Marvin Sapp, a former member of the revered gospel group Commissioned, embarked on a successful solo career in the mid-’90s. Known for his passionate delivery and deep voice, Sapp incorporates elements of R&B and smooth jazz into his music, creating an accessible platform for his faith-based messages. Throughout his career, he has released chart-topping albums like Be Exalted, Thirsty, Close, and Substance, earning him multiple Dove and BET awards. Sapp’s crossover appeal has also garnered him 11 Grammy nominations. He has reunited with Commissioned on several occasions, including the album Praise & Worship in 2006.
Initially recruited for Commissioned while still relatively unknown, Marvin Sapp later embarked on a solo career after the group dissolved in 1995. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sapp debuted with the group in the early ’90s, continuing to record with them until their breakup. He then released a self-titled solo album in 1996, marking the start of his successful solo journey. Over the years, Sapp has collaborated with gospel luminaries like Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Mitchell Jones, and Mike Williams, releasing notable albums like Number 7 and Matters of the Heart. His musical career has been highlighted by hits like ‘Calling Me’ and ‘In His Presence,’ showcasing his talent and devotion to gospel music.
After a brief hiatus from the music scene, Marvin Sapp returned with a contract under Versity Records. He released the popular song ‘I Believe’ on the WOW Gospel 2002 album, followed by an album of the same name later that year. Subsequent albums like Diary of a Psalmist, Be Exalted, and Thirsty solidified his position as a prominent figure in gospel music. Sapp’s album Here I Am made history by debuting high in the Billboard charts, and his 2012 release, I Win, topped the Billboard Top Gospel Chart. His album You Shall Live reached number one in 2015, and collaborations with artists like R. Kelly on ‘Listen’ further expanded his musical repertoire. In 2022, Sapp released his 15th studio album, Substance, adding to his remarkable discography.