Vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet of legendary hard rockers Stryper has commented on hip hop artist Kanye West‘s decision to call his new album “Yeezus” and having a track called “I Am A God”, with a humorously added “featuring God” credit listed.
Michael says: “For the record, here’s the original quote that I sent to @TMZ regarding @KanyeWest, before it was put on the chopping block:
“First of all, and with all due respect, how is it possible for Kanye to claim that God is a featured guest on his new record when God is a contracted member of our band, Stryper? Everyone knows that God is in Stryper and we could be looking at a serious legal issue here: -)
In all seriousness, I think what Kanye may be trying imply is that God is a “featured guest” on his new record in terms of Kanye’s relationship and deep faith in God. When you believe in God, you want Him to be a part of everything you do, guiding you through the entire process. So, I get that and understand what is meant.
I would love though for Kanye to be a little more specific about the exact tracks that God performed on his record. I’ve always wondered – is God a drummer, a bassist, a guitarist or a singer? I’m guessing The Master of all.”
“I Am a God” closes with the verses, “I just talked to Jesus/he said, ‘What up, Yeezus?’/I said ‘Shit, I’m chilling/trying to stack these millions’/I know he’s the most high, but I am a close high.”
***
Michael Sweet‘s autobiography, “Honestly”, is “almost finished being edited”. There is also a 12-song solo record to go hand in hand with the release of the book.
Frontiers Records in January announced the signing of Stryper to a multi-album deal. The first CD to be made available the agreement was a collection of re-recorded versions of the band’s classic songs, released in North America on March 26. Entitled “Second Coming” and produced by Michael Sweet, the album contains a total of 16 cuts — two from “The Yellow And Black Attack”, six from “Soldiers Under Command”, six from “To Hell With The Devil”, as well as two new tracks, “Bleeding From Inside Out” and “Blackened”.
You can find our “Second Coming” album review at this location.
As previously reported, Stryper has set “No More Hell To Pay” as the title of its new studio album, due this fall via Frontiers Records.
Upcoming ‘Stryper’ Shows:
06/28/13 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
06/29/13 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
07/12/13 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom w/ Mike Tramp of White Lion
07/13/13 New York, NY B.B. Kings w/ Mike Tramp of White Lion
07/14/13 Poughkeepsie, NY Chance Theater
07/17/13 Luzerne, PA Brews Brothers West Concert Hall NEW
07/19/13 Toronto, ON The Rockpile
07/20/13 Chesterfield, MI Diesel Concert Lounge
08/09/13 Bolingbrook, IL Tailgaters
08/10/13 West Allis, WI Wisconsin State Fair w/ Vince Neil
Michael Sweet and Oz Fox [special acoustic set]
07/16/13 Teaneck, NJ Mexicali Live
08/14/13 Hollywood, CA Whiskey A Go Go w/ Mike Tramp of White Lion
08/15/13 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House w/ Mike Tramp of White Lion
08/16/13 Las Vegas, NV Club Madrid @ Sunset Station w/ Mike Tramp of White Lion
10/20/13 North Platte, NE Sculley’s Shooters/Skull Fest NEW
Band members:
Michael Sweet- Lead Vocals / Guitar
Robert Sweet- Drums
Oz Fox- Guitar / Vocals
Timothy Gaines- Bass/Vocals
Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Twitter
Related articles:
‘Stryper’ To Begin Recording All-New Album Of Original Material In April [Jan. 2013]
‘Stryper’ More Fan-Filmed Video From Anaheim Show, Pre-Order ‘Second Coming’ Now, New Tour Dates [Feb. 2013]
‘Michael Sweet’ Says “I’m Almost 50 Yet I Feel Like I’ve Lived The Life Of A Man Who Is Almost 90″ [Feb. 2013]
‘Dave Mustaine’ Says ‘Michael Sweet’ And I ‘Believe In The Same Jesus’ [Feb. 2013]
‘Stryper’s’ ‘Michael Sweet’ Says Next Studio Album Will Be ‘Really, Really Great’ [March 2013]
New Interview With ‘Stryper’s’ ‘Michael Sweet’, New ‘Stryper’ Dates [March 2013]
Stryper – Second Coming [Album review]
‘Stryper’ First-Week Sales Revealed For ‘Second Coming’, New Tour Dates Announced [April 2013]
‘Michael Sweet’ On Re-Recording Classic Songs: ‘We Have, In Many Ways, Outdone The Originals’ [April 2013]
‘Stryper’ Recording Cover Version Of ‘Jesus Is Just Alright’ For Next Album, New Tour Dates Announced [April 2013]
‘Stryper’ New Album Title Revealed ‘No More Hell To Pay’, New Tour Dates Announced [May 2013]