The Experience (2005, Verity Records) – Studio album commemorating milestones, produced in a modern gospel style and peaking at No. 2 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.
• Souled Out (2008, Verity Records) – Studio recording with urban gospel influences, produced by Walker and debuting at No. 1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.
• Azusa The Next Generation (2013, RCA Inspiration) – Studio album inspired by Azusa Street revival themes, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[69]

Live Albums

• Live in Toronto (1993, Benson Music Group) – Captured during a Canadian performance with the choir, peaking at No. 10 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[70]
• Live in Atlanta at Morehouse College (1994, Verity Records) – Recorded live at the Atlanta venue, emphasizing energetic choir renditions and reaching No. 3 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[67]
• Live in New York By Any Means... (1995, Benson Records) – Live recording from New York performances, produced to showcase crusade-style worship, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[71]
• Shakin' the House...Live in L.A. (1996, Benson Music Group) – Live album from a Los Angeles concert, featuring collaborative energy and peaking at No. 2 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[72]
• Live in London (1997, Verity Records) – Live recording from London performances, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.
• Recorded 'Live' at Love Fellowship Tabernacle (1998, Verity Records) – Live album highlighting choir dynamics, produced by Walker and reaching No. 4 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[73]
• Family Affair II: Live at Radio City Music Hall (2002, Verity Records) – Recorded during a New York City show, highlighting live choir production and debuting at No. 1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[74]
• Better: Azusa - The Next Generation 2 (2016, eOne Music) – Live/studio hybrid from revival events, peaking at No. 1 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.

Compilations

Walker has also released three notable compilation albums collecting highlights from his catalog.

• Nothing But the Hits: Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (2003, Verity Records) – Greatest hits selection from early releases, peaking at No. 5 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[75]
• The Essential Hezekiah Walker (2007, Verity/Legacy) – Two-disc retrospective of key tracks, reaching No. 13 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[76]
• Playlist: The Very Best of Hezekiah Walker (2010, Legacy/Verity) – Curated playlist-style compilation, peaking at No. 8 on Billboard Top Gospel Albums.^[77]

Singles

Hezekiah Walker's singles have been pivotal in shaping contemporary gospel music, often achieving extended runs on Billboard charts and earning RIAA certifications for their enduring popularity.^[62] These tracks, frequently featuring his Love Fellowship Choir, blend traditional gospel with urban influences, resonating widely in church services, radio, and digital streaming platforms. One of Walker's breakthrough singles, "I Need You to Survive," was released in 2002 as part of the album Family Affair II: Live at Radio City Music Hall. This empowering anthem, emphasizing communal faith and resilience, became a staple in gospel repertoires during the early 2000s, though specific Billboard chart positions are not widely documented; it contributed to the choir's rising profile with strong radio airplay in urban gospel markets. By 2025, the track has amassed over 5 million streams on Spotify, reflecting its lasting appeal in worship settings.^[78][79] "Every Praise," released in June 2013 from the album Azusa: The Next Generation, stands as Walker's most iconic single, topping the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart for 26 weeks and logging a total of 102 weeks on the tally—the longest run for any gospel song to date. Certified platinum by the RIAA in August 2020 for surpassing 1 million units, it has continued to dominate radio, with over 26 weeks at No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart in 2013-2014 alone. As of November 2025, "Every Praise" exceeds 45 million streams on Spotify and remains a cultural phenomenon, often used in viral social media challenges and live performances.^[80][81][82] In 2016, "Better" from the album Azusa The Next Generation 2: Better debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, marking Walker's third leader there and highlighting themes of personal growth and divine favor. The single received significant radio rotation, contributing to the album's chart success, and by 2025, it has garnered approximately 8.7 million Spotify streams, underscoring its role in bridging traditional and contemporary gospel audiences.^[83][82] "Grateful," originally released in 2005 on 20/85 The Experience, achieved No. 1 status on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and has seen renewed acclaim, earning RIAA platinum certification on October 15, 2025, for over 1 million equivalent units sold or streamed. This thanksgiving-focused track, with its soaring choir arrangement, has logged extensive radio play and cultural impact in faith communities; as of late 2025, it boasts more than 19 million Spotify streams.^[84][82] Walker has also released standalone and promotional singles outside full albums, such as the 2023 collaboration "It's Working" with Todd Dulaney, which topped the Gospel Airplay chart, and the worship track "Great Is Yahweh" in June 2025, aimed at HBCU gospel ensembles and gaining early traction on digital platforms.^[85][86]