Photo credit: Kieone Young
Grammy and Soul Train-nominated artist MAJOR. has earned widespread recognition for his soul-stirring music and dynamic performances. A nine-time NAACP Image Award nominee, MAJOR. continues to make a lasting impact in both the music and entertainment industries. His latest song, I Prayed for You, has garnered a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song. Beyond music, MAJOR. is also deeply committed to philanthropy, recently receiving the inaugural St. Jude Champion’s Spirit Award for his dedicated service in supporting the fight against childhood cancer.
In this interview, MAJOR. discusses releasing new music as an independent artist, the inspiration behind his latest single, and his commitment to spreading hope in difficult times.
REVELENCE: Everyone knows you from your hit song Why I Love You, but you have a new song out. Tell us about it.
MAJOR.: First, I want to say thank you for all the love Why I Love You has received. People even call it ‘This Is Why I Love You’, and that’s fine with me as long as they keep streaming and enjoying it! But yes, I have a new song, I Prayed for You, which I call a “hope anthem.” It’s a love letter to the people I cherish and to the heart of the world. I want this song to empower and embolden people to embrace hope and keep going, despite life’s challenges.
What inspired you to create I Prayed for You, and what do you want listeners to take away from it?
The song was born during the pandemic in 2020—a tough time for all of us. Our faith and hope were being tested, and I kept hearing the words, I prayed for you. At the same time, I was preparing to propose to my now-wife, and we were witnessing civil unrest following George Floyd’s death. I wanted to create a song that spoke to all dimensions of life—spiritual, romantic, and social.
I co-wrote it with my brother Brunes Charles, who is the music director for Maverick City. Later, I signed with Monarch Music Group as an independent artist and worked with producer Teddy P. from Atlanta to bring the song to life. It has since received so much love, and I’m grateful for that.
This song is nominated for a 2025 NAACP Image Award. How does that feel as an independent artist?
I am excited. I received the news a few Tuesdays ago that I Prayed for You was nominated after being on the radio for only two months. I’m incredibly grateful and honored to be recognized among such amazing artists in the gospel genre. I’m a soul singer. People often ask whether I’m gospel or R&B, but I exist right in that middle space. My foundation is the church, and I couldn’t deny that even if I tried. I’m committed to conveying messages of love, hope, and the future. Being recognized by the Image Awards yet again—this is my ninth nomination, this could very well be my first win. I’m praying, hoping, and believing. I’m grateful for the nomination, but I’m hopeful for the win.
We’re putting it in the universe that this will be your first win. However, this news comes with a bittersweet moment, right? Because, within 48 hours, you were notified to evacuate L.A. due to the devastating fires. How did it feel to celebrate while witnessing such tragic losses?
It was heartbreaking. I’m an empath—I feel deeply, whether it’s pain, heartbreak, or triumphs. I celebrate and mourn with others. Getting the nomination was huge, especially as an independent artist, because we work so hard just to be recognized on regular stages. Then, less than 24 hours later, seeing the devastation of the fires and wondering, How can I help? was overwhelming. Another fire broke out in our area the next day, and my wife and I had to evacuate. It was heavy.
I had to truly live the hope I give and get in my bag of faith and hope. This was a test—was I going to believe we’d be okay? Was I going to focus on positive thinking and not feed into negativity? I chose to hold on to faith and hope. But you’re right—it’s a bittersweet victory. I want to celebrate, but I also want to leave space for those who have lost so much—not just possessions, but lives. With everything happening around the world, my heart is open. I’m just committed to using this win to amplify that message ‘I Prayed for You’.
Let’s talk about your Major Hope Foundation. How is it helping those affected by the L.A. fires, and how can people support it?
The Major Hope Foundation is my social action initiative and 501(c)(3), so donations are tax-deductible. Our mission is to amplify hope in communities near and far through three key programs:
- The Major Hope Experience – A concert series combining motivation and music, like MTV Unplugged meets Super Soul Sunday.
- Confidence Coaching – A program for young people and adults focusing on effective communication, etiquette, and esteem-building. When people understand they are valuable, they live differently – they have something to live for. I aim to instill a sense of self-worth early on, so that their living is from a perspective of I belong and I mean something.
- Random Drops of Hope – This is a program that’s likened to ‘Random Acts of Kindness’. It’s a pop-up charitable activations where we spread love and hope through giveaways and inspiration, whether in shelters, grocery stores, or gas stations.
We’re also working on initiatives to support those affected by the L.A. fires. Anyone who wants to contribute can visit our website at www.MajorHopeFoundation.org and donate or volunteer. Every act of kindness helps.
More good news: you recently received the first annual St. Jude Champion Spirit Award for your years of dedicated service and ambassadorship in their mission to end childhood cancer. Let’s talk about that.
Absolutely! St. Jude’s mission is to cure childhood cancer. I’ve committed to supporting their monumental work, which has provided futures for so many children. St. Jude is a research hospital focused on young children battling cancer and sickle cell anemia.
In the Black community, sickle cell is more prevalent than in any other group. Seeing St. Jude’s impact in real-time is incredible, knowing that our contributions as donors make it possible for families to receive completely free treatment. Families don’t pay a single dime. Once admitted, children receive treatment for as long as it takes to cure their illness. St. Jude supports families every step of the way, even housing them throughout the process. That is God’s work.
Being honored with the Champion Spirit Award means the world to me. Wins like this matter most to me—though I do love winning!
Now, before we wrap up, let’s talk about the All-Star Gospel Celebration. As an independent artist performing on major international stages, what does it feel like to be performing on the ASGC stage during this year’s All-Star Game?
The independent artist grind is not for the weak. I recently posted about this, and it’s true. My mother named me MAJOR., and I capitalize every letter and end it with a period because I mean it! (and it makes it easier to Google me). She prayed I would make a major impact on the world, and I lean into that purpose every day.
Being an independent artist means constantly pushing forward, despite the challenges. I’ve been blessed with invitations to many stages, and being part of the All-Star Gospel Celebration is another affirmation that God sees me and has me covered.
That’s major—pun intended! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. You have so much going on. What’s next for you in a major way?
Music, movies, TV, and hope. I’m doing all of it and I’m doing it BIG. New music is coming, probably next year, but I may release a few remixes of “I Prayed for You” before then. The way that song is resonating, I don’t want to move on too soon. In this fast-paced world, it’s important to give people time to embrace what you create.
Currently streaming on Peacock is my latest episode of the NBC drama Found. You may want to check it out. Episode 211 just aired, and it’s called Missing While Misunderstood. It deals with a kid that is suffering through autism, and how he shows up in the world of just being misunderstood, but also black fatherhood. And I’m a father that is represented in the space, and I did my good acting. I am grateful for it, so make sure y’all check out found now streaming on Peacock.
We’ve got so much happening with the foundation. Just keep praying for your boy. We will talk again as it unfolds. In the meantime, I Prayed For You is out. Make sure you go check it out.
You can keep up with me via @NowThatsMajor on all platforms and my website www.NowThatsMajor.com. And remember, it’s MAJOR. – all caps with a period because I mean that thing!
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