Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s upcoming album, Tasha
Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s upcoming album, Tasha, out July 25, weaves messages of faith, hope, and perseverance into a diverse mix of musical styles including hip-hop, R&B, and bluegrass. Known for her powerful live recordings, this project marks a major shift: it’s her first studio album without the sound of an audience. “What keeps me relevant is stretching myself,” she explained, embracing the challenge of creating in a more intimate setting.
Walter Thomas of Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records said the album aims to show different facets of Cobbs Leonard — beyond the church setting. “There’s a pop side, a fun side, a family-oriented side,” he noted. This multidimensional approach mirrors her life: a Grammy-winning singer, mother of four in a blended family, touring artist, and co-pastor of the Purpose Place Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, alongside her husband, Kenneth Leonard Jr.
Born in Jesup, Georgia, Cobbs Leonard was raised in her father’s church and developed musically by playing piano and directing the choir. She didn’t originally seek the spotlight, but a last-minute fill-in for a solo performance as a teen revealed her gift — and calling — for leading worship through song. The emotional impact of that moment was transformative and marked the beginning of her path as a gospel artist.
Her big breakthrough came with the 2013 single “Break Every Chain” from her major-label debut Grace, which topped gospel charts and earned her a Grammy. That success led to several acclaimed live albums, including 2020’s Royalty, recorded at the Ryman Auditorium. Yet she and Kenneth sensed it was time to evolve creatively, and the studio environment allowed for new vocal and production possibilities.
Writing her book Do It Anyway helped fuel this creative pivot. In it, she shared deeply personal struggles — anxiety, depression, a miscarriage — and how her faith carried her through. That transparency paved the way for a more vulnerable and honest sound on Tasha, a project Cobbs Leonard described as “just Tasha, a microphone and Jesus,” free of audience applause and distractions.
The album features Lecrae on the track “I Needed God,” Kirk Franklin on “I Still Choose You,” and even a string band on “Friend.” “Already Good,” an upbeat single, introduces the “Tasha Slide,” while “Church,” featuring John Legend, reflects Cobbs Leonard’s desire to bring worship into everyday life. “They may not go to church, but they’ll play a Tasha album in their apartment,” she said.
Though Tasha explores new genres, Cobbs Leonard’s roots and influences remain strong. She has previously collaborated with artists like Jennifer Hudson and Ciara, and draws vocal inspiration from Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Kelly Price. Gospel music, she noted, has always evolved — from Thomas Dorsey’s blues-inspired hymns to the disco-infused praise of the Clark Sisters.
Veteran gospel artist Yolanda Adams agreed, saying innovation is part of the tradition. Her own 1999 album drew criticism for incorporating pop production, but she defended it by saying, “We didn’t change the message, we changed the sound.” Cobbs Leonard faced similar pushback in 2017 after collaborating with Nicki Minaj, but remains committed to honoring her message.
Some critics worry that incorporating pop and contemporary Christian styles could water down gospel’s cultural roots. But experts like James Abbington of Duke Divinity School emphasize that the theology of the lyrics is what defines gospel music — not the instrumentation. If the message is biblically and culturally grounded, then it’s gospel, regardless of the musical wrapper.
Ultimately, Cobbs Leonard’s new album still centers around gospel’s core mission: spreading the good news. The songs reflect real-life pain and hope, designed for those searching for restoration. “Gospel is the good news of Jesus,” she said. “And however God desires to put it out, it’s our responsibility to say yes.”
